Jericho-Syosset News Journal (6/30/23)

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2023

“Shootout for Soldiers”

24-hr lacrosse game

The Town of Oyster Bay will host the 8th Annual “Shootout for Soldiers” 24-Hour Lacrosse Benefit Game at the Town of Oyster Bay’s John J. Burns Park, located on Merrick Road in Massapequa. This year’s round-the-clock event begins on the morning of July 13 at 9:00 a.m. and continues nonstop for 24 hours until July 14 at 9:00 a.m. The event benefits veterans and active duty military personnel. The Long Island Air Force Association will conduct a special ceremony on July 13 at 5:00 p.m. to honor hometown Vietnam War veterans and present them with medals that commemorate their service to our nation. There will be a parachute landing on the field conducted by the “All Veterans Group,” which will deliver the offi-

Syosset High School held its 65th annual commencement on June 21st at Hofstra University. More than 560 seniors received diplomas. See page 16

Town to upgrade sports fields

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that upgrades are on the way to the baseball field at Haypath Park in Plainview. Crews will replace the natural surface infield, which will be fully converted to a synthetic turf playing area.

“These important upgrades will enhance the overall play-

ing experience for our little leaguers and others who use these fields, which is why the Town Board and I are making field improvements a top priority,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “These upgrades are being achieved in the most cost-effective way while bringing added enjoy-

ment to all who use them.” Artificial turf fields have a general useful life of up to 10 years, however they are less expensive than the long-term cost of maintaining natural grass and a dirt surface. Turf fields also provide the potential for fewer cancellations of

See page 11

cial ball.

Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino stated, “Shootout for Soldiers is a wonderful game that provides local lacrosse players a chance to enjoy a sport they love in a unique way while also raising charitable funds to support the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Whether you enjoy lacrosse or are just looking for a fun-family event, I invite residents to be a part of the festivities.”

The charitable funds raised at Shootout for Soldiers will benefit the Army Ranger Lead the Way Fund, the Long Island Air Force Association, and the Joseph J. Theinert Memorial Fund.

The event features 24 continuous 1-hour sessions. The score is

See page 11

Free concert, fireworks at TOBAY Beach

The Town of Oyster Bay invites residents to celebrate our nation at “Salute to America,” the Town’s upcoming free Concert and Grucci Fireworks Show scheduled for Tuesday, July 11th, at the special start time of 7:30pm at TOBAY Beach. “Salute to America” will feature a performance by Any Way You Want It Tribute to Journey and will conclude with a spectacular firework show by Grucci. This event honors veterans and mem-

bers of the United States Armed Forces. Concertgoers are urged to bring folding chairs and pack a cooler, as no formal seating exists. Reserved parking and easily accessible restrooms will be available for disabled residents. If inclement weather arises, the rain date for the firework show will be July 12th.

Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino stated, “Salute to Ameri-

See page 11

This Week at the Syosset Public Library

Friday, June 30, at 1:00 p.m.

Cavatelli Pasta Class (IN-PERSON)

Presenter: Judy Boshnack

Each person will make their own batch of pasta dough and then shape their cavatelli using assorted cavarola and gnocchi boards and cavatelli machines. You will go home with the recipe and approximately 1 lb. of beautifully embossed pasta. Registration needed. Fee: $5.00 To register, go to syossetlibrary.org.

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

Debating the Constitution (HYBRID)

Presenter: James Coll, adjunct professor of American and Constitutional history, Nassau Community College and Hofstra University, and retired NYPD detective Following the drafting of the U.S Constitution in 1797, the document was

sent to the states to be contemplated and debated in specially-held conventions. In this lecture, we will discuss the arguments for and against the Constitution’s approval, the process for state ratification and the impact of this period on the future of constitutional history. No registration needed for in-person or Zoom. For Zoom link, go to syossetlibrary.org.

Friday, July 7, at 10:30 a.m.

Shell Lantern Ceramics Class (IN PERSON)

Presenter: Rosemarie Attard, ceramics craft instructor

Enjoy a morning painting a beautiful sculpted ceramic shell lantern that can be used with a tea light. The grooves of the shells allows each person to have a unique design of their own. Do not wear your nicest clothes. Fee: $5. To register go to syossetlibrary.org.

