The Garden City News (11/29/24)

COUNTY CHAMPIONS

City High School’s Trojans steamrolled arch rival Manhasset 48-14 to win the Nassau County Championship on November 23rd. See pages 46-47

School Board meeting crowded over state regionalization proposal

BY KASSARA MCELROY

Monday’s Garden City Board of Education meeting drew strong community turnout, with many residents expressing concerns about the state’s push for school district regionalization. The initiative, intended to encourage great-

er collaboration between Long Island schools, has raised alarms about state overreach and the potential loss of local control.

District Counsel Doug Spencer outlined Garden City’s current obligation to the regionalization plan, including a strengths and needs assess-

ment, stakeholder engagement, and drafting a progress report. However, Spencer reassured attendees that the district retains ultimate control:

“The only way to be bound by the terms in the plan is if we explicitly say so.” The regionalization plan is projected to be

See page 32

Trustees object to mayor’s comments on St. Paul’s survey

BY RIKKI MASSAND

The November 21 Village Board meeting revealed tensions over the development of the St. Paul’s survey and fallout from the Board’s November 7 decision to delay its approval for further revisions.

There was no subtlety about it. Garden City Mayor Mary Carter Flanagan was at the center of backlash from other trustees for her comments in the November 15th Mayor’s col-

umn in The Garden City News.

In the column, published on November 15, Flanagan lamented the Board’s 6–2 vote to postpone the survey’s release, framing the decision as a setback for Garden City.

Trustees respond to Mayor Trustee Jessica Tai expressed her disappointment, emphasizing the Board’s ongoing efforts. Speaking with emotion, she

See page 31

Trustees debate Adelphi financial contributions

BY RIKKI MASSAND

At the November 21 meeting, the Village Board of Trustees reviewed an agreement with Adelphi University for parking usage at Community Park from September 1 through January 15, 2025. Adelphi will pay the village $12,500 during this period, half of the originally proposed $25,000 annual fee.

Village Attorney Gary Fishberg noted that this would be the seventh amendment to the underlying agreement between the university and the village.

The trustees mulled whether Adelphi’s contribution should be increased. Trustee Bruce Torino asked “Have we ever done a calculation to see what the utility cost to Adelphi would be for parking their buses at our place? I know it’s happening year after year after year. At some point in time, we should theoretically be charging them more.”

Trustee Vinny Muldoon, admitting that he’s in the posi-

See page 26

Garden

High-Stakes Harm

The details on the Las Vegas Sands casino proposal have been released in a massive 21,000 page environmental impact statement which is available online.

Among the facts presented, the proposal would include adding a lane to the Meadowbrook Parkway to handle the estimated ten million visitors a year.

The Say No to the Casino group points out, “For comparison, about 10 million people per year visit Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, one of the largest theme parks in the country, situated in a major city designed to support and encourage tourism.”

If you think the added traffic burden would only impact the parkway, we’ve got a bridge to sell you. Traffic is like

water - it flows to wherever there is space for it. And that would be the surrounding areas’ streets.

The casino project would also build a new water well which would pump 2 million gallons of water per day. As per the plan, the project would use 750,000 gallons of water per day and excess supply would go to the Uniondale water district.

Building out a lot of excess capacity into the water system suggests to us that perhaps the designers want to leave open the possibility of future growth for the development.

And none of this even gets to the true problem of the proposal - the social ills that hard core gambling brings to communities.

The Illusion of Choice

To the Editor:

Our village is now up to its 12th survey on St. Paul’s with a forecast for a number 13. These newer surveys have become more and more limited with each printing displaying few options, it’s called a “forced choice,” meaning that the user is compelled to select from a restricted set of answers. This method is often used in surveys to gather more definitive opinions or preferences from respondents. This can also be called a Hobson’s choice, where there is no real choice between options, or where there is only one thing that can be done. The term is often used to describe an illusion of choices. Don’t let our BOT get away with this practice of not providing every option including the removal of the building, replacing it with a park or a new recreation/community center, which can be built more in line with the village’s population and at a lower cost. Express your displeasure through e-mails, phone calls, letters, and attendance at board meetings. Let them know that the surveys must contain all options and the need for verifiable information in order to make informed decisions that all of us can live with or the BOT will decide for us.

Bob Orosz

Hell-bent!

To the Editor:

This headline describes my view of the recent deliberations of the Garden City Board of Trustees regarding how to reach a consensus on how to resolve the St. Paul’s Main Building debate. In a nutshell, the Board seems to be hellbent on deciding that preservation, i.e., adaptive reuse, is the clear choice of the G.C. governing body. If not hell-bent, they have concluded that demolition is no longer under consideration and façadism is a low priority. There is a clear-cut consensus of the eight to proceed with preservation. The votes are there!

At the November 21 Board of Trustees meeting Q&A session, I asked

Mayor Flanagan why demolition is off the table. She responded with a vague non response. She emphasized that the St. Paul’s decision will be “community driven.” What does that mean? That the people will decide the fate of the structure, not the Board? I followed up with -- precisely how will the Board define a resident mandate? Is there a minimum ratio of the population that will decide. Again, no satisfactory answer. She confirmed that demolition will not even appear on the upcoming December survey of residents now in the process of being prepared. I again followed up. In the October 2023 Opinion Poll, just under 40% of the voters chose demolition. I asked, “Is it fair and democratic to disenfranchise almost half of our residents?” Again, a weak answer. I again followed...the 60% share (non 40%) of the vote was tainted by the fact that a facade choice was buried in the 60% segment of the result. Thus pure preservation may have been 50% or less of the result--hardly a mandate. The Mayor responded, with words, in effect, that last year’s poll was not reliable. I then asked, what will you do if the upcoming survey outcome does not result in a clear majority? This would occur if the December 2024 survey has three or more “winners” but each below 50%. Again, garbled Mayoral response.

CONCLUSIONS: In my view, we may need another opinion poll with three choices--not the two from October 2023. Another possible outcome of the survey would be if a majority of households do not even return it. There was apathy in the response of the first survey this past summer when only 20% were returned. The present Board is loaded with preservationists. Not one speaks of demolition as a good choice. If a vote was held today, preservation would likely win with a majority of votes by Trustees. It reminds me of the U.S. Supreme Court-stacked with a strong one-sided opinion. Personally, I do not believe full preservation will occur owing to a likely unaffordable price tag and lack of a See page 35

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Board awards bid for tennis courts, wood chip removals

BY RIKKI MASSAND

At its November 21 meeting, the Village Board of Trustees approved multiple projects, including the reconstruction of the Grove Street Tennis Courts. The contract was awarded to Stasi General Contracting of Westbury for $141,000, using funds from the Athletic Court Renovations budget and remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocations.

Village Superintendent of Public Works John Borroni said, “It includes a drain repair, overlay of the existing surface, repainting of the court, net replacement and the perimeter fence repair…The original project budget was $346,000 and the remaining $205,000 of ARPA funds saved (from the $141,000 bid) are allocated to other projects listed on the Board meeting agenda tonight.”

Trustee Judy Courtney asked about the disparity from the initial request, roughly $205,000, and if Garden City has decided to skip any portion from the original RFP.

Superintendent Borroni said originally the construction activities budgeted for were for removal of the concrete surface at the courts. “Because of site conditions and concrete situated lower, as there’s a permanent curb, we were able to install a thick layer of asphalt on top which saved the village a consider-

Advice Matters.

able amount of money,” he explained.

Wood chip disposal

The Board approved bid awards for the disposal of the municipality’s wood chips, for which the services of two vendors will be utilized on an ‘as-needed basis.’ The first contract is for “Item No.1” wood chips, for Westbury-based Vigliotti Recycling Corp. at a unit price of $30 per ton with an estimated cost of $45,000. For item No. 2 the village contracted with West Babylon-based Winer Bros. Hauling of Long Island. The company was the sole bidder for Item No. 2 at a unit price of $924 per 30 cubic yard container, and an estimated cost of $138,742.

Superintendent Borroni explained that the wood chips were generated over the years from the many tree removals in Garden City, and that his estimate is that wood chips had not been disposed of in the last eight years.

Trustee Ed Finneran asked if the need could arise for the village to have this service repeated through contracting with a vendor every year. Borroni believes that could work out efficiently, and it should be budgeted for due to the trees being taken down and wood chips accumulating. “It results in cleanup that we need to do to get rid of the massive pile of wood chips,” he responded.

Trustee Jessica Tai then asked if

these wood chips could be reused in Garden City for mulching. The DPW superintendent was unsure, and he said he’s able to look into the potential.

Trustee Vinny Muldoon added to her point and asked Borroni if it were possible for the village to ‘recycle’ and sell the wood chips, possibly by contacting a landscape firm. “I imagine there would be some kind of market if we could mulch the wood chips and sell it, “even if we broke even and it did not cost us money to get rid of them.”

Borroni commented that he did try to place wood chips on an international auctions website, but there were no takers.

Trustee Bruce Torino’s consideration of what prevents redirecting of wood chips punctuated the discussion.

“One of the difficulties with wood chips is being able to source what the quality of the wood is, where it came from and if they’re off diseased trees – ones which were removed and we’re trying to get rid of them. Therefore using them as mulch might be nice, but you might create other problems for different reasons,” he said.

DPW Superintendent Borroni agreed, and reiterated a need to really investigate the idea.

Water main change order

Another approval by the Board

on November 21st was for a change order of $137,140 submitted by Bancker Construction Corp. of Islandia, for its work necessary to install an additional 280 feet of 12-inch water main to the existing 12-inch water main on Old Country Road, and for any extra work items for the water main replacement project spanning Clinton Road to Old Country Road.

Borroni shared, “the village requested approximately 280 feet of water main (piping infrastructure) to be installed up to Old Country Road, and the original design of the Clinton Road Water Main project did not go all the way there. During construction the old main was found to be in need of replacement. Also, unplanned test pits were mandated by PSEG Long Island to oil static electric lines on Clinton Road.”

This indicates the underground presence of an electrical transmission cable with conductors insulated by a static (non-circulating) within a pressurized pipe.

Also at the meeting the Board authorized an additional $29,000 to the village’s water system consulting firm, H2M Architects + Engineers, for “additional close-out services” at several of the municipal well sites. The professional firm assisted Garden City in final-

See page 26

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Meet The George Group at Morgan Stanley

Stanley

Meet T he George Group at Morgan Stanley Named to Forbes’

Named to Forbes’ Best-InState Wealth Management Teams list for 2023-2024

to Forbes’ Best-InState Wealth Management Teams list for 2023-2024

Meet T he George Group at Morgan Stanley Named to Forbes’ Best-InState Wealth Management Teams list for 2023-2024

Meet The George Group at Morgan Stanley Named to Forbes’ Best-InState Wealth Management Teams list for 2023-2024

T he George Group at Morgan Stanley Named to Forbes’ Best-InState Wealth Management Teams list for 2023-2024

Raymond George CRPC® Managing Director, Wealth Management Senior Portfolio Management Director Financial Advisor 1200 Franklin Avenue Garden City, NY 11530 516-683-3282 raymond.george@morganstanley.com advisor.morganstanley.com/ the-george-group

Raymond George CRPC® Managing Director, Wealth Management Senior Portfolio Management Director Financial Advisor 1200 Franklin Avenue Garden City, NY 11530 516-683-3282 raymond.george@morganstanley.com advisor.morganstanley.com/ the-george-group

516-683-3282 raymond.george@morganstanley.com advisor.morganstanley.com/ the-george-group

Management Director Financial Advisor 1200 Franklin Avenue Garden City, NY 11530 516-683-3282 raymond.george@morganstanley.com advisor.morganstanley.com/ the-george-group

The George Group:

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The George Group: (LtoR) Back - Vivian Gioia, Senior Client Associate; David Lazaros CFP® Vice President, Financial Advisor; Amy Curley Vice President, Portfolio Management Associate; Front - Cody George CDFA®, Senior Portfolio Manager, Financial Advisor; Raymond George CRPC®, Managing Director, Wealth Management, Financial Advisor; Taylor George, Financial Planning Specialist, Financial Advisor

The George Group: (LtoR) Back - Vivian Gioia, Senior Client Associate; David Lazaros CFP® Vice President, Financial Advisor; Amy Curley Vice President, Portfolio Management Associate; Front - Cody George CDFA®, Senior Portfolio Manager, Financial Advisor; Raymond George CRPC®, Managing Director, Wealth Management, Financial Advisor; Taylor George, Financial Planning Specialist, Financial Advisor

CFP Board owns the marks CFP® in the U.S.

12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award. © 2024 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.

be done by a licensed attorney. Source: Forbes.com (2023-2024). Data compiled by SHOOK

criteria, scan QR code.

CFP Board owns the marks CFP® in the U.S.

The use of the CDFA® designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan

of

advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney. Source: Forbes.com (2023-2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.

Source: Forbes.com (2023-2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.

The use of the CDFA® designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney. Source: Forbes.com (2023-2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March

issuance of the award.

For more information on award methodology and criteria,

and

Home Happens Here

Discover the perfect blend of classic charm and modern convenience in this 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath Colonial home, situated in the Estates section of the village. Step into a warm and inviting family room with fireplace that seamlessly connects to a spacious eat-in kitchen, designed for effortless entertaining and daily living. The home features generously sized bedrooms, including a primary suite with a private bath. Nearby train access and two parks just moments away.

Offered at $1,299,000

Dana Eaton Kate Crofton Denise Donlon

Patricia Aprigliano Susan Bashian Andrea Bharucha Suzanne Blair Liz Breslin Barbara Chmil Deirdre Albertson

Arlene Conigliaro Roberta Clark Colleen Ciullo

Cheryl Adams McAuliffe

Maribeth Quinn

Sean R. McCoyd Jayne McGratty Armstrong Roseanne McMahon Barbara Moore

Patricia O'Grady

Julie O’Neill

Rita Paiewonsky Louisa Pironi Jill Palmeri

Tony Leondis

Bill Eckel

Sharon Redmond

Anny Ko

Theanne Ricci

Ready to Downsize but Feeling Stuck? Let’s Simplify the Process Together!

■ Where will we go?

■ What do we do with all our “stu ”

■ How do we even start?

Thinking about downsizing but overwhelmed by the details? You’re not alone. Many homeowners dream of simplifying their lifestyle but feel paralyzed by questions like:

We’ll help you:

That’s where we come in. With over 50 years of combined experience helping homeowners in the Garden City area transition to their next chapter, we specialize in making downsizing stress-free and even exciting.

✓ Explore options that t your needs and lifestyle. Are you staying in GC, moving out East, or heading to the City? Or are you leaving the area entirely- FL, SC, NC AZ......?

✓ Connect with trusted professionals for sorting, selling, or donating items

✓ Navigate the real estate market to maximize the value of your home

Whether you’re dreaming of a chic condo, a sunny retreat, or simply a fresh start in town, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Let’s turn your “what ifs” into a clear, actionable plan. Contact us today to schedule a free downsizing consultation. Your next chapter is closer than you think!

WPOA to host West End Christmas Tree Lighting

WPOA President RoseAnn Vernice joins a group of children delighting in the annual tree lighting festivities.

The Garden City Western Property Owners Association (WPOA) will sponsor the West End Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, this year on Friday, December 6, 6 to 7:00 p.m. in the small park on Plattsdale Road adjacent to the New Hyde Park Road Business District.

This festive annual event will feature holiday music by singer-guitarist Matt Wahl, who will not only perform many familiar holiday tunes, but also serve as our Master of Ceremonies.

The WPOA is delighted to partner with Broadway Bound, under the outstanding direction of owner Debbie Tavernese. The dance studio’s lovely and talented performers will grace the stage of the showmobile, provided by the Town of Hempstead.

If there’s a bit of a nip in the air, grab a cup of hot chocolate, provided by Stewart Manor Country Club owner John Parks. And of course, no tree lighting would be complete without an appearance by Santa Claus, who is expected to arrive at 7 p.m. sharp. Santa will hand out a special treat to all the children.

The WPOA sponsors this year’s annual Tree Lighting event with the help of a donation from All Island Dermatology/Dr. Joseph Onorato, and appreciates the generosity of the Stewart Manor Country Club. So, come on down, meet your neighbors, and say hello to your local merchants at the annual West End Christmas Tree Lighting, Friday, December 6.

Santa and shopping at Holiday Market & Village

With Thanksgiving in the rear view mirror, the Holidays are fast approaching and you’ll have to find the perfect gifts for everyone; the wee ones will want face time with Santa. Most of all, you’d like to enjoy the magic of the holiday season.

On December 6th and 7th, you and your family can experience a Holiday Village & Market that makes wishes come true.

The Holiday Market, at the Senior/ Community Center on Golf Club Lane, opens Friday, December 6th, with a Benefit Preview Cocktail Party fundraiser generously underwritten by  Mary Jane and Tom Poole, with an open bar and lavish nibbles catered by Prime.  Tickets are $75 per person and attendees will have 1st dibs at the curated group of women-owned local and small businesses and artisansoffering the perfect gifts for everyone - and no worries about packages being lost at the post office, or undelivered from Amazon.   Information and tickets purchased through the link: https:// TGCHSBenefitPreviewCocktailPartty. eventbrite.com, at the A.T. Stewart Exchange at the museum, or at the door of the Holiday Market, starting at 7:00 pm.

Every ticket purchased to the cocktail party will be entered for a chance to win Brunch for Two at the Garden City Hotel, generously donated by the Hotel!   The best raffles and silent auctions on LI will be available both days.

The Holiday Village opens on Saturday, December 7th, from 11 am to 4 pm at The Historical Society Museum, 109 Eleventh Street, right next door to the Holiday Market.   Admission is free.

Santa (a 19th century personality) will be in a 19th century Victorian parlor to hear wish lists from children of all ages and pose for pictures.

An antique train village, the beloved toys from another century, will be running merrily around the tracks and through the miniature buildings in another parlor.  All on loan from Suzanne Coyle Weis - and run by the “engineers” and “motormen” from The West Island Model Railroad Club, who will answer questions from awestruck children and their parents.

Hot cocoa, generously donated by For Five Coffee Roasters on 7th Street, and candy canes served in a third parlor by volunteers from the Garden City chapter of The National Charity League, complete the delightful experience - all for free and without having to leave Garden City!

Open to the public on Saturday from 11 am - 4 pm, the Holiday Market will offer shoppers fine, faux and vintage jewelry, fashions, food and sumptuous sweets for gifting and entertaining, house and garden and personal accessories, baby and children’s gifts from Baubles, Bangles & Bags, Paddy Bunks Children’s Clothing & Accessories, M&F Antique Prints and Custom Framing,  Wooden Rail Workshop, Francine’s Outrageous Kitchen, Patrice Lifestyle Collection, Special Sweets, Scout & Cellar Clean Wines, Olive Oils and Coffee, Pat Schweitzer Decorative Painter, Take Note Stationery & Entertaining Accessories, Bumble B Boutique, Dee’s Nursery, Bohemian Chic handmade ponchos, PTA Sportswear, Christine Rossidas Garden Ornaments, Arbonne Health, Beauty & Wellness, The Historical Society pop-up shop with exquisite handmade wreaths and holiday decorations.

