Jericho-Syosset News Journal (1/10/25)

POB Library blood drive collects 50 units TOB: Special skating sessions for MLK Day

Nassau County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker (standing) with donor at blood drive at Plainview Old Bethpage Public Library. Photo courtesy Office of Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker

Nassau County Legislature

Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker (D – Plainview)

thanked the more than 50 donors who took part in his office’s Saturday, Dec. 28, blood drive at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library.

Paired with the platelet donors who rolled up their sleeves, the blood drive yielded contributions

that will be put to good use in saving more than 150 lives. For giving the gift of life, each donor received vouchers for two tickets to an upcoming New York Islanders home game.

“Every person who donated this weekend performed an invaluable service and helped to address our region’s stubbornly persistent blood shortage emer-

gency,” Deputy Minority Leader Drucker said. “Their selfless actions truly embody the spirit of the holiday season, and I am so grateful to all of our donors and partners at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Library, the New York Blood Center and the New York Islanders for embracing this crucial endeavor.”

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that residents looking for a fun way to spend their Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday can head to one of the Town's three ice skating facilities, where holiday hours will be in place, offering extended public skating opportunities.

"For a fun, family-friendly activity, residents can head to one of the Town's ice skating rinks - outdoors at Marjorie Post and Syosset-Woodbury Community Parks, and indoors at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center in Bethpage - on Martin Luther

King Jr. Day," said Councilwoman Laura Maier. "All three facilities will be offering special public sessions to provide children who are off from school with a fun-filled activity."

On Monday, January 20th, all Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Rinks will be open for public sessions from 1pm-3pm and 4pm-6pm. The outdoor ice rinks are located at Marjorie Post Park, Unqua and Merrick Roads in Massapequa, and at Syosset-Woodbury Community Park, 7900 Jericho Turnpike in Wood-

Jericho student stars in new movie

BY

GARY SIMEONE

Austen Shane, a sophomore at Jericho High School, received the biggest break of his young acting career when he landed the role of Tiny Tim in the new Christmas film, “Ebenezer the Traveler.” The new film debuted earlier this month on both Amazon Prime and Apple TV.

Shane, who began his acting career at the age of four, said that the audition for the

new Christmas movie, was an interesting experience.

“The main audition was held right after the pandemic ended through Google Zoom online,” said Shane. “When I logged in all of the cast members were already talking in British accents getting themselves into character. I started talking British too but they kind of ignored me at first. So I said to them you’re quite rude, which had everyone cracking up. I think

Assault arrest in Levittown stabbing

Nassau County Police arrested a Levittown man on Saturday, January 4, for allegedly stabbing another man during a dispute.

According to police, at 3:45 p.m. police responded to a disturbance on Hempstead Turnpike in the vicinity of Berger Avenue. Police say that a 59-year-old male victim, while seated in his vehicle, was involved in an argument with Richard Avolin, 36,  who was walking by. According to police, Avolin kicked the victim’s door, then produced a knife and stabbed him in the abdomen when the victim exited his vehicle. Police say Avolin then fled from the scene on foot. The victim was taken to an area hospital in stable condition. Police arrested Avolin at his residence.

Richard Avolin is charged with Assault 1st Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th Degree and Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree.

Avolin

Couple killed in Levittown crash

A pair of senior citizens were killed after their vehicle collided with a utility pole on Loring Road in Levittown on Sunday, January 5, at 5:30 p.m.

According to Nassau County Police, Gerhard Frobart, 89, of Farmingdale was operating a 2001 Ford Taurus southbound on Loring Road with his 88-year-old female passenger

when his vehicle left the roadway and struck a utility pole. The driver  was pronounced dead at scene. His passenger, Ella Gimpel, 88, of East Meadow, suffered serious injuries and was transported by Nassau County Police Ambulance to a local area hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.

The investigation is ongoing.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Email: Editor@GCNews.com

Committee members needed

To the Editor:

The Bethpage Board of Education would like to provide an opportunity for interested community residents to participate in the development of the 202526 school budget. The Board this year is again forming a Budget Advisory Committee.  The ideal committee will be made up of various constituencies of our community.  The Budget Advisory Committee will meet at 7:30 pm in the Administration Building District Conference Room on:

• Thursday, March 6

• Thursday, March 20

This committee will be moderated by a Board member and the Administration will be in attendance to review and facilitate a discussion of the proposed bud-

get.  Ultimately, the task of this committee is to provide a detailed level of input in shaping our programs.  It is possible that additional dates might be needed depending on the calendar of the State Legislature which decides how much state aid the school district will receive. If you are interested in participating as a member of the Budget Advisory Committee, please call Elena Becker in the Superintendent’s Office at 644-4001, or Christine Baebler in the Assistant Superintendent for Business’ Office at 644-4030, no later than Friday, February 7, 2025.

We look forward to a productive and inclusive budget process.  Thank you.

James A. McGlynn, President, Bethpage Board of Education

Arrest in fatal pedestrian accident

Nassau County Police arrested a Queens woman on January 1 after she allegedly struck a pedestrian on Old Country Road in Plainview and failed to stop. The pedestrian, a 38 year-old man, died at the scene.

Police say Veronica Marmol of College Point was operating a 2018 Jeep Wrangler when she struck the pedestrian, who was crossing Old Country Road at 5:55 p.m. near Floral Avenue. According to police, Marmol did not stop and continued eastbound. The victim sustained serious injuries and was pronounced dead at scene by a Nassau County Police Medic.

Veronica Marmol was charged with Leaving the Scene of an Incident resulting in Death. Our Professional Guide is sure to bring results. Call 294-8900 for rates and information.

Richard

Veronica Marmol

Aide arrested for grand larcenies

Nassau County Police arrested a Hempstead woman on Saturday, December 28, for allegedly committing grand larceny while she was working as a nurse's aide at an assisted living facility.

According to police, while Kumarie  Nazir, 55, was employed as a nurses aide for The Bristol Assisted Living she removed multiple pieces of jewelry belonging to the patients she was assigned to care for on four dates in October 2024.

Police charged Nazir with three counts of Grand Larceny 3rd degree, one count of Grand Larceny 4th degree and four counts of Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent Physically Disabled Person 1st degree.

Arrests in theft of donated clothing

Nassau County Police arrested two adults and a teenager for allegedly taking clothing from a donation bin drop box in Bethpage on Sunday, December 29.

According to police, three people removed clothing from the bin, located at 453 Central Avenue  and placed it into their vehicle.  The victims notified police, who arrested Fernando Martinez, 35; Selvin Castillo, 24; and a

female juvenile, 16.

Police say that Fernando Martinez was responsible for removing items from the same donation bin on a previ ous date.

Martinez and Castillo are both charged with Petit Larceny.  Martinez has an additional charge of Grand Larceny 3rd Degree.  The teenage girl was issued an appearance ticket for Petit Larceny

Bethpage School Board meetings

The Bethpage Board of Education will hold the following meetings during January:

• Agenda Meeting - Tuesday, January 21, at 7:30 p.m., Central

January 14 vote planned for POB bond issue

Residents of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District are invited to participate in a vote on the financing of comprehensive capital improvements through a bond referendum. The vote will be held on Tuesday, January 14th. Polls will be open from 6:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. at Jamaica Avenue School and the Administration Offices at H.B. Mattlin Middle School.

Proposition No. 1 includes a series of districtwide projects designed to address growing student enrollment and the need for additional instructional space in buildings that are currently used for instruction.