Friday, July 7, at 4:00 p.m.

A Tribute to the Timeless Music of the Great American Songbook (IN PERSON)

Join us for an entertaining afternoon with Vincent Roccaro. Vincent will sing the songs made famous by Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Louis Prima, and others. A tribute to the timeless music of the Great American Songbook. No registration needed.

for fall art classes

Registration for the Town of Oyster Bay’s Fall 2023 Cultural Enrichment Programs will be held online beginning Wednesday, August 2. Both residents and non-residents must register for classes including Watercolor Painting, Oil Painting, Figure Drawing, Drawing Fundamentals, Painting with Acrylics, Chunky Hand Knit Blanket, Decorative Hand Knit Pumpkin, and Coffee & Canvas online at www.oysterbaytown.com/portal.

“Whether you are an emerging artist looking to develop your skills or a resident looking for a new hobby, these classes offer a wonderful opportunity to broaden your horizons,” said Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh. “To streamline registration and increase convenience and accessibility for residents, we’ve opened registration online for this program.”

Classes will begin the week of September 11, 2023, and include:

Watercolor Painting

Mondays from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Syosset-Woodbury

Community Center

Oil Painting

Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Syosset-Woodbury

Community Center

Figure Drawing

Tuesdays from 12:30 – 3:00 p.m.

Syosset-Woodbury

Community Center

Drawing Fundamentals

Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Syosset-Woodbury

Community Center

Painting with Acrylics

Fridays from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Syosset-Woodbury

Community Center

Chunky Hand Knit Blanket

Thursday, September 28, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

North Massapequa

Community Center

Decorative Hand Knit Pumpkin

Wednesday, October 4, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

North Massapequa

Community Center

Coffee & Canvas

Friday, September 29, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Marjorie Post Park

Community Center

Resident registration begins on Wednesday, August 2, at 10 a.m., while Non-Resident registration begins on Wednesday, August 23, at 10 a.m. To register, visit www.oysterbaytown. com/portal, create an account, select the Cultural Enrichment link on the homepage, choose the class(es) you’d like to register for by checking the box, and then select Add to Cart. Please note the fees vary for residents and non-residents. You will next be prompted to select the eligible members on your account; check off all family members that you wish to enroll in the class, and then press continue. Once you’ve proceeded to checkout and submitted your credit card information, a receipt will be linked on the confirmation screen and will also be emailed to you, along with a copy of the supply list for the class, if applicable.

For assistance registering, or for more information, please call the Department of Community & Youth Services, Cultural and Performing Arts (CAPA) at (516) 797-7925.

Free pool safety seminar

The Town of Oyster Bay is partnering with Catholic Health to offer residents and non-residents a Free Pool Safety Seminar on Friday, July 7, at SyossetWoodbury Park. Families are encouraged to attend as children under the age of 15 make up more than 78 percent of pool submersion injuries in the United States annually, with 67 percent of them including children under the age of three. Preregistration is not required for this event.

Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino stated, “Nothing is more important than the safety of our children, and to improve pool safety we offer this seminar to with the goal of saving lives through public

education and awareness. We want you to have lots of fun in the sun while always be prepared to respond to emergencies.”

Seminar attendees will learn from professionals about healthy swimming, basic first aid, hypothermia, cramping, drowning prevention, basic CPR (not certification), recreational water wellness and EMA ambulance education. The seminar is sponsored by Optimum, News 12, KJOY 98.3FM, WHLI 1100AM, MAX FM 103.1, Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation and Nassau County.

For more information, call (516) 7974121 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com

Arrest for attempted burglary

A Uniondale man has been charged with attempting to burglarize the office of the Edgewood Motel, located at 38 Jericho Tpke. on Tuesday, June 20, at 6:25 a.m.

