Jericho-Syosset News Journal (2/10/23)

Town awards grants to businesses

Jericho launches Pre-K program for residents

BY GEORGE HABER

The Jericho School District is offering a free Universal Pre-K program for children four years old on or before December 1, 2023. The program will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. five days a week, Monday through Friday, starting in August 2023.

Dr. Ivy Sherman, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, said that the program, which is cost-free to families living in the Jericho School District, will accommodate 54 students.

Supervisor Saladino joins with Town officials and local business owners to award the first $1 million in grant monies to businesses in the Town of Oyster Bay through the Oyster Bay Forward Program. Shown are Jericho Cider Mill owners Kerry and Ted Ketsoglou, Syosset-Woodbury Chamber of Commerce President Russell Greene, Supervisor Saladino, Councilwoman Vicki Walsh, Town Clerk Rich LaMarca, Councilwoman Michele Johnson and Receiver of Taxes Jeff Pravato.

The Town of Oyster Bay recently awarded the first $1 million dollars of grant monies available to local businesses and not for profits through the Oyster Bay Forward Program. Oyster Bay Forward offers up to $5,000 to small businesses and non-profits finally impacted by the COVID pandemic, with a total of $4.5 million available.

“After a year-plus long pandemic and now facing an economic recession, small businesses need help and

we’re pleased to offer these Federal funds to boost small business owners and not for profits,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “There is still funding available, and we encourage all business owners and non-profits to apply for funding to help them recover losses from the pandemic and keep their operations moving forward in the Town of Oyster Bay.”

The Oyster Bay Forward Grant Program is open to businesses that employ up to 50 full-time equivalent W-2

employees as well as sole proprietors. Additional eligibility criteria:

• Applicant must be the principal (i.e. majority owner);

• Entity must be a for-profit business, or 501c3 or 501c19 non-profit organization, with annual revenue between $35,000 and $5 million;

• At least 60 percent of non-profit expenses must have been programmatic in 2019;

See page 19

“The first step to register for UPK will take place online,” she

said. Parents should visit www.Jerichoschools.org and complete the form under “Announcements.”

Dr. Sherman said that “If we have more than 54 families interested in the program a lottery will be held to determine the 54 students who can participate. Students’ names pulled after the first 54 will be put on a waitlist in the order their number was drawn.”

About a dozen school districts in Nassau County offer free Pre-K programs for residents. The districts include Manhasset, Glen Cove, Westbury, Rockville Centre, Freeport and Hempstead.

Syosset teacher appears as “Jeopardy!” contestant

Syosset High School social studies teacher Daniel Wohl was scheduled to appear as a contestant on “Jeopardy!” on Wednesday, February 8.

Mr. Wohl began applying more than two years ago. When asked on the application why he loves the 30-minute game show, Mr. Wohl wrote, “each episode feels like a tiny microcosm of the world as it should be — a world where intelligence is rewarded, where curiosity is valued, and where knowledge is celebrated.” About 100,000 people apply every year to be on the show, and only 400 are chosen to compete.

“The opportunity to compete on ‘Jeopardy!’ is the fulfillment of a

SHS teacher Daniel Wohl with “Jeopardy!” host Ken Jennings

lifelong personal goal,” Mr. Wohl said. “I believe my appearance also

See page 19

Musical performances at local libraries in February, March

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that the Distinguished Artists Concert Series will continue through May 2023 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 Councilwoman Walsh. “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:

• The Mike & Tammi Duo on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. at the Farmingdale Public Library – Performing their coffee shop style acoustic take of favorite songs throughout the decades.

• The Precisions on Sunday, February 19, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. at the Farmingdale Public Library –Performing “A Taste of Vintage Rock”.

• Art Lillard’s Heavenly Big Band on Sunday, February 26, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Bethpage Public Library – A program of danceable swing, Latin and American standards with a big band sound, including vocalists.

• Penny Lane on Sunday, March 5, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Jericho Public Library – Performing the music of The Beatles. All welcome/free tickets required, tickets available at library on February 1. For more infor -

mation call Jericho Public Library (516) 935-6790.

• The Tribunes on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at the Syosset Public Library – Performing the music from the 50s and 60s. Registration is free and required, visit: syosset. librarycalendar.com/events/month select the date of the concert and register. Registration starts February 19.

• Phil Costa & The Something Special Swing Band on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library – Performing a variety of big band music including arrangements of Count Basie, Doc Severinsen and Maynard Ferguson.

• Glenn Sings Glen on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Locust Valley Library – A tribute to Glen Campbell.

• Metro Music with John Walters on Sunday, March 26, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. at the Farmingdale Public Library – A rich variety of wellknown, delightful songs played in an upbeat style that will have you swinging along!

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) 797-7925 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com/ CAPA.

Bethpage School Board to meet

The Bethpage School Board will hold the following meetings during February:

Agenda Meeting: Tuesday, February 14, at 7:30 p.m. — Administration Building District

Levittown Chamber installs officers

Conference Room

Regular Meeting: Tuesday, February 28, at 7:30 p.m. — Administration Building District Conference Room

Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin (second right) and Town Clerk Kate Murray (right) presented a Citation to Michael Levy, outgoing president of the Levittown Chamber of Commerce, during the 62nd Annual Installation of Officers and Directors. The event took place on January 18, 2023 at Verdi’s in Westbury. Also attending was Nassau County Legislator John Ferretti.

Forum addresses addiction, mental health crises

Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (D - Plainview) joined his colleagues in government at CN Guidance and Counseling’s Hicksville headquarters on Friday, Feb. 3 for a legislative town hall focused on addressing the many facets of Long Island’s ongoing addiction and behavioral health crises.

During the event, CN Guidance discussed the newest element of its agency - Long Island’s first Intensive Crisis Stabilization Center (ICSC), which is co-licensed through the New York State Offices of Mental Health (OMH) and Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). The facility offers 24-7 access to walkin care for people struggling with addiction or experiencing any form of a behavioral health crisis.

“For more than 50 years, CN Guidance and Counseling has been on the cutting edge of assisting loved ones and neighbors who are struggling with addiction - and the launch of their Intensive Crisis Stabilization Center is a vital extension of this important legacy,” Legislator Drucker said. “Thank you to Jeffrey Friedman and the entire CN Guidance and Counseling team for all you do on a daily basis to bring life-saving initiatives to fruition.”

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Nassau County Legislator Siela A. Bynoe, Legislator Drucker; Jaclyn McCarthy - division director at CN Guidance & Counseling; Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton and Jeffrey Friedman, CEO of CN Guidance & Counseling, on Friday, Feb. 3.

Photo courtesy of Office of Legislator Arnold W. Drucker

Bethpage students receive mini-grants to further research projects

Syosset senior named YoungArts finalist

is among roughly 700 high school students nationwide deemed the most accomplished young visual, literary and performing artists.

The YoungArts Finalist award recognizes work that demonstrates exceptional technique; a strong, sophisticated, nuanced, and clear artistic point of view; and a depth of thinking/performance that far exceeds the level of peers at this career stage. Award winners endure a highly competitive application process and if selected, are privileged to join a distinguished community of artists, receiving professional development support throughout their careers.

SHS senior Michael Sabatino performs at the conclusion of the YoungArts Week in Miami, Florida.

Photo courtesy of Syosset Central School District

Four Bethpage High School students received a Mini Research Grant Award from the New York Institute of Technology to enhance their research projects.

Pictured from left: Director of Science K–12 and Data Protection Officer Chris Pollatos, freshmen Matthew Tusa and Aryaan Khalfan, junior Diya Sheth, sophomore Devaanshi Kawatra and science research teacher Nicole Dulaney.

BY GARY SIMEONE

Four Bethpage High School students each received $300 as part of a science research grant from NYIT (New York Institute of Technology,) Mini Research Grant Award.

Nicole Dulaney, a science research teacher at Bethpage, said that the four students have been working diligently on their projects for months and are thrilled to have received the award.

“I am thrilled for my students and their accomplishments,” said Dulaney. “It is amazing to see their hard work pay off, and for the value of their research to be recognized by NYIT. I cannot wait to see their projects develop over the next few months and to see them grow as student researchers.”

The four students include a junior. Diya Sheth, sophomore Devaanshi Kawatra and freshmen Matthew Tusa and Aryaan Khalfan.

Dulaney said that the students are part of a science research class that meets every other day at the high school.

“Diya and Devaanshi have been working on their projects since the middle of last year and Aryaan and Matthew started on theirs earlier this year. All of the students have put a lot of effort and time into projects that will be beneficial to science research.”

Sheth had built a water purity sensor and worked on adding a reverse osmosis filter to further enhance her project.

The sensor, which is capable of testing for dissolved oxygen, turbidity and PH levels, will be helpful and cost-effective way for people around the world to have access to clean drinking water.

