The Garden City News (12/2/22)

TURKEY TROT 2022

Work session planned on St. Paul’s cost consultant

BY RIKKI MASSAND

After disagreements arose in October among members of the Garden City Board of Trustees regarding hiring a cost estima tor for St. Paul’s, on November 17th the Board authorized engag ing Westerman Construction to provide construction cost esti mates. However the Board also scheduled a special work session to hash out the scope of work that the firm would provide. (The work session was to take place on Wednesday, November 30th, after press time for this issue of the Garden City News.)

trustees discussed procedures once Westerman was engaged by the village.

Trustee Mary Carter Flanagan said there is a high level of inter est from Garden City’s communi ty about St. Paul’s as people are taking notice that this process keeps evolving, and how “we may be able to make a decision on St. Paul’s, finally” after its 30-year saga.

Almost seven thousand runners and walkers participated in the 45th annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. The race has become a multi generational-tradition for many Garden City families. See pages 40-42.

Village considers pedestrian safety at Denton Ave LIRR bridge

BY RIKKI MASSAND

The Garden City Board of Trustees put the brakes on a project to install handrails along the pedestrian walkway under the LIRR tracks at the new Denton Avenue bridge to Tanners Pond Road. The board’s November 17th meeting agenda called for a vote to autho rize the proposed project, or for the municipal staff to create an RFP (request for proposals) for services to install the “substantial” hand rail.

According to Village Trustee Charles Kelly and Administrator Ralph Suozzi the handrails would protect pedestrians, joggers and bicy clists who use the underpass sidewalk from the vehicular traffic. Suozzi spoke about the protection that bollards can provide because they can stop a car going up to 75 mph, while the “substantial handrail” is meant to be part of a larger traffic calming in the underpass.

The Village had originally asked the MTA to include bollards (posts placed to prevent

The work session – being held to discuss the details of which types of possible work for St. Paul’s will be estimated – came about as a result of questioning by trustees about the $69,000 needed to engage Westerman. Five of the eight members of the Board of Trustees initially opposed engag ing Westerman at the Board’s meeting in late October.

The fairness of the cost estima tor’s evaluation, based upon input from the St. Paul’s Committee, Mayor Cosmo Veneziale, and the Garden City Department of Building were challenged as the

She was steadfast in stating the trustees need to be a part of the cost estimator’s work, and the direction of their services in eval uating projects so the community can be kept “on board with what is going on.”

The first step she sees for the Board to take was to be involved with Westerman Construction Co. from the time they have a kickoff meeting for their scope of work with village Building Department. That suggestion was contested by Trustee Bruce Torino, who voted against the approval, which included the condition that the work take place.

Superintendent of Building Giuseppe Giovanniello noted that in the RFP from the village, which Westerman has proposed its ser

page 53 See page 55

Tree lighting Sunday

The Village and Chamber of Commerce will hold the annual Village Tree Lighting on Sunday, December 4, 2022, 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.

Moving forward on St. Paul’s

We were glad to hear that the Board of Trustees is moving forward with get ting a construction cost estimator to start working on St. Paul’s future plans. Until now it has seemed like the Board was stymied by the “chicken-and-egg” nature of the problem: you can’t decide what to do until you know what it will cost, but you can’t know what it will cost until you know what you want to do.

It seems plausible to us that there will need to be several rounds of cost estimating if a consensus is to be found among the residents. There is probably a fine balance between deciding what (if any) uses can be found for the building versus the costs that will have to be

borne by generations of taxpayers.

If the first round of estimates don’t satisfy enough residents, it would not be unreasonable to tweak the parameters of the proposed projects and ask the estimator to do another round of work.

While some object to spending more and more money on consultants, our experience is that when hiring pro fessionals it often makes sense to pay upfront for advice, even if it seems that the advice is expensive.

In this case, we don’t know what we don’t know, so it’s especially important to hire excellent consultants to guide us.

If you think advice is expensive, you should see the cost of ignorance.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Email: Editor@GCNews.com

A full year wasted

To the Editor:

A year ago, Mayor Veneziale announced the formation of a St Paul’s Committee. It is composed of five sub committees of volunteers and headed by two former, well-respected Village lead ers; Brian Deveney and Robert Schoelle. The goal was for each subcommittee to do research and produce a report on what it recommends to bring resolution to the 30-year debate re the St Paul’s main building.

At the outset the mayor set an objec tive of all the Committee’s work to be completed in a year, with a village-wide vote in “late-November” 2022. Should we restore and renovate the struc ture, demolish it or do something in between? No summary report from the Committeee heads has yet been pre sented.

So here we are at the one-year dead line and what do we have? Essentially nothing in final form. We have no reports of the subcommittees, no cost estimates, no final uses and a very divided Board of Trustees on what to do. Add to this that the upcoming annual election, on March 21st, and we may see some turnover on the Board bringing new and contrasting ideas. It is difficult at this juncture to predict the timing of events leading to a residents’ poll. One thing I can envision -- it will not be soon. We seem to be closer to square-one than to a desired finish line.

George M. Salem

Hiding in plain sight

To the Editor:

Breathless and scarcely able to con tain his glee, S.G. Gorray’s November 25, 2022 Letter to the Editor pronounces that “...an existential question may now arise about the nature of the [St Pauls] Committee’s role moving forward.” The basis for Gorray’s dire determina tion is the “...recent uncovering of ... a lengthy analysis and report by Erwin & Bielinski, PLLC in 2012.”

Mr. Gorray triumphantly proclaims that Erwin & Bielinski’s 10 year old

report is “...chock full of analysis ... and also discusses potential costs of sever al options!” Importantly Gorray asks, “Query: why was this valuable, com prehensive report never provided to the Trustees? Were trustees denied access to any meetings?”

Addressing Gorray’s two ques tions in reverse order the Committee responds as follows:

• Residents and Trustees all have been invited to the Committee’s always public meetings. As a regular attend ee at our meetings Mr Gorray is well aware of that Open Invitation. NO ONE was and ever will ever be denied access to the Committee’s deliberations, espe cially Trustees who have been invited publicly and privately to attend all of our meetings.

• Gorray answers his own initial question regarding the availability of the Erwin & Bielinski report. In his Letter to the Editor Gorray was forced to admit ... “The Erwin report ...can be found on the Village website...”

So the Gorray Existential Question is based on a Report which has been hiding in plain sight!!

Most importantly, ALL 30 years of the St Pauls files and reports have been and will remain available for inspec tion by any resident or Trustee in the Village offices. Nothing is or has been hidden except for those not interested in taking the time to become informed.

Our Committee has reviewed all of these files and have provided the rele vant reports on the St. Pauls website. Our Committee has not included in that website the numerous and varied his torical reports and analysis provided by Care Matrix, Avalon Bay, American Sports Management, Canus and others. Similar to Gorray’s Erwin & Bielinski, PLLC 2012 report these decades old reports have stale pricing information and add no new insights to the potential use of the St Pauls building. In fact, all of the proposals have been incorpo rated in the Committee’s evaluation of

The Garden City News

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The Garden City News 821 Franklin Ave., Suite 208 Garden City, N.Y. 11530

Christmas Hour of Music at the Cathedral

The Community Club of Garden City and Hempstead is so very pleased to invite all its neighbors to a Christmas Hour of Music at the Cathedral of the Incarnation. This glorious event will take place on Tuesday, December 6, at 2 p.m.

A long-standing tradition for the Community Club, it will seem as if you were transported to the very entryway to heaven. With Kristine Dougherty performing on the flute while Henry DeVries works magic on the organ, there could be no better way to begin the holiday season.

Recycling questions to be addressed at EAB meeting

SUBMITTED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD

Fall is a time when we rewind - and due to falling leaves and holiday activi ties, it’s also a time when we generate a lot of refuse. It’s a perfect opportunity to focus on recycling. It’s important that GC residents know the Village is committed to preventing our garbage/ refuse from going to landfills. To ensure this effort is a success, the Village needs our help.

and provide details about where the recyclables go after they are collected by the Village. Cardboard recycling - a topic of particular interest to residents - will be discussed, and there will be information provided on leaf collection and composting.

The Cathedral of the Incarnation will be the setting for the Christmas Hour of Music.

To top it off, the afternoon concludes with a holiday sing along. Last year attendees delighted in accompanying a hearty Jingle Bells by ringing keys, fobs, (and in a few cases, our earrings) in perfect tune.

The Garden City Environmental Advisory Board (“EAB”) invites all res idents to attend a presentation and dis cussion on the topic of Recycling in our Village on Wednesday, December 14 at 7:30 p.m. The program will include an overview of our Village collection rules,

Many residents have asked questions about how much of what they put in the green recycling bins really ends up being recycled. This question will be answered, and residents will learn how “Recycling Right” can dramatical ly impact the success of a communi ty's recycling program. Residents may attend the meeting in person in the Village Hall Board Room or by Zoom. Please email kaltman@gardencityny. net for the Zoom link by 3:00 p.m. on December 14.

The Number One

277 Spruce Street West Hempstead Open House Sunday, Dec. 4th 1- 3pm

Located on a quiet, tree lined street in the heart of West Hempstead, this sunny 3 bedroom, 1 ½ bath colonial is close to all! The first floor has a gracious foyer entry, living room with wood burning fireplace, sun porch, formal dining room, eat-in kitchen, and a new powder room. The second floor has a huge master bedroom, 2 additional bedrooms, and a new hall bath. A very large walk-up unfinished 3rd floor and full basement complete this home.

Offered

at $629,000

Open House Saturday, Dec. 3rd, 12-1:30pm, 17 Wyatt Rd. New Listing Beautifully Renovated 4BR 3Bath Colonial in Prime Mott Section $1,349,000

Stewart Manor Sun-drenched, total "down to the studs" renovated 3/4 bdrm, 2 bath mid-block chic Colonial $879,000

Stewart Manor Detached 3 br, 2 bath charming move-in ready colonial on a quiet block & entertainers backyard! $829,000

Give the gift of life for the holidays

The Bobby Menges Memorial Blood Drive will be held at the Stewart Manor Country Club on Monday, December 5, from 1 –7 p.m.

The Memorial Blood Drive is a proj ect of I’m Not Done Yet, the foundation founded by the Menges family in memory of 2015 GCHS graduate and lifelong resi dent of Garden City Bobby Menges, who died of cancer in 2017 at the age of 19. I’m Not Done Yet raises funds to support pro grams throughout the country focusing on adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer

Bobby Menges - Christmas in the hos pital getting one of many blood trans fusions.

patients and survivors.

The December 5 blood drive will be the fourth in a series of many to support a yearlong National Memorial Blood Drive, host ed in partnership between I’m Not Done Yet, the New York Blood Center and the American Red Cross, and marks the 5th anniversary of Bobby’s death.

To make an appointment, scan the QR code, or visit www.imnotdoneyetfounda tion.org

Speaker inspires students to be inclusive

David Flood, a youth motivational speaker, recently visited Garden City Middle School and Garden City High School to inspire and motivate students.

David has been speaking with and helping teens for more than 20 years. Through personal stories about his fam ily, told with both humor and sincerity, David emphasized the importance of inclusion, dignity, gratitude and respect for all. Students were asked to partici pate in three challenges. The first being “look on the inside,” where students were asked to be self-reflective with the goal of improving their own lives to then have an impact on others’ lives. Next, he challenged students to “thank two adults,” practicing gratitude. And third, he honed in on the importance of inclusion with a challenge that, “no one eats alone.”

Co-sponsored by the PTA and SEPTA, this event encouraged students

to think about how they build relation ships, great ways to create new friend ships and showing up for others.

David Flood promoted inclusion and respect during an assembly at Garden City Middle School.

Jen Sullivan

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

Jen

Sponsor a Family for Christmas

Christmas is just around the cor ner and the St. Joseph’s Sponsor A Family Program needs your support. Two years ago, the food drive pro gram was changed to a virtual drive involving the collection of Stop & Shop gift cards and the response was incredible. So, the drive is continu ing on that path for 2022. The goal remains the same: to provide assis tance to neighbors at Our Lady of Loretto in Hempstead and The Queen of the Most Holy Rosary in Roosevelt. Families in these communities are especially challenged by the high cost of living, particularly the increasing price of food. Gift card donations will be evenly dispersed to each parish and they will distribute the cards to their families on a “need be” basis.

If you would like to participate, please email Eileen Hoey at eileen bhoey@gmail.com and let her know what size family you would like to sponsor. Suggested dollar amounts for S & S gift cards will be provided to you based on the family size you select. You will also receive detailed instructions for mailing OR deliver ing your gift cards to the Parish Social Ministry Office at 120 Fifth Street, Garden City, NY 11530. The delivery deadline is Monday, December 12. If you have any questions prior to sign ing up, please contact Pat DiMattia at dimattiared@aol.com. Thanks to all of the Thanksgiving sponsors. It was an incredible effort resulting in dona tions to over 275 families, totaling over $45,000 in food gift cards

Advertise in our papers!

If you own a business or have a service to provide, we’ll create professional ads to promote it and help you be seen by thousands of local readers! Call 1 516-294-8900 to inquire!

LessonsCarolsand

Sunday, December 11, at 3:30 p.m.

Church of St. Joseph, 130 Fifth Street

Lessons and Carols is an Advent tradition that has its roots in 19th century England. Our service will consist of scripture readings that chronicle the history of salvation from mankind’s fall from grace in the disobedience of Adam and Eve, through the prophecies of the Old Testament, to our salvation in Christ. The readings are interspersed with songs, traditional and contemporary, shared by the congregation, our adult and girls choirs, and our contemporary ensemble. It is always a very inspiring afternoon.

Luxury life-style in this spectacular - 2022 GUT RENOVATED duplex unit in full amenities, 24 hr. concierge Wyndham development. Doorman, valet parking,

2 garage spots, indoor heated pool, locker room, spa and health club. Outdoor BBQ area, walking paths, gorgeous landscaped grounds including pond.

This gorgeous unit was designed, renovated and furnished by Classic Galleries of Huntington and includes:

• Open concept floor plan with stunning mill-work and coffered ceilings

• Gourmet kitchen with high-end stainless appliances including Sub-Zero refrigerator, Wolf induction range, quartz counters, huge center island with Wolf steam oven and built-in microwave & pantry area

• Sliders to private patio

• Grand primary bedroom with ensuite bath including an over-sized marble-look shower with built-in seating bench, double vanity and soaker tub

• 2 additional full baths and powder room

• In-unit Bosch washer/dryer

• Custom built-in cabinetry - New Flooring through-out unit

• Lots of closet space and separate storage unit

Nancy Giannone

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 6.404% 6.512% 15-year fixed 5.595% 5.811% 5/1 ARM 6.171% 6.375%

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

Month Current Year Prior Year % Change

Oct-2022 $675,000 $650,000 3.8 Sept-2022 $700,000 $660,500 6.0 Aug-2022 $700,000 $670,000 4.5 July-2022 $720,000 $670,000 7.5 June-2022 $719,500 $644,000 11.7 May-2022 $685,000 $635,000 7.9 Apr-2022 $668,000 $630,000 6.0 Mar-2022 $650,000 $600,000 8.3

10 Cambridge Avenue

Date: 11/30/2022

82 Monroe Street

Date: 11/28/2022

Sold price: $1,409,000

4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath Style: Colonial Total taxes: $16,961

Lot size: .14 acre

MLS number: 3428849

The Seller’s Team: Nancy Giannone, Coach Realtors Fennessy Associates

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

Exquisitely updated and immaculately maintained center hall colonial on quiet private block. An Entertainers delight!! 4 gener ously sized bedrooms,2.5 baths, with Open concept updated kitchen - granite counters, large center island, high-end appliances & separate breakfast nook, powder room. Sumptuous Primary Suite with stall shower and stand alone claw-foot tub. Full basement w/ recreation space, laundry, lots of storage and utilities. Beautiful outdoor space with paved patio area. Walking distance to schools, parks and LIRR. Designer elements in a gracious home that you won’t want to miss.

100 Hilton Ave., Unit 314

Date: 11/29/2022

Sold price: $918,000 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath Architectural Style: Split Level Lot size: .18 acre

Total taxes: $16,540 MLS number: 3428427

The Seller’s Team: Michelle Mcardle, Douglas Elliman Real Estate

The Buyers Team: Athena Menoudakos, Compass Greater NY

Welcome to 10 Cambridge Avenue, a beautifully updated 3 bed, 2.5 bath split located on park-like property in the Western section of Garden City. The home is located mid-block on a beautiful tree-lined street and perfect for both entertaining and everyday living. The first floor features an entry foyer, spacious open concept living room and dining room and eat-in kitchen. The lower level has a family room that provides access to the garage, powder room and enclosed porch overlooking the backyard. The upstairs has a primary bedroom with en-suite bathroom, 2 additional bedrooms and a full bath. Some highlights of the home include an updated kitchen and bathroom, hardwood floors, in-ground sprinklers, cedar closet, 2-zone gas heat and a 2-car attached garage. The private backyard with lush landscaping and rear deck make it perfect for entertaining. This home has incredible curb appeal and in close proximity to the LIRR, shopping, restaurants and the park. Don’t miss this one!

Sold Price: $852,000

2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath Style: Codominium Total taxes: $10,322

Common charges: $1,634

MLS number: 3416284

The Seller’s Team: Patricia Dickson, Daniel Gale Sothebys Intl Realty

The Buyer’s Team: Margie Miller, Daniel Gale Sothebys Intl Realty

This bright and cheerful 2 bedroom split plan Condo has premium pond and garden views from your private patio-hardwood parquet floors throughout, with a private laundry room and large storage closet. The unit also comes with an ample storage cage in the basement and one valet parking space. Enjoy the Wyndham Club with a new gym and indoor saltwater pool, sauna, jacuzzi, and locker room all included in the maintenance. The Primary bedroom has access to the patio, a large walk-in closet, 2 other closets, and a large full marble bath, 2nd bedroom has a great view of the Pond and a private bath. Too many amenities to list.

This informational page is sponsored by Douglas Elliman Real Estate

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

MAIN COURSE

WPOA to host West End Tree

Lighting on December 9th

The Garden City Western Property Owners Association (WPOA) will sponsor the West End Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, this year on Friday, December 9, from 6 to 7 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 Sal Nastasi of “Ready in 10”. Sal will not only perform many familiar holiday tunes, but also serve as the event Master of Ceremonies.

The WPOA is delighted to partner with Broadway Bound, under the out standing 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 free hot chocolate, pro vided 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 donations from two New Hyde Park Road businesses: All Island Dermatology/Dr. Joseph Onorato; and Garden City Dentistry/Drs. Peter Vastardis and Jae Pak. The WPOA appreciates the generosity of these local businesses and 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 9.

Demolition discussion postponed

SUBMITTED BY THE FDEM COMMITTEE (FOR DEMOLITON)

A Town Hall on the subject of favor ing demolition of St Paul's, scheduled for the evening of Tuesday, December 6, has been postponed. The sponsor, FDEM, has decided that there is not

enough data to analyze and compare to other plans for the property. We will reschedule this event, during the next several months, after the estimated costs and uses of the project are known, and before a Village-wide vote is sched uled.

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

Laura Baymack

Lic. RE Salesperson

Baymack Team M: 516.537.3050

Stephen Baymack

Lic. Assoc. RE Broker

Baymack Team M: 516.216.0244

Laura Carroll Lic. RE Salesperson

Laura Carroll Team M: 917.370.5354

Pete Diaz Lic. RE Salesperson Licensed as Pedro Diaz M: 516.642.9881

Lauren Grima Lic. RE Salesperson M: 917.642.5036

Maureen Lagarde

Lic. RE Salesperson M: 516.850.7812

Patrick McCooey Lic. Assoc. RE Broker

McCooey Olivieri Team M: 516.236.4287

Athena Menoudakos

Lic. RE Salesperson M: 516.316.4955

Michael Meule Lic. RE Salesperson

Michael Meule Team M: 516.713.8177

Alexander Olivieri

Lic. RE Salesperson

McCooey Olivieri Team M: 516.306.7738

Patricia Ottati

Lic. RE Salesperson M: 347.392.0381

Alexandra Parisi Lic. Assoc. RE Broker M: 516.427.6878

Jennifer Sullivan

Lic. RE Salesperson

Jen Sullivan Team M: 516.361.7190

Salvatore Sica

Lic. Assoc. RE Broker

The Sica Team M: 347.922.8947

Lauren Canner Lic. RE Salesperson

Laura Carroll Team M: 516.650.7474

Chelsea Costello

Lic. RE Salesperson

Laura Carroll Team M: 516.509.7961

Kerry Flynn Lic. RE Salesperson

Laura Carroll Team M: 914.772.6169

Mairead Garry

Lic. RE Salesperson

McCooey Olivieri Team M: 516.375.8434

Susan Gillin Lic. RE Salesperson

Jen Sullivan Team M: 516.655.5662

Christina Hirschfield Lic. RE Salesperson

Laura Carroll Team M: 516.805.0703

Maeve Kilgo

Lic. RE Salesperson

McCooey Olivieri Team

M: 917.576.9928

Adrienne McDougal

Lic. RE Salesperson

Laura Carroll Team M: 516.662.3872

Garden City real estate, reimagined.

Frank Morabito

Lic. RE Salesperson

The Pete Diaz Team M: 917.207.7782

Danielle Nero Lic. RE Salesperson

Laura Carroll Team M: 516.205.6501

182 Seventh Street Garden City, NY 11530

Julie Whicher Lic. RE Salesperson

Laura Carroll Team M: 516.698.3975

AT ROTARY

Two Scouts from Troop 243 assist Rotarians Jim Brady, Joanne Meyer-Jendras and Althea Robnson at the 2021 Bell Ring.