According to Nassau County Police, a 24-year-old male employee of the motel was approached at the front desk by a male resident stating he had a water leak in his room. The employee accompanied the man to his room to check on the leak. Upon returning to the office, the employee noticed the office door had been tampered with. Police were notified and responded. After a thorough investigation utilizing the hotels closed circuit television system, police arrested Juan Monserrate, 58. He is charged with Attempted Burglary 3rd Degree and Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree. Juan Monserrate

President Roosevelt to return home for holiday

The Town of Oyster Bay invites residents to experience history coming alive as President Theodore Roosevelt returns home to Oyster Bay to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Spanish-American War. Famed Teddy Roosevelt reprisor Joe Wiegand will host a remembrance ceremony at the Derby-Hall Bandstand — the same site from which President Roosevelt delivered speeches — on July 3, at 5:00 p.m. at the intersection of Audrey Ave. and Shore Road in Oyster Bay.

“What better way to celebrate the American spirit in advance of Independence Day than seeing our 26th President visit the place he once called home, the hamlet of Oyster Bay,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “This is a great opportunity for residents of all ages to step back in time and welcome President Roosevelt as he returns home to Oyster Bay.”

Program at Jericho HS impassions students to write

BY GARY SIMEONE

There have been many quality anthologies written by students of Jericho High School in the past few years. The stories, which range from food blogs to favorite memories, are part of the Future Authors Project, sponsored by Canon Solutions America.

Daniel Salzman, curriculum associate, ELA, at Jericho High School, said the program takes place over four days and is meant to inspire students to bring out their creativity in their writing.

“We reserve two classrooms in the High School from June 26th to the 29th and each year come up with a different theme to write about,” said Salzman. “The kids pool their ideas together and then in October, in the beginning of the school year, they publish the final draft. There is also a book signing afterwards so they get the true author’s experience.”

on each student’s personal feelings on re-emerging from the pandemic. There were a lot of deep and heartfelt pieces written that year.”

The Future Authors Project was first started in a school in Palm Beach County, Florida, in 2006. The Jericho School District became the first and only school district to partner with the program in 2017.

The project, which is run by certified teachers and instructors from Canon America, not only teaches students skills in writing, but editing and the digital publication process.

“Throughout the workshop, students work on crafting poems, essays, and short stories to polish their writing editing story development and critical thinking skills,” said Salzman. “The students’ work is compiled and digitally printed and bound into a book using Canon printing technology.”

President Roosevelt will commemorate the sinking of the U.S.S. Maine and the Spanish American War, honoring the 266 Americans who perished on this vessel with a remembrance ceremony. The sinking of the Maine incited United States’ passions against Spain, eventually leading to a naval blockade of Cuba and a declaration of war - and the story of Colonel Roosevelt and the Rough Riders. President Roosevelt will share this story, along with recalling his other “war experiences.” Photo opportunities will be available.

“We are so pleased to partner with The Friends of Sagamore Hill to welcome home our most famous resident, President Theodore Roosevelt,” added Town Clerk Richard LaMarca. “We hope all residents and their families join us for this wonderful celebration of our storied history.”

Syosset School Board to meet

The Syosset Board of Education will hold its monthly meeting at 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 6, at South Woods Middle School, 99 Pell Lane, Syosset. The meeting will begin with a public hearing on the District Wide School

Safety Plan. The regular meeting will immediately follow.

The public is welcome to attend. The meeting can also be viewed via livestream broadcast on the district website, www.jerichoschools.org

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He said last year. the kids put together a food memoir on how food connects families to one another. and the year before they wrote about emerging from the coronavirus pandemic.

“We had a lot of input last year

He said that during the course of the program, students take field trips to the Canon location in Melville and to the Nassau Museum of Art. The trips help them further their understanding of the printing and digital publication process.

Division Avenue High School graduates the Class of 2023

The perseverance and determination of Division Avenue High School’s Class of 2023 was celebrated on June 17 as seniors marked the triumphant conclusion to their educational careers in Levittown Public Schools. Loved ones packed the bleachers at the Hofstra University David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex to watch as graduates crossed the stage.

Starting off the 64th commencement, Student Council President Sofia Ferreiro led the Pledge of Allegiance, and senior members of the concert choir, under direction of Allison Sellars, sang the national anthem.

Families were welcomed by Division Principal John Coscia, who reflected on the exciting yet bittersweet day. “On one hand, I’m so excited for you and what the future has in store for you,” he said, “and I’m a little melancholy because this will be the last time ever that we are all in one room together.”