Kawatra’s project involves a phenomenon called planarian regeneration, which is the result of different light wavelengths.

The $300 grant award will go a long way in helping her secure the supplies she needs to further enhance her project. Supplies include additional LED lights and a flexible microscope to perform the necessary experiments.

Tusa and Khalfan worked together on a project which will help benefit English written text and American Sign Language.

The two students will use the grant money to create a device consisting of a specialized glove with flex sensors and unique programming to covert sign language into written text.

“The flex sensors are placed on each finger of the glove to measure the specific movements of each finger,” said Dulaney. “All of the information gained from using the glove will be transcribed onto a computer-based program to convert the hand position and movement into English text.”

This is the sixth annual Mini Research Grant Award presented by NYIT. The projects focus on STEM related subjects and the further pursuit of science research.

Syosset High School senior Michael Sabatino has been named a finalist in the 2023 YoungArts Competition for his accomplishments as a vocalist. Michael

As a finalist, Michael was invited to participate in National YoungArts Week in Miami, Florida in early January alongside nearly 200 fellow artists. There, Michael enjoyed an intensive program, collaborating with peers across 10 disciplines and further developing his craft with internationally recognized leaders in his field. At the conclusion of the week, Michael performed in a public concert.

Public skating sessions during winter break

The Town of Oyster Bay has announces that families looking for recreational fun during most school district’s winter recess need look no further than one of the Town’s Ice Skating facilities, which will offer extended hours throughout the week. The week also marks the last week public skating is available at the Town’s outdoor rinks.

“Families and children looking for a great stay-cation can head over to our ice skating rinks, either outdoors at Marjorie Post Park or Syosset-Woodbury Park or indoors at our Town Ice Skating Center, during special extended hours for the full winter recess week,” said Town Councilwoman Michele Johnson. “Our rinks provide the perfect setting for residents to enjoy the winter weather.”

Sunday, February 19

Outdoor Rinks: 1 p.m.–3 p.m.; 4 p.m.–6 p.m.

Indoor Ice Center: 2 p.m.–5 p.m.

Presidents’ Day –

Monday, February 20

Indoor & Outdoor Rinks: 1 p.m.–3 p.m.; 4 p.m.–6 p.m.; 7 p.m.–9 p.m.

Tuesday, February 21

Indoor & Outdoor Rinks: 1 p.m.–3 p.m.;

4 p.m.–6 p.m.; 7 p.m.–9 p.m.

Wednesday, February 22

Indoor & Outdoor Rinks: 1 p.m.–3 p.m.; 4 p.m.–6 p.m.; 7 p.m.–9 p.m.

Thursday, February 23

Indoor & Outdoor Rinks: 1 p.m.–3 p.m.; 4 p.m.–6 p.m.; 7 p.m.–9 p.m.

Friday, February 24

Indoor & Outdoor Rinks: 1 p.m.–3 p.m.; 4 p.m.–6 p.m.; 7 p.m.–9 p.m.

Saturday, February 25

Indoor & Outdoor Rinks: 1 p.m.–3 p.m.; 4 p.m.–6 p.m.; 7 p.m.–9 p.m.

Sunday, February 26

(Last public sessions at outdoor rinks): 1 p.m.–3 p.m.; 4 p.m.–6 p.m. Indoor Ice Center: 2:45 p.m.–5:45 p.m.

“We invite residents of all ages to enjoy the last days of the winter season at our beautiful ice skating rinks,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Bring the family to our fun rinks, lace up your skates and get ready for a great time.”

For more information, including admission, hours of operation, the Youth Ice Hockey Program, figure skating or other skating opportunities, please visit www. oysterbaytown.com/ice.

Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

Upcoming Events at the Jericho Public Library

Saturday, February 11 11:00 a.m.: IN-PERSON: Cooking Demonstration-Heart Health with Andrea Massop-Ramos, MCN - In honor of Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month, we will explore the benefits of keeping your heart in good shape. Andrea will show us how to prepare some heart healthy foods that you will love! Space is limited. Register by February 6.

Sunday, February 12

1:30 p.m.: Valentine’s Storytime (Ages 4–6) - Celebrate with valentine stories, songs, and a craft.

2:00 p.m.: IN-PERSON : That’s Amore! with Vincent & Emily Ricciardi - Join this husband and wife duo when they share some of the most famous love duets and ballads of the 21st century. The focus is on love; with a wide range of music genres from opera, Broadway, jazz and pop. Hear the love duets of Andrea Bocelli & Celine Dion, Mario Lanza & Maria Callas, Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers…and many more! This is a cozy show for Valentine’s Day which and will surely warm the heart.

Tickets are required. Two tickets per person. Non-ticket holders will be seated as space allows.

Monday, February 13

2:00 p.m.: HYBRID : Art LectureThe Art of Siena with Mary MaguireAs we visit this Tuscan hill town you will be transported right back into the Middle Ages. Its main square — the Piaza del Campo — is a UNICEF Wold Heritage Site. And lucky for us, we will arrive on the day that the Palio is taking place. No ladies wearing fascinator hats with mint juleps in hand — this medieval horse race has bareback riders colliding and crashing around the Campo on a cobblestone track. Add to that a spectacular Cathedral that houses the works of Raphael, Michelangelo and Bernini, and you have got a tour that anyone would love.

7:00 p.m: Board of Trustees Meeting -

The public is invited to attend the monthly Jericho Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting.

7:00 p.m: Book Discussion: “The Tortoise and the Hare” by Janet Stevens (Grades 1–2) - Pick up a copy of the book in the Children’s Room prior to the program and please have it read before the program, either by the child or a parent reading to the child. Bring a device to play Kahoot!

Tuesday, February 14

7:00 p.m: Tweens Book

Discussion: “Holes” by Louis Sachar (Grades 5–6)Pick up a copy of the book in the Children’s Room prior to the program and please have it read before the program, either by the child or a parent reading to the child.

Wednesday, February 15

10:30 a.m.: Smarty Pants Storytime (Ages 3 to 5 Years) - Have fun while learning about STEAM stories and activities.

2:00 p.m.: IN-PERSON : Parker Jewish Institute’s Alzheimer’s Caregiver Initiative Willing Hearts Helping Hands presents Enrichment Through the ArtsDuring this program you will learn about the benefits of arts based modalities for the support and enrichment of the lives of those dealing with any form of memory loss or dementia. Creativity engages us in a more integrated mind, body, spirit experience and has many health benefits for those with memory loss concerns as well as our normal aging populations. Come learn ways to incorporate the gift of the arts into the lives of your loved ones or for yourself as part of the normal aging process. All are welcome!

Thursday, February 16

7:00 p.m: Pajama Storytime (Ages 3–Kindergarten) - Children will enjoy 1/2 hour of stories and songs and see a short film. Caregivers must stay in the Children’s Room during this program.

Friday, February 17

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

2:00 p.m.: VIRTUAL : Great Performers with Marc Courtade: Jean Stapleton - What a Character

- Jean Stapleton was a character actress who created the slow-witted, big-hearted Edith Bunker on “All in the Family,” one of the most popular characters in television history. Never an ingenue or a leading lady, she was an accomplished theater actress with a few television credits when she rose to fame as Edith. She started her career in stock and touring companies before featured roles in Broadway musicals like “Damn Yankees,” “Bells Are Ringing and “Funny Girl and dramas like Ionesco’s “Rhinoceros” with Zero Mostel. This talk will pay tribute to the lady and her career, showing a first rate actress that could make us laugh and touch our hearts.

This Week at the Syosset Public Library

Friday, February 10, at 2:00 p.m.

The Wonders of Central Park (HYBRID)

Presenter: Sheila Taub, retired teacher and travel lecturer.

In the early 1850s, wealthy New York merchants and landowners admired the public parks of London and Paris. They argued that New York needed a comparable facility to establish its international reputation. Find out how Central Park was created and recently restored to the beautiful place it is today. Explore the many destinations that comprise the park. No registration for in person or Zoom. For Zoom link, go to syossetlibrary.org.

Thursday, February 16, at 12:00 p.m.

#AskALibrarian (ON TWITTER)

Join librarians from Syosset Library and around the world on Twitter for #AskALibrarian to receive reading suggestions based on your requests. Must have a Twitter account to participate. Read a great book? Need a read-alike? Looking for your next book club choice? Use #AskALibrarian in your tweet.

Thursday, February 16, from 1:45 – 3:30 p.m.

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

Funded through New York State Office for the Aging, Seniors of Syosset is a Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community program (NNORC-SOS). The program will offer social work support, community health nursing, volunteer-based transportation to local medical appointments and

shopping, and other activities and services, including some at the library! Whether you are a senior in need of support, someone who wants to volunteer helping the community, or just someone who wants to learn more, we hope you will drop-in and get involved!