Proposition No. 1 would allow the District to increase instructional space by 25,000 square feet and increase the cafe-

and cafeterias throughout the District, athletic field upgrades, and critical infrastructure repairs. Each project included in Proposition No. 1 can be found on the District’s website, www.pobschools.org. Proposition No. 1 would be approximately $450 a year, or $37.50 a month for the average assessed home value.

Proposition No. 2 includes funding for infrastructure improvements to the District’s Jamaica Avenue building which currently houses a variety of District and community-based programs. These improvements would enable Jamaica Avenue to be used as an instructional building for POB students. Residents will vote on two separate propositions. It is important to note that Proposition No. 2 can only be approved if Proposition No. 1 is approved by voters. The estimated total cost to the average taxpayer if both Propositions No. 1 and No. 2 are approved is approximately $549 a year, or $46 a

Boulevard School

• Regular Meeting - Tuesday, January 28, at 7:30 p.m., Administration Building

ATTENTION STUDENTS!

We invite you to send details of your academic achievements, along with your name and contact info, to editor@gcnews.com for a chance to be featured in our paper! Submissions from students of all ages are welcome!

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All information related to the bond referendum, including a detailed list of all projects and associated costs, can be found on the District’s website, www.pobschools.

Kumarie Nazir

Syosset principal releases book on college admissions

Syosset High School Principal Dr. John Durante recently released his new book, “Straight From the Admissions Office.”

Dr. John Durante, host of “The College Admissions Process Podcast” and principal of Syosset High School, is proud to announce the release of his new book, “Straight From the Admissions Office: Insider Strategies for College Applications.” Drawing on insights from over 250 candid conversations with admissions professionals, this book provides a comprehensive guide to demystify the college admissions process.

For nearly three years, “The College Admissions Process Podcast” has served as a trusted resource for students, parents, and counselors. With over 250 episodes and counting, Dr. Durante has interviewed admissions professionals from some of the most respected colleges and universities in the country.

This new book distills their advice into an accessible, interactive format designed to empower families during one of life’s most significant transitions.

Dr. Durante’s journey began with his own family’s experience navigating college admissions. “Helping my daughters through the process showed me how overwhelming it can be for families,” Dr. Durante shared. “That’s why I started the podcast—to give families direct access to the insights and strategies they need to succeed. This book is a continuation of that mission, bringing everything I’ve learned to a broader audience.”

“Straight From the Admissions Office: Insider Strategies for College Applications” is available now in paperback and ebook formats on Amazon.

Bristal, FCA provide holiday meals to homebound seniors

The Bristal Assisted Living at Jericho prepared and delivered holiday meals to 125 homebound senior citizens serviced by the Family and Children's Association. The meal preparation and packing took place at The Bristal at Jericho.

Five chefs from The Bristal communities across Long Island led by The Bristal’s regional director of food service, Paul Senken, created the gourmet holiday meals from the following ingredients: 35 pounds of vegetables, 125 packages of salad dressing, 125 dinner rolls, 35 pounds of roast turkey, 35 pounds of stuffing, 2 gallons of cranberry sauce, 2 gallons of gravy, 35 pounds of roast potatoes, 16 pies, and 125 packages of cookies.

The traditional holiday feast included garden salad, dinner rolls, roast turkey, stuffing, gravy cranberry sauce, roasted potatoes, vegetable medley, pie, and cookies.

The delicious, festive meals were delivered by team members of The Bristal and FCA to homebound seniors across Long Island, ensuring they have a warm and nutritious holiday meal.

The meals were accompanied by a senior care package put together by the LoFasso family of Farmingdale which included a fleece blanket, cozy socks, knit gloves, sparkling cider, medication pill holder, a magnifying glass, and an

The Bristal’s regional director of food service, Paul Senken, coordinated the effort to provide holiday meals to 125 homebound seniors.

all-purpose drinking cup. Together, these items and the meal will create a joyful holiday experience for FCA homebound senior clients and reflects The Bristal’s commitment to giving back to the community and ensuring that those who are most vulnerable are not forgotten during the holiday season.

Online assessment grievance workshops

Nassau County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker (D – Plainview) is partnering with the Nassau County Assessment Review Commission (ARC) to host two free online community assessment grievance workshops to help homeowners challenge the assessed value of their property.

During these workshops, taxpayers who disagree with their assessment will learn how to navigate the online grievance process and dispute their assessment. There will also be an opportunity to submit via chat any questions to the representative from ARC. Questions

will be answered after the presentations and/or they will contact you directly.

To ensure easy access on the day of the presentation, participants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the use of Microsoft Teams prior to the workshop.

For additional information, please contact Deputy Minority Leader Drucker’s office at 516-571-6216 or adrucker@nassaucountyny.gov.

The workshops will be held on: Tuesday, January 14, from 7–9 p.m. Tuesday, February 4, from noon–2 p.m.

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

Jericho student stars in new movie

From page 1

by doing that I earned myself a role in the film.”

Shane worked for several months on the movie playing the role of Tiny Tim to the film’s main character, Ebenezer Scrooge.

The new movie, which aired just in time for the holidays, focuses on the day after Christmas and Ebemezer Scrooge’s new reality after witnessing the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future.

Shane said that the camaraderie and chemistry between all of the cast members was the best part of working on the project.

“I liked everything from my dialect training at The Prep to learn the British accent and conversing with the cast members on a daily basis. We all had a great chemistry working together and played well off each other onscreen.”

Shane, who is fifteen years old, already has an extensive resume of acting and modeling and musical experience.

He has been featured in multiple films including “2 Wrongs,” and “The Compound, ” television shows including “The Whole Truth” and “Dead of Winter,” and a wide range of commercials, music videos and print and

modeling work.

He also finds the time to be involved in various school activities, including being part of varsity basketball, AAU basketball, MMA, Muay Thai and Kickboxing.

As far as his future, Shane said that he would love to be involved in a sequel to the film as well as being cast in bigger roles in his acting career.

“Being cast as Tiny Tim in this movie was a pretty big role for me and I consider it a big break in my acting career,” said Shane. “I would like to pursue further acting projects in the future as well as music and fashion endeavors.”

Skating sessions

From page 1

bury. The Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center is located within Bethpage Community Park at 1001 Stewart Avenue, in Bethpage.

For more information, including information about the Town's Youth Ice Hockey Program, figure skating, or general skating sessions, visit www.oysterbaytown.com/

Getting Married?

email editor@gcnews.com to put your engagement,

Upcoming Events at the Jericho Public Library

Friday, January 10

4:45 p.m.: Little Vex Innovators with Infinite Robotics Inc. - This program engages kids in hands-on building and coding with VEX IQ robotics, making it perfect for curious elementary students eager to explore the world of robotics!

Saturday, January 11

10:30 a.m.: Jump for Joy (Ages 18 Months to 5 Years)Join us for a lively program of music and group activities for you and your child.

11:00 a.m.: Cooking Demo: High Protein Breakfast Recipes to Jump Start Your Day - Ditch store bought cereals for three high protein breakfast recipes to jump start your day. These recipes can be prepped ahead of time and are a great grab-and-go option on busy days. Sheetal will demonstrate three high protein recipes along with tips and samples for you to taste: Protein Overnight Oats, Protein Smoothie, and Egg White Breakfast Wrap. $3.00 per person, non-refundable.