Superintendent of Schools Todd Winch encouraged graduates to always strive for the highest of achievements, but to also let your failures drive you forward. “Success does not usually happen quickly, or without setbacks,” Mr. Winch said. “Don’t be afraid of failure — embrace it, learn from it, and let it lead you on the path to future success.”

Salutatorian Yaseen Bayoumy addressed his peers and noted that while the class is moving on to bigger pursuits, the day was not a final goodbye. “While today might feel like a farewell to Division, it shouldn’t,” Yaseen said. “Today might be the last day time the entire grade is in

the same place, but this class and its spirit will live on through all of us, wherever we decide to live our futures.”

Graduating seniors joined the other performers in Division’s symphonic orchestra to play “Highlights from Harry Potter” under the direction of conductor Mark Martufi.

In his address, valedictorian Aakash Veeravalli reflected on hurdles the Class of 2023 had overcome. “Although we had our ups and downs over the years, the delights and memories are all I’ll remember and reminisce about,” Aakash said. “These years really were the good old days and played a huge role into shaping us into who we are today.”

Class President Izma Akbar spoke about the gratitude felt by graduates for their surrounding community. “We are all very fortunate to have lived here,” Izma said. “You don’t realize it until it actually matters, but the Levittown School District — and even just Levittown — has provided us with more than enough opportunities to succeed.”

Board of Education President Jennifer Messina congratulated the Class of 2023 and began the conferring of diplomas. As each graduate crossed the stage, cheers rang out from the audience. A slideshow brought graduates through the many memories they have made as Division Avenue students, before senior members of the concert choir performed “The Irish Blessing.” Once tassels were turned, caps were launched into the air to symbolically mark the Class of 2023’s becoming alumni of Division Avenue.

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The Division Avenue High School Class of 2023 celebrated a momentous occasion during their graduation ceremony on June 17. Photo courtesy of Levittown Public Schools

MacArthur High School graduates make the grade

An overwhelming feeling of pride and joy filled the air at the Hofstra University David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex on June 17 as seniors from General Douglas MacArthur High School reached the conclusion to their educational careers in Levittown Public Schools.

Loved ones lined the bleachers as graduates took their seats in front of the stage. Starting MacArthur’s 62nd commencement, Class of 2023 President Wasi Naqvi led the Pledge of Allegiance before senior choir members sang the national anthem and a special performance of “Landslide” by Stevie Nicks was performed by senior choir members.

MacArthur Principal Joseph Sheehan welcomed families and congratulated seniors. “This graduating class is so special in so many ways,” Mr. Sheehan said. “Their introduction to high school was interrupted during the infancy of the spring semester of their freshman year… But over the next three-and-a-half years, they exuded a much-needed tenacity and an illuminous display of perseverance.”

Superintendent of Schools Todd Winch reminded graduates to celebrate their successes, but also to appreciate the failures they have learned from. “Success does not usually happen quickly, or without setbacks,” Mr. Winch said. “Don’t be afraid of failure

– embrace it, learn from it, and let it lead you on the path to future success.”

Mr. Winch individually recognized the graduates who will serve in various branches of the United States Armed Forces and presented them each with flags that had hung in MacArthur classrooms.

Salutatorian Ana Compton addressed her peers and related graduates’ futures to entropy while urging them to look ahead with determination. “Everyone has their own messy room: whether it’s literally your bedroom, or whatever chaotic entropy you struggle with, the science proves you can’t control it,” Ana said. “However, by making a deliberate effort to maintain order in our lives, we can achieve great feats.”

President Wasi Naqvi addressed the Class of 2023 and related their journeys to the roots, trunk and branches of a tree. “Just like trees, we’ve formed roots,” Wasi said. “The past 18 years of our lives – all our experiences, the hardships, the good times and the uncertainties – have created the people we are today.”

In her class address, valedictorian Mia Frattura reflected on the definition of success. “After all, one success doesn’t necessarily match another’s,” Mia said. “This doesn’t mean that each success is invalid, but rather suggests success is as nuanced as the person who achieved it.”