Thursday, February 16, at 2:00 p.m. Triumph over Tragedy (IN PERSON)

Presenters: Howard Ehrlich & Harvey Sackowitz, professors at St. John’s University.

Could Helen Keller, Franklin Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt, Harriet Tubman, Thomas Edison, Jimmy Pearsal, Clint Hill and Mary Lincoln all have anything in common? All of these individuals overcame various adversities, handicaps, and challenges to achieve greatness in their lives. Their incredible stories still inspire us today. This lecture will examine how each of these incredible people triumphed over tragedy. No registration needed.

Thursday, February 16, at 7:30 p.m.

Julie Tieu BYOB and Author Visit (VIRTUAL)

Cozy up with your favorite Valentine’s day beverage “meet” Julie Tieu, author of Circling Back to You, a fun office romance. No registration needed. For Zoom link, go to syossetlibrary.org.

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

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

Bus trip to Wind Creek Casino

The Joseph Barry Columbiettes will be hosting a trip to Wind Creek Bethlehem (formerly Sands) Casino in Bethlehem, PA on Tuesday, March 28.

Cost of the trip is $50 per person, which includes the driver’s tip. Give back is $35 slots play.

Please arrive at 8:30 a.m. Return is approximately 8:30 p.m.

For reservations, please call Barbara at 516-935-5576.

Please make checks payable to Joseph Barry Columbiettes. The first to pay is the first on the bus.

Recent Real Estate Sales in Syosset and Jericho

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

19 Birchwood Park Drive, Jericho

4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath

Sold on 2/6/2023

Sold price: $1,349,000

Type: Single family Schools: Jericho

56 Stuart Drive, Syosset

3 bedrooms, 3 full baths

Sold on: 1/18/2023

Sold price: $1,065,000

37 Merry Lane, Jericho

3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath

Sold on 1/25/2023

Sold price: $1,049,000

Type: Single Family Schools: Jericho

9 Old Oak Court, Syosset

4 bedrooms, 2 full baths Sold on 2/2/2023

Sold price: $830,000

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

Type: Single family Schools: Syosset

Type: Single family Schools: Syosset

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) 6246149

RITA BYRNE, Chairwoman  –  LOIS SCHMITT, Vice Chairwoman   –

LEWIS J. YEVOLI

KATHLEEN MULLIGAN –REBECCA M. ALESIA –ANDREW MONTELEONE – LISA CICCOLELLA

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 16, 2023, at 7:00 P. M., to consider the following appeals:

BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

APPEAL NO. 23-76 JERICHO

JERICHO REALTY GROUP LLC:  (A) Variance to allow existing front open porch with steps to grade having less average front yard setback (Parkside Drive) than permitted by Ordinance.  (B) Variance to allow existing front open porch with steps to grade, rear deck with steps to grade and rear roof over having less side/front yard setback (20th Street) than permitted by Ordinance.  (C) Variance to construct 22.67 ft. by 24.44 ft. detached garage having less side yard setback, rear yard setback, side/front yard setback, exceeding maximum height, rear yard coverage, accessory coverage and building coverage of the principal building than permitted by Ordinance.  (D) Variance to construct 22.67 ft. by 24.44 ft. detached garage, allow existing front open porch with steps to grade and rear deck with steps to grade exceeding maximum building coverage than permitted by Ordinance.

SW/ cor. of Parkside Dr. & 20th St., a/k/a 34 Parkside Drive, Jericho, NY

Bethpage Middle Schoolers present

“Matilda The Musical Jr.”

FEBRUARY 6, 2023

BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK newspaper

Subscribe and save!

issue.

Students at John F. Kennedy Middle School performed “Matilda The Musical Jr.” from Feb. 2–4.

The John F. Kennedy Middle School Masquers Guild in the Bethpage Union Free School District performed Roald Dahl’s “Matilda The Musical Jr.” for community members, family, friends, students and staff from Feb. 2–4. Teacher Zachary Levi served as the director and music teacher

Michelle Kovacs served as vocal director. The production was choreographed by Danielle Levy. Michael Gamman led the stage and audio-visual crew. The show was double cast to showcase the full talent at JFK Middle School. The students told the story of a gifted child named Matilda, played by both

Charlie Majewski and Sophia Naness, who must overcome obstacles caused by her family and school. Through entertaining musical numbers and beautiful set design, the student performers had audiences fully engaged during each performance.

Charlie Majewski played the role of Matilda during John F. Kennedy Middle School’s “Matilda the Musical Jr.” production.

February 10, 2023

Wellness & Travel, the Perfect Synergy

EDITED BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

Wellness travel is among the leading travel trends for 2023, as it has been for several years. But when the very act of breaking away from daily irritants, giving oneself the opportunity to rest, renew, recharge, revitalize, isn’t all travel wellness? The trend refers to the fact that people are traveling with greater intention to improve their physical, mental, emotional, even spiritual well-being.

It could be a visit to a wellness retreat or spa. But it could also be a hiking, biking, rafting, camping trip that gets you out into nature, pure air, with some physical exertion. It can be an itinerary that is spiritually uplifting or intellectually fulfilling, of doing something you love or even finding love. It could be travel that brings family and friends together, forging bonds and lifelong memories that also contribute to wellness, or even making new friends to conquer loneliness or isolation. Travel, at its essential core, is inevitably about life-enhancing, even life-changing experience. What’s new is people intentionally seeking out such experiences – and that the industry, from tour companies to hotels, cruiselines to destinations, from festivals and events to attractions – are tailoring their offerings to cater to the quest for wellness.

Not only does wellness impact how, where and why people travel, but through lifestyle changes, wellness also impacts longevity and financial security – which when you think about it, expands the market for travel with time, money and physical ability.

These themes emerged in the

Wellness is becoming ubiquitous, especially for travelers who seek out immersive nature and cultural experiences. Having just summated the 14,000-foot high Dead Woman’s Pass on Day 2 of Alpaca Expeditions’ four-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, one of our group leads yoga stretches © Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com

Global Wellness Summit’s report, “12 Wellness Trends for 2023” with implications of how travel, hospitality, even urban design, workplace policies (vacations are essential to recharge), government planning are accommodating. Among the key findings:

WELLNESS + TRAVEL: From Global Smorgasbord to Hyper-Indigenous

By Elaine Glusac

Wellness and wellness tourism have long resembled Disney’s “It’s a Small World”: buffets of global experiences typically divorced from place. Yoga, born in India, is ubiquitous worldwide; ayahuasca retreats have departed their Amazonian homelands; you can get a Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage in Dubai.

But with a new critique of well-

ness as a profound cultural appropriator, a rising social justice movement, and greater emphasis on authenticity, travelers are now seeking much deeper cultural experiences and showing interest in going to the source of ancient healing and knowledge to learn how they care for the land and for themselves. Indigenous travel and going to the cultural source for wellness is our travel trend for 2023.

Community-led Indigenous travel offerings are surging from the boreal forests of Canada to the Australian Outback and speak deeply to travelers seeking inclusive, sustainable and regenerative travel experiences. The fast-mounting interest in original cultures includes Indigenous wellness practices, from purification ceremonies to food and nutrition.

Concurrently, culturally-root-

ed wellness experiences are booming globally and inspiring travelers to go to the original wellspring for authenticity. In Japan, traditional ryokans, or hot springs inns, are having an incredible renaissance as nature-based experiences that shift with the seasons. Resorts are exploring new menus of from-the-source wellness, whether traditional Arabic and Islamic medicine in the Middle East or Druidry in England. India, which gave the wellness world yoga, is poised to lure travelers back to the source with an upcoming center for traditional medicine partnered by the World Health Organization.

WELLNESS + SPORTS: New Business Models for Hospitality

By Lisa Starr

Savvy hospitality brands are responding to demands from wellness-focused clients looking beyond the basement gym, in search of pro-athlete-level equipment, fitness classes and wellness programming, whenever and wherever they travel. Some hotel brands are even creating facilities that cater to entire amateur or professional sports teams, expanding the function of the hotel and ensuring professional quality for the rest of us.

Hospitality brands like Kerzner International Holdings, owner of the Atlantis Resort and One&Only Resorts, are responding to the public preoccupation with sports with new concepts like the immersive global lifestyle brand SIRO, a “fitness and recovery hotel.” Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som in Qatar, the Middle East’s first full-immersion wellness resort, offers TAIM (tra-

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GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

Wellness & Travel, the Perfect Synergy

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ditional Arabic and Islamic medicine) treatments and hosted the German World Cup soccer team in 2022.

WELLNESS + WATER: Blue, Hot and Wild

By Jane Kitchen

The pandemic spurred a hunger for in-nature experiences that shows no signs of abating. But when we talk about the nature surge, we usually remain on terra firma. In 2023, people will jump into the world’s wild waters for some “blue wellness”— with an unprecedented global surge in new-look hot springs destinations and wild and cross-country swimming going global.

