The Garden City News (1/24/25)

M

ULCHFEST 2025

Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin (right) and Town Clerk Kate Murray (2nd right) greeted James and Courtney Noumair of Garden City as they participated in the Town of Hempstead Mulchfest event on January 11 at Veterans Memorial Park in East Meadow. Mulchfest provides an environmentally friendly manner for residents to dispose of their Christmas trees, exchanging them in return for a bag of mulch that can be used at a later date.

Chaminade student supports cancer research to honor late relative

BY GARY SIMEONE

Cancer research and treatment is something that is very personal to Graham Hefelfinger, a 9th grade student at Chaminade High School. He recently lost his godcousin, Bailey Buell, to a rare cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma.

“We are a close family and I was very close to my cousin so her passing hit us hard,” said Hefelfinger. “I have been very active in Cycle For Survival, a cancer fundraiser and at school to try and raise money for both cancer treatment and research projects.”

The fundraiser he’s refer-

ring to is the ‘Cycle For Survival’ organization , which is part of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. It is the official rare cancer fundraising program that encourages people to cycle for a cure.

Over a million dollars has been raised so far through

See page 41

BY RIKKI MASSAND

As the Garden City Village Board of Trustees prepared to vote on the much-anticipated St. Paul’s Survey at their January 16 meeting, Deputy Mayor Bruce Chester raised concerns about the survey’s development, which excluded him and Mayor Mary Carter Flanagan.

Participating via Zoom in last week’s meeting, Chester criticized the survey, saying, “The survey is flawed to produce results that I believe they (the six other trustees) want – not to get the unbiased results of 7,000 village households who will receive the survey. After all the surveys and revisions we should have done better than this. While I appreciate the hard work that has been put in by this Board, the bottom line is that we are not giving the residents all the choices they should be given to make a decision on this building and to get this going. St. Paul’s has taken so much of our time out of all the other projects and issues we have in this village.…It was just disappointing to have a survey that is limited and that is why I can’t vote for it.”

Deputy Mayor Chester also noted that en route to developing the final survey, “various concoctions were rejected” and the mayor began to get frustrated. He cited her Mayor’s Column in The Garden City News the week of November 15, 2024, “when she voiced her disappointment of the continued rejection of the surveys” expressed disappointment in the process and criticized the survey for limiting residents’ choices, particularly regarding demolition.

He then said the mayor was “attacked” at the Board’s second meeting in November by the six trustees opposing him and Mayor Carter Flanagan on this issue.

“They were saying she is totally wrong and that everyone would have an opportunity to tell us what they think about the building….the process would be community-driven, and the finished survey project would be a fair, open and unbiased survey.”

Deputy Mayor Chester said he remained quiet when those ideas were asserted by the rest of the Board, but from his perspective the “finished” survey that came up for a vote last week was blatantly biased towards a preservation outcome for the nationally-recognized historic building.

See page 40

Hobson’s Choice

Thomas Hobson was a livery stable owner in Cambridge, England in the early 1600s. His horses were used to deliver mail between London and Cambridge, and when they weren’t delivering mail, Hobson rented them out. He soon discovered that his best horses were most popular with his customers, but this caused the beasts to become overworked.

To even out the workload, Hobson instituted a policy that renters could either rent the horse closest to the stable door, or rent none at all. This was the origin of the phrase “Hobson’s Choice,” i.e. “take it or leave it.”

This phrase comes to mind now when looking at the recently released St. Paul’s survey, especially in regard to the decision to add the “mothball it”

option to the choices.

As it stands now, the survey contains two scenarios for varying degrees of restoration of the building, or alternatively spending $30 to $40 million to “mothball” it so future boards and residents can wrestle with the project all over again.

The survey does contain several places where residents can write in responses, so those in favor of demolition would be able to do so. But by not including it as one of the three listed choices the Board of Trustees telegraphs that it isn’t being seriously considered.

We can’t think of a single person who thinks “mothballing” is a good idea. Why not switch that option to demolition, which does have some support?

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Email: Editor@GCNews.com

Survey

is a folly

To the Editor:

The survey…I don’t know where to begin. I have too many thoughts colliding in my brain after reading the folly that is the survey.

Let’s start with the options and the glaring omission of demolition. The BOT should be ashamed of themselves. The Village opinion poll CLEARLY indicated a lot of residents favored this option. To not include demo as one of the options is unconscionable. How the BOT can rationalize this omission is beyond my comprehension. As Gorrey pointed out in these pages last week the Trustees are fiduciaries and should prioritize the interests of residents. Apparently not.

I was almost as shocked to see mothballing as an option, a very expensive one at that. The Trustees plan is to drop $40 million on this decaying, obsolete structure for the purpose of what exactly? So 20 years from now we can go through the same nonsense? Heck, although I’m a strong advocate for demo with a gun to my head I’d vote for one of the other options before mothballing. That’s the dumbest option of the three.

Enough on the building options. Let’s move onto the Facilities and Spaces topic. Some strike me as ludicrous, namely indoor pool, track, field space, and golf simulator. Others have merit, like some form of Cluett Hall and the field house, which are utilized daily. It seems like the Trustees are trying to find a reason to save St Paul’s where none exists.

After reading last weeks letters it dawned on me there have been very few letters supporting the idea of rehabilitating the building. If there is such a desire, as indicated by the Trustees, where are the voices?

I could go on exposing the hypocrisy and malfeasance of the current BOT but others have done the job for me in a more eloquent fashion. Mayor Flanagan is our only elected official who’s listening to the residents. The Village elections are two months away. Anyone

who wants their voice heard should vote to replace the current Board. Let’s end the madness and take a wrecking ball to St Paul’s.

Tim Deignan

St. Paul’s survey

To the Editor:

This time it is very important for all residents to voice their opinion.  Not participating will cost us all a ridiculous amount for attempting the save the entire 100,000 sq ft building and get to use only 25,000 -30,000 sf at a cost around $90 million.  The survey gives three options but if you look closely, they all have the same goal — Save the building in its current form.  The Village Board has spoken — it’s time for residents to say no!

When you get the survey it’s important to answer all questions.  The survey will give the Board key information that may be important for your family.  BUT, BUT when you get to Questions 4, 5, 6,and 7 please check “will not support” for each option. AND return the survey! This may be our last chance to stop this madness.

Jon Schwieger Survey is stupid

To the Editor:

The proposal in the new survey to mothball St. Paul’s is stupid. When the public is finally told that the cost of the projects is over $100,000,000 they would like to vote for - Demolition !

John Pittoni, Esq. Where is the data?

To the Editor:

At last week’s Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting, discussions surrounding the upcoming St. Paul’s survey were heated, highlighting both the merits and drawbacks of deviations from the Mayor’s Plan professional survey and project. However, one issue seems to resonate universally among Garden City residents in attendance: the need for transparency.

During the meeting, Jim Apostolides, See page 44

Save the Date: Hoops for Hope

Mark your calendars! It ’ s time to count down to Hoops for Hope! Come cheer the Challengers on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 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 Yet Foundation. INDY’s mission is to help adolescent and young adult cancer patients and survivors to live their lives the way they deserve.

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!

Let

your

voice be heard!

Is there an issue in your community you want to discuss? Want to respond to something you saw in our paper?

Then write a letter to our editor and bring it to everyone’s attention! Send your letter to editor@gcnews.com and we’ll publish it for you!

Bobby Menges

Don’t miss tip off!

Home Happens Here

Feautured Home

Open House Saturday & Sunday, January 25th & 26th 1:30-3:30pm ~ 167 Meadbrook Rd.

Welcome Home! This Lovely GC Estates Brick Colonial is available for the first time in over 50 years. An Olive Tjaden 1938 architectural gem. The four bedrooms on the second floor and 2.5 bath home features a gracious living room with traditional wood burning fireplace that flows seamlessly into a sunny and banquet sized dining room. This adjoins an updated eat in kitchen as well as an inviting family room, both overlooking a backyard patio and lovely gardens. Perfect for both relaxing and entertaining. Additional spaces include the high ceiling recreation rooms w/ double hung windows and a large walk-up attic. Location and space make this lovingly maintained home an exceptional opportunity. Vermont slate roof total redo, two zone heat, Weil-McLain burners & CAC. $1,699,000

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

Hanna|Coach Realtors’ exclusive

DAR reception to celebrate photo exhibit

Members of the Colonel Aaron Ogden Chapter NSDAR, Carla Hall D'Ambra Regent, announces a reception to be held in the lower gallery of the Garden City library on January 25 from 1–4 p.m. The event celebrates the current exhibit of photos taken by Garden City photographer Tom Cupolo which are on display through January. The series of black and white photos focus on structures built in NY during the Colonial and Revolutionary War era, as well as other artifacts of the period. Mr. Cupolo will be present and available to answer any questions about his work. Light refreshments will be served.

The display is sponsored by the Garden City based Colonel Aaron Ogden Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) . Members of the chapter will be in attendance at the reception to answer any questions about the nationwide 501 (c) 3 organization, its community service work, or about membership requirements. If you have a Revolutionary War Patriot in your

ancestry, the DAR would love to have you join! History lovers, this is an exhibit you do not want to miss!

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

Photographer Tom Cupolo of Garden City.

Sat. & Sun. Jan. 25 & 26, 1:30-3:30pm

Welcome Home! This Lovely GC Estates Brick Colonial is available for the first time in over 50 years. An Olive Tjaden 1938 architectural gem. The four bedrooms on the second floor and 2.5 bath home features a gracious living room with traditional wood burning fireplace that flows seamlessly into a sunny and banquet sized dining room. This adjoins an updated eat in kitchen as well as an inviting family room, both overlooking a backyard patio and lovely gardens. Perfect for both relaxing and entertaining. Additional spaces include the high ceiling recreation rooms w/ double hung windows and a large walk-up attic. Location and space make this lovingly maintained home an exceptional opportunity. Vermont slate roof total redo, two zone heat, Weil-McLain burners & CAC.

Offered at $1,699,000

Please join me at the Open House!

Laura Giacini

Licensed RE Salesperson Mobile: 516-662-6038 lgiacini@coachrealtors.com

NCL Garden City Chapter Membership Drive

The NCL Garden City Chapter is excited to announce that their Membership Drive is open for the 20252026 school year for girls from the Class of 2031 and their mothers. The National Charity League’s mission is to foster the mother-daughter relationship through

an ongoing commitment to philanthropy, culture and leadership. Founded in 2016, the NCL Garden City Chapter is 330 mothers and daughters strong and serves well over 40 philanthropies in our community and beyond. The NCL Garden City Chapter

Are you thinking of selling your home?

Let Jen Sullivan Guide you. Whether you are downsizing, or searching for your dream home, allow Jen’s experience, passion, and results to work for you. Reach out any time. 516.361.7190

provides a variety of ways for mothers and daughters to volunteer, learn and grow together.

If you have a daughter in the class of 2031 and are interested in joining the NCL Garden City Chapter, visit us online at www.nationalcharityleague. org/chapter/gardencity/ or email our VPs of Membership, Janice Ryan and Jenny Shah at membership@nclgardencity.com. All applications are due by March 1st.

Mothers & daughters volunteering at Ronald McDonald House

Serving Thanksgiving dinner at the Belmont Chaplaincy Friendsgiving.

Class of 2030 learning about role models

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

30-year fixed 6.848% 6.924% 15-year fixed 5.939% 6.057%

22 Huntington Road

Date: 01/13/2025

Sold price: $1,472,000

3 bedrooms, 1 full baths, 1 half bath

Architectural Style: Colonial

Property size: .21 acres

Annual taxes: $19,858

MLS number: L3588632

The Seller’s Team: Elizabeth Breslin, Howard Hanna Coach Real Estate

The Buyer’s Team: Elizabeth Breslin and Cheryl Adams McAuliffe, Howard Hanna Coach Real Estate

Discover classic charm and modern convenience in this beautiful brick center-hall colonial, ideally located in the desired Mott section of the village. The home is situated within walking distance to town,train, Hemlock park, and Stewart school. This inviting home offers 3 spacious bedrooms and1.5 baths The large living room is accented by the wood burning fireplace. The dining room is spacious enough for daily meals as well as entertaining. Completing the first floor is a large sun-lit family room, with views of the impressive 125-foot deep lot, perfect for outdoor entertaining or relaxation. With its desirable layout and prime location, this property is a rare find.

111 Cherry Valley Avenue #809

Date: 01/16/2025

Sold price: $999,000

2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath

Architectural Style: Condominium

Common charges: 1,510

Annual taxes: $12,146

MLS number: L3580843

The Seller’s Jimmy Amram, Douglas Elliman Real Estate

The Buyer’s Team: Jimmy Amram, Douglas Elliman Real Estate

Welcome to the luxurious Wyndham in the heart of Garden City. As you step inside to over 1500 square feet of living space you will be greeted with hardwood floors and an elegant foyer, boasting an open concept living/dining area with great pond views through out the apartment. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and great wood cabinetry. Primary bedroom and second bedroom both equipped with en-suite bathrooms and ample closet space. Enjoy your private terrace with spectacular views. The Wyndham offers 24/7 Valet parking with concierge. Enjoy your salt water/heated pool and jacuzzi along with a state of the art gym/aerobics room with addition to the Wyndham clubhouse. Close to public transportation, amazing restaurants, cafes, shops

276 Cherry Valley Ave #B2

Date: 01/15/2025

Sold price: $345,000

1 bedrooms, 1 full bath

Architectural Style: Co-op

Maintenance: $904

MLS number: L3562562

The Seller’s Team: Patricia Aprigliano, Howard Hanna Coach

The Buyer’s Team: Kerin Kelly, Compass Greater NY

Welcome to this newly renovated , freshly painted, 2nd floor, one bedroom, one bath co-op with in unit LG washer/dryer located in a private courtyard setting with tree top and garden views. Kitchen has granite countertops, new soft close cabinets, brand new appliances, updated electric panel, new lighting and refinished hardwood floors throughout. Unit also offers use of attic for additional storage. Bathroom has been renovated with new tub, fixtures, and vanity. This coveted Cherry Valley location provides easy access to the Mineola and Garden City LIRR, Winthrop Hospital and the many new dining and shopping options in Garden City’s lively Village, plus all the amenities the Village has to offer its residents.

This informational page is sponsored by Douglas

Elliman Real Estate

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

Shady Lane | Westbury

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.

duo Melted Ed and

Dan will play at Prost Grill and Garden on Friday, January 24, at 8 p.m. The pair will play some of their original music as well as new covers. Admission is free. Prost is located at 652 Franklin Avenue, Garden City.

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.

Local

Cousin

This charming colonial features a 3-bedroom, 1.5 bathroom in Garden City. Situated on a picturesque tree-lined street, this home boasts timeless curb appeal, a spacious backyard, and a well manicured lawn. Step inside to find sun-filled living spaces including a welcoming living room with large windows, a formal dining room, and a cozy kitchen ready for your personal touch. Upstairs, three well-appointed bedrooms offer comfort and versatility. The third floor includes a bonus room. The finished basement is a great recreation room with a generous amount of storage space. Located conveniently near top-rated schools, parks, shopping and walking distance to LIRR. The location and overall condition make this a truly exceptional value and the perfect place to call home.

A spacious and move-in-ready ranch perfectly situated near Garden City High School and the Merillon Avenue train station, offering an ideal entry point or downsizing opportunity in town. This open and well-maintained home features 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths, including a primary en suite, all on one level. The home boasts a modernized kitchen and bathrooms, an inviting living room with a wood-burning fireplace, and a seamless flow into the formal dining room, perfect for gatherings. Additional highlights include a brand-new whole-house generator, updated plumbing and electrical systems, and central air conditioning. Nestled in the heart of the Estates, this home provides convenient access to public transportation, Jericho Turnpike shopping, and major highways.

Stop Searching, Start Living.

2700 Fairway Drive

Cutchogue, NY 11935

$1,799,000 | 4 BD | 3 BA

Discover your dream home on the 17th hole of North Fork Country Club. This luxurious ranch-style residence features a spacious living room, formal dining room, 4 bedrooms (2 ensuite), 3 full baths, an inground heated pool, screened porch, new roof, custom fireplace with quartz counters, California closets, a massive full basement, and room to expand in the attic.

FOR SENIORS fyi

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!

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.

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”.

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)

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!!

EPOA scholarship 2025

The Eastern Property Owners’ Association has announced that it will once again award a $1000 scholarship for 2025 to a graduating high school senior who resides in the Eastern section.

The candidates, or their family, must be dues paying members of the EPOA.  They must be currently attending public or private high school and plan to attend college full time in the fall.  The focus of this scholarship is community service.

Candidates need to submit an application which can be accessed from the EPOA website at www.gcepoa.org or obtained from the Garden City High School Guidance Department.  Should you have a question, you can call Barbara Garry at 516-248-1486. All interested, eligible seniors are encouraged to apply.  The deadline for applications is April 16, 2025.

Getting the news shouldn’t mean breaking the bank.

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

We invite you to visit our school so that we can feature our outstanding academics, religious education, extracurricular activities (including Middle School Sports, CMSAA) and service opportunities.

We invite you to compare this local choice for a fraction of your Middle School tuition dollars!

WE SERVICE NURSERY–8TH GRADE

Following 10 am Mass, 11 am–12:30 pm 25 Dartmouth Street, Garden City V Visit Our Open House: Sunday, January 26th

For More Information:

↠ C Call us at 516-352-1205

↠ V Visit https://stannesgcschool.org/

↠ Q Questions regarding enrollmentemail: annzino@stannesgcschool.org

Ann-Marie Zino, Assistant Principal

Pediatric dental practice plans grand opening

Small Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, a brand new pediatric dental clinic, will be holding its grand opening event on February 1st. The practice is open now and currently accepting new patients.

Founded by board-certified pediatric dentists Dr. Manpreet Dhillon and Dr. Ravneet Dhillon, the clinic offers a modern, colorful space designed with children in mind. From ceiling TVs with Bluetooth headphones to weighted blankets and other comforting touches, the team has created an environment where young patients can feel at ease and enjoy their dental visits—without the anxiety.

Dr. Manpreet and Dr. Ravneet Dhillon, sisters who have always dreamed of opening their own practice, are excited to welcome the Garden City community to their dream clinic. Together, they’ve worked hard to build a space that combines top-tier dental care with a warm, kid-friendly atmosphere.

The grand opening event will take place from 12–3 p.m. featuring food, drinks, and a variety of kid-friendly activities.

Small Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is currently accepting patients aged 1 to 18. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.smallsmilespediatricdentistry.com or call 516-324-8047

College Notes

Stephen Sirounian of Garden City, a member of the North Carolina State University Class of 2025, was named to the Dean’s List in the Spring 2024 semester with a 3.65 average. He is majoring in Civil and Structural Engineering.

n

Isabelle Sirounian of Garden City, is an Architecture student (BArch) at the University of Tennessee. She was named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2023 (Cum Laude) and Spring 2024 (Magna Cum Laude) semesters.

n

Seton Hall University is pleased to announce Bridget Kenney of Garden City, NY has qualified for the Spring 2024 Dean’s List.

After the close of every semester, undergraduate students completing all courses with a GPA of 3.4, with no grades lower than “C”, qualify for the Dean’s List.

n

The following Garden City students have graduated from the University at Albany during UAlbany’s 180th commencement festivities.:

Zachary Buckman, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Julia Sollin, Master of Science in Information Science School Library

Stephanie Stevenson, Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy

n

Purchase College announced that more than 1,300 students were named to the Dean’s List for the spring semester. Students who have earned this academic honor have maintained a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher and taken a minimum of 12 credits. The following Garden City students were honored:

Sarah McDonald

Sam White

n

More than 1,600 students were named to the College of the Holy Cross’ Dean’s List for outstanding academic achievement during the Spring semester of the 2023-24 academic year. The following Garden City students made the list:

Lauren Blum, Class of 2026

Patrick Bohn, Class of 2027

Kathryn Cappello, Class of 2024

Frances Curley, Class of 2024

Maeve Doherty, Class of 2026

Kathryn Fargione, Class of 2025

Michael Fargione, Class of 2026

Caroline Grasso, Class of 2026

Olivia Kaval, Class of 2025

Emily McHugh, Class of 2027

Henry Noonan, Class of 2027

Bridget O’Toole, Class of 2026

Jessica Poz, Class of 2025

Timothy Smalls, Class of 2024

Dr. Manpreet Dhillon and Dr. Ravneet Dhillon

Photo courtesy Small Smiles Pediatric Dentristry

Old World Quality Corp.

mcarterflanagan@gardencityny.net

Communicating the many fun activities offered by the Village throughout the year and keeping residents informed about all Village matters is an important part of the mission of your Board of Trustees.