‘Tis

the Season!

Rotary Serves… Rotary Celebrates: Rotary & Scouts Ring the Bell for Salvation Army

This Saturday, December 3, Mineola-Garden City Rotary volun teers, along with volunteer Scouts,

Troop 243, and Church of St. Joseph, will be manning the Red Kettle to assist the Salvation Army toward its many projects and efforts to “do the most good for men, women and children who need it most,’ its motto.

The Salvation Army (SA) also pro vides Thanksgiving and Christmas

assistance in addition to serving food pantries, emergency rent programs and medical expenses for people in need throughout Nassau County.

Rotary has performed this service for the SA for more than 30 years; and for the past several years, aided by the Scouts of Troop 243. Please stop by and say hello — generosity much appreciated!

Celebrate the Season at Rotary’s Holiday Luncheon on December 13. Reserve Now!

Everyone is invited to ring in the 2022 holiday season at Rotary’s annu al Holiday Luncheon set for Tuesday December 13, 12 noon, at the Garden City Hotel.

A tradition for many years, mem bers and guests will gather to enjoy another fabulous luncheon plus an

afternoon filled with holiday cheer, good fellowship and networking.

As a special feature, Rotary will also be thrilled to host the Garden City High School Chamber Orchestra to entertain attendees with a special performance. This renowned GCHS 22-student Chamber Orchestra is a select ensemble that consists of stu dents working to reach the highest level of performance on their instru ments.

Please join Rotary by taking a table, bringing a friend or coming solo! Advance reservations are required by Thursday, December 8 to Past President Jennifer Poupis at 516-599-3359 or Jennifer.poupis@ wella.com. Fee is $80 pp or table of 10, $750. Payment may be mailed to Jennifer Poupis, 131 Orbach Avenue, Malverne, NY 11565.

Supporting the cure

Holiday revelers celebrating at the 2021 Holiday Luncheon at the Garden City Hotel. Rotary looks forward to another great celebration set for Tuesday, December 13.

Murphy family, represented by Peggy, Mary Liz and James Hector, provide free samples of Barb’s Beer to seven thousand runners at the GC Turkey Trot —

Updated colonial in the Western Section complete with 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms. This bright and airy home includes a renovated kitchen with quartz countertops and stainless-steel appliances. Living room with wood-burning fireplace and 3-season porch.

All-brick corner semi-detached single-family home with 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms. First-floor open layout with renovated kitchen. Long driveway and a two-car garage. Lauren Grima Licensed

The children of St. Ann’s and St. Joseph’s schools and Brownie Troop #1246 have decorated twin kling Christmas trees with hand made ornaments to festoon the par lor at The Historical Society Holiday Village, 109 Eleventh Street, where Santa will be holding court, hear ing wishes from children of all ages and posing for pictures on Saturday, December 3, from 11 a.m. — 4 p.m.

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.

Hot chocolate and candy canes, served in a third parlor by volun teers from the Garden City chapter of The National Charity League, com plete the delightful experience - all for free and without having to leave Garden City!

The children’s forest of faux trees surrounding Santa will be donated to needy families afterwards, empha sizing the giving part of the Holiday.

The Holiday Market, at the Senior/Community Center, right next door to the Historical Society on Golf Club Lane, opens at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Admission is free to shop the curated group of wom

en-owned local and small business es and artisans for fine, faux and vintage jewelry, fashions, food and sumptuous sweets for gifting and entertaining, house and garden and personal accessories, baby and chil dren’s gifts from Baubles, Bangles & Bags, Bonnie Jennifer Jewelry, Grace Connell Unique Papers Designs, Paddy Bunks Children’s Clothing & Accessories, Hawk Girl Photography, M&F Antique Prints and Custom Framing, Kasel Krafts, Special Sweets, Tastefully Simple, Francine’s Outrageous Kitchen, Worldly & Wise Vintage, Christine Rossidis Decorative Accessories, Linda Silver Designs, Sophia Grillo Photography & Stationery, Pat Schweitzer Decorative Painter, the A.T. Stewart Exchange and Historical Society pop-up shops. The perfect gifts for everyone - and no worries about packages being lost at the post office, or undelivered from Amazon.

One of the best reasons to come to the Holiday Market is to see and bid on the fabulous assortment of Raffles. Susan Lucci curated a Beauty & Fashion basket with a ped igree, including a Dior scarf. Nelson DeMille donated a leather bound first edition of one of his books, along with signed copies of some of

The second grade Brownies from Troop 1246 made ornaments and came to the A.T. Stewart Museum on decorate a tree in Santa’s parlor. The tree, as voted on by the girls, will be donated to Bethany House in Baldwin, a shelter for women and children. Eight other trees are being decorated by the children of St. Joseph’s and St. Anne’s and will also be donated after the event.

his others. There is brunch at The Garden City Hotel, Islander and St. John’s Basketball tickets, Baskets with games galore for children, and Baskets of Cheer for grownups. And much more.

The Festival of Trees will return again this year, all charmingly and lavishly decorated by the most cre ative individuals, organizations and businesses.

Each tree has a unique theme, so no two are alike. The Traci Conway Clinton Team at Compass is “Candy Land”, Coach Realtors is “Jingle Bells”. The Property Owner’s Associations is “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”, and the Historical Society is creating “A Blue & White Christmas” and “Christmas Dreams”. In addition, Harder Tree and Landscaping Services donated an 8’ live flowering cherry tree, to be planted in your Garden City Garden in the spring!

The Festival of Trees will be on display for both days of the Holiday Market and auctioned to the highest bidders.

You can also purchase one (or

more!) of the absolutely extraordi nary holiday wreaths - more than 40 in all! Each one is an heirloom-qual ity work of art.

There are sumptuous classical wreaths, charming wreaths for a child’s room, wreaths chic enough to take center stage in the most ele gant rooms, or on the most imposing doors. There are wreaths small and wreaths large, each one from the hands of an exceptionally gifted arti san, Historical Society Board mem ber Diane Geyer.

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

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

Giving thanks in Garden City

Across the Garden City School District, students were gearing up with gratitude ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. With numerous performances, feasts and philan thropy-driven events, students at all grade levels engaged in meaningful activities.

Stewart third graders put on a funfilled performance, including musical numbers such as “We Give Thanks,” and a humorous retelling of a classic story with a Thanksgiving twist called, “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie.”

Stewart students also participated in a twoweek food collection event called Healthy Harvest. After their collection efforts, rep resentatives from the Sunrise Detachment Marine Corps League, a local veteran orga nization, picked up the donated goods and distributed them to local veterans in need.

Second grade students at Stratford School also gave polished performances of fun and unique songs conducted by music teach er, Mr. Byrnes, as they dressed in their Thanksgiving best.

At Homestead School, kindergart ners performed songs and danced to Thanksgiving tunes while wearing hand made turkey crowns. In addition to put ting on a wonderful show, students from both Homestead and Locust schools par

ticipated in a service-learning project for Soles4Souls, a nonprofit organization that provides shoes and clothing to those in need.

Ahead of Thanksgiving at Hemlock School, students gathered for a feast of zucchini bread and butternut squash soup made by their very own principal, Audrey Bellovin. In addition to the feast, students participated in a food drive, and wrote let ters to veterans, sharing gratitude for their service.

Garden City Middle School sixth, sev enth and eighth grade student council mem bers held their annual Thanksgiving food drive. From the beginning of November, specific items were collected for The Nest, a local food pantry run 100% by volun teers that provides assistance to residents in Nassau County.

At Garden City High School, the Spanish Club ran a clothing drive for the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless. Students were asked to donate new or slightly used winter gear for those in need.

With so many wonderful giving events, the district is thankful for all the students, teachers, staff and volunteers that helped make this Thanksgiving one to remember.

Photos courtesy of Garden City Public Schools

Stratford second grade students performed a musical number as part of their Thanksgiving show.

Stewart third graders performed “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie” as part of their Thanksgiving show.

Ms. Hoffman’s kindergarten “turkeys” put on a wonderful musical performance for their parents, teachers, and loved ones.

Stewart students collected donations as part of the Healthy Harvest food drive.

Stewart third graders answered the question, “Why do we celebrate Thanksgiving?” as part of their performance.

Jockeying for the Presidency

BY BOB MORGAN, JR.

Now that the midterm elections, and the better than expected perfor mance by Democrats, are behind us, the jockeying for the Presidency will begin in earnest.

Let’s start with the Republicans. Former President Donald Trump has certainly not lost his knack for being in the news, whether the sto ries are favorable to him or not.

Since the election, Mr. Trump has announced his candidacy, had a special federal prosecutor appointed to investigate his actions relating to the January 6 riots and docu ment storage at Mar-a-Lago, had the Supreme Court rule against him in his tax return case and hosted a con troversial dinner with Kanye West (now Ye) and anti-Semitic commen tator Nick Fuentes.

While Mr. Trump has always been controversial, even among Republicans, you do wonder if he will be a viable candidate for the 2024 nomination. And this is taking into account the millions of fervent supporters of Mr. Trump around the country.

First, there is a possibility that he will be indicted. While that may cause at least a momentary wave of support for Mr. Trump among Republicans, there is a legitimate question whether Mr. Trump can be both a trial defendant and a serious possibility for a Presidential nomi nation. Second, many Republicans are quite unhappy about the poor performance of many of Mr. Trump’s endorsed candidates in the midterms, as well as the continu ing drama that seems to surround his every move. Such right lean ing outlets as the New York Post and the Wall Street Journal have become increasingly skeptical of Mr. Trump, and his poll support among Republicans has declined somewhat.

Still, as we all found out in 2016, predicting against Mr. Trump often goes wrong. One thing in Mr.Trump’s favor is that his oppo nents within the GOP are not that likely to unify around a single nonTrump candidate.

While Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is a worthy competitor for Mr. Trump, in light of his smashing re-election victory, he will not have

the field to himself. Already, there have been serious expressions of interest in running from such fig ures as former Vice President Mike Pence, former secretary of state Mike Pompeo and other competitors like Texas senator Ted Cruz and former United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley. (There may well be others.) As we saw in 2016, there is a distinct possibility that Mr. Trump could win a series of primaries with 30 or 40 percent of the vote, while his opponents divide the remainder of the electorate.

Meanwhile, on the Democratic side, President Biden, buoyed by his party’s relatively good midterm results, has solidified his position as the front runner for his party’s nom ination among many Democratic leaders and insiders. Notably, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced last week that he was not interested in the nomination and said he was “all in” for the President’s re-election. Indeed, it is reported that Mr. Biden’s campaign has already commenced.

All this current support for Mr. Biden could be a mixed bag. On the positive side, it does head off, at least for the present, the possibility of a bitterly divisive fight for the nomination, one which could pose both a generational conflict and a battle between woke progressives and the rest of the party. Certainly incumbent Presidents who face a serious primary challenge have not fared well.

However, Mr. Biden remains an 80-year-old candidate who still has a low approval rating. It is quite possi ble that the country will go through major new challenges in the next two years, including a recession and continuing high prices, which will test Mr. Biden’s leadership and cer tainly will shine a spotlight on how well he is up to the challenges of his office. It is certainly arguable that Democrats, and the country, would be better off with a new standard bearer, or at least with a credible successor in the wings.

So we begin the long, arduous road to November 2024, with each party having significant challenges and opportunities.

Rev. Candace Whitman to preach at GC Community Church

comes all to the sacramental table, and to its pulpit. The Rev. Candace Whitman will be preaching on the second Advent Sunday, December 4, on Matthew 3:1-12, entitled, “John the Baptist in Garden City.” The reading for the lighting of the second Advent candle is from Isaiah 11:1-10.

BY MELVA VICTORINO

Garden City Community Church (GCCC) is a place where all are wel come: friends, neighbors, family, and strangers. At GCCC, every person is greeted with congeniality and with hospitality. An invitation is extend ed to the fellowship gathering after the 10:30 a.m. worship service. GCCC shares hot beverages, home-baked pas tries, and cakes with all who enter its doors. It is not only the food that GCCC shares. As the Rev. Lynn Sullivan, the Senior Pastor consecrates the bread and wine; she invites ALL to par take of the sacraments. GCCC wel

Rev. Candace Whitman was born and raised in Garden City and was baptized and confirmed at the GCCC. She and her family enjoyed the bless ings of full participation in the life and fellowship of the church. Her art training includes a BA in the his tory of art with distinction from Yale University. For studio training, Rev. Whitman continued her studies after college in New York City at the Art Student League, Parsons School of Design, the School of Visual Arts, and the National Academy of Design. Rev. Whitman entered a career in art edu cation in New York City and fulfilled a desire to write and illustrate chil dren’s books, thirteen of which were published. Rev. Whitman also taught art for many years, and later helped train art teachers in the graduate and undergraduate art education program at New York University, where she earned her Master of Art and Art Education.

Hearing a call to the church, she attended Princeton Theological

Seminary, where she graduated with a Master of Divinity. In 2014, she was ordained in the Presbyterian (PCUSA) church. She served as a chaplain at Yale-New Haven Hospital in Connecticut and as pastor of two churches on the East End of Long Island. She remains active in the art world and as pastor-at-large for the Presbytery of Long Island. She is priv ileged to preach and teach at churches in the area. She is genuinely delighted to return to The GCCC this Advent to minister the life-giving word of God.

GCCC anticipates the birth of Jesus Christ, and celebrations are prepared to deepen the relationships between the members, friends, the community, and God with the following programs:

• December 3 – Christmas Tree Sale (Saturday,) from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• An Advent Book Study: Sundays at 11:45 a.m. on December 4, 11, and 18 on the book, “When God Comes Down” by James A. Harnish.

• December 4 – Communion Worship with Guest Preacher, the Rev. Candace Whitman

• December 11 – New Member Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

• December 11 – Candlelight Vesper Service at 4:30 p.m.

• December 18 – Children’s Christmas Pageant at the 10:30 a.m. service

“When God Comes Down” is an Advent study where each lesson includes a key Scripture, a brief reflec tion, discussion/reflection questions, a brief prayer, and a focus for the com ing week. In this study, we will explore the meaning of the incarnation - God with us in human flesh.

Our Advent/Christmas journey focuses on us – our memories, feelings, relationships, and experiences. This study puts the focus on God’s action in Jesus Christ. It encourages par ticipants to think more deeply about the biblical, theological, and spiritual meaning of the Nativity and to apply it

to their own life experiences.

The study looks at the stories of the primary biblical characters in the birth stories through whose lives the miracle of incarnation happened: Zechariah, Elizabeth, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. Harnish also looks at a traditional character in the nativity plays, the one person not mentioned in the Bible, the innkeeper. All these characters help us claim the reality of God’s presence with us.

Our study will focus on the follow ing:

• December 4 at 11:45 a.m. –

Joseph: Faithful Obedience to the Undressed God

• December 11 at 11:45 a.m . –

Mary: “Le Point Vierge” The virgin point – where conversion begins in the human heart

• December 18 at 11:45 a.m. –

The Innkeeper: The Place Where Jesus is Born

Come and share the wonders of God’s love this Advent season!

Whoever you are, wherever you are on your life’s journey, you are welcome at GCCC. We have services, events, and programs for all ages. We have many ways you can partic ipate in our church life. Our Sunday Worship Service is in-person and livestreamed. To get information regard ing our other 2022 worship services and programs, visit our website at www.theGCCC.org.

The Garden City Community Church is part of the United Church of Christ. It is an Open and Affirming congregation that welcomes people of all ages, races, gender identities, and sexual orientations to participate in the life of our community. We are located at 245 Stewart Avenue between Whitehall Blvd. and Kensington Road. For more information, email chur choffice@thegccc.org or call (516) 7461700. And as previously mentioned, you may also visit our website, www. theGCCC.org.

The Rev. Candace Whitman.

DISCOVER THE FINEST IN SENIOR LIVING

The Bristal Assisted Living has been serving seniors and their families in the tri-state area since 2000, offering independent and assisted living, as well as state-of-the-art memory care programs. We are committed to helping residents remain independent, while providing peace of mind that expert care is available, if needed. Designed with seniors in mind, each of our communities feature exquisitely appointed apartments and beautiful common areas that are perfect for entertaining. On-site services and amenities include daily housekeeping, gourmet meals, a cinema, salon, plus so much more. Discover a vibrant community, countless social events with new friends, and a luxurious lifestyle that you will only find at The Bristal.

Licensed by the State Department of Health. Eligible for Most Long Term Care Policies. Equal Housing Opportunity.

AN ENGEL BURMAN COMMUNITY

Teen Project, Charlie’s Champions raise funds for hospital

Garden City High School Miracle Club.

The 9th annual Holiday Project is underway, organized by Teen Project and Charlie’s Champions Foundation, which provides age-appropriate gifts to hospitalized teens during the holiday season and throughout the year. This is the fundraiser’s 9th consecutive year which has provided over $100,000 for age-appropriate gifts distributed to teen

patients at NYU Langone Hospital— Long Island through the Child Life Program and its NYU Langone Cancer Center for Kids—Mineola (CCFK). The online campaign utilizes NYU Langone’s giving platform where donors can give now to make their tax deductible dona tion at https://nyulangone.org/give/ fundraise/holiday-project.

Student participants are an instru mental component of the project. Any student or volunteer can earn three community service hours by partici pating in the event. By clicking on the “Join this Team” link under the “Give Now” button on the fundraising web page, participants can create an indi vidual page and once reviewed, share it by email or post to your social media to encourage project support.

This year, the GCHS Italian Club will be sponsoring the project through the moderator, Mr. D’Ambrosio with the help of students, Kate Connolly and Kiera Ruoff. Steadfast past contributors have included students in the Garden City High School Miracle Club, wres tling and football teams as well as the Garden City Middle School’s National Junior Honor Society, St. Anne’s Faith Formation and St. Joseph’s Religious Education Programs.

The project’s organizers, the Spirakis and Schmitt families, work with Ms. Nicole Almeida, director of The Child

Life Program and Dr. Mark Weinblatt, chief of pediatric oncology/hematology at the Cancer Center for Kids—Mineola. They note that the continuation of this project has become an instrumental component in their available resourc es for teen patients at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island. These wonderful gift cards brighten their patients’ lives and help to transform the challenging times during treatment into more nor mal, and even joyous, moments.

This event brings awareness that hospitals continue to need the support from the community. Medical care can only support so much, and it is the dona tions raised in these campaigns, which help a teen thrive, both physically and emotionally. Teen Project and Charlie’s Champions Foundation are grateful for the time and hard work is continually put into this Holiday Project to benefit all of the teen patients in this amazing way. For further information, please visit charlieschampions.com or email us at teenprojectgc@gmail.com.

Heather Dall’Aste (NYU-CCK), Tanner Schmitt, Luke Schmitt, Matthew Spirakis, Steven Spirakis, Nicole Almeida (NYU-Child Life) and Delany Zander.

DAR holds District meeting in Holbrook

On November 5, members of the Daughters of the American Revolution held a District Workshop, chaired by District X & XI Director Joan Nathan. There are 16 DAR chapters in District X & XI, which encompasses Nassau and Suffolk, with one chapter in Queens. The meeting took place at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Holbrook. Members of the 93-year-old Colonel Aaron Ogden Chapter in Garden City, Carla Hall D’Ambra, Regent, were in attendance.

The honored guest of the event was Pamela Barrack, the newly elected NY State Regent of the NSDAR. She was accompanied by members of her Board of Directors, each of whom gave a short presentation about the duties of her office. Following this, a luncheon was held. In addition, a fundraiser to support the State Regent’s Project took place.

Mrs. Barrack’s slide show explaining her State Regent’s Project, renovation of the Saratoga Battle Monument, included photos of the DAR women who launched the original project in 1931. The project will extend the three-year duration of Mrs. Barrack’s term of office and cost $75,000. The Monument to the Battle of Saratoga is locat ed in Saratoga National Historical Park in upstate New York. The memorial is intend ed to remember the unknown soldiers who perished in the Battle of Saratoga during the American Revolution, which took place

between September 19 and October 7, 1777.

It was the first major American victory of the War. Those soldiers killed in the battle were buried in unmarked graves. The origi nal Monument to their memory was placed there by the National Society, Daughters

of the American Revolution ( NSDAR) in 1931, hence the need for restoration. Beyond the renovation of the monument itself, a Memorial Grove of 27 trees, each representing a general of the American Revolution who fought at Saratoga, will be replanted. The original trees planted

there had been felled by Dutch Elm Disease and will be replaced by a disease resistant variety.

All the Daughters attending the work shop wished Mrs. Barrack great success with her project.

Flushing Bank checking account(s). An existing checking customer is defined as anyone who currently has or has had a Flushing Bank checking account within the last 24 months. New money is defined as money not currently on deposit with Flushing Bank. The Customer Value Program bonus will be based on the three-month average account balance of the first three (3) full calendar months after the month of account opening. The Customer Value Program bonus will be posted to the account on or about the end of the subsequent month following the account’s three (3) month anniversary. A 1099 will be issued in the amount of the account bonus. The new Complete Checking account must remain open, active, and in good standing for six months. The bonus will be forfeited if the account is closed prior to six months. Other fees and restrictions may apply. The minimum three-month average balance to qualify for the Customer Value Program is $10,000. A minimum deposit of $25 is required to open the Complete Checking account. The offer is subject to change or termination without prior notice at any time. Speak with a branch representative for details.

Flushing Bank is a registered trademark

Col. Aaron Ogden members meet the State Regent.

