Jericho-Syosset News Journal (1/31/25) by Litmor Publishing

Town honors Auschwitz survivor Pearl Friend

Members of the Town of Oyster Bay honored Holocaust survivor Pearl Friend in recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

In recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Supervisor Joseph Saladino and members of the Oyster Bay Town Board honored Pearl (Zylberblech) Friend of Woodbury at Town Hall. Pearl was joined by her family, congregants of Woodbury Jewish Center, and Rabbi Jason Fruithandler.

In 1939, Pearl was 11 years old when the Nazis invaded her hometown in Poland. Her father and two uncles were taken by the

Nazis on death march along with 6,000 Jewish men. Her 6-year-old brother, Chiel, was murdered by the Nazis, as her mother was forced to watch. Pearl and her mother, Anna, miraculously survived Auschwitz and five labor camps. They were transferred to Tereizenstadt with 128 Jewish women to be executed. A young Jewish tank commander, in the Russian Army, intercepted German Army radio communications and freed Pearl, her mother and oth-

ers for execution in the camp. Pearl discovered that her father and uncles were alive and were later reunited in Poland. Upon arriving home, the young Jewish tank commander – Philip Friend – asked Pearl’s father for her hand in marriage. They married and immigrated to the United States in 1949. Pearl and Philip were married for 72 years, and blessed with two children, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

See page 8

Syosset team wins Lego Robotics Competition

BY RIKKI MASSAND

A team of Syosset Central School District students were big winners last weekend, as they took home the prize in the FIRST Lego League (FLL) Long Island Challenge Qualifier #4 held Sunday, January 26th at Mineola High School.

The Lego Robotics team from New Energy Education of Syosset is named Overpowered Spicy Robot 50946. The team consists of four local children, and is led by Coach Yang Zhao. Three participants are 8th graders – Ryan Qiu, who attends Harry B. Thompson Middle School, and his friends, South Woods Middle School students Kevin Liu and Sylvia Lin. The fourth student on the Syosset-based team is Tomas Flores, a 5th grader at Village Elementary

School. Their project robot, the Lego Ev3, won the Champions’ Award and the Robot Performance Award among all 28 teams that competed over the weekend.

The Overpowered Spicy Robot team met every Thursday to prepare their game plan and robot model for competition. Coach Yang says a unique part of the Robotics learning experience was the development of a picture book, “The Great Whale Escape” for its FLL Innovation project. The book connects to a game, developed using Scratch (computer program used in education) which aims to teach the students both coding and marine science.

The team also participated in workshops where students were able

See page 8

Team "Overpowered Spicy Robot 50946" from New Energy Education in Syosset: Coach Yang Zhao with 8th grade students Ryan Qiu, Kevin Liu, Sylvia Lin and 5th grader Tomas Flores (in front).

This Week at the Syosset Public Library

Friday, January 31, 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, February 1, at 10:30 a.m.

Intro to Paint Pouring (IN-PERSON)

Presenter: Jennifer Mariotti, artist

Two techniques (Dutch pour and ring pour) will be demonstrated and each attendee will choose one that they want to do for their work of art on canvas. Everything is supplied, just come ready to paint. Fee: $5. Registration needed. Register at syossetlibrary.org.

Tuesday, February 4, at 2:00 p.m.

Title Swap Tuesdays (IN-PERSON)

Excited to hear about our favorite books? Join the Readers’ Services librarians for a fun, lively in-person presentation of all the books we can’t stop talking about. Leave with a list of great reads. No registration needed.

Wednesday, February 5, at 10:00 a.m.

Chinese Discussion (IN-PERSON)

Welcome everyone! Whether you're a seasoned reader or a new friend, join us for a discussion and explore the library together! Conducted in Chinese. No registration required. The discussion will be led by librarian Yin Li.

Thursday, February 6, from 1:30–3:30 p.m.

Seniors of Syosset Drop-In Session (IN-PERSON)

Learn about social work support,

community health nursing, and subsidized transportation to local medical appointments and free bus transportation for shopping, as well as other activities and services, offered to Syosset residents through the Naturally Occurring Retirement Community program funded by the NYS Office for the Aging. These services are only available to residents of Syosset proper, age 60 and over. For those living in the surrounding area, staff can provide referrals to other resources that may address your needs.

Thursday, February 6, at 2:00 p.m.

A New Birth of Freedom: Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address (IN-PERSON)

Presenter, James Coll, adjunct professor of American and Constitutional history, Nassau Community College, and retired NYPD detective Few moments are as pivotal in the history of our nation as when President Abraham Lincoln delivered brief and historic remarks in Gettysburg in November of 1863. In this lecture, we will describe the three-day battle that took place in the town, provide analysis of Lincoln's speech and study the impact of his words in the context of his times and the role they continue to play in our own. No registration needed.

Friday, February 7, at 10:00 a.m

Simply Stronger with Balance (VIRTUAL)

Instructor: Mindy Vasta

Town offers

Winter Toddler Sports Program

The Town of Oyster Bay's Toddler Sports Program will return this winter, beginning February 11. This 6-week program offers sports classes at the Hicksville Athletic Center for children ages 3 and 4.

“The Town’s Toddler Sports Program is a fantastic way to teach your toddler the fundamentals of sports in a fun and social environment,” said Town Councilman Louis Imbroto. “This program is sure to be a hit with children and parents alike, as youngsters are given the opportunity to learn the basics of various different sports such as tee-ball, flag football and more along with children their own age.”

The Toddler Sports Program begins February 11 and is 6 weeks in duration. Residents who sign their toddler up for the program must choose one class per week, per child. Classes will take place on:

• Tuesdays at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. at the Hicksville Athletic Center in

Hicksville; and

• Thursdays at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. at the Hicksville Athletic Center in Hicksville.

Registration will take place ONLINE through the Parks Portal available at oysterbaytown.com/portal on January 7 at 9:00 a.m. Space is limited- first come, first serve. Registration will close when the program reaches full capacity. Each class is approximately 50 minutes. The cost of the program is $75 per child who is a Town resident, and $90 per child whose care giver is a Town resident but not the child. The child’s birth certificate and a tax or utility bill will be required to validate age and proof of residency. A guardian must be present during the class. The child MUST be 3 years old by the start of the program.

The Toddler Sports Program is run by the Town’s Parks Department, Recreation Division. For further information, please call (516) 797-7945.

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Town offers Summer Recreation Program

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that residents interested in having their children participate in the 2025 Summer Recreation Program can now upload necessary documents and materials for review in advance of the final registration period. This process is mandatory prior to registration this spring and will once again be performed fully online. This year’s Summer Recreation Program runs June 30 through August 8 and will include a full-day option (9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) at all locations for children ages 4 through 12. Space is limited at each facility.

"The Town’s Summer Recreation Program features great summer fun for children at five of our Town parks, with activities including arts and crafts, various games, themed days, water fun, scavenger hunts and so much more," said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. "To help streamline the registration process, residents will be able to signup their children online this spring, and can begin pre-registration today!"

All registrations for Summer

Recreation will performed online. In an effort to simplify the process, the Town’s Parks Department will accept all necessary documentation, including proof of residency, child’s birth certificates, recent physicals etc. to be uploaded to a portal on the Town’s website prior to the final registration period this spring. This process is mandatory and ends on Friday, March 21, 2025. Once all documentation is properly uploaded, parents/guardians will receive notification of approval to register, as well as directions for online registration.

How to upload materials (note: pre-registration does not guarantee a spot in this year’s Summer Recreation Program. Parents will need to perform final registration this spring).

• Parents/guardians can visit www.oysterbaytown.com/portal

• Select “My Account” on the top right corner and log-in or create a new account (if your child was registered for the 2024 Summer Program, you already have an account, however documents must be uploaded)

Let

• After logging in, select “My Account,” then Household & Member. Confirm all family members are listed. If needed, select ’Add Family member’ at bottom of page and add a child or guardian to the household. Then SAVE

• Select DOCUMENT UPLOAD from the portal menu. Each document must be uploaded as a separate file (make sure all scanned documents are legible)

Required documents: Proof of residency (tax or utility bill); Child’s Birth Certificate; Child ’ s Immunization Records (for full-day campers only); Child’s recent physical (for full-day campers only)

“We know many of our youngsters can’t wait for the warm weather and all the fun they have at the Town’s Summer Recreation Program, ” said Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh. “With fullday options now available at Marjorie Post Park in Massapequa, PlainviewOld Bethpage Community Park and Syosset-Woodbury Community Park,

Ellsworth Allen Park in Farmingdale and Harry Tappen Beach in Glen Head, we look forward to another successful summer of fun!”

The mandatory pre-registration period, during which interested parents/ guardians can upload documents and required materials for registration, is open now through March 21. Submission of materials does not guarantee a spot in the 2025 program—parents must complete their registration this spring when final registration opens. Following final registration, refunds are given on a prorated basis and subject to a 10 percent administrative fee through July 11. Parents will receive an email from the Recreation Division confirming that all documents have been received, as well as directions on how to complete registration. All registration will take place online. For more information, visit www.oysterbaytown.com/summerrecreation or call the Town’s Recreation Office at (516) 797-7945.

“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” game show event

Central Boulevard School transformed into a game show arena on Jan. 17, with “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” - a lively competition of trivia and physical challenges between teams of fifth graders and their “special persons.”

Central Boulevard School transformed into a game show arena on Jan. 17, with Hollyrock Entertainment’s exciting “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” brain challenge event. The fun-filled experience brought fifth graders and their “special persons” together in a lively competition of trivia and physical challenges, all in good spirits to see which team would come out on top.