General Douglas MacArthur High School seniors reached their final milestone as Levittown students during their graduation commencement on June 17.

Seniors joined their fellow musicians in the symphonic band to perform “The Maelstrom” under the direction of Joseph Romano, followed by a commemorative video presentation which showcased fond memories from every graduate through photos and videos.

Board of Education President Jennifer Messina congratulated seniors

and began the conferring of diplomas. Cheers erupted from the audience as each graduate crossed the stage and shook hands with trustees and administrators. After their symbolic turning of their tassels, graduates threw their caps into the air to mark their becoming alumni of Levittown Schools.

Upcoming Events at the Jericho Public Library

Thursday, June 22

7:00 p.m.: Make Your Own Wormery - Composting is a great way to recycle kitchen garbage and feed your plants. Adding worms makes your compost even better and earth friendly. In this program, you will learn all about worms, composting and how to make a wormery.

Saturday, June 24

1:00 p.m.: Summer Reading KickOff (For All Ages) - Let’s kick this summer off right! Join us outside the Library for an ice cream treat (while supplies last), balloon animals for our

younger patrons and register for the children, teen or adult Summer Reading Program. Get a starting gift when you sign up! A valid Jericho Library card is required.

Monday, June 26

7:00 p.m.: Teens: Friendship Bracelet/Keychain with the Whaling Museum - Sailors’ knots have been holding things together for thousands of years. Master one to create a sea-inspired friendship bracelet or keychain to take home or share with a pal, and find out how teens around the world are working to protect our oceans. Participants will earn 1 hour of commu-

nity service credit.

Tuesday, June 27

2:00 p.m.: In-Person: News Currents with Elinor Haber Join Elinor to participate in an informal exchange about topics of the day -- the international, national and local scene. We’ll focus on trends that affect us now and in the future. Bring your thoughts, issues and a friend to join in the discussion.

Wednesday, June 28

7:00 p.m.: Hybrid: Exploring the Basics of Artificial Intelligence with Michael Bartolomeo - Artificial intel-

ligence (AI) continues to be the latest buzzworthy topic floating around the tech world. This pervasive and powerful form of artificial intelligence is changing every industry. While not everyone needs to know the technical details, they should understand what the technology can and cannot do. Join us for an introduction into the world of AI and its implications for everyday life. From ChatGPT to Stable Diffusion, you’ll leave with a “byte-sized” understanding of how it is reshaping our world. Space is limited. Register online or at the Circulation Desk.

Photo courtesy of Levittown Public Schools

BHS students bring fairy tales to life in “Shrek The Musical Jr.”

Fourth and fifth graders in the Bethpage Elementary Masquers’ Guild took the stage at Bethpage High School on June 14, 15 and 17 for “Shrek The Musical Jr.” The production featured students from Charles Campagne, Central Boulevard and Kramer Lane Elementary Schools and was double-casted to spotlight the impressive talent within the district.

“Shrek The Musical Jr.” is based on the DreamWorks animated motion picture and the book by William Steig. Kayleigh Duca and Michael Barden directed the show, Vassia Spanos led the cast in choreography, Zachary Levi served as production consultant and technical director, along

with Michael Gamman.

Several Bethpage High School students supported the cast as student directors and served as the stage and tech crew.

Fifth graders

Christopher Cutrone and Dylan Guarneiri took on the role of ogre Shrek and fifth graders Annaleigh Stone and Akansha Raghaven played Princess Fiona. Donkey, played by fifth graders Brandon Kuang and Kayla Boshko, brought the laughs and the entire cast of fairytale creatures, Duloc citizens and more, did a wonderful job bringing the story to life through entertaining musical numbers and acting.

Registration open for Town ice hockey program

Registration for the Town of Oyster Bay’s Summer Youth Ice Hockey Program is still underway and open to boys and girls ages 8U–16U. The 10-week program includes instructional technique work and features a unique “Pond Hockey” format. Clinics spanning 10 weeks in dura -

tion will also be available for registration, including all girls’ clinics, 6U clinics, adult learn to play clinics and advanced travel clinics. Programs will begin on July 9, 2023.