At the steamy end of the temperature spectrum, hot springs are now poised to be the next big thing in wellness. There are an unprecedented number of new and in-the-pipeline global destinations and new life is being breathed into long-forgotten facilities–from Australia to the US (where about 50 new projects are underway). A whole new social era in hot springs has arrived, where developers are combining live entertainment, watery wellness classes, restaurants and bars with traditional soaking. At Peninsula Hot Springs in Australia, take in live bands from its hot springs amphitheaters and do some hot springs yoga; at Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik, you soak in the midnight sun while sipping prosecco from a swim-up bar; you’ll soon be able to watch a baseball game while soaking in hot springs at Hokkaidos’ ESCON Field. This is social, affordable wellness and it’s pulling in a younger, diverse crowd.

On the cold side of the trend, there is surging interest in wild, cold and cross-country swimming, once the domain of serious athletes. Wild swimming groups like the Bluetits Chill Swimmers offer inclusive group swims that foster connection, and more global resorts are offering guided wild swimming programs—whether the Hotel J in Sweden or New York’s Mohonk Mountain House. Cross-country swim-

ming is starting to take off, epic adventures where hiking and wild swimming are combined. People are even building wild swimming ponds instead of the old concrete swimming pools.

WELLNESS + CITIES: Urban Infrastructure Just Might Save Cities

By Robbie Hammond and Omar Toro-Vacay

The role of the city has been reimagined countless times over the centuries But the pandemic served as a wakeup call for just how unwell our cities are—sparking a new recognition of the inextricable relationship between the health of the cities and the health of city dwellers. There are so many powerful examples. Developed 20 years ago on an abandoned railway line in the heart of Manhattan, the Highline is a pioneering example of this trend—a wellness destination in its own right where people exercise, socialize and take in natural beauty in the heart of the city, which has become one of the most popular tourist sites in the city. The Highline has inspired over 60 such projects across America. The 11th Street Bridge Park in Washington, DC, a new public space project that connects neighborhoods and helps cross racial and economic divides, is an example of the new community-building urban wellness infrastructure.

In Singapore, the government is striving to become an “urban wellness haven,” creating a whole slate of programs and initiatives that showcase the city’s unique natural and wellness resources. In Monterrey, Mexico, a successful collaboration between private and public organizations, DistritoTec, is creating a thriving new community with wellness at its core—a model Mexico plans to replicate.

[Indeed, cities are making a comeback as top destinations for travelers after the pandemic steered people to wide-open spaces. But much of the adaptations that worked so well to keep people well during the pandemic – like advance purchase

timed-ticket admissions to museums and attractions to control capacity - are being kept in place.]

WELLNESS + SENSES: Multisensory Integration

By Ari Peralta

Advances in neuroscience and neuroaesthetics confirm that, when combined, the senses elevate our human experience. Nature is multisensory and it turns out, so are we. The senses have always been present in wellnessspa is touch, wellness music is sound, chromotherapy is color, healthy food is taste and thermal is temperature. Now brands are accessing multiple senses simultaneously to better support wellbeing outcomes, amplify wellness experience and influence behavioral change. Some examples: In Saudi Arabia, the AIUIa Wellness Festival has curated a 360-degree multisensory event allowing visitors to stimulate and elevate all five senses amidst ancient and stunning surroundings; while Six Senses has teamed with mycoocoon to create synesthetic dining experiences, enabling guests to “taste” color and sound, while, in the metaverse, digital sense is becoming a reality, adding scent and touch to sight and sound.

WELLNESS + GATHERING: Wellness Comes for the Loneliness Epidemic

By Beth McGroarty

We know loneliness is skyrocketing, that it kills and that the #1 predictor of health and happiness is relationships. The pandemic has proven to be the breaking point. The biggest wellness trend is the development of new spaces and experiences that bring people together in real life—creatively and with intention where social connection is the burning center of the concept.

Social wellness clubs with different vibes and price-points will surge, where group bonding comes first and the (sometimes dizzying menus of) wellness experiences serve as social icebreakers from pioneer Remedy

EVERYDAY CHEAPSKATE

8 Painless Ways to Save Money and Grow a Cash Stash in 2023

BY MARY HUNT

The past 12 months have been tough on many people, and higher living costs have made it extremely difficult to build savings. So at this point, your best bet is to look ahead to 2023 and develop a plan that allows you to make great progress with your savings, no matter what that means for you.

HOW TO SAVE MONEY

Saving money is a curious term with

two meanings: 1) To spend less, as in, “I buy things on sale to save money,” and 2) To physically place money where it is safe from being spent, as in, “I save money in my secret savings place.”

OK, that’s fine. But here’s the problem. It’s easy to trick ourselves into thinking that 1 and 2 are the same. They are not unless you stop by the bank to deposit the difference between what you would have spent had the stuff not been on sale, right

Place to social bathhouse Othership to

Six Senses Place. With remote work, people need everyday places to be and belong and younger gens, who are ditching booze and bars, seek healthier social spaces.

[Travel is the antidote to loneliness, promoting social interactions. And while solo travel is one of the biggest new trends for 2023, but there are even apps that cater to solo travelers and that match people with travel buddies.]

Wellness + Workplace: Workplace Wellness Finally Starts to Mean Something

by Skyler Hubler and Cecelia Girr

Superficial wellness at work schemes are being replaced with more meaningful solutions. Better balance is being achieved through movements such as extended, company-wide vacations and the “right to disconnect” from emails after hours; employers making in-person time count with memorable offsites and gatherings at wellness resorts and social wellness clubs (meetings held in ice baths are officially a thing). The workplace wellness reform is well underway and it’s set to change everything, from how we connect with coworkers to what we look for in a job.

[Indeed, there is every indication that some variation of remote work will remain making it possible for people to live out their fantasy of nomadic living.]

The Future of Wellness 2023 Trends report just released by the Global Wellness Summit identifies 12 key wellness trends impacting the wellness economy in 2023 and beyond. More information or to purchase the report, www.globalwellnesssummit.com/2023global-wellness-trends

© 2023 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear. com

Crossword Answers

into your savings account or wherever you stash cash. Actually, that IS one clever way to boost your savings this year. Here are eight more:

NO. 1: TAX YOURSELF

This coming year, assess yourself a specific “tax” each time you make an ATM withdrawal. It might be $5 or $10; you decide. Whatever the amount, make sure

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Kicking back and relaxing with family

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

My brothers and sisters and I decided to meet after the long hiatus called the pandemic. Since people were married and lived in different states, getting together wasn’t as easy as it used to be. Still, we wanted to reunite in person, not Zoom or Skype or use whatever gadgets we had on our computers.

That was fine once we all got used to the technology but it didn’t compare to getting together at a restaurant or someone’s home where we could sit back, tell a few stories and enjoy each other’s company. We longed to share a dinner and relax over a long, drawn-out dessert.

In talking with my younger sister, Susan, by phone about finding a location and needing to find a restaurant with good food and the chance for us to hang out for a while, Susan surprised me by saying that she and her husband, Don, had decided that we could make it a weekend getaway at their house. They live in Sayreville, N.J. and I said that would be great! Their home isn’t far from I-95 so our four other brothers and sisters and their spouses plus my three cousins and their spouses could find it, no problem.

Don got the propane grill ready outside so we ate dinner in short order then kicked back over dessert. While chatting, Susan said there “is” life after retirement. As a case in point, she retired a year ago and decided to volun-

teer at a local arboretum. She started writing a book about plants and trees - they had always fascinated her - and she figured why not get up close and personal to get more specific information. Knowing that Susan is happiest surrounded by trees and plants, I gave her the thumbs up when she spoke about the arboretum.

My brother, Peter, has been volunteering as a docent in a museum for 15 years. As someone who really appreciates art and art history, when he speaks his love for the various pieces of artwork comes across. After being trained by the museum staff he is a tour guide for visitors to the museum and one of several people who offers educational programs to the public. Peter enjoys meeting people and inevitably they get chatting about different topics.

My cousin, Bill, retired four years ago and he and his wife, Janine, bought a house in Easton, Pa. With Janine’s retirement three years ago he wanted to build an art studio for her to paint and draw whenever she wants. He spoke with a construction manager and they figured out how to set up a small building, complete with lots of windows and sunlight, that was climate controlled and near the house but separate. The builder laid a colorful slate walkway, the “artist’s bridge,” connecting the main house to the art studio so all Janine had to do was walk about 20 feet, unlock the door and she was in her own creative domain.

Janine said Bill surprised her not only with the art studio but with a large easel plus some paints and brushes. Coming home one day and finding it all completed, Janine said she was pleased that it was all hers. She added that Bill has his man cave and now she has her own space.