Left to right: Dori Lombard, Leslie Dimmling, State Regent Pamela Barrack, Janice Derr.

LIRR Community Benefits Fund

The Board has appropriated $1,636 million from surplus capital funds to fund the Merillon Avenue Improvements Capital Project in order to allow for the Village to apply for the LIRR Expansion Project’s Community Benefits Fund and to begin work on the MTA Community Fund Project. Up to $50,000 could be used for addi tional landscaping along the platform east of Meadbrook Road and to be used to build the road design, which was publicly presented at an earlier Board of Trustees meeting. According to Village Treasurer Irene Woo, the Village must fund the project with its own resources before it can seek reimbursement. The LIRR Expansion Project’s Community Benefits Fund is designed to provide the communi ties adjacent to the LIRR Main Line with funds that they may use, subject to certain conditions and limitations, to go beyond the commitments made in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and further offset impacts to such localities caused by construction of the project.

I am in favor of the concept of creating a landscape buffer. I am not in favor of spending surplus capital

funds when specific costs for the proposed scope of work have not been vet ted. The only hard cost the Village has received to date is for the custom light fixture baffles to be installed at the North sta tion platform. The baffles were mocked up on site and will mitigate objec tionable light affecting Village residential prop erties. Since we do not have documented final costs from the LIRR and the Village, I changed my initial vote and voted not to appropri ate $1,636,000 million from the capi tal surplus fund. I have requested an itemized cost for each proposed scope of work item regarding the proposed road design changes. Moreover, with itemized costs, the necessity of the various project components can be better determined.

St. Paul’s Estimator

The Board engaged Westerman Construction Co., Inc. to provide com parative analysis - building alteration and renovation vs. demolition of the St. Paul’s School Main Building at cost

of $69,000. Request for Proposals (RFPs) were sent out to a total of 11 firms; three respond ed. The engagement of this firm will allow the Village to move forward in the evaluation of St. Paul’s and to establish a date for a resident poll. The Board also conduct ed a work session on Wednesday, November 30 along with the St. Paul’s Committee and the public to further dis cuss the details of the tasks for the project.

Holiday Patrols

This holiday season, the Garden City Police Department, along with various other Police Departments throughout New York State, is partic ipating in the STOP DWI Enforcement Initiative targeting Intoxicated and Drugged Drivers. This initiative will be enhanced by funds provided by the Nassau County Traffic Safety STOP DWI Program and the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. Police Commissioner Kenneth Jackson states, “During this initia

tive, the Department will be deploy ing extra patrols on Village road ways, strictly enforcing all DWI and impaired driving laws. These patrols play an important part in preventing holiday tragedies that seem far too common.” As a result of our Holiday DWI Patrols during the Thanksgiving weekend, Police arrested four individ uals for DWI. Commissioner Jackson urges everyone to be responsible when attending holiday parties. If you choose to drink, make arrangements to have a sober person, taxi, or ride share program take you home. The Garden City Police Department wish es everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

555 Stewart Avenue

Florent, the two, four-story apart ment building complex being built at 555 Stewart Avenue, is progressing nicely. Framing for building 200 is 95 percent complete while framing for building 100 is 40 percent complete. Plumbing, electrical, fire safety and HVAC work is also progressing in each building. The windows, doors and roof on building 200 is 90 percent complete. Focused complete date is

Mayor Cosmo Veneziale

The A.T. Stewart Exchange Consignment & Gift Shop

BY MELISSA JAEGER

“Santa Claus is coming to town … Santa Claus is coming to town …” (c’mon, sing along. You know the words). The Garden City Historical Society’s 2nd Annual Holiday Village and Market is happening this Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Senior Community Center on Golf Club Lane. And what does this have to do with the Exchange? We will have a pop-up shop at the Market! The Exchange will be selling festive, holiday merchandise we’ve pur chased through the NY Gift Show.

Fabulous Finds of All Kinds

• Inis Fragrance of Ireland, lotion,

Shower gel and soaps, Chanel soaps, Holly Jolly pins

• Men’s Beer Can socks, wallets, play ing card bottle openers

• Kids stuffed animals, glycerin soaps, zooties, and retro push bottom toys

• Furry Friends bandanas, bowls, and doggie Christmas Tees

• Home Décor – felted & brass orna ments, decorative hinged enamel boxes, cocktail and lunch/dinner napkins, funky decorative trees, and great flour sac towels

• Hand Knit hats, scarves, baby dress es and thumbelinas will make anyone feel special

And I’m pleased to report that two of our volunteers will also be vendors there. Christine Rossidis will have a table with her Garden Ornaments, one-of-a-kind gar den stakes made from vintage bone china and depression glass. Pat Schweitzer is a decorative painter and will have painted canvases, small pieces of painted furniture and gorgeous painted seashells!

Take a short stroll back to the TGCHS Museum and visit with Santa, check out the antique train village and be sure to go downstairs to the Exchange. Pop in and say hi to Rita, Kathleen, and Deirdre in the shop, which is filled with more Christmas merchandise, some of it consigned and much of it new. So, what are you waiting for?! Come on in and get a jump on your Christmas shopping!

About Us

• The Exchange Consignment Shop is housed in The Garden City Historical Society (TGCHS) Museum on 109 Eleventh Street (in the basement of the building).

• All the proceeds from the Shop sales directly benefit TGCHS.

• Shop 24/7 online at atstewartex change.org and pick up your purchases at the Exchange.

• Follow and Like Us on the AT Stewart Exchange Facebook and on the AT Stewart Exchange Instagram pages. We sure do get around!

Consigning

• Our best sellers — jewelry (costume and fine), lamps, mirrors, and crystal (Waterford, Baccarat, Tiffany)

• We take/accept silver, pocketbooks, china, furniture, artwork, and collectibles. All items are in new or nearly new condi tion.

• Consignments are done Wednesday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. –2:00 p.m. by appointment ONLY. Appointments keep down the numbers of

people in the Shop and reduce wait-times to consign.

• Please call (516)746-8900 to set up an appointment.

• Unsure if your items are appropriate to consign? Email photos to store@atstew artexchange.org and be sure to include sizing info. You will generally receive a response the same day.

Remember: all the profits from the Consignment Shop support the mainte nance and upkeep of TGCHS Museum. Check out our new paint job! Old World Quality is working to repair and re-paint the back of the Museum. We remain open throughout this process and precautions are taken to protect customers entering the Shop. Thanks for your generous support!

The shop is located at 109 Eleventh Street.

Shop Hours: Mon – Fri: 10–4 p.m., (Wednesdays until 6 p.m.) Sat: Noon–4 p.m.

For more information, please call (516) 746-8900.

New fitness studio offers up workout camaraderie

BY GARY SIMEONE

When Ryan McDonagh decided to open a Burn Boot Camp location in Garden City, he did it to establish a strong sense of fitness community. The main mission behind the BBC theory is to build confidence, happiness and fit ness disciplines into the lives of people.

McDonagh, who lives in Manhattan, said that Burn Boot Camp is a franchise establishment with over three-hun dred locations across the country. The new location, located at 910 Franklin Avenue, is the first one to open on Long Island.

“I chose to open this location in Garden City because the Village is central to a lot of things and has a great sense of community spirit,” said McDonagh. “I was somewhat familiar with the area, because my father had graduated from Adelphi University and my college roommate was from the Village.”

What makes BBC unique is that it has a floating floor, which is positioned seven inches off the ground. The floor moves with the motion of the body and is meant to alleviate the stress of high-intensity workouts through shock-absorption ratio.

“The floor cushions the blows to the joints during each workout session and is much more forgiving than a concrete floor would be,” said McDonagh. “It is especially helpful for people who are carrying extra weight or are suffering from some type of injury.”

The workouts are performed in 45minute intervals, which are focused on both strength and cardio training. The gym is stocked with all workout essentials, including free weights, ket tlebells, jump-ropes, resistance bands and hurdles.

Classes at the new facility will include things like plyometric train ing, high-intensity interval training and one-on-one fitness training.

McDonagh is a former athlete who played lacrosse at Villanova university.

“Fitness is always something I’ve been interested in, and when I grad uated college I really delved into the details of the health and wellness field. I wanted to be involved in something that makes people feel better and gives them more confidence.”

He said that while living in Manhattan, he got involved in the Soul Cycle and Boutique Fitness workout craze.

“I tried a lot of things to get back into shape, but when a family friend opened a Burn Boot Camp, I was immediately hooked. I thought it offered up such an amazing fitness product and a sense of community all rolled into one.”

He said that working in the real estate market for several years, gave him the “entrepreneurial bug” and he wanted to open his own franchise loca tion.

The grand opening of Burn Boot Camp is set for early December with a followup ribbon-cutting ceremony planned thereafter.

Garden City Middle Schoolers are hungry for donations

Since the beginning of November, Garden City Middle School’s sixth, seventh and eighth grade student council members have been collecting food dona tions as part of their annual Thanksgiving food drive. This year, items were collected for The NEST, a local food pantry completely run by volunteers that provides assistance to residents in Nassau County.

One of The NEST’s volunteers, Mrs. Hatzichristos, a retired, former middle school teacher, reached out to the student coun cil, requesting they facilitate a Thanksgiving-specific drive due to the large number of residents in need of those items. Students were then asked to bring in items and sort them into baskets for families in need. Though Thanksgiving meal items were requested, addi tional items were also welcomed as donations would be used to help stock their food bank. Impressively, more than 800 items were collected and donated. While the NEST volunteers expressed gratitude for the items donated, Garden City Middle School stu dents were thrilled to provide essential items to those in need.

Garden City Middle School student council members gathered after sorting boxes of donated food items. Photo courtesy of Garden City Public Schools

S H O P L O C A L

T H I S H O L I D A Y S E A S O N -

Blakeman Nassau County Executive

Bruce

The Welcoming Club of Garden City

What’s New?

Toddler Music Class & Open Play

Toddler Activities has organized a music class at WowMoms World in Mineola for the month of December! The class will be held on Tuesdays in December at 10 a.m. The first class will be held on December 6. The cost is $35 per class, but you will receive a 10% dis count if you buy for the entire month. Open play is included after each class! This music class is geared towards young children ages 0-3 years. It’s a great way to spend the morning with your little one! If interested, please contact Danielle Minc (danielleminc@gmail.com).

Seeking Sponsors

The Welcoming Club is active ly seeking local businesses and mer chants to sponsor the 2022–2023 season. Sponsorships start at just $250 for the year and are a great way to promote your busi ness across Welcoming Club social media channels and at our events throughout the year. Sponsorship donations are tax deductible and 100% of the sponsor ship fee goes directly to this year’s cho sen charity, Long Island Alzheimer's & Dementia Center. For more information, please email Philanthropic Chair Lindsay Weber at GCPhilanthropic@gmail.com.

Upcoming Events

Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

The annual Santa Brunch is back! This family-fun event will take place on Saturday, December 3, from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the Stewart Manor Country Club. This festive holiday celebration includes breakfast, music, and a visit from the big man himself, Santa! A merry time will be had by all, big and small! Tickets are currently sold out, but you can request to be placed on the wait list.

Mark Your Calendar

Book Club

The Book Club’s December book will be “Verity” by Colleen Hoover. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 6. If you are interested in attending, please email Welcomingclubbookclub@ gmail.com for meeting time and place.

Follow Us

Facebook: The Welcoming Club of Garden City

Instagram: @gcwelcomingclub

Join A Group Book Club

Enjoy a good book amongst friends. The Book Club meets every 6 weeks to discuss the page-turner of choice. For upcoming book club events, please email WelcomingClubBookClub@ gmail.com.

Craft Club

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

Supper Club

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

Bowling Club

No experience necessary! We are looking for new faces to join our Wednesday league. Occasional pacers are welcome. If interested, please con tact Ellen (Diller05@aol.com), Carol (santa060@yahoo.com), or Liz (mcdea@ aol.com).

Bunco

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

Toddler Activities

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

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

News from the Children’s Room

Construction and the Children’s Room

Construction continues! The Children’s Room has relocated tempo rarily near the Periodical Room with materials on the first floor and the sec ond floor. Come by to say hello and scope out the new location!

December Programming

Please check Eventkeeper (www.gar dencitypl.org) for registration informa tion.

Upcoming Programs

Each program requires a separate registration on Eventkeeper (www.gar dencitypl.org) (except where noted)

Saturday, December 3

Gingerbread House 11:00-11:45 a.m.

Family Program. One person per family registers. Registration began November 15. See Eventkeeper for details.

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

Monday, December 5

Tot’s Night Out with a Time For Kids 7:00–7:45 p.m.

This fun program is for children ages 2-5 (not in kindergarten), and an adult caregiver. Enjoy movement, music, a book, and then do a fun Snowman craft together. Online registration with a Library Card on Eventkeeper (www. gardencitypl.org) is required and began

Nov. 22. You must do a separate reg istration for each child you wish to attend this program. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

Wednesday, December 7

Monthly Lego Club

4:00–4:45 p.m.

This fun STEM program is for chil dren in Grades K–5 only. Come with old friends, meet new friends and have fun while building whatever your imag ination dreams up! No registration is necessary. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Thursday, December 8

Craft Time for 3 & 4-Year-Olds 10:30–11:00 a.m.

This fun program is for children ages 3 and 4 and an adult caregiver. Online registration with a Library Card on Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl.org) is required and begins Nov. 29 at 10 a.m. You must do a separate registration for each child you wish to attend this this program.

Tuesday, December 13

Reading Pals

4:00–4:45 p.m.

Ages 4–second grade. Registration begins December 6.

Wednesday,

December 14

Crafty Wednesday 4:00–4:45 p.m. Grades K–5. Registration begins December 6.

Toy, clothing collections at Library

The Garden City Public Library is teaming up with New York State Senator Kevin Thomas to benefit CARECEN, a local organization serving Long Island’s immigrant population, to collect toys for families in need this holiday season. Now through Wednesday, December 14, the Garden City Public Library will be have a box in the front lobby for toy donations.

The Library is also pleased to announce

that it is teaming up with the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless (LICH), a local organization that coordinates services for homeless Long Islanders, to collect hats, gloves, scarves and coats for local fam ilies in need this holiday season. Now through Sunday, January 30, 2023, the Garden City Public Library will be have a box in the front lobby for the donations.

The Kordes K orner

John Ellis Kordes

PhotograPhy history

FOR SENIORS fyi

Garden City Senior Center has “returned to normal” with the doors open to all Garden City senior residents with most of our regular schedule up and running. Please stop by to pick up a calendar of events!

Let’s Play Bingo

Erin Fleischmann of Douglas Elliman Real Estate will visit the Senior Center on Wednesday, December 7, at 11:15 am to play Bingo! Erin will bring prizes from local businesses as well as fun so come and enjoy!

Musical Merriment for the Holidays

Garden City Recreation and Parks is offering a musical performance: Musical Merriment for the Holidays with Francine and Joel! on Tuesday, December 13, from 1 to 2 p.m. This performance is free and is open to any Garden City senior resident. Preregistration is necessary by calling the Senior Center at 385-8006. Join us for light refreshments as you enjoy the music of the holiday season!

Sign up at the Senior Center front desk, or by calling (516) 385-8006

Wednesday, September 21, and will run for ten weeks. The one-hour class will be held at the Senior Center at 3:15 p.m. This program will be run by USCF play ers. For further information, please call the Senior Center at 385-8006 or come down and join in!

“Open Studio” for Seniors on Tuesdays

Recreation and Parks has set some time aside for senior artists who are residents of Garden City to gather together to socialize and share your talents.  The Senior Center will be open for this on Tuesdays from 2 to 4:15 p.m.  Bring your own supplies, table covering, table easel (only) and enjoy sharing with other interested seniors.

Please Note - You are responsible for cleaning up your area when you are finished.

Canasta Lessons at the Senior Center

Recreation and Parks will offer Canasta lessons for seniors on Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. beginning Wednesday, 11/16, at the Senior Center. These classes will be taught by one of our seniors, Palma Mega.

This building was built on the NE corner of Stewart Avenue and Franklin Avenue in 1912. It had apartments on the upper floors in the beginning and retail and offices on the ground floor. This building was built just as Garden City East was begun (1910) by the Garden City Company which included the wide Stewart Avenue double roadway.

This photo was taken just after the building was completed in 1912 as a red brick building. Later it would be painted entirely in white and still is today. Back then there was a trolley line that ran in the east lane of Franklin Avenue from 1902-1912. The tracks can be seen in this photo. Later this building housed Klipps Pharmacy and was known as the “Klipps Building.”

Oh, also, the Garden City News office has been on the second floor of this building for almost half a century (did I plug that right, Meg?).

Chess Class for Seniors

“Chess4Community” has graciously offered to give free chess lessons to our seniors. This program began on

Lessons are unlimited and are free and no registration necessary. Please come and learn the game and stay to play!

Photo courtesy of Garden City Public Schools

One Outstanding Standard of Care—Three Locations

NYU Langone Hospital— Long Island

NYU Langone Hospitals (Manhattan) 37 Friday, December 2,

Scan to see why NYU Langone rates at the top for quality and safety measures #The

2022 The Garden City News

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

Teen Holiday Party

Celebrate the holidays and the New Year with friends during the holiday break by joining us at the Library's Teen Holiday Party on Wednesday, December 28, at 7 p.m.! Play games, sing karaoke, watch a short holiday film, and do other holiday-themed activities. Snacks and drinks will be served. Teens can bake for the program and earn com munity service credit! Volunteers who bake must bake at least 2 dozen items, must individually wrap items, and must include a list of ingredients. Please note registrants will be eating baked goods, which will be baked by other tweens and teens. All registrants should indicate if they have any food allergies. This pro gram is for tweens and teens in Grades 6–12 only. Registration is required and begins Tuesday, December 20, at 10 a.m. online via Eventkeeper (www.gardenc itypl.org). Space is limited, so make sure to register early to reserve your spot at the party! Teens who complete an online survey after the program can receive community service for partic ipating in this program. This program has been funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

Teen Crafternoon:

Fleece Winter-Tied Pillow

Join us on Saturday, December 3, at 3 p.m. for Teen Crafternoon: Fleece Winter-Tied Pillow! This program is for tweens and teens in Grades 6–12 only. Registration began Tuesday, November 22, online via Eventkeeper (www.gar dencitypl.org). Participants will make a cozy winter-themed pillow with no sewing involved for the holidays. Teens who complete an online survey after the program can receive community service for participating in this pro gram. This program has been funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

Teen Advisory Board Meeting

The next meeting of the Teen Advisory Board will be held on Tuesday, December 6, at 4 p.m. Registration begam Tuesday, November 29, online via Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl.org). The meeting is for tweens and teens in Grades 6–12. If you are interested in helping to come up with programming ideas, volunteer ideas, or social media outreach ideas for tweens and teens in Grades 6–12, con sider joining the Teen Advisory Board. Online applications are available at https://www.gardencitypl.org/teen-ad visory-board-application/ Applicants should be in Grades 6–12.

Tween Thursdays: Mini Canvas Painting

Join us on Thursday, December 8 at 4 p.m. for Tween Thursdays: Mini

Canvas Painting. Tweens will receive paint and a mini canvas to paint on. This program is for tweens in Grades 4–7 only and is a joint program with the Children’s Department and Young Adult Department. Registration began Tuesday, November 29, at 10 a.m. online via Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl. org). Tweens in Grades 6–7 who com plete an online survey after the pro gram can receive community service for participating in this program. This program has been funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

Volunteers Needed: Reading Pals

Volunteer to read to and then do a craft with children ages PreKGrade 2 during the program Reading Pals! The December session will be held on Tuesday, December 13. The Reading Pals program runs from 4 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Volunteers are asked to arrive at 3:30 p.m. to review the material before the start of the pro gram and stay until 5 p.m. to help clean up. Volunteers must be in Grades 6–12 only. Registration to volunteer begins Tuesday, December 6, at 10 a.m. online via Eventkeeper (www.gardenc itypl.org). Space is limited, so check Eventkeeper for availability. This pro gram has been funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

Tree Ornaments for Community Service: Snowflake Ornaments

Earn community service by paint ing ornaments for the Garden City Public Library’s Tweens and Teens Department’s Ornament Tree! Each volunteer will receive three ornaments and a set of paint pens to decorate their ornaments at home. Paint pens must be returned to the Library. These orna ments will be used to decorate our new ornament tree each month!

For the month of December orna ments will be snowflakes, which will be used to decorate the Tweens and Teens Ornament Tree in January. Registration begins Tuesday, December 13, at 10 a.m. online via Eventkeeper (www.gardenci typl.org). Completed ornaments must be returned by December 22 to the Library.

Registrants will be asked to pick up their ornaments at the Library in order to participate in this community service program. Volunteers must return three decorated ornaments and their set of paint pens in order to receive communi ty service. Volunteers will receive two hours for every three ornaments they submit, at the discretion of the Tweens and Teens Department. This program has been funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

Teen Gamers

Kick off the weekend with our new Teen Gamers program on Friday,

December 16, at 3:30 p.m. We will have our Nintendo Switch consoles for teens to use as well as tabletop board games and Magic: The Gathering cards for teens to play with. This program is for tweens and teens in Grades 6–12 in fall 2022 only. Registration begins Tuesday, December 6, at 10 a.m. online via Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl.org). Space is limited, so check Eventkeeper for availability. Teens who complete an online survey after the program can receive community service for partic ipating in this program. This program has been funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

Tweens and Teens

Dungeons and Dragons

Join us for Tweens and Teens Dungeons and Dragons on Thursday, December 22, 4 p.m.–-5:30 p.m. Learn how to play the fantasy role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons by partic ipating in one of our monthly Dungeons and Dragons Meet-Ups! Beginners are welcome! Each meet-up will feature a new self-contained, one-shot adventure and players will be assigned premade characters to play. Please register via Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl.org) to participate in this program. Registration begins Tuesday, December 13, at 10 a.m. online via Eventkeeper (www.gardenc itypl.org). Space is limited, so check Eventkeeper for availability. Teens who complete an online survey after the pro gram can receive community service for participating in this program.