“The fun and instructional Summer Hockey Program will help youngsters learn the correct fundamentals of ice

hockey at our state-of-the-art ice rink at Bethpage Community Park,” said Town of Oyster Bay Councilman Lou Imbroto. “Instructors will teach proper techniques of skating, stickhandling and shooting during the 10-week program.”

Registration is available online at

Attention students!

www.oysterbaytown.com/portal. All participants must provide their own equipment, and should have some skating ability. For more information, call the rink at (516) 433-7465, x 8234 or visit www.oysterbaytown. com/hockey.

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Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District John F. Kennedy Middle School student Charlie Majewski (left) helped students with their makeup before showtime.

From left: Students Joanna Guinan, Talia Lyons and Alexandra Blonder played the role of the storytellers.

From left: Students Keira Gherardi, Alexander Stavrianos, Leena Khalfan and Stella DeMartinis played the role of the guards in “Shrek The Musical Jr.”

Kramer Lane fifth graders Brandon Kuang (left) and Kevin MacNear (right) played Donkey and Pinocchio, respectively, during specific show times.

Bethpage schools library specialist honored

A.

Ashley Scotto, library media specialist from Central Boulevard Elementary School in the Bethpage Union Free School District, was recently recognized as a NASTAR (Nassau Association of School Technologists Award Recipient) during the Fifth Annual NASTECH NASTAR Celebration. She was honored by the Nassau Association of School Technologists for her for innovation, leadership and support of technology initiatives in the Bethpage Union Free School District.

While just in her second year with Bethpage Schools, Ms. Scotto has immersed herself within the Bethpage Schools and Central Boulevard Elementary School community. In addition to delivering instruction in her library media center and instilling the love of reading, she champions Central Boulevard’s Energy Bus initiative, serves as adviser for the We Belong

Club and coaches the building’s hackathon team. Bethpage School’s Director of Technology Andrew Choi nominated Ms. Scotto for the award.

“Ashley Scotto seamlessly integrates the use of instructional technology tools in Central Boulevard Elementary School Library Media Center,” he said in his nomination letter. “Her lessons are creative, dynamic and purposeful. The students genuinely look forward to library time with Ms. Scotto! It is commonplace these days that the library media specialist becomes the point person for technology support and troubleshooting and Ashley excels at providing support for her colleagues.”

She joins a list of innovative NASTAR Award recipients from Bethpage Schools. This includes Kristin Rochford, 2019; Kathryn Oak, 2020; Julianne Inghilterra, 2021 and Andrea Swicord, 2022.

Sanitation collections modified for holiday week

Town sanitation and S.O.R.T. Recycling collection schedules will be modified for the observance of Independence Day on Tuesday, July 4.

“There will be no sanitation or recycling collection on Tuesday, July 4th for residents who normally receive Town service,” Town Councilman Lou Imbroto said. “Residents who generally

receive Town pickup on Tuesdays will have their collections done the next day, Wednesday, July 5th.”

The Councilman added that Town offices will be closed on July 4th, but beaches, parks and pools will remain open. For more information, visit the Town’s website, www.oysterbaytown. com.

Ashley Scotto (right), library media specialist at Bethpage’s Central Boulevard Elementary School, earned the NASTAR Award. Central Boulevard Principal Dominique Siebert (left) attended the NASTECH NASTAR Celebration with her.

Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

BRUCE

BLAKEMAN NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE

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) 6246232 – FAX:  (516) 624-6149

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 JULY 6, 2023, at 7:00 P. M., to consider the following appeals:

BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

APPEAL NO. 23-245 SYOSSET

PATRICIA CHAUVIN:  (A) Variance to construct side addition exceeding maximum building coverage than permitted by Ordinance.  (B) Variance to allow existing driveway having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.  (C) Amend Specific Plan as presented for Appeal No. 09-352 and granted by Decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals, dated July 9, 2009.

S/s/o Syosset Cir., 110.46 ft. E/o Highfield Rd., a/k/a 122 Syosset Circle, Syosset, NY

APPEAL NO. 23-258 SYOSSET

PATRICIA SALEGNA:  (A) Variance to construct one story addition having less side yard setback, aggregate side yards and exceeding maximum gross floor area than permitted by Ordinance; also encroachment of eaves and gutters.  (B) Variance to construct one story addition and portico exceeding maximum building coverage than permitted by Ordinance.