The room was split into two sides, with participants divided into the Red Team and the Blue Team. Teachers stepped into the roles of team managers, cheering on their students and families and even jumping in to tackle a few challenges themselves.

The game show featured rounds of fast-paced trivia, testing knowledge across various subjects and engaging physical challenges that had both kids and adults on their feet. One memorable moment came during the “Name

That Tune” segment, where parents outshined their kids in recognizing classic 80s and 90s hits, including favorites like “Sweet Child of Mine.”

Hollyrock Entertainment, the masterminds behind the event, brings their decades of experience in creating memorable moments for schools, camps and private events. Founded in 1977, Hollyrock has evolved from a small DJ company into a leader in mobile TV game show entertainment with a reputation for combining entertainment with education.

The “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” event at Central Boulevard School was a resounding success, leaving participants with memories of laughter, friendly competition and family fun. The students, parents and teachers came together not just to test their wits but to celebrate the joy of learning and community.

Hula hoop fun.

The Red Team having a great time.

Photos courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

Student-run café provides on-the-job experience

POB Perk also operates at the Howard B. Mattlin Middle School, where students provide staff with drinks and snacks.

Middle and high school students at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District are receiving some exclusive on-the-job experience while offering a variety of delicious treats and beverages to students and staff with POB Perk. POB Perk, a pair of student-operated cafes at Howard B. Mattlin Middle School and PlainviewOld Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School, serves as an initiative blending education, work experience, and community building.

At the high school, POB Perk operates as a physical store located in Room 122.

LEGAL NOTICES

NASSAU COUNTY

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

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Open Monday through Friday during periods two through eight, the store offers an assortment of baked goods, snacks, and drinks, including glutenfree options, ensuring there’s something for everyone. During periods one and nine, students prepare the store for the day or clean up and restock for the next day’s operations. Through POB Perk, high school students gain valuable work experience through various activities. These include taking customer orders and ringing up sales using the cash register, preparing and serving drinks, packaging food items for the sales floor,

Students at Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School are gaining on-the-job skills through a student-run café called POB Perk.

and restocking merchandise while monitoring inventory.

In addition to these daily tasks, students develop essential functional skills, including managing money, reading expiration dates, and completing basic inventory checks. As the program expands, students will also be introduced to future job tasks such as basic accounting and marketing skills including creating flyers and using a Cricut machine for product branding.

At the middle school, POB Perk is open exclusively to staff members, offering both morning and afternoon

service on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during periods one, seven, and eight. Students play an integral role in the operation, performing tasks such as preparing drinks and food items collecting payments and providing change, taking inventory and restocking supplies and following setup and clean-up procedures to ensure smooth operations.

Special Education teachers Ms. Christina Karayiannis and Ms. Susan Ham operate the program at the high school and middle school, respectively.

Town: Taxes payable through Feb. 10

The Town of Oyster Bay reminds residents that the first half of the 2025 General Tax Levy is due on January 1st but can be paid without penalty through February 10.

“New York State Law allows my office to provide taxpayers with a 40-day penalty free period from the date the tax is due during which payment may be made without penalty,” Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato explained. “After the 40 days, State Law requires a one percent penalty be added for each month the tax remains unpaid, retroactive to January 1st. Don’t delay, make your payment before February 10th and ensure you aren’t paying

more out of pocket than you need to.”

The Tax Office is open in both Town Hall North, 74 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, and Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. to assist residents and accept payments with a check, cash or credit card*. There are also outdoor walkup windows. On February 7 and 10, both offices will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. When paying in person, residents are reminded to bring the entire tax bill. Drop Boxes have been installed at both Town Hall North and Town Hall South for residents to make payments

when the Tax Office is closed. Residents who prefer to mail in their payments should send them to the Office of the Receiver of Taxes, 74 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, N.Y. 11771-1539. Please be certain to sign your check, and make it payable to Jeffrey P. Pravato, Receiver of Taxes. Indicate your property’s S.D. Code, Section, Block, Lot and phone number on the check. All mailed payments must have a United States Postal Service postmark dated on or before February 10. Residents can access 2025 General Tax information at www.oysterbaytown.com, where they may view current

tax bills, print out a hard copy, or pay taxes with an ACH check payment using a checking account for a service fee of $1.75 cents*, or by debit/credit card for a much higher fee* charged by the credit card companies. *Town of Oyster Bay receives no portion of this fee.” When calling the Tax Office at (516) 624-6400, or sending an email to receiveroftaxes@oysterbay-ny.gov, residents are requested to have the School District, Section, Block and Lot numbers of the property in question available. This information is listed on the tax bill and on the property deed.

Property

tax workshops

Oyster Bay Town Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato will host four free Property Tax Assessment Grievance Workshops for residents looking to acquire information on how to challenge their 2026–2027 property tax assessments. The workshops will be held both in the morning and evening to help accommodate all residents.

“While Nassau County determines your assessed value, we in Town government want to make sure you know that you have a right as a homeowner to challenge your assessment. Remember, your assessment can only be lowered as the result of a challenge - it can never be raised - and this workshop helps you challenge for free,” said Receiver of Taxes Pravato. “If you are a homeowner who disagrees with the assessed value of your property, I invite you to attend a Property Tax Assessment Workshop, as the property tax grievance deadline of March 3rd is approaching.”

The Property Tax Grievance Workshops are scheduled as follows:

•Tuesday, February 4, 7 p.m. at Oyster Bay Town Hall, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay

In January, Nassau County notified residents of their home's tentative assessed value for the 2026–2027 School Tax period and the 2027 General Tax period. Any residents who did not receive the notice may view it online at www.mynassauproperty.com or contact their County Legislator. At the workshop, Receiver of Taxes Pravato will answer questions and show residents how to use online tools to file an “Application for Correction of Property Tax Assessment” online or via mail. There is no requirement to pay a law firm or agency to file a grievance. For those unable to attend the workshop, Receiver of Taxes Pravato offers an online video at www.oysterbaytown.com/grievancevideo. For more information, contact the Tax Office at (516) 624-6400 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com.

PUBLIC

LEGAL NOTICES

NASSAU COUNTY

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

Notice is hereby given that commencing on February 18th, 2025, will sell at public on-line auction the tax liens on certain real estate, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party in interest in such real estate shall have paid to the County Treasurer by February 13th, 2025 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges against the property. Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 percent per six-month period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in Section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code.

Effective with the February 2019 lien sale Ordinance No. 175-2015 requires a $175.00 per day registration fee for each person who intends to bid at the tax lien sale. Ordinance No. 175-2015 also requires that upon the issuance of the Lien Certificate there is due from the lien buyer a Tax Certificate Issue Fee of $20.00 per lien purchased. Pursuant to the provisions of the Nassau County Administrative Code at the discretion of the Nassau County Treasurer the auction will be conducted online. Further information concerning the procedures for the auction is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/526/County-Treasurer

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

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

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

Dated: January 23, 2025

TERMS OF SALE

THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER

Mineola, NewYork

However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County's Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased.

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

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

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

Furthermore, as to the bidding,

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

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

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

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

Dated: January 23, 2025

January 31, 2025

THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER

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Syosset team wins Robotics Competition

Overpowered Spicy Robot 50946 Team's LEGO Robot model Ev3, victorious in the FIRST Lego League Long Island Qualifier #4 held on January 26th at Mineola High School.

From page 1

to gain more insight into coding and robotics. To prepare for the FLL Long Island Challenge Qualifier, the four students worked together on the Innovation Project Scratch game and tested it over 500 times. Coach Yang notes that the robot, Lego Ev3, can run over 360 scores. Innovation projects created through and for the FIRST Lego Robotics programs are based on challenges, problem-solving and engineering concepts as students are equipped with fundamentals of science, tech-

nology, engineering and math in the activities. The program’s website cites challenges “realworld problem-solving for improvements, innovation, and inclusion.”

Yang commented, “Our program has been teaching coding to 12 local students, and they share with us their wish of revolutionizing education in this way – through fun, creative activities that explore their curiosity and build confidence while enhancing critical-thinking and teamwork.”

LEGAL NOTICES

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU The Bank of New York Mellon fka The Bank of New York successor Trustee to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Trustee for the Bear Stearns ALT-A Trust, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2005-9, Plaintiff AGAINST Matthew K. Tannenbaum, Sanda Tannenbaum, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 1, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 25, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 20 Sagamore Way South, Jericho, NY 11753. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Jericho, in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 12, Block: 577, Lot: 56. Approximate amount of judgment $961,182.49 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #014530/2012. For sale information, please contact XOME at www.Xome.com or call (844) 400-9633. Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01057009-F00 83906

Jericho author set to release tenth novel

BY GARY SIMEONE

Jericho resident and author, Ellen Meister, is set to release her tenth book, entitled, ‘Joyride,’ this upcoming April. The new novel tells the tale of an outgoing Uber driver who finds a career in life coaching, behind the wheel of her Honda.

Meister said the multiyear process of writing the book was a labor of love that challenged her creative writing skills.

“I really had to delve deep into my characters personality traits, which included a combination of earnestness and optimism in my main character,” said Meister. “The side characters are a mix of cynicism and sarcastic humor, so I had to blend all of them together.”

The main character in her new book is a pleasant Uber driver named Joybird Martin, who spends her days driving her clients to different destinations throughout the city. After a chance meeting with a wealthy Wall Street executive, the cheerful Uber driver has a major career change on the horizon.