GCPL Tweens and Teens Best Books

2023 Committee: Volunteers Needed!

The Tweens and Teens Department is

looking for tweens and teens in Grades 6–12 to volunteer to provide feedback on recently published Young Adult books as part of our Tweens and Teens Best Books 2023 Committee! Eligible books are those published between October 1, 2022 and December 5, 2023 and aimed at tweens and teens in Grades 6–12.

Volunteers will be asked to read books on the Tweens and Teens Department’s monthly reading lists beginning with December 2022 and then write a 300-word review. Volunteers can also nominate a book not on our lists as long as it’s published between October 1, 2022 and December 5, 2022 and the Library owns a physical copy in the Young Adult collection. Volunteers will earn community service credit.

Credit for both reading and writing reviews on new books in the Library’s Young Adult Collection. The feedback used throughout the year will help the Young Adult Librarians compile the Best Books list for the year in December 2023.

There are no requirements on how many books a volunteer must read and volunteers can read however many new books they are able to throughout the year. Volunteers can get credit for books they do not finish, as long as they provide 300-word feedback as to why they chose not to finish the book. The committee may meet throughout the year if there is interest, but volunteers are not required to attend meetings and can still participate by reading and pro viding feedback on recent Young Adult books.

If interested, please sign up to join the committee by visiting Garden City Public Library’s website at https://

Teens can enjoy a session of painting mini canvases on Thursday, December 8.

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

www.gardencitypl.org/tweens-teensbest-books-2023-committee/ or for more information, please contact the Young Adult Department at https://www.gar dencitypl.org/young-adult-department/ contact-the-young-adult-tweens-teensdepartment/.

Follow Tweens and Teens on Facebook and Instagram

Follow Garden City Library’s Tweens and Teens on Facebook and Instagram! The Young Adult Department uses both social media platforms as a tool to post updates and announcements about upcoming Library programs and com munity service opportunities.

Here are the Facebook and Instagram pages for the Garden City Public Library Tweens and Teens Department: Facebook: www.facebook.com/ GCPLTweensTeens

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ GCPLTweensTeens

If you’re interested in participating

and want to learn when events will be happening for tweens and teens (Grades 6–12), or if you have any questions, email Young Adult Librarian Laura Giunta at https://www.gardencitypl. org/young-adult-department/contactthe-young-adult-tweens-teens-depart ment/ .

Teen Advisory Board Applications

Now Available Online

If you are interested in helping to come up with programming ideas or social media outreach ideas for tweens and teens in Grades 6–12, consider join ing the Teen Advisory Board. Online applications are available at https:// www.gardencitypl.org/teen-adviso ry-board-application/ Applicants should be in Grades 6–12. Email Young Adult Librarian Laura Giunta at https://www.gardencitypl.org/ young-adult-department/contact-theyoung-adult-tweens-teens-department/ if you have any questions.

Book donations accepted at Library

The Garden City Public Library has received numerous inquiries as to when it will be accepting book donations. In response to these inquiries The Friends of the Garden City Public Library will be accepting book donations on Saturday, December 10, from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Please note that donations must be in saleable condition. The following items will not be accepted: textbooks,

magazines, DVDs, VHS tapes, books that are written in or those that are not in saleable condition. There is a limit of two bags or boxes per household. If you would like to volunteer to help on dona tion day or on Monday the 12th, please reach out to the library and the Friends volunteer coordinator will reach out to you.

News from the Garden City Public Library

Fall Programs

News about fall programs are listed below. Check out our website (www. gardencitypl.org) in the coming weeks for more information about upcoming winter programs.

Get Ready for Winter: Your Home’s Insulation

Saturday, December 3 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Join us with KL Home Inspection Services expert Brian Schnee as we prepare for the colder weather. Brian will discuss the importance and com fort of a home that is properly insu lated to one that is not. Topics include types of insulation, proper installation techniques, attic & basement insula tion and vapor barriers.

Registration is required and began on Monday, November 14, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. on Eventkeeper (www.gardencity pl.org) or in person.

CONTACT: Reference, 516-742-8405 x5236 speakingofbooks@gardencitypl. org

LOCATION: Meeting Room A(Small)

*This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library

Electric Vehicles 101 Presentation

Sunday, December 4 2:00–3:00 p.m.

Thinking of buying or leasing an electric vehicle? Join Drive Electric LI to learn the basics about electric vehi cles, with the opportunity to ask current EV owners why they chose to go elec tric and what it’s really like to drive an EV. Online registration with a Library card on Eventkeeper(www.gardencity pl.org) as well as in-person is required and begins on Monday. November 21, at 10 a.m..

CONTACT: Reference, 516-742-8405 or speakingofbooks@gardencitypl.org

LOCATION: Meeting Room A (Small)

Your Home’s Heating and Hot Water Systems

Tuesday, December 13 7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.

Join us with KL Home Inspection Services expert Brian Schnee as we pre pare for the colder weather. Recognize the importance of understanding the mechanics behind your home’s heating and hot water systems to keep them functioning in an efficient manner. Brian will discuss types of heating and hot water systems and the importance of yearly maintenance.

Registration is required and begins on Monday, November 21, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. on Eventkeeper (www.gardencity pl.org) or in person.

CONTACT: Reference, 516-742-8405 x5236 speakingofbooks@gardencitypl. org

LOCATION: Meeting Room A (Small)

Defensive Driving Course with Empire Safety Council

Saturday, December 17, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Garden City Public Library Board to meet

There will be a regular and organizational meeting of the Board of Library Trustees on Monday, December 12, at 7:30 p.m. at the Garden City Public Library in the small meeting room on the lower level. Further details about the meeting will be posted when available on the Library’s website www.gardencitypl.org.

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

CONTACT: Reference, 516-742-8405 x5236 speakingofbooks@gardencitypl. org

LOCATION: Meeting Room A (Small)

Managing Utility Costs

Tuesday, December 6 7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.

With winter around the corner and the rising cost of fuel, gas and electric ity, join us for a program featuring the Office of Consumer Services to discuss Managing utility bills, Consumer pro grams and ways to be energy efficient. Registration is required on Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl.org) or in person at the library. Registration began on Monday, November 14, at 10 a.m.

Join us on Saturday, December 17, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. for a Defensive Driving Course with the Empire Safety Council. Receive 10% reduction on automobile/ liability insurance and qualify for a license point reduction. Registration in person at the Garden City Public Library begins on Monday, November 28. Space is limited, so check with the Reference Department for avail ability. The first two weeks of reg istration are limited to Garden City Public Library cardholders only. Those without a Garden City Public Library card can begin registering on Tuesday, December 6.. Register separately for each person. Proper ID is required when registering an absentee party. You must bring a $30 check made pay able to Empire Safety Council and cur rent Library card with you to register. Bring your valid New York State driv er’s license and a pen to class.

Please visit the Library for more information on additional upcoming events and programs. You can also visit our website (www.gardencitypl.org), follow us on Facebook (https://www. facebook.com/GardenCityPubLib), or call us (516-742-8405) to learn more. There’s more great programs to come, so stay tuned!

W H AT ’S NE W AT T H E GA R DEN CI T Y PUBL IC L I BR A RY

Thousands of runners gather for 45th annual Turkey Trot

The 45th annual Garden City Turkey Trot saw yet another great turnout this year! Close to seven thousand runners and walkers par ticipated in the three races: The Challenger Division Race, (The Fun Run and the 5 Mile Race.

Thanks to Al Vanasco for his work on the Challenger Race and special thanks to Diane Kenney for her sup port of the Challenger Division not only this year but every year since its inception twenty five years ago.

The race would not be possible without hundreds of volunteers who give their time and energy to help make the race a success. Of the many volunteers, a few stood out for their extra effort. The Race Committee named Sofia Ammirati, Marco and Matea Vukosa as the 2022 Turkey Trot Volunteers of the Year. Great job and thank you!

There is no better way to start out Thanksgiving Day than by coming out to the Garden City Turkey Trot. This community tradition seems to get bigger and better every year. The Garden City Turkey Trot is certain ly one of Long Island’s largest road races. But the Turkey Trot is so much more than just a road race. It is a well-established multi-genera tional family tradition for thousands of people in Garden City and all across Long Island and beyond.

The Turkey Trot is also a big char ity vehicle as all net race proceeds benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and The INN. Runners also raised significant funds through additional donations to the 3 char ities when they registered online for the race at www.gcturkeytrot. com. The runners also brought a tremendous amount of food for the Turkey Trot Food drive which ben efits The INN and helps feed the hungry. A sneaker drive by GC High School student Connor Escoffery was a great success. Thank you runners!

15 and fast! First GC finisher gets a trophy and a frozen turkey! The Patrick Ryan Award went to Ryan McAlea, age 15, with a time of 28:56.

Two turkeys and Registration Director Kevin Coffeythe Man processes close to 7,000 runners and makes it look easy!

The Turkey Trot is a family affair for sure!

TT wheelchair racers (left to right: Drew Scopelitis, Norbert Holowat, Pete Hawkins) and Greg Waxman. Greg carries our flag high for 5 miles!

Here come the 5 Mile Runners!

TT 2022 5-mile top 3 female finishers with TTRC member Ian Paisley.

Left to right: Lauren Lewin, Rolanda Bell, Laurel Fisher.

Thousands of runners gather for 45th annual Turkey Trot

Even the proceeds from sale of La Bottega’s very popular $5 pasta dishes at Wednesday’s pre-race packet pickup is donated to chari ty! Thank you La Bottega!

The winner of this year’s 5 Mile Race and the Jim Flynn Memorial Trophy was Jonathan Schloth, 26, (Lynbrook, NY) whose win ning time was 25:21. The first female finisher was Rolanda Bell (Laurelton, NY) with a time of 28:47. The Patrick Ryan Award for the first Garden City finisher went to Ryan McAlea, 15, with a time of 28:56. Thomas Barker, 15, (Franklin Square, NY) was the first Fun Run finisher.

The sun was shining, the music was blasting and after finishing the race, hundreds of volunteers handed out water, bananas and bagels. A little further down the line featured: wonderful banana bread provided by Lenore Rust

of the Banana Bread Baking Company. Murph’s Famous Bloody Mary Mix was serving up Bloody Marys and Barb’s Beer was on site too promoting the Runner in Red book and 5K Race to fund a cure for lung cancer.

Race Director Ken Aneser noted, “This is a big event and we have a great Race Committee that makes it all happen with help from our corporate sponsors. There is nothing better than run ning with family and friends to cure cancer and feed the hungry. And St. Paul’s makes a terrific venue for our Race.”

The Garden City Turkey Trot would not be possible without the generous support of the follow ing corporate sponsors: National Land Tenure, Merrill Lynch, The Kenney Family Foundation, Select Sector SPDRs, Northwell Health, Continued on page 42

Coach Realtors and friends love the Turkey Trot! Thank you ladies!

Left to right: Isabella DePalana, Caroline Aprigliano, Juliette Chapman, Pat Aprigliano, Tricia O’Grady and Arlene Conigliaro.

TTRC Challenger Director Kevin Cudahy, Al Vanasco & Ken Aneser get ready to send off the enthusiastic Challenger Division racers!

Five cousins at the Trot! Left to right: Meredith Aneser, Haley Pender, James Paisley, Meegan Aneser, Abby Paisley. Thank you NC Police Dep’t Explorers!

TTRC members (left to right) Kevin Cudahy, Adam Karol, Mike Kopcak, Chris Giarraputo). Photo courtesy Jack McCoy Photography

Race Director Ken Aneser with TTRC member Ray Martinez — Ray is the Start Arch Man - no small task keeping a 40 foot x 25 foot inflatable up for a few hours!

Thousands of runners gather for 45th annual Turkey Trot

Continued from page 41

The Garden City Hotel, La Bottega, Caffe Barocco, Coach Realtors, New York Spine Institute, Albanese Organization, Inc., Bethpage Federal Credit Union, Daniel Gale/Sotheby’s, Doc O'Grady ’ s, Douglas Elliman, Harder Tree and Landscape Service, Compass, the Garden City Buffalos, The Murph’s Famous Bloody Mary Mix.

The Race Committee (Ken Aneser,

Steve Brita , Chris Caporicci, Kevin Coffey, Kevin Cudahy, Bob Freeman, Chris Giarraputo, Adam Karol, Mike Kopcak, Brian Kubler, Ray Martinez, Sergio Nicolosi, Ian Paisley, Phil Puccio & Rob Votruba) would like to thank all the runners, and vol unteers and all those who live on the race course for their support. Thanks to our Race Marshalls Will Paisley (Mile 1), Tricia Kubler (Mile 2), Tim Paisley (Mile 3) and Bill Lucano (Mile 4).

Turkey Trot Fun

Many thanks to our EMTs in the TT medical tent! Left to right: John Lugo, Robert McAuley, Nicole Hansen, Maria Verderosa.

Special thanks to Tim & Kelly Worstell who host the Hampton Road water stop and Jimmy & Brenda Blum who host the Whitehall Boulevard water stop. Special thanks to the Garden City Recreation Department, the Garden City Police Department, the Garden City Fire Department, the Garden City Department of Public Works, NYU Winthrop Ambulance and the Nassau County Law Enforcement Explorers. And last but not least, a very special

thanks to “Mr. Turkey” who did a great job at this year’s race. We are all so fortunate to have a terrific community that loves this race and works hard to make it happen each year. Thank you all!

The Race Committee wishes every one Merry Christmas and a very happy and healthy holiday season and looks forward to the 46th Garden City Turkey Trot next year!

Family Thanksgiving starts with Turkey Trot

TTRC Volunteer Director Brian Kubler handles hun dreds of TT volunteers each year! Thank you Brian!

The Turkey Trot has great post-race refreshments!

On a beautiful sunny Thanksgiving morning, thousands of neighbors and friends participated in the 45th Annual GC Turkey Trot. There were three separate divi sions: Challengers, Fun Run and the Traditional 5K to choose from. The communi ty really came out in full force for this wonderful cause.

Photo by Regina Moran

Thanksgiving is all about family for the Cappellis, and it starts with the Turkey Trot. Above are: (Front row) Owen Thomas (4 months), Maria, Jack Lewis (10), Brooke Felice (11) (Back row) Paul, Kevin, Brent, Suzanne, Stephen, Debra, and Kristen.

IN MEMORIAM

(Kevin Collins), Lorraine (Tom Lodge), Christine (Michael Bagliani), Msgr Thomas Coogan, and Matt (Christa Bianchi). Mitzy cherished her 34 grand children: Pat’s children Meg, Jack, Charlie, Dan, Pete, Beth; Bill’s chil dren William, Robert, Sarah, James and Isabella; Jack’s children Laura, Rebecca, and Mike; Mary’s chil dren Nick and Emma; Dan’s children Monica, Bernadette, Bridgette and Anna, Joe’s children Katie, Joseph, Keira and Tim, Margaret’s daughter Christina, Colleen’s children Grace, Clara and Max; Lorraine’s children Tim, Christopher, Matt and Cecilia; and Christine’s children Patrick and Lia. Nothing gave her more joy in recent years than holding some of her 19 great grandchildren. Mitzy also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews that continued to visit or contact her regu larly in recent years.

IN MEMORIAM

tled in Garden City to raise their 3 chil dren Mike, Greg and Alexandra. She and Mike were members of the Garden City Country Club and after relocating to Mediterra in Naples, Florida, she continued her passion for golf at The Mediterra Golf Club. Her friends in both Garden City and later in Naples remember her sharp wit, strength, lead ership energy, outgoing personality and generous spirit. She had a love of travel, knitting and mahjong, was a passionate photographer, phenomenal cook, and a loving mother and grandmother who found such joy in creating events that drew family and friends from both far and near. Mom/Dottie/Dot/MomMom will be greatly missed..

Emma (Mitzy) Coogan

Emma (Mitzy) Coogan

July 21, 1923 – November 23, 2022

Emma (Mitzy) Coogan passed away peacefully in her home early on the morning of November 23, 2022 with her oldest son Father Robert Coogan by her side. Mitzy was predeceased by her beloved husband Robert in 1996, and her beloved son Bill in 2014, her dear siblings, brothers Andrew and Dr. Theodore Hangarter, sisters Clara Hildebrand and Dorothy McDermott, and their wives and husbands.

Mitzy was a loving mother, grand mother and great grandmother and leaves behind thirteen children and their spouses: Patricia (John Foster), Father Robert Coogan, Bill’s wife Christina (Ameglio), Jack (Amy Cohen), Mary (Don Sherefkin), Dan, Jim (Alisa Mast), Joe (Maureen McCutcheon), Margaret (Mark Czachor), Colleen

Mitzy was a devoted Catholic, and was a parishioner of the parish of the Church of St. Joseph in Garden City from 1964. She raised her children in the certainty of her faith, and was incredi bly proud that two of her sons became priests.

As a daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother, grandmother, great grand mother, Mitzy lived in service to the family that she loved. She nurtured family and friends with feasts that expressed that love. She was the grav itational center and heart of her large family, who will take some solace in seeing her in each other’s values, faces, gestures, love and laughter.

Visitation was held on Monday, November 28 at Fairchild Sons in Garden City. The Funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, November 29 at the Church of Saint Joseph in Garden City, followed by the burial at the Cemetery of the Holy Rood.

Dorothy Lloyd

Dorothy Rose Sande Lloyd

Dorothy Rose Sande Lloyd, 78, of Charlotte, NC, passed away Thursday, November 17, 2022, at Tucker Hospice House in Kannapolis, NC.

She was born May 17, 1944, in Manhattan, NY, to the late Joseph S. Sande and the late Rose Michelle Giannattasio Sande and was also pre ceded in death by her husband, Michael H. Lloyd, to whom she was married for 45 years. Dottie, as she was known to her family and friends, received her undergraduate and masters degrees in Education from St. Johns University and Hofstra University in New York. After working several years as an ele mentary school teacher in New York, she and her beloved husband Mike set

Survivors include her five beloved children, Michael C. Lloyd of Stamford, CT; Gregory J. Lloyd (Justyna) of Harrisburg, NC; Alexandra S. Lloyd (Scott Gehnrich) of Garden City, NY; Catherine M. Lloyd of Vancouver, WA; Robert F. Lloyd (Jennifer) of China; ten grandchildren, Matthew, Alex, Katy, Olivia, Henry, Amelia, Charlie, Owen, Maya, and Gavin; three siblings, Joseph Sande, Jr. (Maryann) of Lakeland, FL; Richard Sande (Pam) of Napa, CA; and Michael Sande (Ann) of East Marion, NY; and a large extended family.

A memorial service in celebration of Dottie's life will be held at a later date. Dottie will be laid to rest at US Air Force Academy Cemetery in Colorado Springs, CO where she will be reunited with her late husband.

In lieu of flowers, memorial dona tions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org) or Wounded Warrior Project (wounded warriorproject.org).

Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg, NC, is serving the Lloyd family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com

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

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Neighbors Being Neighbors at the Cathedral

BY ARLEEN BREEN

Every year on Thanksgiving Day, the Cathedral of the Incarnation’s Neighbors Being Neighbors Ministry leads volunteers in preparing and serv ing a traditional Thanksgiving feast on the street in Hempstead. This year they continued the custom. Trays of tra ditional Thanksgiving dishes: turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and vegetables, were prepared by our volunteers and then loaded on the Cathedral Bus - which became a bountiful buffet station for the day!

This special event is just one of the many events this ministry performs. They are in the community twice per week throughout the year distribut ing sandwiches, fruit, snacks, coffee, and hot soup during the colder season. Groups of volunteers make the sand wiches — individually and in groups. This provides fellowship for our vol unteers and much needed food for our neighbors. Food insecurity is at the base of many other hardships faced by our neighbors.

The USDA defines food insecurity as “a household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food.” In our region, the food insecure includes the unemployed

and working poor, children, seniors, veterans, the homeless, and other socio-economic and ethnic groups.

Food insecurity exacerbates other issues associated with poverty, includ ing health problems, employment issues and the ability to concentrate at work or school. Many people right next door need to choose between eating and paying rent or purchasing necessary medications.

Neighbors Being Neighbors seeks to ameliorate this issue right here in our own backyard. They also have led drives for school supplies, both here and abroad, most recently in Belize. They have worked with other organizations here on Long Island to collect warm coats, assist homeless people in navi gating the shelter system and obtaining access to needed programs.

The Cathedral will be hosting a fundraising reception benefiting this vital ministry on January 8 after our Evensong Service for the Feast of the Epiphany. Tickets will be $40 per per son.

Check out our website at incarna tiongc.org for information on how to volunteer and/or support the many beautiful ways in which this ministry assists our neighbors.

Fr. Adam, Deacon Denise, Chris and Rebecca having a great time while doing good work.

Warm jackets made available to any in need — thank you Kyle and Deacon Denise!

Neighbors Being Neighbors volunteers distributing hot food and coffee.

Hemlock School gathers for Thanksgiving feast

Ahead of Thanksgiving at Hemlock School, students gathered for a feast made by their very own principal, Audrey Bellovin. As part of an annu al tradition, Principal Bellovin bakes numerous loaves of zucchini bread and gallons of butternut squash soup to share with her first graders.