We continue to work on improvements to our website, and we regularly share important information on the website, www. gardencityny.net, through our Village notifications, and on social media, including Facebook, Instagram and X.

Trustees Courtney and Tai have been working with me, senior staff and our public relations consultant, Carisa Giardino, on a new Village app which we believe will transform how residents communicate with the Village, providing easy access to calendars, events, and helpful information, in addition to push notifications for Village alerts.

Please keep an eye out for more information as we prepare to launch the app in coming weeks.

St. Paul’s Abatement Report

D&B Engineers and Architects has provided completed abatement plans and specifications to the Board of Trustees for review and it is available on the St. Paul’s page of the Village website. According to Building Superintendent Giuseppe Giovanniello, D&B took a conservative approach because there are not yet specified plans for the space. It is estimated to cost $10 million to abate the entire building.

Edgemere Firehouse

Lizardos Engineers are expected to provide updated drawings for the proposed Edgemere Firehouse plan this week. Once the Board approves the design, it will be sent to a structural engineer and then back to the Board for final approval of the plans. It is expected to go out to bid the first week in March and the project could begin in late spring, according to Building Superintendent Giuseppe Giovanniello.

Budget Work Sessions

Work Session II

– Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Work Session III

– Thursday, March 27, 2025

December Police Activity

During the month of November, the Garden City Police Department responded to 1,972 service calls, including:

• 61 case investigations

• 22 arrests

• 107 medical calls

• 110 accidents

• 18 impounds

• 1,571 parking tickets

• 1,163 traffic tickets

• 4 appearance tickets

Save the Date: Blood Drive

February 26th

New York Blood Services will be holding a blood drive at the Garden City Public Library on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. Donations are critical during the ongoing blood shortage. Each donation can help to save up to three lives. More details to follow. Thank you for your consideration during this critical time.

Happening in Garden City

Friday, January 24th

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

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

Saturday, January 25th

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

Sunday, January 26th

2:00 p.m. Mr. Magico magic show at Cluett Hall

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

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

Monday, January 27th

1:30 p.m. Monday Movie Matinée: Arsenic & Old Lace at the Library

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

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

Tuesday, January 28th

The Board of Trustees will conduct work sessions to review the Tentative 2025-26 Operating and Capital Budgets in person in the Village Hall Board Room and via Zoom beginning March 19, 2025, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Here is the full schedule: Work Session I – Wednesday, March 19, 2025

7:00 p.m. Reiki with Kathleen Gunning at the Library. Must register.

Wednesday, January 29th

11:00 a.m. Movie: Jack Frost at the Library. Seating is first come, first served.

12:00 p.m. “Chairobics and

See page 43

Mayor Mary Carter Flanagan

Rummaging incident

On January 15, unknown person(s) allegedly rummaged through a vehicle parked on 4th Street.

Fraudulent purchases

A victim’s credit card information was reportedly used on January 15 to make multiple unauthorized online purchases.

Motorist charged

On Stewart Avenue, police say a motorist was charged with driving with a suspended registration and operating an uninsured vehicle on January 15.

Adelphi fire alarm

A fire alarm at Adelphi University, activated by construction work, prompted a response from the GCFD and GCPD on January 15.

Excessive speed

A motorist on Rockaway Avenue, on January 15, was charged with excessive speed in a school zone and failure to stop at a Stop sign.

Dust alarm?

On January 16, a fire alarm was activated by construction dust at a medical facility, prompting a joint response from GCFD and GCPD.

Multiple charges

Police say a Stewart Avenue motorist was charged on January 16 with driving with a suspended registration and excessive speed.

Downed lines secured

GCFD and GCPD responded to Railroad Avenue on January 16th for a report of down power lines on top of a parked vehicle. Firefighters determined the wires were utility lines and safeguarded the condition.

Suspended registration

A Clinton Road motorist was charged with driving with a suspended registration and excessive speed on January 16th.

Transformer fire

On January 16, GCFD and GCPD secured Princeton Street after a transformer fire and downed power lines, with PSEG taking over repairs.

Suspended license

Police charged a Hilton Avenue motorist on January 16 with driving with a suspended license and disregarding a traffic control sign.

Fraudulent checks

On January 17, a business reported that two fraudulent checks were cashed against its account.

Officer’s vehicle struck

An GCPD officer was out of his vehicle on a traffic stop on Stewart Avenue on January 17th when another vehicle struck his vehicle. The officer was not injured.

Suspended license

On January 17, a Rockaway Avenue motorist was charged with driving with a suspended license and an unregistered vehicle.

Excessive speed on 1st Street

A 1st Street motorist was charged with driving with a suspended registration and excessive speed.

School bus violation

Police say a 7th Street motorist was charged on January 17 with passing a stopped school bus and driving with a suspended license.

Failure to yield

A Franklin Avenue motorist, on January 17, allegedly failed to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk and was also charged with driving with a suspended license.

Another 1st Street speeder

A 1st Street motorist was charged with unlicensed operation and excessive speed on January 17th.

False fire alarm

At the Garden City Hotel on January 18, a male guest allegedly pulled a hallway fire alarm without cause. Officers arrested the 64-yearold for falsely reporting an incident.

Excessive speed on Clinton

A Clinton Road motorist was charged with driving with a suspended registration and excessive speed on January 18th.

Faulty detector

On January 18th the GCFD and GCPD responded to a residence for a fire alarm activated by a faulty detector.

Unsafe speed

An Old Country Road motorist was charged with driving with a suspended license and unsafe speed on January 18th.

Elevator rescue

Firefighters rescued a person stuck in an elevator on Old Country Road on January 18, with GCPD providing assistance.

Multiple violations

A 7th Street motorist, on January 18, was charged with driving with a suspended license, having tinted windows, and a license plate violation.

Criminal trespass

Officers arrested a 23-year-old man on January 19 for allegedly entering a Willow Street residence through an unlocked door without permission. He was charged with criminal trespass.

Water leak

GCFD and GCPD responded to a residence for a fire alarm on January 19th. Firefighters found a water leak and rendered the home safe.

Winter storm response

On January 19, officers handled multiple storm-related incidents, including four auto accidents, three disabled autos, two house alarms, three solicitor calls, and a fire alarm.

False alarms

GCFD and GCPD responded to two

locations for fire alarms set in error on January 19th.

Burglarized home

Police are investigating a January 20 burglary at a Kenwood Road residence. Entry was allegedly gained through a basement window, and multiple items were stolen. The investigation is ongoing.

Icy roads

Garden City Police, Department of Public Works and the Parks Department identified icy road conditions throughout the Village on Janunary 20th.

Burning odor

On January 20, GCFD and GCPD responded to a residence for a burning odor and determined a faulty washer was to blame.

Excessive speed

On January 20th Garden City Police charged a 1st Street motorist with driving with a suspended license and excessive speed.

Alarm error

GCFD and GCPD responded to a residence for a fire alarm that was

See page 43

Quick

Trusted

POAs meet to introduce candidates

Seated: Yvonne Varano, Trustee Michele Beach Harrington, Trustee Judy Courtney, Trustee Jessica Tai, WPOA President Roseann VenriceStanding: Judge Allen S. Mathers, Rich Catalano, EPOA President June Michalak, Trustee Ed Finneran, Trustee Vinny Muldoon, EPOA Vice President Steve Ilardi, Trustee Bruce Torino

SUBMITTED BY THE GARDEN CITY PROPERTY OWNERS' ASSOCIATIONS

On Tuesday, January 21st the four POAs held a special joint meeting to ratify four residents running for the positions of Village Mayor and Village Trustee for two year terms. Also ratified was Allen S. Mathers who is running for a four year term as Village Court Justice. A large crowd of residents braved the cold to hear from the five candidates.

Mayoral candidate Ed Finneran spoke about his professional work experience both in law and finance

and also shared his experience as village trustee. Ed provided an overview of what he hopes to accomplish as mayor including working collaboratively to find a solution to St. Paul's and continuing his work on the Traffic Commission.

Trustee Michele Beach Harrington provided an overview of her extensive financial background and then discussed why she is seeking re-election. Michele's key areas of focus include environmental matters and efforts to strengthen our business district.

Trustee candidate Rich Catalano

discussed his financial experience as a CPA and indicated that his goals if elected include preventing a casino from being built at the Nassau Coliseum, addressing St. Paul's, ensuring a comprehensive budget process and a continued focus on key issues such as traffic and fire safety.

Trustee candidate Yvonne Varano discussed her extensive financial background including past experience with reviews of the village budget. Yvonne also highlighted her passion for volunteering including serving as past president of the PTA and her involvement with the St.

Joseph Parish Council.

Judge Mathers provided a summary of his extensive work history, experience both as a Judge, past Mayor and Trustee of the Village. Judge Mathers also told residents about his involvement in many significant events in Garden City history.

The election will be held on Tuesday, March 18th - visit gardencitycap.org for further information on the candidates and how to vote either in person or by mail-in ballot.

Trustee Candidate Rich Catalano

Mayor Candidate and Village Trustee Ed Finneran

Village Justice Allen Mathers

EPOA President June Michalak led the joint meeting

Village Trustee Michele Beach Harrington

Trustee Candidate Yvonne Varano

Welcoming Club of Garden City News

Upcoming Events

Let’s Bowl!

The Welcoming Club is excited to host our annual Bowling Night!  Lace up your bowling shoes and join us on Saturday, January 25, at Bowlero from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. for a night of funfilled bowling, yummy bites, and cocktails.  Bring your spouse or friends and enjoy this adults-only night out!  Tickets are on sale now!  Head to our website to register.

Calling All Swifties!

Join us for a fun filled event hosted by the Garden City Welcoming Club. Kids will decorate Taylor-inspired bags, create DIY friendship donuts with edible beads, and enjoy a private concert by “Taylor Swift” herself! We will sing, dance, craft, and make unforgettable memories during this one-of-a-kind event.  Join us on February 2 from 3–4:30 p.m. at Let’s Craft in Westbury.  You can visit our website to register!

Galentine’s Day!

GALS, it’s time to think about YOU for a change! Join us on February 13TH from 7-9 p.m. for a fabulous Galentine’s Celebration at the Garden City Casino, where it’s all about beauty, health, and self-care. Local vendors will be showcasing amazing goods and services to help you look and feel your best! Dress comfy with fresh faces to take full advantage of the local vendor services!

Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Exclusive shopping and services with local vendors

• Light bites and drinks to enjoy while you mingle

• A chance to treat yourself (because you deserve it!)

• Raffles and giveaways

Head to our website to register and grab your tickets!

February Book Club

The Book Club’s February book will be “The Housemaid” by Freida McFadden.  This psychological thriller will have you hooked with its jaw-dropping twists.  The Book Club will be meeting on Wednesday, February 26th at 7:45 p.m. to discuss the latest book.  If you would like to join in this lively discussion, please RSVP to welcomingclubbookclub@gmail.com.

Follow Us!

Facebook: The Welcoming Club of Garden City

Instagram: @gcwelcomingclub

Join a Group

Book Club

Enjoy a good book amongst friends.

The book club meets every 6 weeks to discuss the page-turner of choice. For upcoming book club events, please email WelcomingClubBookClub@ gmail.com.

Craft Club

The craft club is a great way to meet with friends and get crafty. No experience necessary. We meet every few months to create a seasonal craft. If you are interested in joining, please email GCCraftClub@gmail.com.

Supper Club

Bring your significant others out for this one! This is a great way to make new friends as a couple. You will be paired up with 3-4 other couples to set up a rotation of dinner events. Host your new friends at home or head out to try local restaurants. Please email GCSupper@gmail.com for more information.

Bunco

This simple dice game is usually played in a group of 12. It is a great way to meet people and make new friends. The game is easy to learn and fun to play. If you are interested, please contact WelcomingClubBunco@gmail.com.

Toddler Activities

A great way for you and your little ones to make new friends. Activities include stroller walks each week around our beautiful village and a visit to the park. We also set up playgroups with kids of similar age. Please email welcomingclubtoddleractivities@gmail. com for more information.

Come join the fun and make a difference! We invite you to join the club! For just $50 a year you will have access to lots of great events and many fun members-only clubs and events. Complete the easy online membership form today at www.thegardencitywelcomingclub. org in the “Join” section of the website. While you are there, browse the site for lots of great information about the club.

GCHS student selected for All-Eastern treble chorus

Audrey Pressoir, a junior at Garden City High School, has been selected to perform as an Alto II in the Treble Chorus at the 2025 All-Eastern Festival. The event will take place from April 24-27, 2025, at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, Connecticut.

This biennial festival features the top high school students from the eastern United States. These exceptional musicians will rehearse and perform challenging programs under the direction of renowned conductors.

To be eligible for All-Eastern, students must be in 11th or 12th grade and have either performed or served as an alternate in their state’s 2024 AllState Festival. This November, Audrey

earned the honor of performing at the All-State Festival in Rochester. She is a dedicated member of the Garden City music department, actively participating in both chamber choir and vocal jazz.

“I am incredibly proud of Audrey for being accepted into the prestigious AllEastern Festival” said Amanda Hauser, district coordinator for music and the arts. “Her dedication to music and her outstanding performances, including her success at the All-State Festival, exemplify her exceptional talent and hard work. We are excited to see her represent our school and community on such a distinguished stage.”

Music teacher Stephen Mayo, music teacher Allie Frazzetto, Audrey Pressoir and Amanda Hauser.

Photo courtesy of the Garden City School District

mountsinai.org/southnassau

THI S WEEK AT ROTARY

Everyone Invited to Rotary Breakfast Next Tuesday: Chamber President to

As a rule, Mineola-Garden City holds its lunch meetings, featuring noteworthy speakers, on 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month throughout the year at Mineola’s Davenport Press restaurant.

However, on occasion, we depart from the rule to hold a breakfast meeting at the Carle Place Diner (corner of Old Country and Glen Cove Roads). Rotary reasons that the breakfast hour opens up a time of day that many Rotarians and guests find that the 8am hour is more convenient than trying to breakaway for lunch on a work day.

Hence, we are pleased to invite Rotarians and guests from the general public to our first of the new year breakfast meeting next Tuesday at the Carle Place Diner. We are equally pleased to welcome as guest speaker, John Wilton, President of the Garden City Chamber of Commerce for an update on the numerous changes/ adjustments and additions to the local business district.

John Wilton provides business district updates for the Village Board of Trustees at its traditionally held by-weekly board meetings. John also returns to Rotary for occasional briefings. For those who missed out on his update for the Village board last week, here’s the opportunity to catch up on new developments taking place on Franklin Avenue, Seventh Street and New Hyde Park Road.

All are invited to attend (Fee: $20 for breakfast of choice). A head count is helpful, co please email mineolagardencityrotaryclub@gmal. com with your expected attendance.

Service Projects for Each Month Throughout Rotary’s 100th Year

Each month through 2025 as Rotary celebrates its l00th anniversary, Rotary plans to provide a service or activity in support of various charities. As we wind down January, we wish to acknowledge and promote two charitable efforts in which Rotary has participated and will continue to participate: Clothing/food drives for the Faith Mission charity and the “Crayon Initiative.” which collects old/used crayons for re-manufacturing.

Faith Mission, Inc.: Feeding the Hungary, Clothing the Needy

In 2023, Rotary participated in a twopart effort to provide food and clothing for Faith Mission, a charity whose mission is to provide food necessities and gently used or new clothing for individuals in need and their families. It has been humbling and heart warming to know how from humbling beginnings as a soup kitchen, that Faith Mission

John Wilton, President of the Garden City Chamber of Commerce will report on new business developments next Tuesday, January 28th.

has evolved to a bustling hospitality center that helps thousands of people in need.

Rotary also recognizes the Garden City High School Fashion Club moderated by Erin McKinstry, business teacher, for conducting a recent coat drive to benefit Faith Mission. Clothing or non-perishable food items also may be dropped off at Faith Mission located at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 132 Jefferson Street, Mineola from 9-11am on Thursdays. Donations are most appreciated.

Help Support the Crayon Initiative

A while back Rotary had supported the on-going Crayon Initiative to which Mayor Mary-Carter Flanagan referred to in her column in last week’s Garden City News, Rotary continues to support this effort.

Millions of pounds of crayons clog our landfills. We can all help by assisting the Crayon Initiative which manufactures old and unwanted crayons into new 3-sided crayons for kids in hospitals across the USA. The new re-manufactured crayons are easier for kids to grip and won’t fall off their bed trays.

As Mayor Carter-Flanagan pointed out in her column in last week’s Garden City News, the Garden City Public Library is participating in the Crayon Initiative and is providing a crayon-collection box at the front counter to collect and recycle crayons in partnership with Rotary and Lyons International.

Please search out your old crayons and drop them at the Library in support of this essential Crayon Initiative.

Report

NEWS FROM ADELPHI

Adelphi University’s Spring 2025 semester is officially underway and that means our events are back in full swing. Spring is always an exciting time for our University, with many events, performances, programs and our commencement ceremonies to look forward to.

We invite our Garden City neighbors to stop by and take a stroll through our arboretum, see a show at the Performing Arts Center (PAC), cheer on the Panthers at an athletics game, take advantage of our community programs or even take a course.

Here is what we have coming up:

Children’s Reading Tutoring Program

Adelphi Literacy Center’s Saturday Reading Support, Tutoring Program for Children begins February 1

The Spring Semester Saturday Reading Support Program will run from February 1 through April 19.

Children will be evaluated and instructed in small groups based on their needs. Our program targets phonics skills, oral fluency accuracy, sight words and vocabulary development, and strategies to deepen comprehension.

Learn more at adelphi.edu/sattutoring-program/

Tickets on Sale for Adelphi PAC’s Spring Season

Join us for an exciting lineup that includes dance, music, and theatre performances featuring Adelphi’s talented students alongside renowned musicians and artists such as Jumaane Smith, JigJam and Leslie Uggams.

The season will conclude with a spectacular celebration of the “Wonderful Music of Oz,” a fitting finale that will enchant audiences of all ages. Get tickets: adelphi.edu/PAC

Military Appreciation Day Basketball Games

Saturday, February 1, 1:30 p.m.

Adelphi’s Campus Recreation Center

Join us as we show appreciation for our military community during our Men’s and Women’s Basketball doubleheader. Service members and their families will be recognized at halftime.

Adelphi

celebrates Black History Month

Adelphi will recognize Black History Month with events including an art exhibition, documentary screening, dialogues, lectures and a musical performance. Learn more about our Black History Month Programming at adelphi.edu/black-history-month.

Do you have a service to advertise?

Our Service Directory is sure to bring results. Call 294-8900 for rates and information.

Members of the Garden City High School Fashion Club which collected coats for the Faith Mission charity.

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™

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

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

February 2025

2/3/25: “Music & Lyrics” - 104 min., 2007

2/10/25: “Mamma Mia” - 109 min., 2008

2/17/25: President’s Day- No Movie

2/24/25: “The Man Who Knew Too Much” - 120 min., 1955

Programs

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

Mah-Jongg

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 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 eight-week 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 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 pro -

The film “Arsenic and Old Lace” will be screened at the Garden City Public Library on January 27.

gram covers strength training, balance, coordination, aerobics and flexibility.Most of the exercises are performed seated in a chair. Equipment will be provided. Feel free to bring your own free weights, if you are comfortable using them. Have water available, wear clothing that you can comfortably move in and be ready to have fun!  This is a six-week session; a separate registration is required for each class. To register, please go to  www.gardencitypl.org/calendar or call the Reference desk at (516)7428405 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

The book “An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s” by Doris Kearns Goodwin will be discussed on Tuesday, February 4.

• 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 self-care, which supports physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being to improve the body’s natural healing ability.