The A.T. Stewart Exchange, merry and bright in the ground floor of the Historical Society, will offer  unique antiques, collectibles gifts and holiday decor on Saturday, from 11-4.

The Historical Society Holiday Village & Market will support local businesses and artisans, designers, and will contribute to the ongoing restoration of the society’s 1872 Apostle House Museum, made possible through the magnanimous support of Vinny Muldoon, of Old World Quality Corp.

Please visit gardencityhistoricalsociety.org and follow The Historical Society on Instagram and Facebook for details:  @gardencityhistoricalsociety

NEW KITCHEN HOURS

Mon & Tues: 4–10 pm Wed–Sat: 12 noon–10 pm Sun: 11am–10 pm

Santa meets a new friend.

Garden City Real Estate Market Information

RECENT REAL ESTATE SALES IN GARDEN CITY

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

Mortgage Rates this week from www.nerdwallet.com

Loan Term Interest Rate APR

30-year fixed 6.700% 6.781% 15-year fixed 5.794%

Long Island Sales Data From One

54 Willow Street

Date: 11/22/2024

Sold price: $1,335,000

3 bedrooms, 2 full baths

Architectural Style: Colonial

Property size: .17

Annual taxes: $15,082

MLS number: 3578934

The Seller’s Team: Jennifer Sullivan, Compass Greater NY The Buyer’s Team: Jolene Bao, Canaan Realty Intl.

Prepare to be impressed with this beautifully renovated and expanded 3 bedroom, 2 full bath, 2300 square foot Colonial situated on a 75x100 lot on a lovely block. The main level layout flows wonderfully with a welcoming vestibule with radiant heat flooring, large living room with wood burning fireplace, a private sun-lit office, full bathroom and a redesigned open concept kitchen, den and dining area with sliding glass doors that lead out to the expansive patio and private backyard. Upstairs discover the primary bedroom with a walk in closet, 2 additional guest bedrooms and new hallway bathroom. Additional highlights include: hardwood floors throughout, beautiful architectural details, full basement with rec room, laundry, utility & storage, 1 car detached garage with long driveway, large backyard, walk up 3rd level bonus space, close proximity to school, neighborhood park, Country Life Press LIRR station and LOW taxes! Incredible value.

73 Garfield Street

Date: 11/12/2024

Sold price: $999,000 5 bedrooms, 1 full baths, 1 half bath Architectural Style: Colonial Property size: .14 acres

Annual taxes: $14,282

MLS number: 3577179

The Seller’s Team: Laurie and Jonathan Riechert, Signature Premier Properties

The Buyer’s Team: William Riechert, Signature Premier Properties

Welcome to 73 Garfield Street. A Perfect Home To Make Your Own. This 3 Bedroom

1 1/2 Bath Colonial Is As Clean As It Gets. A Truly Solid Home With Hardwood Flooring Throughout, Updated Kitchen With Stainless Steel Appliances And Granite Counter Tops. Cozy Living Room With A Wood Burning Fireplace. Updated Electric Panel With 200 Amp Service, Slate Roofing, Inground Sprinkler System, 1 Car Attached Garage, Private Backyard With Mature Plantings And A Brick Patio. Great Full Unfinished Basement For Storage. Perfect Home For Commuters. Home Is Close To The Train Station.

119 Fifteenth Street, Apt G2

Date: 11/22/2024

Sold price: $245,000

1 bedrooms, 1 full baths

Architectural Style: Co-op

Monthly charges: $829

MLS number: 3565407

The Seller’s Team: Debra McSheffrey Kiehn, Signature Premier Properties

The Buyer’s Team: Margaret MacRae, Signature Premier Properties

Located in the Heart of Garden City is this Spacious and Bright One Bedroom Unit With Beautiful Courtyard Views. New Carpet, Freshly Painted. Convenient To All, LIRR, NYU Winthrop Hospital, Public Transportation, Shopping, Park and Garden City Schools. WHY RENT WHEN YOU CAN OWN, Make this your new home!!!

This informational page is sponsored by Douglas Elliman Real Estate

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

Make Your Next Move Exceptional

Volunteer Rotarians and Boy Scouts to Ring Bells for Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Program

During the Holiday Season, for the past some 40 years, volunteers from the Mineola-Garden City Rotary Club have assisted the Salvation Army with its Red Kettle program.

For the past recent years, Boy Scout volunteers from Troop 243 representing the Church of St. Joseph have been assisting Rotarians as they ring the bell outside the rear entrance of Kings Supermarket.  Please stop by  and help Rotarians support the Army’s annual holiday service program.

Dedicated to doing the most good for men, women and children who need it the most, the Salvation Army of Greater New York serves more than 600,000 New Yorkers each year in more than 140 community and service programs.  The organization also provides Thanksgiving and Christmas assistance in addition to serving food pantries, emergency rent programs and medical expenses for people in need throughout Nassau County.

The Mineola-Garden City Rotary Club includes its annual bell ringing to assist the Salvation Army as one of its many service projects and thanks Kings Supermarket for allowing Rotarian to ring the bell outside its store.  A treat this year will be some musical accompaniment by Stephen Ditmer, the Army’s Donor Coordinator and his scintillating accordion.  Long time project chairperson Rotarian Bob Schoelle, assisted this year by Rotarian Randy Colahan also thank the many Garden City residents for their generosity.

RotaCare Launches Giving Tuesday for the 2024

Holidays

The Mineola-Garden City Club launched RotaCare in 1992 with the mission to provide free health care for the uninsured and for those in most need.

The need keeps rising for medications for individuals unable to afford them, plus medical supplies for diabetes testing, strep throat screenings and flu vaccinations; add to these needs equipment to maintain a tracking system that insures ongoing patient care.        Please help to donate toward these critical services.  RotaCare’s aim is to raise $50,000 by December 31.  Please see the article within this issue or for more information, visit www. RotaCareny.org.

Holiday Dinner and Community Service Awards Set for December 18! Reserve now!

Rotary invites you to attend its’s Holiday Dinner and Community Service Award presentations Wednesday evening, December evening, 6 p.m. at the all new festively decorated Stewart Manor Country Club.  Randy Collahan, chairman of the Board of the Garden City Public Library and Paul Pereira, mayor of Mineola, will be honored for community service.

Reservations, tribute ads and raffle prizes are due by September 6.  All tribute advertisers and prize donors will be showcased in pre and  post publicity, at the event and on a pege within the Garden City News following the event.  For information, please see the ad within this issue; call Diana O’Neill, Club president at 516-699-7289 or email mineolagardencityrotaryclub@gmail.com.

Rotarians Bob Schoelle (third from left) and Diana O’Neill, Club president (seated) with volunteer Boy Scouts from Troop 43, Church of St. Joseph last year.

The Kordes K

John Ellis Kordes

That boys and girls is the Garden City High School Class of 1957. Can you say “old”? They graduated some 67 years ago. Now, I took this photo at their 50th high school reunion in October 2007 at the Garden City Casino. It’s always a challenge to set up the photo (after the cocktail hour!) at each reunion. It’s like herding cats or rather 68 year old cats - but I always get the shot as you can see above.

I have photographed a lot of Garden City High School reunions - around 35! The first was in 1996 as I photographed the Class of 1946’s 50th reunion. After that I started doing 30th and 40th reunions along with the 50ths. The 50th, however, is the big one. Some classes attempt a 55th or even 60th reunion, but at that point it just becomes like an episode of “Survivor”. Most of them were held at the G.C. Casino though some were at the G.C. Hotel or the Bar Association among other places.

It was very interesting to see how classes from different generations compare over the years. For example, the above class of ‘57 was a lot different than the class of ‘67. Some actually like these reunions to see how everyone turned out and reunite with old friends. However, today with the internet and social media, reunions are not as common or important. People can see everyone online all the time (Facebook, etc.) if they want to. Others (like me) would rather remem ber people the way they were and not see the bald, chubby and old versions. I know that sounds harsh, but it’s true.

Getting back to the above photo. Those people would be about 85 years old today. However, back in 1957 they were there when rock and roll was just beginning. They had Elvis, drive-ins and Marilyn Monroe and some beautiful ‘57 cars. Also, they were in the “new”Garden City High School that was only a couple of years old then. Yes, it was the good old days.

Don’t miss next week’s very special “Kordes Korner”!

The Garden City Chamber of Commerce

PRESENTS

Do you have a ser vice to adver tise?

The 6 9th Annual Christmas Tree L ighting

Sunday, December 8, 2024 3:30pm – 4:30pm

FEATURING

• GC Vocal Jazz Ensemble

• Garden City Music Academy

• Broadway Bound Dancers

• Special Visit By Santa

• Hot Chocolate and Cookies Available from Our Hometown Hero Volunteer FD

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GC Kiwanis hold meeting at new spot

Patrick Curry; president of Kiwanis; Diana O'Neill, president of Mineola - Garden City Rotary; Althea Robinson, Rotary publicity chair; Roger Eltringham, IPP Kiwanis. At the November Kiwanis meeting, President Curry delivers a check for a table of 10 for Rotary's upcoming Holiday Party and Awards Dinner on December 18.

GC Kiwanis enjoyed its first ever meeting at the new Tap Room on Franklin Avenue, which features two private rooms downstairs. President Curry; Melissa Stalnaker, general manager; Vicky Rodriguez, server extraordinaire; Past President Eltringham.

Cathedral of the Incarnation Children’s Advent Programming

BY MO. KATE SALISBURY

Awe and Wonder for the Whole Family at Christmas

The Christmas season is a time of awe, wonder, and mystery—a moment when the world pauses to marvel at the divine gift of hope, peace, and joy. At the Cathedral of the Incarnation, we invite you and your family to join us in experiencing the beauty of this season

through a special Advent for Kids! program designed to ignite the imagination and deepen the spirit of Christmas.

Every Sunday at 9:15 a.m., we gather for Cathedral for Kids, a Mass for the young and the young at heart that lasts 40 minutes. Through engaging storytelling, music, the sacraments, and creative expressions, the beloved stories of Advent come alive in ways that delight children and inspire adults. This

is a joyful space where all ages can connect with the heart of the season and be reminded of the miracle of Christ’s birth.

Start the Season with Tradition

On Advent Sunday, December 1, stay after the Cathedral for Kids! service for a hands-on Advent Wreath Workshop from 10–11 a.m. in the inspiring Cathedral Undercroft. As a family, create your own Advent wreath, complete with candles, to take home. This cherished tradition becomes even more meaningful as you learn the ancient prayers associated with the wreath— prayers that can be shared and led by both adults and children.

The Advent wreath is more than a decoration; it’s a symbol of hope and anticipation. Lighting the candles week by week brings families together in reflection, devotion, and preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth.

Join a Community That Lives the Story

As the Cathedral of the Incarnation,

the story of Christmas isn’t just a seasonal focus—it’s the foundation of our life as a congregation throughout the year. From vibrant worship to meaningful faith formation and impactful outreach ministries, the Cathedral is a place where the spirit of the Incarnation inspires all we do.

This Advent season, come and see what makes this time of year so special within our community. Discover how the wonders of the Christian faith can transform the way we experience the joy of Christmas. If you are looking for a spiritual home, come and experience our warm welcome and hospitality.

Plan Your Visit

We can’t wait to welcome you and your family. Come to explore, celebrate, and grow with us this Advent season. For more information about family and intergenerational ministries at the Cathedral, visit incarnationgc.org.

Let’s journey together toward the miracle of Christmas—one candle, one prayer, one story at a time.

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

Eighth Street

A view facing west in May 1937 from the east side of Franklin Ave. to what was then Eighth St., now the west extension of Stewart Ave on the east side. The private parking field at right was on the south side of what was then Best & Co., now CVS, far right. That parking field was made a park, and when the intersection was modified to better align the east and west sides of Stewart Ave., part of the parking field was acquired for the widening. Traffic signals are mounted on the lampposts. A sign with a seahorse and the words “Jones Beach” on the arrow is in the foreground. Archives identifier: str41

Showing their creations.

Some Thoughts on Thanksgiving

BY BOB MORGAN, JR.

Almost all of the pieces that I have written just prior to Thanksgiving during the 29 years I have written this column have centered on one theme --  gratitude for the many blessings most of us share at this holiday. This column will be no exception.

However, let me start with the elephant in the room this year. Just under half of this country, based on the November 5 vote, are not grateful at all for the election of our once and future president, Donald J Trump, who will be inaugurated on January 20.Many do not believe that Mr. Trump is suitable for the office he will hold and fear the directions in which the President-elect will take this country. On the other hand, of course, right around half of the country is happy (in varying degrees) that Mr. Trump will be back in the White House and many look forward to him shaking up the political scene.

For what it's worth, I think that Mr. Trump's prior tenure from 2017 to 2021, while a bit chaotic, demonstrates that a major threat to our institutions is pretty unlikely. For example, Mr. Trump generally stood down after court decisions did not go his way. Even after by far his worst moment, on January 6, 2021, he and his supporters did peacefully cede power.

But in any event, it is well to celebrate what we have right now as 2024 draws to a close.

Because we live in the United States, it is certainly appropriate to be grateful for our economy. The gross domestic product (GDP) of the United States at the end of 2023 was over $27 trillion, just under 26 percent of the world's GDP. The United States only has about 4.2 percent of the world's population, demonstrating the tremendous power of our economy.

While American wealth is certainly spread unevenly, it has created a solid middle class standard of living that is far higher than it was 20 or 50 years ago. Americans live in bigger houses, drive better cars, and have

more luxuries than in prior years. There is also a widespread availability of high-quality medical care. As Republicans reminded us in the presidential campaign, there was a recent spike of inflation, but it does appear to be moderating. Cellphone and internet technology, now available to almost all of us, have made life much more convenient and eliminated many tedious tasks.

And, of course, America is in a position to defend itself with the strongest military in the world.

But economics and military power are not everything, and we are also extremely lucky to live in a country where our civil liberties are respected.

You start with freedom of speech and of the press. While there are certainly critics on the right who rail against liberal domination of the mainstream media and critics on the left who claim that there is too much misinformation and disinformation, particularly on social media, we are very fortunate on balance to have a robust marketplace of ideas, in contrast even with other Western democracies.

And of course, our country affords all of us other constitutional guarantees, including freedom of religion and due process of law in the event that we are involved with the courts.

But beyond the blessings of living in the greatest country on earth, we are also thankful to our friends and family, who get us through life during good times and bad.  I am extremely fortunate to have a large and successful family, including my sister Meg and her husband, Ed, who have done so well with our family newspaper business.  I am grateful to my girlfriend, Regina, for all her love and support.  And I am extremely proud of my son, Robert, who has done very well in his career, and this year (with the help of Isabela), presented me with my first grandchild, a young lady named Zirza.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

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.

POAs announce 2nd Annual Holiday Decorating Contest

Back by popular demand, the Garden City Property Owners Associations are excited to host the Second Annual Holiday Decorating Contest. House decorating is a tradition in the Village, and our contest is a great way to share your exterior decorations and holiday spirit with friends and neighbors.

The “rules” are simple and it’s easy and free to participate. The contest will run from Wednesday December 11 through Sunday, December 22. Only homes in Garden City may enter. Any Village resident may vote—one vote only! Voting will be conducted via an online app that will include the

addresses of all homes entered.  This will be shared via POA sites and social media. Winners—the top three vote getters--will be announced on Monday, December 23.

Whether you’re a traditionalist or a Griswold—or something in between— this is a fun way to celebrate the joys of

the season together. If you are interested in entering, please send an email to GCPOAEvents@gmail.com. The POAs will send you a quick form to complete and share some additional details. Deadline to enter is Tuesday, December 10.

2023 third place winners: The Filosa family

2023 second place winners: The Chianese family

2023 first place winners: The Sikorski family

Mineola

warmly invites you to its

warmly invites you to its

Holiday Buffet Dinner Community Service Awards

throughout the world, Rotary is the world’s largest service provide service to others, promote integrity, advance world and professional development, and expand goodwill and business, professional and community leaders. Important City Rotary Club include:

PEREIRA

individuals representing businesses, corporations, schools, and Garden City residents.

Please join us to celebrate the Holiday Season with an evening of good cheer and fellowship

warmly invites you to its

Holiday Buffet Dinner Community Service Awards

Mineola, Paul Pereira began his Mineola School District in 1993 as Social Studies Department. Completing the school district, Paul has been school, community and charitable 1989, as a graduating MHS senior, City Rotary Club’s Scholarship Paul had coached the soccer program acknowledged as having led the successful winningest soccer coach in school the Long Island Portuguese Lions received the organization’s highest honor medal in recognition of his service to of Portuguese language and culture to position of Mayor of Mineola in

Wednesday, December 18, 2024 | 6PM

Please join us to celebrate the Holiday Season with an evening of good cheer and fellowship

warmly invites you to its

The Stewart Manor Country Club

clubs throughout the world, Rotary is the world’s largest service to provide service to others, promote integrity, advance world personal and professional development, and expand goodwill and of business, professional and community leaders. Important Mineola-Garden City Rotary Club include:

Cocktail Hour, 6-7 pm — Open Bar

societal issues around environment, health, hunger, and veterans while advancing youth leadership and

Cocktail Hour, 6-7 pm — Open Bar

is...Service Above Self and honoring

Holiday Buffet Dinner Community Service Awards

Performance by Garden City High School Chamber Orchestra, 6:45pm

Performance by Garden City High School Chamber Orchestra, 6:45pm

COLAHAN

Village of Mineola resident of Mineola, Paul Pereira began his career in the Mineola School District in 1993 as of the Social Studies Department. Completing year within the school district, Paul has been numerous school, community and charitable organizations. In 1989, as a graduating MHS senior, Mineola-Garden City Rotary Club’s Scholarship career, Paul had coached the soccer program been acknowledged as having led the successful become the winningest soccer coach in school member of the Long Island Portuguese Lions and received the organization’s highest honor Merit medal in recognition of his service to promotion of Portuguese language and culture elected to position of Mayor of Mineola in

Please join us to celebrate the Holiday Season with an evening of good cheer and fellowship

51 Salisbury Avenue | Garden City, NY

Wednesday, December 18, 2024 | 6PM

Elegant Buffet Dinner, 7pm

second and fourth Tuesday at luncheon or breakfast thought leaders from government, local businesses, providers, emergency management, and community in myriad societal needs that help inform Club is an especially important partner that addresses the uninsured. have been supported through Club philanthropy are:

Elegant Buffet Dinner, 7pm

Please join us to celebrate the Holiday Season with an evening of good cheer and fellowship

individuals representing businesses, corporations, schools, Mineola and Garden City residents. addressed societal issues around environment, health, hunger, needs and veterans while advancing youth leadership and

Raffles throughout the evening

Cocktail Hour, 6-7 pm — Open Bar

Raffles throughout the evening

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

Cocktail Hour, 6-7 pm — Open Bar

Tickets $125 each person

Performance by Garden City High School Chamber Orchestra, 6:45pm

Tickets $125 each person

(every second and fourth Tuesday at luncheon or breakfast cadre of thought leaders from government, local businesses, healthcare providers, emergency management, and community specializing in myriad societal needs that help inform Club

Holiday Buffet Dinner Community Service Awards

PAUL A. PEREIRA

Reserve table of 10 at $1,125 (10% discount)

Performance by Garden City High School Chamber Orchestra, 6:45pm

Elegant Buffet Dinner, 7pm

RANDOLPH COLAHAN

Rotary is...Service Above Self and honoring

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Wednesday, December 18, 2024 | 6PM

Elegant Buffet Dinner, 7pm

Raffles throughout the evening

Reserve table of 10 at $1,125 (10% discount)

Raffles throughout the evening

cardiac surgery for children around the world)

Leadership Program (RYLA)

Salvation Army Red Kettle project

Mayor, Incorporated Village of Mineola

Advance reservations required.