The vegetables used in each dish are planted in the school’s garden by the same students the year before. So not only do students get to see their efforts come to fruition, but they also get to taste them. While the vegetables may change from year to year, the idea stays the same: students gather to practice gratitude and promote togeth erness.

As the loaves of bread and contain ers of soup were wheeled into the multi purpose room, students stood patiently in front of their seats and shared what they were thankful for before sitting down to enjoy the delicious meal.

Principal Bellovin donned an apron covered in lemons, explaining that during the pandemic, she coined a phrase to describe great moments or moments of opportunity. She called them “lemonade moments,” and said this feast was most definitely a lemon ade moment.

courtesy of Garden City Public Schools

From left: Students Dominic Donovan, Teddy Hefelfinger, Michael Eschmann and Conor McKay enjoyed homemade zucchini bread.

On the left, Avery LeFave and Lincoln Franzella enjoyed the Thanksgiving feast across from friends Alayah Lin, Jack Boettcher and Principal Bellovin.

From left: Haylie Tung, Grace Schrafel, and Bette Crain were all smiles as they snacked on the homemade treats.

Principal Audrey Bellovin prepared her homemade butternut squash soup ahead of passing it out to students.

Photos

Stratford, Stewart students give P.E.A.K. performances

On Nov. 19, 14 fourth grade students from Stratford School and Stewart School performed with students from all over Nassau County as part of the P.E.A.K (Parents, Educators And Kids) music festival. The festival is the fourth grade prelude to the Division 1 AllCounty Music Festival and allows stu dents to explore the joys of project per formance-based learning.

Stratford and Stewart students par ticipated in a collaborative day of music

making, playing in workshops such as ukulele jam band, world music drum ming, Shi Wu drumming, and cardio drumming, as well as an a capella and beat boxing workshop, choral work shops and parachute and song games. The students’ parents were also invited to participate, making it even more of a fun, collaborative experience for all.

The day culminated in a final concert performance at Freeport High School.

Students in attendance included

Alexa Argenziano, Alexandra Shaloub, Ava Li, Frankie McHugh, Jack Liu, James Manley, Zola Morelli, Anna Lucchese, Ava Lucchese, Anya Lele, Brooke Snow, Isabel Kfuri, Natalie Urban, and Lucia Hora. Natalie Urban

said, “I had a great time at P.E.A.K. I had so much fun learning new ways to make music and then performing what I learned with my friends.”

From left: Stratford students Isabel Kfuri and Ava Lucchese participated in a drumming workshop.

From left: Stewart students Zola Morelli, Alexa Argenziano, and Alexandra Shalhoub practiced their ukulele skills as part of a ukulele jam band workshop.

Stewart students prepared for a day of musical workshops at P.E.A.K.

Stewart students participated in the day’s final performance at the P.E.A.K. music festival.

Photos courtesy of Garden City Public Schools

A fun fall at Garden Manor Nursery School

A delicious Thanksgiving feast.

School is in full swing and the students at Garden Manor Nursery School are hav ing a blast! In addition to all the educa tional and engaging activities planned by the teachers each and every day, students had some special events to look forward to including the annual Halloween parade. On Halloween morning, the Pre-School and Pre-K classes paraded their costumes for all the parents, grandparents and special visitors to see. They also performed some

Exploring the inside of a pumpkin.

spooky songs before they headed into their classrooms for the day. The children loved showing off their Halloween costumes to their families! The students also learned all about the meaning of Veterans Day and had Thanksgiving tastings and “feasts” in their classrooms with their friends and teachers.

As we finish a wonderful fall at Garden Manor we look forward to the holiday sea son. A centerpiece of the celebration at our

Some pumpkin pie.

school is our Christmas Tree of Kindness and Caring. Instead of decorating our Christmas tree with ornaments and lights, our students decorate our tree with new socks, hats, scarves and gloves which are kindly donated by the school families. At the end of the Christmas season Garden Manor donates these items to a local shel ter to be distributed to people in need. It is through the generosity of our school fami lies that we fill our tree every year and help

many local families!

Garden Manor Nursery School at Christ Episcopal Church is located at 33 Jefferson St. in Garden City on the border of Stewart Manor and Franklin Square. Registration for the 2023-24 school year is now open. Classes include Toddler (2 year old), PreSchool (3 year old) and Pre-K (4 year old). If you would like to learn more about Garden Manor Nursery School please visit our website at www.gmns.org.

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We’re looking for writers in our community to compose ar ticles on local topics, opinions, reviews, worthy places to visit on Long Island, and even pieces of fiction. We aim to feature at least one new article and writer each week in our Discovery magazine section.

Email submissions: editor@gcnews.com

• Attach article and any photos (1MB), along with your name and contact info.

• Articles must be between 1,500 - 3,000 words. • Each writer will be reimbursed a stipend of $25.⁰⁰

Happy Veterans Day!

Learning all about pumpkins.

Halloween crafts.

Students learn shoe donations are good for the “sole”

Ahead of Thanksgiving, students from Homestead School and Locust School col lected shoes as part of their service-learning project for Soles4Souls, a nonprofit organization that gives shoes and clothing to people in cri sis, freeing up financial resources they can use toward other needs.

All first grade stu dents at both schools attended an assembly where they watched a presentation on Soles4Souls’ mission and spoke with a repre sentative from the orga nization to better under stand the impact of their giving efforts. This was an incredible opportuni ty for Garden City stu dents to be able to ask direct questions and see firsthand the difference their donations have made.

Attention students!

Graduated from school? Have an outstanding GPA? Made the honor roll or Dean’s List? Scored an internship or study abroad opportunity? We invite you to send details of any of these things and more, along with your name and contact info, to editor@gcnews.com for a chance to be seen in our paper!

Locust students chatted with a Soles4Souls representative over Zoom, learning about their mission.

Homestead first grade students excitedly raised their hands, asking the representa tive from Soles4Souls questions about the organization.

Homestead students, staff and volunteers stood proudly behind some of the items that were donated.

Photos courtesy of Garden City Public Schools

All that Glitters, Shimmers & Glows this Holiday Season

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

Polar Express at B&O Railroad Museum, Baltimore

Our kids, 5 and 8, were so excited about the prospect of riding the Polar Express at the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore, they purchased special pajamas for the trip. This wasn’t just a hop on a train through some holiday scenery. We were amazed by how closely to the story/movie (really recommended to see the Tom Hanks movie before you go), the event tracks – down to the golden ticket (exactly like the movie), the conductor, the flush of steam and blow of the train whistle of the vintage train, where you meet the Hero Boy and the Conductor from the classic tale. The event starts with a DJ and dance party (reminiscent of the scene in the movie with the kids dancing as the boy gets on). Then you get on an actual train (not vintage)- its windows frosted just like in the story – for a 45 minute train ride. Chefs dance to the “Hot chocolate” song, delivering the sweet bev erage and a sugar cookie. At the end, the kids come into the North Pole - the historic Roundhouse (just like in the movie), decorated for Christmas, with a 35-foot tree, and get to meet Santa. Then there are activities (spend as long as you like) – making tree ornaments, and holiday crafts, see model train layouts and enjoy the museum exhibits. All the par ticipants receive the “first gift of Christmas” - an actual sleigh bell (just like in the movie). With such high expectations, I was worried the event would fall flat, but the kids came home more excited than they left. (Purchase timed tickets in advance at https://www.borail.org/events/polar-express-4/)

(B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21223, 410-752-2490,  www.BORail. org)

Zoo Lights Returns to the Maryland Zoo

Zoo Lights has returned to the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore through January 1, with seasonal lights, including displays shaped like the Zoo’s animals and a full roster of special events like BRRR Fest (which includes unlimited beer and wine sampling), food truck rallies, ice sculptures, holiday choruses,

crafts, Santa Saturdays, and Hanukkah readings provided by the Enoch Pratt Free Library. Free rides on the popular carousel and train are includ ed in the admission price. Proceeds directly ben efit the Zoo’s animal care and conservation pro grams. All event information, including times, entry prices, and the event schedule is available at: Marylandzoo.org/events (1876 Mansion House Drive, Baltimore MD 21217, www.marylandzoo. org ).

Ride Vintage Train, Trolley Car in a Hidden Valley in Pennsylvania

The East Broad Top Railroad, a small nar row-gauge railroad, and the adjacent Rockhill Trolley Museum in Rockhill Furnace (Orbisonia), PA are celebrating the holidays in true retro style with a one-ticket/two-ride event themed “Christmas in Coal Country” through December. Enjoy a one-hour train ride aboard a selection of heated cars. The train departs from the historic Orbisonia Station and travels north, where you encounter Santa who gives every child a special gift. Trains leave at 5p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Each “Christmas in Coal Country” ticket includes a ride on a vintage trolley car through the Blacklog Narrows, decked out in holiday lights. Trolley rides depart frequently throughout the evening and can be enjoyed before or after your train ride. Tickets also include writing letters to Santa. Every pas senger enjoys a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie and each child takes home a gift. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for children. If you want to ride in the caboose, the cost is $30 for adults and $25 for children. For more information visit  www.east broadtop.com

Newport Mansions Add More Sparkle to Holidays

Holidays at the Newport Mansions, in New port, Rhode Island, returns to The Breakers, Mar ble House and The Elms, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, through January 1. Beautiful seasonal decorations, including themed Christmas trees, wreaths, gar lands and fresh floral arrangements, add a festive holiday décor to these spectacular Gilded Age houses.

Once again, the 15-foot-tall poinsettia tree in the Great Hall of The Breakers – made up of 150 indi vidual poinsettia plants – provides a wonderful hol

Enchanted meeting with the conductor on the Polar Express at the B&O Railroad Museum, Baltimore (Dave E. Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com).

iday photo opportunity. New this year, the Music Room of The Breakers – prominently showcased in Season 1 of Julian Fellowes’ “The Gilded Age” series on HBO – will feature a vignette of manne quins dressed in elegant Gilded Age fashions.

New at this year’s “Sparkling Lights at The Breakers” visitors can stroll in a complete loop around the property, enjoying a half-mile-long path glittering with hundreds of thousands of holiday lights while music fills the air. Highlights include a dazzling 50-foot-long tunnel of light and illuminated snowmen and reindeer. Guests will also want to stop by the Van“deer”bilt selfie station, or pause to watch the tree of lights change colors above the illuminated façade of the mansion. Also new this year, five fire pits light the way and help visitors stay warm. The back terrace has warming stations and adult beverages. holiday sweets and treats including s’mores kits to cook over the fire pit, are available to purchase. The Breakers Welcome Cen ter also has snacks and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase.

Now in its third year, “Sparkling Lights at The Breakers is open Thursdays through Sundays,

All that Glitters, Shimmers & Glows this Holiday Season

4:30-6:30 p.m. through December 23, and every evening from December 26-Janu ary 1, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tickets are for a spe cific date and time and include admis sion to the interior tour of The Breakers. Visit  www.newportmansions.org/ events/holidays-at-the-newport-man sions to learn more.

Zoo Lights at Palm Beach Zoo

Zoo Lights presented by Florida Power & Light Company’s FPL SolarNow™ is illuminating Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society for the holidays on select nights through January 1, 2023 for the fourth year. New this year and to add a little extra icing to the night, “snow” will fall periodically in the Fountain Plaza. Each evening of Zoo Lights fea tures a WILD holiday celebration includ ing photos with Santa, decadent treats, snowfall, a DJ dance party and plen ty of holiday charm. The Zoo’s Winter Wonderland Pavilion will include a special holiday visual experience, not to be missed. Zoo Lights attendees can select from two specific times for entry; 6:00 PM and 6:45 PM. Tickets are limit ed each evening to allow for plenty of room to move about the Zoo. Visit www. palmbeachzoo.org/zoolights to purchase your tickets in advance.

The Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express Train Ride

Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel’s perennially popular Polar Express onboard holiday experience brings the pages of Chris Van Allsburg’s classic children’s book to life, with chefs offering hot chocolate and cookies, and, of course, Santa Claus himself. Now in its 22nd sea son, The Polar Express runs on select dates through December 30, departing the Railway’s historic depot in Williams, Arizona, to the North Pole, leaving at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The train rides and visits with Santa at the North Pole last 90

minutes.  Tickets are available Sunday through Thursday for $57 (adults) and $38 (children); Friday and Saturday for $69 (adults) and $52 (children); and The Christmas Eve Limited for $95 (adults) and $64 (children). The Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel also offers the POLAR EXPRESS™ Package, which fea tures overnight accommodations and POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride tickets for guests. Included in this package is the POLAR EXPRESS™ train excursion, a one-night stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, and breakfast and dinner at the Fred Harvey Restaurant. Book online at www.thetrain.com/polarex press or call 1-888-848-3511.

Holiday Happenings in the Wilmington/Brandywine

Yuletide at Winterthur: Through January 8, Henry du Pont’s mansion is transformed into a magical holiday spectacle, with food, music, exhibits, a gingerbread house, holiday programs and activities, and a Christmas tree display featuring decorations inspired by past First Ladies. Reservations are recommended for the Yuletide exhibits,  and it’s your last chance to see Jacqueline Kennedy and Henry Francis du Pont: From Winterthur to the White House before it closes on January 8.

Holidays at Hagley:  Step back in time to 1803 as you visit the du Pont ancestral home Eleutherian Mills decorated in vintage holiday charm. There is also an “All Creatures Great and Small” exhibit celebrating stories of pets, wildlife, and other animals which made their habitat at Hagley over the last 200 years, both in the historic home and outdoors.

“Holidays at Hagley: All Creatures Great and Small” features Holiday Home and Garden Tours, the fifth-annual Gingerbread House Competition, Santa Days, evening Twilight Tours, and more.

A Longwood Christmas: Through January 8, stroll past poinsettias,

A GREENER VIEW

pinecones, snowflakes as you tour the special holiday gardens. As the sun sets, you see thousands of dazzling lights strung across miles of trees; warm up in the four-acre Conservatory with holiday sing-alongs sung to a 10,010 pipe Aeolian organ – the largest organ ever constructed in a residential setting. You can also grab a hot chocolate and cozy up to one of the many fire pits.

Brandywine Christmas at Brandywine Museum of Art:  Renowned for its collection from three generations of Wyeth family artists, during the holiday season the museum is famous for showcasing the region’s most impressive model train display, this year, celebrating its  50th anniversary Throughout the season they display festive trees and have crafts, live musical performances, and imaginative “Critter” ornaments made by local volunteers.

Holiday Light Express:  In Wilmington, throughout the month of December you can take a 45-minute ride in 100-year old (heated) coaches and experience thousands of holiday lights of decorated homes along the route.

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at the Candlelight Theatre’s performance of White Christmas. Filled with laughter, romance, spectacular dance numbers and the unforgettable songs of Irving Berlin.

More information and planning tools from Visit Wilmington, www. visitwilmingtonde.com, 800-489-6664.

Washington, DC is that Shining Holiday Beacon on a Hill Destination DC (Washington.org) offers up a score of holiday happen ings including the 100th annual National Christmas Tree. Highlights include:

Dazzling Light Displays

• “Season’s Greenings” returns to the U.S. Botanic Garden.

Choosing a Fresh Christmas Tree

Q: My spouse wants an artificial Christmas tree. He says it is safer, but I think a fresh-cut one is better for the en vironment. Is it?

A: You might not think that cutting down a tree is good for the environment, but it might still be better than the artifi cial tree. Artificial trees often use a wood en core, so at least one tree was cut down to produce. Artificial trees use petro leum and metal resources and are often made overseas, requiring higher ship ping costs for raw materials and finished trees. Eventually the tree will be worn out and it is a difficult item to recycle, so it will probably end up in a landfill. The box it came in might get recycled. Few

people think about the final resting place of items when they buy them. The artifi cial tree will last for more years than a real one, but at what point does it become a better ecological decision?

Fresh-cut Christmas trees are grown on farms. Farmers have been preparing your tree for a long time. A six- to eightfoot evergreen tree takes from six to 12 years to grow. This year’s tree has sur vived about a decade’s worth of record cold, heat, droughts and floods.

Over one million acres of Christmas tree farms will supply 90% of the 30 to 40 million trees harvested this year. Be cause some trees won’t survive, over 100 million trees will be planted next spring

to replace them. Each acre of Christmas trees provides the daily oxygen require ments of 18 people. They also provide wildlife habitats and protection from soil erosion.

In the United States, each region orig inally used the evergreens that were na tive to that area, keeping shipping costs low. Now, the trees are shipped all over and people in the warm southern states can choose from trees grown in West Vir ginia, Michigan and Oregon.

After the holidays, the tree can be re cycled in several environmentally bene ficial ways. Some towns collect the trees

Model trains run each day in the gated outdoor gardens and the Conservatory features poin settias, holiday decor, and D.C. landmarks made from plants (through Jan. 2, 2023).

• Explore the world’s largest light maze,  Enchant  at Nationals Park through Jan. 1, plus ice skating, holiday beverages, a holiday market and a chance to meet Santa Claus.

• Environmentally friendly LED lights and dozens of glowing animal lanterns transform the  National Zoo into a winter wonderland with ZooLights, through Friday, December 30, 5-9 pm

Holiday Events and Performances

• Experience Charles Dickens’ beloved Yuletide story of trans formation and redemption, “A Christmas Carol,” at Ford’s Theatre, through Dec. 31.

• The Washington Ballet pres ents “The Nutcracker” through Dec. 30.

• Bells of Bethlehem at  Museum of the Bible showcases six bells from the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. This is the first time any of the bells is on display in the United States.

Winter activities include ice skat ing at Washington Harbour Ice Rink and in the shadow of the  National Gallery of Art  (through March 5, 2023).

More information and planning help at Destination DC,  washington.org/win ter.

© 2022 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear. com

The old days of stoop sitting in Brooklyn

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

I was playing board games recently with a group of retirees and afterwards we all sat around chatting. Someone mentioned growing up in Brooklyn and another woman talked about being a “Manhattan gal.” We compared notes about which was better and naturally both boroughs have their strong points. Manhattan has the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building but then Brooklyn has Jackie Gleason, Joan Rivers and Neil Diamond. Plus “a tree grows in Brooklyn,” I said and everyone laughed.

My friend, Margot, talked about her fond memories of walking along her street in Bay Ridge eating crisp apples in autumn and Joyce said she recalls her grandparents taking her siblings and her to Brooklyn’s Prospect Park Zoo where they walked and walked and saw the different animals - the longnecked giraffes, the adorable monkeys, the penguins that seemed to march with such precision and so many more. Then they settled down under the shade of a giant old tree to have a picnic lunch.

People seem to have specific mem ories of being Brooklynites. You can strike up a conversation anywhere in the whole wide world just by saying the word “Brooklyn.” The name Brooklyn is of English origin meaning “beauti ful brook.” Derived from the English surname which meant “one who lives near a brook,” no one I know is familiar with that derivation but that’s neither here nor there. We can thank the Dutch for the stoop. In the Netherlands, flood ing is a constant threat for homes and the Dutch brought the idea of a raised parlor floor over a high basement with them to the New World.

Over the years I have discovered that in the city some people make stoop sitting a fine art. That’s in contrast to many people on Long Island who sit on their porches but not their stoops. Porches are great things - there’s some thing magical about sitting on the porch of a Victorian house with friends and

relatives sipping some cold glasses of iced tea on hot summer days - but if you happened to grow up stoop sitting in Brooklyn, it has a way of sticking out in your mind.

My friend, Sarah, grew up in the Midwood section of Brooklyn and she said that stoop sitting was and still is a good way to connect with neighbors, to say hello to passersby and sometimes even to meet new people because con versations just seem to have a way of striking up. People did it more than 50 years ago, and 60, and it was a good way for people to keep an eye on kids as they came and went. And for young moth ers to sit outside enjoying some fresh air while holding a baby and talking with other young mothers. They had a chance to exchange tidbits of news with in each other’s families and to get all of the neighborhood news.

From the perch of a stoop you were well above street level - there are eight or nine steps up to the entrance of a Brooklyn brownstone - and you could see almost everything that was going on in the neighborhood. Kids going off to school or returning, older neighbors heading off to the butcher, the baker or the grocery store, and the power walk ers or joggers who always seem intent on exercising whether it was rain or shine.

In the 1950s and 1960s most neigh bors knew each other by their first names and if something was amiss, they promptly let the family know. This wasn’t just the days of TV’s “Father Knows Best” - it held true for decades to come.

The brownstones, first built in the borough in the 1800s, were practical buildings that were built to last. Not only are brownstone steps a pretty architectural touch introducing the front door of the building but they have sturdy wrought-iron railings. I picture the brownstones in Brooklyn Heights and Park Slope and immediately recall my childhood years. When convers ing, you say one word “brownstone,”

to any Brooklynite and it immediate ly brings them back. Fond memories, fond times, even if hindsight does entail 20/20 vision.

One N.Y. Times writer has called stoop sitting in Brooklyn a “ring side seat on urban drama” (Barbara Flanagan, 1987) which I thought was a nice way of putting it. Stoop sitting can be a strange sight to those who live out side of Brooklyn, but to those who do it, there are advantages - having a bird’seye view of the goings on in the world and not getting wet from sitting on a lawn. As some people say, grass is nice but brownstone is better. Brownstones have lots of steps compared to many of today’s homes with four steps up and into the living room or kitchen.

Years ago some people would stoop sit all day long but now most people go out to work. Stoop sitting is a pastime that’s fading quickly because of societal changes but those of us over 40 will always remember many of our neigh bors stoop sitting - and we’ve probably

done a little bit of it ourselves.