“This handsome Wall Street guy kind of sweeps her off her feet and convinces Joybird to follow this new career change of being a life coach from the front-seat of her vehicle. At the same time shes also dealing with her cynical father, who was a successful television writer, who’s now broke and living on her living room couch.”

She said there’s also a few side-stories going on in the book, including her fathers love interest with his old highschool sweetheart and the reestablished connection between the father and daughter.

“There’s an interplay going on between her unbridled optimism and her father’s sarcastic pessimism and how they’re able to hash out their differences,” said Meister. “I think that readers will enjoy all of the elements that makes each of the characters unique and different.”

Meister previously worked in the Advertising industry and taught creative writing at the college level.

Jericho author Ellen Meister will release her tenth book, "Joyride" in April.

She has written ten novels including ‘Divorce Towers,’ ‘Take My Husband,’ ‘The Rooftop Party,’ and ‘Farewell Dorothy Parker.’ Meister’s essays have been published in the New York Times, Newsday and Wall Street Journal blogs. She’s also written articles in the Daily Beast, Long Island Women, Writers Digest and the Publishers Weekly.

To find out more information on the author and her upcoming novel, you can visit her website at ellenmeister. com.

Town honors Auschwitz

survivor Pearl Friend

From page 1

Philip passed away in 2019. Monday, January 27, 2025 marked the liberation of Auschwitz, one of the most infamous and deadliest concentration camps of the Holocaust. This meaningful awareness initiative, especially with events that continue to unfold in the State of Israel and anti-Semitism on the rise globally, resonates closely with all of us here in our Town of Oyster Bay. In recognition of the six million murdered during the Holocaust, Town Hall is illuminated in Gold in recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

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Author Ellen Meister

LEGAL NOTICES

NASSAU COUNTY

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

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

Dated: January 23, 2025

TERMS OF SALE

Mineola, NewYork

Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors' Civil Relief Acts. However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County's Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased. The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a tax lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser's rights with respect to the lien(s) and the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or the Federal and State Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser's right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act(FIRREA),12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et.seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation(FDIC) receivership.

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

Dated: January 23, 2025 THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER

NASSAU COUNTY FORECLOSURE NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS TRUST COMPANY, A/K/A M&T BANK, S/B/M HUDSON CITY SAVINGS

BANK, Plaintiff against MELISSA WILLIAMS, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein Such & Crane, LLP, 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800, Rochester, NY 14614. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered February 8, 2019, and Amended on August 8, 2022 I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 18, 2025 at 2:30 PM. Premises known as 2 Joan Court, Woodbury, NY 11797. Sec 15 Block 175 Lot 82. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Woodbury, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $849,624.64 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 005816/2014. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District's Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held "Rain or Shine." Alan Gerson, Esq., Referee File # CHJNY469

Friday, January 31, 2025

THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER

Too much junk in your house?

Place an ad for it in our classifieds section! Call 516-294-8900 for more details.

NASSAU COUNTY FORECLOSURE NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY HARRY ENTERPRISE INC., Plaintiff against SARABJEET MADHAN, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Margolin, Weinreb & Nierer, LLP, 575 Underhill Boulevard, Suite 224, Syosset, NY 11791. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered January 3, 2025, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 185 Woodbury Road, Woodbury, NY 11797. Sec 14 Block E Lot 848. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Woodbury, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $874,588.78 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 613868/2022. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District's Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held "Rain or Shine."

Michael W Alpert,Esq., Referee File # 22-0295

NASSAU COUNTY

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Town of Oyster Bay Zoning Board of Appeals

TOWN HALL, AUDREY AVENUE, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK 11771-1592

TELEPHONE: (516) 624-6232 – FAX: (516) 624-6149

RITA BYRNE, Chairwoman – LOIS SCHMITT, Vice Chairwoman – KATHLEEN MULLIGAN REBECCA M. ALESIA –ANDREW MONTELEONE – LISA CICCOLELLA – FLORESTANO GIRARDI

PUBLIC HEARING CALENDAR

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING BY THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 246, Section 246-12 of the Code of the Town of Oyster Bay, notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals has scheduled a public meeting, which will take place in the Town Hall Meeting Room, Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, New York, on FEBRUARY 6, 2025, at 7:00 P. M., to consider the following appeals:

BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

APPEAL NO. 24-432 SYOSSET

BU REINEN: Variance to allow existing 8 ft. high PVC fence exceeding maximum height than permitted by Ordinance.

S/s/o East St., 395.60 ft. W/o Orchard St., a/k/a 31 East Street, Syosset, NY

APPEAL NO. 24-513 SYOSSET

MIKE DEFEO: (A) Variance to allow existing pergola exceeding maximum building coverage and gross floor area than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Amend Specific Plan as presented for Appeal No. 22-85 and granted by Decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals, dated February 17, 2022.

S/s/o Iris Ln., 75 ft. W/o Cold Spring Rd., a/k/a 3 Iris Lane, Syosset, NY

APPEAL NO. 25-3 SYOSSET

CUILAN SONG: Variance for the reduction of off-street parking spaces. Reduction of spaces to 227 when 309 parking spaces are required.

SE/ cor. of Jericho Tpke. & Bruce St., a/k/a 336 Jericho Turnpike, Syosset, NY

JANUARY 27, 2025

BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK

Picnic permits at parks

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that residents can apply for picnic permits at all Town parks with picnic facilities online by visiting www.oysterbaytown. com/picnic. Reservations are available for picnic space at Marjorie R. Post Community Park in Massapequa, Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park and Beach in Oyster Bay, Harry Tappen Beach and Marina in Glenwood Landing, SyossetWoodbury Community Park, and Plainview-Old Bethpage Community Park.

“Our beautiful Town Parks are the perfect location for a family, school, or community group outing set in the great outdoors. Each location, from Roosevelt Beach in Oyster Bay to Marjorie Post Park in Massapequa, offers something unique for residents to enjoy,” Town Councilman Tom Hand said. “We’ve also streamlined the process for residents to apply for a picnic permit, helping to increase convenience and accessibility.”

Picnic Permits are required for groups of 25 or more at all Town of Oyster Bay picnic pavilion locations and include exclusive use of the permitted area from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the reservation date. Some locations are covered, have access to water, and permit barbecuing.

To view picnic availability, residents can visit www.oysterbaytown.com/picnic and filter their preferred date, facility, specific location, and features using the page menu. Those who don’t have a pre-existing account can create one on the same page and apply for the reservation. It is recommended that residents reserve their picnic pavilion early as spaces fill up quickly for the season. For more information on Town of Oyster Bay picnic permits, call (516) 797-4139.

Are you a professional?

Landmark Anne Frank The Exhibition in NYC Personalizes Holocaust As Never Before

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

It is surreal, extraordinarily intimate, overwhelmingly emotional to find yourself standing in Anne Frank’s tiny room exactly as she had lived in it, in secret hiding for two years, just before she was taken away by Nazis to the concentration camp where she died just a few months before she would have been saved.

There are the photos she clipped from newspapers to put on her wall, to preserve some connection to a normal life, her life before the Nazis took over Germany, then invaded the Netherlands, where her family had sought refuge. You see the plaid-cloth covered diary she began to write the day she received it, on her 13th birthday, who she sometimes wrote to as “Dear Kitty” and treated as her closest friend and confidant, revealing things her father later admitted he never knew about his daughter despite being close and living in such constant proximity.

As you stand in this space, the tiny bedroom where she sat at this desk to write, you hear her words, “When I write, I can shake off my cares, my sorrow... my spirits soar.... But will I ever be able to write something great? Will I ever be able to be a journalist or writer? Oh, I hope so.” And then, “Writing allows me to record everything – thoughts, ideals, fantasies.”

This is the remarkable Anne Frank The Exhibition, opening at the Center for Jewish History in New York City on January 27, coin-

Standing in Anne Frank’s tiny room in The Annex where she and her family hid from the Nazis for two years, personalizes the Holocaust. This immersion into a full-scale re-creation of the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam is part of a landmark “Anne Frank The Exhibition,” now on view at the Center for Jewish History in New York City © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com.

ciding with International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp where one million Jews were exterminated.

For the first time, visitors outside of Amsterdam will be able to experience the Anne Frank House, one of the most visited historical sites in Europe, but in a very different way: whereas in Amsterdam, the rooms are empty as they were after the Nazis left it, here, visitors are immersed in a full-scale re-creation of the complete Annex, furnished as it would have been when Anne and her family and four other Jews spent two years hiding to evade Nazi capture.

You see the pictures clipped from newspapers she put on her wall – a semblance of normalcy of a teenager. You hear her words from her diary as you walk through those rooms.

But there is another important difference: before and after you roam through this meticulously re-created Annex, you are immersed in her life and the lives of millions of others as you see the rise of Hitler and the Nazis, how the Holocaust was set into motion and what it was like to live with such terror– giving a broader context and meaning to Anne Frank’s story, resonating with chilling effect today.

Created in partnership between the Anne Frank House and the Center

GOING PLACES NEAR AND FAR

for Jewish History, this astonishing, Anne Frank: The Exhibition kicks off the Center‘s 25th anniversary season.

“We are absolutely thrilled to partner with the Anne Frank House on this landmark exhibition,” said Dr. Gavriel Rosenfeld, President of the Center for Jewish History. “As we approach the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz in January, Anne Frank’s story becomes more urgent than ever. In a time of rising antisemitism, her diary serves as both a warning and a call to action, reminding us of the devastating impact of hatred. This exhibition challenges us to confront these dangers head-on and honor the memory of those lost in the Holocaust.”