My other cousin Leslie brought up her husband Wayne’s recent volunteer activity. It was different! Wayne explained that they’d gotten a black Labrador retriever a few months ago and he was interested in having Dixie become a pet therapy dog meaning she would be registered as an emotional support animal.

“I took her to be evaluated,” Wayne told the others, “and she passed with flying colors. Pet therapy dogs need to have a calm temperament and can’t be distracted by other dogs or things around them. Once I got the paperwork about Dixie’s certification, I contacted our local hospital to see if she could greet patients and visitors.”

They said yes so Wayne asked another volunteer, Jake, to assist with Dixie. “Our first stop was the hospital’s lobby,” Wayne said. “Wearing her ‘pet therapy’ vest so people could see why Dixie was there, within just a few minutes people entering the lobby came right over to us. Bending down to pet Dixie, who was a medium-sized dog, much bigger than a chihuahua but smaller than an Irish wolfhound, people got such a kick out of her. Visitors were there on important

business but I could see the tension melt away from their shoulders when they said hi to Dixie and petted her.

“After a while we went to the patient floors and we got the same responsethe patients took right away to Dixie. They loved seeing her. One woman said that our visit gave her room a homey feeling - it didn’t feel as much like a hospital anymore.

“We moved on to Pediatrics and many of the children wanted to see Dixie up close and pet her. An eight-year-old boy broke out into a huge smile when he saw us entering then he said that he has a black poodle named Roscoe at home. Seeing Dixie reminded him so much of Roscoe.

“I thought Dixie got as much of a kick out of it as the people did so our visit was very productive. We’ve gone back a few times and it’s a highlight of my week. As a new retiree I didn’t want to sit at home too much - I wanted to stay busy.”

Our weekend getaway was filled with lots of stories but Wayne’s story about Dixie was my favorite. It took the cake. Susan wanted to adopt Dixie sight unseen and Janine said she’d make a perfect companion in her art studio and for them in their home. Laughing, Bill reminded them that they already had a dog of their own, a golden retriever named Biscuit, so that wouldn’t happen but of course Wayne, Leslie and Dixie could visit any time.

you become a brutal tax collector AND carry through and put the tax you collected into your safe savings place. No slacking, no IOUs.

NO. 2: IMPOSE A MORATORIUM

Select a specific denomination of currency, like the $1 or $5 bill you will not spend this year, but save instead. Forbid yourself and get very strict. On second thought, why not just go with the $5? Your stash will grow much faster if you refuse to spend any Abe Lincolns in 2023.

NO. 3: HOARD THE COUPON SAVINGS

Here’s one way to do that if you are still working with paper coupons: When you grocery shop, ask the clerk to total your order and then pay for it -- however you do it. Then hand her the coupons and watch your total plummet. Since you’ve already paid, the clerk should hand back the cash equal to your coupon savings. Quickly, stash it in your cash savings so you are not overly tempted to spend it.

As digital coupons become more popular, the end result can be the same, but

you will need to find a way to transfer cash from your digital accounts into your savings.

If available, open a savings account at the bank branch located in the supermarket. It’s easy to stop on your way out to make a savings deposit -- even if it’s super small. Never forget this principle when it comes to money and lots of other things in life: It all adds up.

NO. 4: RACK UP REBATES

They’re coming back in a big way as retailers want to make their products appear cheaper without actually reducing the price. They offer a rebate, knowing that only a tiny percentage of consumers who buy the item will ever carry through.

No matter how small the rebate or complicated the process, promise you will not be among the lazy bunch in 2023. Apply for, follow up and then stash those rebates as they arrive!

HINT: Open your free Rakuten account (more info at EverydayCheapskate. com/rakuten). It is so easy. Then, in the future, as you go to an online site that participates, you’ll get a little reminder to activate your Rakuten for that site with a

single click. Should you make a purchase, you will begin to rack up lots of little amounts. I just got a Rakuten rebate for $4.24. And I love every penny of it because (did I already say this?) it all adds up!

NO. 5: DRINK WATER

Pay yourself a bonus like a dollar or two each time you eat out, and opt for water instead of a pricey beverage. And make that per person at the table. Don’t be a slacker in your obligation to pay up. And remember, no IOUs are allowed.

NO. 6: MAKE A SWITCH

Opt to exercise outdoors for the next 12 months instead of paying a gym fee. Or, determine you’ll ride the subway instead of jumping into a cab. Identify a name brand you will leave on the shelf this year in favor of its store brand equivalent. Then stash what you do not spend.

NO. 7: GIVE IT UP

Pick one thing you will sacrifice this year -- just cut it out. Stash the amount you would have spent on whatever it is -- regular manicures, French fries, gourmet coffee, cigarettes -- into your savings container or account. You could always do your own manicures, swear off junk food

or brew your own coffee for a year. As for that smoking habit, just imagine all the dough for your stash if you give that up.

NO. 8: TRICK YOURSELF

Whenever you write a check (checking accounts with their accompanying checkbooks have not completely disappeared; actually, it’s still an excellent way to manage money), record the amount rounded up to the next dollar. Then deduct that rounded-up amount from the balance. At the end of the month, reconcile your account, then withdraw and stash the “oops!” overage.

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 “Debt-Proof Living.”

COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM

Message to Homemakers: Building Up Your Own Social Security Might Not Be Worth It

BY TOM MARGENAU

I will occasionally get questions, almost always from women who spent much of their adult life as homemakers and are now approaching their senior years, who tell me that they plan to get a job to start building up their own Social Security. My usual message to them is that it’s probably not worth it. I’ve saved up some questions about this topic and will answer them today.

Q: I am 60 years old. My husband is 65 and plans to start his Social Security when he is 67. I worked a few years after I got out of school. But after we got married, I stayed home for the next 35 years raising our kids and maintaining our household. I have 28 Social Security credits and know I need 40 to qualify for benefits. I am planning to get a job to earn the 12 extra credits I need. Is this a good idea?

A: Well, if part of the reason you are thinking of working is to get out of the house and earn a little extra money, then of course you should go for it. But if you are doing so just to build up your own Social Security, then it’s probably not worth it.

Why? Because you’re always going to get more money as a dependent wife (and someday as a dependent widow) on your husband’s Social Security record. I’ll use a little example to explain this in more detail.

Let’s say your husband’s benefit is going to be $3,000 per month. When he files at 67, it sounds like you’ll be 62. If you file for spousal benefits then, you’d get an amount equal to about one third of his rate, or $1,000.

Now let’s say you did work and earn the extra 12 credits you need. Because you’d have the bare minimum of 40 credits, that will translate into a very small Social Security retirement check for you. My guess is you might get $150 per month. So, when you reach age 62, you’d get about 70% of that, or $105. Then you would get $895 in spousal benefits to take you up to the $1,000 wife’s rate you are due.

In other words, you’d end up with the same $1,000 Social Security check each month. Working and paying taxes and acquiring those extra 12 Social Security credits nets you nothing extra, so why do it? (Again, unless you just want to get out of the house and work and make some money on your own.)

Q: I am a 45-year-old stay at home mom. I’m married to a 55-year-old well-paid lawyer, and we are secure financially. My kids are now old enough to be on their own. So, I’m thinking of getting a job because I’d like to have my own Social Security someday. However, our accountant says it’s not worth it because I’ll always get higher Social Security benefits from my husband. What’s your take on this?

A: Part of my message to you is the same as the first answer. (Do you want to get out of the house? Do you want to work

and earn some money on your own? etc.)

However, my Social Security message is a little different in your case. Even if you work for the next 15 years or so, there’s still a pretty good chance you’d end up getting higher spousal benefits on your husband’s account.

However, there are a couple other issues to consider. One of those is your long-range health. If you should happen to become disabled before reaching your senior citizen years, you wouldn’t be due any spousal benefits until you are 62. Or to put that another way, there is no such thing as a Social Security benefit for a disabled wife who is under 62. But if you do take a job, after five years you would be eligible for Social Security disability benefits on your own record if something were to happen to you. With your husband’s big income, that’s maybe not too important. But it is something to think about.

The other issue involves future widow’s benefits. Given the difference in your ages, it’s likely that someday your husband will die before you do. As I said about spousal benefits, even if you worked for the next 15 years, you would never make enough to exceed in retirement benefits what you would be due as a widow on your husband’s account.

But there is a flip side to that argument that might cause you to consider working for Social Security purposes. Widows who have their own Social Security account have an option they sometimes can use. They can take reduced benefits on one record and later switch to higher benefits on another record. For example, if your husband dies when you are 62, and assuming you do work for the next 15 years or so, you could get reduced retirement benefits on your record and then at age 67 switch to 100% widow’s benefits on your husband’s record.