I was six years old when my family of eight moved from Flatbush to Rockville Centre so my days of stoop sitting with my grandparents are long past. We moved into a split-level house that was built in 1954 - not a majestic brownstone that’s so prevalent in NYC.

My parents never mentioned stoop sitting once we were comfortably ensconced in living on Long Island and at six I was too young to think much about it. My siblings and I were in new schools and new lives and to be perfect ly honest, my friends and neighbors lived in colonial houses, Tudor homes, ranches and Cape Cods so no one ever talked about stoop sitting on brown stones.

There are other marks of a native Brooklynite - our accents stand out, that’s for sure - but in my mind, stoop sitting takes priority. Once a stoop sit ter, always a stoop sitter. It’s a hard habit to break!

BY TOM MARGENAU

Around this year’s Thanksgiving hol iday, I’m going to suggest that we Amer icans give thanks for the Social Security program. I know lots of people like to think that the “good old days” (before So cial Security) were, well, good old days. But many times, they were not. And 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 former 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 docu mentary about the era. But Russell Bak er 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 ex plain 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 govern ment 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. And those “good old days” were very bad for very many people.

In his book, Baker describes the peri od just after his father’s death. His father left a widow and three small children, in cluding 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 worth less Model T, several chairs, a table to eat from, a couple of mail-order beds, a crib, three small 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 blan

Give Thanks for Social Security

kets, carried her outside, handed her to Aunt Goldie, and kissed her goodbye for ever!”

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 Bak er’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’ insur ance.

My mother, brothers, sister and my self 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 re ceived checks until my youngest broth er 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 import ant 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 deduc tions.

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 comprehen sive Social Security program, they might be more inclined to accept Social Securi ty taxes so that no other young, widowed mother has to give up her little Audrey and “kiss her goodbye forever.”

Here is a postscript to what I just wrote. 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 me started on widows’ benefits. These women should work and take care of themselves and not expect the govern ment to show up each month with a wid ow’s dole!”

My goodness! I sure am glad I don’t live in that guy’s world. What a cold, uncaring and empathy-starved place it must be! Maybe I should have pointed out to him that 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 want to point out that someone

reading this column might conclude that Social Security is unique to the United States. Just the opposite is true. The idea of Social Security is a worldwide phe nomenon. Almost every country on the planet has a Social Security system in place for its citizens, and almost every one of those programs provides survi vor benefits to widows, widowers and minor children. It’s just too bad our pro gram 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 Secu rity -- Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Un derstand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Secu rity.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon.com or other book out lets. .

COPYRIGHT

2022 CREATORS.COM

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Analyzing the cost of renting over purchasing

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

I have been observing the current market and the 137 responses that I received from my previous column on November 7th. Although my survey isn’t comparable to any national survey via the labor department or any other government entity, it’s a small micro cosm of the feelings of our local Long Island purchasing community who subscribe to my column. It appears approximately 62% of my respondents think renting or staying in place is more advantageous than purchasing right now. It is based mainly on our current interest rates causing the increase in their monthly payments. However, they also thought that pric es were still too high and felt uneasy about the market, even though there currently is still historically low inven tory that should keep prices strong.

From what I have researched the double-digit increases are a thing of the past and we may just see 2-4% increases or possibly less, again partially affected by future demand. Although our infla tion has decreased slightly, it’s the costs of most materials, available land for new construction, and interest rates that have adversely affected the envi ronment of being able to sell and earn a profit which has greatly impacted new construction. Twenty-four percent were contemplating moving to more reasonably priced locations including out of NYS. Fourteen percent were still trying to purchase with a conventional or variable-rate mortgage.

If you earn $100,000 or more, have a very low debt/income ratio, and have at least a 10% down payment (prefera bly 20% for more choices in co-op apart

ments) you should qual ify for a mortgage. If you are planning to stay in the area for 10-plus years, have children, and want a more secure environment of owner ship then you must cal culate the cost over the years of renting, with the lack of tax deduc tions, and the reduction in wealth during the time that you will be renting. Also, you will have little control over increas es and the chance that your landlord might not renew your lease or even decide to sell.

Even if you still need or want to buy as rates have increased you should seek out and discuss with your CPA or financial planner whether owning will enable you to be in a stronger financial position. For a few, if cutting out those wasteful expenditures, like Starbucks, eating out, etc, or even leasing a less costly vehicle, one less vacation, or buying fewer clothes enables you to purchase, then you just might be able to do it. When inflation was running rampant and interest rates were as high as 18.5% in 1981, people were still purchasing, but then refinanced later when rates came down. Although our current rates are much higher, they should come down over the next year or two and you will have the opportu nity to refinance. Also, you will have less competition during the winter as opposed to next spring, so you may find it easier to locate a home, with some trade-offs, that will satisfy your

A GREENER VIEW

current needs and wants.

If you are considering renting a home as opposed to an apartment, again anticipate the costs of rent, utilities, etc., and make a comparison to the cost of homeownership. As you pay down your mortgage (which I call a fixed lease), you are slowly building your nest egg and devel oping appreciation for the future. Most importantly, if your busi ness or job allows you to work from home, then the room(s) you occupy will qualify as a deduction based on the percentage of the size of your home. All things being equal as the cost of a home will continue to increase so will your wealth as the years go by.

There will be those that purchasing right now will not make any financial sense and the struggle to even attempt it would not be beneficial as well as the undue stress that it may surely cause. So give it some serious thought and do what makes sense in the head and cents in your pocket.

I hope everyone had an enjoyable, fun, and relaxing Thanksgiving with your family and friends.

Continue to Donate to the Ukrainian Crisis and save a life or 2: https://usaforiom.org/iomsukraine-response/

Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 40 years experience in the Real Estate indus

Choosing a Fresh Christmas Tree

and oils that do burn rapidly, so if they do catch fire, they will burn hot and fast.

so that they can be chipped and used as mulch. You can cut off the branches and use them as mulch to cover areas of the garden. Some forest preserve districts sink them into lakes so that they can provide shelter for small fish. They can be left in a corner of the yard to provide shelter to birds on cold winter days.

Do not burn the tree in the fireplace, because the sap can help catch the chim ney on fire. Speaking of burning, Christ mas trees are not fire hazards by them selves. Just like any other plant or piece of furniture, they don’t just burst into flames on their own. It is faulty wiring or some other source of heat or spark that is the real fire hazard. Don’t keep a cut tree in the house too long or let it dry out. Evergreen trees are filled with resins

Fresh trees have flexible and fra grant needles. The sooner you choose a precut tree, the sooner you can get it into water and the longer it will last. Even if you just store it outside in a bucket, it will be better than sitting on the lot with no water.

Selecting a good Christmas tree re quires several steps. Before you leave home, measure the location where the tree is going so you know how tall (in cluding the star or angel topper) and how wide the tree can be. The location should not be near any heating ducts that can’t be closed or duct taped shut. A sunny window may be too warm and dry out a tree too quickly.

The open pores at the bottom of the trunk will become clogged with resin

and dirt. Have the tree seller cut off the bottom inch of trunk, or when the tree is home, you can cut off the bottom inch or two of the trunk so that water can be taken in. Make the cut on a diagonal, not flat across the bottom, so that the cut will not be blocked when it is on the bottom of the tree stand. Do not make the cut at too steep of an angle or else it will not stay under water. Water keeps the tree fresh, which prevents needle drop and increases resistance to fire. Check the water level several times a day for the first few days, because a fresh tree can use several gallons of water during that time.

Email questions to Jeff Rugg at info@ greenerview.com.

COPYRIGHT 2022 JEFF RUGG

DISTRIBUTED BY CREATORS

try and has earned designations as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (G.R.I.) and also as a Certified International Property Specialist (C.I.P.S.) and in 2022 has earned his National Association of Realtors “Green Industry designation for eco-friendly construction. He will provide you with “free” regular updates of sold and new homes in your town via the Multiple Listing Service of Long Island (MLSLI) or go to https://WWW. TurnKeyRealEstate.Com and you can “do it yourself (DYI) and search on your own. For a “FREE” `15 minute consultation, as well as well as a “FREE printout or digital value analysis of what your home might sell for in today’s market without any obligation or “strings” attached. He can also provide a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality, and our Seller’s and Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider when Selling, investing or Purchasing your Home.

You can email or snail mail (reg ular mail) him with your request or ideas, suggestions or interview you for a specific topic and a Q & A for a future column with your name, email and cell number. He will email or call you back and respond to your request ASAP as long as he has your complete name, cell, email and/or full home or business address. Again, for a “FREE” 15 minute consultation, he can also be reached by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@ TurnKeyRealEstate.Com to answer any of your questions and concerns in sell ing, investing, purchasing, or leasing residential or commercial property.

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of December 4-10, 2022

Step outside during dusk on Wednesday, Dec. 7, and look low in the east-northeastern sky. There you’ll see the rising full moon, and nearby you’ll notice a glowing orange “star”. But this isn’t a star at all; it’s the Red Planet Mars.

Mars now appears against the stars of Taurus, the bull, which of course lie trillions of miles farther and appear only roughly along the same line of sight. The planet reaches its closest to Earth during this orbital cycle on that night, when it lies about 51 million miles away.

If you own a small telescope or can visit your local planetarium or amateur astronomy club, you’ll get quite a closeup view of Mars at this time. With even the lowest magnification you’ll easily see its orange disk, but a larger tele scope with higher magnifications will show some dark features on the planet’s surface. Mars will be in a great position for viewing all month long.

On the evening of Dec. 7, however, don’t just glimpse at Mars and quit because, if you’re patient, you can watch the moon play a game of hide-and-seek with the Red Planet. What you will see (and when) depends on where you live; some sky watchers will see Mars on the left side of the moon, while others will see it on the right. And some may not

STARGAZERS

Don’t Miss This Lunar Coverup!

see it at all.

Why? Because on that evening the moon (only 246,000 miles away) will drift in front of Mars and create what astronomers call an “occultation.” When and where you observe will deter mine whether you’ll see Mars or if it will be hidden behind the solid disk of the moon. The occultation will be visi ble to sky watchers throughout most of North America and northern Europe, but those in the far eastern and south eastern U.S. and Mexico will miss it

Stargazers near Los Angeles, for example, will see the planet’s vanishing act (its “ingress”) behind the moon’s eastern limb around 6:30 p.m. PST. From the Kansas City area, the ingress will occur at around 8:56 p.m. CST; from Pittsburgh, watch for the planet’s disap pearance around 10:34 p.m. EST. Many East Coast locations, like New York City, for example, won’t see the occul tation at all because Mars will pass just below the moon and will not be blocked by its disk.

It’s not only the planetary disappear ing act that will be of interest. Not long after the planet vanishes, it will reap pear on the opposite side of the moon. Spotting this, however, will be more challenging since it’s tough knowing exactly where Mars will emerge from behind the moon’s western limb. From Los Angeles, this “egress” will occur at around 7:30 p.m. PST. From Kansas City watch for it around 9:52 p.m. CST, and in the Pittsburgh area, it happens

around 10:58 p.m. EST.

Because the exact times of this occul tation depend on your location, you should get more accurate times for your town by calling your local planetari um, observatory or amateur astronomy club. And always plan to begin your watch at least 15 minutes early so you

can watch the moon approach the plan et in the sky.

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennis mammana.com.

COPYRIGHT 2022 CREATORS.COM

On Dec. 7, the moon will drift in front of Mars and create what astronomers call an occultation.

LOST IN SUBURBIA

For Whom the Toilet Paper Rolls

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

“Can you pick up some more tissues at the supermarket?” I asked my hus band.

“I’m not going out right now,” he replied. “Just use toilet paper.”

I looked at him, aghast.

“I can’t do that,” I said. “It’ll scratch my nose.”

“Does it scratch your butt?”

“No.”

“Then why would it scratch your nose?” he wondered.

“Hmph,” I hmphed.

I shook my head. I got that they were both soft paper products, except one came in individual squares and the other came on a roll. However, I still felt that it was necessary to have different products for different parts of the body; the same way that napkins were for meals, and paper towels were for clean ing up. Using them for anything other

than their intended purpose would be anarchy. I was pretty sure that if we started to use paper products wantonly and recklessly, a hole would open up in the universe and all the paper prod ucts would be sucked into a swirling vortex, leaving us with rocks for toilet paper just like in the caveman days. It wouldn’t be pretty, and it would defi nitely clog the toilets.

I could understand why this was difficult for my husband to see. He was a pragmatic, any-port-in-thestorm kind of guy. Also, I was having a hard enough time getting him to just CHANGE the empty toilet paper roll, much less understand that you don’t use the toilet paper to blow your nose.

“You do realize that toilet paper and tissues are essentially the same thing,” he said.

“They’re not,” I said.

“How do you figure?” he asked.

“Well, tissues are pretty straightfor

ward, but toilet paper is complicated. First of all, there’s the whole question of how you gather it. When you take some, do you wad it, or do you fold it? And then there’s the whole one-ply ver sus two-ply issue and whether you want quilted or rippled. And don’t get me started on which way to hang the toilet paper. Do you hang over or under? You don’t have any of these problems with tissues.”

He looked at me like I had toilet paper for brains.

“I wonder how you have room in your brain for the important things,” he said.

“This is important,” I replied. “Otherwise, we’d be using rocks for toilet paper.”

“I don’t understand.”

“It’s OK. I’ve got you covered.”

“OK, fine. Whatever,” he said. “I’ll get you some tissues when I go out, but first I have to go to the bathroom.”

And with that he exited to the down stairs bathroom and closed the door.

Several minutes later, he called out from the bathroom.

“Hey, honey, do we have any more toilet paper? We’re all out.”

I knew we had more toilet paper, but it was upstairs, and I didn’t feel like going up, especially since he was the one who had left the roll with nary a square to spare.

“Hang on,” I shouted back.

And then I slipped him a piece of paper towel under the door.

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 2022 CREATORS

EMPLOYMENT

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AUCTIONS

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The Last Hope Thrift Shop is a treasure trove. We have home decor—new & vintage, holiday decorations, small appliances, pet products, toys, unique one-of-a-kind finds, plus new clothing with tags or in good condition and accessories, handbags and jewelry (silver, gold, costume and vintage) and much more. If you love the thrill of the hunt, please come down get some great buys and support our cause.

Your Thrift Shop purchases and donations can be magically turned into veterinary care, pet spay/neuters, pet supplies, transport fees and everything needed to care for our homeless dogs and cats.

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Email joannascheps@aol.com for additional information.

Donations accepted at the Thrift Store when it is OPEN, or at Last Hope in Wantagh, if labeled “Thrift Shop”. Please do not leave donations outside. We cannot take books other than animal or pet books, VCR tapes, picture frames, full sets of dishes or glasses.

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A warm stew to chase the chill away

Jalapeño Pork Stew With Pickled Onions

As the mercury dips and snow and ice making conditions outside less inviting, a warm and welcoming meal inside can be just what the doctor ordered.

Serves 8

This recipe for “Jalapeño Pork Stew With Pickled Onions” from “Real Simple Dinner Tonight: Done!” (Time Home Entertainment) by the editors of Real Simple

is tailor-made for a cold day. This hearty dish will warm anyone up, both from the heat of the stew itself and the spicy kick of the jalapeños.

1 cup fresh orange juice

1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained

4 tablespoons olive oil 5 pounds boneless pork shoulder or butt, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces 2 tablespoons ground cumin Kosher salt and black pepper 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1) Heat oven to 325° F. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large ovenproof pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

2) Season the pork with the cumin, 1½ teaspoons salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. In batches, cook the pork until browned, turning occasional ly, 6 to 8 minutes; transfer to a plate.

3) Add the flour and the re maining 2 tablespoons of oil to the pot and cook, stirring for 1 minute.

4) Add the orange juice, toma toes, garlic, jalapeños, and 4 cups water and bring to a boil. Return the pork to the pot, cover, transfer to oven, and cook until the pork is tender,

2½ to 3 hours.

12 cloves garlic

1 to 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and sliced

1 large red onion, thinly sliced

1⁄4 cup red wine vinegar

1 1-pound package frozen cut okra

1 ½ cups grits

5) Meanwhile, in a small bowl, toss the onion with the vinegar, ½ cup water, and ½ teaspoon salt. Let sit, tossing occasionally, for at least 30 minutes (and up to 4 hours).

6) Skim off and discard any

fat from the stew. Add the okra. Cover the pot, return it to the oven, and cook until the okra is tender, about 15 min utes. If the stew is too thin, place the pot on the stove and simmer, uncovered, until thickened, 5 to 10 minutes

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vices for, there is a scheduled meeting with the village officials from the con sulting firm “prior to anything being agreed to.”

Torino told the trustees who were hesitant to move forward that the superintendent of building should have the responsibility of interfacing with Westerman.

“Once the cost estimator is retained they have the obligation to come back to the village and interact with the village. Accordingly, it would be my recommen dation that the cost estimator come back to consult with our building depart ment and engineers who are assisted by members of the St. Paul’s Committee – specifically with the notion that any members of the Board of Trustees could attend any meeting but because of the New York State Open Meetings Law the board could not comment at those meet ings. A document would be created with regard to the cost estimator services, and that document should be shared with every board of trustees’ member immediately once it is prepared – that is my recommendation,” Torino noted.

Carter Flanagan stood firmly that there would not be meetings with Westerman without the Board of Trustees’ involvement, to the extent there was no violation of the Open Meetings Law.

After discussion the Board decided to hold the special board meeting, since the contract was awarded November 17, and the board’s next meeting was two weeks later. Torino was against this break from traditional procedures following the hire of contractors for various services to the village. He voted no, though the motion carried for Westerman’s hire including the special work session.

Trustee Charles Kelly said that a cost estimator, though tasked with pre senting costs for the potential of the St. Paul’s building site, should not present numbers for a new use of the site if the building were to be demolished. He com mented that this would be a function of the village’s Department of Recreation and Parks and the Rec. Commission.

“I have made it clear to the St. Paul’s Committee, from the small meetings in March, that I don’t think the charge to the St. Paul’s Committee is to fill in the open land (the building is on). I don’t think it’s appropriate when you’re sug gesting an adaptive reuse for a building if you are using the surrounding land for tennis courts, basketball courts, the aters – it is not an appropriate part of the cost estimate because it is not an appropriate part of their charge. It is not fair for those who wish to preserve the building to load the estimate with other options – if the village wants to build a pool, a turf field or a theater

adjacent to St. Paul’s where the cottages are, that is a decision of the village, the Rec. Department and Rec. Commission. I have made my position clear to the St. Paul’s Committee and we should not spend taxpayer money to estimate things to put on the open land inside the ‘E’ (shape of the building. We want to have the work session to discuss the details of what they want to do and if there are aspects some trustees would not vote for, we can discuss them at the work session,” Trustee Kelly said.

Deputy Mayor Tom O’Brien dis agreed and said Garden City residents have a right to information on projects that could happen for St. Paul’s in order to consider what they would support, and what the prices would be if those options were viable. “The village should have the opportunity to see what all the options are,” he said.

Mayor Cosmo Veneziale said he had no preconceived notions about St. Paul’s. As an architect, he said the pro cess is clear from the research and examination of the building’s con ditions. He stated the importance of the complete process involving the St. Paul’s Committee members to explore the options.

From the Committee’s Programmatic Use subcommittee Frank McDonough reported on the fifth St. Paul’s Town Hall event, held the night before the board of trustees’ meeting. He spoke

about the four prior town halls involv ing topics of adaptive reuse, facadism and demolition, and the conclusion of an initial “listening period” for the pro spective programs for St. Paul’s.

“Some time in December we will begin a second half of our work, begin ning to look at cost analysis, particular ly for the operating maintenance costs for a range of different options – that will take some time. I do want to point out that at the meeting (November 16 Town Hall) trustees were there and prior to it we had personal meetings with several trustees, and they asked probing questions. We think we have made considerable progress in bridging the communication gap, and we will continue to do that,” McDonough said.

He added that the subcommittee looks forward to the next phase of the evaluation and research process for St. Paul’s with the cost estimator on-board because that will work “hand and glove with our investigations on the operating maintenance costs.”

Deputy Mayor Tom O’Brien asked McDonough if his subcommittee was comfortable with the proposal Westerman Construction Co. submit ted to the village, for its services at a $69,000 total cost. McDonough replied that the subcommittee reviewed both the original proposal from August and the updated proposal, and the group is “more than satisfied” with the services

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Work session planned

Westerman outlined. He noted that comments following the first RFP response were clearly addressed with the second proposal.

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“We were more than comfortable with them and we will work with whomever the trustees suggest we work with as we are expecting it to be a very collaborative process. All our committee members are ready to assist and accelerate that process,” he explained.

Former CPOA president Ed Finneran commented that the village may need to receive two to three considerable cost esti mates as the process continues and the outline of what could be involved for St. Paul’s program evolves.

“We have to have trust in our village leaders and in the staff, and in the process. I certainly support this and I urge the board to support the motion to approve the cost estimator,” Finneran said.

McDonough told the board that the Committee’s goal has remained hearing all of the dreams for St. Paul’s residents have brought up, and the volunteers, the board and cost estimator will all be working diligently for a complete process.

“That’s why we held so many town halls and we kept our Tuesday night meetings open to the public. We reached out to over 25 affinity groups in the village. The major promise of our Committee is for whatever we do, it has to be affordable. If it’s not affordable it is not acceptable. The cost estimator is a part of that process and I defer to experts including William Alisse and others who tell me for any project there must be multiple cost estimates as you narrow down the options…Our Committee is hell bent on making sure every voice is heard and every solution we propose is affordable. This is no blank check,” he said at the last board meeting.