“When students learn to identify hate, learn to confront with empathy, critical thinking, they will champion justice and equality,” Ronald Leopold, the director of the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, said at the press preview. “An exhibition like this serves as powerful reminder of the importance of confronting hate through education and understanding.

“Anne Frank’s story is known to many but what you will experience at this exhibition goes beyond her tragic fate. The exhibition hopefully will also offer a deeper, multifaceted view of who Anne Frank was- not just a victim of the Holocaust, but just a girl, a teenager, a writer, and an enduring symbol of resilience and strength.”

The Anne Frank House was established in 1957 in cooperation with Otto Frank, Anne Frank’s father, as an independent nonprofit January 31, 2025

Continued on next page

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

Landmark Anne Frank The Exhibition in NYC Personalizes Holocaust As Never Before

organization entrusted with the preservation of the Annex and bringing Anne’s life story to world audiences in order to serve as a place for teaching and learning about the Holocaust. Each year, the Anne Frank House, welcomes 1.2 million visitors, but many are turned away (you have to reserve tickets weeks, even months in advance), and requires visitors to come to Amsterdam.

“This exhibition is not just about the past,” Leopold said at a press preview. “It is important to learn about the past, but more important to learn from the past. That is the educational mission Anne’s father, the only one of the 8 Jews in hiding at the Annex who survived, gave us when Anne Frank House opened to the public in 1960.”

Leopold held up two photos, side by side. One is easily recognizable: Anne Frank. Next to her on the page is a photo a boy no one has heard of. He was born June 12, 1929, the same day as Anne, lived one block from where she lived, a 3 minute walk. Their paths might have crossed - we don’t know. We know everything about this little girl, Anne Frank, we think, but there is no one in the world today who knows anything about this young boy except for his name, David Spanyeur, his date of birth, address and when and where he was murdered, on February 12, 1943 in Auschwitz.”

“If we bring Anne Frank to New York, and we go to remember her on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we also bring, David Spanyeur to New York, and remember him, as we will remember 1.5 million Jewish children’s lives cut short by human beings for the single reason they were Jewish. This is the message we try to bring, that goes beyond Anne Frank.”

Philanthropic support has made it possible for the Anne Frank House to subsidize visits for students from New York City public schools and all Title 1 public schools throughout the United States. A special curriculum has been created for distribution to 500,000 children, and there is a 28-minute film at the center that is geared to school children.

So far, tens of thousands of already purchased tickets in advance of the opening; 150 schools have already scheduled visits from as far as California.

A Normal Teenager

There is so much that is astonishing about this exhibit – certainly being able to stand in this exact, full-scale re-creation of Anne Frank’s secret hiding place furnished as if they had just left, before the Nazis stripped everything out. Indeed, that is how you experience The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, totally empty. (The people from Anne Frank House in Amsterdam remarked how strange it was to see the rooms they know so well as empty, now furnished. “But we have the original diary, you have a facsimile!”) Also, it is what the exhibit is wrapped around with –the context surrounding Anne Frank’s experience and the experience of the 6 million Jews, including 1.5 million children exterminated in the Holocaust.

The exhibit features some 100 artifacts – some rarely if ever viewed in public - including an extraordinary exhibit of the family’s personal effects from their comfortable life in Frankfurt where Otto was a banker, before the Nazis and the Holocaust – even their china, a wooden desk from 1796, and Anne’s first photo album (1929-1942). You see family photos and photos of a normal life, a playful child with a fetching smile. There is even a video of a wedding couple leaving their apartment building that happened to capture Anne peering out from a second-story window.

This exhibit wraps Anne Frank’s personal story with context: the rise of Hitler, democratically elected Chancellor, and the Nazi domination of Germany, the invasion of the Netherlands, France and Belgium, and the implementation of the Final Solution - systemic genocide of Jews, known as the Holocaust.

We walk through the bookcase, and are in the hiding place in the Annex.

Throughout the exhibit, you have an audio guide that you can activate, but here, in the hiding place, is where what you hear is most affecting – not just the description of the place and what their

lives were like for the two years they hid away, but Anne’s own words from her diary.

“When I write, I can shake off my cares, my sorrow... my spirits soar.... But will I ever be able to write something great? Will I ever be able to be a journalist or writer? Oh, I hope so.” And then, “Writing allows me to record everything – thoughts, ideals, fantasies.”

In the next part of the exhibit, you see how the Holocaust unfolded - photos of Jews pulled from their homes, crowded into the streets and loaded onto cattle cars, deported to labor, concentration and death camps. You see soldiers shooting masses of Jews in pits dug by the victims themselves.

This room has a glass floor over a map of Europe with red flags denoting where the death camps and places of genocide were and hear names recited. As you come to the end, most affecting of all, is a projection of the 1935 photo of Anne Frank in her kindergarten class of 32 students, of whom 15 were Jews, which you saw in the first gallery. As you hear their names ticked off, one by one these adorable, innocent faces are disappeared from the photo and you hear their age when their lives were snuffed out: 12, 13, 14, 15. Only 5 of the 15 survived – by going into hiding or escaping. Anne was 15.

The next part follows Otto’s improbable journey from the camp when it was liberated in January 1945. Otto was the only one to survive of the eight who hid in the Annex, though he had yet to learn the fate of his family. All of his worldly possession fit into a tiny canvas bag the size of a book.

You actually see a video of Miep Gies, one of the Dutch citizens who hid and protected the Franks in the Annex (she lived to 100 years old), relating how she went into it after the Nazis ransacked it and found Anne’s diary and notebooks, keeping them safe because she knew how important her writing was to her. She re-creates how she reached into her desk and presented Otto with Anne’s volumes.

In an interview, Otto related that at first it was difficult for him to read

Waste Not

BY CHARLYN FARGO

With the cost of food rising, it’s more important than ever to waste less of the food we purchase. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as much as 40% of our food supply ends up in the trash or compost bin. More than a third of that stems from wasteful kitchen habits, says the USDA.

We all are guilty of buying food that

just hangs out in our refrigerator and we end up throwing it away: overripe bananas, broccoli stems, moldy cheese, even milk sometimes. Or maybe it ends up there because we purchased too much or didn’t end up eating the leftovers like we planned. It takes up space in landfills, not to mention the money we threw away. The average American (myself included) ends up spending $1,300 a year on food that ends up in the trash.

the diary because of his grief, but when he started reading, he couldn’t stop. To honor her wishes of becoming a published writer, he set out to find a publisher – you see his letters and the replies from editors.

You see the first edition of “Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl” which includes a forward by Eleanor Roosevelt – which has been translated into 70 languages, selling 35 million copies, and made into a play and movie (winning Shelly Winter’s an Oscar for her performance as Auguste van Pels).

The exhibition is designed for children (ages 10 and older) and adults. All general admission tickets include the exhibition audio guide. Plan to spend two hours.

Educational visits to the exhibition, as well as Individual and Family ticket purchases, can be scheduled by visiting AnneFrankExhibit.org.

Anne Frank The Exhibition is a limited engagement, scheduled to close on April 30, 2025. For a list of upcoming programs, visit https://www.cjh.org/. Genealogy, Holocaust Records at the Center

The Center for Jewish History also has Geneology Research Center, with genealogists on hand who can help you trace your family’s history, has formed a new-multiyear partnership with Ancestry® to open the Ancestry Research & Reflection Room, a new space and initiative to collect, preserve and share family histories of Jewish communities worldwide. These records can be searched for free at a newly opened Ancestry Research & Reflection Room at the center.

Center for Jewish History 15 West 16th Street, New York, 212.294.8301, cjh. org, info@cjh.org.

The good news is we can make a change by adopting a few simple habits in the kitchen.

No. 1: Freeze overripe bananas or use them in banana bread or a smoothie along with leftover berries.

No. 2: Toss leftover spaghetti or macaroni noodles into a soup. Repurpose meatballs into a sandwich.

Continued on page 5

February: Celebrating Black History Month

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

With February being Black History Month, I am citing Zora Neale Hurston for her creativity as a writer and her impact on society. Hurston was born on January 7, 1891, in Notasulga, Alabama. She was one of eight children born to John and Lucy Ann Potts Hurston. Her father, a Baptist preacher and sharecropper, later became a carpenter. Her mother was a schoolteacher.

When she was three, the Hurston family moved to Eatonville, Florida. Hurston often called Eatonville “home” because she was so young when she moved there. Sometimes she claimed it as her birthplace. A few years later, her father was elected as mayor of the town in 1897.

As an adult, Hurston often used Eatonville as a setting in her stories because it was a small town, a place where African Americans could live as they wanted. Eatonville is considered to be the first all-black community in the U.S. it was incorporated in 1887.

In 1901, some northern schoolteachers visited Eatonville and gave Hurston several books that opened her mind to literature. She was grateful for being given this exposure to various types of literature.

Hurston lived the rest of her childhood in Eatonville and described the experience of growing up there in her 1928 essay, “How It Feels To Be Colored Me.” In honor of Zora Neale Huston, Eatonville holds an annual “Zora! Festival.”

In 1928, Hurston graduated from Barnard College in NYC with a degree in anthropology where she trained under pioneering scientist Franz Boas. With Boas’ help, she got a fellowship that allowed her to return to Florida to collect folklore that would later be incorporated into her novels “Mules and Men” and “Tell My Horse.”