Q: My husband and I have owned and run a small restaurant for the past 25 years. I do all the cooking. He helps out in the front of the place and does all the marketing and bookkeeping. We both just turned 62 and are thinking about retiring. So, we finally started paying attention to the Social Security statements we get annually, and I was surprised to learn that my husband is scheduled to get $2,850 at his full retirement age and I’m scheduled to get nothing because I supposedly don’t have the minimum of 40 credits. I’m so confused because we have been filing a joint tax return for years. How did the government mess this up? And how do we correct this mistake?

A: The government didn’t mess anything up. Your husband (the bookkeeper) did. I have written many past columns about how mom comes out on the short end of the Social Security stick in a momand-pop business. And how that happens is that all the earnings from the business get recorded under the husband’s name and his Social Security number.

For self-employed people, filing a joint

tax return has nothing to do with the assignment of earnings and credits for Social Security purposes. What does that is a tax form called the “Schedule SE.” And I will bet my next pension check that if you go back and look at your tax returns, you will see that your husband’s name and Social Security number is the only one listed on that form. So, he got all the earnings, and you got zilch.

And as pointed out in prior answers, at this stage in your lives, there is no point in trying to do anything about this. You are going to end up getting higher spousal benefits on your husband’s re-

cord than you would ever be able to get on your own account -- even if you were able to file amended tax returns for whatever period of time the IRS might allow you to go back and change the records.

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.

COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers on page 2

Since 2020, the pandemic, causing the shutting down of the majority of businesses and coming to a standstill; causing people and families to exit major cities away from the crowds and Covid 19 to work remotely from the supposedly safer less dangerous environment in suburbia. This was one of the stimuli along with the lowest rates on record that propelled the local and domestic U.S. real estate market to excel to heights never experienced in history. This led to a white-hot sizzling period of time in our real estate market to a much quicker transition in the past year to a more frigid and chilled climate with the doubling of rates. This has occurred more so in the locations where builders and fix and flippers out west have completed and pending construction sitting idle for the last 6+ months. The number one reason is interest rates! I am quite sure as those houses continue to languish on the market, not even being able to rent them, that hedge funds like Black Rock as well as Warren Buffet, (who made a huge bet on real estate in Detroit for pennies on the dollar after the implosion of our market in 2008) or other substantial funded entities; will be waiting on the sidelines for the right time like “lions waiting to pounce on their prey” to consider purchasing in bulk at major discounts. Even those areas which have a high concentration of investors will have a more difficult time renting as business and job losses ramp up in 2023, and negative cash flow will cause them to sell at prices lower than what they had paid.

As I mentioned last week, there are 3 scenarios that have been causing people and families to leave the market (and NYS) or stay put where they are currently residing. Either, you have been priced out of the market due to the doubling of our rates, or are fearful that you will be purchasing at the top of the market or you don’t want to give up your much lower interest rate to buy up in the market with a high-

Luck, time and being smart

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

er rate. However, when moving up it’s usually the best time to sell. (ask me why).

However, when paying in cash for an outright purchase one will be less affected by interest rates and won’t be a deterrent. Negotiations could be more favorable for buyers and this will come into play more and more going forward. Especially at this time of the year, and if and when we are hit with a major snowstorm in February, buyers might just be in the most advantageous position to make their best deal. Moreover, as a seller, and to your advantage, with cash buyers, there won’t be a bank involved that essentially will be more conservative in the lending process to consumers; and their appraisals might be lower than the contract price. This, in turn, will either cause the buyer to come up with a larger down payment or most likely what I am experiencing is a likely renegotiation of the contract price or worst-case scenario, leave the deal.

As a new agent, you were fortunate and your timing and luck were spot-on when you entered the business (or if a buyer, who bought when rates were historically low) in 2020 and 2021 and were able to do what was necessary and required enabling you to earn a living and for a few a lot more. However, today, going forward, this market will define and separate men from boys and women from girls in determining who survives in the business. If you have been watching Million Dollar Listing NY or LA, you will notice the change in both markets as prices and rates have escalated especially on the higher-end properties. Although wealthy people have less of an issue purchasing, especially for cash; they will be a much tougher group when it comes to asking and sale prices.

Sellers, be prepared, as there will be

many more instances when they will go for your jugular, try to cut your heart out, or do their best to try to stress you out when negotiating. If you price your property correctly, and you have “tough skin” you will minimize and possibly eliminate these tough times. As prices moderate and come down, and are still thinking that pricing your place way above what the comparables sales show, then you just might sit on the market waiting much longer for that elusive purchaser unless there are quick adjustments to your price. However, there are always exceptions to the rule. You can make your own determination and take your chances when selling. You can also attract more purchasers by being open-minded about providing financing with a win/win outcome (call for a consult on how to approach this concept).

But do you really think that your timing and luck will be in your favor this time around? Maybe so, but maybe not! Listen, common sense is no longer common and critical thinking is no longer critical; so If you really are a seller then do the right thing and be smart, gain a bit of luck and the timing just may be right and be more educated in pricing your home correctly with a realtor.

This column is read by approximately 119,000+ subscribers within 11 publications. Provide and pass along my columns to your friends, business associates, and acquaintances that might be looking for guidance and hand-holding when selling, investing, purchasing, and even renting, or be more efficient and beneficial by having them subscribe and see offers at:

https://issuu.com/pricing OR https://www.wallitbits.io/island360-offers and choose to either receive the dig-

ital copy (anywhere) or printed version mailed out only within Nassau County.

Continue to Donate to the Ukrainian Crisis and save a life or 2:

https://usaforiom.org/iomsukraine-response/

Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 40 years experience in the Real Estate 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 in 2022 has earned his National Association of Realtors “Green Industry designation for eco-friendly construction. He will provide you with “free” regular updates of sold and new homes in your town via the Multiple Listing Service of Long Island (MLSLI) or go to https://WWW. Li-RealEstate.Com and you can “do it yourself (DYI) and search on your own. For a “FREE” `15 minute consultation, as well as well as a “FREE printout or digital value analysis of what your home might sell for in today’s market without any obligation or “strings” attached. He can also provide a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality, and our Seller’s and Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider when Selling, investing or Purchasing your Home.

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

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of February 12-18, 2023

This week we observe Valentine’s Day, a time for celebrating the universal emotion of love. And few places can we find love more prominently represented than in the starry heavens.

Ask any stargazer about this and most will point you toward Venus, now sparkling in the southwestern sky during dusk. After all, she is named for the ancient Roman goddess of love and beauty, while the ancient Greeks knew her as Aphrodite and the Babylonians as Ishtar. But I’ll bet few modern sky watchers would even think to associate romance with the burly celestial hunter Orion, and yet he’s the “star” of our story today.

Stargazers from the Earth’s Northern Hemisphere can easily find the outline of his body midway up in the southern sky after dark, while those south of the equator can see him standing upsidedown in the north.

Of the several mythological stories we know about Orion, one thing is consistent: he was a real dog. No one enjoyed chasing the ladies more, and he relentlessly pursued the seven sisters of the Pleiades, as well as those of the Hyades -- none of whom wanted anything to do with him.

When Orion eventually won the love of Artemis (goddess of the hunt and the moon), her overly protective twin

A Stellar Romance... Well, Sort Of

brother Apollo sent a scorpion to sting and kill Orion, but the plan failed. So, Apollo instead tricked Artemis into fatally shooting Orion with an arrow.

In honor of Orion’s great hunting skills, Artemis’ father Zeus (Jupiter in Roman mythology) placed him prominently in the heavens, along with his two hunting dogs Canis Major and Canis Minor. And in a cruel act of celestial taunting, he placed the sisters of the Pleiades and Hyades in front of Orion, but forever beyond his reach. And to protect the hunter for all time, Zeus placed the scorpion (Scorpius) on the opposite side of the sky so that the two could never interact again.

This week, stargazers can find some of these characters in the evening sky. Orion is outlined by its familiar hourglass shape: its two northernmost stars mark his shoulders while those on the southern end mark his knees. In the middle appears a line of three equally bright stars forming his belt from which hangs his sword... or so they tell us.

By following his three belt stars westward, you will soon encounter the bright star Aldebaran and the V-shaped Hyades. Continue past this star grouping and you’ll find the delicate shimmering cluster known as the Seven Sisters, aka the Pleiades.

Follow Orion’s belt stars in the opposite direction and you’ll find Sirius, the brightest star in all the heavens, and a diamond in the collar of Canis Major, Orion’s great hunting dog. Canis Minor

appears as a tiny star grouping to its northeast, marked by its only bright star Procyon.

And the scorpion? Well, you won’t find him anywhere. This constellation rises as Orion sets, and sets as Orion rises, just as Zeus had arranged.

This week, if the sky is clear where

Hide and Seek Valentine

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

After 30 years of marriage, you wouldn’t think I would hold out much hope that my husband would remember Valentine’s Day and get me a gift. Still, eternal optimist that I am, I kept my fingers crossed for something small and shiny, or at least medium-sized and chocolaty, or possibly large and flowery.