Proposals for services scrutinized

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Sealed bids MUST be  RECEIVED BY AND DELIVERED TO:

Prior to the board’s decision to hold a work session before the consultant gets to work on cost estimates, Superintendent of Building Giovanniello shared that the request for proposals for the contract went out in October, through the online New York State contract reporter website and via email to 11 firms that were suggested. Three responses came in and Giovanniello said a few companies noted that this is a great project though they could not submit a bid; other firms spoke with him on the telephone for specifics “to make them understand what we’re looking for.” He noted that Westerman is a reputable firm and they were the lowest responsible bidder by a large margin.

Resident Bob Orosz commented that there were two more firms that bid at least $100,000 more than Westerman, so he wanted to know “what the big difference is” and if there was potentially a more thorough and up-to-date estimate for any work involving the historic structure.

Village Administrator Ralph Suozzi told Orosz there is proba bly a factor involving the overhead costs each company that bid has.

“For example for the Edgemere Road fire station we had firms bidding over $200,000 from engineering firms with much more overhead and support – God Bless, they always give the village proposals but we will rarely award them because the costs are just out of our league for the same work from smaller firms that are just lighter on their feet,” he said.

Cambridge Street resident Stephen Gorray commented that higher-price bidders could be able to provide more services and evaluation, though the value of any additional expense is up to the board. He told the trustees that for professional services the quality delivered may be worth the higher cost.

Administrator Suozzi noted that while the village strives to pursue the lowest costs, the criteria it employs is evaluating the bids from the “lowest responsible bidder” for any project or contract.

“Their references must be checked out and the work we are seeking in the proposal is met, and we deem them to be respon sible then we can pursue them. We have also made choices for the board where we determined the right choice as the second or third-lowest bidder because we want the right job done for the money we’d be paying,” he said.

Notice of Formation of BUSHIDO S.C.K RYU WAY OF THE WARRIOR . Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2022-10-24. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Registered agents inc: 418 Broadway Ate R Albany NY 12207. Purpose: Any lawful purpose

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Notice of Formation of Alicia Brooks Meehan LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2022-11-16. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Alicia Meehan: 172 Brixton Rd Garden City NY 11530. Purpose: Any lawful purpose

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Notice of Formation of Bohemian Chic NY LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2022-08-25. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Rebecca Iudica: 20 Bluebell Ct Garden City NY 11530. Purpose: Any lawful purpose

Notice of Formation of Dreamcatch Holdings LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2022-11-17. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Peter Samaan, Esq.: 90 Merrick Avenue Suite 802 East Meadow NY 11554. Purpose: Any lawful purpose

NASSAU COUNTY LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Sealed bids MUST be  RECEIVED BY AND DELIVERED TO: THE PURCHASING DIVISION Inc. Village of Garden City   351 Stewart Avenue Garden City, NY 11530   between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M.,   UNTIL 11:00 AM  EDT

THURSDAY,  12/22/2022 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud, for furnishing the following:

SECOND STREET MANHOLE RENOVATIONS 2022

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

This bid specification will be listed under the Agency Name of:   Inc. Village of Garden City  Rosemary Monahan   Purchasing Agent     Dated:12/2/2022

THE PURCHASING DIVISION Inc. Village of Garden City   351 Stewart Avenue Garden City, NY 11530   between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M.,

UNTIL 11:00 AM  EDT

THURSDAY,  12/22/2022 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud, for furnishing the following:

DPW YARD GARAGE DOOR REPLACEMENTS 2022

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

This bid specification will be listed under the Agency Name of:   Inc. Village of Garden City  Rosemary Monahan   Purchasing Agent     Dated:12/2/2022

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various structural options which we summarized for the Trustees in multi ple private sessions. Those structural options include:

The “I” option - partial demolition removing both wings and Chapel leav ing the front facade,

The “L” option - partial demoli tion removing the west wing leaving the east facade and Clock Tower

The “C” option - partial demoli tion removing the entire Chapel and partial demolition of the interior of the east and west wings

The “E” option - No demolition but phasing the reconstruction of the build ing to accommodate budget/affordabili ty issues and programmatic uses.

Gorray’s histrionic letter only omits the famous Howard Baker Watergate questions of “What did they know and When did they know it!!”

In anticipation of those potential future questions the Committee replies: The St Pauls files are all part of the available public record. Our Committee will provide any and all information as we receive it for the Public to digest and decide the appropriate future for St Pauls.

The Committee on St Pauls

Consider consolidation

To the Editor:

I attended the Western POA meeting of November 22nd and one of the issues discussed was the the lack of volunteers for various POA board positions. I do not know if other POAs are experienc ing the same problem, but if so, maybe it’s time to consider consolidation of the POAs??. I understand by-laws would have to be amended, but as Bob Dylan said...the times they are a changing!!

Gordon Keit

Misrepresentation of facts

To the Editor:

This is in response to the FABGC vision letter which is a complete mis representation of the facts. First and foremost, we must all thank the many residents who have volunteered to be Trustees of Garden City over the years. Village Trustees over the years have successfully guided Garden City to achieve a financially sound and vibrant community. We have been lucky to find residents who are willing to serve in a non-paying position, requiring a serious time commitment, and receiving little recognition for a job well done.

Second, a word about the Property Owner Associations. There are four POAs- the Estates, the Central, the East, and the West. They are completely independent groups and are clearly not a “monopoly”. They were formed to make sure residents in all sections of the village were equally represented in the Village government. These asso

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Email: Editor@GCNews.com

ciations are run by volunteers. The mission is simple: They listen to resi dents about street by street issues and help make recommendations to solve them, they support the sitting Village Trustees in providing a structured meeting format for two-way communi cation that has historically helped resi dents keep up with Village issues, they source volunteers for Village Boards and Commissions and yes, they inter view and select Village Trustee candi dates.

POAs do not “aim to be a shadow government entity that stands between residents and their government” as said in the FABGC letter. They aim to bring the resident closer to their representa tives.

The FABGC letter says “they didn’t just select candidates for office but rather selected the actual trustees via what amounted to small POA commit tee votes followed by a sham general election no one knew about.” I’m sorry the FABGC group never heard about the annual Village Trustee election as reported in the newspaper for weeks ahead of the date. Apparently they finally discovered it when they ran their first candidate.

Let’s talk about small nominating committees. I hope that the FABGC nominating group was more than one person. Who knows what their process may be? It’s not public information!! At least we know who was on the four independent POA nominating commit tees. And their procedures are public information.

FABGC group is clever. They ran a slick political campaign demeaning the POAs as a fringe group trying to control the village. They selected issues that were getting a lot of press, promising to solve them,--the tall metal poles at the RR in the estates; the firehouse in the west; a review of fire safety procedures in the central; resolve the St Paul’s main building. How did they do in two years?

FABGC also had the advantage of a major change in the way people voted. Before, you needed to go in person to vote for Village Trustee. Now, a major ity votes are cast by absentee ballot (Covid related). The number of votes skyrocketed. So how gets credit for higher numbers of votes?

Getting competent volunteers for Village Trustees should be the goal. Making the process political, my dis courage potential candidates from run ning. We all lose!!! I encourage all voters to carefully review the qualifica tions of all candidates before voting. Let choose the best candidates.

Jon Schwieger

FABGC’s vision needs glasses

To the Editor:

Last week’s letter about the “FABGC Vision” was signed by the five members

of the FABGC executive committee.

There is a political strategy called “The Big Lie” which is when a political party or politician keeps repeating the same misinformation with the hope that voters will believe it (also called creat ing a “false narrative”). That is what the FABGC had engaged in from day one and it continues with this incredibly misleading letter. There are so many misleading statements in one letter that it is hard to know where to start.

1) The POAs always had a clear process for challenging incumbents. It never had “monopoly political power in town” as falsely alleged in the letter.

a) To become a trustee, a resident submitted their name to one of the four nominating committees consisting of over 45 fellow residents for consider ation — unlike the current FABGC pro cess where only the five residents of their executive committee selects their candidates

b) One resident was selected by each committee consisting of 45 residents — unlike the five FABGC residents who chose all four candidates.

c) Any resident not selected could call for a runoff by collecting just 15 signatures — FABGC does not provide for any such runoffs. There have been many runoffs in the village’s history that the five residents choose to ignore.

The bottom line is that the POAs had an open and non-political process to select resident volunteers to serve as trustees.

2) There were no “sham general elec tions no one knew about” as falsely alleged. The POA nomination process was widely publicized including in this newspaper. The biggest challenge for the POAs was always encouraging more residents to consider trustee service and become involved with their local village government.

3) The POAs were never “any extra layer of fake-government” as again falsely alleged. The POAs are civic orga nizations designed to encourage resi dents to get involved with their local government with the goal to improve the quality of life for all residents. They are something special that most other villages and communities do not have.

4) The “monthly trustee Meet and Greets” are poorly attended. Donald MacLeod’s and the FABGC’s attacks on the POAs have unfortunately hurt the attendance at POA meetings. It has been a lose-lose for all residents.

5) The “new interactive Village Website” was a platform idea of the POAs — not the FABGC.

6) The only “political insiders” that have the power in the village now are the five residents who signed the FABGC “Vision” letter. The FABGC would like the residents to believe that the dedicated POA members were polit ical operatives obsessed with political

power, nothing is further from the truth - they are simply volunteers.

7) The “method by which candi dates get on the ballot” is important and the FABGC’s clearly opaque pro cess is much worse than the POA pro cess ever was — these five residents should just acknowledge it and own it rather than deny it. For example, the FABGC recently announced their can didate from the Western section of the village. Was there any outreach to the residents of the Western section prior to this selection that FABGC was seeking trustee candidates? Nope.

8) The statement “FABGC continu ally looks for opportunities to disband and leave regular elective politics” is a “sham” to use a term FABGC execu tive committee member Richard Corrao Jr. uses repeatedly. The POA leader ship met multiple times with Donald MacLeod to discuss ways to improve our nominating processes including the open primaries the POAs have recently implemented to preserve equal repre sentation. He would always withdraw from discussions at the last minute as it is clear he wants to retain the power he now holds in the village. The POAs wel come an opportunity to meet with the other 4 members of the FABGC execu tive committee to discuss ways they can disband and leave politics.

9) The letter states it has posted “detailed instructions” on its website as to how residents can run as indepen dent candidates but neglects to men tion how the complex description of the process will only serve to ensure that no resident will ever run as an indepen dent candidate.

10) They say FABGC “does not aim to be a quasi- or shadow government entity that stands between residents and their government” but that is EXACTLY what the FABGC has become. It’s one thing to select candidates, it’s another thing to not renominate candidates if they do not follow your beck and call. Our trustees should be accountable to each and every resident, never first to Donald MacLeod and the four other residents of the FABGC executive com mittee.

There is more misinformation in the letter but this response is long enough.

Despite the POAs new open and transparent primary process and out reach, very few residents have stepped forward to submit their names for consideration. I believe the “scorched earth” political tactics brought to our village courtesy of these five residents are to blame. Few residents want to sub ject themselves to an abusive campaign process for a volunteer trustee position. Unless things change soon, most of the candidates selected by these five res idents will likely run unopposed next year and residents will not have “candi dates on a ballot from which to choose.”

While the POA process was never perfect, the current process with Donald MacLeod and FABGC executive committee having undue influence on our Board of Trustees is simply unten able, especially as we decide the fate of St. Paul’s. The only clear vision for the FABGC executive committee is to self-reflect on their role in the village, stop their misinformation campaign against their neighbors, and find a bet ter path forward.

Rich Catalano

Shaky arguments

To the Editor:

This is in reference to Mr. O’Rourke’s letter of November 17, 2022 in which he bashes the former successful govern

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Email:

Editor@GCNews.com

ment and, at the same time, praises the current devastating one.

What a controversial figure he must be! He most likely walks around blind folded and only hears what he wants to hear! He makes statements with no facts to back him up. E.g. take a look at Governor Hochul’s government and her accomplishments:

people leave the State of New York and move to more secure and livable states like Florida and Texas. There is a high crime rate with no bail law (dan gerous streets and subways), high infla tion and still spending wasteful money, open borders and an influx of illegals all over the state being paid by the aver age New Yorker. The government also allows woke and transgender programs

to give lectures in schools which is detrimental to our kids. Manhattan is a sanctuary city and if the trend of incom ing illegals continues, it will become a ghost city. In all, Ms. Hochul will run the state into the ground!

Mr. O’Rourke, don’t talk about classified documents in Mar-a- Lago. Remember, Ms. Hillary Clinton’s classi fied e-mails subpoenaed and then mys teriously disappeared on her server!

When talking about honesty, you may go right to the top. Did you hear about the laptop from hell? Oh, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have brought that up. We are not supposed to talk about it.

Just remember, I’m able to present the facts and you are able to tell stories!

Heinz Mayer

Santa on Seventh Street

To the Editor:

Santa is coming to Seventh Street!

Flying in early to Garden City from the North Pole, Santa can’t wait to take a picture with you! In appreciation for everyone in town, Erin Fleischmann from Douglas Elliman Real Estate is hosting this event. Santa will be avail able for pictures and handing out candy canes. Bring your cameras to catch this magical meeting!

See Santa on Saturday, December 10th from 12pm-3pm inside the offic es of Douglas Elliman, 130 Seventh St, Garden City.

Erin Fleischmann

Village considers pedestrian safety at Denton Ave bridge

From page 1

vehicles from entering an area) but the MTA refused, citing a drainage issue.

The Denton Avenue bridge replace ment project by the MTA/LIRR, com pleted in the spring, called for the side walk to be installed although the Village of Garden City was not in favor of the addition.

Trustee Kelly explained, “I do not know any reason why we can’t put it in as the area’s under our (Garden City’s) jurisdiction and there are residents of the village who live on the other side of the railroad tracks on Atlantic Avenue. If we want to have the RFP produced our village employees can consult to find out. I don’t see it as a question on people’s minds as to whether or not we can put in a handrail on a sidewalk in the village.”

Concerns were raised by Trustees Bruce Torino and Bruce Chester about the rights the Village of Garden City has to install this handrail without the adjoining municipality’s or the LIRR’s approval. Trustee Kelly told them the underpass’ property is owned by the vil lage, and he had discussions with Police Commissioner Kenneth Jackson about the boundaries from the stop signs to the front edge of buildings on Railroad Avenue.

Trustee Chester reiterated his con cern about whether Garden City owns the property of the Denton Avenue Bridge underpass walkway, and Trustee Kelly said he was surprised people who worked on the proposal to put it before the board did not know the answer to that immediately.

Kelly added that Garden City has jurisdiction in this location as the vil lage issued the permit for the MTA/ LIRR to replace the Denton Avenue Bridge, though the transportation authority owns the bridge structure.

The item was discussed more, and Kelly noted for the rest of the board this RFP for the handrail would take substantial time to produce anyway.

“Commissioner Jackson has advised me, because historically there are some accidents that can occur under the bridge, though unusual, there must be some protection for the pedestrians and bicyclists on that sidewalk. There is a lot of activity on this unprotected side walk in the village – sidewalks generally have a lot of ground clearance from the cars. Here a village sidewalk abuts a roadway with no protection and that is the reason our Traffic Commission wanted to look into this,” Kelly said.

Village Administrator Suozzi said the village made it clear it did not agree with placement of that sidewalk in the underpass, but because there are homes in the area near the bridge and activ ities by Tanners Pond and the Bird Sanctuary, the MTA/LIRR insisted on its placement.

“We told them to protect the sidewalk with bollards. They said no because there is a drainage conduit, which we believe is very close to the curb line. There is very little room for accidents or error, and I do agree with there being safety measures put in there. The MTA/ LIRR told us their engineering firm said it was not required under New York State Code – the railroad and 3TC did not put it in. Nonetheless here we are,” he told the board.

The LIRR also would not install a fence for the underpass sidewalk and Suozzi said the fence could stop a pedes trian from falling in front of a car, but not vice versa.

He said there needs to be substantial safety infrastructure in place in the underpass.

Trustee Bruce Torino moved to take the agenda item for the handrail project off the consent calendar for November

17. He also discussed the substitute res olution, which was then approved by the board, to have village professionals investigate the ability to include “sub structures” along the sidewalk and the viability of putting in a handrail and any other protection for pedestrians/ cyclists.

Torino noted the wording of the orig inal resolution proposing a “substan tial” handrail and he said that is not a term he’s seen in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

“This situation really becomes, what in fact can we put there, and how will we achieve the objectives of protecting those individuals who utilize the side walk?” he said.

Administrator Suozzi added a thought on the traffic under the Denton Avenue LIRR bridge, with all the cars starting from a stopped position. He said almost every sidewalk in Garden City has cars traveling alongside a spot where people can be.

“In particular there is a similar situ ation to this with the Country Life Press train station and Chestnut Street, with pedestrian traffic adjacent to it, and by Garden City Middle School with the sidewalk on the east side of the street and the southbound side of Cherry Valley Avenue. Cars come down at least 30 mph with no protections at all. If we are going to do a study of Denton Avenue the board may want to consider evaluation of the safety at each of these locations,” he noted.

The Denton Avenue Bridge, to Tanners Pond Road on the Garden City side, has a single lane while Country Life Press station has two lanes and Cherry Valley Avenue has four lanes, with two going in each direction.

“I think the pedestrians in these areas are equally at risk,” Suozzi said.

Deputy Mayor Tom O’Brien said the two locations the village administra tor presented need to be added to the

investigative work and calculations the village staff need to do before the item can come back before the board of trust ees. He felt the one by GCMS is the most dangerous. Suozzi noted that the small guardrail on the west side of Chestnut Street, at the Country Life Press loca tion, “gives a false sense of security.” That guardrail doesn’t go underneath the underpass, and there isn’t any pro tection there.

Mayor Cosmo Veneziale directed staff to ensure there are no conflicts involved for any LIRR right-of-way area, and that the village has full juris diction to plan for such projects.

He also brought up a discussion the village had with Nassau County about building a crosswalk between the east and west sides of Cherry Valley Avenue, with installation of a concrete sidewalk and ADA compliant ramp for full pedes trian access from Sixth Street, up to the GCUFSD Administration Building. He mentioned this as a proposed capital project for the next village fiscal year, which will be presented again when the budget is discussed.

At its meeting scheduled for December 1st the Board also planned to discuss entering into an Agreement with the LIRR/MTA about preserving the Country Life Press station build ing. Because Thursday’s meeting took place after the newspaper deadline, the details of that discussion will be reported in a forthcoming edition of The Garden City News.

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From page 29

Road for DWI, multiple license sus pensions, and unsafe lane usage. The 34-year-old driver was charged with fel ony DWI and felony aggravated unli censed operation due to a prior DWI conviction.

Hit and run

A vehicle left the scene after striking and damaging an unoccupied vehicle parked in an Adelphi University park ing field on November 28th.

Multiple suspensions

From page 28

the summer of 2023. Florent will host 15 affordable housing units at 40, 60 and 80 percent AMI. The initial prospective tenant selection will occur via lottery 60 days before anticipated certificate of occupancy. The Long Island Housing Partnership will advertise across the defined area. For more information about Florent, visit https://liveflorent. com.

Corrosion Control Study

According to H2M, the Village’s water consultant, 574 samples have been requested by residents; 573 sam ple kits have been delivered. H2M has also collected/returned 485 bottles. Pace Analytical completed 458 sample analy ses and transmitted results to residents. Orthophosphate is being injected into the water system. The District is taking entry point and distribution sampling to monitor orthophosphate treatment.

Ash Trees

Back in August, Recreation and Parks Commissioner Paul Blake advised the Board that all Ash trees in the Village needed to be removed after an infesta tion of the Emerald Ash Borer Beetle, which is drilling into the trees’ feed stream and killing them. Unfortunately, no pesticide can kill the beetle. Parks crews have been removing dead or dying trees. A recently approved con tract with Dom’s Lawnmaker, of Port Washington, will enable the removal of 114 of the largest and most dangerous Ash trees on major thoroughfares in the Village.

Burglary Prevention Tips

There have been several recent bur glaries reported throughout Nassau County. With days getting darker earli er and the upcoming holiday season, the Garden City Police Department urges residents and business owners to take extra precautions in protecting their premises. To assist, Garden City Police

THE OFFICE CAT

On November 27th Garden City Police arrested a 36-year-old motorist on Franklin Avenue for 11 driver license suspensions, a suspended registration, and defective brake lights.

Suspicious incident

Surveillance cameras showed a male subject wearing a gray sweatshirt walk ing through Franklin Court properties at 1 AM. There is no loss reported at this time.

Construction alarm

On November 28th Garden City Police and Firefighters responded to

a residence for a fire alarm and deter mined the cause to be ongoing construc tion.

Unauthorized transactions

Officers investigated a November 29th report of a male subject enter ing the vestibule of a Franklin Avenue financial institution and make multiple unauthorized ATM transactions after covering the surveillance cameras with an unknown substance.

Overweight truck

A driver was charged with the opera tion of a truck on Stewart Avenue while

THE MAYOR’S UPDATE

cveneziale@gardencityny.net

Commissioner Kenneth Jackson offers the following recommendations:

• If you have an alarm, use it at all times, even if you are leaving the resi dence for just a few minutes.

• Trim overgrown shrubbery and trees where someone would be able to conceal him/herself.

• Check exterior lighting. This includes the back and sides of the home. Ensure they go on at dusk.

• Check windows and door locks; make sure they are in working order.