Hurston wrote short stories, journalistic, cinematic and nonfiction work. She collaborated with Langston Hughes on the 1931 play “Mule Bone.” Hurston’s work was unique in that it combined literature with anthropology, incorporating indigenous dialects to tell stories of people in the Caribbean and rural Florida.

Hurston’s work is important because it provides an important voice for African American women of her day. An author, anthropologist and folklorist/ storyteller, Hurston’s work is important because it provides an important voice for African American women who lived at that time. Many people remember Hurston as the author of “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” a novel published in 1937.

In 1942, when her autobiography, “Dust Tracks on a Road,” was published,

Hurston received the fame that had escaped her for so long. That year, she was profiled in Who’s Who in America, Current Biography and Twentieth Century Authors.

“Their Eyes Were Watching God” went out of print a few years after its publication and Hurston was a relatively unknown writer by readers for nearly 30 years. She died in Miami in 1960. It was author Alice Walker who rediscovered Zora Neale Hurston’s works. Walker was born in Eatonton, Georgia, a rural farming town, in 1944. She graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in Yonkers, N.Y., in 1965 and several years later she returned to the South. Alice Walker is famous for becoming the first African-American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1982 for her novel “The Color Purple.”

It was a few years after Hurston’s death that Walker read “Their Eyes Were Watching God.” She read and reread her novels and felt that Hurston had an important voice in American literature, especially women’s American literature. Walker’s feeling was that she felt as if she knew Zora Neale Hurston personally.

In fact of Hurston’s novel, “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” Alice Walker has said that “it speaks to me as no novel, past or present, has ever done.”

Determined to research Zora Neale Hurston’s life and work, in 1973 she traveled to Eatonville, where Hurston was raised, and briefly posed as the author’s niece to scout for information. She searched for Hurston’s unmarked grave and found it in a cemetery in Fort Pierce, Florida. She also spoke to many people along the way who had known Hurston.

Walker had been prompted to look into Hurston’s life while she was conducting research for her own short story and came across Hurston’s folk stories.

Alice Walker has said that she found Zora Neale Hurston’s embrace of black culture and language to be an inspiration. “I realized that unless I came out with everything I had supporting her, there was every chance that she would slip back into obscurity,” Walker said.

In the essay “In Search of Zora Neale

Hurston” which was first published in “Ms.” magazine in 1975 and later titled “Looking for Zora,” Alice Walker explored Eatonville, which had such an impact on Hurston, and came to understand how the town had influenced Hurston’s works.

Zora Neale Hurston’s ethnographic research made her a pioneer writer of “folk fiction” about African Americans in the South.

Hurston described the town and also the characters based on so many of the people she had known - her classmates, shops owners, church members, etc. Having been influenced by a tradition of storytelling and expressive, colorful speech with plenty of descriptions, Zora Neale Hurston lets that language come to life in her stories.

Alice Walker has said that Zora Neale Hurston and other great African American women writers helped pave

the way for authors and poets who came after them such as Toni Morrison, Paule Marshall, Gloria Naylor, Toni Cade Bambara, Ntozake Shange, Audre Lorde and herself.

Hurston believed that authentic characters were created by weaving information she gathered into her fiction. She believed that her mission was to capture the true voices and experiences of the people she was writing about.

A commemorative stamp was created in Hurston’s honor.

Of writing, Hurston has said, “The force of somewhere in space which commands you to write in the first place, gives you no choice. You take up the pen when you are told and write what is commanded.”

Zora Neale Hurston has noted, “Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose.”

BY TOM MARGENAU

Answering Questions From Widows

I hope there is nothing in the air that is causing old goats like me to keel over. For some reason, I’ve been getting a lot of questions from widows lately. Here are some of them.

Q: I am 90 years old and getting widow’s benefits from my first husband who died a long time ago. I also have my own Social Security, but I’m not getting it because my widow’s benefits pay more. I married another man about two years ago. He is 83. His Social Security is smaller than even my own Social Security. Assuming I die before he does, I want him to be able to get widower’s benefits on my account. Do I have to switch to my own so he’ll get mine when I die?

A: No, you don’t have to do that. In fact, it is likely that you are already getting your own benefits, at least on the Social Security Administration’s books. That’s because they usually pay your own benefit first and then supplement with any additional widow’s benefits you are due. For example, let’s say your own benefit is $2,000 per month and your widow’s rate is $3,800 per month. You are getting a monthly check of $3,800, but on the SSA books, you are getting $2,000 from your account and $1,800 from your deceased husband’s account.

Q: I am 70 years old, and I am working part time. But throughout our 40-year marriage, I was a stay-athome mom for much of the time. My husband, who was a lawyer, died four years ago. I get widow’s benefits and not my own. But every year, I get a letter telling me my own retirement benefit went up. But my check never increases. Can you explain this?

A: As I said in the prior answer, I’m sure that on the SSA’s books, you are getting your own small Social Security benefit that is supplemented with higher widow’s benefits. So as you work, your own benefit gradually increases every year. But it will probably never reach the point where it exceeds your widow’s rate, and that’s why nothing changes.

Here’s an example. Let’s say your own Social Security retirement benefit is $800 per month and your widow’s benefit is $3,400 per month. So on the SSA’s books, you are getting your own $800, and you are getting $2,600 in widow’s benefits to take you up to his $3,400 level.

And now let’s say your earnings increase your own retirement benefit to $830 per month. That means on paper, your widow’s supplement goes down to $2,570 because you are still due a total of $3,400 per month.

Q: My husband and I are both in our late 70s. We were both real estate agents most of our lives. I’m still in the business. Because of poor health, my husband isn’t. My Social Security is $2,990. He gets $2,540. If he dies,

what will I get in widow’s benefits?

A: I’m sorry, but you won’t get anything -- other than the small one-time death benefit of $255. When you are potentially due two benefits, you only get the one that pays the higher rate, unless you are due your own benefit, in which case you get that one supplemented up to the higher benefit. Your own benefit is more than your potential widow’s benefit. So that’s all you’ll get.

On the other hand, if you should die first, he would get $450 in widower’s benefits to take his $2,540 retirement rate up to your $2,990 level.

Q: My husband and I both took our Social Security at 62. We are now in our 80s. My husband’s benefit is much higher than mine. If he dies first, will I start getting what he was getting at the time of death?

A: In your situation, you’ll actually get a little bit more. Because your husband took benefits at 62, that means he is getting a reduced retirement benefit that equals 75% of his full retirement age rate. But there is a law that says a woman of your age is guaranteed a widow’s rate of 82% of her husband’s full rate. So you’ll get that extra 7% added to your widow’s benefits after he dies.

Q: I am about to turn 62. I’m thinking of retiring. My husband died 10 years ago, and I never remarried. I called Social Security, and they said I must now choose between his benefit or my own, and that once I make that choice, I’m locked out of the other benefit. But your book says something about a “widow’s option.”

A: What you were told by the Social Security rep is absolutely wrong. Let me make this very clear: Widows and widowers have the option of taking reduced benefits on one record and later switching to higher benefits on another record.

This would actually seem to contradict a rule I’ve mentioned many times in this column, the “deemed filing rule.” That rule says that when you are filing for one Social Security benefit, you are automatically filing for any and all other benefits you are due. It almost always comes into play for spousal benefits where the other spouse is still living. In other words, if your husband were still alive, you could not file for spousal benefits on his record at age 62 and later switch to higher benefits on your own account.

But that rule goes out the window for widows and widowers. You could file for reduced retirement benefits now and then at full retirement age, switch to full widow’s benefits. Or, depending on the amounts involved, it might be to your advantage to file for reduced widow’s benefits now and at full retirement age, switch to 100% of your own benefit. Or you could even wait until 70 and at that age, switch to 130% of your retirement benefit.

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.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

The value of Realtor designations when buying, selling

When a homeowner or purchaser is seriously contemplating selling or buying, the last thing on their mind is the designations an agent has earned. The main reason is that 99.9% of consumers know very little, if anything, about the meaning and ramifications of the most crucial and critical benefits of Realtor designations. Moreover, there are major components of effort, discipline, and sacrifice of a Broker’s valuable time in earning those higher prestigious designations. Lastly, consumers may not truly know, realize, or understand the amount of dedication and perseverance required to take those courses to stay current with the ever-changing real estate field. We constantly and consistently need to achieve and gain the advanced, priceless, and invaluable education necessary for those looking to hire a true top-producing Realtor.

I think there are times when those in the top 10% are taken for granted for their passion in their business. We must be disciplined daily, make concerted efforts, and be constantly active and responsible to our clientele. This is an absolute requirement without any option. It is demanded of us in the upper echelon of Realtors to provide “top-notch service, before, during, and after the sale” to stay at peak performance in our profession and career.

For example, there are approximately 7.2 million individuals in real estate globally. However, only a few million can designate and call themselves Realtors who belong to an organized association like an MLS. Of those approximately 7.2 million in real estate, only 4,190 have a Certified International Property Specialist designation (CIPS), of which I am included

Continued from page 2

No. 3: Organize your refrigerator and freezer by “first in, first out” dates. Put the oldest foods in front where you’re more likely to grab them and the newer ones toward the back.

No. 4: Keep a running list of what’s in your freezer either on your computer or on a dry-erase board. Date and label each package so you know what’s in each package.