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

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

The book “Eight Habits of Love” will be discussed at the Garden City Public Library on Thursday, February 6.

Book Discussion

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

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

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

The Goodwins’ last great adventure involved finally opening the more than 300 boxes of letters, diaries, documents, and memorabilia that Dick had saved

News from the Garden City Public Library

for more than 50 years. They soon realized they had before them an unparalleled personal time capsule of the 1960s, illuminating public and private moments of a decade when individuals were powered by the conviction they could make a difference; a time, like today, marked by struggles for racial and economic justice, a time when lines were drawn and loyalties tested.

Their expedition gave Dick’s last years renewed purpose and determination. It gave Doris the opportunity to connect and reconnect with participants and witnesses of pivotal moments of the 1960s. And it gave them both an opportunity to make fresh assessments of the central figures of the time—John F. Kennedy, Jacqueline 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

Library Trustee takes oath of office

Resident Paul O’Grady took his oath of office as the Garden City Library Board’s newest Trustee during a meeting Monday, January 13, 2025. He is replacing Dr. Lola Nouryan, who did not seek another term. Following his oath, Trustee O’Grady was appointed to serve on the Budget and Building Committees. Also pictured, from left, are Trustee Randy Colahan, Vice Chair Mary Maguire, Chair Colleen Foley, Trustee O’Grady's two sons Declan and Brendan O'Grady, Trustee Linda Ryan and Karen O'Grady.

Friends of 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.

John Kenrick Presents Jackie Gleason: “How Sweet It Is” Tuesday, February 11, from 2–3 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room

John Kenrick is back and will be discussing Jackie Gleason! Born to poverty, this Brooklyn native rose to fame on stage and immortality on television. What inspired Gleason to create “The Honeymooners?” And did he really refuse to rehearse those hilarious episodes? A multimedia celebration of the career and stormy personal life of “The Great One.”

Yoga with Kimberly Tuesdays. February 11, February 18, March 4, March 11, March 18, March 25, April 1, April 8 7–8 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room Kimberly Mercadante is back with her popular Yoga Series! Join her for a Yoga Class for beginners and more. All are welcome! This is a series of eight classes continuing through April.. To register, please register online at gar-

dencitypl.org. For additional information contact Adult Services at (516)7428405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@gardencitypl.org.

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

Museum Pass Information

Print From Home for Some Passes!

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

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

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

The following Library Museum Pass rules remain in effect.

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

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

Additional rules and information are available at the library.

If you’re looking to sell something, place an ad in our Classifieds section! Call 516-294-8000 for

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

Learn About Safe Babysitting at the Intro to Safe Babysitting Workshop

Join us for this Babysitting Workshop program, Intro to Safe Babysitting, on Saturday, February 1, at 3 p.m. This program is for tweens and teens in Grades 6–12. We will be using the Intro to Safe Babysitting curriculum from Safe Sitter® as well as a presentation on food allergies a Girl Scout created for her Gold Award. Registrants must bring a doll to practice diapering. Registration is required online at https://www.gardencitypl.org/calendar/. Teens who complete an online survey after the program can receive community service for participating in this program. This program has been 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 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)

Registration begins Monday, February 3, at 10 a.m. online at https:// www.gardencitypl.org/calendar/ for the following program:

• Monday, February 3–Friday, February 7: Bookmarks for Community Service, Week Five (Grades 6–12)

Registration begins Tuesday, February 4, at 10 a.m. online at https:// www.gardencitypl.org/calendar/ for the following programs:

• Tuesday, February 11, at 3:30 p.m.: LEGO Club Volunteering (Grades 6–12)

• Thursday, February 13, at 4 p.m.: Teen Creative Hour (Grades 6–12)

• Thursday, February 13, at 7 p.m.: Friendship Bracelets for Community Service (Grades 6–12)

Ongoing Take-Home Community Service Opportunities

Looking to volunteer? Check out some of our ongoing take-home commu-

nity 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 Start the New Year with Teen Gamers Teens kicked off the weekend and the New Year on Friday, January 10 at the Library with Teen Gamers! Teens enjoyed snacks and drinks while playing games on the Library’s Nintendo Switch consoles, including games like Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart 8, as well as playing board games like Jenga and Uno. Teen Gamers will be back on Friday, February 7, with sign-up beginning Tuesday, January 28 online at https://www.gardencitypl.org/calendar/.Board games, including Jenga, Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, Sorry, Clue, and more, are also available in the Tweens and Teens Room for patrons to use anywhere in the Library. Teen Gamers was funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

Learn about safety practices for baby sitting at the GC Public Library.

Teen gamers celebrated the new year with a special program.

prime Garden

School New read the Engineers, (631-475-0349); the New January 22, nonfollowing copies, hard Onefor GARDEN CITY

All bid email and bidder with the holders need to required copies registered plan deposit date, be bidder or the opening discretionary right ept or for new strict will the formal writing and

LEGAL NOTICES

NASSAU COUNTY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE OF NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER’S SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that commencing on February 18th, 2025, will sell at public on-line auction the tax liens on certain real estate, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party in interest in such real estate shall have paid to the County Treasurer by February 13th, 2025 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges against the property. Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 percent per six-month period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in Section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code. Effective with the February 2019 lien sale Ordinance No. 175-2015 requires a $175.00 per day registration fee for each person who intends to bid at the tax lien sale. Ordinance No. 175-2015 also requires that upon the issuance of the Lien Certificate there is due from the lien buyer a Tax Certificate Issue Fee of $20.00 per lien purchased. Pursuant to the provisions of the Nassau County Administrative Code at the discretion of the Nassau County Treasurer the auction will be conducted online. Further information concerning the procedures for the auction is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/526/County-Treasurer

Should the Treasurer determine that an in-person auction shall be held, same will commence on the 18th day of February 2025 at the Office of The County Treasurer 1 West Street, Mineola or at some other location to be determined by the Treasurer.

A list of all real estate in Nassau County on which tax liens are to be sold is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/527/Annual-Tax-Lien-Sale

A list of local properties upon which tax liens are to be sold will be advertised in this publication on or before February 06th, 2025 Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodations such as those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all services, programs, activities and public hearings and events conducted by the Treasurer’s Office. Upon request, information can be made available in Braille, large print, audio-tape or other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 ext. 1-3715.

Dated: January 23, 2025

TERMS OF SALE

Mineola, NewYork

Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors' Civil Relief Acts. However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County's Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased.

The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a tax lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser's rights with respect to the lien(s) and the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or the Federal and State Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser's right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act(FIRREA),12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et.seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation(FDIC) receivership.

The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of the parcels of land or premises herein listed. The Nassau County Treasurer reserves the right to intervene in any bankruptcy case/litigation where the property affected by the tax liens sold by the Treasurer is part of the bankruptcy estate. However, it is the sole responsibility of all tax lien purchasers to protect their legal interests in any bankruptcy case affecting their purchased tax lien, including but not limited to the filing of a proof of claim on their behalf, covering their investment in said tax lien. The Nassau County Treasurer and Nassau County and its agencies, assumes no responsibility for any legal representation of any tax lien purchaser in any legal proceeding including but not limited to a bankruptcy case where the purchased tax lien is at risk.

The rate of interest and penalty at which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid. Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten per cent of the amount for which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety per cent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety per cent within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all amounts deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten per cent theretofore paid by him shall, without further notice or demand, be irrevocably forfeited by the purchaser and shall be retained by the County Treasurer as liquidated damages and the agreement to purchase shall be of no further effect. Time is of the essence in this sale. This sale is held pursuant to the Nassau County Administrative Code and interested parties are referred to such Code for additional information as to terms of the sale, rights of purchasers, maximum rates of interest and other legal incidents of the sale.

Furthermore, as to the bidding,

1. The bidder(s) agree that they will not work with any other bidder(s) to increase, maintain or stabilize interest rates or collaborate with any other bidder(s) to gain an unfair competitive advantage in the random number generator in the event of a tie bid(s) on a tax certificate. Bidder(s) further agree not to employ any bidding strategy designed to create an unfair competitive advantage in the tiebreaking process in the upcoming tax sale nor work with any other bidder(s) to engage in any bidding strategy that will result in a rotational award of tax certificates.

2. The tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) bid, will be arrived at independently and without direct or indirect consultation, communication or agreement with any other bidder and that the tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) to be bid, have not been disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder, and will not be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder prior to the close of bidding. No attempt has been made or will be made to, directly or indirectly, induce any other bidder to refrain from bidding on any tax certificate, to submit complementary bids, or to submit bids at specific interest rates.

3. The bids to be placed by the Bidder will be made in good faith and not pursuant to any direct or indirect, agreement or discussion with, or inducement from, any other bidder to submit a complementary or other noncompetitive bid.

4. If it is determined that the bidder(s) have violated any of these bid requirements then their bid shall be voided and if they were the successful bidder the lien and any deposits made in connection with said bid shall be forfeited.

Dated: January 23, 2025 THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER

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.

THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE TO BIDDERS

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Garden City Union Free School District

PUBLIC NOTICE: is hereby given for separate and single prime contract sealed bids for: Concrete Slab Reconstruction at Garden City Bus Garage – RE-BID Bids will be received by the School District, on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Administration Office, 56 Cathedral Avenue, Garden City, New York, 11530, and at said time and place publicly opened and read aloud.

The Contract Documents may be examined at the Office of the Architect, BBS Architects, Landscape Architects and Engineers, P.C., 244 East Main Street, Patchogue New York, (631-475-0349); however the Contract Documents may only be obtained thru the Office of REV Plans, 28 Church Street-Suite 7, Warwick, New York 10990 (845-651-3845) beginning on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Complete digital sets of Contract Documents shall be obtained online (with a free user account) as a download for a nonrefundable fee of One-Hundred ($100.00) Dollars at the following website: bbs.biddyhq.com Optionally, in lieu of digital copies, hard copies may be obtained directly from REV upon a deposit of OneHundred ($100.00) Dollars for each complete set. Checks for deposits shall be made payable to the DISTRICT, GARDEN CITY UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT and may be uncertified. All bid addenda will be transmitted to registered plan holders via email and will be available at the above referenced websites. Any bidder requiring documents to be shipped shall make arrangements with the printer and pay for all packaging and shipping costs. Plan holders who have obtained hard copies of the bid documents will need to make the determination if hard copies of the addenda are required for their use, and coordinate directly with the printer for hard copies of addenda to be issued. There will be no charge for registered plan holders to obtain hard copies of the bid addenda. The bid deposit for hard copies will be returned upon receipt of plans and specifications, in good condition, within thirty days after bid date, except for the lowest responsible bidder, whose check will be forfeited upon the award of the contract.

The Contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder or the proposals will be rejected within 45 days of the date of opening proposals. Bids shall be subject, however, to the discretionary right reserved by the School District to waive any informalities, accept or reject any alternatives, reject any proposals and to advertise for new proposals, if in its opinion the best interest of the School District will thereby be promoted.

Each bidder may not withdraw his bid within 45 days after the formal opening thereof. A bidder may withdraw his bid only in writing and prior to the bid opening date.

By Order of:

Cathedral fellowship in Pop-Up Kitchen for MLK, Jr.

BY ARLEEN BREEN

The Cathedral of the Incarnation hosted an intergenerational “Pop Up Kitchen” on Sunday, January 19, coming together to show our neighborly support as part of the celebration and commemoration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Together they made 90 sandwiches and 30 servings of hearty homemade soup for the Cathedral Outreach’s Neighbors being Neighbors Ministry. Lunch bags were beautifully decorated, and one generous parishioner made homemade cookies to add to the feast! The Cathedral's Neighbors Being Neighbors ministry continues to serve fresh food, free of charge, twice a week on Jackson Street. Adults can stay involved by emailing Deacon Denise Galloway at dgalloway@incarnationgc.org.

Young children support this and other outreach ministries once and month, during Fellowship in Faith, and 6th-12th graders do the same every first Sunday, 12:30-2pm, at the Bishop Walker Guest House. For more information, or to get involved, contact Mother Kate Salisbury at the Cathedral at ksalisbury@ incarnationgc.org

Visit our website to learn more of the many ways we come together to serve our community and enjoy fellowship at https://www.incarnationgc.org/connect/e-news/

Subscribe and save!

An annual subscription to one of our papers costs less than buying a copy each week. Call 516-294-8900 to subscribe!

The Board of Education

Garden City Union Free School District

Volunteers making sandwiches.

Sub Dean Fr. Eddie Alleyne preps vegetables with some of the Cathedral kids.

Skiing with Baby? Palisades Tahoe in California’s Sierra Nevada Proves Ideal for Multigenerational Ski Holiday

BY KAREN RUBIN,

As our three-generational family with baby in tow pulls into Palisades Tahoe, a premier mountain resort in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, after a three-hour drive from Sonoma we are greeted with the Olympic flame – a reminder of having hosted the 1960 Olympics when this cherished ski destination was called Squaw Valley. Palisades Tahoe is celebrating its 75th anniversary this season (it opened on Thanksgiving, 1949), and all season long, is honoring its origins, heritage and place in developing skiing. But what really impresses us is how the resort has incorporated technology and understanding of what skiers and riders need and want into its state-of-the-art facilities.

From the Village base, you can’t appreciate how vast the resort is (the lighted map though is a clue). Unlike most ski mountains (especially in the Northeast), where you can see the trails meander from the summit like fingers stretching down, you can’t see the slopes. Instead, the trails seem to fold into onto themselves into the undulating hills and peaks (six on Palisades Tahoe and two more on Alpine) – making it really interesting and exciting to explore and discover. Indeed, the lifts take you over peaks so as you ride, the mountain reveals itself.

Imagine: 270 trails spread over 6,000 skiable acres across eight peaks. Such a massive network can be intimidating, but Palisades Tahoe does a stellar job to ease the way for newcomers, beginners, low

intermediates and infrequent skiers, and people (like me) coming from the Northeast where ski areas are one-tenth the size. But thanks to the incredible support – including a ‘first-timer” website, resort app, ambassadors, and great signage, very soon you do get the hang of it. And once you do, skiing/snowboarding at this magnificent mountain destination, which affords some of the most spectacular vistas in the world, is thrilling.

Indeed, Palisades Tahoe is an “upside down” mountain, its trails designed with the most plentiful and interesting greens and blues at the top, so even beginners and low intermediates get the full experience and awe of the spectacular vistas that make Palisades Tahoe such a special place.

Palisades Tahoe, which changed its famous name of Squaw Valley in 2021 out of respect to the indigenous people who came before - is now part of Alterra Mountain Company’s vast portfolio of mountain destinations and one of more than 58 global resorts included in Alterra’s Ikon Pass program. This is (and always was) a high-end, luxurious resort with the finest, state of the art lifts and services. Its phenomenal lift network (a mindboggling 43 lifts), multitude of peaks, and especially its European-style tram make you feel you are skiing the Alps rather than California’s Sierra Nevada. (Its tram is iconic, and one of the older ones serves as a bar at the base.)

Also, the Funitel which operates from the base, is the only one of its kind in North America, operating

on two cables for enhanced stability (and is recommended for beginners and low intermediates to ride down, rather than ski down Mountain Run, a 3.2 mile-long blue trail, not so much for its difficulty, but because it is narrow and can be crowded with fast skiers.)

Riding the tram up to High Camp, at 8,200 ft. elevation, where you are greeted with the Olympic rings and where the heritage of having hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics (it was known as Squaw Valley then) lives on, proves one of our favorite experiences.

Here you find the Terrace Restaurant and Bar and Granite Bistro-Pizza where you can sit at walls of windows with the most magnificent views all the way to Lake Tahoe, as well as the High Camp Marketplace and a porch area that is the most magnificent viewing platform.

You also find the Olympic Museum with interesting artifacts, photos, prints of news headlines and medal winners, a video (free admission). The 1960 Olympics was most notable for USA’s Carol Heiss winning gold in figure skating and taking the Olympic oath on behalf of all the athletes, the first time a woman had this honor; Penny Pitou winning silver in Women’s Downhill and Giant Slalom, and USA winning gold in hockey over Canada and USSR (free admission). There is also a small exhibit that honors the legacy of the indigenous Wahoe people who once occupied these lands.

What is more, there is an actual skating rink, which was closed during COVID and awaiting restoration. January 24, 2025

Continued on next page

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

Skiing with Baby? Palisades Tahoe in California’s Sierra Nevada Proves Ideal for Multigenerational Ski Holiday

Continued from previous page

High Camp can be enjoyed by green and blue skiers (as well as the most advanced skiers who go through narrow, ridiculously steep openings between boulders) have access to a range of trails.

Nonskiers can also purchase a ticket for the tram to enjoy this area. (It’s also where Eric and Sarah take the baby for his first experience playing on snow!)

Considering how Palisades Tahoe is a world-class, world-famous destination drawing from far and wide, especially with the benefits of being part of Alterra Mountain Company’s Ikon Pass, what strikes me is the unpretentious, easy-going California-friendly feel – very possibly because it is about 4 hours drive from San Francisco, about 3 from Sonoma, so has its regulars.

And considering how vast and expansive Palisades Tahoe is, I so appreciate the logistics, especially for a family traveling with a baby.

Of all the ski destinations I have visited, none make it easier for a newcomer, first-timer, beginner or infrequent skier to orient to the mountain, which makes the logistics as convenient as possible, especially for a ski area as humongous as Palisades Tahoe.

Inside Tip: The paper map (yes, REALLY helpful), has a progression plan that lists the lifts and the trails in an order. Also, there are helpful ambassadors at the base. People you wind up riding the gondola or chairlift with also provide the benefit of their experience. I strongly urge to read the “first timers guide” - handy info on website (https:// www.palisadestahoe.com/explore/ first-timers-guide)

You will get the most out of the mountain by downloading its Palisades Tahoe App.that gives up up-to-date information on lifts and trail status,

parking availability (notably, the parking lot is right at the village, a short walk to the lifts) and road conditions, and maps. You can also use the app to track your progress on the slopes. A new navigation tool within the app allows you to easily identify terrain that aligns with your ability level and get guidance on how to reach those areas. (https://www.palisadestahoe.com/palisades-tahoe-app)

Just how vast? Palisades Tahoe offers 3,600 skiable acres; of its 170 trails, five terrain parks and 16 bowls.

Of the 170 trails on Palisades Tahoe, 25% are beginner, 45% intermediate and 30% advanced (the biggest surprise for me was the quantity and quality of green and blue trails, especially from the top). One of the hardest trails, K-2, that the most advanced skiers have to hike to once they get off the lift, is world famous, while the longest trail, Mountain Run, at 3.2 miles, is graded intermediate (beginners and low intermediates are advised to take the Funitel down to the base not because the trail is difficult but that it is narrow and highly trafficked that can be intimidating).

Once I get my ski legs back on the greens from the Big Blue Express, I venture over to the Gold Coast Express and enjoy Gold Coast Face (the easiest blue), Mystery and Emigrant Gully. I appreciate the excellent signage that points to the easiest way down, how to get back to a lift, and even signs that warn against beginners or low intermediates from venturing down a particular trail, or taking a particular lift. And even on a busy Saturday morning, the lift line never takes long.

Alpine is an experience in itself- just getting there with the relatively new Base-to-Base gondola, which opened for the 2022-23 season, offers quite a ride with gorgeous views as it traverses the

GREENER VIEW

mountain peaks (it makes two stops along the way). But this involves a little bit of strategic planning, since the gondola often has holds for the wind, in which case, there is a shuttle bus available to go back to the other base. (Eric especially enjoys the Lake View lift to the summit with a spectacular view of Lake Tahoe, where you can get to two great blues, Outer Limits and Twilight Zone.)

Alpine, which for many years was its own ski area, has a vertical rise of 1,802 ft, from a base elevation at 6,835’ to a peak at 8,637’. It has two mountain peaks, Ward Peak (8,637’) and Scott (8,289’). It offers 100 trails (25% Beginner, 40% Intermediate and 35% Advanced) and seven bowls on 2,400 skiable acres accessed by 11 lifts, with an uphill capacity of 19,400 people per hour (snowmaking on 9 of them) Village at Palisades

When we arrive at the Village at Palisades and our two-bedroom condo (full kitchen, dining table, living room, two bathrooms) after pulling into its own secure underground garage with elevator access to the floor, we walk out to the balcony and are awed by the view: we are literally the closest we can possibly be to the Funitel, Base-to-Base gondola and aerial tram, with gorgeous views of the mountain faces. The logistics prove ideal since we will be taking turns skiing and taking care of Eric and Sarah’s baby. (Palisades Tahoe does not have on-site childcare but there are daycare options nearby you can find at its website.)