Sunday, January 12

2:00 p.m.: PENNY LANE:

A Tribute to the BeatlesGet ready to experience an afternoon filled with the iconic pop-rock sounds of the 60s and 70s, brought to life by PENNY LANE, the ultimate tribute to The Beatles! This dynamic performance will transport you back to the era of flower power and unforgettable melodies, featuring all the beloved hits you know and love. With impeccable harmonies and authentic instrumentation, PENNY LANE captures the essence of The Beatles' magic, making you feel like you're part of their legendary journey. Don't miss the chance to relive the excitement of their timeless

classics in a show that promises to be a spectacular celebration of music and nostalgia! Tickets are required and available to ALL. Two tickets per person. Non-ticket holders will be seated as space allows. This program is co-sponsored by the Jericho Public Library and the Town of Oyster Bay Distinguished Artist Series.

2:00 p.m.: VIRTUAL: Profiles with Dr. William Thierfelder: 60 Minute UniverseThis program, based on a spotlight tour of the Hall of the Universe at the American Museum of Natural History, takes you from the early years of the Universe to the excitement of space exploration today, from the remarkable formation of stars to the planets of our solar system.

Tuesday, January 14

10:00 a.m.: Caring Cubs (Ages 2 to 4 Years) - This class is a mini wonderland where tiny tots dive into the world of learning, socializing, and jamming to catchy tunes. Led by a social worker, by the end, you and your little one will strut out with a fresh skill, a new friend, or a heartwarming connection like never before.

11:00 a.m.: VIRTUAL: Guided Meditation for Self-Healing with Patricia Anderson - Join Pat for one or all of the meditation sessions to bring harmony and balance into your life. Learn the beautiful practice of Jin Shin Jyutsu to help your body heal and keep you relaxed.

Wednesday, January 15

4:00 p.m.: Afterschool

Adventures in Art: Clay Hooray (Grades 1–6) - Explore famous clay art from around the world, including sculptures featuring the animals of the Chinese zodiac. Then have fun

making your own clay creation. 6:30 p.m.: VIRTUAL: Free Creative Writing Workshop - Do you like to write but don’t know where to begin? You can write on any topic and genre. It can be a short story, poetry, fairy tale, a reflective memoir, fiction or non-fiction. There are no limitations. Through both writing and reading we hope you will be inspired!

Thursday, January 16

7:00 p.m.: Books Before Bedtime (Ages 4–8) - Listen to a read aloud and then watch a short film all before bedtime! 7:00 p.m.: Help! I Can’t Find My Floor: A Program About Organization with Debra Viniar, Professional Organizer - Tired of the mess? Can’t find what you’re looking for? Learn the tricks of decluttering and reorganizing from Debra Viniar, professional organizer. Have some fun and gain some knowledge!

Friday, January 17

2:00 p.m.: VIRTUAL : Great Performers with Marc Courtade: The Mythical James Dean - James Dean was an actor whose career lasted only five years, but had a profound impact on cinema and popular culture. Even though he appeared in just three major films, he was one of the most influential figures in Hollywood in the 1950s. Dean’s enduring legacy has defined counterculture and rebellious attitudes for generations.

LEGAL NOTICES

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY CORPORATION Notice of Formation of YUVAL ZIV CONSULTING. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/29/2024. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to UNITED STATES CORPORATION AGENTS, INC: 7014 13TH AVENUE, SUITE 202, BROOKLYN, NY, 11228, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Austen Shane

Recent Real Estate Sales in Syosset and Jericho

23 Sagamore Way, Jericho

3

Michelle Drive, Jericho

5

1 Virginia Road, Syosset 5

Best of the Alps Destinations, Where Skiing Began, Showcase Heritage, Authenticity

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE

GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

The Best of the Alps, a tourism promotion consortium founded more than 40 years ago, recently came to town to remind American travel writers that this is where skiing began over 100 years ago and that these iconic destinations are still for the most part villages and towns where people live year-round, where tourists come year-round, and where you can be immersed in heritage and traditions as you experience all that the mountains have to offer.

“There is more to skiing than a purpose-built resort,” said, Sammy Salm, CEO of the Best of Alps. “These villages have existed for 100 years, some for more than 300 years, attracting summer travelers. Then, 155 years ago, some hotels decided to stay open in winter.” They built the first motor-driven ski lift, hosted the first Winter Olympics.

These are the most authentic places, he noted. Most of the businesses have been in the same family for generations. There are cultural and sports events throughout the year – some 1,000 in 10 destinations – covering all manner of interests. You enjoy cuisine that reflects the locality – “farm to table” before the expression was a thing.

Cortina D’Ampezzo , the “Queen of the Dolomites” in a national park within a UNESCO World Heritage Area, epitomizes charm, glamour and elegance. Set on a plateau 4500 ft. high, Cortina d’Ampezzo, with 6,000 inhabitants, offers skiers breathtaking scenery

Davos Klosters, one of 10 Best of the Alps destinations, received its first winter guests 150 years ago. Today, it offers 300 km of slopes among six ski areas (photo: Davos Klosters)

from an altitude of 1224 to 3248 meters. The resort’s three ski areas are connected by a free bus and offer 120 km of slopes (the longest trail is 10 km),accessed by 35 lifts with snow making. Winter activities also ski mountaineering, sledding in the moonlight after a dinner in a mountain hut, 70 km of Nordic skiing and 100 km of snowshoeing and 50 km of winter hiking. In summer, Cortina offers 400 km of hiking trails, biking on hundreds of kilometres of marked trails amid magnificent Dolomite scenery, mountain climbing, an indoor climbing center, indoor and outdoor tennis; golf, summer ice skating; horse riding, canyoning, and activities families can enjoy together – water park, skate park, zipline. The most convenient airports are Venice

(there is bus service from Venice Airport), Treviso, and Innsbruck; the train station is Toblach. (cortina. dolomiti.org)

“Discover your true nature” is the motto of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a multifaceted mountain region at the base of the 2,962 meter high Zugspitze mountain. It features winter sports with 207 km of ski runs (longest is 6.8 km) from a base at 708 meters to 2,962 meters, state-of-the art lifts, snowmaking on four long runs into the valley, backcountry skiing; the legendary ski stadium and ski jump and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn invites ski alpinists to a “Ski Tour Evening.” Also: 28 km of cross-country ski tracks, the famous biathlon and cross-

GOING PLACES NEAR AND FAR

country ski center in Kaltenbrunn (snow-making and flood lights for night-skiing); Visitors’ Biathlon in Kaltenbrunn on Wednesdays); ice skating and curling at the Olympic Ice Sports Center on one of the many natural lakes. The racy 1.6 km run down from the cozy lodge, St.-Martins-Hütte am Grasberg, is an insider tip for bold sledders. Garmisch-Partenkirchen also offers 110 km of groomed winter hiking trails. Special experiences: a torch hike through the Partnachklamm gorge featuring amazing ice and snow formations; a romantic ride in a horse sleigh; guided winter hikes from the Gesundheits-Eck meeting point (book January-March). Garmisch-Partenkirchen, with 10,000 guest beds, 172 restaurants and 450 shops, can be reached by German Rail, Deutsche Bahn (Saturdays ICE connection from Hamburg, Berlin and Dortmund-Ruhr Area-Cologne with no train changes). Nearest airports are Munich and Innsbruck. (www.gapa.de)

Kitzbühel and the holiday resorts of Reith, Aurach and Jochberg, Austria, known globally as a winter holiday destination with almost 130 years of skiing tradition, offers a mix of down-to-earthiness and cosmopolitan outlook, of rural charm and urban flair. Its accessibility, long winters, reliable snow conditions, multitude of sports activities and maximum comfort are the hallmarks of this town, also lovingly referred to as “Gamsstadt” (chamois town). It offers a total of 234 km of downhill runs (longest is 8.3 km), including the world-famous January 10, 2025