Reserve by returning your check with the enclosed RSVP card, or online - the QR code below will take you directly to the payment platform.

Advance reservations required.

Tickets $125 each person

Tickets $125 each person

PAUL A. PEREIRA

RotaCare, is an especially important partner that addresses the uninsured. that have been supported through Club philanthropy are:

Needs to serve veterans

Reserve table of 10 at $1,125 (10% discount)

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

PAUL A. PEREIRA Mayor,

(No tickets sold at the door)

Mayor, Incorporated Village of Mineola

Reserve table of 10 at $1,125 (10% discount)

Reserve by returning your check with the enclosed RSVP card, online - the QR code below will take you directly to the payment platform.

(life-saving cardiac surgery for children around the world)

Advance reservations required.

PAUL A. PEREIRA

Recipients of Rotary’s 2024 Community Service Award and honoring

Incorporated Village of Mineola

J. RANDOLPH COLAHAN

J. RANDOLPH COLAHAN

Reserve by returning your check with the enclosed RSVP card, or online - the QR code below will take you directly to the payment platform

Chairman, Board of Trustees - Garden City Public Library

Advance reservations required.

Rotary Youth Leadership Program (RYLA)

Salvation Army Red Kettle project General Needs to serve veterans

drives to benefit New Ground, Faith Mission, and For the Love of Pete’s Pantry

(No tickets sold at the door)

J. RANDOLPH

(No tickets sold at the door)

Reserve by returning your check with the enclosed RSVP card, or online - the QR code below will take you directly to the payment platform.

Rotary Foundation Projects

Recipients of Rotary’s 2024 Community Service Award and honoring

Rotary Foundation Projects

Trustees, Garden City Public Library of the Inc. Village of Garden City, more than 20 years in Garden City’s system. He had served as Library Trustee Chairperson and President since 2007. positions also include service as the Garden City Centennial Soccer of the Past President Award, the Kevil Award. He has coached numerous Randy had served as president of the Original Turkey Trot Race Committee Association (TMA). Randy also served on Council, the Duke University Admission Class of 1970 Reunion Committees. management, sales and ownership positions industry for more than 50 years having Randy serves as a proud member of City and as an active member of the

Mayor, Incorporated Village of Mineola

COLAHAN

Thanksgiving Day project for homebound Paquatuck. a special needs camp

Chairman, Board of Trustees - Garden City Public

J. RANDOLPH COLAHAN

Chairman, Board of Trustees - Garden City Public Library

Food/clothing/school supply drives to benefit New Ground, Faith Mission, INN and For the Love of Pete’s Pantry family Thanksgiving Day project for homebound Camp Paquatuck. a special needs camp

(No tickets sold at the door)

donations during Pandemic and Garden City qualifying high school seniors community service … plus other needs as they arise.

10,000 mask donations during Pandemic Mineola and Garden City qualifying high school seniors community service … plus other needs as they arise.

Board of Trustees, Garden City Public Library resident of the Inc. Village of Garden City, spent more than 20 years in Garden City’s Library system. He had served as Library Trustee and as Chairperson and President since 2007. leadership positions also include service as president of the Garden City Centennial Soccer recipient of the Past President Award, the and Tim Kevil Award. He has coached numerous teams. Randy had served as president of the on the Original Turkey Trot Race Committee Mens Association (TMA). Randy also served on Advisory Council, the Duke University Admission GCHS Class of 1970 Reunion Committees. held management, sales and ownership positions art industry for more than 50 years having awards. Randy serves as a proud member of Garden City and as an active member of the Club.

James Brady

Event

Kimberly Carlstrom

James Brady

Event Committee

Kimberly Carlstrom

Jennifer Ferrara-Poupis

Chairman, Board of Trustees - Garden City Public Library

Recipients of Rotary’s 2024 Community Service Award

Event Committee

Committee

Special performance by The Garden City High School Chamber Orchestra

Jennifer Ferrara-Poupis

Diane Marmann

please call Diana O’Neill, Club President

516-699-7289

Event Committee

information, please call Diana O’Neill, Club President

Diane Marmann

James Brady Joanne Meyer-Jendras

James Brady Joanne Meyer-Jendras

The Stewart Manor Country Club 51 Salisbury Avenue | Garden City, Special performance by The Garden City High School Chamber Orchestra

Recipients of Rotary’s 2024 Community Service

Joanne Meyer-Jendras

Special performance by The Garden City High School Chamber Orchestra

Special performance by

Katherine Perrera

Meg Norris

Joanne Meyer-Jendras

Meg Norris

Katherine Perrera

Tina O’Keeffe

Tina O’Keeffe

Althea Robinson

Diana O’Neill

Diana O’Neill

Katherine Perrera

The Garden City High School Chamber Orchestra

Ray Sikorski

Katherine Perrera

Althea Robinson

Ray Sikorski

Old World Quality Corp.

mcarterflanagan@gardencityny.net

As you read this column, I hope you are all enjoying friends and family over this holiday weekend. It is a time of year we come together and express gratitude, and during this week our Village is filled with gatherings and one of our iconic community events, the Turkey Trot!

As your Mayor, I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve such a wonderful Village, and I hope my work helps to keep our community strong, cohesive, and the magical place I was lucky enough to grow up in and where I enjoyed raising my children. I have endeavored to focus on the many topics that unite us as a Village, and I plan to continue doing that. Protecting our limited green space, advocating for laws and policies that protect our young people and the health and quality of life of all residents, supporting a diverse array of Village programing and focusing on improving facilities, keeping our community safe, and supporting the many organizations and events that are essential to the community connections and friendships that make Garden City unique.

quest for a casino license at the Nassau Hub. A copy of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Las Vegas Sands’ casino is available on the Nassau County website [https://www. nassaucountyny. gov/5734/Sands-DEIS].

The County will hold a special public hearing Monday, December 9, at 5:00 p.m. at 1550 Franklin Avenue. For more information visit www.nocasinonassau. org.

Village Tree Lighting and Hanukkah Festival of Lights

I have been working with Village staff and Trustees Courtney and Tai on a new Village app that we hope to release by January! It is an exciting project, and I look forward to seeing how we are able to better share with residents messages about all the wonderful things happening here in our Village, and provide an easy way for residents to have their questions and concerns answered efficiently.

GCFD Monument

The Board approved a proposal by Hanlon Sculpture Studio, LLC for a Fire Department monument, which will stand approximately six feet tall and commemorate all members who have volunteered for 50 or more years. The monument will be erected on the west side of Village Hall, in the existing Fire Department monument area.

Casino Litigation

The Board has retained Cullen & Dykman and Sive Paget for litigation regarding the 42-year lease between Nassau County and Las Vegas Sands at the Hub. Nassau County is currently in the Environmental Review Process, formally known as the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) process, a necessary step in Las Vegas Sands’

The Village and Chamber of Commerce will hold the annual Village Tree Lighting and Hanukkah Festival of Lights on Sunday, December 8, 2024, beginning at 3:30 p.m. Holiday music will be provided by the Music Academy Foundation and the Garden City High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble. Broadway Bound dancers will also perform. The event will also feature a special visit from Santa himself. The Garden City High School National Art Honor Society will be selling hand-painted ornaments with winter and holiday themes.

Recreation and Parks is Hiring

We are looking for anyone 16 years or older to hire for our programs. We have an after-school program that would involve playing organized games with children, led by one of the recreational leaders. The program runs December 3February 13, on Tuesday, Wednesday and/or Thursdays from 3:30-6:00 p.m. You can do one or all days. In the summer, we also have a summer program that runs at the 5 parks in The Village of Garden City. We have arts and crafts and sports all day. If either of those sound like something you may be interested, please contact sceballos@gardencityny.net or visit the Cottages at 108 Rockaway Avenue for an interest form.

Cardboard recycling permit fees waived

The Village is waiving the permit requirement for residents at the Municipal Yard for the month of December for cardboard recycling. The Board recognizes the community’s need for accessible recycling options, especially during the holiday season when cardboard waste

See page 38

Mayor Mary Carter Flanagan

Unauthorized transactions

On November 20, Garden City Police began investigating a report of multiple unauthorized transactions against a victim’s bank account.

Driving violations

A Clinton Road motorist, on November 20, was charged with driving with a suspended registration, unlicensed operation, and speeding, according to police.

Illegal dumping

Police say officers responded to Grove Street Park on November 20 to investigate the illegal dumping of roofing materials.

Alarm response

An alarm at a residence prompted a response from officers on November 20. Upon their inspection, everything appeared to be in order despite finding an open door.

Misplaced, not stolen

Officers responded to Franklin Avenue on November 20 for a report of a possible stolen auto. They determined the vehicle had been misplaced and was not stolen.

Truck operator cited

On November 20, a Nassau Boulevard truck operator was charged with driving in a prohibited zone, operating an unregistered auto, and equipment violations.

Mailed check theft

Police reported that a check placed in the mail was stolen, altered, and an attempt was made to cash it. However, the receiving bank canceled the transaction on November 20.

Fire alarm responses

On November 20, the Garden City Fire Department (GCFD) and police responded to two fire alarms—one caused by woodworking and the other by shower steam.

Drunk driving arrest

On November 21, a 42-year-old male motorist was arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated (DWI) and unlicensed operation on 9th Street.

False alarm

A fire call at a medical office on November 21 turned out to be a false alarm, prompting responses from both GCFD and police.

Truck violations

Suspended license

Police charged a Supreme Court Road motorist on November 21 with driving with a suspended license, a suspended registration, and an uninsured vehicle.

THE OFFICE CAT

On Cathedral Avenue, a truck driver was charged on November 21 with driving with a suspended registration, lacking a highway use tax permit, and operating defec tive equipment.

Cooking steam alarms

Three fire alarms activat ed by cooking steam required responses from GCFD and police on November 21.

Hit-and-run incident

A black bus reportedly struck another vehicle on 7th Street on November 21 and left the scene, police say.

Damaged vehicle

Officers received a report on November 21 that a vehicle parked in Parking Field 7S was damaged by unknown means.

Suspended license

A Rockaway Avenue motorist was charged on November 21 with driving with a suspended license and excessive speed.

CO alarm incident

On November 21, police and firefighters responded to a bank for a carbon monoxide alarm. Firefighters detected a positive reading and made the area safe.

Email scam

A business employee fell victim to an email scam on November 21. The employee received messages claiming to be from a supervisor requesting gift cards, which were later confirmed to be fraudulent.

Parking field damage

A vehicle was reportedly damaged on November 22 while parked in an Adelphi University parking field, police say.

Driving charges

On Wyatt Road, a motorist was charged with driving with a suspended registration and excessive speed on November 22.

Carbon monoxide alarm

GCFD and police responded to a CO alarm at a residence on November 22. Firefighters determined all was in order.

Traffic violations

On November 22, a Washington Avenue motorist was charged with unlicensed operation, running a red light, and unsafe lane usage.

Drug take back

The Garden City Police Department collected 30 pounds of medications through its Drug Take Back program on November 22, ensuring proper disposal.

Multiple charges

A New Hyde Park Road motorist was charged on November 22 with driving with both a suspended license and registration.

Vaping-triggered alarm

A fire alarm activated by vaping smoke at Adelphi University prompted a response from GCFD and police on November 22.

Business scam

An individual received an email on November 22 that appeared to be from a business associate requesting a purchase. Police determined it to be a scam.

Hit-and-run arrest

Detectives arrested a 21-year-old male on November 23 for allegedly

leaving the scene of a Ring Road accident that occurred days earlier.

Driving violations

On November 23, a St. James Street South motorist was charged with excessive speed, driving with a suspended license, and running a stop sign.

Mail theft

Police reported on November 23 that three checks and a gift card were stolen after being placed in a 6th Street mailbox.

Multiple violations

Three Clinton Road motorists were charged on November 23 with suspended registrations and other infractions, according to police.

Cooking smoke alarm

A fire alarm activated by cooking smoke at a residence required a response from GCFD and police on November 23.

Traffic light malfunction

Officers responded to Commercial Avenue on November 23 to address a malfunctioning traffic light.

Motorist charged

Quick

Trusted

Trusted

Visit the Little Town of Bethlehem – at Resurrection

Shopkeepers, shepherds, census takers and many more are ready to meet their visitors.

Imagine taking a walk through the little town of Bethlehem on the night when Jesus was born. You and your family explore the marketplace, visit with the townspeople, or help the carpenter make a unique gift. Suddenly, shepherds appear, telling you they have good news. They take you to meet Mary and Joseph, and you see Baby Jesus with your own eyes.

This Christmas, Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Garden City, will host “A Night in Bethlehem,” a hands-on interactive experience, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13 and 14, from 7 to 9 p.m. All are invited, bring family and friends to experience

Christmas in a whole new way. As you walk through “A Night in Bethlehem,” you will be welcomed by the Census Taker and register your family in Bethlehem. Then you are ushered into the recreated Village of long ago. Everyone has an opportunity to create unique keepsakes as they interact with local shopkeepers who share the Christmas story. Don’t be surprised if you get a visit from the tax collector or even the pesky Roman Guards. You will hear the good news from the excited shepherds and have an opportunity to visit the stable—with live animals—and visit with Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus.

Everyone can take a turn at grinding grain.

Young visitors to Bethlehem observe how candles are made.

The stars of Bethlehem, Joseph, Mary and the Baby Jesus

Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce

Trustees debate Adelphi financial contributions

From page 1

The

tion of being “a rookie” on the Board still in his first year, asked who determined that $25,000 is a ‘fair’ contribution from Adelphi (an amount that has remained the same for years).

“Did Adelphi say ‘we’ll give you $25,000’ and the Board at the time said ‘great, we will take it’ or was there a negotiation?” he asked. Village Attorney Fishberg replied that he “has no idea.” Trustee Muldoon said he’s really keen on finding out this piece to the current amount.

Trustee Michele Harrington told the Board that the village looked at comparable situations, including in the education-centric City of Boston, Massachusetts, where large institutions such as Boston University, Northeastern and Boston College pay their “host” town amounts that are over three times the amount Adelphi contributes to Garden City.

Mayor Mary Carter Flanagan shared some insight about informal conversations she started with Adelphi leadership, though they haven’t made formal plans yet. She mentioned some recent events she’s attended at Adelphi. In addition, she asked the executive staff if there was any discussion with university staff about the $25,000 payment and its relation to the parking access

and “additional provisions” noted in the agenda item.

Trustee Judy Courtney asked an ‘insurance question’ about the agreement. She asked what would happen if the board were to hold off on signing the amendment to the agreement for the current period. “If somebody trips and falls, and there is nothing signed, are we (the village) liable in any way?” Courtney said.

Deputy Mayor Bruce Chester, an experienced insurance professional, said that Village Treasurer Irene Woo’s office, the Finance Department, would likely have the certificate of insurance for Adelphi’s use of the property. He explained the importance of language naming the village and a hold harmless clause as part of the original agreement.

Village Attorney Fishberg said a review of the underlying agreement would be an important step. “My guess is there is probably more to it than the dates and the fee, but what we have here is an amendment to create the new term (through May 19, 2025) and we should just see that underlying agreement,” he told the Board.

Trustee Torino said that’s an excellent next step. “If you are parking buses there, and a bus driver gets out and falls on ice in our village-owned parking lot, our property, I would prefer the munic-

ipality to not pay. I’m certain that if you look at what was in place seven years ago, it should contain the hold harmless and indemnification clauses,” he advised. Village Attorney Fishberg said he could only guess that the agreement does have that info/language but he has not seen the document.

After Mayor Carter Flanagan said the the agenda item could be removed for further review and discussion with Adelphi, Trustee Jessica Tai commented that half the school year will be ending soon and the use for the parking lots occurred since September 1st. The mayor nodded and suggested this could allow the village to extend the parking use authorization until January 15th, with the amount due to the village for the period being $12,500.

Fishberg said the mayor’s suggestion of approval valid until January, ratifying half the time outlined, would “at least hold status quo.”

Trustee Ed Finneran suggested that members of the Village Board, with executive staff members including Administrator Ralph Suozzi, will need to participate in a ‘global conversation’ with Adelphi.

“I don’t necessarily agree with the idea of keeping the status and not signing the agreement, and I think it would put pressure on both parties to reach an agreement. There are other charges and benefits that Adelphi has and the village enjoys some too, but it appears to me and a few of us here that the advan-

tage has always gone to Adelphi’s side, considerably. I would be in favor of not taking the money and allowing them to stay and use the parking lot, but starting up negotiations that way,” Finneran said. Trustee Muldoon said he agrees with the idea, “100%.”

Trustee Finneran was adamant that the item be taken off the Board’s calendar, at least until the December 12th meeting. “We will have had enough time to review the contract and at that point the Board could decide to take $12,500 for the first half of the school year. Or, we could decide to do what Trustee Torino suggested, that we take a time out and have the conversation (about the $25,000 payment sum increasing) while allowing the university to park – if we are not exposing ourselves on an insurance basis,” he commented. Ultimately, the renewal agreement’s term was amended to reflect half the time, through January 15, 2025 rather than May 19, 2025.

“The recommendation is to do it for at least half the term, to continue with an agreement in place until January 15, and for the $12,500 which will be payable to the village immediately….This (change) gives us a chance to discuss it further,” she said.

Trustee Finneran added that the adjustment also gives the village ‘a bird in hand.’

The Board voted in favor of the halfyear period, and will seek a comprehensive meeting with Adelphi University in the coming weeks.

Board awards bid for tennis courts, wood chip removals

From page 3

izing the close out of projects, and the breakdown of costs (all not-to-exceed amounts) was as follows:

For Wells Nos. 8 and 12, $12,600; for Well no. 7, not-to-exceed $9,800, and for Village Wells Nos. 15 and 16, not-to-exceed $6,600.

“The additional work is a result of more work required by the Health Department and/or at the request of the village. This will allow these projects to be closed out,” Superintendent Borroni explained last week.

One more agenda item approved by trustees pertains to the village water system infrastructure.

The Board accepted the Service365 program with vendor Trojan Technologies of Canada, to provide a maintenance program to safeguard the TrojanUV system performance, and to “service the UVFLEX system” at the village AOP treatment equipment at various well sites. Funding is available in the ‘Purification - Maintenance of Equipment’ budget account.