The luxurious condo offers marvelous amenities – the resort charge includes garage parking, high speed internet, towels in the spa, local and toll free phone calls, 24-hour front desk, guest computer with printing, board and Xbox games to borrow at the front

All-America Selections Vegetable Winners for 2025

BY JEFF RUGG

Last week, we looked at the flowers that won the 2025 All-America Selections awards, and this week, we look at the five new vegetable winners.

The AAS testing program is an independent nonprofit organization that tests new plants. They have about 80 test gardens from Alaska and Canada to California and Florida. They also have almost 200 display gardens all across the continent that are used not for judging but to show gardeners how well the plants grow locally.

The judges evaluate the plants all season long, not just at the end of season harvest. Only the entries with the highest

nationwide average score are considered worthy of a national AAS Award. Some plants will do better in a hot, dry climate or a cool, humid region and wouldn’t win a national award, so the country is divided into six regions where a plant might win one or more regional awards.

The vegetable plants are evaluated for desirable qualities such as earliness to bloom or harvest, disease and pest tolerance, novel flavors, total yield, the length of harvest, and overall performance.

I will mention again that one of last week’s flower winners, Nasturtium, has leaves and flowers that are edible with a strong pepper flavor.

Another winner with a peppery flavor

desk, in-room coffee and tea, multiple wi-fi hot spots throughout the resort. Other guest amenities include access to eight hot tubs, four sauna, three fitness rooms, media room, and HD TVs, pool table and children’s room and guest laundry among the five, tastefully designed buildings that make up the Village resort.

Programs, Events, Clinics & Happy Hour

Among the many marvelous programs and clinics offered at Palisades Tahoe one that gets my attention is an opportunity to join a free, interactive on-the-mountain Guided Tour with a UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) Scientist The one-hour tours are offered at 1pm on Fridays, mid-February through March, from the Alpine Lodge (https:// tahoe.ucdavis.edu/events/ski-scientist) Sunset Happy Hour at High Camp; enjoy a champagne toast and breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and the snowcapped peaks as the sun sets behind the Sierras (select dates, December-February; 4-6 pm, $24; https://www.palisadestahoe.com/events-and-activities/ activity-finder/sunset-happy-hour)

Guided Snowshoe Tour & Chalet Dinner at Alpine : This dining adventure starts at the Last Chair Bar in the Alpine base lodge with a hot glass of mulled wine and a 15-minute walk up a moderately pitched ski trail to the Chalet at Alpine for a four-course Bavarian inspired meal (snowshoes provided). ($140, must be 21+, https://www.palisadestahoe.com/events-and-activities/ activity-finder/snowshoe-tour-chalet-dinner)

Visit Palisades Tahoe, www.palisadestahoe.com, call 800.403-0206.

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

Crossword Answers

is Konstance Kohlrabi. Kohlrabi is a fatstem vegetable created by selecting plants from the natural wild cabbage. Our regular cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts and others all come from selections of wild cabbage. This is a purple-stem variety that has a crisp, sweet cabbage flavor that can be cooked or eaten raw. It matures over a longer time, giving gardeners a longer harvest time.

Continuing today’s pepper theme, we have Pepper Pick-N-Pop Yellow. A single 2-foot-tall plant can grow 50-100 of these 4-inch-long sweet peppers. They produce over a long season, starting just two

Continued on page 5

A world of difference: Gen Xers & Baby Boomers

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

For years now the subject of the generation gap has been amusing to me because whenever I am out in social situations or getting together at parties with my extended family, it’s inevitable that instances of the generation gap come up.

A coincidence? For a while I thought so but as time goes by I realize the way they see things and the way my friends, siblings and I see things are two very different things. Life experiences matter and for better or worse, those experiences help shape our perspectives.

There are humorous examples of misunderstandings and misinterpretations and sometimes there are actual misunderstandings of historic events and events in the family. I like being a stickler for reality so it can get pretty darn uncomfortable when any misunderstandings pop up and the record has to be corrected. There’s no point in having any hard feelings after all.

My niece, Shannon, is a Millennial in every aspect of the word. Now in her 30s, Shannon has a certain outlook on the world and I can only stand back and appreciate it. She embraces life and once she became a teenager she thought long and hard about what her future career would be. She has lots of different talents and in the end she chose to attend law school.

After graduating and passing the bar exam Shannon thought about what type of law to practice and engaging in one where she helps others every day, I stand back and applaud her. Shannon has been a breath of fresh air to my family where for generations several of us were more cautious about our job choices and willingness to go out there and take the world by storm.

My five brothers and sisters and I were raised by two Traditionalists, those who were born between 1925-1945, and because they lived through the Great Depression and World War II, prudence and caution were uppermost in their minds. The same holds true for my aunts and uncles - life had a way of affecting how and why they made the decisions they did. They sought security, wanted time to enjoy their retirement, and they were inordinately proud of doing a job well both at work and with their families.

The years rolled by and so many Baby Boomers were born between

1946-1964. When the six of us Lynch Baby Boomers were born and my family moved from Brooklyn to Rockville Centre, we studied hard and when it was our turns to fly the nest, we looked at our options, made our moves, got careers and started families. Society continued to change and it still does which brings me to the group right after the Boomers, those Gen Xers who were born between 1965-1980. It’s interesting to see how their perspective on what they want from life is different from my generation and my parents’ generation.

When I’ve worked side by side with Gen Xers I’ve had to remind myself that what motivates them is often different from what motivated me throughout my 41 years of full-time work. It’s not that one approach is better than the other, it’s just different. My friend, Sarah, is a good example. She always struck me as more independent because as she grew up both of her parents worked. It helped shape her personality and form her outlook on life.

Sarah and I worked together in the public relations department of a NYC corporation and sometimes we teamed up for projects and other times we did independent work. I noticed that Sarah liked having the freedom to work independently, to think about and fashion her ideas of how a new marketing concept should be approached and carried out. It always struck me that the more freedom Sarah had the more creatively she approached the tasks. I always liked her final products and so did management. Many of her marketing campaigns were successfully launched.

Seeing Sarah’s approach at work was fun for me to watch since not only was I raised by two Traditionalists but on my own I have my fair share of caution. Sometimes Sarah and I had dinner after work in the city and as we chatted we found ourselves talking and laughing about how different we were in our approaches to creative projects within the corporate structure even though we’re just 11 years apart. Sometimes she’d tell the executives her project was ready to launch when it wasn’t quite ready but she got a certain thrill out of pushing the envelope. It gave Sarah a spark and an energy that kept her reaching for greater heights.

Sarah was an on-time person but she never worried about the clock. She’d attack a project and use her creative ideas to work things out. She was

always happy with the final product and I could tell when in her mind everything came together and looked great. My approach was a little different, a little more methodical and some would say more conservative. Caution has always been a guiding force of mine so as I drafted and worked up a project I’d ask people’s opinions. Feedback is good and as I took in people’s comments, additional ideas would jump out at me.

My friend Paul has a son Corey who he feels is a typical Gen Xer in that Corey has always had a laid-back approach to life and work and this concerns Paul because as much as he tells Corey to apply himself, Corey feels the

jobs and paths he takes in life will all just work out. Paul on the other hand thinks that things don’t just fall into place. There’s got to be a plan but that’s where Corey and Paul disagree.

Corey tells his dad that eventually he wants to marry and start a family but right now he isn’t dwelling on it, he’s more interested in traveling to Europe. He’s got so much to see and visit and wouldn’t it be a thrill to just go do it?

Paul laughs as he tells me this but he’s also looking quizzical because that is a good example of the generation gap we’re talking about.

Most Beautiful Grandchild

“I

think I just saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus.” Evan, grandson of Bobby Wihnyk of Garden City

BY TOM MARGENAU

I had originally planned to use this space to write a follow-up column to one I wrote several weeks ago about the misnamed “Social Security Fairness Act.” But I’ve decided it’s not worth it.

For decades, government retirees who worked at jobs not covered by Social Security, but who did pay into the program at jobs before or after their government careers, have been led to believe that they had been shortchanged by the Social Security system. They hounded Congress for almost 30 years about this issue to no avail. But late last year, Congress finally caved in and gave them what they wanted.

Then I wrote a column saying that they never really had been cheated by the system. And gosh, did I get lambasted for that! I got many hundreds of emails from readers around the country. Some were polite and presented reasoned arguments explaining their take on the law. Many other responses were ill-advised and perpetuated myths about Social Security that I have spent a lifetime trying to correct. And sadly, many responses were crude, mean-spirited and vindictive. Some were even downright threatening.

Even though I know this subject better than most and have lectured around the country on this topic, it was pretty obvious that most readers affected by the law didn’t understand the points I was trying to make. So, I’m done with the topic. Besides, it’s a moot point, since the bill was signed into law earlier this month.

Having said all that, I must make another observation about many of the emails I received. Their comments reinforce a point I’ve made many times: People always say they want smaller government and less government spending. But what I’ve learned over the almost 30 years I’ve been writing this column, and what I relearned with this episode, is what people really mean is that they want less government spending for the other guy but more for themselves.

Very many of the responses I received said something like this: “I deserve this extra money and I earned it. But those people don’t.” (And when I say “those people,” you can insert your favorite Social Security villain.) I’ll use the rest of this column to give you some examples.

Villain No. 1 -- people on disability:

“You sir, are a jerk! And how dare you say I don’t deserve an increase in my Social Security checks. I’ve been robbed for years. But if you want to save Social Security, stop paying disability benefits. They’re all deadbeats anyway.”

My response:

Disability benefits have always been a favorite target of those looking for some part of the Social Security program to

Less for Others but More for Me

gripe about. Everyone claims to know a neighbor or uncle or someone who is supposedly cheating the system.

But the fact is the Social Security disability program is universally recognized as one of the most difficult programs to qualify for. You simply don’t get benefits if you have a minor problem. To qualify for disability payments, you must have a severe physical or mental impairment that is expected to keep you out of work for at least 12 months -- or a condition that is terminal.

Villain No. 2 -- women:

“You are a complete moron if you think I don’t deserve what’s rightfully mine -- higher Social Security benefits. But you know who should have their benefits stripped away? Women who never worked and never paid a dime into the system! That’s an add-on goody that makes no sense!”

My response:

Benefits to dependent spouses and widows have been part of the Social Security program since 1935 -- the very beginning. It’s not an “add-on goody.” But I tell you what. If you convince Congress to eliminate these benefits, I hope they put you in charge of calling the approximately 3 million women getting widow’s benefits to notify them their Social Security checks will stop. I’ve got a suggested script for your phone call: “Hello, ma’am. My name is Ebenezer Scrooge, and I’m calling about your Social Security. Even though your deceased husband paid into the program for over 50 years, I’m afraid we are going to have to cut off your checks because you were a slacker who never worked and paid taxes. Have a nice day.”

Villain No. 3 -- people on SSI:

“You are an idiot! I worked hard and deserve every nickel I can get out of Social Security. It’s those lazy bums who never worked and are getting SSI benefits. Kick them off the system and Social Security will be saved.”

My response:

Supplemental Security Income is a federal welfare program that happens to be managed by the Social Security Administration. But SSI payments are not Social Security benefits and are not funded by Social Security taxes. So kicking people off of SSI won’t save a dime from the Social Security trust fund.

Besides, many people on SSI have worked and paid taxes. But for a variety of reasons, they ended up with very small Social Security checks, and those benefits are frequently supplemented with SSI payments.

There were many more examples of “those people” from readers saying that “I deserve more money, but those people don’t.” But I’m out of room. As I’ve always said: Lots of people want less government

spending for others but more for themselves.

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Security -Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your

Questions About Social Security.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon. com or other book outlets. Or you can send him an email at thomas.margenau@comcast.net.

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Covid’s affect and impact on real estate, then and now

Have you ever been a landlord? Were your experiences mostly positive or negative? (Please respond and let me know by filling out the reply form in my online column. I want to survey to gather statistics to be reported in the future. If you are still a landlord, how did you handle not receiving your monthly rent during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Did you apply via your tenant or for your employees for any PPP (payroll protection plans), EIDL (economic injury disaster loans), or any landlord programs for reimbursements? If not, why not? I most definitely applied since my real estate brokerage and all the other 125,000+ Realtors and businesses in NYS were told by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, to cease doing business until further notice. He initiated and signed into law “New York State on Pause.” It was an executive order, a 10-point policy to assure a consistent, stable, and safe environment for everyone.

Here is a brief history of what occurred and affected the crazy market that we have been experiencing. Our industry and others considered non-essential, had to be sequestered and cease working until further notice. My professional opinion was that this was definitely a huge error in judgment by Governor Cuomo. What Realtors always do for the economy is to totally and emphatically support a humongous and myriad number of ancillary industries and services in our consumer expenditures, contributing to 70% of our economy. The fact we were ordered to stop working affected all industries except supermarkets, food, delivery services, utility companies, and transportation.

Real estate sales plummeted for a short period, and the greatest exodus

of consumers in modern times occurred in major and even minor cities. They began moving away from crowded locations to avoid contact with others. This truly revitalized our industry.

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

I saw the market soften in 2019, after the longest 8-year expansion in real estate history. However, during the pandemic, the most qualified, credit and income families, individuals, and ready-to-buy consumers began purchasing homes, townhomes, HOAs, condos, and coops in a frenzied and almost insane fashion.

This began the severe reduction in our housing inventory from the normal 6-7 months to the current 3.1 months. With a mindset of FOMO, fear of missing out, the overwhelming demand, and the lowest interest rates in history, it became the major factor causing the escalated and skyrocketing double-digit prices and increased values over the next few years. Single-family homes with at least one additional room that could be utilized as a home office became the most popular and valuable entity for sale, which purchasers needed and wanted.

This event seriously affected our housing inventory, creating a historical 50-year low, and was crucial and critical in causing a fragmented and catastrophic supply chain shortage. Consumers hunkered down, working remotely. They began purchasing in significant, monumental, and frenetic numbers online, never seen before.

So we all had to stop working from Sunday, March 22 @ 8 PM until June 10, 2020, when we were legally and finally allowed to return to work.

However, before that date, there were those who I knew were still actively conducting business, worrying more and with greater concern and emphasis on earning money than about their or anyone else’s health. They were jeopardizing their health and that of others, with the possibility of infecting others, especially if they were asymptomatic and didn’t contract the disease but caused others to become sick or, worse, die!

Fast forward, things have returned somewhat to normal, and most landlords are finally getting paid again. Covid is still with us in various ways as it has consistently morphed into new strains, but is not as dangerous as the original. The death rate is minimal, nothing close to what we experienced in 2020. Real Estate in the commercial office space has been severely affected and may never be the same again, as many people are working part remotely and a partial return to their workplace.

Next year, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our Independence from England. The next four years could be a critical and crucial determining factor in our success or the potential of becoming more mediocre on the world stage. Currently, NATO is stronger than it has ever been, since the war in the Ukraine began. Could our reserve currency play second fiddle to the BRIC nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and now Africa) who have begun purchasing their oil with their currencies, putting a tiny bit of pressure on our dollar, although, at the moment, our dollar is still very strong?

A GREENER VIEW

We all must bury the hatchet, learn from the past, begin to get along once again, forge ahead, and press on to be the best we can be with empathy, respect, sympathy, and consideration for one another and keep the world’s strongest economy to continue improving and expanding.

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

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

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

All-America Selections Vegetable Winners for 2025

Continued from page 2

months after planting into the garden and continuing until frost. With a Scoville heat rating of 0, they can be eaten right off the plant or added to any recipe. Pattypan-type squash look like alien spaceships. A lot of gardeners don’t grow them, but they should. Green Lightning is striped with light and dark green stripes and could be used as a decoration, but inside the fruit is a delicious edible flesh. It is bush-type squash, so it doesn’t spread, and the fruit weighs 1-2 pounds.

The Thriller squash is a 1- to 2-pound squash growing in what is called the dumpling shape. It is taller than wide and almost square, and it has a flat top and wide ridges. The furrows mature to or-

ange, while the ridges mature white with green speckles and spots. It is very pretty and edible at the same time.

The last vegetable is the one we are all waiting for: a new cherry tomato. OK, maybe not; there are so many types of tomatoes, why do we need a new one? Well, maybe because Tonatico has everything we want in a cherry tomato. The judges said it has great flavor, high yield, high disease resistance to common diseases and very few fruit that crack open -- all on a plant that stays under 5 feet tall and starts bearing 150 to 200 fruit in just 60 days after transplanting into the garden. It can even be grown in a container, such as a 5-gallon bucket. It is a regional winner in the mountain, southwest and northeast zones. All of the other vegeta-

ble winners in 2025 are national winners. Email questions to Jeff Rugg at info@ greenerview.com. .

An Efficient Way to Slash Home Heating Bills

BY MARY HUNT

Just as I was knee-deep in researching, testing and learning all I could about electric space heaters, this letter popped up in my inbox.

Dear Mary: I need your help to figure out how we can reduce our home heating bills. It’s killing us to pay so much to keep our house warm in the winter. We have a gas furnace, and where we live, the cost of gas has gone up more than 10% while, at the same time, the cost of electricity has gone down slightly.

Our home is a two-story with a basement. Our kids are grown, so it’s just the two of us. My husband travels for his work, so I’m the only one here most of the time. Thanks in ad-

BY CHARLYN FARGO

Here’s more proof that skipping the saltshaker and processed foods with high sodium, along with adding potassium-rich foods, can lessen your risk for a heart attack.

In a large-scale study of more than 10,000 adults with accurate sodium measurements from individuals, researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health reaffirmed that lower sodium consumption and higher potassium intake is linked with lower risk of cardiovascular disease in most people. The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, November 2021.

Researchers decided to conduct the study because past research had used less-than-ideal methods to assess sodium and got mixed results -- with some studies showing both low and high sodium diets linked to cardiovascular disease. This study measured excretion of sodium and potassium in participants urine -- the most accurate way possible to measure intake.

Researchers calculated that each daily increment of 1,000 milligrams in sodium

vance for your help! -- Jeanine

Dear Jeanine: An efficient and easy way to reduce your home heating cost is to heat only the rooms that are occupied and keep your furnace set very low. Use a space heater (or heaters) to make occupied rooms comfortable. You can rely on this method during the day, as well as at night.

You could easily see your heating bill drop 35% or more with these simple changes. It’s such a simple way to make a huge difference in your home heating costs.

Keep in mind that multiple space heaters could become less efficient and more expensive than running the central heat. It’s a matter of experimentation and careful tracking.

Just as I received your letter, I was in the throes of figuring this out for my own situation here in Colorado, as we were facing our first winter and the matter of heating the house. I learned there are several types of space heaters, each with its own strengths.

MICATHERMIC

This type of heater has an element covered in thin sheets of mica. The Bionaire Silent Micathermic Heater is a good example. The manual states that it produces both convection and radiant heat. The Bionaire creates immediate warmth -- a nice, gentle kind of heat, not a blast of hot air. And it is a constant source of warmth -- not a constant warming up to hot and then shutting off until it gets cold again.

CONVECTION

Generally, a convection heater relies on the circulation of air within the room to heat the room. The fan blows air over a heating element, and the air is recirculated into the room. Convection heaters push hot air up to the ceiling, which results in energy loss. Still a viable option, our pick for the Best Inexpensive convection space heater is the Mill Convection Heater that can be found for under $50.

PARABOLIC

The Best Inexpensive parabolic heater, the Presto HeatDish Parabolic Electric Heater for under $100, uses a computer-designed parabolic reflector to focus heat like a satellite dish concentrates TV signals. That makes it feel three times warmer than 1,500-watt heaters, yet it uses a third less energy. Because it warms you directly, you feel the heat almost instantly without it first having to heat the entire room.