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“Streif”. Families will delight in the free practice lifts in the valley. Kitzbühel also offers 70 km of cross-country skiing, winter hiking and snowshoeing, tobogganing, ice skating, curling and new trend sports. In summer Kitzbuhel offers 1,000 km hiking trails; four golf courses; 1,200 km road network for road bikes and 800 km for mountain bikers. It is reached by train from the Kitzbuhel station; the nearest airports are Salzburg, Innsbruck and Munich. (www.kitzbuehel.com)

Davos, Europe’s highest city and the picturesque alpine village of Klosters are set amid stunning mountain scenery and the granddaddy of winter Alpine tourism. Davos Klosters received its first winter guests 150 years ago. Today, it offers 300 km of slopes among six ski areas: Madrisa and Rinerhorn are the family-friendly ski areas, Jakobshorn is the “fun mountain” for freestylers and après-ski connoisseurs. Parsenn is the classic ski area with wide pistes, Pischa is considered the off-piste paradise and Schatzalp is the “chill” ski area for pleasure skiers. Its 275 km of ski sloopes (longest is 12 km), rise from 1124 to 3146 meters. Among the activities: daily experiences with local guides, an extensive network (100 km) of cross-country tracks, hiking trails (170 km in winter, 700 km in summer), mountain biking routes (700 km) in all the tributary valleys, adventure and theme parks, a lively art and culture scene including the Kirchner Museum. Davos Klosters, which offers childcare programs, has also been awarded the Family Destination quality seal. Take the train to Davos; the nearest airport is Zurich (www.davos.ch)

Lech Zurs am Arlberg is a

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

Best of the Alps Destinations

cosmopolitan mountain village of just 1,500 inhabitants in a mountain region of five villages which form Austria’s largest ski destination (the fifth largest in the world) – affording 305 km of ski trails (it’s famous for its off-piste territory, which is best explored with a guide). Besides alpine skiing there is also snowshoeing, cross-country, tobaggoning, sledding, ice skating, curling, horsedrawn sleigh rides, art installations, Arlberg can be combined with visits to Vienna or Zurich (by train). Closest airports are Altenrheim, Innsbruck, Zurich, Friedrichshafen (www.lechzuers.com)

St. Anton am Arlberg is a Tyrolian mountain village, where you can enjoy uncrowded outdoors with all the amenities of an international holiday resort. Just 2400 inhabitants host 11,623 guest beds. The destination offers 305 km of ski slopes (longest is 9 km0, accessed by 88 lifts. There is also 40 km of cross-country skiing; 80 km of winter hiking (300 km of summer hiking). It is accessed by train to St. Anton am Arlberg; the nearest airports are Innsbruck, Friedriichshafen, Zurich, Memmingen and Munich (www. stantonamarlberg.com)

Chamonix-Mont Blanc valley is a land of legend full of history and sporting feats, a natural environment and a mecca for skiers, snowboarders and free riders. The astronomical 1000 km of slopes, which rise from1,035-4,809 meters, are served by 44 lifts including the Mont-Blanc tramway and the cable car of the Brévent. The Aiguille du Midi cable gives unforgettable view of the Mont-Blanc range. The Montenvers and mer de glace is an exceptional sightseeing excursion on the nostalgic red cog railway to the “sea of ice

Dietary Decline

“glacier. The resort of 20,000 guest beds, 120 restaurants and 400 shops, also offers 53 km of cross-country skiing. In summer among the 46 activities include 350 km of hiking, mountaineering, paragliding, golfing. It is reached by train to Chamonix-Mont Black; nearest airport is Geneva. (www.chamonix. com)

Courmayeur, on the other side of Chamonix-Mount Blanc, at the foot of Mont Blanc, is described as “a pure, authentic, elegant, traditional, cosmopolitan, lively and regenerating mountain experience both in summer and in winter. The smallest of the “Best of the Alps” group, it is a “hidden gem.” These are the many facets of the soul of Courmayeur Mont Blanc, a unique location offering visitors a chance to reconnect with their inner self and engage in life at the right pace.” The 33 km of ski slopes go from an altitude of 1224 to a summit at 4810 meters. This is an intimate resort, with just 2798 inhabits and 6715 guest beds, 96 restaurants and 170 shops. The nearest airport is Geneva, nearest train is PreSaint Didier or Chamonix-MontBlanc. (www.courmayeurmontblanc.it)

BY CHARLYN FARGO

As we age, we need fewer calories, yet we need those calories we eat to be of higher quality. But older adults in the U.S. seem to be losing that battle.

A recent study in JAMA Network Open found the number of adults aged 65 and older in the U.S. with a poor diet quality increased from 51% to 61% from 2001 to 2018, while the percentage of those who had an ideal diet remained low at 0.4%. The proportion of those with intermediate diet quality significantly decreased from 49% to 39%.

Participants included a total of 10,837 adults ages 65 or older who completed a 24hour dietary recall several times over the years of the study. Researchers scored diet quality using the American Heart Association Diet Score and the Healthy Eating Index.

Researchers said older adults ate more processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages and foods with sodium, while intake of fruits and vegetables, fish and whole grains decreased.

There may be a lot of reasons for that dietary decline -- income levels, losing a spouse, depression -- but this national trend is one we should all be concerned about. Poor diet quality is a major risk factor for chronic diseases, disability, frailty and death among older adults. It’s predicted that the number of adults aged 65 years or older will more than double by 2060, accounting for nearly a fourth of the U.S. population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

We know a healthy diet is crucial for all of us, but especially for older adults to maintain physical and mental health.

Here’s the good news: It’s never too

late to start eating healthy, no matter your age. Can you add some berries to your oatmeal or cereal? Snack on roasted chickpeas instead of chips? Cook at home more instead of going out? Try adding two vegetables to your evening meal instead of one? Drink a bottle of water with your morning meds to start your day?

When in doubt, throw some color on your plate -- bright greens from crunchy vegetables or vibrant reds from tangy fruit -- to give a healthy boost. Pack your lunch to control portion sizes and add fruits and vegetables.

Choose foods with less sodium and less sugar. Rinse canned foods or choose “no salt added”. Buy fresh poultry, seafood and lean cuts of red meat and pork rather than processed meat and poultry. When it comes to sugar, flavor your low-fat plain

Continued on page 5

Crans-Montana, set on a sunny plateau above the Rhone valley, offers views of the Plaine Morte glacier and summits from Breithorn to Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. It offers 140 km of skiing (longest trail is 12 km), accessed by 25 lifts, plus 25 km of cross-country; 65 km of hiking (320 km in summer) and 180 km of mountainbike trails. Convenient airports are Sion (30 minutes), Geneva, Zurich and Milan; the train station is Siders. (www.crans-montana.ch)

Ski passes like Alterra Mountain Company’s Ikon Pass (which includes Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley in France, Cortina in Italy and Kitzbühel in Austria) and Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass (which includes Arlberg (Lech Zurs, St. Anton) in Austria and Crans-Montana, Switzerland) have given Americans an incentive to explore these legendary international ski destinations, from Europe to Asia to South America. Those seeking to venture afar can also take advantage of Ski.com, a ski travel specialist that can help you put together all the elements of your trip.