No. 5: You can freeze hard cheeses such as Parmesan, and you can freeze yogurt, milk and even whipped cream into ice cube trays to pop into a smoothie or hot cocoa. Bread can be frozen as well; just

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

and was established in 1953. We can provide all clients with expert guidance in consulting and transacting business within the U.S. and its 50 states, dealing with all the varied cultures and customs, and internationally. We have been recognized as a Realtor who has taken, trained, and passed the necessary six courses, each a full 8-hour day, including contract law, project management, ethical sourcing, and supplier relationship management. This prestigious accomplishment has elevated those with the designation to higher and superior stature in advanced education, adding to our expansive knowledge beyond 99.9% of all agents worldwide. One earns 100 continuing education credits. One must pass the final exam with at least a grade of 80. There is another designation that I attained back in 2004 called The Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI), which I believe is what I call my master’s degree in Real Estate. There are 15 required courses, of which one has a choice of 5 elective courses, each a full day of comprehensive and advanced curriculums. This puts us in a very esteemed and exclusive group. This education provides advanced training in business skills, risk management, ethics, professional practice, real estate technology, marketing, and negotiations. Also included are proper ways of dealing with clients openly and transparently, disclosing all the required information, all the proper and required forms, learning to be a superior and advanced listener, learn-

ing the proper questions to ask sellers, investors, purchasers, renters, and leasees of residential and commercial properties, inspections, construction, and many other pertinent details that are needed to be a truly professional Realtor. When you pass the final exam with at least a 75, you will achieve this designation and receive 60 continuing education credits.

There is one more designation that I hold dear to my heart, especially having to deal with the severe climate change that is occurring all around the globe, especially here in the U.S. with the insane and destructive, costly wildfires that have devasted California and that are still present and occurring. It is the National Association of Realtors “Green” designation. It is a 2-day curriculum of 8 hours each day with 16 continuing education credits. The curriculum included sustainable building practices, marketing, and rating systems such as LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, which my son has attained and earned that specific designation as a Lead Certified Project Manager in NYC for Google.) IFGIVCT (ifgict.org) and Energy Star are other parts of the Green course structure that one must engage in. One needs to pass the final exam with at least an 80.

So when hiring a Broker, Associate Broker, or salesperson, it would be prudent to ascertain their level of education and earned designations in the real estate sector. This will determine if they have the necessary credentials, knowledge, and expertise via their edu-

NUTRITION NEWS

Waste Not

thaw it in the same package you froze it in.

No. 6: Store your herbs, celery and asparagus cut-end down in a glass of water in the refrigerator to keep them crisp and last longer.

No. 7: Before your citrus goes bad, juice it, then add it to a marinade or salad dressing or freeze it.

No. 8: Homemade vegetable soup is a great way to use up those extra bits and pieces of vegetables in the crisper: broccoli (stems too), cauliflower (leaves too) and corn, wilted kale and spinach, leftover winter squash, wrinkly carrots, potatoes -- all can be added.

No. 9: If you prefer roasting your veggies, cut them in equal parts, drizzle with

olive oil and balsamic vinegar and your favorite spices, and place on a parchment-covered cookie sheet in a 450 F oven for 20 minutes. Roasting brings out the flavors.

No. 10: Plan your menus before you go to the grocery store. That way you’ll buy what you need rather than making impulse purchases.

Q and A

Q: Is it a good idea to use a salt substitute instead of salt?

A: Compared with regular salt intake, using a salt substitute was associated with better outcomes for stroke prevention and quality-adjusted life years gained, according to a new data from the Salt Substitute

cation to promote and market your most valuable asset, your home, townhouse, condo, or coop, that the typical homeowner has locally and throughout the U.S.

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

and Stroke Study. The study, published in the journal Circulation, looked at more than 20,000 adults living in rural China who had had a prior stroke. The rate of stroke was 14% lower with use of a salt substitute in the cohort of adults who had a prior stroke or uncontrolled high blood pressure. That’s pretty convincing. At least some of the time, it might be wise to switch to a salt substitute.

Clearing Up the Confusion Around Date Labels on Packaged Foods

BY MARY HUNT

No doubt, you’ve noticed that some food products come with dates and codes printed on them. And who isn’t noticing this more now as food costs are skyrocketing?

Do those codes and dates mean the item must be consumed by that date or just sold by that date?

What about canned or packaged goods that show only a date like “2.01.25”? Does that mean you could end up in the emergency room if you consume it a month later in March?

And then there are other food products that don’t seem to have any date at all -- at least we sure can’t find any reference to one. Confusing, isn’t it?

While most food processors date and code their products and decide what their codes mean, it is the Food and Drug Administration that mandates dating, which is surprisingly limited.

Under federal law, only infant formula and baby food are required to have product dating. Everything else is voluntary on the part of food manufacturers and processors.

Meat, poultry and egg products fall under the Food Safety and Inspection Service, and dates may be voluntarily created as long as they are truthful and not misleading.

Phrases like “Best Before,” “Better if Used Before” or “Best if Used By” tell you how long the product will retain its best flavor and highest quality. You will find these phrases on products such as baked goods, cereals, snacks and some canned

BY JEFF RUGG

For the past two weeks, I have been writing about the All-America Selections winners. The AAS program trials the plants at test gardens all over the country, and judges rate the plants all during the growing season. The Green Thumb Awards program winners have been announced, so let us talk about them today. Winners of the 2025 Green ThumbAwards were chosen by two groups. There are People’s Choice Awards voted on by the public and Professional Choice Awards voted on by horticulture experts at the National Garden Bureau. I am a member of the NGB, but I did not vote this year. There are six categories and one winner in each.

The winning products were selected based on their uniqueness, technological innovation, ability to solve a gardening problem or provide a gardening opportunity, and potential appeal to gardeners. The awards are sponsored by the National Garden Bureau, a nonprofit organization that exists to educate and inspire

foods. The food is still safe to eat after this date but may have changed somewhat in taste or texture.

Perplexed? Unsure? Open it! Give it the smell test and a good visual test. I can attest to the fact that a can of nonfat evaporated milk that is three years past its

“Best By” date will not smell sour. But it may be golden in color (think school bus) and curiously separated, leaving liquid on top and chunky solids beneath. Get the picture? “Expiration,” “Use By” or “Use Before” are phrases that appear on yogurt, eggs and other foods that require refrigeration. Other dating terms are guidelines, but these usually mean what they say. If you haven’t used the product by this date, toss it out.

“Guaranteed fresh.” This date is often used for perishable baked goods. Beyond this date, freshness is no longer guaranteed, although the product may still be edible and easily refreshed with a few minutes in a hot oven.

Some products bear a “pack date,” in-

home gardeners.

dicating when it was packaged, although this date is often encrypted so that only manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers can read it.

The “Sell By” date is usually found on highly perishable foods such as meat, milk and bread. This date guides store clerks who handle the rotation of shelf stock so they know which item to sell first. This date is determined to allow time for the product to be stored and used at home. The product is still safe and wholesome past this date if handled properly until spoilage is evident -- when it looks more like a science fair project than tonight’s dinner.

For example, milk will usually be good for at least a week beyond its “Sell By” date if properly refrigerated. Meat that has reached its “Sell By” date should be either consumed or frozen within 24 hours.

The pack date on some products, such as eggs, is shown by a 3-digit Julian date (001 through 365) found on the short side

of the carton. Jan. 1 is number 001, and Dec. 31 is number 365, ignoring leap year. Eggs are safe to be consumed four to five weeks beyond that date, as long as

A GREENER VIEW

Green Thumb Awards

Let’s start with the houseplant category since the same plant was picked by both sets of judges. Prismacolor Orange you Gorgeous is a Proven Winner brand climbing philodendron that has leaves with citrus-inspired colors. The 10-inchlong triangular leaves emerge a mottled bright orange color then slowly fade to a marbled gold and green. Leaf petioles, midribs and margins remain orange. I grow the Prismacolor Sun Red, and it is incredible. The leaves of these philodendrons start one color and fade into green after a few weeks. When the plant is actively growing, there are several colors of leaves on the plants. They are easy to grow in normal indoor conditions; just be careful to not give them too much light, which can burn the new leaves.

In the annuals category, the public chose Calibrachoa Abstract Lemon Cherry. As the name suggests, the flowers are splashed in both red and yellow. Calibrachoas are short-lived evergreen perennials related to petunias native to dry areas in South America. They make great

they are kept refrigerated.

The point in all of this is that the fresher your food, the better it is. And for the most part, processors want to assure customers that their products will remain at peak quality for certain periods of time because they want to keep your business -- and having a good reputation for freshness goes a long way toward making that happen.

Here’s the bottom line: Use your common sense. Practice diligence when purchasing, storing and using up food. And never stop looking for reasonable ways to make food last longer and stretch further.

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.”

plants in containers and hanging baskets.

The professionals chose Cosmos Sea Shells Red in the annuals category. Each tubular petal surrounding the daisy-shaped flower head is light pink on the outside and dark pink on the inside. They make a great cut flower.

The public chose the Butterfly Bush Little Rockstars Red as their perennial winner. The flowers last all season. The plants are hardy in zones 5-9. The pros picked Hellebore JWLS Endless because the white flowers are held above the leaves and are pointed upward instead of the typical hellebore flower growing under the leaves. It blooms before just about any other plant in the garden, and it is also hardy in zones 5-9.

The public chose Broccoli Purple Magic F1, which is the first purple broccoli in the world, as their vegetable winner. In addition to the normal healthiness of broccoli, it is also high in anthocyanin. The pros chose the Basil Everleaf Lemon. It gets its name from the bright lemon flavor and the fact that it takes up to two months longer to bloom than regular basil.