“The Board of Trustees previously designated Trojan as a sole source for the AOP treatment units installed at well sites throughout the village. The agreement establishes hourly rates, terms of response, and a discount for related parts,” Superintendent Borroni noted.

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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.: December 2024

12/2/24: “When Harry Met Sally” (2001); 96 Mins.

12/09/24: “You’ve Got Mail” (1998); 116 Mins.

12/16/24: “The Holdovers” (2023); 133 Mins.

Programs

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

Mah-Jongg (Register for each one separately)

Thursday, December 5; Thursday, December 19, from 10 a.m. to noon in the Large Meeting Room  Players will be required to bring their own games and registration will be required on Eventkeeper (www. gardencitypl.org).  For additional information contact Adult Services at (516) 742-8405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@gardencitypl.org.

Yoga with Kimberly

In the Large Meeting Room from 7 p.m.–8 p.m.

Tuesday, December 3, December 10, December 17

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 to be held on Tuesday evenings starting October 8, and continuing through December. A separate registration is required for each class. Beginning October 1, you can register online via Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl.org) or call the Reference desk at (516) 742-8405 x 5236.

Hidden Gems: A Title Swap Book Discussion

Wednesday, December 4, from 2 – 3 p.m. in the Small Meeting Room

Join the Adult Services Librarians for Hidden Gems: A Title Swap Book Discussion.  Share what you've been reading recently and learn about the newest hits and old titles that you may have missed. Garden City Public Librarians will lead this discussion.

Participants who don’t have a chance to read a book before the program are still encouraged to join to get book recommendations for future reads.

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

Easy Tie-Dye for Adults

Saturday, December 7,

from 11 a.m. to noon in the Large Meeting Room

Peace, Love and Woodstock! Chris Buchman will show us an easy version of how to do tie-dye on T-shirts and socks. You will need to bring your own cotton T-shirt. Socks will be provided.  Join us as we take a journey back to the 1960s!  Registration is required beginning on Tuesday, November 26. 2024 at 10 a.m.

Contact Adult Services - 516-742-8405 ext. 5236  or email:  Speakingofbooks@ gardencitypl.org

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

Holiday Lights 2 with Susan & Art Zuckerman

Tuesday, December 10, from 2–3 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room

Join Art & Susan Zuckerman, seasoned lecturers, as they take us on a virtual tour of the holiday sights & sounds of the city — now with additional sights!

No registration is required. Contact Adult Services - 516-742-8405 ext. 5236  or email:  Speakingofbooks@gardencitypl. org

Sports Lecture with Les Wolff

Saturday, December 14, from 1 – 3 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room

Les Wolff is a trusted name in the hobby of sports, having established relationships with many of the greatest names in sports over the years like Mickey Mantle and Muhammad Ali. A hobby pioneer, Les was the first to conduct a sports auction via the phone and fax and live (before the internet became widely available). His company name was Sports Auctions of New York. That was in the late 1980s and unlike many other dealers who’ve come and gone since, he's still around, providing exceptional service. He revolutionized the business with auctions being the first. He is one of the country’s main suppliers to the card companies for vintage and rare autographs.

As a guest speaker, he will be talking

about how to properly collect, invest, protect and preserve memorabilia, which is a slide show presentation. After each presentation he will look at your collectibles and give you a free evaluation. He will tell you stories of his friendships and experiences with some of the superstars of sports, celebrities and presidents.

Registration is required, and space is limited.  To register, please go to  www. gardencitypl.org/calendar   or call the Reference desk at (516)742-8405 x 5236  or email:  Speakingofbooks@gardencitypl.org

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

Rhonda Kay and the Backstage Trio Sunday, December 15, from 2 – 3 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room

Join us as we welcome back Rhonda Kay and her band — The Backstage Trio. Enjoy an afternoon of music as they perform some holiday selections as well as beautiful jazz standards, and songs from the American songbook.

No registration is required, however space is limited.

Contact Adult Services - 516-742-8405 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 first-come, firstserved 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.

Learn to tie-dye at a class taught by Chris Buchman.

Learn to play mah jongg at the Garden City Public Library.

The film "When Harry Met Sally" will be screened at the Garden City Public Library on December 2.

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

Teens enjoying doing a Perler Bead Art project at the Library.

Get Crafty with Perler Beads During Teen Crafternoon: Perler Bead Art!

Join us on Monday, December 9, at 3 p.m. for Teen Crafternoon: Perler Bead Art! Make keychains, magnets, pins, ornaments, and more. This program is for tweens and teens in Grades 6–12. Registration is required online at https:// www.gardencitypl.org/calendar/ beginning Tuesday, December 3, at 10 a.m. This program has been funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

Upcoming November 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. Patrons can register online at https://www.gardencitypl.org/calendar/.

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/35n4aXcTsJdPisVL6 for the following programs:

• Monday, December 2 at 3:30 p.m.: Inclusive Storytime Adventure Volunteering (Grades 9–12)

Registration begins Tuesday, November 26, at 10 a.m. online at  https://forms.gle/ fTMs3K8vsSTKGfpQA for the following programs:

• Tuesday, 12/3/24 at 4 p.m.: Teen Advisory Board Meeting - Apply online to be a member here: https://www. gardencitypl.org/teen-advisory-board-application/

• Thursday, 12/5/24 at 7 p.m.: Friendship Bracelets for Community Service

• Saturday, 12/7/24 at 3 p.m.: Teen STEAM Workshop: Growing

Crystals with Chris Buchman

Registration begins Tuesday, December 3, at 10:00 a.m. online at https://forms. gle/8y7eFFszgKgi86kLA for the following programs:

• Monday, December 9, at 4:00 p.m.: Teen Crafternoon: Perler Bead Art (Grades 6–12)

• Tuesday, December 10, at 3:30 p.m.: LEGO Club Volunteering (Grades 6–12)

• Tuesday, December 10, at 7:00 p.m.: Teen Paint Night (Grades 6–12)

• Wednesday, December 11, at 4:00 p.m.: Tweens and Teens Yarn Group (Grades 4–12)

• Saturday, December 14, at 3:00 p.m.: Penguin Heart Cupcakes (Grades 6–12)

Registration begins Tuesday, December 10, at 10 a.m. online at https://forms.gle/ S3adeKE1JeuUTYj28 for the following programs:

• Tuesday, December 17, at 4 p.m.: Tween Tuesdays: Winter Sweater Wood Painting Project (Grades 4–7)

• Thursday, December 19, at 4 p.m.: Dungeons and Dragons (Grades 6–12)

• Friday, December 20, at 4 p.m.: Teen Gamers (Grades 6–12)

• Saturday, December 21, at 3 p.m.: Digitalis Digitarium: Portable Inflatable Planetarium with the Cradle of Aviation (Grades 6–12)

Registration begins Monday, December 16, at 10 a.m. online at https://forms.gle/ jx3hFv5Kjw15hSje6 for the following programs:

• Monday, December 16, to Friday, February 28: Tweens and Teens Winter Reading Club (Grades 6–12)

Registration begins Tuesday, December 17, at 10 a.m. online at https://forms.gle/

LcyVPWaQpRGLW1wPA for the following programs:

• Tuesday, December 31, at 11 a.m.: Tweens and Teens Noon Year’s Eve Party (Grades 6–12).

Ongoing Take-Home Community Service Opportunities

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

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

• Now until Monday, December

2: Holiday Recipe Cards for Community Service - No registration required. Up to five recipe cards can be submitted per volunteer.

• Beginning Monday, December 16, 2024 to Friday, February 28, 2024: Winter Stories for Community Service.

Teens Hang Out at the Library During Teen Gamers

Teens playing video games during a monthly Teen Gamers program.Teens kicked-off the weekend playing video games on the Library’s Nintendo Switch consoles at the Library’s monthly Teen Gamers program that was held on Friday, November 22. Besides video games, teens enjoyed soda and snacks and board games. This program has been funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library. This program will be held again on Friday, December 20.

The Library’s Teen Gamers program was held on Friday, November 22, and the next session is couurently scheduled for Friday, December 20.

News from the Children’s Room Library Board organizational meeting

PlayHooray Babies took place November 15. Children met Molly Mouse and enjoyed movement and music. This program was funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

Upcoming December Library Programs for Children

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

These programs are for children ages birth through Grade 5. Registration is required. Space is limited, so check Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl.org) for availability. Check our website for updates!

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

• Saturday, December 7, at 12:30 p.m.: Grow Crystals With

Science Teacher Chris Buchman

• Tuesday, December 10, at 4:00 p.m.: LEGO Club, Grades K–5

• Wednesday, December 11, at 10:30 a.m.: DUPLO LEGO

• Thursday, December 12, at 4:00 p.m.: Tween Yarn Group

• Saturday, December 14, at 12:30 p.m.: Baking Coach Polar Bear Cupcakes Preschool

• Saturday, December 14, at 1:45 p.m.: Baking Coach Polar Bear Cupcakes Grades K–5

Unattended Child Policy

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

There will be a regular and organizational meeting of the Board of Library Trustees on Monday, December 9, at 7:30 p.m. at the Garden City Public Library. The meeting will take place in the large meeting

room on the lower level.

Further details about the meeting will be posted when available on the Library’s website, www.gardencitypl.org.

How many candy canes are in this jar?

The first candy cane was made in 1670!

How many candy canes do you think are in this jar at the Garden City Public Library? Stop by the library before December 19 and take a guess, you might win a prize! The candy cane jar is on the Friends of the GCPL book sale shelves (behind the circulation desk).  You can write your guess on the form provided.

The number of candy canes in the jar – and the winner – will be announced on Friday, December 19 in front of the Friends’ Book Sale shelves at 4:00.  We hope to see you there!

For information on the Friends of the Garden City Public Library, please see gardencitypl.org/ friends

Trustees object to mayor’s comments on St. Paul’s survey

From page 1

described the trustees’ dedication:

“This new Board, since we started in April, I think the one thing is all about moving things forward. There’s no other way to describe the Board. If an email comes to us at 2 a.m. someone does respond. There is no weekend, nothing. Any time someone writes to us, we respond. We’re all about the village and it’s very comprehensive. For the mayor to have said it’s a sad day for Garden City, it was really hard not to take it a little personally. We are moving forward with this and we are expecting to have the St. Paul’s survey ready, hopefully in December. Another thing, for the process to be community-driven we need to relay information and we must keep residents informed. They need to know what they will be choosing in a survey,” she said.

Trustee Ed Finneran read from the column which said that the mayor “regrets that the present Board of Trustees (BOT) voted to indefinitely postpone the release of the St. Paul’s survey, and that you (the mayor) apologize to all who had been following and looking forward to a new professional approach to the drafting of a new survey for the St. Paul’s main building.”

Finneran said the exact words he read in the November 15th Mayor’s Column really “stuck in his craw” and would not be something he could sit with.

“I am very disappointed and my view is diametrically opposed to that regarding the job this Board has done in crafting surveys. As you might recall we went through a process to hire BCI and the firm was one of five candidates…. Their work starting with the Rec. facilities and programs survey took place in the spring. Then in June and mid-August, things got a little quiet which is not uncommon, and then we dove back in. WE, the Board members along with the Mayor’s Advisory Committee have worked through 11 and now 12 iterations of this survey. The mayor said she was disappointed that we indefinitely postponed the approval of the survey, meaning we would have it on the backburner and turn our attention to it some time in January or February – but it’s definitely not the case as I circled our next meeting date of December 12th. We have continued to work hard on more revisions and will be in contact with BCI for the next draft very shortly. But throughout the period from August and September and to this month, this Board has worked incredibly hard to come up with what we believe, along with a few adjustments, on the things we thought are super important to put in the survey,” Finneran explained.

Examining the survey development

Trustee Vinny Muldoon who

emerged as the counterpoint to the mayor’s position on what has transpired regarding the village governing body’s progress on St. Paul’s evaluations. He pointed out some differences the mayor has with other trustees’ views on the circumstances.

“When I see the Mayor’s Column saying ‘we are being set back decades’ because we do not agree on the survey to me that’s….Well I won’t really say how I feel but it is not fair and it completely undermines the Village Board as a whole and undermines the confidence of our residents,” Muldoon said.

He continued, “I am determined and I think the entire Board is to get the survey out by the (December) holidays and we’re working our backsides off in reviewing it with the new Board of Trustees St. Paul’s Advisory Committee. The interior matters with abatement is also leading us to spend an enormous amount of hours evaluating – we are doing all of the right things. I am 100% confident that we can get the majority of Garden City, for the first time in 32 years to support the project they want and what programs they choose, regardless of what project we will ultimately do…But it does not do anyone any good to state that it’s a sad time for Garden City and that (delaying the survey) will set us back for decades.”

Mayor defends her comments

In response, Mayor Flanagan clarified that her intent was not to undermine the Board but to advocate for a new approach.

“We’re taking a different approach and I hope it is successful, and we all hope for success in a completed, executed project. Please don’t turn this to me against you; I tried something, I worked hard, I understand that there isn’t board support and I am ready to support what the next plan and approach is. The biggest damage on St. Paul’s is that people dig and fight like this is personal and shouldn’t be personal – it’s for the community,” Mayor Carter Flanagan said.

Resident: Don’t delay indefinitely

During public comments on Thursday, village resident and Rec. Commission member Ray Meyer offered his thoughts on the dialogue he witnessed and the confrontation over the St. Paul’s survey. He has been attending both Village Board and Rec. Commission meetings in recent years before his municipal volunteer appointment.

He told the trustees, “The indefinite nature of a delay raises suspicion in my mind. I am a believer that our actions reveal our intentions. At meetings I have previously asked if the new St. Paul’s Committee would have access to information that was previously submitted, but that information is not

available…. Any work product from an official committee should be a work product of the Village of Garden City and owned by the residents – not a separate committee. I thought I was just a resident with a crazy idea for a pool but it turns out that I am not – it’s the number one thing this village wants. In meetings I have heard from one trustee that the village does need a pool, and from another trustee that ‘everybody knows there isn’t a pool in the future of St. Paul’s. And today in this Board conversation I heard one trustee say yes, the survey will be done, while another trustee commented, ‘if there is a survey, it will be correct.’ That’s the apathy that this village sees and I have respect for the hard work you all are doing. But I am fearful of this being political and I would like to see a survey on St. Paul’s submitted. I don’t think an indefinite delay is appropriate.”

Meyer also mentioned the four-member committee that has worked on St. Paul’s visioning, which he said crosses the property owners’ associations and FABGC, and the village’s hire of BCI as a consultant for $150,000 of taxpayer money to develop the survey, now in a 12th iteration and counting.

“I understand that you know this village and you’ve been entrusted to make tough decisions. I’m sorry that the past 30 years has made me skeptical, but what’s also made me skeptical is some of the poor behavior by some of the people over the past two years. It’s not people on the dais but I fear that community-driven results are going to falter because of the loudest voices in the room,” he said.

Trustee Torino was not subtle in encouraging Meyer to consider a run for village trustee in the new year. Trustee Vinny Muldoon seconded the idea and commented that the Board will need some more younger folks to serve, as Trustee Tai is now the youngest, and only current ‘school district parent’ with kids under 14 on the Board of Trustees.

Torino commented, “This is my seventh year, going into an eight as a village trustee. I too stood at the lectern, in 1997, and I think I made positive changes for the village and I encourage you to do the same thing. But I will defer to Trustee Finneran on the word, ‘indefinitely’ because that was probably not the right term to use at the time (the November 7th meeting) and it was probably more because we needed flexibility to know how much time the revisions would take.”

Is it a community-driven process?

During the public comment period, resident Steve Gorray said he agrees with Trustee Tai and others to have the village government provide “all the information” to Garden City residents regarding the potential projects for St.

Paul’s. His comment included references to some cost estimates that were shared over a year ago, in presentations made prior to the October 2023 St. Paul’s Opinion Poll.

“Costs have not been provided in the latest draft (surveys) but costs were provided a while back with the village presentations.If the majority of the Board is saying that the prior numbers are not reliable and not good for the purposes of going forward, then you can not rely on the (2023) Poll to say that demolition should be excluded,” he said.

Also during public comment, pro-demolition stalwart George Salem said the survey appears to not be able to reflect a “Community-Driven” process, because demolition for St. Paul’s was not noted as an option. He says he’s standing for the 38% of village residents from the October 2023 St. Paul’s Opinion Poll who are voted NOT in favor of any full or partial preservation of the historic building.

The Board soon demolished the notion that the process is not going to be “Community-Driven.”

Trustee Judy Courtney noted that saying the process for St. Paul’s “is no longer Community-Driven” is not accurate. She commented that when it’s ready for residents, the St. Paul’s survey will offer different choices for residents to indicate what they’ll put their support behind.

“It will not have one, which indicates we will do it this way. It will not include demolition for St. Paul’s which was honestly a big debate amongst all of us. It will also have multiple ways in which residents can tell us, ‘I choose none of the above.’ There are multiple opportunities for people to say they won’t support any of the project options. We will hear from everyone on those choices. Does it have the Demolition choice? –No. Could I rationalize it one way or the other? – Yes. My vote was not to include Demolition as a choice. There will still be a Community-Driven survey with YOUR (residents) opportunity to let us know which of several ways the building could be transitioned you would choose, what you think is best, or to reject all of the options,” she said.

Trustee Michele Harrington offered a brief note on the method of making the St. Paul’s survey “CommunityDriven” because of residents’ input. She said whenever St. Paul’s and a potential project for the historic structure come up, she hears one common question from residents – every time. “Michele, How much is it going to cost?”

“We’re trying to give that to our residents so they’ll have an idea, and so they don’t think that adaptive reuse will be the same expense as facadism. You have to provide an idea of costs because everyone is busy and they don’t have the time to do calculations on percent-

See page 32

Trustees object to mayor’s comments on St. Paul’s survey

From page 31

ages of their tax bills and project costs,” she explained.

Survey release planned for December

Trustee Finneran said he fully agrees with the emphasis on ‘CommunityDriven.’ He stated the bottom line for his Board colleagues: a true “CommunityDriven” process would not start without a St. Paul’s survey.

“We are trying to determine the best type of survey to get the best kind of information to help us come up with a plan. The community (residents) will drive it and the Board will put it into our flex capacitor, and figure it out” he noted.

Mayor Carter Flanagan said she will be attending the meetings of the newly established St. Paul’s Board of Trustees’

Advisory Committee, and she remains supportive of everyone’s efforts. She said she will communicate with Garden City residents the new plans and efforts to move a project forward, when she knows what those goals involve.

“I do hope there is success. We just need to tell residents what we’re doing, in whatever that new approach is though I am not entirely sure. Part of this and why I said the Board came to an impasse, and I think we did, is that there’s certain things such as trying to offer price ranges (on the St. Paul’s survey) when we don’t have professional price ranges – we won’t have apples to apples,” she said on November 21.

With a reference to her November 15th Mayor’s Column, she noted, “from a survey perspective we should not be doing these homemade types of price

ranges without a report. The other option was taking out options that had been widely discussed and perhaps very popular.”