HALOGEN

It operates using energy-efficient halogen lamps that provide radiant heat, which means that they heat up the objects that are around them but not the air. It does not operate with a fan, which should be good news for people who suffer from dust allergies. A good choice for a halogen heater is the Comfort Zone Oscillating Flat Panel Halogen Heater, in the $50 range.

QUARTZ

This produces infrared, which heats

Less Sodium, More Potassium

excretion was associated with an 18% higher cardiovascular risk and each daily increment of 1,000 milligrams in potassium excretion was associated with an 18% lower risk.

Most of us consume far more sodium than the recommended 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, not from the saltshaker, but from packaged foods and restaurant meals.

On the other hand, we don’t get enough potassium, found in fruits, vegetables and legumes.

Too much sodium in the bloodstream pulls water into the vessels, increasing the volume of blood flowing through them. That can lead to high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Potassium helps lower blood pressure by lessening the effects of sodium.

The researchers examined data from 10,709 generally healthy adults who were an average of 52 years old. They were participants in six different studies across the U.S. and Europe. Their sodium and potassium levels were measured with at least two 24-hour urine samples, meaning all urine produced in a full day, which is

objects, not the air. The Holmes Quartz Tower Heater, a bit pricy at about $140, has an auto safety shut-off and tip-over protection to help prevent accidents. The quartz element glows red, making the front grille very hot and hazardous for young children and pets. It operates with a fan that cycles on and off.

For more information plus resources for the heaters mentioned, go to EverydayCheapskate.com/heaters.

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

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

considered the optimal method.

During an average follow-up of 8.8 years, there were 571 cardiovascular disease events such as a heart attack or stroke. The researchers found that higher sodium levels, lower potassium levels and higher sodium-to-potassium ratio were all associated with higher risk.

After adjusting for other cardiovascular risk factors such as age, smoking status, cholesterol and diabetes, participants with the highest levels of sodium in the urine (an average of about 4,700 milligrams) were 60% more likely to have a cardiovascular event than those with the lowest sodium levels (about 2,200 milligrams). Those with the highest levels of potassium (about 3,500 milligrams) had a 31% lower risk of cardiovascular events than those with the lowest levels (about 1,750 milligrams).

The bottom line: Cook at home where you can control your sodium intake, and opt for fruits, veggies and whole grains, skipping the more processed foods. Your heart will thank you.

Q and A

Q: Are best-by-dates or use-by-dates

required by law on all food products?

A: No, except for infant formula. Infant formula is required to have use-by product dating and it should be honored to ensure the nutrients are at peak quality. For all other foods, use-by or best-by dates are included voluntarily to tell consumers about peak quality, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the food should be thrown out past the date. Use a first-in, first-out system when storing canned or packaged shelf-stable items. Keep the older dates in front so you’ll use them first. If you use a product past its use-by or best-by dates, the quality may be affected but, in most cases, they are still safe to use. The dates refer to freshness and peak quality. The exception is food that can spoil, such as dairy products or meat.

Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois, and the current president of the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of January 26February 1, 2025

Anyone who reads this column regularly knows how much I enjoy seeing a conjunction of the moon and Venus in the western sky at dusk. I’m not sure why it’s so beautiful to me. Perhaps it takes me back to my childhood; even then I was enamored by this almost three-dimensional pair as daylight was fading.

I still get that same feeling when I gaze upon these two, and this coming Saturday (Feb. 1) will occur another great show that I’m looking forward to.

The two actors in this celestial drama have long been recognized as female characters. The moon has been known for ages as Diana, Isis and Levanah. Why many cultures perceived the moon to have female traits is anyone’s guess. Perhaps it’s her 28-day cycle during which she dances among the stars, intriguing us with her ever-changing shape and brilliance.

And Venus -- well, she was known by both the ancient Greeks and Roman as the goddess of love, and anyone seeing her light up the sky will understand completely.

On Saturday, Feb. 1, the moon will appear in the direction of Venus at dusk, and together they will create a pair worthy of stepping out into the cold.

The fact that they appear near each

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

As the chief domestic officer of our family, I’m usually pretty fastidious about the cleanliness of my home. But every once in a while, something escapes my attention, and then, before I know it, we have a disturbing situation on our hands.

Such is the case with my refrigerator.

“Something in the fridge has gone bad,” said my husband, slamming the refrigerator door on the offending smell.

“I may have forgotten to throw something out,” I, the likely guilty party, said.

“Well, don’t worry about it,” he said. “At this point, whatever it is can probably walk itself to the garbage.”

I will typically empty out the leftovers once a week. But occasionally a leftover will be pushed to the back of the fridge, out of sight and out of the smell zone, until it gets so bad we have

STARGAZERS

Two Lovely Ladies at Dusk

other that night is, of course, an illusion. Our moon is our nearest celestial neighbor, only about 226,000 miles away on that evening, and Venus -- currently our second-nearest celestial neighbor -- will lie about 48 million miles away. On Saturday evening they will lie roughly along the same line of sight but will give the impression that they’re close to each other.

The pair will create a beautiful sight to the unaided eye. And, while the moon will appear as only a thin crescent lit directly by sunlight, you will be able to see a ghostly outline of the full moon. This is called earthshine, and it’s caused when sunlight reflecting off the Earth falls back onto the darkened lunar surface.

You can even try taking a photo of the pair. Just aim your smartphone in their direction during twilight, and snap a shot or two. You may need to zoom in a bit, but you should capture a wonderful image to help you remember.

For a real visual treat, aim binoculars in their direction. You’ll see both the moon and Venus together, and the lunar earthshine will be much more obvious; you’ll even be able to make out the darker lunar features (the “seas”) quite easily.

And if you have a small telescope, you can certainly get a closeup look at each of these celestial bodies in turn. Expect the moon to appear quite dramatic; the craters on its sunlit crescent combined with the eerie earthshine make a wonderful sight. If you then aim the telescope toward

Venus, don’t be surprised by what you see. Though Venus orbits the sun, it also displays phases like the moon, so with a telescope you’ll be able to see it in a thick crescent phase this week.

Mark your calendar now so you don’t

miss this beautiful twilight event. Now let’s hope clouds don’t ruin our view!

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com.

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

The Bad, Smelly Thing

to bring in a crime scene cleanup crew to take care of it.

Typically, the offending culprit is just one lone container, and the stinkified aroma is not that bad. In this case though, the smell was so horrific that it was clear there might be multiple former leftovers that had transmutated into things with consciousness and, possibly, hair. Knowing the endeavor of finding and disposing of the problem could singe my nose hairs or otherwise expose me to a life-threatening health hazard, I donned rubber gloves, a rain poncho and a surgical mask.

Experience had taught me that when it comes to rotting leftovers, you can never be too careful.

“OK, save the dog and yourself,” I announced. “I’m going in.”

But my husband did not leave. He offered to help, proving once again that love is not only blind but olfactorily challenged. After he put on his own personal hazmat suit, we opened the fridge

and began clearing out the items in the front that we suspected were blocking the offending items in the back. We soon came upon four storage containers that looked and smelled suspect. My husband opened the first one.

“What is it? Or rather, what was it?” he asked, stepping back for fear that the thing in the container would leap out and consume him, then consume the house, the city and all the people in it.

“I don’t know,” I admitted. “Maybe fish?” We both stared at the former fish and realized we no longer had fish, but we did have an excellent source of homegrown penicillin.

We opened another container and decided that not only did the contents have to go, but so did the container itself.

“I’m afraid to open the next one,” said my husband as he reached for the third storage container. “Every time I open one, I think it couldn’t be as bad as the last one, and it’s worse.”

“I know,” I said. “It’s like the kitchen version of Chernobyl.”

“I think we’re in over our heads,” he said. “We need a biohazard team to contain the problem.”

“No, we can do this,” I assured him through my mask. “There’s just one more container.”

As we pried open the top, my son walked into the room, assessed the situation, then peered into the Pyrex.

“Oh, hey! I was wondering what happened to my leftover pizza,” he said.

I raised an eyebrow at him.

“It was just biding its time before it could take over the world,” I said.

“Oh, cool,” he replied. “Do you think I can still eat it?”

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

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

On Saturday, Feb. 1, at dusk, the moon and Venus will appear close together in what’s known as a conjunction.

ONE CALL TO 516-294-8900 AND YOUR AD WILL APPEAR IN 6 LOCAL NEWSPAPERS. CALL TODAY FOR OUR VERY LOW RATES. www.gcnews.com

Garden City News • Mid Island Times Bethpage Newsgram • Syosset Advance Jericho News Journal • Floral Park Villager

DEADLINE FOR CLASSIFIED ADS IS TUESDAY AT 1:00PM.

2 EASY WAYS TO PLACE ADS:

1) Directly on website: gcnews.com & click on “Classified Order”

2) Email Nancy@gcnews.com

Please include your name, daytime phone number, address and ad copy.

Visa and MasterCard Accepted

EMPLOYMENT

HELP WANTED

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

3+ DAYS PER WEEK

For local GC small business, transactional etc. law firm seeks happy admin 3+ days per week (flexible).

STRONG TECHNOLOGY SKILLS REQUIRED: Microsoft Suite, Excel, Docu-sign, Adobe, Copier skills. Immediate Start: $18-$23/hr Email Resume with letter of interest to:

GC.ASSIST.9@GMAIL.COM

SITUATION WANTED

COMPANION, HHA, PCA Seeking position Monday through Friday / weekends, live in/live out. 20 years experience with Parkinsons, Alzheimers, Dementia, Cancer Patients. References available upon request. Call Miss Browne 516-302-7564

HOME HEALTH AIDE / ELDER CARE Home health aide with over 19 years experience !! Excellent references. Cooking, cleaning, showers, all aspects of daily care. Live in. Full Time. Available Immediately !! Call Sharon 347-739-7717

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS!

Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-855-399-2719

DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Direct and get your first free months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

MARKETPLACE

INVITED SALES BY TRACY JORDAN

Transform your space, maximize your value: Are you looking to add value to your property and enhance its appeal?

Look no further!

At Invited Sales, we offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet your needs:

Personal Property

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GET BOOST INFINITE! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us!! 844-329-9391

HEARING AIDS!! High-quality rechargeable, powerful Audien hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Tiny and NEARLY INVISIBLE! 45day money back guarantee! 855-598-5898

WE BUY HOUSES FOR CASH AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670

MARKETPLACE

A.T. STEWART EXCHANGE CONSIGNMENT SHOP 516-746-8900

Antiques-FurnitureJewelry-Silver-MirrorsLamps-Artwork Come to Consign & Stay to Shop Visit.... Our Shop 109 Eleventh St. Garden City Mon-Fri 10-4 (Wed till 6) Saturday 12-4 Shop Our Online Store ATStewartExchange.org Items to Consign?

Email photos (with sizing info) to: store@atstewartexchange.org All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical Society

Like us on Facebook & Instagram

Email editor@gcnews.com to put your engagement or wedding announcement in this paper.

Appraisals and Evaluations: Get expert insights into the true value of your personal property.

Estate and Tag Sales: Simplify the process of selling estate items with our professional online and in-person tag sale services.

Home Updates:

From carpet removal to one-day floor refinishing and contractor services, we handle it all to refresh your home effortlessly.

Staging Services: Elevate your space with our curated selection of furniture, accessories, lighting, and decorative items for a stunning transformation. Explore our captivating before and after photos showcasing homes where we’ve added significant value, making them stand out in the market:

Visit: InvitedSales.com today to discover how we can help you achieve your property goals! Please Call: 516-279-6378 Or Text Tracy Jordan: 516-567-2960

TAG SALE

ESTATE SALE SYOSSET

Saturday, 1/25 & Sunday 1/26 10am to 4pm 44 Vista Drive Syosset, NY 11791

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

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

Living room furniture, Lalique Double Carp Sculpture, dozens of large LLadro, Armani and Murano figurines, pair of 3ft tall Italian ceramic cheetahs. Total workout gym equipment, hundreds of unopened boxes giftware, extensive bar and barware. Just a small sampling. See Estatesales.net for photos. Tags R Us Cynthia 516-764-5573

NYU Langone Health is recruiting participants for an exciting new study exploring why and how some people with dementia experience a return of mental clarity as they approach the end of life.

These episodes are known as paradoxical lucidity. If you have a loved one suffering from advanced dementia, they may eligible for this study.

If interested, please contact the Parnia Lab research team at 917-227-0932 or pl@nyulangone.org

AUTOMOTIVE

AUTOS WANTED

***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS

$Highest$ Ca$h Paid$ All Years /Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199

Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS 516-297-2277

GOT AN UNWANTED CAR??? Your car donation to Patriotic Hearts helps veterans find work or start their own business. Fast free pick. Running or not! Call 24/7: 1-888251-3135.

WE BUY 8,000 CARS A WEEK

Sell your old, busted or junk car with no hoops, haggles or headaches. Sell your car to Peddle. Easy three step process. Instant offer. Free pickup. Fast payment. Call 1-855-403-3374

SERVICES

CONSUMER CELLULAR

the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844-919-1682

INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don’t Accept the insurance company’s first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-888-454-4717.Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider

JACK’S CUSTOM FRAMING

We can frame anything! Quality Care & Workmanship Thousands of frames to choose from!!

Over 30 years in business! 92 Covert Ave, Stewart Manor 516-775-9495

SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS! Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call: 877 988 7277

ATTORNEY

STEPHANIE A. D’ANGELO, ESQ. Elder Law, Wills & Trusts Asset Preservation, Estate Planning, Probate & Estate Administration/Litigation

901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530 516-222-1122

www.dangelolawassociates. com

SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

BEAUTIFUL BATH UP -

DATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-855-399-2076

DO YOU KNOW WHAT’S IN YOUR WATER? Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-247-5728

MADE IN THE SHADE

CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS

Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Draperies

Top Brands at Discount Prices! Family owned & operated www.madeintheshadensli. com

516-426-2890

MASONRY

All types of stonework Pavers, Retaining Walls, Belgium Block Patios, Foundations, Seal coating, Concrete and Asphalt driveways, Sidewalks, Steps. Free Estimates

Fully Licensed & Insured #H2219010000

Boceski Masonry Louie 516-850-4886

PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES with Briggs & StrattonPowerProtect(TM) standby generators the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty 7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Briggs & Stratton 1-888-605-1496

HEALTH SERVICES

FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC

Dr. Ann Marie D’Angelo

PMHCNS-BC

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Advanced Practice Nurse Care Manager

Assistance with Aging at Home /Care Coordintion

Nursing Home & Assisted Living Placement

PRI / Screens / Mini Mental Status Exams

Medicaid Eligibility and Apllications

516-248-9323

www.familycareconnections.com

901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530

SERVICES

HEALTH SERVICES

FLORAL PSYCHIATRY

MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC

Adult Psychiatrist & Nutritionist

Focus on Women’s Mental Health

Therapy & Nutrition Psychiatry

Medication Management

A multilingual practice

Parthy Shah, MD

516-666-2693

Virtual Clinic online at: urjapsychiatry.com

SERVICES

PAINTING & PAPERHANGING

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR

PAINTING

Plastering, Taping, Sheetrock

Skim Cutting, Old Wood Refinish, Staining, Wallpaper Removal & Hanging, Paint Removal, Power Washing, Wood Replacement JOHN MIGLIACCIO

Licensed & Insured

#80422100000

Call John anytime: 516-901-9398 (Cell) 516-483-3669 (Office)

CLASSIFIEDS Call 294.8900

SERVICES

TUTORING

BIOLOGY TUTOR

AP level: Biology, Environmental Science

Regents and Honors: Living Environment

Virtual or In-Person

Dr. Amanda Shore, University Professor

Please email: ShoreThingBiology@gmail. com

MATH TUTOR GRADES 4-7

Recently retired NYC teacher available to help your child succeed.

Remediation / Enrichment needs addressed.

Please Call or Message: Audrey Sullivan: 347-628-8872

O’REILLY TUTORING ACT-SAT-LSAT-GRE

Admissions + Writing Science + Math Virtual and In-Person 631-252-0462

Baloreilly.tutoring@gmail.com FREE consultation

SERVICES

CLEANING

CLEANING AVAILABLE EXPERIENCED POLISH HOUSE CLEANER

Good references, ability. Very honest, reliable, responsible and hard working. Own transportation. English speaking. Flexible days and hours. Reasonable rates. I will do a good job.

Call or text 516-589-5640

SERVICES

AFFORDABLE TV & INTER-

NET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-855-399-2803

PEST CONTROL: PROTECT

YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-866-448-8311 Have zip code of property ready when calling!

Celebrate the Chinese New Year with deep-fried wontons

Deep-Fried Pork Wontons

The Chinese New Year is a unique celebration with a global footprint. While many of the more awe-inspiring celebrations may occur within China, that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to commemorate this unique event elsewhere. Celebrations can even take place at home, where individuals can whip up homemade Chinese fare to lend their festivities a more authentic feel. This Chinese New Year, those who want to bring this unique event into their homes can try the following recipe for “DeepFried Pork Wontons” courtesy of Lines+Angles. Makes 6 servings

For the filling:

7 ounces minced pork

2 spring onions

1 green chili, deseeded

1 tablespoon grated ginger

1 garlic clove, minced

2 tablespoon fish sauce

1 tablespoon lime juice

32 square wonton wrappers

Vegetable oil, for frying

To serve:

Mixed leaf salad; cabbage, lettuce and coriander Sweet and sour sauce

1) Mix together the ingredients for the filling, stirring in one direction only.

2) Place double layers of wonton wrappers in front of you in a diamond shape. Place a little of the filling on the bottom half of the dough. Fold the bottom corner of dough over the filling and

roll it once. Take the outside corners and bring them together, sealing with a little water. Stand the wontons on their flat bases and gently separate the two top flaps. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.

3) Heat about 4 inches oil in a deep pan until gently bub -

bling, then fry the wontons in batches for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels then serve on beds of the mixed leaves with the sweet and sour sauce alongside.

Tip: This recipe may also be steamed or boiled.

Waldorf senior wins first prize at piano competition

Jessie (Xuanyan) Gong, ‘25, a senior at The Waldorf School of Garden City, won first prize in the Senior Division of the 11th Yamaha USASU International Piano Competition. The event, held at Arizona State University, attracted 350 applicants from 33 countries, with only 43 pianists advancing to the final rounds. Gong stood out among these elite musicians

with her outstanding performance and strong commitment to her musical studies, earning the top award.

In addition to first prize, Gong received a special award: a recital at the Prima Music Foundation Institute and Festival in June 2025.

Reflecting on her achievement, Gong stated, “Hard work pays off; trust the process.”

Jessie (Xuanyan) Gong, ‘25, a senior at The Waldorf School of Garden City, won first prize at the 11th Bösendorfer and Yamaha USASU International Piano Competitions.

Jessie Gong

Save the Dates!

Grab your calendar to mark down these important upcoming dates across the school district. You can keep an eye on the PTA website and the GCUFSD website “Events” page for even more detail on what’s happening across all seven schools.

• Jan 21–Jan 31 - Kindergarten Registration by Appointment

• Jan 29 – Lunar New Year, Schools Closed

• Jan 31 – Middle School GC Cares-a-thon

Cares-a-Thon is Coming Make a Difference

The annual GC Middle School Cares-a-Thon event is coming up on Friday, January 31 — and there are ways EVERY family can help make a difference! Several of the event activities include donation elements, with easy opportunities to contribute to worthy causes while you're doing New Year's clean-outs at home. These include:

• Canned & non-perishable food drive for RockCanRoll - Peanut butter (plastic containers), jams (plastic containers), canned meat and fish (chicken, tuna, salmon, etc.), hearty soups, tofu, macaroni & cheese boxes, coffee & tea, canned fruits & vegetables, evaporated & powdered milk, Parmalat, Gatorade, infant formula, baby food, Pediacare, canned beans, non-perishable sweets, breakfast cereal bars, granola bars, snack bars, dried fruits, nuts, healthy cereals, pasta & rice, oatmeal, flour, canned sauces, condiments, applesauce, baking mixes, paper towels, pet foods, personal items (deodorant, soaps, shampoos, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, creams and lotions, diapers, wipes, tampons, sanitary pads, depends, etc)

• Pasta & pasta sauce collection for The Nest at NCC

• Gift card collection for hospitalized young adults at NYU Langone (gift cards of $10–$25 allowing teens to purchase fun or entertaining gear to improve morale during hospital stays). Gift cards should be to stores that will deliver items to the hospital directly (e.g., Amazon, Target, Barnes & Noble, etc. No food gift cards)

• Pet Supply Collection for North Shore Animal League (New items only): Towels, blankets, rubber toys for dogs and cats, puppy and kitten formula or food (unopened), reptile supplies

Garden City PTA News

Military Collection Drive for 423rd MP Co.: Deodorant, feminine products, baby wipes, soap, shampoo, q-tips, sunflower seeds, beef jerky, candy, letters of support

• Toiletry Drive for PFY Community Pantry: Soap, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, chapstick, lotion, etc.