It’s not unthinkable that he would forget Valentine’s Day since he doesn’t watch much TV or go into the card stores regularly and therefore would miss the barrage of reminders. But I was pretty sure that 30 years of me dropping subtle hints in the weeks before Valentine’s Day would have given him the idea that there was something important he needed to do on Feb. 14. Something that did not involve getting the oil changed in the car or replacing the batteries in

the smoke detector.

“So, big day coming up, huh?” I teased.

“What?” he wondered.

“You know.”

“I do?”

“I think you do,” I replied.

“I don’t think so?” he said.

“So, you didn’t get anything?”

“For what?”

“You know,” I said coyly.

“I don’t,” he responded.

“You will,” I said.

“I’m sure,” he sighed.

He left the room shaking his head.

I was pretty sure he knew what I was talking about and he was just playing dumb so I wouldn’t start searching the house for my gift.

Not that I would do that. At least, not while he was home.

After he left for work, I began my quest. I looked in the obvious places

first. I checked his dresser drawers, his shoes and his toiletry kit. Then I looked in his grill tool case, his desk drawer and his jacket pockets. The only thing I turned up were some receipts, a couple of coins and some lint. Frustrated by his superior hiding skills, I stopped and thought about where I would stash something for my wife if I were a man.

I remembered that he had a bag of gym clothes in the bottom of his closet that he sometimes forgot to empty into the laundry basket. He knew I would sooner go through the garbage then go through his gym bag, which made it the perfect place to hide a gift for me. As I threw open his closet door to retrieve the dirty gym bag, I suddenly became aware of another presence in the room.

“Ahem,” came a voice from the doorway. I looked over and saw my husband standing in the doorway.

I slammed the closet door shut so

you live, bundle up and take your sweetie out for a stroll among the stars... what could possibly be more romantic? Visit Dennis Mammana

hard it cracked right up the middle.

“W-w-what are you doing here?” I stammered.

“I forgot my gym bag. What are you doing?” he wondered.

I shrugged.

“Are you looking for your Valentine gift?” he asked suspiciously.

I beamed. “You got me something?”

“Not yet,” he said.

“But you are going to get me something?” I asked.

“Yes,” he replied.

“What?” I wondered eagerly.

“Apparently, a new closet door.”

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

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Orion is outlined by its familiar hourglass shape: its two northernmost stars mark his shoulders while those on the southern end mark his knees.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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is doing VIRTUAL TAG SALES and ONLINE AUCTIONS now! Sell the contents of an entire house or sell just a few things! You can host your own sale on invitedsales.com and Facebook and Instagram or we can do it for you. We can photograph, advertise and handle the winning pickups for you within a week! Don’t worry about your closing date, we can get your house ready on time! We are a one stop service for all your needs when you are moving or selling a property! Selling, donating, discarding and cleaning out services can be done to meet your time frame with minimal stress. Contact info@invitedsales.com for more information or call 516-279-6378 to schedule a consultation or receive more information. Visit us at www.invitedsales. com for a listing of our upcoming Virtual Tag Sales and Weekly Auctions!

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Valentine’s Day indulgence done devilishly right

Devil’s Food Layer Cake

If asked to describe the favored foods of Valentine’s Day in a single word, “decadent” might prove the most apt descriptor. Foodies and non-foodies alike recognize that Valentine’s Day and chocolate are intertwined, making the day an ideal time to indulge in something decadent.

Yields 1 10-inch cake; 12 to 16 servings

Cake Layers

1 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour

4 1⁄2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 teaspoon baking powder

1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda

1 1⁄4 cups cocoa powder

Tony award winner

1) Preheat the oven to 350° F. Butter and lightly flour the sides of two 9-inch cake pans, knocking out the excess flour. Line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper cut to fit exactly.

2) To make the cake layers, sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt into a bowl and set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium-high speed until light and creamy. Slowly add the sugar and continue to beat on the same speed light in color and fluffy.

3) Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until incorporated before adding the next egg. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with the rubber spatula. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture in 3 equal batches alternately with the buttermilk in 2 batches, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Stop the mixer, scrape down the sides of the bowl and then mix again for another few seconds.

Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake until the top springs back when lightly touched or a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Let the cakes cool completely in the pans on a wire rack.

When the cakes are cool, turn them out by inverting the pans, and then turn the cakes upright. Using a serrated knife, slice off the domed portion from the top of each cake to make the tops flat. If you want to decorate the cake with crumbs as described in the headnote, reserve the slices for making the crumbs.

6) To make the crumbs, preheat the oven to 250 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick liner. Break up the cake slices and spread on the lined baking sheet. Place in the oven and toast until completely dry, about 1 hour. Let cool completely, then transfer to a food processor or blender and process until finely ground. Sift the crumbs through a medium-mesh sieve. (Don’t use a sieve with fine

This Valentine’s Day, couples can share their love for decadent delights by working alongside one another to whip up this recipe for “Devil’s Food Layer Cake” from Elisabeth M. Prueitt and Chad Robertson’s “Tartine” (Chronicle Books).

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

2 3⁄4 cups sugar

5 large eggs

1 1⁄4 cups full-fat buttermilk

mesh or the crumbs won’t pass through.) Set aside.

7) To make the ganache, place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl, using the smaller amount of each ingredient if you will be decorating the cake with crumbs and the larger amount if you will not. Bring the cream to just under a boil in a small saucepan. Pour the cream over the chocolate. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes without stirring until the chocolate is partially melted, and then stir with a rubber spatula until smooth and shiny.

8) To assemble the cake, split each cake into 2 layers to make 4 layers in all. Transfer 1 layer to a serving plate. Using an offset spatula, spread 3 tablespoons of the caramel evenly over the cake layer. Spread a thin layer of ganache (about 1⁄4inch thick) over the caramel. Top with a second cake layer, and again spread with 3 tablespoons caramel and then a thin layer of ganache. Top with the fourth cake layer. Refrigerate the cake until the center seems firm, 1 to 2 hours. Cover the remaining ganache with plastic wrap and leave at room temperature for finishing the cake. Remove the cake from the refrigerator.

9) Using the rest of the ganache, frost the top and sides of the cake with the offset spatula. If you are going to coat the cake with the toasted cake crumbs, the cake must be evenly frosted and the ganache must be soft enough for the crumbs to adhere. If the ganache has hardened, use a kitchen torch to soften it slightly, or put the whole cake into a 400° F oven for 10 seconds or so, just until the chocolate looks shiny. Sprinkle the crumbs evenly over the top of the cake, then tilt and turn the cake so that they spill over the sides, adhering to them as they fall. If you are using only the ganache and not the crumbs, the ganache will be thicker on both the top and sides.

10) Serve the cake at room temperature. To store, cover tightly and keep in a cool place for up to 4 days. It is not necessary to keep this cake in the refrigerator.

Ladies Night Out benefits Boys & Girls Club

The Second Annual Ladies Night Out event will be held on Tuesday, March 14, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., at the Crescent Beach Club, in Bayville, to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Oyster Bay-East Norwich. The Crescent Beach Club is situated on one of Long Island’s most spectacular waterfront venues, providing an

unparalleled experience and setting. The event co-chairs, Marie Bahnik and Michèle Bahnik Mercier, are planning an evening filled with great food, distinctive shopping, wonderful raffle prizes, and fun for all.

For a donation of $150 per person, the event includes a cocktail hour, sit down dinner and dessert, raffles

About

for exciting prizes and shopping boutiques. Unique and one-of-a-kind vendors will display their collections, including jewelry; men’s, women’s and children’s fashion accessories; home décor; specialty foods; and so much more.

The proceeds raised from this event will foster the enhancement

of programs and further expand the services of the Boys & Girls Club of Oyster Bay-East Norwich. For further information, please call Denise Ribeiro, at 516-922-9285, ext. 14, or email development@bgcoben.com.

Professional Services Guide

College Notes

Albany College of Pharmacy and health sciences (ACPHS) announces its Fall 2022 Dean’s List recipients. Those included are full-time students who have successfully completed their coursework with a semester grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 score.