You can’t go wrong choosing a hydrangea in the shrub category. The public liked the Hydrangea FlowerFull Smooth because it has two to three times more flowers that are borne on sturdy stems that don’t flop over. The pros picked the only seedless, sterile, noninvasive burning bush (Euonymus alatus) on the market. This is a game-changing plant as it allows people to have the red fall color without the plant becoming invasive. Both sets of judges chose the same item in the gardening tool category. Crescent Too Circular Positive planters are made with UBQ(tm), a climate-positive material upcycled from landfill waste. With TruDrop Flex Self-Watering Containers and Emma Planters, these products promote a circular economy, promoting sustainable consumption while minimizing waste. To find out more about these winners, go to the National Garden Bureau website at ngb.org and click on the New Plants tab. Email questions to Jeff Rugg at info@ greenerview.com.

DISTRIBUTED BY CREATORS.COM

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of February 2-8, 2025

I hope you got a chance to see the moon nuzzled up to Venus on Feb. 1, and perhaps even checked out the pair through binoculars. Now, with the moon gone from the scene, it’s a great opportunity to check out Venus with a small telescope.

My first view of Venus through a scope came some 60 years ago. I was just a young teen and had received a telescope for Christmas. I was so excited I could barely sleep, so one morning before dawn I stumbled out of bed and took it out to the backyard. There in the eastern sky shone a brilliant “star” I had never seen before.

Upon aiming the scope toward this celestial beacon and focusing the optics, I was stunned. In my eyepiece appeared a white glowing orb shaped like a crescent. I recall rubbing my eyes and searching the sky while saying to myself, “What’s going on? I don’t see the moon anywhere! What am I looking at?”

It took a few weeks before I realized I had been viewing the planet Venus!

I now wonder if Galileo had the same reaction when seeing Venus for the first time with his telescope. He was the first to note that this planet displayed phases

The Changing Face of Venus

like the moon. He also realized that this meant Venus must orbit the sun -- not the Earth, as Aristotle and the Catholic Church at the time insisted.

It was quite a revolutionary discovery by Galileo and, on a smaller, more personal level, by me. It’s a sight I’ll never forget, and I still love to aim a telescope toward this beautiful planet.

Right now is a great time to do so. Venus is rounding the sun in our direction. Over the next month or so, as sunlight falls more onto its back side than the front, the planet will show a thinner and thinner crescent.

Not only that, but Venus will also appear to grow as it approaches the Earth. Check out the attached illustration, and you’ll see what I mean.

On Feb. 2, Venus will lie some 47.2 million miles from us and will show a thick crescent. By the 23rd the crescent will have thinned noticeably, and the planet will be only about 34.3 million miles away.

After this, the planet will drop lower in the dusk sky and will become quite difficult to see against the glow of dusk. But if you could see it during March, it will lie well under 30 million miles away, with a crescent that appears razor thin.

Over the next couple of weeks, it will pass nearly in front of the sun and

emerge on the other side. This means that instead of setting after the sun, it will set before it -- and will also rise before it in the morning.

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

There are a lot of things my husband does well. Shopping, however, is not his forte. This I learned after I sent him to the drugstore to get me some Anbesol for my canker sore, and he came home with Anusol, a product for hemorrhoids.

“It was an honest mistake,” he admitted.

“Yes, I can see how you might have been confused,” I said. “One product goes in your mouth, the other goes on your ...”

“I get the point,” he interrupted. In his defense, I have to admit I spend a lot more time in the drugstore and grocery store than he does, and therefore I’m much more familiar with the names and uses of all the products out there than he is. And, in all fairness, there are things that he knows that I am clueless about. Whereas he is fluent in hardware-ese, I can’t tell the difference between a wrench and a pair of pliers. I know if I were set loose in Home Depot

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com.

By late March and early April, you should begin to see its brilliant glow in the dawn sky. If you’d like to have a look at that time, you’ll enjoy the same marvelous view I got some six decades ago.

LOST IN SUBURBIA

Shopping With the Supermarket King

with instructions to buy some caulk, I’d probably wander aimlessly for hours until I was found curled up in the fetal position, mumbling to myself in the drywall aisle.

Of course, I think it’s great that he even offers to go out and get some of these things when we need them. But much as I appreciate the help, when he offers, I have to pause, wondering what will actually be in the bag when he returns from the shopping trip.

“Give me a very detailed list,” he said one night, “and I’ll get exactly what you want.”

“I don’t make lists,” I explained. “I just know what we need, and I get it. It’s the same every week.”

“If you want me to get the right stuff, write it down.”

So I did. I wrote down everything I could think of in what brand and what size and what color, and it took so long that I realized I could probably have gone to the supermarket and back twice in the time it took me to make a husband-proof shopping list.

Still, I reminded myself that I appreciate the help, and with fingers and toes crossed, I sent him off on his shopping adventure.

“Enjoy your free time,” he told me on his way out. “Go take a bubble bath.”

A half-hour went by. Then an hour. There were five things on the list.

Then the phone rang. I got out of the tub.

“OK, I think I have everything,” he said. “One question. I found the detergent, but there are, like, seven different kinds,” he said a little less confidently. “Do you want regular, Fresh Air, Free and Clear, Rainshower, Linen or Morning Bloom?”

“It doesn’t matter,” I said. “Fresh Air, I guess.”

“OK,” he said before hanging up.

I got back in the tub. The phone rang. I got out of the tub.

“You said you want the 64-ounce size, but if you get two 32-ounce sizes, the second one is half off.”

“That’s fine,” I said OK,” he said before hanging up.

I got back in the tub. The phone rang. I got out of the tub.

“I have another question,” he said. “Aaauuugghhhhh,” I yelled as I dripped bubbles on the floor. “I don’t care! Just get whatever you want.”

Half an hour later, he walked in the door.

“I got everything you wrote down and some things that weren’t on the list,” he said with a sly smile. I groaned, thinking about the 10 boxes of Mallomars that were probably in the bag.

From behind his back, he handed me some fashion magazines and a bouquet of flowers.

I gave him a hug and smiled sheepishly. “So ... do you need anything at the hardware store tomorrow?”

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.

Now is a great time to view Venus as it rounds the sun in Earth’s direction.

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

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Last Hope Part of the Chewy.com Rescue Program

If you haven’t tried Chewy.com yet for your pet food and supply purchases, this is a great time to check them out. Last Hope is now part of their rescue program. For each new customer that makes a purchase, Last Hope will receive a $20 donation. Click on the ad below or go directly to the Last Hope page at https://www.chewy. com/rp/5941

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!

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Confront the common cold with this beloved seasonal staple

Chicken Barley Soup with Vegetables

Everyone knows there’s no cure for the common cold. Though colds can strike at any time, cold season tends to occur when the weather cools down and people spend more time indoors. Inside viruses can circulate and spread more easily, thus leading to elevated rates of infection.

Though there might be no cure for the common cold, that does not mean people are helpless against it. Many people have their own remedies to help them manage and potentially shorten the duration of a cold, and chicken soup features prominently in those antidotes. Whether cold season is kicking into high gear or people are confronting the common cold at other times of year, they can incorporate this recipe for “Chicken Barley Soup with Vegetables courtesy of Lines+Angles into their cold remedy routines.

Makes 6 servings

8 cups chicken stock

4 cups water

1 teaspoon marjoram

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

1 medium onion, sliced

1 cup carrots, sliced

2 cups cooked chicken breasts, diced

1 russet potato, peeled and cubed

1 cup broccoli, chopped

1⁄2 cup barley

Salt, to taste

Pepper, to taste

1) In a large pot, combine chicken stock, water, marjoram, rosemary, and parsley. Simmer for 15 minutes.

2) Add onion, carrots, cooked

chicken, potato, broccoli, and barley. Add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer over low heat for 35 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve.

Challah bake Catholic Daughters plan Bingo fundraiser

On January 9, New York State Senator Steve Rhoads joined Rabbi Dr. Joel Levenson, Town of Oyster Bay Receiver of Taxes Jeff Pravato, and nearly 300 residents to bake challah at the Midway Jewish Center. The Challah Bake was for an Evening of Unity in memory of Plainview’s own Omer Neutra. The community came together to commemorate the memory of Omer and to once again call for the release of all hostages and pray for peace. The evening supported the campaign to dedicate a Torah in Omer’s memory.

The Catholic Daughters will be hosting a Bingo fundraiser on Sunday, February 2, at the Senior Center, 103 Grumman Road West, Bethpage.

Doors open at 1:30 p.m.

Reservations in advance: $12. Walk-ins welcome: $15 (make checks payable to CDA #869)

For reservations, please call Margaret at (516) 633-2900

Snacks, water, coffee/tea and dessert included! The venue is handicap accessible and there is plenty of parking.

All money raised is donated to local charities!

Bus trip to Wind Creek Casino

The Joseph Barry Columbiettes will be hosting a bus trip to Wind Creek Casino in Bethlehem, PA on Tuesday, January 28.

Cost: $55 per person, which includes the driver’s tip.

Give back: $35 slot play.

Please arrive at 8:30 a.m. The return will

be at approx. 8:30 p.m.

Parking is at 999 So. Oyster Bay Road (dead end).

For reservations, please call Barbara at (516) 935-5576

Please make checks payable to Joseph Barry Columbiettes.