Middle School students are able to sign up to attend the Cares-a-Thon which will have different stations for philanthropic activities and donation boxes. Contact middleschool@gardencitypta.org for more information.  Don’t have a MS student attending this year’s event? You can still support the cause! Just leave your donations in the drop-off bin outside the MS during school hours. Label all items with Dr. Greenwald’s name and note that it is for GC Cares-a-Thon (gift cards should not be dropped in bin). Thank you for helping us show how much GC Cares!

PARP Spotlight on the Library

GC Primary and Elementary students were shining bright at PARP’s “Spotlight on the Library, which took place on Thursday January 16.  They enjoyed storytime with GC librarians, featuring “WISH ” by Chris Saunders, and then created their own homemade “wish wands!”  Stay tuned for more fun PARP events and opportunities throughout the year!

Raffle Donations Needed for the Annual PTA Dinner!

The Garden City PTA will hold our Annual Fundraising Dinner on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at the Garden City Hotel. By participating

in the dinner, every educator, parent, and member of our school community can ensure that our students' futures are brighter than ever!

We are looking for donations of exciting raffle baskets ($250+ value) and enticing silent auction items ($500+ value) to help make the evening a success! If you would like to show your support of the PTA and this event, please consider joining together with your family, friends, neighbors or club and donate a raffle basket or silent auction item. If you have a connection to sports tickets, concert venues, vacation properties or experiences, please consider donating as these make very exciting prizes. Donated items will be on display at the dinner and listed in the evening's program. Email dinnerdonations@gardencitypta.org if you plan to donate or have any questions. Please help us make a difference!

Select the PTA Leadership for 2024–25

The PTA is still looking for a few great parents to join the Nominating Committee for the 2024-25 school year. Serving on the Nominating Committee is an exceptional opportunity for PTA

See what's happening at your library!

members to have a voice in selecting the following year's Executive Committee members. Executive Committee members volunteer their time and talents to help maintain PTA sponsored programs, enhance the educational experiences of our children, promote family engagement, and advocate for every child. If you're interested in being a part of this important annual process, email executivevp@gardencitypta.org.

Your Membership Matters!

Please take a minute today to visit www.gardencitypta.org to rejoin for the new 2024–25 school year. While there, click the “Get Involved” tab to see the many volunteer opportunities with the PTA overall, and with your child’s specific schools. We can’t wait to work with you this year!

Let’s Connect @GardenCityPTA Website: www.gardencitypta.org

To Get Real Time InformationTurn on Notifications

Facebook: Facebook.com/ GardenCityPTA

Instagram: Instagram.com/ GardenCityPTA

Twitter: Twitter.com/ GardenCityPTA

From classes to lectures and concerts to movie screenings, there's never a dull day at your local library!

Check this paper each week for fun and informative all-ages activities, all for free or cheap!

“Wish Wands” made at the PTA PARP Spotlight on the Library event.

PTA PARP Spotlight on the Library event.

The

Friday, January 24, 2025

Before approval, Trustees state positions on survey

From page 1

In her remarks on the St. Paul’s Survey, Mayor Carter Flanagan attempted to clarify that her position of questioning the survey contents and its ‘fairness’ did not represent any attack on members of the Board of Trustees.

“As your mayor I feel strongly that I need to deliver the message to the community and I will continue to speak with candor, even when it is 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?”

She continued, “If Trustee (Vinny) Muldoon’s preservation plan is the project most-supported by the community we would have learned that through the unbiased survey. Based on the opportunity to gather reliable data on this difficult topic for the first time since the village purchased the building in 1995, 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 projects residents would support,” she said.

The finalized survey was approved by a 6-2 vote, with Flanagan voting “no” and Chester’s absence from the Board room meant that his vote was automatically counted as a “no.”

Trustee rebuttals

Trustee Ed Finneran, who recently announced his mayoral candidacy for 2025, defended the survey, saying that the views asserted on the St. Paul’s Survey “are not a personal matter but a matter of what we each believe is right.“

“It is clear to me that a majority of this Board has worked incredibly strongly. The mayor and Trustee Chester have decided to take a pass as we finalized this, but YOU (Garden City residents) will be the judge as to whether the survey is biased or not, but I submit to you that you will be very proud of the depth of the survey, the simpleness of it and the clarity of it which will allow you (residents) to express to us what you’d like to see at St. Paul’s,” Finneran said.

Trustee Judy Courtney said recommendations from consultants Brandstetter Carroll Inc. (BCI) are the framework/skeletal system for this survey. “If you look at where we started and where we ended, the bones are all theirs. There were major differences in two main areas for their recommendations vs. other things in here, but the questions around program offerings, prioritization of what residents would prefer – those things were in the initial survey and were BCI recommendations

and we continued with that, and they were a great help. Any time a question arose on what could be changed we consulted with BCI to get their input, and though we did not always take their input this survey was not done in isolation. They were always consulted and what they recommended to us, as the professionals who do this, was included – I want it to be made very clear that this survey was not put together randomly, it was vetted and reviewed,” she shared.

Trustee Finneran asked for her to state the number of versions and revisions that the St. Paul’s Survey has gone through over the past 8 to 9 months, from May 2024 through January 2025, and she announced that the current (and ultimately-approved) survey was the 27th iteration.

She emphasized that the Board of Trustees voting for distribution of the survey was in effect a “step in the process” and did not present a bond vote that would bind Garden City to an outcome or project at St. Paul’s.

According to Trustee Courtney, there are multiple ways and spaces on this survey that offer the opportunity for residents to express their wishes for tearing down parts of St. Paul’s, though demolishing the entire structure is not explicitly printed as a choice.

“To say there is only one way to look at the survey choices is incorrect. At least three times in this survey, there is an ability for a respondent to state they do not want the village to do any of these (projects) and that they do not want to spend any money, and they do not choose any of the options. The ability to express the opinion and to state they do not want to spend any money is presented multiple times as residents can fill out surveys. We did that intentionally to give everyone a chance to say if they do or don’t like options OR to say they do not like any of the choices. When we get that back we will see what numbers come in, and that’s the point of the survey,” she noted.

Financial Analysis and Expert Input

Trustee Michele Beach Harrington detailed the financial modeling behind the survey, conducted by Village Treasurer Irene Woo and consultants from Capital Market Advisors, LLC.

“They provided us (the trustees) yields of what a 15-year bond would be worth, which is what it would be allowed right now, and what the yields would be for a 30-year bond if we got New York State’s backing for doing that, or if we did it through a conservancy. Irene had CMA run all of the amortization schedules and we have a whole series of these (finance) schedules. It’s from CMA who did it through their programs, and Irene has a program she can show to everyone of how you look at our tax rolls to see what your assessed value is on your

home. We also have a program which can take your home’s assessed value and give you an approximate market value,” Harrington explained.

She said the Board and Treasurer Woo also discussed the financial aspects involved with the village’s bond counsel, Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP.

The Stewart Legacy

Trustee Vinny Muldoon, who joined the Board of Trustees almost a year ago, spoke about the importance of improving the Village.

“If we want to have a better Village of Garden City, whether it’s for St. Paul’s or anything else we need to invest in the village and unfortunately we need to pay more taxes, we need to find money and make more money to pay for those things, invest and keep our village nice,” Trustee Muldoon said.

He noted that St. Paul’s was built as a memorial to Garden City’s founder, Alexander Turney Stewart, who he called “far ahead of his time.”

“We’ve got to start thinking like that and stop thinking in one-year and fiveyear increments. Let’s think about the next generation and the ones after it, in 100 years from now and more, when none of us will be here but hopefully our grandchildren and great grand-kids will and they will look at it as still the amazing town just as it was built to be in the 1880s,” Trustee Muldoon said.

He added that he respects and admires the work and dedication of both the mayor and deputy mayor. Muldoon said the respectable discourse, freedom of speech and the ability for board members “to agree to disagree” were part of what makes the U.S. the greatest country in the world.

“Whether we agree or disagree, the board members are here working on the residents’ behalf because we’re elected by the residents. When the majority of the Board goes one direction you’ll need to go there too even though you might disagree and not even be happy about it, for the betterment of the community. That’s what we need to get back to as a Village Board,” Muldoon said.

Mr. Muldoon commented, “Myself and Mary agree on a ton of stuff including stuff we talked about today, and St. Paul’s is one item in this village. In my view it’s a magnificent historical building, and in the view of others –including a couple of people in front of me in this room – it isn’t. Let’s try to put a stop to anyone calling someone here a liar, or the name-calling that’s been going on over St. Paul’s and a couple of other things in this village – Let’s all be civil tonight. One of the reasons I got involved and ran to be a trustee (a year ago) was to try to put a stop to that, for us to try to be civil and to respect each other…For us to say that we completely disagree on something but let’s go have a beer together which we can do

after this meeting. Having said that, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over for 32 years and expecting a different result.”

Muldoon noted that one of the most important parts of the survey is a section in which residents can see the tax implications of the various plans for St. Paul’s.

He explained, “There are people in the village who are semi-retired or retired; money is limited and any increase in taxes is going to be a burden. We will show you (residents) on a table mostly created by Village Treasurer Woo, Finance staff, and our consultants, based on the house values, what each project will cost in tax increases (assuming the bonds are carried over a period of years). It will also ask you to share how much in terms of funding you are willing to spend and/or what you can afford.”

Board Dynamics, Legal Framework

Trustee Bruce Torino explained that the board’s majority vote determines the village’s direction under municipal law.

He called moving ahead for version 27 of this survey to go out to the public, as an exercise “in my best judgement” and the decision with the board majority’s support.

“This is a very hotly-contested issue, however the village law is very firm in that it is the Board of Trustees – it alone has the obligation, the right and the mission to make decisions. For a number of years I have been in the minority for decisions which others have been in the majority for, but there is the ‘Rule of 5’ –five village trustees who are like-minded have the ability to engage the path of travel for the village. Each one of us, including the mayor and deputy mayor, have exercised their best judgement but unless there are five trustees who are like-minded that is what controls.”

Trustee Torino voted in favor of the survey.

Resident opinions, historical context

Trustee Jessica Tai highlighted the October 2023 St. Paul’s Opinion Poll, where 61% of respondents favored partial or full preservation of the building. She argued the survey reflects that majority sentiment and provides detailed options with ballpark costs.

Tai called the finished version of the survey “clear, fair and detailed” before the Board’s vote to confirm it last Thursday. She reviewed key facts and steps that brought about the finalized survey.

“In the October 2023 Opinion Poll, 4,339 Garden City residents voted and 2,635 voted to preserve the building, partially or in-full, while 1,704 voted to demolish St. Paul’s – that was what they expressed. Over 61% (the majority) wanted to preserve the building, partially or fully, so I can make it very simple

Before approval, Trustees state positions on survey

and clear how the majority of people wanted us to preserve the building in some form. That is what you are going to see in the survey – partial or full preservation – and we have listed choices with ballpark figures. We are giving you what the residents told us they wanted, with money for partial or full preservation with ballpark numbers,” Trustee Tai explained.

She told residents to review details on the survey which explain the dif-

ferent projects and what these options entail, and ballpark estimates.

“I do not agree (with the mayor and deputy mayor) that it’s a biased survey. I am confident that it’s very wellthought out, and it was time well-spent involving input from BCI and a lot of experts.”

Tai also noted the construction and remodeling industry expertise of Trustee Vinny Muldoon and how he reviewed documents and consulted with

Garden City resident helps feed the hungry

Dave Cassaro, VP, Long Island Cares board

BY GARY SIMEONE

For nearly twenty years, Dave Cassaro, a longtime Garden City resident, has been helping to feed the hungry here on Long Island. The seventy-two year old Cassaro, currently serves as vice president of Long Island Cares Inc. (Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank.) In his role as vice president of the organization, he helps to distribute food and allocate resources to over 225,000 food-insecure Long Islanders.

“With the high cost of living on Long Island and issues such as inflation, unemployment and pandemic related financial insecurities, food insecurity has become a major problem here on the island,” said Cassaro. “Our organization focuses the root causes of hunger in all population’s including adults and children, the elderly, our veterans and our homeless population.”

He cited the statistics of over 225,000

food insecure people living on Long Island including 70,000 children.

Cassaro, who formerly worked in the media industry, has hands-on experience with charity organizations while working in Manhattan.

He was part of the Board of Directors for the City Meals on Wheels program, which services elderly homebound New Yorkers.

He also does in person work with Freeport based food pantry where he helps to feed food-insecure veterans.

“I grew up on Long Island and basically spent my whole life here, so I feel it’s the right thing to do to give back to our communities in need. Working with these organizations and particularly with Long Island Cares is an absolute passion for me.”

He said that the organization has 325 or so member agencies who offer a variety of services and programs across along Long Island from Montauk to the Nassau border. They include food pantries, soup kitchens, resume assistance, personal hygiene and pet food supply facilities.

“We have a pretty good model in place where we have seven owned and operated food pantries, including the Mary Brennan Inn here in Hempstead, where people can come in and shop for all their food supplies including proteins, carbs and even multiple drinks.”

Cassaro said the organization raises money through funding through government donations, grants and fundraising events. They also work closely with the US Department of Agriculture TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) and NY HPNAP (Hunger Prevention & Nutrition Assistance Program.)

“It is a massive undertaking to end him here on Long Island, but with organizations such as Long Island Cares, we are ready to meet that challenge head on .”

professionals. She said the ballpark costs on the survey are honest and they contain potential for sunk costs and contingencies, “through a very comprehensive view.”

Trustee Finneran noted that in developing the final survey, board members “had some differences with BCI about one or two areas” but as the Village of Garden City is the client, the firm accepted those revisions and discussed the trustees’ interests and need to share

ballpark figures for projects with the community.

“You will see in the survey exactly what we’ve determined for best case scenarios of what the costs could be,” Finneran said.

Both Tai and Finneran expressed confidence in the survey’s depth and clarity, emphasizing its role as a tool to gather community input.

Chaminade student supports cancer research

the organization in the past two years. An offshoot of the organization, entitled‘Baileys Warriors’ was founded after the recent passing of Buell.

Buell, who was a resident of Chatham, New Jersey passed away after a yearlong battle with her illness in January of 2024. She was nine years old when she lost her battle with cancer.

To family members and friends in her hometown, she became known as Bailey the Brave, for her strong will and her battle against her rare disease. That name was an inspiration for ‘Baileys Warriors,’ an army of people who stood shoulder to shoulder to help her through her fight.

Her cousin, Graham, helped wage his own fight for her when he was an 8th grader at the Middle School.

He and a few of his classmates setup a Cares-A-Thon table in school, and through raffles and word of mouth,

was able to raise $40,000 in her honor. The funds were directly donated to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

The noble young man plans to ride again this year for his cousin and to raise further money for cancer treatment and research.

“I am riding again this year and have organized a team of nine teenage riders from Garden City to help me,” said Hefelfinger. “We are riding on February 8th, here on Long Island and so far we have collectively raised over $50,000. Our goal is to help raise awareness for the need for rare cancer research. This year my goal for our team is to double last year’s fundraising efforts and increase awareness.”

To find out more about the organization you can visit the website, cyclefor survival.org. To find out more Baileys battle you can visit baileyswarriors. com

From page 1

Graham Hefelfinger, right, with family members. Bailey Buell is at front.

St. Joseph School: Rooted in faith, growing in excellence

SUBMITTED BY ST. JOSEPH’S SCHOOL

For 85 years, St. Joseph School has been proud to provide an educational experience that nurtures academic excellence while fostering strong moral character and faith-based values. Grounded in our rich Catholic tradition, we integrate spiritual growth with intellectual development, creating a well-rounded foundation for every student. Our curriculum, enriched by Catholic teachingSt. Joseph School: Rooted in Faith, Growing in Excellence

For 85 years, St. Joseph School has been proud to provide an educational experience that nurtures academic excellence while fostering strong moral character and faith-based values. Grounded in our rich Catholic tra-

dition, we integrate spiritual growth with intellectual development, creating a well-rounded foundation for every student. Our curriculum, enriched by Catholic teachings, inspires compassion, responsibility, and a commitment to service, preparing students to make a positive impact in the world. With the dedication of our passionate faculty, SJS ensures a supportive and engaging environment where children thrive academically, socially, and spiritually.

Catholic Schools Week is a special time to celebrate the unique value of Catholic education and the vital role it plays in the lives of students, families, and communities. St. Joseph School is excited for a week filled with gratitude for the academic excellence, faith for-

mation, and the commitment to service that defines SJS! It all begins on Sunday January 26th with a 9am mass at St. Joseph Church followed by an Open House from 10:30-12:00. Our buildings will be buzzing with excitement, filled with student-created projects, and various members of the SJS Community to share the wonderful things happening here.

The week continues with exciting events like Math and Spelling Bees, Pre-K Special Person’s Day, Jersey Day, a Student Game Show, and ends by celebrating and recognizing the heart and soul of our school--our amazing teachers! We hope you will join us for this joyful reminder of the enduring impact of Catholic education in shaping compassionate, faith-filled leaders for the future. s, inspires compassion, responsibility, and a commitment to service, preparing students to make a positive impact in the world. With the dedication of our passionate faculty, SJS ensures a supportive and engaging environment where children thrive academically, socially, and spiritually.

Catholic Schools Week is a special time to celebrate the unique value of Catholic education and the vital role it plays in the lives of students, families, and communities. St. Joseph School is excited for a week filled with gratitude for the academic excellence, faith formation, and the commitment to service that defines SJS! It all begins on Sunday January 26th with a 9am mass at St. Joseph Church followed by an Open House from 10:30-12:00. Our buildings will be buzzing with excitement, filled with student-created projects, and various members of the SJS Community to share the wonderful things happening here.

The week continues with exciting

Early Childhood students working together.

events like Math and Spelling Bees, Pre-K Special Person’s Day, Jersey Day, a Student Game Show, and ends by celebrating and recognizing the heart and soul of our school--our amazing teachers! We hope you will join us for this joyful reminder of the enduring impact of Catholic education in shaping compassionate, faith-filled leaders for the future.

Students conducting a science experiment in our newly renovated lab.

Celebrating the 2024–2025 school year with Bishop Zglejszewski and Monsignor Swiader.

Nursery students celebrating the snow together in school.

Environmental Tip of the Week

What is Your Ecological Footprint?

At last week’s Environmental Advisory Board meeting, GC EAB member Amanda Shore presented some information about sustainability, including a graph showing the 10 countries with the biggest ecological footprint per person. The number for the USA is 7.19. This means that if everyone on earth lived a lifestyle which consumes as much resources as the average person in the United States, we would need 7.19 earths to meet the demand. How big is your personal ecological footprint? You can find out by visiting the site https://www.footprintcalculator.org/home/en.

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

THE OFFICE CAT

From page 25

activated in error.

Wrong way driver

A Stewart Avenue motorist was charged with driving the wrong way on a one-way street and improper turn on January 20th.

Faulty CO detector

GCFD and GCPD responded to a residence for a carbon monoxide alarm on January 20th but determined the cause to be a faulty detector.

Repeat offender arrested

On January 21, police arrested a motorist on Clinton Road for aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle, citing 14 license suspensions. The motorist was also charged with driving an unregistered auto and excessive speed.

NICE Bus incident

Officers stopped a NICE Bus displaying a “Call Police” message on Franklin Avenue on January 21. Upon investiga-

tion, it was determined that the message had been set in error.

Oven fire extinguished

On January 21, Garden City Police and Firefighters extinguished an oven fire at a residence.