Her words of caution to the six trustees who voted down the survey’s approval to start November were laid out clearly.

“If you start taking those off that would undermine the survey – we would end up with a survey report that would have caveats to it and that the validity is off. We could do that, or we could just have a different approach. My sense is the approach would be developing the survey to highlight what we think is the most feasible, and so we’re going to see how it could fit into the plan.”

Deputy Mayor Bruce Chester asked Trustee Finneran where the progress stands now, especially in terms of con-

sidering total construction project figures for “ballpark estimates” to include in the St. Paul’s survey, and what ways that would be presented to residents.

Finneran said BCI is being kept fully in the loop for any revisions planned, and things are moving along well behind-the-scenes: “Never in my wildest dreams did I think we’d go past our upcoming December 12th Board meeting, and that is the goal.”

Resident Richard Williams, who joined the November 21 meeting over Zoom, thanked the Board for its work.

“Listening to the conversation you will have a real sense of how hard everybody works. Maybe there’s a little or a big difference in opinion, but everyone is working really hard and that is very much appreciated. Thank you for that,” he said.

BOE meeting crowded over state regionalization proposal

From page 1

finalized by spring 2025.

Garden City schools are taking a two-pronged approach for now: meeting their legal obligations under the emergency regulation while keeping a close eye on the state’s actions at its mid-December meeting. “We’re ready to step in if the state goes too far,” said Spencer.

Board President Joseph Sileo reiterated the district’s opposition to the regionalization plan, referencing previous letters and public comments sent to the state. However, he and the board want to take stronger action. They unanimously approved an official resolution stating:

Be it resolved that the Board of Education of the Garden City Schools will consider pursuing

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all available legal remedies to the full extent of the law should the NYS Department of Education fail to withdraw or substantially amend their proposed regionalization plan in a manner that aligns with the interests of the Garden City School District by the conclusion of NYSED’s December 2024 session.

The resolution was passed unanimously, and Sileo emphasized its significance: “This resolution makes our position clear and gives us the option to proceed forward at the right time.”

Community concerns

Residents at the meeting expressed skepticism about the state’s motives and raised concerns about local control.

“Under this emergency rule, is there a chance that other district students will be able to come to our schools?” one parent asked. Administrators assured attendees that this

unlikely scenario would require explicit board and community consent.

Another resident questioned whether the district had received a response to its prior letter of opposition. While the state has not directly replied to Garden City, administrators have seen changes made to public-facing regionalization FAQs which reflect concerns raised in the letter.

“I, personally, share a dose of healthy skepticism,” added Sileo. “It seems awfully quick and without as much feedback and support as something like this would require. While modifications have been made, our concerns remain.”

“I’m assuming this is sensitive data they are asking for?” asked another resident. “Especially because we’re opposing the plan, is there any way we can postpone providing that information?” According to administrators, delaying the submission isn’t an option.

“The reality is they already have most of it, which is part of the frustration,” Superintendent Dr. Kusum Sinha explained. Beyond assessment data, the state is requesting additional information from the district’s business office, particularly around things like transportation, formatted to meet their specific requirements.

Legal authority and safeguards were also a point of discussion. “If it turns south, do we have legislation in black and white saying we have the authority to say no without penalty?” asked one attendee. Spencer responded, explaining that while litigation would be the district’s remedy, several statutes protect local control, making it difficult for the state to override decisions through emergency regulations alone.

Calls for action

Vice President Arthur Gnecco talked about how

he ran into Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman at a local football game, who voiced his support for the district’s opposition efforts. Gnecco encouraged residents, whether or not they have kids in the school system, to follow his lead and amplify concerns through letters, phone calls and conversations with local officials, saying, “Put as much pressure on them as humanly possible.”

Trustee O’Donohue added, “It’s encouraging to see so many people here. The word is getting out. A letter from the town would be another way for us to make our stance clear, and we’re in contact to make that happen.”

The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 10, at 8:15 PM at Garden City High School.

“On behalf of all our staff, we wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving,” said Dr. Sinha as the meeting concluded.

Holiday Festivities Kick Off Throughout NYC

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

New York City’s holiday season festivities kick off with the arrival of the 98th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, heralding in a cornucopia of festive performances, winter exhibits, holiday light displays across New York City’s five boroughs, captivating and enchanting. Here are some of the many ways to celebrate the holiday season in New York City: Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes, Nov. 8–Jan. 5: Experience the beloved holiday tradition as it returns to the iconic stage of Radio City Music Hall. For almost a century, this festive show has enchanted audiences of all ages with its stunning costumes, joyful music, precise choreography and innovative performances. Multiple shows daily.

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, Nov. 29–Jan. 4, Lincoln Center , Manhattan: Immerse yourself in the magic of  New York City Ballet’s George Balachine’s The Nutcracker, a holiday classic. Follow young Marie as she faces the Mouse King and dances through a flurry of ballerinas to the enchanting Land of Sweets, all set to Tschaikovsky’s iconic score. With stunning special effects, including a towering Christmas tree, dazzling sets and vibrant costumes, this production is a sensory delight for audiences of all ages. (https:// www.nycballet.com/season-and-tickets/george-balanchines-the-nutcracker/george-balanchines-the-nutcracker/)

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at New York City Center,

Santa’s arrival in town to end Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the official kick-off to holiday festivities in New York City © Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com

Dec. 4–Jan. 5, Manhattan: The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to New York City Center for its 66th annual winter season, offering a captivating mix of new works and beloved classics. This program features world premieres like Matthew Rushing’s Sacred Songs and Lar Lubovitch’s  Many Angels, alongside the 25th-anniversary revival of Ronald K. Brown’s  Grace and a new production of Elisa Monte’s Treading (https://www.nycitycenter.org/ pdps/2024-2025/alvin-ailey-american-dance-theater/)

Holidays with the New York Philharmonic Dec. 11–22, Lincoln Center, Manhattan: The New York Philharmonic, led by baroque expert Fabio Biondi, joins the Handel and Haydn Society Chorus and soloists for a performance of Handel’s  Messiah,

highlighting its iconic vocal and orchestral melodies, with debut performances soprano Maya Kherani, countertenor Maarten Engeltjes and bass-baritone Klaus Mertens. The annual Holiday Brass tradition is also back with joyful music perfect for the whole family, promising to brighten the holiday season. Additionally, the Philharmonic will spread holiday cheer with live performances of the heartwarming classic  Elf,  featuring John Debney’s score as the movie plays on the big screen.

The Magic Flute, Dec. 12–Jan. 4, Metropolitan Opera, Upper West Side, Manhattan: Experience the magic of Mozart’s  Magic Flute at The Met Opera in a captivating, familyfriendly production by Tony Award–winning director Julie Taymor. With stunning puppetry, vibrant visuals

GOING PLACES NEAR AND FAR

and timeless melodies, this abridged, English-language adaptation transforms the beloved fairy tale into an unforgettable New York tradition for all ages.

HOLIDAY SIGHTS & LIGHTS:

Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crè, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Manhattan:  A special holiday attraction at the Met Museumm is the Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche display.

A Christmas Carol: The Manuscript, Pierpont Morgan’s Library, Manhattan: Each year for the holidays, the Pierpont Morgan Library displays Charles Dickens’ original manuscript of  A Christmas Carol. Bound in red goatskin leather, the manuscript was gifted to Dickens’ solicitor, Thomas Mitton, and came into the possession of Pierpont Morgan in the 1890s. This season, the manuscript will be turned to page seven.

The Origami Holiday Tree: American Museum of Natural History, Manhattan: The delightfully decorated Origami Holiday Tree features more than 1,000 hand-crafted models.

Holiday Express: Toys and Trains from the Jerni Collection, New-York Historical Society, Manhattan: This annual wintertime favorite at the Jerni Collection is a display of handcrafted and hand-painted toy trains spanning 1850 to 1940. Alongside these, an assortment of toy train stations illustrates the design evolution from the early 20th century to the era of World War II.

Holiday Train Show, Nov. 16–Jan. 20, New York Botanical Garden, The Bronx: Model trains and trolleys wind through a festive outdoor lawn display and inside the Haupt

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GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

Holiday Festivities Kick Off Throughout NYC

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Conservatory, showcasing replicas of New York City’s iconic architecture. By day or night, the show captures the magic of the season, with special evening events, Holiday Train Nights, offering illuminated scenes and holiday treats on select dates (https://www.nybg.org/ event/holiday-train-show-2024/)

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights, Nov. 22-Jan.5, The Bronx: With more than 390 lanterns representing nearly 100 animal and plant species, the Bronx Zoo’s family-centric holiday lights festival will connect visitors with real wildlife and festivities. During the evenings, the park comes to life with holiday cheer as immersive light displays, customdesigned animal lanterns and animated light shows sparkle across the zoo. The celebration is complete with seasonal treats, classic holiday music, the Holiday Train, new interactive experiences and other entertainment. Date specific and any-night tickets. (https:// bronxzoo.com/holiday-lights/tickets)

Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Nov. 22–Jan. 5, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn: Lightscape returns to Brooklyn Botanic Garden, offering an enchanting after-dark experience like never before. This year, visitors will be immersed in a mesmerizing nighttime journey through light-drenched landscapes, with brand-new installations by renowned international light artists and design collectives from 10 countries on three continents. Visitors are invited to wander along the illuminated trail under the moonlight, marveling at the magical interplay of light and nature. Seasonal treats and festive music enhance the atmosphere. 21+ Nights on Dec. 12 &19 after 7 pm; Sensory-Friendly Early Entry on Dec. 18 & Jan. 3 at 4 p.m., for adults and children with disabilities or sensory sensitivity (limited capacity). (bbg.org/lightscape)

Season’s Greetings from PaleyLand at The Paley Center, Nov. 20–Jan. 5, Paley Museum, Manhattan, steps from Rockefeller Center. Visitors are invited to revel in PaleyLand, a five-floor immersive holiday experience featuring photos with Santa, free hot chocolate, holiday train displays, crafts, holiday screenings and more.

Fifth Avenue 200th Anniversary, Holiday Window Displays & Third Annual Open Streets Program Manhattan: Fifth Avenue marks its 200th anniversary with in-store activations, exclusive merchandise and special events at luxury flagship stores and hotels. Custom tours explore the avenue’s rich history and iconic holiday window displays at stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co., Cartier and Bergdorf Goodman.

Holiday Under the Stars at The Shops at Columbus: Mid-Nov.–Jan., Columbus Circle, Manhattan: The Shops at Columbus Circle, celebrating 20 years, is featuring a new, glimmering “Holiday Under the Stars” installation, brimming with 300,000 twinkling lights and illuminated stars. Free to the public, newly choreographed light shows featuring 44 glowing, color-changing stars will dance across the dramatic 74-foot-high Great Room every 30 minutes from 5pm to midnight daily.

Shine Bright at Hudson Yards Presented by Wells Fargo, Hudson Yards, Manhattan: Presented by Wells Fargo, Shine Bright at Hudson Yards adorns the neighborhood with 115 miles of string lights, 725 evergreen trees and 16-foot-tall, illuminated set pieces in the shape of hot air balloons arranged through the Public Square & Gardens. A 32-foot hot air balloon centerpiece is suspended in The Great Room of The Shops & Restaurants. Enjoy holiday shopping, festive dining and free photo opportunities with Santa.

Holiday Lights & Movie Sites

NUTRITION NEWS

Tour with On Location Tours, Nov. 29–Jan. 2, Manhattan:  On Location Tours explore famous landmarks and uncover hidden gems featured in popular holiday films like  Elf,  Home Alone 2,  Scrooged and more. Starting near Columbus Circle, the tour includes festive stops at Bloomingdale’s, Rockefeller Center and the renowned ice-skating rink at Bryant Park.

ICE SKATING & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES:

Festive shopping at New York City’s Holiday Markets, Manhattan & Brooklyn: Find the perfect gift at the three big outdoor markets— Union Square Holiday Market (Nov.–Dec.), Holiday Shops at Winter Village at Bryant Park (Oct.–Jan.) and Columbus Circle Holiday Market (Nov.–Dec.). Stay warm at the indoor Grand Central Holiday Fair (Nov. 11–Dec. 24), Brooklyn Flea (Saturdays and Sundays, April–December) and Chelsea Flea (weekends only, year-round). Head to the Upper West Side for the indoor and outdoor Grand Holiday Bazaar (Sundays) or venture to the Brooklyn Borough Hall Holiday Market in Downtown Brooklyn (Nov.–Dec.), featuring 100 vendors selling locally crafted wares.

The Rink at Manhattan West, Midtown Manhattan: Located a block away from Madison Square Garden, offering daily public skating amid skyscrapers in Manhattan West’s expansive public plaza, conveniently located steps away from Moynihan Train Hall.

Glide at Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn: Skate beneath the historic Brooklyn Bridge while taking in the stunning Manhattan skyline views at Glide, the newest ice rink in New York City. Savor café and beverage options.

The Rink at Bryant Park, Midtown Manhattan: Enjoy the City’s largest free-admission ice-skating rink, a

Walking and Diabetes

BY CHARLYN FARGO

Most of us wish for an easy fix for our health issues -- a magic pill to lose weight or a magic way to cook vegetables that we love.

And then along comes a study, published in the February 2022 issue of the journal Diabetes Care, that finds we can walk to prevent diabetes. The study found that the more steps you take, and the more intensely you walk, the lower your odds of getting Type 2 diabetes.

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego and San Diego State University studied more than 4,800 participants who were women aged 65 and older.

None had diabetes. All lived independently.

Participants wore a device on their hip that recorded the number of steps they took 24 hours a day for a week. Participants’ health was monitored for up to seven years. Of the 4,800 women, 8% developed diabetes during that time.

On average, participants took 3,729 steps per day, of which 1,875 were light-intensity steps and 1,854 were vigorous-intensity steps (steps that cause you to breathe a little heavier). Researchers said that for every 1,000 steps participants took per day, results showed a 6% lower diabetes risk. If older adults were to take 2,000 more steps every day (in addition to what

vibrant holiday market with nearly 200 vendors and the cozy rinkside bar and food hall at The Lodge. Open through early March.

Wollman Rink , thru March, Central Park, Manhattan:  Enjoy skating in Central Park with the picturesque Manhattan skyline in the background.

The Rink at Rockefeller Center, thru March, Midtown Manhattan: The world-famous ice-skating rink is back for the holidays, offering the classic NYC experience of skating under the iconic Christmas tree. Santa will also join skaters on the ice in December.

Classic Harbor Line HolidayThemed Cruises, Manhattan:  Visitors aboard elegant 1920s-style yachts enjoy breathtaking views of the NYC skyline while indulging in complimentary hot cocoa, sweet treats and live entertainment. Options include holiday brunches, festive cruises with carols and a New Year’s Eve celebration with fireworks and captivating views of the NYC skyline and the Statue of Liberty.

City Cruises HolidayThemed Cruises, Nov. 28–Jan. 1, Manhattan Experience the charm of NYC from the water on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s with festive dining cruises with live entertainment. NYE cruises include fireworks display and an open bar.

NYC Hotel Week: Give the Gift of an NYC Hotel Stay this Winter, Citywide: Give the gift of New York City with a 25% discount on hotel stays at over 100 hotels. Reservations open Nov. 19; valid for stays over Jan. 2–Feb. 9, 2025.

For all there is to do and see in New York City, visit nyctourism.com.

© 2024 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear. com

they were already doing), they might expect a 12% reduction in diabetes risk, according to study co-author Alexis Garduno in a UCSD news release.

Here’s the bottom line: If 500,000 older individuals who are newly diagnosed with diabetes every year would increase their steps by 2,000 per day and the 12% figure is correct, Garduno said 60,000 people each year would not suffer from diabetes.

This study goes along with a recommendation from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week; once you’ve started

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Book clubs: Connecting with others

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

As I’ve gone around to different book clubs to see which ones I like best, I’ve noticed each place does things differently. Some schedule the meeting to last one hour while others schedule them for a block of two hours. Of course the one-hour meeting can go a little longer and people are encouraged to stay afterwards to socialize. On the other hand, I find that two hours is a bit long to discuss one particular book.

Speaking recently with my friend, Diana, who retired to Florida with her husband a few years ago, said that she likes a two-hour book club because when they meet once a month at her public library, it gives everyone a chance to talk about the book even if 30 people are attending - and it’s an enjoyable few hours. Diana added she likes the various ways people approach a book because it tells her a lot about the individuals. They give different perspectives.

I agree with that statement and it’s fun getting to know people on a different level. At the book clubs I’ve attended, many times a person will go off the tangent just a bit. If there’s a part in the book about a memorable vacation, for example, someone will talk about their own unique or memorable vacation and it can have some very humorous or serious parts.

We laugh or cry when we hear these stories and even though she has gone off the track for just a minute, we don’t care about the brief tangent because hearing these stories from various individuals, in my mind, makes each person more human. I feel like I get to know the person better when they tell the group something about what makes them tick.

Trying out different book clubs with their various formats is fun but as I experiment, I always think of one thing. As a kid in Rockville Centre I remember my friend Patty’s mother reading good books then inviting a few neighbors in to discuss them. I saw this firsthand because as Patty’s friend I was in and out of their house down the street from

my own several times a month.

Patty and I would do homework together or get an idea to play some records on her record player. 33s or 45s - either way those vinyl records sounded good to us and the Rolling Stones and The Monkees were big at the time. We could dance around and sing along to the songs and it was a nice break after being in school all day.

That was in the late 1960s and early ‘70s, a couple of generations ago, but Mrs. Smith had a book club going. Occasionally Patty and I would eavesdrop on Mrs. Smith’s book club - as we ran upstairs or running back downstairs to the kitchen for a snack - and we’d hear them describing certain characters or the houses they lived in and the families they had. It was interesting.

Mrs. Smith enjoyed reading so much and the participants loved discussing the details in the books. The characters seemed to come to life when they talked about them because they usually discussed the characters first then they’d talk about whether or not the plot worked. Sometimes the books they discussed weren’t appealing to me as a kid but at other times I’d think maybe that book is a good one, for kids as well as adults.

If you have heard of the old saying, “the walls have ears,” Patty and I were that personified. The adults didn’t realize that we were passing through and liked to stop and listen on occasion but in any event most of their book club discussions involved pretty tame material.

Mrs. Smith called them the “book discussions” but it turns out that the term “book club” has been around for many years but as a child it’s not something I bandied about with my friends. History says that the term has been used since the 17th century when Anne Hutchinson organized a discussion group of women on a ship bound for Massachusetts from England. That sounds like a bit of trivia history buffs would know.

These days all sorts of clubs are available at senior centers, in public libraries and at people’s homes, too. I looked up a calendar of events recently and discovered so many different types of clubs: chess, quilting, crafts, mah-

jongg, genealogy, movie buffs, yoga and a cooking club. I’ve even seen an Agatha Christie club advertised and a guitar jam, too. I never went to those two clubs but they sound interesting.

I’ve thought about starting a club for “Yellowstone” TV buffs starring heartthrob Kevin Costner, naturally, but I’m still a relatively new retiree who enjoys trying these clubs in various locations and seeing which ones I like the best. After working full-time for 41 years, I am a Lady of Leisure.