Among those named to the Dean’s List is Shania Jagda of Syosset, who is majoring in public health.

n

Hofstra University congratulates the students named to the Fall 2022 Dean’s List for their outstanding academic achievement. Students must earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 during the semester to make the Dean’s List. Students to be honored from the local area include:

Bethpage

Ysabella Bachmeier, whose major is criminology

Sidh Chhabra, whose major is bioengineering

Nicholas Costanzo, whose major is journalism

Gina DiBenedetto, whose major is English

Madison Forsaith, whose major is biology

Ornov Ganguly, whose major is history

Gregory Ioannides, whose major is exercise physiology

Marissa Parisi, whose major is biology

Samantha Pilarte, whose major is speech-language-hearing sciences

Nicholas Scano, whose major is mechanical engineering

Jessica Witkiewicz, whose major is early childhood & childhood ed

Hicksville

Cesar Adames, whose major is film studies & production

Christina Bonilla, whose major is political science

Stephanie Cheng, whose major is Science, Tech, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

Hafsa Fatima, whose major is psychology

Mariha Karim, whose major is finance

Kamlpreet Kaur, whose major is health science

Jovani Ledesma, whose major is film studies & production

Rachel Lee, whose major is pre-physician assistant studies

Krisley Lian, whose majoris management

Kayla Mathew, whose major is pre-physician assistant studies

Saddaf Menhaji, whose major is political science

Sebastian Rodriguez Quezada, whose major is community health

Kevin Sandoval, whose major is drama

Saher Saquib, whose major is crim-

inology

Tiara Sietas, whose major is pre-physician assistant studies

Amardeep Singh, whose major is mechanical engineering

Pushpdeep Singh, whose major is finance

James Trusheim, whose major is marketing

Jasmin Varela, whose major is computer science

Jade Vila, whose major is music education

Edward Rodriguez, whose major is finance

Jericho

Andrew Feigenbaum, whose major is accounting

Spencer Gordon, whose major is film studies & production

Tiffany Heilig, whose major is psychology

Safah Khwaja, whose major is accounting (licensure track)

Yen - Lin Lin, whose major is marketing

Alina Razvi, whose major is criminology

Levittown

Michael Albrecht, whose major is writing for the screen

Joseph Barrella, whose major is marketing

Syed Bukhari, whose major is biochemistry

Ryan Calvin, whose major is mathematics

Vincent Castelli, whose major is music

Natalie Chua, whose major is nursing

Paul Cirone, whose major is marketing

Emily Darvid, whose major is entrepreneurship

Elisa De Castro, whose major is psychology

Vincent Disponzio, whose major is civil engineering

Jaclyn Drew, whose major is speech-language-hearing sciences

Danielle Hegel, whose majoris management

Wareesha Khan, whose major is pre-early childhood & childhood education

Matthew Klass, whose major is electrical engineering

Jenna Lopez, whose major is speech-language-hearing sciences

Sarah Masroor, whose major is political science

Isabella Molina, whose major is pre-medical studies

Juliet Murano, whose major is psychology

Jonathan Nieves, whose major is history

Molly Oberting, whose major is pre-physician assistant studies

Khushi Patel, whose major is pre-physician assistant studies

Charlize Rojas, whose major is foren-

sic science

Roberto Sanchez, whose major is exercise physiology

Kahan Shah, whose major is finance

Laiba Shaikh, whose major is psychology

Liam Stasinski, whose major is accounting

Shayna Trachten, whose major is music

Julia Troy, whose major is biology

Old Bethpage

Jared Bergenstock, whose major is computer science

Ethan Lander, whose major is music

Bridget Urban, whose major is marketing

Jack Warren, whose major is information systems

Ethan Lander, whose major is music

Bridget Urban, whose major is marketing

Jack Warren, whose major is information systems

Syosset

Emily Brown, whose major is public relations

Lianne Emanuel, whose major is exercise science

James Tom, whose major is accounting (licensure track)

Michael Zammit, whose major is English

Plainview

Lauren Carola, whose major is public relations & strategic communications

Kulsum Chandoo, whose major is accounting

Angela Dallaris, whose major is early childhood & childhood ed

Michael Detres, whose major is filmmaking

Angad Dev, whose major is biology

Mia Ehrlich, whose major is psychology

Leah Fradkin, whose major is public relations

Harkiret Hundal, whose major is computer engineering

Grace Kim, whose major is nursing

Samantha Kwon, whose major is nursing

Ellisa Lee, whose major is nursing

Antonia Nargentino, whose major is music education

Matthew Rizzo, whose major is music

Joel Thomson, whose major is biology

Marcus Wiesenhart, whose major is computer engineering

Matthew Zimmerman, whose majoris management

Woodbury

Ria Anand, whose major is psychology

Vanessa Chan, whose major is psychology

Esha Sharma, whose major is pre-medical studies

n

The following students have

been named to the Dean’s List at the University of New Hampshire for the fall 2022 semester.

Gabriella Chianese of Levittown, earning Honors

Jacqueline Borruso of Plainview, earning Honors n

Syosset resident Claire Larson has been named to the President’s List at James Madison University for the Fall 2022 semester. Students who earn President’s List honors must carry at least 12 graded credit hours and earn a GPA of 3.900 or above. Larson is majoring in biology - BS. n

Congratulations to the following local students for being named to the Muhlenberg College Dean’s List for the Fall 2022 semester:

Danielle Sautner of Syosset

Emma Van Dorn of Syosset

Katelyn Hughes of Hicksville

Jillian Miu of Jericho

Felicia Wong of Jericho

Muhlenberg College students and Muhlenberg College School of Continuing Studies students with a term GPA of 3.50 or higher were recognized for this academic achievement.

Siena College named students to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2022 semester.

Timothy McCaffery of Plainview

Isabella Muha of Hicksville

To be named to the Dean’s List, a student’s grade point average for the semester must be between 3.5 and 3.89.

The University of Vermont is proud to announce that the following local students have been named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2022 semester.

Jenna Cohen from Plainview is majoring in biochemistry.

Danielle Pollard from Plainview is majoring in exercise science.

Hannah Kilmetis from Levittown is majoring in animal sciences.

Lauren Schwartz from Syosset is majoring in biology

To be named to the Dean’s List, students must have a grade-point average of 3.0 or better and rank in the top 20 percent of their class in their respective college or school.

Siena College names students to the President’s List for the Fall 2022 semester. The President’s List requires a 3.9 grade point average or higher.

Christopher Cai of Jericho

Michael Schneider of Syosset

Jaimie Abraham of Plainview

Katie Bardong of Syosset has been named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2022 semester at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in nursing.

Middle School writers present work at Board meeting

Members of the Wisdom Lane Middle School Writing Academy presented their mission to engage students in creative writing at the Jan. 11 Levittown Public Schools Board of Education meeting.

Run by ELA teacher Kristen Schmidt and librarian Caitlin Stabile, the group meets at Wisdom Lane every Tuesday and Thursday mornings and Wednesday afternoons. The Writing Academy offers a space for students to be creative and to grow as writers.

Writing Academy members shared their personal work and added that the club is an opportunity for students to write from their heart. Peers encourage creative writing and provide inspiration and guidance. The Writing Academy is also a brave place for students to put aside vulnerabilities and share work with their peers.

Photos courtesy of Levittown Public Schools

Town awards grants to businesses

From page 1

• Applicant must be in operation at the time of application and have been in operation prior to January 1, 2021;

• Must have fewer than 50 full-time equivalent W-2 employees;

• Certification and demonstration of economic hardship due to pandemic; and

• Not be in default or arrears on past or current federal and state financing or funding programs.

“Grant monies can be utilized for a variety of purposes, including expenses that helped mitigate hardships caused by the pandemic,” said Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh. “These could include the purchase of inventory and supplies, rent payments, utilities, property taxes, lease or purchase of equipment, as well as operating and emergency maintenance. We encourage all businesses and non-profits to sign up today.”

Applications are processed through

the National Development Council (NDC) – who was retained by the Town to administer the Oyster Bay Forward Grant Program. Additional eligibility criteria, including required documents, as well as applications for eligible business and non-profit organizations are available at TOBForward.com, where interested parties can also view an informative webinar further detailing the application process.

reflects Syosset’s mission of cultivating intellectual potential and inspiring a lifetime of learning.”

In his first year as a Syosset teacher, the senior class voted Mr. Wohl “most likely to win Jeopardy!”

From page 1 Do

advertise?

bring results.

rates and information.

Elizabeth Lipinski shared some of the creative writing put to page in the Wisdom Lane Writing Academy.

Wisdom Lane Middle School student Maira Roeder shared work created in the Writing Academy.

The Wisdom Lane Writing Academy gathered at the Levittown Memorial Education Center to present to the Levittown Board of Education on Jan. 11.

Melville Condo – 3

Plainview 3 BR Split – 6 days (over ask)

Plainview Expanded Split – 6 days (over ask)

Plainview Split – 16 days (over ask)

Syosset Colonial – 17 days (over ask)

Syosset Colonial – 19 days (full price)

Westbury Condo – 10 days (full price)

Woodbury The Gates – 5 days (over ask)

“...Barbara’s marketing strategy for my parents’ home sold it within a week at a price well beyond anyone’s expectations. As I told my sister, ‘Barbara is the BEST.’”

— Patricia J., Seller

“...Everything you did had a lot to do with us going to contract three weeks after putting the house on the market…”

— Joe R., Seller

“...Barbara vigorously marketed the house and we found a buyer sooner than expected. Barbara is a true professional.”

— Edith L., Seller