Truck violations

A truck operator on Clinton Road was charged on January 21 with driving with a suspended registration, operating an unregistered vehicle, and defective brakes.

Burnt food alarms

On January 21, GCFD and GCPD responded to two separate locations where fire alarms were activated due to burnt food.

CO alarm investigated

Responding to a carbon monoxide alarm at a residence on January 21, GCFD and GCPD determined that the area was safe after an investigation.

mcarterflanagan@gardencityny.net

From page 24

Strength” at the Library. Must register.

7:30 p.m. Adult Basketball at the Field House. Nominal fee.

Thursday, January 30th

The Second Trump Era Begins

BY BOB MORGAN, JR.

Monday, January 20, 2025, began the dawning of a new era in American politics, with the swearing in of Donald J. Trump, previously our 45th President, as our 47th President. A few thoughts on the new Administration.

While the restoration of Mr. Trump as President put the same man in the White House as in 2017, somehow the atmosphere this time was considerably different. Although many people were unhappy that Mr. Trump was back, the level of vocal opposition was clearly much lower. Perhaps the cold weather contributed, but there were few reports of violent protesters in Washington and little discussion of a Resistance to Mr. Trump.

Also, unlike in 2017, major business leaders participated in and financially supported, the inauguration and a high profile celebrity, singer Carrie Underwood, performed in the ceremony.. There was no equivalent this time to the massive march of women protesting Mr. Trump on the day after the inauguration. There also was no analogy to the media obsession in 2017 with a basically unfounded story that Mr. Trump was elected because his campaign colluded with Russian operatives.

One additional piece of good news that preceded Mr. Trump’s inauguration was the signing, at long last, of a cease fire in the war between Israel and Hamas which allowed hostages to be released. While it is certainly fair to give the outgoing Biden administration significant credit for the cease fire, Mr. Trump’s threats to take drastic action in the absence of an agreement seems to have pushed it over the goal line.

The inauguration itself proceeded pretty routinely this year with a change to an indoor ceremony on account of the frigid temperatures. But the day also very much accented Mr. Trump’s strong desire to start off by making sweeping changes in a number of areas.

In his inauguration speech, Mr. Trump pledged that “a golden age of America will begin right now” and emphasized many of the themes from his campaign like immigration, tariffs, energy independence and an

America first policy. He was not shy about direct criticism of President Biden, who was seated in the front row. The speech, unlike Mr. Trump’s interminable convention acceptance speech, ran for about 30 minutes, the right length

Later in the day Mr. Trump proceeded to sign a series of executive orders right after the speech, on a wide number of topics. On immigration, he declared a national emergency at the Southern border, reinstated the Remain in Mexico policy and terminated country specific immigration parole programs. Controversially, he ended much of birthright citizenship, despite a significant Constitutional question as to this step. He paused the Tik Tok ban, , left the World Health Organization,, added measures encouraging drilling and ended goals for electric cars. He also signed a back to the office mandate for federal workers.

Obviously, everything did not go completely perfectly on the political front. Mr. Trump still has a number of controversial nominations that need Senate confirmation. There was considerable opposition, and not just from Democrats, to Mr. Trump’s blanket pardon of January 6, 2021 rioters, including some alleged to have assaulted police officers. Mr. Trump had promised to deliver January 6 pardons rioters. and his supporters claimed that the Capitol rioters were treated much worse than people involved in Black Lives Matter violence. The one thing in Mr. Trump’s political favor with respect to these pardons is that he wasn’t the only president who issued controversial pardons this week. President Biden, after commuting the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates and 2500 drug offenders, also pardoned political officials and numerous family members

Certainly, not everyone will agree with the direction of many of Mr. Trump’s policies. But based on his first days in office, there is a new energy in Washington without quite as much of the divisiveness and confusion that marked Mr. Trump’s first term.

7:00 p.m. Friendship Bracelets for Community Service (Grades 6-12) at the Library. Must register.

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

4:00 p.m. Teen Creative Hour for Grades 6-12 at the Library. Must register.

Get Results!

The

Friday, January 24, 2025

a member of Mayor Flanagan’s St. Paul’s Advisory Committee and a seasoned mergers and acquisitions banker, raised a critical question about the multi-million-dollar estimates provided by Trustee Muldoon. With decades of experience as an investment banker, strategy consultant, and corporate executive—Apostolides questioned the source and validity of Muldoon’s “ballpark estimates.”

According to Apostolides, these figures, which range from $30–40 million for the “Muldoon mothballing,” $60–75 million for adaptive reuse, and $75–90 million for partial renovation, lack any supporting data. While Trustee Muldoon referenced his “hundreds of hours” of research and conversations with “hundreds of individuals” at major New York City companies, Apostolides noted that such substantial figures require more than anecdotal evidence, especially based upon any one individual’s conversations with unnamed persons and entities.

Trustee Muldoon extended an offer to Mr. Apostolides for a private meeting in his “office and I will sit with you hours on end.” However, Apostolides declined, stating, “I shouldn’t have to come to your office.” As resident Steve Gorray pointed out, unless Trustee Muldoon is prepared to have meetings with all 22,000 residents of Garden City, these numbers remain insufficiently transparent.  The one number Trustee Muldoon did reveal he used was a 10% contingency, which while possibly adequate for well-cared for homes in Garden City, Steve Gorray pointed out that contingencies for derelict buildings such as St. Paul’s can be as high as 30%. Without supporting data, both Mr Apostolides and Mr Gorray pointed out they could not even tell if soft costs were part of the calculations (usually 10-15%).

Many residents, having gone through more than a year of Mayor Veneziale / Alliance / Conservancy promises of “less than $400 a year” for Adaptive Reuse, (now 300+% higher) and fake Senior Tax Exemptions introduced by Trustee Torino and his running mates Trustees Muldoon, Courtney and Tai, rightfully feel that a prudent and respectful “Trust but Verify” approach is warranted. Mr. Apostolides also referenced the time he spent on the Mayor Flanagan’s St Paul’s Committee researching operating costs for YMCAs and Community Centers and found their yearly operating costs were “in the high single digit millions of dollars”, which Trustee Muldoon also did not include.  That would more than double the yearly cost estimates per household we have received from the BOT in their “survey”.  There are few homeowners in Garden City that would redo even

a bathroom without line items from a contractor, so why do the Alliance BOT members feel the residents do not warrant the type of data that we had received from Mayor Flanagan when she held her town hall meetings before her survey?

The stakes are high. This St. Paul’s survey could determine the building’s fate and significantly impact Garden City’s financial health for decades to come. Under the Adaptive Reuse proposal, it appears Garden City’s longterm debt will almost triple (Excluding Enterprise Debt), potentially risking our credit rating. Given the scale and complexity of commercial construction projects, professional cost estimations are typically carried out by dedicated departments staffed with experienced engineers and financial experts. To suggest that accurate projections can be made without such expertise raises serious concerns.

If the BOT is committed to its stated goal of a fair “resident-driven” survey and to the principle of transparency, it must demand greater accountability. Perhaps the Alliance Trustees should re-evaluate their decision of having one Trustee, with little or no experience in commercial estimating, give the residents “ballpark” figures with no supporting data.  Or Trustee Muldoon should provide a detailed breakdown of the sources behind his estimates, including the names and companies of the “hundreds of individuals” consulted, which of them had toured the building, the data inputs used, and the specific percentages applied for contingencies, soft costs, abatement, and other variables.

For a project of this magnitude, residents deserve clear, evidence-based information to make informed decisions. Transparency is not just a talking point—it’s a necessity.

Donald MacLeod

Democracy versus autocracy

To the Editor:

I attended the Board of Trustees meeting the other night, January 16, where I received a civics lesson conducted by an autocratic, six-member, Board of Trustees. The main topic of discussion that evening was a new survey pertaining to the future of the St. Paul’s building. This agenda item was passed with only six of the eight trustees, which was enough to carry the vote. The two other board members included one trustee and the Mayor, who considered the survey very restrictive with having only three options, all of them directed at saving the entire building in some way.

It turns out that it was these same six trustees who drafted the new survey omitting any clear options for either façadism or demolition, which could have resulted in either a park or a new

community/aquatic center at a much lower cost. The inclusion of all possible options was first prescribed by the BCI survey professionals in order to provide a true non-bias result. But it was quite apparent that these six trustees would not have any part of an unbiased multiple option survey that included all possibilities.

Trustee Torino made it quite clear that as long as they had control of the board, they had the power to do whatever they wanted without the need for a public survey and could spend as much as they deemed necessary to complete their agenda pertaining to the future of the St. Paul’s building. It would seem that only six members of this community are running the show and making all decisions that would impact all of us, all 22,835 of us.

Bob Orosz

Post mortem survey notes

To the Editor:

I spoke at the last BOT keeping within the four minute rule but I felt there is more to say. Thanks for reading this.The last BOT meeting officially marked the death of demolition and yes, facade as well, by the six Trustee dictated survey to be sent to residents. During the meeting Trustee Finneran said (1hr. 21 min.) he and the other five Alliance supported Trustees had concluded the Oct. Poll meant the majority of residents wanted to save the building and were proceeding upon that premise. But the non-binding poll vote merely indicated more wanted to preserve all or part of the building. This poll was not an election or a referendum. Moreover, the ballpark costs for preservation options are now different, and at higher costs than those in the poll. While these six Trustees still claim that the survey is resident driven that is only true to the extent that these six Trustees are residents.

Having disposed of demolition as a choice awhile back these Trustees now put facade to the sword and have replaced it with a vague “partial replacement” involving parts of the the building and a mothballing choice that was never on the poll at all! Mothballing a building for $40 million and no uses! The new #5 partial preservation choice masquerades as a sort of facade but clearly it is not. This current question, a dazzling ball of confusion, is a vague save part (but what part? and what size?), do something or nothing with part(s) of the structure but yet this somehow has a cost estimate. To the contrary facade, using that specific word, was on the poll. Its description was that the wings of the building and the cottages would be removed, the front become a facade with a new cost effective, flexible building behind it. (Note: New construction qualifies for 25- 30 year debt term if made of fire retardant materials, no NYS legislation needed for that component whether in a facade or

and post demolition community/rec center scenario).

After working on this survey for four months, 27 drafts, at the meeting the six Trustees provided no supporting reports, data or analysis for the estimates following the Veneziale/ McDonough and Alliance conservancy playbook of failing to provide objective information about their plans, costs or proposals. Listen to Trustee Muldoon. (1hr. 22min.-45min.).Later, Trustee Muldoon and resident, Bob Wolff, dialogued about the cost of demolition- a $50m number thrown into discussion* (2 hr. 06 min). Trustee Muldoon warned about the perils of demolition despite the Westerman presentation having illustrated an actual library remaining open while the adjoining building was being demolished. How much demolition has Trustee Muldoon done? The discussion suggests that perhaps Trustee Muldoon did not attend the 2 night Village expert presentations before the Oct. Poll. He did not mention that in the Poll ballot demolition was costed at $14.7m. by Westerman, a qualified cost estimator. The previous mayor’s Committee has also costed a real park, not just grass and trees, at an additional $15m. (Nov. 2022 Town Hall- William Kuhl, landscape architect, did a drawing of the park with a nonitemized total cost estimate of the park). Inexplicably, none of the park concept was on the Oct. Poll nor was the idea of demolition resulting in a brand new use driven rec/community center ever explored. *Bottom line: less than $50M would get you demolition, a park and a decent sized flexible rec/community center ( 30,000 sq. ft. at $500 per sq.). Pretty, pretty good compared to no use mothballing, or a partial this or that. It seemed that Trustee Muldoon tried to belittle the Westerman analysis of the reuse plan but it was actually the McDonough team that put out a $49M plan with no new windows. It was our Mayor who added both the windows cost, a good move, and soft costs omitted by McDonough’s Committee group. These increased the price plus the adding of 15% soft costs (not in the current Muldoon estimates) to put the reuse of 30% of the building at cost of $60.7M in the Poll Fact Sheet.

These Trustees have claimed that a majority, 2,635 voted for preservation as a basis for this survey but this is inaccurate- those votes were actually for partial (facade) or full preservation collectively. Mothballing was never part of the poll. No one voted for spending $40MM on a building we can’t use. Now that the six have discarded facade their purported 61/39% advantage in a non-binding poll no longer exists. So as remarked by General George Washington in several recent SNL skits “ no one knows”; How many voted for facade as opposed to reuse? But we know nobody voted for

mothballing or a so vague as to be meaningless save part or parts of the building because there are no established uses for the building as demonstrated by the recent recreation survey. Based upon the fact some (how many?) seniors no doubt voted for preservation on the false assumption they were getting a tax exemption coupled with the now out of the survey votes by facade folks, it is reasonable to assume that reuse got at least 20% fewer votes than 2,635. So subtract those votes from reuse and add to demolition! The Real Winner, demolition! Isn’t that what the  six Trustees are afraid of? Isn’t the mothballing choice, Q. #6, an admission that there are no real uses and/or can’t afford to fix it with uses for the building as reflected in the recent Rec. survey?

The six Trustees fallacious reasoning permeates the survey: 1. Disregards the advice of BCI, 2. Shuffles and stacks the deck to favor the reuse option. 3. Does not provide qualified, impartial data or reports supporting its version of cost estimates but only refers to a “ hundred” anonymous, undocumented communications with some unidentified “construction industry” related persons. 4. Only mentions unrevealed communications with bond counsel and finance bond expert CMA with NO documentation at all. 5. The misguided predicate is saving the building come hades or high water rather than a focus on what is the needed-what real uses and space are best suited for the residents overall for the entire Village with taxpayer cost an important consideration.

As much as the previous ballot/Poll was criticized the process leading up to it included two nights of expert presentations by village Counsel, bond counsel, CMA financial advisors, and Westerman Construction. Compare that to the cavalier one hour discussion among the Trustees at the last BOT meeting offering no reports or documentation. Yet the survey claims that it will take a resident a mere 15 minutes to answer the questions. REALLY? This demonstrates how little these Trustees care about providing a “resident driven survey”. No wonder the Mayor voted no to the survey as presented. (read her last Update in GCN p. 18 to this effect).

If you feel that this survey lacks sufficient choices (particularly demolition and its aftermath), perhaps it comes up short on sufficient integrity, then chime in at info.spiritgc@gmail.com.

S. G. Gorray

Improve class sizes in schools

To the Editor:

As a dedicated educator in a nearby district with over 20 years of experience and the proud daughter of a mom who taught in Garden City for 25 years, I ask that you please join me at the Board of Education meeting on January 28th in the High School Library at 8PM.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Email: Editor@GCNews.com

Please help show Dr. Sinha and the Board that class size is important to our community. Core academic classes at the middle school are up to 33 students. We can do better for the young people of GC.

Research consistently shows that students in smaller classes perform better and exhibit higher levels of engagement and motivation. Smaller classes allow teachers to tailor learning to the students’ needs and facilitate inquiry based lessons where children are able to collaborate and create. Students in smaller classes make meaningful connections with their teachers and teachers can provide individualized or small group learning opportunities. Larger classes force teachers into lecture style lessons without the ability to answer questions in real time. Additionally, the small classrooms at the Middle school are unable to support these large numbers of students. Children are jammed in aisles on wheely desks to make room for large numbers. This type of learning is not appropriate for our 7th graders.

I was inspired by my mom to pursue a career in teaching and to advocate for the best possible education for my students and for my own children. When my mom saw injustice in education, she never gave up on her students. I urge all parents, educators, and community members to attend the upcoming Board of Education meeting and voice their support for smaller class sizes. Your presence and participation can make a significant difference in the future of our schools. Together, we can create an environment where children have the opportunity to thrive and teachers can perform to the best of their abilities.

Let’s come together on January 28th to advocate for the changes our children deserve.

Sarah Hogan

Literacy consultants

The following letter to the Garden City Board of Education is reprinted at the request of the author: Dear Members of the Board of Education:

I write as a concerned stakeholder in our District’s educational success. While I appreciate the Board’s efforts to address critical educational needs, I have several questions regarding the criteria and processes surrounding the hiring of consultants, particularly as it relates to the sorely needed implementation of an actual structured literacy program in our schools.

First, what are the specific qualifications and expertise the Board will requires from any consultant(s) hired? Given the importance of evidence-based instruction, it is imperative that any consultant hired to influence literacy programs be well-versed in structured literacy methodologies and have a proven track record of successful imple-

mentation in diverse school settings. Without this specialized expertise, there is a risk of misalignment with best practices and the law, ultimately delaying progress for our students and subjecting the District to potential liability. Additionally, I seek clarification on the goals set for these consultants. What are the measurable objectives they are expected to achieve, and how do these align with the urgent need to adopt a structured literacy program and improved MTSS system (to catch struggling readers) district-wide? Clarity on these goals will help ensure accountability and alignment with the District’s priorities.

Furthermore, I would like to know the timeline the Board envisions for this process. Structured literacy is a proven approach that can significantly improve student outcomes, particularly for those struggling with foundational skills. Any further delay in implementation risks further exacerbating existing achievement gaps. It is critical that the timeline for consultant work and subsequent program rollout reflects the urgency of this issue.

Finally, I ask the Board to provide transparency regarding the criteria by which consultant success will be evaluated. What metrics will be used to assess whether the consultant’s contributions have led to meaningful progress in implementing structured literacy practices? Establishing clear success indicators upfront is essential for ensuring accountability and effective use of District resources. Will such criteria be integrated into any consultant contract to, among other things, protect students and taxpayers?

As we move forward, I urge the Board to prioritize a focused and expedited plan to institute a structured literacy program that is supported by both research and successful outcomes in other districts. The benefits of structured literacy are well-documented, and our students deserve access to instruction that meets their needs without unnecessary delay.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your full and prompt response and hope for continued dialogue to ensure that our District takes the most effective steps to enhance literacy outcomes for all students.

Rich Corrao

No to the Casino

The following letter to the Nassau County Legislature is reprinted at the writer’s request:

Dear Legislators and other government officials:

I write to protest the Sands Casino at the Nassau Coliseum site. Having taught at Hofstra University for more than 35 years, I am appalled at the proximity of a 24 hour/ 365 days a year casino to the university and the schools in

the area. Not only would it be a constant temptation to gamble and party for college students, its 20,000 to 30,000 expected customers per day would grossly affect traffic and pollution in the already congested Meadowbrook Parkway and Hempstead Turnpike area.

As a resident of Garden City since 1972, I am unfortunately used to heavy traffic on Stewart Avenue, Clinton Road, and Old Country Road as shoppers, patients, and workers head to the numerous shopping malls, office complexes, and medical facilities in the area. Adding gamblers trying to avoid the Meadowbrook exits will jam those thoroughfares, not just at rush hour or during the holidays but everyday, all day. Do our Nassau County legislators realize that there is an elementary school at the corner of Stewart and Clinton, one that hundreds of children have to cross each day, morning and afternoon?

In addition to the dangers to our students, young and young adult, and the pollution from traffic, I am intensely worried about the deleterious effect such a large proposal will have on our Long Island water table. The depth of the wells the Sands proposes means nothing if what is pumped is salt-tainted.

This is a project that simply does not belong in Nassau County, especially when the area would be better served by a hospital complex as has been proposed. I am certain voters will remember those government officials who pushed through a project against the wishes of the local community.

Maureen Connolly McFeely Adjunct Professor Emerita, English Department

The most serious issue

To the Editor:

While Garden City residents are focused on the contents and release of yet another survey in the long, drawn out debate about the future of the St Paul’s property, they are not paying enough attention to a far more serious problem developing at the Nassau Hub. While they are allowing themselves to be distracted by the St. Paul’s and other issues of less importance, the Nassau County Executive, the Nassau County Legislature and the Hempstead Town Board are trying to impose on us a plan by Las Vegas Sands, an out of state corporation, to build a Casino at the Nassau Coliseum site.

The majority of Nassau’s residents don’t want the Casino and have said so. Hofstra University has sued to block the transfer of the site and Garden City’s Board has filed an Article 78 Proceeding objecting to the grant of a lease to the Sands, but active participation by individuals in opposition to the project is woefully insufficient. When my wife See page 46

and I handed out material opposing the Casino, a typical response was “ I agree. This shouldn’t happen, but I don’t know much about it, and it’s probably a done deal anyway.” That is a defeatist attitude and it’s not the correct approach.