Megeve is a small alpine village nested at the foot of Mont Blanc that dates from the 12th century. In the 1920s, a Rothschild who was insulted by the unwelcoming attitude in St. Moritz, decided to create a new resort in France. It is one of the first ski resorts in France, had the first cable car, France’s first ski champion, the first fondue restaurant, and it was here that the French song made famous by Frank Sinatra (“My Way”) was written. It boasts the highest altitude 18-hole golf course. Megeve set the standard as a “place to be” for the jet set. (The Rothschilds still own the resort). It’s still high-end, with 32 hotels of which 10 are five-star; three Michelin star chefs (one three-star chef is rated among the top 10 in the world). It offers 400 km of ski trails (longest is 3.6 km), accessed by 107 lifts, plus 40 km of crosscountry, 50 km of winter hiking (150 km in summer). Visitor amenities include 43,000 guest beds, 82 restaurants, 200 shops and galleries, 17 well-being and spa centers, a balneoform and aquatic area, indoor/outdoor skating rink. You can arrange an overnight stay in an igloo. Megeve has its own airport, 15 minutes away, or Geneva Airport, one hour away; or by train to Sallanches. (www.megeve.com)

More information at www. bestofthealps.com.

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

BY LOU THEODORE

I’m now in the last decade before officially becoming a centenarian. A host of people have questioned my secrets on longevity. (Webster simply defines longevity as: “length of life.”) Could it be genes? Maybe. But, then again, maybe not. If not, what then?

Here are my half-dozen keys to longevity. This is followed by a host of other “minor” suggestions that one might consider.

1. WALK! This is the most important of my 6 keys. Up until this year, I walked a mile at a leisurely pace in the morning (on awakening) and at night (following dinner). It’s now down to the morning walk and a 1/8 to 1/4 mile at night. I also do a few deep knee bends and seven push ups in the morning. I also try to walk 25 to 100 feet several times in between these walks. If you choose to run, don’t run too far, and don’t overexert. The important thing is to get all parts of your body moving without putting any excessive pressure on other parts of your body. Don’t bypass this key; as I indicated above, I believe it is the most important suggestion you will find in this article.

2. DRINK WATER. Lots of it! Water is the common name for the liquid state of the hydrogen – oxygen compound H2O. It is the major constituent of all living matter. Approximately 75% of the weight of living organisms is water. It plays an important role in the metabolic breakdown of protein and carbohydrates in our system and has been defined by many as the “universal solvent.” Did I say drink lots of it? Well, if you’re not feeling well, I suggest you drink even more of it. I believe that it helps flush out the evil demons within us when ill. Colleague and former student John McConway suggests drinking the water at ambient temperature (no ice) and with a glass (not a bottle) to reduce the resistance to flow. A good idea. Remember, it’s water – not coffee, tea, soda, etc.

3. DON’T SMOKE, DRINK ALCOHOL OR TAKE DRUGS. I smoked for one year during my mid-twenties. You will be spared of the tales of the effects of smoking on some of my friends. I drank alcoholic beverages for approximately 25 years but haven’t had a drink since 1977. And I don’t miss it. I guess alcohol in moderation would be okay, but given a choice, I wouldn’t drink. As you might suppose, I have never done drugs in any manner or form. I think those that do are playing with fire.

4. TAKE DEEP BREATHS. I do just this on awakening and prior to going to sleep. Oxygen is the most abundant of all the elements known to man. It composes 23% by weight of the atmosphere, 86% of the oceans (98% of pure

On My Keys to Longevity

water is oxygen); and, as a constituent of most rocks and minerals, 47% of the solid crust of the earth. Oxygen comprises 60% of the human body. It is a constituent of all living tissues; almost all plants and animals, including all humans, require oxygen to maintain life. Oxygen is administered medicinally to patients whose respiratory functioning is impaired and is supplied to individuals in aircraft flying at high altitudes where the concentration of oxygen is insufficient to support the normal respiratory process. I suggest the aforementioned deep breaths be taken through the nose. You might also consider doing it during the middle of the day.

5. MAKE OTHERS HAPPY. Since the mid-1970s when I survived a fierce battle with depression, I have attempted to make someone happy every day of the year. How, you ask? By saying thank you whenever the occasion arises. By complimenting people. By overtipping the waiter and commenting on the services. By tipping the bus boy. By tipping anybody who has gone out of their way for me, etc., etc. It really is a good feeling.

6.MAINTAIN TIES WITH IMPORTANT RESOURCES. The resources would, of course, include your physician(s), dentist, psychiatrist, hospital, etc., at the medical level. But also maintain ties and surround yourself with individuals (and things) that are happy, smart, kind, positive, and (most importantly) funny. There are few things that beat a good laugh.

As you might suppose, there are other things that you should consider doing. Some of my other “favorites” are listed below.

• Read.

• Get educated.

• Try writing or painting. I don’t paint. But I did get educated to a point where I have written 117 books…plus nearly 200 articles for my monthly newsletter.

• Drive defensively.

• Vacation occasionally. A change of pace is good but there is nothing like home.

• Slow down and get rid of that protruding belly.

• I’ve been successful in minimizing sugar and salt intake.

• Expose yourself to extreme temperatures on a regular basis; cold during the winter and heat during the summer.

• Stay away from snacks. I guess a small snack on occasion is ok.

• Wed later rather than earlier in life. I got lucky. Girls didn’t want to know me. Then – and I still can’t believe it – I hit the jackpot.

• Don’t overextend exercising. On the other hand, Mary does just the opposite.

• Do puzzles. Newsday provides a crossword puzzle, a Jumble, and 2 crypto quotes.

• I’ve been on a diet the last 13 years. It consists of 600 – 800 calories one day per week.

Back to longevity. Lifespan is the length of time that embraces all the events of one’s life, from conception to death. The maximum lifespan for humans has not changed significantly in the last several centuries. The average lifespan, however, has increased greatly for persons living in industrialized countries. The average lifespan has risen from nearly 40 years of age at the end of the 18th century to about twice that age today. And, the average lifespan of American women now exceeds that of American men by approximately seven years. Interestingly, humans have the longest average lifespan of almost all mammals. The longest living

animal is the giant tortoise, which is believed to attain a maximum age of about 200 years. Some plants, such as trees, however, live much longer than any animal; redwoods, for example, may live for more than 3000 years!

How about you in the reading audience? Any comments? Any contribution(s)? I’d appreciate some help here.

Visit the author at: www. theodorenewsletter.com and / or Basketball Coaching 101 on Facebook

Note: I will be presenting an encore (by popular request) seminar tutorial on gambling (particularly dice) based on my book Winning at Casinos on February 5 at the Village of East Williston Library, 2 Prospect Street, East Williston, at 7:00pm. Entry is free and refreshments will be served.

About to hit a milestone?

Share your life accomplishments with your neighbors! Put your engagement, wedding, or baby announcement in the paper, (and it's free of charge for subscribers!) Email editor@gcnews.com

BY TOM MARGENAU

It has been my custom for most of the past 27 years to write a year-end column that summarizes the Social Security updates scheduled to take place the following year. I already discussed some of these updates in a column back in October when they were first announced, but it doesn’t hurt to repeat them here. (They all grow out of the annual cost-of-living adjustments that have been part of the program since 1973.)

Before I go on, I’ve got to address a related and totally misleading ad that pops up almost every day on my cellphone and iPad, and I’m sure it on your devices, too. The headline goes something like this: “Here are 6 major changes to Social Security coming in 2025 that you probably don’t know about.” If you open it up (and maybe get sucked in by all the other ads on the site), you will learn that those “major changes” are just the routine COL adjustments that have been part of the program for over 50 years now. I’m sharing those routine adjustments with you today -- without all the hype.

Almost all Social Security beneficiaries are familiar with the most popular and publicized upcoming change: the increase in monthly benefit checks for 2025 due to the automated cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA. As all of you are already aware, that increase will be 2.5%.

I always dread mentioning COLAs in this column because every single time I do, I am flooded with emails from readers complaining that the increase is not enough.