Winterfest 2025 planned for Feb. 8

The Levittown Community Council will be holding its annual WinterFest on Saturday, February 8, at the Island Trees Public Library between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The event will feature free admission, crafts, entertainment, and eye screening.

It will also feature the Nassau Lionel Operating Engineers, balloon magic by MsMatch the Clown, and music by DJ Tim Aldridge. For more information please email levittowncouncil@yahoo.com

Free musical performances at local libraries

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that its Distinguished Artists Concert Series will continue through May 2025 with free performances at local libraries throughout the Town.

“The Distinguished Artists Concert Series provides free musical and dance programs for the enjoyment of our residents,” said Town Councilman Lou Imbroto. “I encourage residents to take advantage of these wonderful performances offered by the Town for free at local libraries.”

Scheduled performances for February and March include:

• Dean Karahalis & The NY Brass Quintet on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at the PlainviewOld Bethpage Public Library. Open to all. Free tickets required. Tickets available at the library beginning January 20. For more information call the library at (516) 938-0077 ext. 489.

• The Gypsy Felons on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Jericho Public Library – Playing hit songs from the ‘60s and ‘70s and telling interesting stories behind the music. Open to all. Free tickets required. Tickets available at the library beginning January 15. For more information call the library at (516) 935-6790.

• Alexander Wu & His Trio on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Massapequa Public Library – Three Centuries of the African Diaspora highlights the vast contributions to music by both Africans and the descendants of enslaved Africans from around the world.

• The Brooklyn Bards on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Massapequa Public Library –Experience the deep lyrics and rich

Lee Road students look ahead to a new year

melodies of traditional Irish music.

• The Paul Joseph Trio on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Jericho Public Library – This jazz trio presents classic favorites, as you have never heard them before! Open to all. Free tickets required. Tickets available at the library beginning February 9th. For more information call the library at (516) 935-6790.

• The Traditions on Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the Farmingdale Public Library – Vocal harmony at its best! Performing “Teardrops,” “In the Still of the Night,” “Daddy’s Home,” and many more!

• Phil Costa & The Something Special Big Band on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at the PlainviewOld Bethpage Public Library – One of the finest nostalgia/jazz swing bands in the New York Tri-State area. Open to all. Free tickets required. Tickets available at the library beginning March 10. For more information call the library at (516) 938-0077 ext. 489.

• Breakdown on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Hicksville Public Library – One of the finest tributes to the music of Tom Petty.

• Echoes of Sinatra on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Hicksville Public Library – Keeping the “Sinatra” memory alive!

The Distinguished Artists Concert Series is sponsored by the Cultural and Performing Arts (CAPA) Division of the Town of Oyster Bay’s Department of Community & Youth Services. For the full concert schedule and further information, please call (516) 797-7900 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com/ CAPA.

See what's happening at your library!

From classes to lectures and concerts to movie screenings, there's never a dull day at your local library! Check this paper each week for fun and informative all-ages activities, all for free or cheap!

Fifth graders at Lee Road Elementary School looked ahead to the future as they created vision boards on Jan. 16.

Students at Lee Road Elementary School in the Levittown School District expressed their creativity while setting goals for the future as they looked ahead toward the new year.

Fifth graders in Mrs. Ottomano and Ms. Boccia’s class learned about New Year’s resolutions. After the class reflected on their accomplishments of the previous year, each student created a 2025 vision board filled with educational and personal goals to achieve, such as learning a new dance or reading more books. Additionally, fifth graders in Mrs. Quinn’s class created vision boards featuring photos that represent

their goals along with a writing assignment that included an explanation of why their dreams are significant. They detailed how they plan to achieve their goals while ensuring their writing is engaging and reflective of their feelings and motivations.

Students got to share and showcase their creativity while also gaining insights into their personal growth and aspirations for the future. These projects encouraged students to dream big and take actionable steps towards realizing their visions.

Photos courtesy Levittown Public Schools

Mrs. Quinn’s class created vision boards that showed a wide range of personal goals.

Fine dining experience ushers holiday season at East Broadway

East Broadway Elementary School students in the Levittown School District arrived to school dressed in their finest attire on Dec. 19 to gather for a festive fine dining experience.

It was a celebratory occasion as each grade gathered in the multipurpose room for the event, which was accom-

panied by live music from the East Broadway band, orchestra and chorus. Each table was covered in paper table dressing for students to decorate with crayons and markers. The annual event is the perfect way to boost the holiday spirit in time for the season.

Photos courtesy Levittown Public Schools

Town: Taxes payable through Feb. 10

The Town of Oyster Bay reminds residents that the first half of the 2025 General Tax Levy is due on January 1st but can be paid without penalty through February 10.

pocket than you need to.”

Residents who prefer to mail in their payments should send them to the Office of the Receiver of Taxes, 74 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, N.Y. 11771-1539. Please be certain to sign your check, and make it payable to Jeffrey P. Pravato, Receiver of Taxes. Indicate your property’s S.D. Code, Section, Block, Lot and phone number on the check. All mailed payments must have a United States Postal Service postmark dated on or before February 10.

Residents can access 2025 General Tax information at www.oysterbaytown.com, where they may view current tax bills, print out a hard copy, or pay taxes with an ACH check payment

Love to write?

using a checking account for a service fee of $1.75 cents*, or by debit/credit card for a much higher fee* charged by the credit card companies. *Town of Oyster Bay receives no portion of this fee.”

When calling the Tax Office at (516)624-6400, or sending an email to receiveroftaxes@oysterbay-ny.gov, residents are requested to have the School District, Section, Block and Lot numbers of the property in question available. This information is listed on the tax bill and on the property deed.

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

The East Broadway chorus sang holiday songs.

Kindergartners were thrilled to join for the festive occasion.

The East Broadway orchestra was ready to entertain students during the annual fine dining event on Dec. 19.

$50K grant supports St. Edward’s social ministry

Nassau County Legislature

Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker (D - Plainview) on Thursday, Jan. 23 presented a $50,000 grant to the leaders of the Social Ministry at St. Edward the Confessor Church in Syosset in support of their hunger-fighting initiatives and community outreach. The Legislature voted unanimously on Monday, Dec. 13 in favor of releasing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding in support of the 501 (c)3 not-for-profit organization.

“Grassroots efforts, like those powered by the dedicated and compassionate volunteers at St. Edward’s social ministry, are instrumental components of our efforts to combat food insecurity and ensure no Nassau County family goes hungry,” Deputy Minority Leader Drucker said. “It was extremely gratifying to be able to lend my support in this worthy endeavor, and I have every confidence that they will put these ARPA funds to good use. I applaud the St. Edward’s social ministry for their continued philanthropic service to the greater Syosset community.”

“On behalf of the St. Edward Confessor Church’s Parish Social Ministry, we extend our sincere gratitude to Legislator Arnold Drucker for his effort to award us with a generous grant of $50,000,” Donna Zaino, the Parish’s Social Ministry Coordinator, said. “This funding will significantly impact our ability to provide food, basic items of daily living and make a real difference to the people we serve in our community. We deeply appreciate your trust and support in our mission.”

Upcoming events at Jericho Public Library

Saturday, February 1st

2:00pm Meet the Artist Reception Madhumita Sen works with acrylic and mixed media, always pushing the boundaries of her own creativity and experimenting with new techniques and materials. Predominantly her works are very colorful, bold and vibrant. She also focuses on abstract art using different techniques like fluid art and using recycled household materials to create different artwork. She uses paper, canvas, wooden plaques, tiles, and ceramic to express her ideas. Each of her artwork is inspired by her own personal journey, a reflection of experiences and insights that have shaped her life and art.

Sunday, February 2nd

2:00pm The Gypsy Felons Enjoy an afternoon of classic, acoustic singer/ songwriter hits, accompanied by the stories behind them!

Tickets are required. Jericho cardholders may pick up 2 tickets per person beginning January 15th. Non-residents may pick up 2 tickets per person beginning two weeks before the performance. 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.

Tuesday, February 4th

11:00am 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 prac-

tice of Jin Shin Jyutsu to help your body heal and keep you relaxed.

7:30pm Teens: Teen Tank with Young Engineers Pitch your idea and become a young entrepreneur! This Shark Tank inspired program is a thrilling and educational experience that empowers young entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas to a panel of experienced judges, just like the popular TV show.

Wednesday, February 5th

10:00am Paint Workshop with Medhumita Sen Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature as you learn to paint stunning, vibrant flowers on canvas using watercolors.What to Expect:Stepby-step guidance in mastering watercolor techniques.Explore blending, layering, and creating dynamic floral compositions.Perfect for beginners and

seasoned artists alike. All materials are provided. Just bring your creativity! $3.00 per person, non-refundable.

Thursday, February 6th

1:00pm Hybrid: The Passionate Reader: Long Island by Colm Toibin Eilis Lacey is Irish, married to Tony Fiorello, a plumber and one of four Italian American brothers, all of whom live in neighboring houses on a cul-desac in Lindenhurst, Long Island, with their wives and children and Tony’s parents, a huge extended family that lives and works, eats and plays together. It is the spring of 1976 and Eilis, now in her forties with two teenage children, has no one to rely on in this still-new country. Copies of the book are available at the Circulation Desk. Listeners are welcome!

Deputy Minority Leader Drucker with volunteers Janet Healey, Fran Gioia, Allen Clark, Donna Zaino, and Father Michael Maffeo at St. Edward the Confessor Church’s Parish Social Ministry on Thursday, Jan. 23.

Photo coutesty Office of Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker

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

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

Better health starts with a better health system.

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