New York State has reserved three casino licenses for allocation to a downstate area which includes Garden City. It’s fairly well accepted that two of those go to Yonkers Raceway and Aquaduct Racetrack. That leaves about nine competitors for one license. How does that amount to a done deal for the Las Vegas Sands project? Las Vegas Sands has attempted to spread goodwill, particularly in communities adjacent to the Hub. Nassau County has done its best to limit publicity about the project (there are no Bruce Bulletins clogging your mailbox on this issue). It’s also fair to say Newsday has not added much support to those who oppose Sands. There are too many things wrong about this project for us to be willing to concede that it’s a done deal. If you care about protecting Garden City from the extreme danger it poses I suggest you consider the following:

• How can we spend years obsessing about every detail involved in the effort to save an iconic building like St. Paul’s according to a standard of what’s appropriate for a valuable piece of property in Garden City and be willing to accept the construction of two 26 story towers and a couple of nine story parking garages for a casino complex nobody wants one mile to the south of the Village as a done deal?

• How can we live with the frustration of being forced to plan our day, especially during the holiday season, to avoid traveling near Roosevelt Field and the nearby intersection of Stewart Avenue and Clinton Road and accept that the almost unimaginable traffic conditions caused by the need to accommodate 30,000 visitors a day, seven days a week to a gambling complex that is 21/2 times the size of Roosevelt field is a done deal?

• How can we be so concerned about traffic safety on our residential streets that we form committees, hire consultants and request stop signs at so many of those intersections and willingly accept the fact that traffic congestion resulting from the Sands project will cause gamblers to use Waze-inspired short cuts through those streets 24 hours a day is a done deal?

How can we be concerned about the real possibility of drought and migrating plumes of toxic waste endangering the sole source of our water supply and accept that handing over 1,000,000 gallons a day to a casino complex is a done deal?

• The Meadowbrook Pkwy. is not adequate to manage current traffic patterns. This is less a question of traffic

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Email: Editor@GCNews.com

flow than of backups at exits that weren’t built to accommodate those patterns. How can the multi-year expense and disruption to our infrastructure caused by the construction of an extra lane and the reconstruction of several bridges be accepted as a done deal when all it does is move the exit bottleneck from point A to point B?

These are just a few reasons why the Sands Casino Project is the most serious issue facing the Village now. I have not described how it affects the financial condition of Garden City itself, the businesses within the Village, its residents or the Village’s reputation as a desired location to raise a family and educate children. Its hard earned standing as a community to be admired should not be sullied by the effects this project will cause.

One of the requirements needed for a license to be granted by the State is a finding that the project is accepted by the community where it is located.Two Community Acceptance Committees of five members each will be formed to to establish that acceptance, one in Nassau County and one by the State Gaming Commission in Albany. A majority vote in favor of a finding of acceptance is required. Making our voices heard, again and again as loudly and forcefully as possible and creating a record of those objections is the best opportunity we have to affect those votes. The important point to remember is only one license remains to be granted. We have to show that our community is so strongly opposed to this license being given to Sands that it makes sense for the Gaming Commission to give it to an applicant that has the support of its community.

Ordinary citizens can come together and undo a done deal.The Philadelphia 76ers had been planning for years to build a new $1.3 billion arena in the Center City neighborhood of the city. The mayor was fully behind the project because the new arena could revitalize the struggling neighborhood and provide a big political win. Despite rallies and vigorous opposition at City Council meetings, the Council voted to approve the plan on December 19th. Public opposition continued to be broad, driven by concerns about an adverse impact on the neighborhood, the difficulty of managing the influx of all the visitors, the inability of such projects to deliver on promises of big benefits to local economies and by anger that the proponents of the plan had prioritized the interests of the team’s owners over the voices of residents and businesses that were at risk of being displaced. In mid January the team’s owners listened to the residents and announced a change in plans.The team would build a new, “world class arena” in the same entertainment and sports district where they have played

for decades and invest in the revitalization of the Center City neighborhood where the owners had planned to locate their new arena.

Roger McFeely

Vote doesn’t represent us

To the Editor:

Unfortunately our Representative is not representing us. Laura Gillen voted against the Protection of Woman and Girls in Sports Act, which passed the House with 100% Republicans and only two Democrats in support of it.

Let her know how you feel about this. Looks like she is under the influence of Hakeem Jefferies and the rest of the progressives in the Democratic Caucus. She should be aware we are watching and her chances for re-election are less with type of vote.

We will se how Schumer and Gillibrand vote on this in the Senate but for now I am disappointed in her action.

Richard F. Hay

You don’t know what you have till it’s gone

To the Editor:

I found last week’s “View From Here” not only shortchanged President Biden’s legacy a “wee” bit but also wanted to reinforce the notion history will report Mr. Biden was “asleep at the wheel” for most of his tenure in office. Testament to this opinion (and to set the record straight) can be discerned when one reviews “just the facts [and figures] ma’am”.

The Biden Administration saved America from Covid (and since we’re not elephants - we needed saving) by helping get 500,000,000 life saving vaccines to Americans and billions of dollars in relief payments to struggling citizens, renters and the unemployed.

He capped prescription drug prices to $2000 per year for seniors and gave Medicare the power to negotiate prescription drug prices (which included capping insulin prices) while also reducing healthcare premiums. Millions have signed up for healthcare taking the number of the uninsured to an all time low. Cancer research has been re-invigorated to lower death rates and the very important PACT Act was signed to address service members’ exposure to burn pits and other toxins. Unemployment rates hit historic lows while the most jobs (6,600,000) ever created in one year were secured in 2021.

We saw the fastest deceleration of high inflation levels which had resulted from required Covid-related spending - while avoiding what most had considered an inevitable recession. Families’ net worth has climbed significantly and expanded overtime is now guaranteed for millions. And contrary to projections the stock market would crash under his oversight, all three major indices soared to unimagined heights critical to old and young investors alike. President Biden passed the very much overdue

$1,200,000,000 bipartisan infrastructure package along with a $369,000,000 investment in climate change and the CHIPS and Science Act to enable more microchips to be made in America - all landmark legislations.

He kept Ukraine free by strengthening NATO and, despite nuclear threats from Russia, facilitated the never thought possible inclusion of Sweden and Finland in this vital and successful war deterring organization.He strengthened our alliances with Japan and Korea to confront China’s overtures in the region and in his last weeks brokered a ceasefire/hostage release deal in the mideast. Child poverty was cut in half through the American Rescue Plan and the Violence Against Women Act was reauthorized through 2027.

Importantly, his assistance to women’s rights, minorities, LGBTQ communities and under-represented groups never wavered.His support for unions has been historic even becoming the first president to walk a picket line.To combat crime, he created the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention and signed the most significant gun violence prevention legislation in 30 years. Regarding energy, the country is producing the most oil in its history and renewable power is now the No.2 source of US electricity. Aid has finally been provided to the consumer as many business junk fees and bank overdraft charges have been eliminated, penalties are now being imposed on college programs that trap students in debt and airlines must pay when flights are delayed or cancelled. Even our myriad of immigration issues would have improved by his bi-partisan sponsored legislation but it wasn’t brought to a vote because our new president commanded it not to. Lastly, he oversaw a peaceful transition of power, something his predecessor premeditatedly failed to do. One can go on, but I think you get the point. No doubt history may report President Biden was unpopular but no matter what side of the aisle you are on you have to respect the fact it will also report he supervised one of the most productive administrations {some have even compared it to Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s first term). His initiatives impacted people from all walks of life but especially the “average Joe” (pun intended) - sometimes several times over. He truly served the interests of all the people, not a select few and certainly not the 1%’ers.

So fare thee well Joe Biden, a sincere 50 year public servant. Some may have considered you “sleepy” and old and in the way but the nation will miss you. I guess the adage “you don’t know what you have until it’s gone” will become relevant in no time at all.

Joe Cauchi

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

Sidewalk Snowplowing

A view of sidewalk snowplowing, possibly on Clinton Rd. south of Brook St., when horses were still used and the service was provided villagewide. The horses were kept in a stable on Seventh St. In the early 1950s the horses were replaced by motorized plows. In 1977 the practice was discontinued due to inability to obtain proper equipment, the increased number of streets and parking areas, insufficient manpower, and the danger of damage to private property by the equipment [damaging the adjacent grass]. Archives identifier: pwsan08

The ultimate guide to good posture: What you’ve been missing

BY AHMED AHMED

Most people think good posture means standing or sitting up tall with your shoulders pinned back…

And in 2022, the global “posture correction” industry was worth $1.1 billion, and it’s expected to soar to $2.35 billion by 2032!

These products promised relief to those suffering from back and neck pain, concerned about balance issues and falling, or frustrated by their appearance.

But is “good posture” really this magic pill?

Here’s the thing…

Posture is more than one single position you hold!

It’s how your bones fit into each other within your bodydepending on the position you’re in.

So that means even your feet have posture!

Yup, it’s true…

Your posture is constantly changing …

And if it doesn’t or can’t, that could be problematic.

Let me explain…

Your brain communicates with your muscles to control your posture.

So, if you notice you’re constantly bent over to one side…

That could be a sign that you’re lack-

ing strength on the opposite side!

This lack of alignment can lead to wear and tear on your bones, causing discomfort.

So, what is good posture?

It’s having the ability to move in and out of positions with ease, without overloading your muscles, so you can avoid pain and injuries.

There is no single best posture to be in all the time.

But If you do want to sit up or stand straighter…

You probably already have the

strength to do so.

What you might be missing is the awareness of your spine and the conscious decision to sit or stand taller…

And, like any skill, this takes consistent practice.

Remember, true good posture is about having the strength to move however you want, so you can enjoy your favorite activities without limitations.

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/

Ahmed Ahmed

GC Grapplers continue to excel in Lindenhurst

On Saturday, the Garden City youth wrestling team, affectionately known as the GC Grapplers, shined at the "Green Machine" youth wrestling tournament held in Lindenhurst. Originally intended to be an individual bracketed competition, the event was converted into a "Warzone" format due to an overwhelming influx of participants, showcasing the high level of interest in youth wrestling across Long Island.

Wrestlers from various towns and clubs throughout Long Island converged for this highly competitive event. Upon the conclusion of the matches, Garden City emerged with an impressive 3rd place finish out

of 33 competing teams, trailing only behind the champions from Wantagh and the runner-up, host Lindenhurst. This achievement further cements the GC Grapplers' status as one of the premier youth wrestling programs on Long Island, with team standings determined by the cumulative scores of the top 10 wrestlers from each team.

Head coach Stephen Jones, along with his dedicated assistants Jay and Kirk, has been meticulously preparing the team for this season, and their efforts are clearly reflected in the recent successes. Over the past few weeks, the GC Grapplers have accumulated multiple wins and

individual titles, highlighting their growth and competitiveness.

During this tournament, the team recorded a remarkable total of 23 wins, which contributed significantly to their 3rd place finish. Several grapplers delivered standout performances, including Reed Daily (2 wins), Mack Flannery (1 Win), Powers Dell’Olio (3 Wins), James Daily (3 wins), Quinn Dell’Olio (3 Wins), Keegan Fitzpatrick (4 Wins), Carter Dalessio (2 Wins), Luke Linchitz (1 Win), Charlie Linchitz (1 Win), Caiden Moskowitz (3 wins) Additionally, Sean Taylor made his debut for the season, demonstrating his resilience in three challeng -

ing matches against some of Long Island's toughest competitors.

For several members of the GC Grapplers, this tournament marked their season debut, including Reed, Mack, James, Carter, Luke, Charlie, Caiden, and Sean. Collectively, these athletes participated in 29 total matches on the day, showcasing remarkable toughness, determination, and grit throughout the competition.

Looking ahead, the GC Grapplers are gearing up for their upcoming event at the Bethpage PAL tournament scheduled for next Sunday, with many team members expected to participate. The following week

Carter Dalessio gets his hand raised in victory!

Caiden Moskowitz pins his opponent.

Several GC Grapplers are all smiles after a long day.

Powers Dell’Olio and Sean Taylor preparing for their matches.

Mack Flannery gets some helpful tips from Coach Jay.

GC Grapplers continue to excel in Lindenhurst

Reed Daily sets up his leg takedown en route to the win!Several GC Grapplers are all smiles after a long day.

will herald the start of the "major" tournament season, featuring the NY-USA Nassau and Long Island Championship in Bay Shore. With the significant skill development

Dell’Olio

attributed to the relentless preparation from coaches Jay and Kirk, Garden City is poised to remain highly competitive. Notably, 2024 Nassau County champion Owen Sampson

Charlie Linchitz gets a big win!

will aim to defend his title, alongside 2024 Long Island champion Keegan Fitzpatrick.

Community members are encouraged to come out and support these

dedicated wrestlers as they continue to establish Garden City as a powerhouse in youth wrestling.

Larson Legacy Concert at Adelphi PAC

Composer, musician and artist and Jonathan Larson Grant winner Veronica Mansour will perform original music at Adelphi University's Performing Arts Center (PAC) on Saturday, January 25.

Composer, musician and artist and Jonathan Larson Grant winner Veronica Mansour will perform original music at Adelphi University's Performing Arts Center (PAC) on Saturday, January 25, at 3 p.m. The event is part of Adelphi’s Larson Legacy Concert series.

Mansour will be presenting music from several different projects in development including “The Dark Lady” (in collaboration with Sophie Boyce) and Lighthouse (in collaboration with abs wilson). Her talented cast includes Ari Afsar, Jane Bruce, Jade Jones, Kerstin Anderson, Darcie Hingula, Adam LaPorte, Samantha Lane, Zalah Vallien, Sophia O’Brien, and August Quini. Musical director is Fred Feeney and band members Nate Lueck, Roger Post and Rich Zurkowski.

The event will be held at Adelphi PAC's Olmsted Theatre and will also be livestreamed. Following the performance, there will be a reception for the audience and artists.

Tickets are currently on sale to all performances, with discounts available to seniors, students, Adelphi alumni and employees. For more information, call Lucia and Steven N. Fischer Box Office at 516-877-4000 or email boxoffice@adelphi. edu. The box office is open Wednesday through Friday from Noon to 5 p.m. beginning January 25, and is also open two hours before all ticketed performances. Ticket sales, livestream details, and additional information are available online.

Adelphi PAC is one of Long Island’s premier cultural arts venues for entertainment of all kinds. See more about other upcoming Adelphi PAC offerings at pac.adelphi.edu.

Quinn

muscles his way to the pin.

Adult Evening Programs at the Field House

The

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 .

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”

Adult

Art Class at Cluett Hall

The Garden City’s Department of Recreation and Parks will offer an adult art class this winter.  This tenweek program will teach the beginner as well as the advanced student the art of painting portraits and landscapes/ still-life in pastel from photographs. Arleen Rueth Urban, the instructor for this program, is a signature member of the Pastel Society of America.

Classes will be held Fridays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. The cost of this program will be $ 140. This class is open to adult residents who reside in the Inc. Village of Garden City.  Classes are held in St. Paul’s Cluett Hall beginning Friday, February 7.

The first lesson includes a portrait and landscape demonstration. At that time, a supply list is provided.  Demonstrations will be available as needed throughout the program.  Each student will receive the individual attention required as they move at their own pace and level of expertise.

To register for this session please visit the Recreation and Parks office at 108 Rockaway Avenue. If you have a password, you may register online at gcreconline.gardencityny.net.

USA Sport Group and Pulse Sports are Gearing Up for Summer!

USA Sports Group, a longtime partner of the Recreation and Parks Department of the Village of Garden City, will be running Summer Camps from children ages 5–12.  It will be a multi-sport program with an adapted curriculum running from June through August.  For more information please go to PULSECAMPS.COM

Garden City High School Boys Varsity Basketball

GC defeated Friends Academy in double OT at the Richard Brown Classic.

Garden City High School Boys Varsity Basketball played two games and three overtimes last week. First, Garden City played Calhoun where they trailed by seven with only a couple of minutes to go. With little time left, GC cut the lead to three. Next, Chris Sarkis hit a clutch three with a few seconds remaining to send the game to overtime. GC ended up falling short 57-54 after an amazing comeback in the final minutes of regulation. Leading scorers included Noah Lau - 21, Ryan Kenny - 10 and Chris Sarkis - 8.

The following game, GC traveled to Uniondale for the Richard Brown Classic facing Friends Academy. GC led most of the way but Friends clawed back and took the lead in regulation. With seconds remaining, Noah Lau hit a reverse lay up to send the game to overtime. After a hard fought first overtime, the game was still tied. GC went on to a sick 76-74 win in double OT! Noah Lau took home All Tournament honors with 21 points. Other leading scorers were

Noah Lau, All Tournament

Ryan Campbell - 14, Jack Costa - 11, and Jason Bremer - 8. Also adding to the scoring were Chris Sarkis, Patrick VanBlenis, Brian Nolan, Merit Ruckh, Ryan Kenny and Ben Lau. GC heads into the final third of the season with a 12-1 record. Let’s go Trojans!

Free throw championship set for January 31

Who’s the best free throw shooter in Garden City? The St. Joseph-Bishop Baldwin Council aims to find out. The Council will once again be hosting a Free Throw Championship for all boys and girls ages 9 to 14 as of January 1, 2025. This free event will be held on Saturday January 31,  from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the St. Joseph School Gym, comer of Fourth St. and Franklin Ave.

Contestants will have the opportunity to shoot 15 free throws. For participants aged 9–11, the foul line will be set at 12 feet, while all others will shoot from the 15-foot charity stripe. All girls and boys aged 9–11 will use a 28.5” basketball, while boys aged 12–14 will use a standard men's size basketball. Basketballs will be awarded to the player who hits the most buckets in each category. The winners advance to the next competition round with the final state championship round taking place at the US Military Academy West Point.

The Knights of Columbus Free Throw Challenge has been sponsored annually since 1972, with winners progressing through council, dis -

trict, county, and state competitions. All contestants on the council level are recognized for their participation in the event.

For more information and to RSVP, email Tony Bennett at te1ux78@gmail. com

Jim Madelmayer assists a contestant in the Free Throw Competition.

Garden City, NY 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath. MLS# L3586884. $1,099,000.

City, NY

5-bedroom, 3.55-bath. MLS# L3575933. $2,888,000.

Wyndham East, #908

Garden City, NY 1-bedroom, 1.5-bath. MLS# L3549856. $685,000.

Garden City, NY 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath. MLS# L3588293. $1,560,000.

Garden City, NY 4-bedroom, 4.55-bath. MLS# L3563014. $3,299,000.

Wyndham East, #M17

Garden City, NY 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath. MLS# L3593142. $899,000.

Garden City, NY 3-bedroom, 3-bath. MLS# L3563277. $1,688,000.

West, #PH2

Garden City, NY 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath. MLS# L3579709. $2,500,000.

City, NY 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath. MLS# L3581188. $1,748,000.

Wyndham West, #M8

Garden City, NY 1-bedroom, 1.5-bath. MLS# L3585126. $4,500/mo.

$1,899,000.

Garden City, NY 4-bedroom, 3-bath. MLS# 805421. $8,500/mo.

Mary Krener

Fortune Heaney Lisa Heaney

Lynn Puccio Cheryl Trimboli Scott Wallace

Arthur Anderson Jessica Brantuk

Ann Collins

Claudia Galvin Rene Blair

Christine Cudahy Manager

Linda Mulrooney Eileen O’Hara Diane Piscopo

Daureen Hausser

Stephanie Marchan

Aimee Escher

Garden

Garden

Patrick Gibbons

Matthew Minardi

Kathy Lucchesi Susan MacDonald

Brigid Marmorowski

Patricia Dickson

Kathleen Lichtman

Rockville Centre, NY 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath. MLS# L3531818. $1,399,000.

Rockville Centre, NY 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath. MLS# L3561270. $1,468,000.

Floral Park, NY 3-bedroom, 3-bath. MLS# L3592160. $1,275,000.

Garden City, NY 4-bedroom, 3-bath. MLS# 810062.

Wyndham

Marianne Imperial

Alesya Busel