But I digress. After the book discussions that Mrs. Smith hosted became a regular thing in my neighborhood, she suggested they have a potluck lunch. Was that something they would enjoy doing? Yes, the ladies agreed wholeheartedly so they started bringing a light lunch to share with each other - then once they had put everything away, they’d start talking about the book of the month.

I still compare notes with my friend, Diana, about which book they will discuss or have discussed recently and that’s always fun because we are such book nerds. My favorite book isn’t her favorite book but that’s okay because we like to share and learn from each other.

I’ve been attending the book club at my public library and will keep going to see my new friends and hear new stories. But every so often I think back to the way Mrs. Smith ran her book club and I think what a marvelous thing it was for the ladies to share their thoughts, ideas and feelings about books. It’s a nice way to pass the time.

BY TOM MARGENAU

I’m dusting off an old Thanksgiving-themed column I ran many years ago. I thought that now would be a good time to remind people what Social Security is all about.

I’m going to suggest that we Americans give thanks for the Social Security program. I know lots of people like to think that the “good old days” (before Social Security) were, well, the good old days. But many times, they were not. If you’d like to get a glimpse of what life was like before the Social Security program came along, I suggest you read a book called “Growing Up,” by the late Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times columnist Russell Baker.

In it, Baker tells the story of what it was like to grow up in the 1920s and 1930s. For most of us, the Great Depression is the stuff of history books and hard luck stories revealed in an occasional documentary about the era. But Russell Baker lived one of those stories and writes eloquently about his life and those times.

His book brings the era into focus for people whose vision of history has been blurred by the good life. For me, it also illustrates the reason why we have and need a Social Security system in this country.

Many people have attempted to explain to me that America would be better off without Social Security. They point out that this nation was founded on the principles of personal freedom and that our pioneer spirit encourages people to make it on their own without government interference. As one recent letter writer told me: “If people could make it on their own in the good old days before we had Social Security, they ought to be able to make it on their own now without the government’s help!”

The problem with that argument, of course, is that many people were not “making it” before Social Security came into existence. Case in point: Before Social Security, about 70% of senior citizens were living below the poverty level. In other words, those “good old days” were actually very bad for very many older people. Today, after more than 80 years of life with Social Security, less than 10% of seniors live in poverty.

In his book, Baker describes the period just after his father’s death. His father left a widow and three small children, including Russell, who was then about 10. Russell’s youngest sister, Audrey, was 18 months old. His newly widowed mother decided to leave their home in Virginia to move in with relatives in New Jersey. Immediately following the funeral, she had many tough decisions to make. One of them was giving up Audrey!

“The giving up of Audrey was done in a time of shock and depression for my mother,” Baker writes. “When the undertaker was paid, she was left with a few dollars of insurance money, a worthless Model T, several chairs, a table to eat from, a couple of mail-order beds, a crib, three small

Give Thanks for Social Security

children, no way to earn a living, and no prospects for the future.”

A few days later, Baker’s Uncle Tom and Aunt Goldie arrived to pick up his little sister. “My mother helped them carry out the crib and boxes packed with baby clothes. When the car was loaded, my mother bundled Audrey into blankets, carried her outside, handed her to Aunt Goldie, and kissed her goodbye forever!”

That scene struck a nerve with me because my father also died when I was young. Like Baker’s father, my dad left a widow and small children. Also like Baker’s family, my mother was left with a little insurance, a few pieces of furniture and an old car. But unlike the Bakers, we had brighter prospects for the future because my father left behind something else: Social Security survivors’ insurance.

My mother, brothers, sister and myself each received a monthly check from Social Security based on my father’s earnings. My siblings and I were able to receive benefits up to the age of 22 if we stayed in school. And my mother received checks until my youngest brother turned 18. (The laws have changed slightly since I was a beneficiary. Today, benefits to children are generally cut off at age 18, and a widowed mother’s checks stop when the youngest child turns 16.)

Survivor benefits are a very important part of Social Security. They have been paid since 1940. Yet even today, many young workers are not aware of this protection they are guaranteed through their Social Security tax deductions.

Most young people complain about the amount of Social Security taxes they pay. But I think if they really consider why our society provides a comprehensive Social Security program, they might be more inclined to accept Social Security taxes so that no other young widowed mother has to give up her little Audrey and “kiss her goodbye forever.”

As I said earlier, I ran a column similar to this one several years ago. After that column ran, I heard from more than a few members of the government-bashing and Social Security-bashing crowd. I saved just one example. Here is what he wrote -- in part. (His rant went on for more than a page!)

“It’s the namby-pamby liberals like Baker and you who have ruined this country. Russell’s father should have provided for his family, and your father should have provided for you. We don’t need the government to make up for slackers like your fathers. And don’t even get my started on widow’s benefits. These women should work and take care of themselves and not expect the government to show up each month with a widow’s dole!”

My goodness! I sure am glad I don’t live in that guy’s world. What a cold and uncaring and empathy-starved place it must be! My so-called “slacker” father served and was injured in World War II, and he struggled for the next 25 years at

low-paying jobs to provide a modest life for his family. And maybe I should have pointed out to him that Russell Baker’s mom spent many years cleaning floors in tenement houses to help take care of her family. And my mom worked all her life to help pay the rent and put food on our table. Oh, well!

I also wanted to point out that someone reading this column might conclude that Social Security is unique to the United States. As I will point out in next week’s column, just the opposite is true. The idea

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Was the real estate market better or worse in October?

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

The real estate market still appears to be resilient and there are no signs of a crash looming on the horizon. Looking at the chart below, the residential median sales price year-overyear increased substantially, from $705,000 to $775,000 (+$70,000) (+9.9%). From September through October, the increase was .00645% ($5000) from $770,000 to $775,000. Although inventory is still meager, and demand is still fairly strong, prices aren’t heading up as they were previously. However, the number of homes sold in October 2023 was 8830 compared to 8199 in October 2024 (approx 7.15% decrease. The combination of higher interest rates, increased prices, and abnormally low inventory were the factors causing the severe decline in sales year-over-year.

Median Sold Prices

from $752,250 to $760,000 It’s a possibility that those who found residential prices to be beyond their budget, considered and purchased a condo. Also, the value of condos as an investment could have been a reason for the substantial price increase. There were 705 properties sold in 2023 up to and including October and 706 sold through October 2024; a year-over-year increase of 0.1%There was a slight decrease from September 2024 from 714 units to 706. Condo inventory is trending lower as there appears to be greater interest in those types of properties.

$317,000. Prices stayed flat at $310,000 from January through June in 2024. 793 units sold through October 2024 compared with 814 units through October 2023. Again, the same variables apply here where avialable inventory was down, prices increased and interest rates became untenable for many would be purchasers.

Median Sold Prices Co-op Properties

Month Current Prior % Year Year Chg

Oct-2024 $317,000 $300,000 5.7

Sep-2024 $315,000 $300,000 5.0

pass the review. Debt-to-income ratios also may have played a major role in passing the board. From my experience, when purchasing a home one’s debt-to-income ratio can be as high as 60% for those with the proper income. However, when it comes to coops and their board approval, debt-to-income can range from 27% to 36% so the numbers are much more rigid in getting to the finish line.

Looking at the 2nd chart below for Condos, the median sold price yearover-year rose from $680,000 to $760,000; an increase of $80,000 (+11.8). The previous month saw a rise of $7,750 (1+%)

SOCIAL SECURITY AND YOU

of Social Security is a worldwide phenomenon. Almost every country on the planet has a Social Security system in place for its citizens. And many countries had Social Security long before we got around to setting up our system. It’s just too bad our program came along too late to help Russell Baker’s mother and her children.

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

COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

Median Sold Prices Condo Properties Month

$738,000 $654,500 12.8 Jul-2024 $730,000 $670,000 9.0 Jun-2024 $730,000 $660,000 10.6 May-2024 $725,000 $670,000 8.2

Apr-2024 $700,000 $675,000 3.7

Mar-2024 $700,000 $675,000 3.7

Feb-2024 $698,000 $675,000 3.4

Jan-2024 $690,000 $675,000 2.2

Dec-2023 $690,000 $670,000 3.0

Nov-2023 $680,000 $665,000 2.3

The last classification of property are coops. The median sold price of coops in October 2024 was $317,000 compared with $300,000 in October 2023; an incrfease of 5.7%. However, prices in September 2024 to October 2024 increased $2000 from $315,000-

Aug-2024 $313,500 $300,000 4.5

Jul-2024 $312,000 $295,000 5.8

Jun-2024 $310,000 $295,000 5.1

May-2024 $310,000 $295,000 5.1

Apr-2024 $310,000 $295,000 5.1

Mar-2024 $310,000 $295,000 5.1

Feb-2024 $310,000 $290,000 6.9

Jan-2024 $310,000 $290,500 6.7

Dec-2023 $309,000 $290,000 6.6 Nov-2023 $300,000 $290,000 3.4

Prices have increased in the 3 categories year-over-year. However, the increases were greatest for residential homes and condos. Coops showed a much smaller increase year-over-year as that type of property became less affordable for those potentially seeking financing due to interest rates and monthly maintenance fees. Also, due to the coop board approval process, I surmise that many may not have had the acceptable qualifications to

Although the Fed rate was reduced again this past month by 25 basis points (1/4 point), I am still not convinced that this will have a major impact on mortgage rates and the housing market and will only lessen the monthly cost of our bloated 36 trillion National Debt. More importantly, I do not believe we are out of the inflation dilemma and I am not sure we will be going forward. If tariffs are put on imported goods from China and other countries, as President-elect Trump is planning then this will only be passed down to increase prices on goods purchased by consumers. I hope that I and most economists are wrong but time will tell.

Statistics courtesy of MLS I wish everyone a healthy, happy, and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends.

Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. For a free 15-minute consultation, value analysis of your home, or to answer any of your questions or concerns he can be reached by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@ TurnKeyRealEstate.Com or via https:// WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com

What’s Your Grocery Shopping Personality?

BY MARY HUNT

Once upon a time, a big “SPECIAL” sign was enough to make us think we were getting a deal at the grocery store. But today’s shoppers aren’t so easily fooled. We’ve become wiser, knowing there’s more to shopping smart than flashy tags and end-of-aisle displays.

A number of studies now promise we can categorize ourselves into four grocery-shopping personalities. Take a look -- maybe you’ll see a bit of yourself in one of these types. With a few extra tips, you’ll be able to make the most of your unique shopping style!

SUPER SAVERS

Super Savers are the champions of bargains, always on the hunt for the best deal. They’re the ones who check out three stores in a single trip, clip coupons like pros, and can spot an authentic sale from a mile away. For them, saving isn’t just a necessity -- it’s a challenge they’re determined to win.

SIGNS YOU’RE A SUPER SAVER

-- You’ve got a meal plan ... sort of. You buy what’s on sale, but there’s a little pantry overload and still nothing for

dinner. Planning meals around what’s on sale, not just what’s in bulk, can help.

-- You don’t trust the big “SALE” tags.

You carry a calculator to see if a deal is real. Aim for items at least 50% off or buyone-get-one-free to truly call it a “score.”

-- You’re friends with your freezer. Double your recipes and freeze meals for those busy nights when cooking feels impossible.

-- Your pantry is an organized masterpiece. Everything is in its place, oldest in front, with an inventory list in your freezer so those bags of frozen chicken don’t become artifacts.

PLANNERS

Planners are calm and collected, focused on fresh ingredients and homecooked meals. They’re less inclined to chase sales and more likely to whip up a meal from scratch. To them, time in the kitchen is well spent; time clipping coupons, not so much.

SIGNS YOU’RE A PLANNER

-- You strategize without leaving your routine. You might pick up the weekly circular and see if anything fits your plan, but you’re not running all over town.

-- You think long term. Grocery stores run on 12-week cycles, so when you see a favorite item on sale, you buy enough to last until the next markdown.

-- You’ve gone digital with discounts. No paper clutter here -- you load your coupons electronically right onto your store card.

-- You know your sizes. Medium-sized items sometimes cost less per ounce than the larger ones. Quick math and attention to unit pricing can help you find the real savings.

SACRIFICERS

Sacrificers are practical and careful. Maybe they’re adjusting to a tighter budget, or they’re just picky about where every dollar goes. For them, grocery shopping has become a game of needs versus wants, and each item is a careful choice.

SIGNS YOU’RE

A SACRIFICER

-- You don’t let yourself go without. You’re brand-loyal to a few essentials, finding coupons where you can and opt-

ing for store brands on the rest.

-- You keep it to one trip a week. Multiple trips can lead to impulse buys, so you stick to a list and avoid those budget-busting extra visits.

-- You shop where the prices are right. Forget the fancy grocery stores -- sacrificers head to the no-frills places with better prices, even if it means longer lines.

-- You’re proud of your effort. Grocery shopping isn’t glamorous, but you know every bit saved here is a bit more for something else important.

SPECTATORS

Spectators are loyal to their brands and habits. They haven’t felt the impact of higher prices because they choose to not pay attention. Even high inflation hasn’t

drastically changed their shopping routines. But with a few easy tweaks, even spectators can stretch their budgets to make grocery shopping work harder for them.

SIGNS YOU’RE READY TO SHIFT FROM SPECTATOR MODE

-- You’re willing to try a cash-only challenge. Set a goal to cut your grocery spending by 20%-25%, then take only that much in cash to the store. It’s eye-opening how this keeps you on budget.

-- You’re curious about prices. Tossing things in the cart without looking at

Walking and Diabetes

prices is easy -- but keeping a mental note of what you’re spending helps curb that habit.

-- You’re willing to start small: Pick one thing to focus on, like buying in-season produce or cooking one meal from scratch.

-- You’re walking on by convenience foods. Packaged foods are pricey! Homemade granola, dips and other staples not only taste better but cost less too. Every grocery shopper has his or her style, and there’s no wrong way to do it. But knowing your personality type can help you make little tweaks that fit naturally with the way you already shop. So grab your list (and maybe your calculator) and make your next trip to the store work for you -- no tricks, just smart shopping.

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

COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

Continued from page 2

walking, keep it up daily.

Q and A

Q: Do omega-6 fatty acids cause inflammation?

A: No, intake of omega-6 fatty acids doesn’t cause inflammation; in fact, they are anti-inflammatory. Omega-6 fatty acids, called linoleic acid, are found in nuts, seeds and plant oils such as sunflower, safflower, soybean, canola and corn. Because linoleic acid can’t be synthesized by

the body, it must be consumed in the diet. Besides being anti-inflammatory, omega-6 fatty acids help lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides as well as helping to lower blood glucose.

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

COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of December 1-7, 2024

I don’t know why, but I always miss the planet Jupiter when it’s not in our evening sky. Sure, we’ve now got dazzling Venus lighting up our western sky at dusk, and the planet Saturn appears in the south-southwestern sky. But to me, the sky just never seems complete unless Jupiter is there.

Jupiter behaves like every other planet, of course. It revolves around the sun, and that means that sometimes it appears in the pre-dawn sky and sometimes after sunset. And I couldn’t be happier that Jupiter returns to the evening sky this week.

It reaches its official opposition point on Dec. 7. The word “opposition” is one that astronomers throw around without realizing that most beginners don’t know what it means, but it’s quite simple.

When a planet lies at opposition, it appears in our sky opposite the sun. In other words, the Earth lies between the sun and the planet. It’s the time when -for a few weeks -- the planet rises in the east around sunset and can be seen all night long. This is also the time when the planet reaches its closest point to the Earth, therefore appearing at its largest and brightest.

If you’ve got a small backyard telescope, this is the time to dig it out of the

STARGAZERS

Welcome Back, Jupiter!

closet and dust it off. Jupiter, always impressive to view through a small telescope, will be especially stunning over the next month or so.

Here’s a world that’s 11 times the diameter of Earth, yet it spins on its axis once every 10 hours or so. This means its Earth-facing side changes completely in just five hours and, with patience, skywatchers viewing through a telescope can easily watch its pastel cloud bands and, sometimes, its Great Red Spot move completely past our view in just one long evening of stargazing.

One of the most enjoyable parts of watching this planet is keeping track of its four largest moons. At last count, Jupiter has 95 known moons, but it’s these four -- Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto -- that we know as the Galilean satellites because it was the Italian astronomer Galileo who discovered them and their movements some four centuries ago.

Even the smallest of telescopes allows us to watch them swing around the Jovian disk from night to night, occasionally vanishing behind the planet or slipping in front of it while casting their shadows onto the giant world’s cloudtops. And sometimes, if two moons are passing one another or approaching or receding from the planet’s disk, a sharp-eyed observer can see their movements in only a few minutes.

Much of the fun of watching these

moons is knowing which moon is which. You can identify them by finding an app for your smartphone or tablet, or by visiting shallowsky.com/galilean/ and selecting your date and time.

If you don’t have a telescope, contact your local astronomy club or science museum to learn when they’ll be hosting their next free “star party” so you

can get a close-up look at this exciting giant planet.

With or without a telescope, it’s going to be a terrific winter of Jupiter-gazing!

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com. .

COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

Your Fries Are My Fries

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

“I’ll have the burger,” my husband said to the server when she came to take our lunch order.

“Would you like a salad or fries with that?” she asked.

“Salad,” he said definitively.

“No, fries,” I corrected him.

“I don’t want fries,” he said.

“But I do, and my sandwich doesn’t come with them,” I explained.

He rolled his eyes and shrugged in defeat.

“Fries,” he said to the server, who had been watching our exchange with interest. I was pretty sure it wasn’t the first time she’d heard this conversation between a husband and a wife. In the married world it is common knowledge that my fries are my fries, and his fries

are also my fries. This same idea also applies to desserts, chips and basically any other food item that he might order that I would want. Sadly, for him, this policy does not work in reverse, and while I might deign to give him a fry or two, he couldn’t expect that I would fully share my fries (or flourless chocolate cake) unless there was some left after I was done eating -- a highly unusual circumstance, to say the least.

I have to say, he’s been a pretty good sport about this, considering there was very little evidence that this would be his food future when we were dating. Back then, I respected his side dishes and desserts and only would partake of them when they were offered. The longer we were together, though, the braver I got, starting with just one or two fries and working my way up to

half his portion and then some. By the time we’d been together 20 years, it was clear that when it came to eating out, I was ordering what I wanted to eat, and he was expected to order what I wanted to eat as well.

Desserts actually worked a little differently. I don’t usually order a dessert because I’m almost always on a diet. He usually orders dessert because he wants one and knows I really want one too, but I don’t want to go on the record as having ordered one. So he will get a dessert he knows I want and ask the server for two forks. My theory is, the calories don’t count if they are coming from someone else’s plate.

Meanwhile, back at the restaurant, our food arrived, and I was excited to see that he had received a hearty portion of fries with his burger. I dug right

in, and he watched with his usual combination of irritation and amusement. He moved his burger over to one side of his plate and the fries to the other to give me easier access. Then he excused himself to go to the bathroom. When he got back, he noticed that half the portion of fries were still on his plate.