• Keep all doors and windows locked when you are home, away or just in your back yard.

• Homeowners should consider additional locking devices specifically for sliding doors, as well as alarms.

• Move and secure items that could be used to facilitate entry through ground floor windows.

• Close your drapes, blinds and window treatments at night as a deter rent.

• Surveillance and alarm systems should be routinely checked to ensure proper operation.

• Consider a panic alarm or keep ing a telephone near the bed.

• Leave an interior light on or use a timer. Leave a radio or television on when out of the house.

• Discontinue any deliveries while away on business or vacation.

• Ensure that deliveries delivered to your residence are removed promptly by a family member or neighbor.

• Inventory, photograph and have an appraisal conducted on valuable items.

• When approaching or leaving your home, be aware of suspicious per sons or vehicles.

• Varying your routine can be an additional deterrent.

• Do not enter your residence if you think someone may be inside; notify the police immediately.

• If you hear or see someone in

your home, exit if you can and discrete ly call the police right away.

• Do not try to confront the intrud er.

• If a burglar does confront you, remain calm; comply with the burglars’ instructions. Remember your life is more valuable than your property. Try to memorize a descrip tion of the subject.

When the subject leaves, call the Police by dialing 911.

In addition to these recommen dations, the Garden City Police Department urges all residents to be aware of suspicious activity around them, and to call 911 promptly during the following situations:

• Call when your alarm or a neigh bor’s house/car alarm goes off.

• Call when there are suspicious noises or persons in your yard or a neighbor’s yard.

• Call when you see a suspicious person and/or vehicle.

• Try to obtain a plate number and a good description of suspicious vehi cles.

• Try to obtain a good description of all suspicious persons and/or possi ble suspects.

• Call when you observe activity at a neighbor’s residence when you know they are away.

• If you see a door or window to a neighbor’s home ajar, open or broken, call the police.

• If you see a neighbor’s car door or window ajar, open or broken, call the police.

• Call when your dog barks due to some type of activity outside, particu larly at night.

Neighbors can help the Police Department in the prevention of bur glaries and apprehension of suspects. There have been numerous incidents where the keen observation of residents has resulted in the apprehension of per sons committing criminal acts. In addi

23,000 pounds overweight and carry ing an unsecured roll-off container on November 29th.

Alarm system issue

On November 29th the GCFD and GCPD responded to a Franklin Avenue building for a fire alarm and found the cause to be an alarm system issue.

Suspended license

A motorist on Stewart Avenue on November 29th was charged with driv ing with a suspended license and pass ing a red light at Edgemere Road.

tion, residents with surveillance sys tems are encouraged to notify the Police Department when it is possible their system recorded a crime or other suspi cious activity either on their property, in the street or on an adjacent property. Surveillance systems, such as video sys tems, Ring cameras, and Nest cameras, have proven to be significant tools in the prevention of criminal acts, as well as in the apprehension of suspects.

Toys for Tots Program

With the holiday season upon us, it is the time to reflect upon how for tunate we are to have the opportunity to share these times with family and friends. As you may be aware, there are many children who are not so for tunate. In an effort to bring some hap piness to families who will not have the resources to provide a gift for their child this year, the Garden City Police Department has a gift depository for the United States Marine Corps (USMC) Toys for Tots Program. In the spirit of giving, I ask that if you are able to do so, please drop off any unused, unwrapped gifts into collection boxes in the lobbies of the Garden City Police Department and Village Hall. Your gen erous gifts, no matter how small, could make a difference to a child. Thank you in advance for your support of this most worthwhile program. Last year, the Department collected several boxes of toys that were distributed to children by the Marines.

Village Tree Lighting December 4th

The Village and Chamber of Commerce will hold the annual Village Tree Lighting on Sunday, December 4, 2022, 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 per form. The event will also feature a spe cial visit from Santa himself.

Girls Varsity Soccer Players honored at awards dinner

On Monday, November 28, eleven players were invited to attend the Section VIII Nassau County Girls Soccer Coaches Association All Star Banquet at Crest Hollow Country Club. The Garden City girls had an incredible season finishing second in all of Nassau County. Their successes were a true team effort and each

member of this team should be proud of their hard work and their dedication. The girls could not have achieved the success they had without the coaching direction of Mike Heedles and Scott McAuley.

Congratulations to all of the girls who were honored at this special event and congratulations to the entire

varsity team for a very successful season. All County honors were awarded to seniors Catherine Hayes and Maya Costa and juniors Emily Romeo and Isabella Vona. All County Honorable Mention was awarded to seniors Ariana Bransfield and Ava Lekanides, junior Lauren Hohenberger and sophomore Chloe Benik. All

Conference honors went to sophomore Kathryn Monaco and freshman goalie Marissa Patrissi. Senior Melissa Bass received the Senior Scholar Athlete award. A very special recognition was given to forward Emily Romeo who received the Conference A1 Player of the Year. Congratulations to all of the award winners.

Jaguars finish season in first place

The girls third grade Jaguars completed their inaugural travel season by finishing in first place with a record of 7-1-2 in a compet itive U-9 division with top teams from around Nassau County. The coaches would like to congratulate the girls on their efforts this fall as they have progressed nicely since the East Meadow tour nament at the start of the season, which was the first time they played together as a team.

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Nassau County Soccer Coaches Association Award winners (left to right): Melissa Bass, Marissa Patrissi, Kathryn Monaco, Ava Lekanides, Maya Costa, Ariana Bransfield, Lauren Hohenberger, Emily Romeo, Catherine Hayes, Chloe Benik, Bella Vona.

The Garden City Girls Varsity Soccer award recipients with coaches Mike Heedles and Scott McAuley.

Players: Sage Vendetti, Sienna Lattuca, Ashley Swanson, Gemma Kelly, Cate Walker, Louise Prager, Adrianna Savarese, Grace Gough, Jolie Schneider, Abby Eng, Enya Li, Caroline Lentini.

Coaches: Eric Swanson, BJ Prager. Not pictured: Trainer Alex Varkatzas.

Thunder 8s close out the campaign

The Thunder 8s (Reilly) completed their season last Sunday in the NCYFL Super Bowl at Mitchell Field. The undefeated and #1 seed Massapequa Mustangs presented a formidable opponent, but it was the frigid conditions that played the biggest role in a 26-12 loss. The Thunder Offense led by the “HOGS” Jason Zonneveldt, Connor Reilly, Peter Rosenberg, Marc Sanzeri, Gio Fodera, Caeden Corbett, JoJo Ordas and Charlie Galli opened holes and moved the football on every possession. The backfield was paced by the punishing Will Capparelli, the slashing Brooks Galli and the blazing Caleb Howald. Both Howald and Galli found “pay dirt” in the second half. QBs Charlie Fuschillo and Ben Goettelmann did an out standing job managing the huddle, calling plays and running the ball for key first downs throughout the game. Goettelmann was at the helm in the second half for both scoring drives that kept the Thunder in the game.

The defense fought hard all morning causing and recovering three Massapequa fumbles, while only surrendering six points in the second half (a TD on the game’s last play)! DEs Will Capparelli, Connor Reilly,

Charlie Galli and Jason Zonneveldt and CBs Charlie Fuschillo, Theo Ganas Kian Durkan, Tristan Connolly, Cash Leake, Eli Kong and Ben Goettelmann controlled the edge. The interior was dominated by hard hitting LBs Brooks Galli and Caeden Corbett. The DL saw meaningful minutes and contributions from Caleb Howald, JoJo Ordas, Marc Sanzeri, Henry Crain, Peter Rosenberg, Sofia Khawaja, Gio Fodera, Henry Faranda, Gavin Alper, Declan Quinn and Jackson Mijares. It was a valiant effort in tough conditions and the coaches were very proud.

The team finished this outstand ing season with a 7-3 record and birth in Championship game. More important ly, there were great memories and new friendships made that will hopefully carry over for years to come. Coaches Crain, Fuschillo, Galli, Goettelmann, Hegarty and Reilly want to thank “the Commish” Tim Haniffy, GC Spirit Squad, GC Varsity players (guest coaches) and of course our Thunder families for making the year so special. There’s only 241 days until August 1st!

GO THUNDER!

Gator Goettelmann plows ahead for first down.

Mustang meets Galloping Galli.

The Thunder 8s. HOGS

GARDEN CITY RECREATION AND PARK NEWS

Letters to Santa

It’s time to send letters to Santa and the Recreation Department will speed up the process! A special “Santa’s Mailbox” will be set up in the waiting area of the Recreation Department’s Administrative Offices at 108 Rockaway Avenue beginning December 1. Children can drop their letters in the mailbox and Santa will send them a personalized reply. Santa’s mailbox will be available through December 20.

Christmas Candy Contest

In addition to sending their letters to Santa, kids can take a chance at guessing the number of candy pieces in the jar next to Santa’s Mailbox and the child whose guess is closest to the actual number will win the jar, candy and all! As with Santa’s mailbox, the candy contest will be available from December 1st to December 20.

“Chess Wizards” is Coming Back as an Afterschool Program

Garden City Recreation and Parks has again part nered with the very popular “Chess Wizards” to offer after school programs for Garden City children in grades 1 to 5 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 interac tive lessons with chess pros and play cool chess vari ants like bug house. It is proven that chess enhances cognitive development in children, improves both verbal and mathematical skills, and increases all lev els of academic performance! Playing chess stimulates the mind and helps children strengthen skills such as focusing, visualizing goals, abstract thinking, and forming concrete opinions.

This eight week class will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays beginning Tuesday, January 3, and will cost $193. Instructors (who are called "Wizards") provide all the materials necessary for your child to partici pate in the class. Come join the fun!!!

To register for this class, please visit Chess Wizards’ website at www.chesswizards.com.

Recreation Swim Lessons at Adelphi Announced

Garden City Recreation and Parks will be conduct ing Children’s swimming lessons for Village residents at the Adelphi University Swimming Pool in Woodruff Hall on Saturday mornings. Your child must be six years of age by the start of the program to participate. The ten week session will begin Saturday, December 3, 2022. The cost is $150. To register, please visit the Recreation and Parks Department at 108 Rockaway

Ave on Monday or, if you have a password you can register online at www.gcreconline.gardencityny.net.

• Level 1 – Introduction to Water Skills

• Level 2 – For children who have taken a les son but need to learn fundamental skills

• Level 3 – Will build on fundamental skills by providing guided practices

• Level 4 – Develops confidence in the strokes learned and improve other aquatic skills

• Level 5 – Provides further coordination and refinement of strokes

• Level 6P – Personal Water Safety - Stresses survival floating, treading water, swimming in clothes, etc.

• Level 6F – Water Fitness – sessions will cover learning training techniques, how to use fins, kickboards, pace, clock, etc.

10:00 a.m. Level 1 (10 maximum) 10–1

10:00 a.m. Level 6F (12 maximum) 10–6F

12:00 p.m. Level 2 (10 maximum) 12–2

12:00 p.m. Level 5 (10 maximum) 12–5

12:00 p.m. Level 5 (10 maximum) 12–6P

1:00 p.m. Level 2 (10 maximum) 1-2

1:00 p.m. Level 5 (10 maximum) 1-5

Please make selections carefully as fees are not returnable.

Gym Program For Grades K thru 6

Garden City Recreation and Parks is pleased to offer its after school gym program for elementary grades on in St. Paul’s Fieldhouse beginning the week of Tuesday, December 13, according to the following schedule:

• Tuesdays – 2nd and 3rd Grades – 3:45 to 5:45 p.m.NOW FILLED

• Wednesdays – Kindergarten and 1st Grades –4 to 5:30 p.m.

• Fridays – 4th, 5th, and 6th Grades – 3:45 to 5:45 p.m.NOW FILLED

Each 10-week program will consist of organized games and activities in a supervised setting. The cost of this program will be $85.

Children must bring their own water bottle clearly labeled with their name. Parents will not be allowed in the gym during the session. Dropoff and pickup will take place on the west side of the Fieldhouse. Space is limited for this program.

Sneakers must be worn for any activity in the field house and only water is allowed in the facility.

Note- Once the children are in our facility, they will not be allowed to leave unless picked up by an adult.

Garden City, or, if you have a password you can regis ter online at www.gcreconline.gardencityny.net.

Recreation Pickleball News

Beginning Tuesday, November 1, Recreation and Parks is offering one pickleball session from 9:30 to noon, Tuesdays through Fridays. This session will be open to residents and will allow continuous round robin use during that session. The cost per session will be $6.00 daily or with a pass, $5.00.

Did you know that Hemlock and Edgemere Parks both have pickleball courts? Residents are invited to use the courts and nets

Adult Evening Programs at the Field House

The Recreation Adult Programs in the Field House are running weekly according to the following sched ule:

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

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

• Thursdays: Adult Volleyball ,7:30–10 p.m.

• Thursdays: Adult Soccer, 8:30–10 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 arriv ing 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

GCHS Trojans win LI Championship for tenth time

The GC Trojans won its 10th Long Island Championship last Friday night against a very capable oppo nent, showing the depths of the play ers' talent and perseverance. The Bellport Clippers are a storied pro gram that in many ways mirror the winning tradition of the Garden City team. Leading up to the game, the Clippers were confident in the press and felt ready to take on the mighty Trojans. Unfortunately for Bellport,

the GC Trojans were determined to dominate the Clippers in every respect.

Stevie Finnell was a standout; rushing for an incredible 346 yards on 17 carries, Finnell scored all 4 GC touchdowns. Finnell’s total yardage is the second highest in a Long Island championship game, behind a 2011 record. Finnell’s impressive perfor mance was made possible with the support of a strong offense, as exhib

ited

Garden City’s mighty defense proved themselves and refused to allow the best team in Suffolk coun ty to score. Sawyer Olson had an impressive game with 11 tackles, including 5 solos and 2.5 sacks. Bryan Boccafola was superb with a teambest 12 tackles. Aidan Considine

also had an amazing performance, with 10 tackles, including 1 sack and two tackles for a loss. Ryan Krieg, Matt Liberopoulos and Carson Kraus also made key stops. Ultimately, the entire GC defense held strong and it is the team effort that proved impos sible to penetrate.

Hayden Minuto continued his exceptional season performance as kicker and was perfect on extra points. Special teams efforts were

The Garden City High School Varsity Football team.

Agile captain Jack Archer.

Captain Cole Webber contemplating his next move.

Captain Stevie Finnell running one of four touchdowns.

by Andrew Cresciullo, Kevin Blum, Aidan Considine, Jack Archer, RJ Votruba, Tristan Mullahey, Sawyer Olson and Cole Webber.

Captain Sawyer Olson sacks the quarterback

GCHS Trojans win LI Championship for tenth time

“Maureen is an excellent realtor! She staged and sold my home very quickly. She is extremely knowledgeable, very responsive, super friendly and confident. I would highly recommend her and only use her going forward for any realty needs! Her negotiation skills are way above par. I was very indecisive and ready to quickly accept an offer — she was confident in her decisions and sold my house for more then I thought possible. I also love the way she came in and staged my house — it looked amazing!”

— Susan, Seller

Maureen Lagarde

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson maureen.lagarde@compass.com M: 516.850.7812

also impressive and showcased the Trojans’ strength in every aspect of the game. Garden City Trojans win the 2022 Long Island Championship 28-0!

Congratulations to the coaches, who year after year prove they are the best at what they do. Led by Coach David Ettinger, the time and effort the coaching staff put into pre paring the team is evident. The boys are lucky to observe their exper tise and dedication as these are les sons they will take into the world. Congratulations to all of the GC foot ball players, parents, GC Marching Band, GC Cheerleaders, GC Kickline and GC Football community of sup porters who work together week after week to make the season excit ing, entertaining and enjoyable for the whole community. Football in GC is so much more than winning, and if you would like to witness how, just show up on game day and see for yourself the positive community spirit and great effort put forth by the entire GC community.

We bid a fond farewell to this year’s incredible senior players. The tremendous talent of the Class of

2023 not only continues the GC tradi tion of competitive, skilled play, but also lays a strong foundation for next season, which begins with a 30 game winning streak. GO TROJANS!

Sports Events

Portraits

Captain RJ Votruba looking for the hole.

#77 Captain Andrew Cresciullo protects his QB.

Stop! Look no further, this exquisite classic Tudor with all the modern amenities is sure to please the fussiest buyer. As you walk up the path you are greeted with a beautifully & professionally landscaped front yard. Upon entry this home truly invites one to stay forever, from the formal living room with gas fireplace, den/office, formal dining room and then comes the WOW factor. The new and expansive kitchen with gleaming white inset cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, center island & breakfast coffee bar with built in two drawer fridge. Follow your way up the staircase to the primary suite with walk-in closet, private bath & soaker tub makes way for tranquility. There are 3 additional bedrooms in which there are built-in dressers and desks, along with a walk-in closet and two additional new baths with stand in showers. The third floor is an absolute bonus space that leaves it to your imagination. The basement has 2 rec spaces, a home gym area, laundry, egress window and all utilities, 100x100 yard makes this home complete.

MLS# 3445044. $2,425,000.

Alyson Esposito Bremer

Real Estate Salesperson

Garden City Office

154 Hampton Road, Garden City, NY danielgale.com

102 7th Street 516.248.6655, c.516.680.8004 alysonbremer@danielgale.com alysonbremer.danielgale.com

Cheryl Trimboli

Associate Real Estate Broker

Garden City Office

102 7th Street 516.248.6655 ext.2244, c.516.647.9971 cheryltrimboli@danielgale.com cheryltrimboli.danielgale.com

Wyndham Resale Office

Wyndham West , M18

Garden City, NY

2-bedroom, 2.5-bath. MLS# 3316468. $949,000.

Wyndham East , M24

Garden City, NY

2-bedroom, 2.5-bath. MLS# 3336732. $749,000.

Wyndham West , #305

Garden City, NY 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath. MLS# 3385390. $849,000.

Wyndham East , #314 Garden City, NY 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath. MLS# 3416284. $889,000.

Out of Town Listings

Wyndham West, #709

Garden City, NY 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath. MLS# 3365911. $899,000.

Stewart Manor, NY

4-bedroom, 2-bath.

MLS# 3444927 $649,000.

Wyndham East , #316

Garden City, NY

2-bedroom, 2.5-bath. MLS# 3393639. $999,000.

Wyndham East, M26

Garden City, NY

2-bedroom, 2.5-bath. MLS# 3334082. $1,100,000.

Condos, Co-Ops & Rentals

Floral Park, NY 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath. MLS# 3439999. $749,000.

Floral Park, NY 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath. MLS# 3415478. $1,099,000.

Garden City, NY

3-bedroom, 1-bath. MLS# 3426665. $598,000.

Forest Hills, NY

Studio, 1-bath. MLS# 3414781. $168,000.

Garden City, NY

Studio, 1-bath. MLS# 3443856. $249,000.

Garden City, NY 2-bedroom, 1-bath. MLS# 3430970. $379,000.

Garden City NY 1-bedroom, 1-bath. MLS# 3433391. $379,000.

Rockville Centre, NY 1-bedroom, 1-bath. MLS# 3445396. $ $2,175.

Rockville Centre, NY 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath. MLS# 3403232. $425,000.

Patricia Costello

Patricia Dickson

Linda Mulrooney Greg Abruzzo

Garden City and Wyndham Resale Office

102 Seventh Street, Garden City, NY | 516.248.6655 | danielgale.com

PENDING

PENDING

Garden City, NY 6-bedroom, 3-bath. MLS# 3436298. $1,100,000.

Garden City, NY 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath. MLS# 3437123. $1,185,000.

Garden City, NY 4-bedroom, 3-bath. MLS# 3430364. $1,239,000.

Garden City, NY 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath. MLS# 3424832. $1,250,000.

Garden City, NY 5-bedroom, 3-bath. MLS# 3438962. $1,348,000.

PENDING SOLD PENDING

PENDING

Garden City, NY 6-bedroom, 3.5-bath. MLS# 3433959. $1,599,000.

Garden City, NY

4-bedroom, 2.55-bath. MLS# 3393086. $1,599,000.

Garden City, NY 4-bedroom, 2.55-bath. MLS# 3417650. $2,159,000.

PENDING

Garden City, NY 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath. MLS# 3445044. $2,425,000.

Garden City, NY 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath. MLS# 3431226. $2,850,000.

Garden City, NY

6-bedroom, 4.5-bath. MLS# 3419099. $2,999,988.

Wyndham

Garden City, NY

1-bedroom, 1.5-bath. MLS# 3418239. $670,000.

Wyndham West , #411

Garden City, NY 1-bedroom, 1.5-bath. MLS# 3391186. $739,000.

Wyndham

Garden City, NY 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath. MLS# 3388058. $869,000.

Wyndham

Garden City, NY 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath. MLS# 3376904. $1,275,000.

Mary Krener

Fortune Heaney

Peter Kerantzas

Lisa Heaney

Robert J. Krener

Stephen Ripp

Kathleen Higdon

Cecile Raoult

Lynn Puccio

Cheryl Trimboli

Scott Wallace

Julia Mastromauro

Rosado

Arthur Anderson

Jessica Brantuk Ann Collins

Claudia Galvin

Rene Blair Alyson Bremer

Christine Cudahy Manager

Patricia Costello

Gregory Abruzzo

Matthew Minardi

Kathy Lucchesi

Linda Mulrooney

Susan MacDonald

Patricia Dickson

Brigid Marmorowski

Eileen O’Hara Diane Piscopo

Daureen Hausser

Patrick Gibbons

Meredith Krug

Geannie Murray

East, #901

Stephanie Marchan

East , #709

East , #M5