Yet here’s the rub: Many economists and social planners believe Social Security COLAs are too generous! (I’ve explained why in past columns, but I don’t have the space to get into that argument today.) That’s why many discussions of long-range reform for Social Security include proposals to reduce cost of living increases.

OK, back to the 2025 Social Security COLA. Due to these increases, the average monthly retirement check will be $1,976 in 2025, a $49 increase from the 2024 level. The maximum Social Security check for a worker turning full retirement age in 2025 will be $4,018, compared to $3,822 in 2024. And please note that $4,018 is the maximum for someone turning full retirement age in 2025. That does not mean it is the maximum Social Security payment anyone can receive. There are millions of Social Security beneficiaries who get much more than that, primarily because they worked well past their FRA and/or delayed starting their benefits until age 70.

Here’s another important point about the COLA: Many readers have been asking me if they must file for Social Security benefits in 2024 in order to get the COLA that’s paid in January 2025. The answer is no. The COLA will be built into the benefit computation formula. So even if you don’t file for Social Security until next year or

Social Security Update for 2025

some subsequent year, you’ll still get the 2.5% increase.

Although this is a Social Security column, I must mention the upcoming increase in the Medicare Part B premium, which is deducted from Social Security checks for most people. In 2025, the basic Part B premium will be $185. And as has been the case for 20 years now, wealthy people will pay more than the basic premium.

I don’t want to get into the complicated issue of Medicare premiums other than to make this quick point. Even though they are linked in the minds of most senior citizens, Social Security and Medicare are entirely separate programs, administered by entirely separate federal agencies, and they have entirely separate rules and regulations regarding their benefit and payment structures. For example, the Part B Medicare premium increase has nothing to do with the Social Security COLA. Instead, by law, it must be set at a level that covers 25% of the cost of running the program. Taxpayers pick up the remaining 75%. (And again, wealthy people pay more than the 25% share.)

Another measuring stick called the national wage index is used to set increases to other provisions of the law that affect Social Security beneficiaries and taxpayers. Specifically, this includes increases in the amount of wages or self-employment income subject to Social Security tax; the amount of income needed to earn a “quarter of coverage;” and the Social Security earnings penalty limits.

The Social Security taxable earnings base will go up from $168,600 in 2024 to $176,100 in 2025. In other words, people who earn more than $176,100 in 2025 will no longer have Social Security payroll taxes deducted from their paychecks once they hit that threshold. This has always been a very controversial provision of the law. (Bill Gates pays the same amount of Social Security tax as his plumber!) I think it’s a pretty good bet that any eventual Social Security reform package will include an increase in that wage base.

Most people need 40 Social Security work credits (sometimes called “quarters of coverage”) to be eligible for monthly benefit checks from the system. In 2024, people who were working earned one credit for each $1,730 in Social Security taxable income. But no one earns more than four credits per year. In other words, once you made $6,920, your Social Security record has been credited with the maximum four credits or quarters of coverage. In 2025, the one credit limit goes up to $1,810, meaning you will have to earn $7,240 this coming year before you get the maximum four credits assigned to your Social Security account.

People under their full retirement age who get Social Security retirement or survivors benefits but who are still working are subject to limits in the amount of money they can earn and still receive all

their Social Security checks. That limit was $22,320 in 2024 and will be $23,400 in 2025. For every $2 a person earns over those limits, $1 is withheld from his or her monthly benefits.

There is a higher earnings threshold in the year a person turns full retirement age that applies from the beginning of the year until the month the person reaches FRA. (The income penalty goes away once a person reaches that magic age.) That threshold goes up from $59,520 in 2024 to $62,160 in 2025.

Continued on next page

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Do you have a Will? If not, why not? What are you waiting for? If so, when is the last time you looked at it to possibly determine if it is updated based on your current situation in life?

In 2024, only 32% of adults reported having a will, down from 34% in 2023, according to the 2024 Wills and Estate Planning Study from Caring.com, an online senior care site. There were over two plus million who will have died in 2024 without a Will. Since the Pandemic in 2020, the percentage kept increasing. The spike occurred at the peak of the Pandemic, when most hunkered down in their homes very concerned about their health. People realized and woke up to the fact that their mortality was front and center, prevalent and real.

A staggering 67% of Americans die without an estate plan. However, 33% did create a will and had an Executor of the Estate, who knew where the will was or had a copy; and was appointed to handle the distribution of assets The unfortunate situation arises whereby Probate kicks in when a decedent’s estate is value over $184,500 and they have passed away after April 1, 2022 and no documents were created for their estate, prior to them passing. However, it’s the ways; titles to property are held that dictates whether or not the probate process can be avoided. Most crucial and critical is the severe cost of going through the Probate process. I am familiar with one family where it took 10 years to complete and the financial ramifications were extremely severe for the heirs.

Examples of non-probate asset transfers are the following:

1.) Trust distributions

Continued from previous page

A couple other Social Security provisions are also impacted by inflationary increases. For example, people getting disability benefits who try to work can generally continue getting those benefits as long as they are not working at a “substantial” level. In 2024, the law defined substantial work as any job paying $1,550 or more per month. In 2025, that substantial earnings level increases to $1,620 monthly.

Wills, Trusts and Real Estate

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

2.) Assets owner in joint tenancy (the share of the deceased tenant’s asset goes to surviving joint tenant)

3.) Assets owned as community property with rights of survivorship

4.) Life insurance policies

5.) More info at: https://www.keystone-law.com

6.) https://www.investopedia. com is another resource that will provide invaluable information about Wills vs. a Trust

Setting up and having a Trust in place, while living; will protect ones assets from heirs from the probate process, after one passes. However, a Will only comes into play when one passes. This differentiation is important, so while you are alive. An Irrevocable Trust can reduce estate taxes and protect assets from creditors. Revocable Trusts do not provide tax benefits but can avoid Probate. A Will doesn’t avoid estate taxes (or Probate if contested) which can range from 18-40% for estates over 13.99 million dollars in 2025. Wills do not offer any protection while incapacitated. However, Trusts can provide asset management if the grantor becomes incapacitated.

Unfortunately, if you die without a Will, your estate will be subject to intestacy law. The Probate court will decide how your assets, especially if real estate is owned, which has a greater value than the debts, if any, will be distributed typically favoring close family members. If going into Probate,

Finally, the Supplemental Security Income basic federal payment level for one person goes up from $943 in 2024 to $967 in 2025. SSI is a federal welfare program administered by the Social Security Administration, but it is not a Social Security benefit. It is paid for out of general revenues, not Social Security taxes.

the court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate and distribution of assets. If there is a surviving spouse, then those assets will transfer to that individual, then to any children, then to extended family and descendants. If there are no family members that can be found, then all property typically ends up within State control.

Those who have accumulated a reasonable or larger portfolio of real estate, should ascertain the necessary and important information about setting up either an irrevocable or revocable trust.

As noted earlier, there are so many that just either forget, don’t care or avoid planning their estate wisely or not at all. The inevitable fact is that no one is getting out alive and what you do beforehand will avoid potential financial assets to be given over to the government

This process will save your heirs inheritance taxes; so planning your estate in advance will be the most prudent and most valuable decision in the long run.

There are three guarantees in life, birth, taxes (if you are making any decent amount of money) and death. The only thing that is truly negotiable are your assets if you are smart enough to protect them from Probate and/or the government taking possession of them.

So the bottom line is if you do not have a Will or a trust or haven’t updated your Will or Trust in the last few years; and have some things that have

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

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

changed in your family situation, get off your butt and do something today!