“Thank you, honey,” he said with a smile. “I appreciate that you left me some fries!”

I nodded.

“I would have eaten more, but you ran out of ketchup.”

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

COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

LOST IN SUBURBIA

Jupiter reaches its opposition point this week, meaning it will appear opposite the sun

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SITUATION WANTED

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MARKETPLACE

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CLASSIFIEDS Call 294.8900

These colorful cookies are tailor-made for family baking sessions

Christmas Biscuits

Baking during the holiday season is a tradition in many households across the globe. Family baking sessions provide a perfect holiday season bonding activity, and the payoff is both cherished family time and delicious, indulgent foods once the items are ready to eat.

Holiday hosts know they’ll

For the dough:

1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted, plus extra for dusting

1 1⁄3 cups confectioner’s sugar, plus extra for dusting

3⁄4 cup almond meal

1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

1 large egg yolk

1 tablespoon cold water

1⁄2 teaspoon fine salt

1) For the dough: Preheat oven to 350 ° F. Grease and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

2) Combine flour, confectioner’s sugar and almond meal in a large mixing bowl. Stir well to mix.

3) Add butter, egg yolk, water, and salt, and mix well with an electric mixer with spiral attachments until mixture starts to come together as a dough.

4) Turn out onto a floured surface and knead briefly until even. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

5) After chilling, roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to approximately 0.25 ” thickness.

6) Use assorted star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out approximately 23 variably sized star shapes. Arrange between prepared sheets, spaced apart.

7) From remaining dough, cut out one teardrop and two semi-circles of dough, using appropriate cutters or working freehand with a paring knife. Arrange on one of the baking sheets.

8) Bake cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden and

need to feed their guests over the course of their stay, and that includes snacks. This holiday season, hosts can involve their guests in family baking sessions and whip up a batch of these delicious and colorful “Christmas Biscuits” from Lines+Angles. Makes approximately 24 cookies

For the icing and decoration:

4 cups confectioner’s sugar 3 tablespoons meringue powder

7 tablespoons warm water, combined with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, assorted food color (e. g., red, pink and turquoise), assorted colored sugar crystals (e. g., red, pink and white)

dry to the touch. Remove to cooling racks to cool.

9) For the icing and decoration: Thoroughly stir together confectioner’s sugar and meringue powder in a large mixing bowl.

10) Gradually beat in warm water and vanilla extract mixture using an electric mixer until icing is smooth and of a flooding consistency; you may not need all of the water.

11) Divide icing between three bowls. Color two bowls pink and red, respectively, by beating in enough pink and red coloring to achieve uniform colors. Leave the third bowl uncolored.

12) Spoon pink and red icing into separate piping bags fitted with small, round-tip nozzles.

13) To ice the cookies, pipe around their perimeters with the icings to create borders. Fill in middle of cookies with more icing; you can use a damp, warm offset palette knife to spread out icing to an even finish.

14) Carefully transfer iced cookies to cooling racks, decorating with the sugar crystals in festive patterns.

15) Using same technique

as in steps 13 and 14, ice teardrop cookie with red and white icing for Santa’s hat and beard, respectively. Ice the two semi-circle cookies with white icing.

16) Before icings have set, carefully attach semi-circle cookies to teardrop cookie

to fashion Santa’s mustache. Color any remaining white icing with turquoise coloring and then dab onto teardrop cookie for Santa’s eyes. Pipe some pink icing below eyes for his nose.

17) Let cookies set and harden before serving.

Do you have grandchildren?

Enter our “World’s Most Beautiful Grandchildren” contest! Just send in your grandchildren’s photos and a brief description of the child (or children) along with your name and address to editor@gcnews.com

Tip: Flooding consistency should be similar to the consistency of toothpaste. If your icing is too thick, thin it out with some warm water, mixing it into the icing in drops

Preparation time: 1 hour, 20 minutes

Cooling time: 30 minutes

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From page 2

clear consensus of the residents. At this time there are no reliable cost estimates of full preservation, but clearly, demolition would cost a small fraction of full preservation. In that case, I believe demolition would still be a viable option.

ONE LAST HURDLE: Any final Trustee plan would require a vote of approval of 7,000-plus GC households and businesses for the issuance of tens of millions of dollars of bonds needed to finance the project. That would be the most reliable poll of all. Finally, I remind everyone that the amortization of the bonds could adversely affect our Village taxes for up to thirty years.

George M Salem

Mind Boggling Numbers

To the Editor:

Last week, Las Vegas Sands dropped their 21,000 page Draft Environmental Impact Statement, and some of the numbers boggle the mind: They expect 10 million visitors a year - that’s on a par

with Universal Orlando and other topten theme parks; They’ll use 5.3 million gallons of water each week - more than a small town; the “gaming” (i.e. gambling) floors will total 400,000 square feet - bigger than any casino-resort in Las Vegas! Impact to traffic will be so huge that they’re proposing widening the Meadowbrook Parkway! Yet despite the cars, buses, and shuttles bringing those 10 million patrons to-and-fro, not to mention truck traffic for hauling 155 tons of trash each week, supply delivery and other purposes, they claim that there will be “no significant impact” on air quality! We are grateful that our Mayor and Board have committed resources to fighting this debacle, but more resident voices are needed. Check the nocasinonassau.org website to see how you, your friends and family can make your voices heard. It’s not a donedeal unless we let it happen.

George & Lynn Krug

The Ground-Breaking Exercise Method That Makes Everything Better

BY AHMED AHMED

What if I told you there was one research-backed way to exercise that…

• Elevates your strength so you can climb stairs comfortably.

• Drops your blood pressure.

• Relieves joint discomfort so you can bend over with ease.

• Enhances muscular endurance so you can take longer walks with your loved ones.

• Transforms posture.

• Improves tendon and ligament health.

• Adds muscle mass.

This is the power of isometrics. But what are they?

For some context, here’s a crash course in muscle science.

Now when sarcomeres shorten, your abs bend your torso like in a crunch… And as you get out of a crunch, they lengthen.

But when you hold a crunch or any other position… The latest research shows that sarcomeres wind and unwind through a microscopically tiny range to make this happen.

Now how do you actually do an isometric?

Well it can be as simple as straightening your leg while seated and holding your leg up with your thigh muscles. Or while you’re standing you can hold on to a desk, go onto your tippy toes and hold that position.

Whether you’re standing or sitting, try one of those now and feel those muscles working!

Cluttered?

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

Think about your muscles like an onion… Each layer works together so that you can use your muscles for movement, joint stability, and force absorption.

The innermost layer is called a sarcomere. These sarcomeres are like tiny accordions that work to contract and release your muscles… And without them we wouldn’t be able to move, hold positions, or resist movement.

Isometrics are a gentle but potent way to improve your muscle, joint, and heart health. And the best part is you can do it from the comfort of your couch, when you’re standing in the kitchen, or in the car!

Ahmed Ahmed is the owner of Lotus Fitness. Contact him at (646)4152349 or ahmed@lotusfitnessny. com https://lotusfitnessny.com/

Ahmed Ahmed

IN MEMORIAM

Frank Scarangella

Frank Scarangella passed away on November 21, 2024 at the age of 87. He is survived by his two children, Suzanne and Michael and their spouses Vincent and Darlene along with his four grandchildren Olivia, Jillian, Sela & Grant.

Frank was born in Astoria, NY on September 11, 1937 and grew up in a large Irish-Italian family who instilled in him a strong sense of family and the value of hard work.

During his life, Frank had many accomplishments, including earning a BA from Hofstra University and an MBA from St. John’s University. Frank proudly served as a First Lieutenant in the US Army at both Picatinny Arsenal in NJ and the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Meade, MD.

Before being promoted to “Grandpa,” Frank held many prestigious positions at banks like Security National, Chemical, National Westminster and finally at the Bank of New York where he was Senior Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations. After “failing” at retirement, Frank became the Vice

Frank Scarangella

President of Communications and Marketing at New York Institute of Technology. In his spare time, Frank was an avid reader and history buff but also enjoyed writing short stories and was known to bring his camera and later iPhone to every family gathering.

IN MEMORIAM

Constance Friedrich

Constance E. Friedrich

Constance E. Friedrich, of Great Barrington, MA, formerly of Garden City,  passed away at the age of 91 on November 22, 2024, surrounded by her children. Beloved wife of the late Carl Robert Friedrich, Esq. Mother of Carrie

Garden City PTA News

Important Dates:

• Stratford PTA Family Fun Night - 12/6

Stewart Turkey Trot

Ann (Paul) Ferry, Claudia (Kevin) Schmitz, Christiana (John) Bunn, Carl Jr. (Melinda), Catherine (Robert) Kaderavek. Devoted grandmother of Matthew (Emily), Christopher (Carly), & Michael Ferry, Patrick & Margaret Schmitz (Marina), Courtney Bunn (John) Schmitz, William & Elizabeth Bunn, Hannah, Carl, Lillian & Henry Friedrich, Sarah, Grace, & Emma Kaderavek; Great grandmother to Riley, Hailey & Layla Ferry. Dear twin sister of Eleanor Roland and late brother Bruno Org; Sister-in-law of Dorothy Coons and the late Thomas M. Roland, Betty & John Sutter. She was adored by many nieces and nephews. Connie grew up on Long Island, and was a graduate of Hofstra University holding three degrees. She lived a life committed to family, faith and her career as an educator. Connie was an inspiration to all who knew and loved her.

Service - Christian service, December 7, 10 am, First Congregational Church, Great Barrington, MA followed by a luncheon and private interment.

In lieu of flowers, donations preferred to the First Congregational Church c/o Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to her family please go to www.finnertyandstevens.com

What a wonderful success the first ever Stewart Turkey Trot was as part of PTA Fall Family Fun!  Students in grades 2–5, as well as parents, were invited to run or walk a quarter mile once (or as many times as they wanted), and everyone cheered the finishers on by name as they crossed the finish line recognizing them by the race bibs they were able to make before the run.  It was an hour-long event to kick off Thanksgiving week. Thank you to the many great parent volunteers who helped make this event incredible and to the principals who dressed up as turkeys!

Bus Driver Bagel Breakfast

The PTA and the Garden City community is so thankful for our bus drivers whose hands we put our kids in, every single day.  The safety and security of our children is something this crew does not take lightly and the PTA was delighted to treat them to a bagel breakfast, which they sincerely appreciated!!  Thank you GC school bus drivers for all that you do!

Sportswear Committee Volunteers Needed!

The Sportswear Committee is looking for volunteers to help at various events! Please reach out to sportswear@ gardencitypta.org if you would like to get involved in the PTA on your own time!

Join/Renew Your PTA Membership Today!

There is still time to join the Garden City PTA for the 2024-25 school year! Joining is easy. Visit gardencitypta.org and choose your membership optionjust one membership covers all of your children in all seven schools through June 2025.

Annual Sponsorship Applications Now Available!

Email sponsorships@gardencitypta. org.

Let’s Connect @GardenCityPTA

Website: www.gardencitypta.org

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Some of the Garden City school bus drivers.

Runners getting ready.

IN MEMORIAM

Regina Andrea Imperio (née Jaworski)

May 16, 1952 – November 22, 2024

Regina Andrea Imperio passed away on November 22, 2024, at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, warmth, and laughter. Born on May 16, 1952, in Queens, Regina had a remarkable ability to make every gathering unforgettable. People always had the best time when they were with Regina, as her generous and vibrant personality brought joy to everyone she met.

She had a lifelong passion for the arts, spending many cherished moments as a devoted member of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Her love of music, especially for David Bowie, reflected her admiration for originality and creativity. Regina was also an avid traveler, from Paris to Aruba, she experienced it all. She always knew the best places to experience the local culture and cuisine.

Horses were another of Regina’s great passions. In her youth, she spent many happy hours at Belmont, working as a hot walker and a book -

keeper. Then, later in life, she became a horse owner. Her time there, surrounded by the animals she loved, highlighted her deep appreciation for nature and care giving.

Regina spent most of her adult life in Garden City, where she made many cherished friendships. Her ability to connect with others, share joy, and create meaningful memories was truly unmatched.

She is survived by her son, Christopher Imperio and his wife, Casey Imperio (née Williamson), as well as her daughter Catherine Imperio, whom she shared with her former husband, Michael Imperio. She is also survived by her brother, Walter, and her sister, Andrea, and was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Agnes, and sisters, Karen and Deborah.

Regina’s family and friends will always remember her for her generous spirit, quick wit, and deep compassion. Whether sharing her love of art, music, or horses, she left an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew her.

A service to celebrate Regina’s  life will be open to all who wish to honor her memory on Tuesday, December 3rd from 3:00pm – 7:00pm at Park Funeral Chapels in Garden City Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to the charities listed below.

The Andy Foundation https://www.paypal.com/ donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=7BMKFK2TEQJQW&ssrt=1732453964186

Camp Anchor https://apfannex.square. site/product/in-memory-on-behalf-of/7?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=4 Belmont Childcare Association https://www.belmontchildcare. org/donate

IN MEMORIAM

Virginia M. Bennetter

Virginia M. Bennetter, of  Quogue and formerly of Garden City, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 17, 2024. Born on February 2, 1937, in New York, NY, she was the beloved daughter of George M. Motz and Marguerite C. Motz (Boo, to everyone who knew her). Virginia was not only a loving wife to the late Donald B. Bennetter but also to the late Walter F. Kramer, Jr. She was preceded in death by her oldest son, Walter F. Kramer, III.

Virginia’s legacy lives on through her devoted family, including her sister Susan M. Sayer and her brother George M. Motz. She was the beloved mother to daughters Elizabeth K. Davidson (Bradley), Dorothea K. Adams (Michael), Marguerite K. Kircher (Stephen), and her son Thomas J. Bennetter (Kathleen). She was a proud grandmother to ten grandchildren: Brendan Brown, Sean Adams (Ana), Margaret Ollervides (Jorge), Emily Adams, MaryKate Strachan (Michael), Joseph Brown (Kathleen), Thomas Adams (Emily), Sable Kircher, Cullen Kircher, and Kathleen “Boo” Bennetter and six great-grandchildren: Joaquin “Jet” Arellano, Ryan Brown, Ella Brown, Megan Brown, Scott Brown, and Connor Brown.

The oldest of three children, Virginia was raised in Garden City. Her father owned Mineola Motors, Ford Motor Company agency, and was a principal investor in Roosevelt Raceway. Virginia graduated from St. Joseph’s School in Garden City in 1950 and Garden City High School in 1954. In 1956, Virginia married Walter Kramer and they settled in Garden City where they raised their five children.

After Walter’s sudden death in 1973, Virginia married Donald Bennetter, a Spanish teacher and Director of Student Activities at Garden City High School. Virginia and Don continued to be active participants in Garden City life.

Virginia epitomized community spirit in Garden City. With her dedicated coaching of softball for the Garden City Athletic Association and her leadership as president of the GCAA Stewart Little League following Walter Kramer's passing, she showed unwavering commitment. As a Brownie and Girl Scout troop leader, a Cub Scout and Boy Scout den mother, and a PTA leader for primary and elementary schools, she forged deep connections within many Garden City families. Virginia and Don Bennetter’s enthusiastic participation in parent performances at GCHS dances, showcased her vibrant personality and talent, even if it occasionally embar -

rassed her children. The Bennetter/ Kramer household warmly welcomed exchange students from Sweden, Spain, Germany, Mexico, Colombia, and Japan, embodying a spirit of inclusion. There was always an extra seat at their table, inviting anyone to join in on a meal that was not only delicious but filled with laughter and warmth.

Affectionately known as Ginny, Girvinia, Mom, and Granny, she was a devoted woman of faith and an active parishioner, volunteer, and choir member at Immaculate Conception Church in Quiogue and St. Joseph's Church in Garden City, along with Don.  Both Virginia and Don also volunteered as religious education teachers at the high school level.

In addition to her family and in no particular order, Virginia loved the NY Mets, the Surf Club of Quogue, holiday decor and holiday dressing, knitting and quilting, Keds sneakers in every color and print available, all sports, politics, and news (particularly from CNN and the New York Times), mint chocolate chip ice cream, and White Zinfandel (always with ice cubes). Virginia’s legacy radiates love and warmth, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her memory will be celebrated and cherished by all.

A funeral Mass was held on Saturday, November 23, at St. Joseph’s Church with interment following at the Cemetery of the Holy Rood in Westbury. In lieu of flowers, the family requested that  donations be made in her memory to the Surf Club of Quogue Scholarship Fund and sent to the Surf Club of Quogue, PO Box 844, Quogue, NY 11959

Regina Imperio

Virginia Bennetter

From page 23

A Stewart Avenue driver was charged on November 23 with multiple violations, including driving with a suspended license and registration.

Vaping-related alarm

On November 23, GCFD and police responded to a fire alarm on 7th Street reportedly activated by vaping smoke.

Debit card scam

A resident discovered unauthorized debit card charges on November 24 while speaking with someone pretending to be her bank representative.

Wrong-way driver

On November 24, a Stewart Avenue motorist was charged with driving with a suspended registration and going the wrong way on a one-way street.

Suspicious item

Police investigated a suspicious backpack left on Tullamore Road on November 24. The bag contained personal property and was taken for safekeeping.

Excessive speed

A Stewart Avenue motorist was charged with driving with a suspended license and registration and excessive speed on November 24.

Hit-and-run report

Officers investigated a report on November 25 of a Mercedes Benz allegedly leaving the scene of an accident on 7th Street.

Motorcycle violations

A Meadow Street motorcyclist was charged on November 25 with unlicensed operation, an unregistered and uninsured vehicle, and not wearing a helmet.

Fire alarms

On November 25, police and firefighters responded to multiple fire alarms, including those caused by a boiler leak, cooking smoke, truck exhaust, construction work, and a possible gas leak.

Overweight truck

A Nassau Boulevard truck operator was charged on November 25 with driving an overweight vehicle and in a prohibited zone.

Traffic light malfunction

On November 25, officers responded to a traffic light malfunction on Washington Avenue.

Motorcyclist charged

A 1st Street motorcyclist was charged on November 25 with aggravated unlicensed operation and a missing license plate.

Families 4 Families: A new chapter

On Tuesday November 5, Garden City Middle School students collected, sorted and delivered 10 “Bags of Basics” to The Belmont Childcare Association's Anna House. Families 4 Families began in Washington DC in 2020 and the organization continues to expand, with chapters in many communities across the United States. F4F helped identify a need at BCCA and this new chapter will support Anna House in any way possible. If you or your child is interested in learning more, email katequinn1957@gmail.com. The more the merrier!

mcarterflanagan@gardencityny.net

GC Pool Playground Equipment

increases. Proof of residency is required.

Forfieture of Assets

Under the New York State Civil Practice Law, certain funds received from forfeiture of assets are restricted to fund “unbudgeted” police expenditures. The Police Department received $200,000 from the Nassau County District Attorney’s Civil Forfeiture Unit. As set forth in Article 13-A, Section 1349 of the NYS Practice Laws and Rules, these funds will be used for non-budgeted expenses. These funds have been approved to cover expenses incurred during the World Cup Cricket Tournament and for future use by the Department to purchase police safety and investigative equipment. Commissioner Kenneth Jackson noted that many of the funds received were a result of great police and detective work in solving numerous cases.