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

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

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

Continued from page 2

yogurt with fresh fruit instead of purchasing flavored yogurt and choose fresh fruit as an after-dinner treat. Reduce your consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages by drinking water flavored with fruit.

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

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

BY MARY HUNT

I wouldn’t call it a radical new idea, although a recent issue of a popular women’s magazine did say that living below your means is the hot new trend.

It is a simple concept -- spend less than you earn. Still, LBYM is seen by many as a life sentence, not the lifesaver that it is. It can take a crisis like unemployment or a sudden illness to reveal to some people just how far in over their heads they really are. That’s when a lifesaver can look mighty good.

LBYM means living the best life you can on what you earn. It means learning how to manage your income so well that you can live your life for half the price. A household is just like a business. You earn revenue and you have expenses. If you spend more than you bring in, you will eventually take on debt. A business that continually takes on debt will eventually fail. Same with a household. In a business you make spending decisions based on the effect they will have on the business; you decide how to reinvest your profits to improve your net worth. It is a healthy company that ends the year not just breaking even but with money in the bank. Same at home. This is LBYM.

MAKE A COMMITMENT

A commitment to LBYM should not be taken lightly. It’s a big deal, particularly if you, like most people these days, have come to see credit as a required extension of your income. Of all the things in your

BY JEFF RUGG

The Hot New Trend

life, there is only one that you control absolutely: your attitude. You choose your thoughts and your response to life and all that happens to you. Making a commitment to LBYM is one of the most important choices for your head and your heart that you will ever make.

TAKE CONTROL

If you’ve ever flown on a commercial jetliner, you have survived a controlld crash -- also known as landing. I’m no pilot, but I’ve read how much control is required to take a piece of machinery that weighs roughly 10 million tons (give or take) going at a speed of 600 mph and bring it to a full and complete stop precisely at the gate cited on that monitor inside the terminal. It’s called reverse thrust, and depending on the length of the runway, that braking sensation can be quite an interesting experience. You’re belted in, and for good reason. You could get thrown on your head. Thankfully those systems work thousands of times every day.

If you’ve been spending all that you earn plus a lot more, you’ve been spending at a rate of about 600 mph, metaphorically speaking. Things are out of control. You need to bring your large debt problem to a halt.

At first it will feel like you’ve just reversed your engines, that you’re about to be thrown on your head. That’s when you’ll be thankful for your seatbelt of determination to keep you strapped in and upright. Once you get your bearings,

you’ll be ready to take the first step: For 30 days, track your spending. Write down everything. You have to find out where your money is going.

STAY FOCUSED

The consumer credit industry would prefer that you give up silly notions of LBYM. They want you to drift through life in a spending coma believing you deserve everything you want and that you can have it all. Wake up! Start talking to yourself. Whenever you are faced with a desire to spend, STOP and ask:

Can I afford it?

Do I really need it?

Do I need it now?

Do I have something like it already?

Can I find a cheaper substitute?

Is this the best deal?

If you make it through all six questions, go home and sleep on it. Tomorrow you’ll probably change your mind.

DEVELOP A PLAN

An attitude change is essential and just the start. You have to develop a plan 1) to get out of debt, 2) to be prepared for unexpected expenses, and 3) to reduce your expenses significantly. Your plan needs to look good on paper, and it has to work too. You may not be surprised to know that I have written an entire book on this subject. It includes my personal story of debt, devastation and recovery! Yes, since 2014, my husband and I have lived totally debt-free. I cannot tell you how amazing this has been. Wait, yes I can!

It’s all in my book “Debt-Proof Living,” available in stores and online where fine books are sold. I would consider it pure joy to lead you out of your debt mess!

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

COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

Use Your Resolutions To Help Others

Well, we made it through last night’s parties, and we have a whole year ahead of us. How are we going to use it to our full advantage? Most people at least think about New Year’s Resolutions, even if they don’t follow through with them for very long. How did you do with last year’s resolutions? Resolutions that involve or help other people are more likely to be kept than ones focusing on yourself.

First, if you are not a gardener or don’t have a vegetable garden, flower garden or houseplants, share your copy of the “Greener View Gardening” book, or grab a friend and watch the over 400 videos I have posted on YouTube on the A Greener View channel.

Even if you live in an apartment or in a condo, you can grow plants. You don’t need a yard, but if you do, why not plant

some native plants that attract birds and butterflies?

Do you know any children? Help them get away from video games and cellphones by helping them get outdoors more. Help them grow their own flowers and vegetables. Teach them about the insects that come to the flowers. This will help them start a lifetime of enjoying nature and gardening.

Teach skills that involve carpentry. Start by teaching how to build and use a compost bin. Build a birdhouse out of a fence board as seen in one of my videos. Later, you can move up to simple chair and table designs, and then by the time summer is over, you can build a trellis or arbor. Again, help kids develop some life skills that don’t involve scrolling. Take a risk and plant a new kind of vegetable you have never eaten before. It may become a family favorite. Plant extra

tomatoes and peppers instead of zucchini so that your kids can give away vegetables that people like.

Volunteer at a local community garden, even if it is just pulling weeds. Maybe especially if it is pulling weeds. In my experience, most people will be willing to harvest, and some people will be willing to water once in a while, but few people want to do the weeding. Show kids how beneficial hard work is. Volunteer at a local school to help create or maintain a garden. Plant and maintain a tree at the school or local park.

Try a new gardening method such as a rain garden, vertical garden on a wall, rooftop garden, hydroponic garden, water garden or vertical container garden on a pole. Plant a cut flower garden in the unused side yard so that you can bring flowers indoors for a vase. Kids can sell flowers instead of lemonade, or they can give

them to elderly neighbors. And there’s another idea: Help an elderly neighbor with maintaining their landscape. Show kids how to help wildlife by planting a bigger variety of plants that bloom over a longer season. Add water to your landscape, even if it is just a small birdbath.

Plant native plants that use less water. Use drip irrigation that uses less water. Install the proper amount of mulch in all of the flower and vegetable garden beds so they will need less water. Add water-absorbing crystals to flowerpots and hanging baskets so they use less water. May you be blessed with an awesome gardening- and nature-filled 2025.

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

COPYRIGHT 2025 JEFF RUGG DISTRIBUTED BY CREATORS.COM

STARGAZERS

Another Exciting Year of Stargazing!

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of January 12-18, 2025

The new year begins with planets filling our evening sky.

Throughout January and February, we’ll see Venus blazing in the western sky at dusk until early March, when it becomes too low to see over the glare of the setting sun. Turn around and face the opposite direction at dusk and you’ll find Jupiter, another bright planet that will grace the evening sky throughout the first half of the year.

Perhaps the most interesting planet of this period will be Mars. Reaching its “opposition” point to the sun on Jan. 16, it will lie as close to us as it will get this year and should be marvelous for up-close telescopic viewing. The Red Planet will drift through four separate constellations during the first half of the year, during which time it will recede farther from Earth and become a dozen times fainter.

And this year Saturn will become the planet with no rings! Yes, you read that right. During 2025 our orbit carries us across the ring plane of this planet, and since the rings are 180,000 miles wide but barely a mile thick, they will seem to nearly disappear from view.

The rings will begin to reappear next year and will return to their full glory by 2032.

Eclipses will be in short supply for North Americans this year, but we will be treated to a beautiful total eclipse of the moon. On the night of Thursday, March 13, and the morning of Friday, March 14, the full moon will enter the dark umbral shadow of the Earth. If the sky is clear, you will see the moon disappear except for the deep coppery color it takes on during totality.