The Board has approved the purchase of new playground equipment at the Garden City Pool. This proposal includes a play unit for ages two to five, play unit for ages five to 12, demolition and disposal of old equipment, installation of new equipment, installation of new synthetic turf safety surface and freight. ARPA funds are being used for this purchase. The initial equipment did not include renovation of the swing sets. However, because the Grove Street tennis court renovations project came in under budget, additional ARPA funds are now available. The current swing sets need to be raised to come into compliance; the new sets will include accessible seating options.

Happening in Garden City

Monday, December 2nd

1:30 p.m. Movie Matinée: When

Harry Met Sally at the Library

Tuesday, December 3rd

4:00 p.m. Teen Advisory Board Meeting at the Library. Must register.

7:00 p.m. Yoga With Kimberly at the Library. Must register.

Wednesday, December 4th

6:00 p.m. Planning Commission meeting at Village Hall

Thursday, December 5th

7:00 p.m. Friendship Bracelets for Community Service at the Library. Must register.

Friday, December 6th

6:00 p.m. Western Property Owners Association Tree Lighting in the park at the south side of the New Hyde Park Road Business District

Sunday, December 8th

3:30 p.m. Village Christmas Tree Lighting and Hanukkah Festival of Lights on the Village Green

Monday, December 9th

7:30 p.m. Library Board of Trustees meeting at the Library

Tuesday, December 10th

11:30 a.m. Lotus Fitness workshop at the Senior Center

2:00 p.m. Holiday lights lecture with Art and Susan Zuckerman at the Library

Thursday, December 12th

2:00 p.m. Christmas Sing-A-Long with George Salem at the Senior Center

7:30 p.m. Board of Trustees meeting at Village Hall and via Zoom

Saturday, December 14th

1:00 p.m. Sports lecture with Les Wolff at the Library. Must register. Sunday, December 15th

2:00 p.m. Rhonda Kay and the Backstage Trio perform at the Library

Tuesday, December 17th

1:30 p.m. A Day at the Movies: Elf at the Senior Center. Register by calling 516-385-8006.

Adult Evening Programs at the Field House

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please note - A resident participant may bring in 1 non- resident guest. This rule will be strictly enforced.  These guest must arrive and leave with the resident.  There are no passes for non- residents.  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.

Fall Programs with Pioneer Sports!

Join Pioneer Sports for fun filled multi-sport camps at the Community Park Turf on Monday, November 11th! Programs will run from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and are open to children grades K–5th. The cost will be $60 per child per day, you do not need to register for all 3 dates to attend the camp.

Fall Dek Hockey Clinic: Fridays, October 11 to November 15, 6 p.m.–7 p.m. This program is a learn and play clinic for grades K–5 at The Community Park Hockey Rink. Cost of the program is $149 per child. *Please bring your own stick!*

Volleyball Clinic: Fridays, October 11 to November 15, 6:30–7:30 p.m. This program is a learn and play clinic for grades 3–5 at The St. Paul’s Fieldhouse. Cost of the program is $149 per child.

To register please visit https://pioneersports.leagueapps.com/events/

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*

Winter Job Opportunity

We are looking for anyone 16 years or older to hire for our programs.  We have an after-school program that would involve playing organized games with children, led by one of the Recreational Leaders.  The program runs December 3–February 13, on Tuesday, Wednesday, and/or Thursdays from 3:30–6 p.m., you can do

one or all the days.  In the summer, we also have a summer program that runs at the 5 parks in The Village of Garden City.  We have arts and crafts and sports all day.  If either of those sound like something you may be interested, please contact sceballos@gardencityny.net, or come into the Cottages at 108 Rockaway Avenue for an interest form.

Chess Wizards for the Winter Season

Garden City Recreation and Parks has again partnered with the very popular “Chess Wizards” to offer after school programs for Garden City children ages 5 through 12 who want to learn the game of chess!

Chess Wizards is a fun way to have kids experience the excitement of chess. Kids will play in mini tournaments, have interactive lessons with chess pros and play cool chess variants like bug house. It is proven that chess enhances cognitive development in children, improves both verbal and mathematical skills, and increases all levels of academic performance! Playing chess stimulates the mind and helps children strengthen skills such as focusing, visualizing goals, abstract thinking, and forming concrete opinions.

Instructors (who are called “Wizards”) provide all the materials necessary for your child to participate in the class and no additional purchase is required to attend. All students will receive a trophy, puzzle folder and wizard’s t-shirt. Come join the fun!!!

Classes will be on Tuesdays from 4-5 p.m. beginning 1/21 and ending 3/18. The cost of this 9-week session is $241. Classes will be held in St. Paul’s Cottages.

To register for this program please visit the Chess Wizards website at www. chesswizards.com.

Multisport Winter Break Program at St. Paul's

Despite the beautiful weather we have had this fall, GC Recreation is starting to plan for the winter! Pioneer Sports will be running a multisport winter break program at St. Paul's Fieldhouse for those interested. To register, visit https://pioneersports.leagueapps.com/events/

*Please wear appropriate shoe wear to the program. *

Stay Up to Date On All Things Recreation!

Follow our new Instagram and Facebook “GardenCityRecreation” for all Recreation content! Any questions regarding programs or facilities can be

directed to our new Recreation email, GCRec@gardencityny.net .

Winter Swim Lessons at Adelphi University

Registration begins Friday, November 22

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dates of Classes: Dec 7, 14, 21; Jan 4, 18, 25; Feb 1, 8, 15; Make-up date March 1 Winter After School Program is Back!

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

Coming Events for the Holiday Season:

“Twas the Night Before Christmas" –Family Show Sunday, December 22, at 1 p.m. in Cluett Hall

Live performance by the Sunrise Theatre Company

New Year’s Eve Celebration for Kids! – * Family Show! Tuesday, December 31, at 12 noon in Cluett Hall

Featuring entertainment by Jester Jim!

* Please make reservations to attend family shows by calling the Recreation Office at 516 465-4075. Registration begins on Wednesday, December 11. Family events are free of charge.

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Tradition Lacrosse has fine fall finish

Tradition Lacrosse, a community led 501©(3) non-profit organization devoted to providing competitive youth lacrosse opportunities to its membership ended its fall season this past weekend. The 2026 team competed at the IWLCA Presidents Cup tournament in Florida and the 2028, 2029 and 2031 Blue teams competed at the Live Love Lax tour-

nament in Delaware. Tradition are so proud of its student athletes as they continue to enjoy the experience being a part of the Tradition Lacrosse family both on and off the field.

Please visit www.traditionlax.org  to learn more about player membership, coaching and training opportunities.

Tradition 2029 Hard Hat winner Ella Melendez and Ground Ball Gorilla winner Reese Goettelmann UPENN commit attacker Michaela Molgano

Tradition 2028 midfielder Kylie Oleary

Tradition 2028 midfielder Kelly Lynch

Tradition 2031 Blue midfielder Liesel Leder

Tradition Lacrosse has fine fall finish

Tradition 2028

Tradition 2031 Blue Tradition 2026

Tradition 2029

Thunder 10s fall in the NCYFL Super Bowl

The Thunder 10s (Team Reilly) season concluded on Sunday at Mitchel Field, with a disappointing 21-0 loss to the undefeated and two-time defending age group champion, Massapequa Mustangs. To their credit, Massapequa used their size and physicality from the opening series, dominated the line of scrimmage and built an early, insurmountable lead. On the defensive side of the ball, JoJo Ordas, Marc Sanzeri and Connor Reilly had several highlight-reel plays. While Charlie Fuschillo, Will Capparelli, Caleb Howald and Brooks Galli carried the rock on offense battling until the last whistle.

Despite the outcome, the coaches are incredibly proud of the group and their accomplishments throughout this challenging campaign. Every player embraced the program’s “team first” mantra and made huge strides both on and off the field. They have made mem-

ories and relationships that will last a lifetime.

We need to acknowledge our larger Thunder Family who was so incredibly supportive from August 1st. Our stands, both home and away, were always packed, and your encouragement drove us all season. Katherine Fuschillo (social media coordinator of “ThunderGram”) and Steve Quinn (team photographer) did an incredible job keeping us in the public eye. Our Commish, Tim Haniffy, for making this program so special and always having our kids’ back. Garden City Spirit for firing the team up every week & sending their Cheer squad to the Championship game. Finally, a special shout out to the Thunder moms for their love and energy. Our team will never forget this Championship week, thanks to you! August 1st is right around the corner.

GO THUNDER!!

Ordas recovers a Mustang fumble!

Fuschillo looks for a crease!

Thunder, SET!

Thunder buddies!

GCHS Swim team makes waves at county, state meets

The Garden City High School Swim team concluded an extraordinary season, highlighted by standout performances at the Nassau County Swimming Championships and the New York State Championships. The athletes showcased their exceptional strength, skill, and determination in the pool, leaving a lasting impression on both competitions.

State Championships Success

Sophomore standout Madelyn Gebhard made a splash at the New York State Championships, displaying her talent and unwavering dedication. She earned a 16th-place finish in the 200 Freestyle and a 20th-place finish in the 500 Freestyle—impressive achievements that highlight her hard work and promising future in competitive swimming.

Joining her was eighth-grader Charlotte Kohner, who delivered a remarkable state meet. Kohner was the only eighth-grader to advance to the finals in the 100 Butterfly, where she earned a commendable 16th place. She also competed in the finals of the 500 Freestyle, finishing 19th overall. Kohner’s performances are a testament to her immense potential and determination as a young athlete.

County Championship Highlights

The Nassau County Swimming Championships showcased the Garden City girls’ swim team’s exceptional depth and talent, with numerous swimmers earning All-County honors and qualifying for the state meet. Their success was amplified by outstanding individual performances and the dominance of their relay teams.

Both the 400 Freestyle (6th place) and 200 Freestyle (8th place) relay teams achieved All-County honors, which was a remarkable accomplishment in the highly competitive county meet. The teams, featuring standout swimmers Charlotte

Abby Meyer, Brigid Ryan, and Madelyn Gebhard, exemplified teamwork and skill, proving to be a cornerstone of Garden City’s success this season.

Sophomore Madelyn Gebhard excelled individually, earning a third-place finish in the 500 Freestyle and a fourth-place finish in the 200 Freestyle, securing her spots in two events at the state championships. Eighth-grader Charlotte Kohner also shone, finishing fifth in both the 200 and 500 Freestyle events, earning her two state championship qualifications as well. Sophomore Abigail Meyers delivered a strong performance in the 500 Freestyle, placing eighth to earn All-County recognition, and also placed 20th in the 200 Individual Medley finals. Seventh-grader Brigid Ryan added to the team’s accomplishments with a 16th-place finish in the 200 Freestyle, demonstrating the promising talent within the younger ranks of the team.

The depth and talent of the Garden City swim team were on full display at the Nassau County meet. Kate Connor, Grace Daily, Brooke Follett, Silvana Newcomb, Caitlin O'Mullan, Campbell Olcott, Maya Setiadi, Juliet Stampfel, Letao Tao, and Claire Wiechmann all delivered strong performances that contributed to the team’s overall success. Their efforts highlighted the incredible collective strength of this year’s squad and underscored the team’s bright future.

The season concluded with a celebratory dinner at the Cherry Valley Club, where the team expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Garden City Booster Club for their unwavering support and generosity.

As the Garden City swim team continues to make waves, the future looks incredibly bright for these talented athletes. Congratulations to all on an unforgettable season! We eagerly anticipate the achievements this team will undoubtedly deliver in the future years to come.

Abby Meyers and Charlotte Kohner- Members of the All county relay team.

Charlotte kohner and Madelyn's Gebhard getting advice from Coach Anne before their 500 freestyle.

Brigid Ryan, Charlotte Kohner and Madelyn Gebhard- All County relay team in both the 200 and 400 freestyle relays.

Kohner,

Accolades for GCHS Boys Soccer — NYS Champions

The awards for the boys’ soccer team reflected the historic season that the team completed. Not only did the team capture Garden City High School’s first State Championship, they did it with a school record 23-0 undefeated season including another school record of 17 shutouts. As a team the boys have left their stamp on Garden City soccer program.

Acknowledging the accomplishments of individual players, the team has garnered numerous awards to go along with their state trophy, starting with the Coach of the Year award for head coach Paul Cutter.

He has always emphasized his teams to be confident in their ability, always put the team first and play with the determination and work ethic necessary to win. Cutter is quick to acknowledge and give credit to his assistants, Luke Connolly and Mike Lind, who have brought enthusiasm, leadership and experience to the team.

The list of award winners is long, but each player was well deserving of the honors. On the State level, Justin Woodbine and Myles Watson were named All State for their outstanding play and leadership throughout the season. Senior captain

Woodbine also received Nassau County Class AA Player of the Year and Nassau County Conference AA3 Offensive Player of the Year, as well as All County honors. While Watson was named Nassau County Conference AA3 Player of the Year as well as All County. Additionally All County selections were keeper Ian Pupke, senior captain Connor Griffin and outstanding midfielder Luca Profeta. Griffin was also honored with the Paul LeSueur Memorial Award Scholarship, while Profeta was named the Soccer Post Man of the Match in the

Nassau County finals. Even Rom received the Scholar Athlete Award. All County Honorable Mentions were given to Jack Klein and Jack Costa, while Jacob Antilety, Charlie Koester, Thomas Fargione and Dylan Fisher were named All Conference at the Nassau County Awards Dinner.  Fargione also took home the Nassau County Coaches Man of the Match Award for his outstanding defensive play on the County Finals.

Regional awards will be given at a later date.

All County selections.

Nassau County Soccer award winners.

Coach Cutter with assistants Connolly and Lind.

All Award winners at the Nassau County dinner.

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!

A Gentle Touch of Holiday Cheer

A Gentle Touch Homecare is sponsoring and afternoon of trivia, and games, with prizes, on December 10 at 1:00 (snacks will be served) called, A Gentle Touch of Holiday Cheer. Register by calling (516) 385-8006.

Anti-Aging Tool Made Simple

Free workshop, the “Single Most Potent Anti-Aging Tool Made Simple”, with Ahmed from Lotus Fitness. December 10 at 11:30 at the Senior Center. Learn how to feel younger, boost your energy, and upgrade your mobility, strength and balance. Register by calling (516) 385-8006

Antiques Seminar

December 3, at 12:00 at the Senior Center

A Real Estate Seminar/Luncheon presented by Adrienne McDougal from Compass Realty along with Tracy Jordan from Invited Sales. Bring your treasures for an “Antique Roadshow” like segment, and learn about the wonderful services they offer including,

SENIORS

Compass Concierge to assist with staging and selling your home. No jewelry items, please. Register by calling (516) 385-8006.

Christmas Sing-a-Long with George Salem

Come and enjoy the music of the season. This free event will take place on Thursday, December 12th 2:00-3:30, at the Senior Center.

AAA Representative to Visit

Alice from AAA will be at the Senior Center from 11:00-1:00 on the following Mondays: October 21st, November 18th, and December 16th to talk about the services they offer, including travel, DMV services, Insurance, Discounts and much more!

Christmas Film: “Elf”

Come join us for the movie “Elf” to kick off the Christmas season, Tuesday, December 17, at 1:30. Register by calling (516) 385-8006.

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!!

Early morning lifeguards needed

Adelphi University is looking for Nassau County certified lifeguards for early mornings three days a week.  This is a great opportunity for older adults or high school and local college students looking for some part time work nearby.  The hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 5:45 a.m.–7:30 a.m.  Pay is

about $30/session.  The program is the GC High School swim team practices ,which are currently being held in the Adelphi pool.  Current Nassau County LG cert is required.

Anyone interested can contact Shaun Rutherford, associate director of recreation here, at srutherford@adelphi.edu.

Senior Bridge Winners of the Week

The winners of the Monday, Nov 25, Duplicate bridge games: North / South First Place: Joan Cowie and Grace

Basile

East / West

First Place: Nick Basile and Bill Draybk

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Trojans dominate Manhasset in Nassau County Championship

Garden City’s Trojans delivered a statement performance last Saturday at Hofstra, steamrolling their archrival Manhasset 48-14 to claim the Nassau County Championship. Behind a historic showing from senior running back Michael Berkery and a ferocious defensive effort, the Trojans left no doubt who again owns Nassau football supremacy.

The fireworks began early. A botched snap by Manhasset on the opening drive gifted Garden City the ball on the 7-yard line, and Berkery wasted no time, punching it in on the first play from scrimmage. Moments later, the Indians coughed it up

again, and Berkery made them pay once more, dashing into the end zone for a second time to give the Trojans a quick 14-0 lead.

While Berkery was running wild, Garden City’s defense stood tall. A critical goal-line stand—highlighted by key tackles from Daniel Morizio and Owen Wuchte— kept Manhasset at bay and set the tone for the night.

Manhasset finally got on the board with a long, grinding drive to cut the lead to 14-7, but any hope of a comeback was shortlived. On the very next possession, Berkery put on a show, zigzagging through defend-

Michael Berkery celebrates one of his 6 touchdowns with Luke LeSueur.

Nassau County Champions.

Michael Berkery and Blake Cascadden celebrate the Trojans’ 53-game winning streak.

Christopher Desiderio kicks with Chris Sarkis holding.

Trojans dominate Manhasset in Nassau County Championship

ers for a breathtaking 68-yard touchdown run that electrified the crowd. The Trojans were back in control, 21-7.

Garden City’s defense continued to suffocate Manhasset, forcing yet another turnover, and Berkery capitalized again. By halftime, the score was 35-7, with Berkery already notching four touchdowns in one of the most dominant halves of his career.

The second half was more of the same. Berkery opened the third quarter with a blistering 60-yard touchdown sprint, bringing his total to five scores on the night and extending the Trojans’ lead to 42-7. The rout was on.

Owen Andersen capped off the scoring with a hardfought touchdown up the middle in the fourth quarter, pushing the Trojans’ total to 48 points. While Manhasset

tacked on a late score, it was far too little, too late.

With the decisive victory, Garden City not only secured the county crown but sent a clear message to anyone still doubting their dominance.

As for Michael Berkery, his name is now etched in Trojan lore after a jaw-dropping 6 touchdown performance for the ages.

The Trojans will now set their sights on the Long Island Championship game against powerhouse program and Suffolk County champs Sayville, where they’ll look to carry this momentum all the way to another LIC. After a season like this, it’s hard to bet against our boys from GC. Come out to Stony Brook University this Saturday at noon and support the team as they attempt yet another historic milestone. GO TROJANS!

Connor Schieck tackles a Set.

Matt Kneafsey (88) and Ryan Campbell (89).

Center and Long-snapper Jake Schlipf.

Patrick Van Blenis (42), Brandon Plunkett (18), Matt Morales (58) and Declan Wuchte (12).

Owen Andersen scores the TD.

Zach Olson easily handles a Set.

Scotty Nelson makes the stop.

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