Meteor shower fans will have to fight moonlight for one of the year’s best displays. The Perseids will reach their peak on the night of Aug. 12/13 but will be accompanied during most of the night by light from a waning gibbous moon so that only the brightest of meteors may be visible. The Geminids will peak on the night of Dec. 13/14 this year, and they’ll share a waning crescent moon in the predawn sky, so we can expect a pretty nice show.

This year the sun reaches the height of its 11-year solar activity cycle, and we can expect some beautiful aurora displays to make their way down over more southerly parts of North America. During 2024, skywatchers throughout North America got a few rare glimpses

of the northern lights, so we hope they’ll return for an encore performance this year. To keep up with current solar and auroral activity, visit spaceweather.com or get an app or two for your smartphone. Two of my favorites are AmazingAurora and AuroraAlerts.

Of course, our view from the lower 48 pales in comparison to that seen regularly in the Arctic and subarctic. If this amazing sight is on your bucket

list, I hope you’ll join me for my exciting March 2025 Alaska Northern Lights tour. For details about this once-in-alifetime cosmic adventure, please send me an email at dennis@mammana.com. In the meantime, I wish everyone a healthy, safe and star-filled new year!

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com..

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

When Earth crosses Saturn’s ring plane this year, the planet’s distinctive rings will nearly disappear from our view

LOST IN SUBURBIA

When Bad Things Happen to Good Laptops

BY: TRACY BECKERMAN

There wasn’t a full moon. I didn’t walk under a ladder or break a mirror. No black cats crossed my path. Yet it was undeniably one of those days when I felt cursed. It started with the demise of my coffee maker, followed by the nervous breakdown of my washing machine, and an unfriendly letter calling me for jury duty. I blatantly ignored all of the above so I could keep working. Unfortunately, my laptop was also showing signs of distress: Programs were crashing, screens were freezing, and error messages were flying left and right.

Suddenly, my screen went blank. For a moment, I just sat, stunned. Then I shrieked and started pressing the power button hysterically. But I got nothing. Nada. Zippo. Zilch. No happy little chimes or cute little spinning icons. It was completely, utterly dead.

In a panic, I called the EMTs at Apple support.

“Is it terminal?” I asked.

“It doesn’t sound good, “ said the Genius on the other end of the line. “You better bring it in.”

Two hours later I sat patiently in the waiting area at an Apple Store in the nearby mall, cradling my laptop and talking to it in soothing tones.

“Don’t worry,” I whispered. “I’m sure it’s just a corrupt file or a software problem. You’ll be fine.” I rocked it gently, not wanting to alarm it.

Other people filled the benches, similarly consoling their laptops, tablets and phones. Up at the Genius Bar, a woman began to cry. “You can’t retrieve my data?!?” she sobbed. I cringed and held my laptop closer.

Finally, they called my name.

“Let’s take a look at the patient,” said the Genius. He hmmm’d and tsssk’d as he tried to get my laptop to start, first on its own, then with his hard drive, then with some Voodoo black magic. Finally, I saw

the familiar Apple icon light up on the screen and I breathed a sigh of relief. He held up his hand.

“Hang on,” he said. “We’re not out of the woods yet.”

I gnawed my fingernails. He ran a diagnostic. Then he looked at me gravely.

“It’s the hard drive.”

I looked around desperately. Others who could overhear avoided my eyes. They all KNEW.

“What does that mean?” I asked, knowing full well what it meant.

“We have to replace the hard drive.”

He paused, then said gently, “We will try to retrieve your data, but it may not all be retrievable. You need to sign this form giving us permission to attempt this.”

I scanned the form. The words blurred. I blindly scribbled my name. Then he collected the papers and picked up my laptop. I reached out my hand to stop him.

“Where are you going with it?” I asked.

“I’m taking it to triage. They’ll work

on it there.”

“How long?”

“Seven to 10 days,” he replied and disappeared through an unmarked door. I stood alone. Emotionally naked. Laptopless.

It had been an awful day. The prospect of facing an empty desk and a basement filled with piles of dirty laundry that I couldn’t wash was more than I could bear.

But as I stood there despondent, I realized three things, and my black mood began to melt away. ...

I still had my health, I still had my credit card and, quite fortuitously, I was in the mall.

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.

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Celebrate a time-honored cocktail

Raymond Carver’s “Heart Starter” Bloody Mary

A Bloody Mary is a popular cocktail. Some rely on a Bloody Mary as a hangover cure, and others enjoy it as a treat with brunch. Some say the drink was named after a server, Mary, at The Bucket of Blood in Chicago, while others insist Queen Mary Tudor of England is its namesake. A Bloody Mary gets its “bloody” moniker from the vibrant red color of the tomato juice in the drink. Try this recipe, courtesy of “How to Drink Like a Writer: Recipes for the Cocktails and Libations that Inspired 100 Literary Greats” (Apollo Publishers) by Margaret Kaplan. Serves 8

4 cups tomato juice

1⁄2 cup dill pickle juice

1⁄4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed

1 tablespoon grated horseradish

2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1⁄2 teaspoon celery seeds

1⁄8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 cups vodka

Celery stalks for garnishing

Lemon wedges for garnishing

1) In a large pitcher, mix together tomato juice, pickle juice, lemon juice, horseradish, Tabasco, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, celery seeds, and cayenne pepper. Cover and chill in refrigerator overnight.

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Friday, January 10, at 10:00 a.m.

Simply Stronger with Balance (VIRTUAL)

Instructor: Mindy Vasta

Handheld weights, resistance bands and balls will help improve strength, flexibility, and coordination. Includes a balance segment to enhance posture, core strength, and proper alignment of muscle groups. Exercises can be performed sitting or standing. Equipment recommended but not required. Registration needed. Register at syossetlibrary. org.  The Zoom link, will be sent out once you register.

Saturday, January 11, from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Driver’s Safety Class (IN-PERSON)

For drivers of all ages. Completion entitles you to a NYS insurance

discount and to a point reduction. In-person registration ONLY.  Fee: $33, check payable to “ Empire Safety Council. ” Includes a 30-minute break for lunch.

Sunday, January 12, at 1:00 p.m.

Concert: Dueling Pianos (IN-PERSON)

Just like dueling piano shows made famous in Las Vegas, Orlando and New Orleans, local talent John Arden brings an event like no other to the library. An interactive sing a long show with great music and talent. Registration needed. Register at syossetlibrary.org.

Tuesday, January 14, at 2:00 p.m.

Graphic Novel Book Discussion (IN-PERSON)

Join Kaye Spurrell, Readers’ Services librarian, for a discussion

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Wednesday, January 15, at 2:00 p.m.

A History of Singing in the Movies (VIRTUAL)

Presenter: Brian Rose, professor emeritus, Fordham University Audiences back in 1927 were electrified when they heard Al Jolson belting out the top tunes of the day in The Jazz Singer, and through movie history some of our greatest vocalists have been star attractions in Hollywood musicals. This talk will look at the varying ways Hollywood captured its star vocalists through the decades, and provided audiences then and now with an invaluable record of indelible performances. No registration needed.

Thursday, January 16, at 2:00 p.m.

The Birth of James Bond (IN-PERSON)

Presenter: Sal St. George, pop-culture historian

When Ian Fleming put pen to paper and created secret agent 007 James Bond, little did we know his stories of espionage and intrigue would spawn one of the longest running and most successful film series. We will explore the birth of Bond, from the books to the screen and the impact James Bond has had around the world. No registration needed.

Friday, January 17, at 2:00 p.m. Friday Movie at the Library (IN-PERSON)

Join us for an afternoon movie at the library. Check our website for the movie that will be shown. Go to syossetlibrary.org.

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