S/s/o Deborah Rd., 165.2 ft. W/o Leonard Rd., a/k/a 31 Deborah Road, Syosset, NY

APPEAL NO. 23-260 SYOSSET

HAGAY KEREN:  Variance to construct new dwelling having less average side/front yard setback (Ronald Lane) and exceeding maximum gross floor area than permitted by Ordinance; also encroachment of eaves and gutters.

SE/ cor. of Richard Ln. & Richard Ln., a/k/a 6 Richard Lane, Syosset, NY

APPEAL NO. 23-320 SYOSSET

TREECO CENTERS LTD.:  Variance to erect 11 ft. by 10 ft. illuminated ground sign exceeding maximum number of ground signs than permitted by Ordinance.

NE/ cor. of S. Oyster Bay Rd. & Woodbury Rd., a/k/a 327-399 S. Oyster Bay Road, Syosset, NY

NASSAU COUNTY

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK - COUNTY OF NASSAU

DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR RESIDENTIAL ASSET SECURITIZATION TRUST 2007-A8 MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2007-H,

V.

HEEJUNG JEONG, ET. AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated January 03, 2019, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR RESIDENTIAL ASSET SECURITIZATION TRUST 2007-A8 MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2007-H is the Plaintiff and HEEJUNG JEONG, ET AL. are the Defendant(s).  I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on July 11, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 59 BLUEBIRD DRIVE, SYOSSET, NY 11791:  Section 15, Block 101, Lot 14:

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT SYOSSET, TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

JUNE 26, 2023

BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 005966/2016. Brian Carmody, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

Syosset Boys Varsity Tennis team wins NYS championship

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman honored the Syosset Braves Boys Varsity Tennis Team following an outstanding season. In addition to winning the New York State Section 1 Championship, the team played an undefeated season with a 12-0 Overall and 8-0 Conference record. Supervisor Saladino congratulated the boys for this tremendous accomplishment and recognized their commitment to sportsmanship, as they played in honor of Drew Hassenbein and Ethan Falkowitz – members of the Roslyn Tennis Bulldogs who lost their lives in a tragic car accident. The officials also thanked Principal Dr. Giovanni Durante and Coach Shai Fisher for their leadership and mentorship through the season.

Town of Oyster Bay to upgrade sports fields

From page 1

games due to inclement weather, as the field is able to absorb rain storms in a manner that is not possible on a fully-dirt infield.

“Replacing the infield with synthetic turf allows for extended play time for athletes and brings a significant

Free concert, fireworks at TOBAY Beach

From page 1

upgrade to this beautiful park,” said Councilman Steve Labriola. “We are pleased to bring these enhancements to the Plainview community while keeping a watchful eye on our bottom line.” For more information about Town parks, including local programs and events, visit the Town’s website at www. oysterbaytown.com/parks.

“Shootout for Soldiers”

24-hr lacrosse game

From page 1

cumulative, resulting in unique scores for a lacrosse game with totals reaching into the hundreds. Participants include children, adults, seniors, youth, high school, college players and veterans. Teams that accommodate players with

special needs are also scheduled to play. For more information, please visit www.shootoutforsoldiers.com or contact Harry Jacobs at longisland@shootoutforsoldiers.com or at (516) 315-3002.

ca is a great opportunity for families and seniors to enjoy a free evening of music and entertainment while celebrating our freedoms in America and the veterans and active duty military

who secured our freedoms. Please bring your family, and friends, along with some lawn chairs and coolers to TOBAY Beach for a wonderful night.”

If doubtful weather conditions arise, please call (516) 797-7925.

June 30, 2023

AMNH’s New Gilder Center is Lightyears Forward in Immersing, Engaging Understanding of the Secrets of Life

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

As I walk through a corridor lined with interactive displays on my way into seeing “Invisible Worlds” in the American Museum of Natural History’s new Gilder Center for Science, Education, Innovation, these are the lessons I learn: All life is related. All life is connected. All of life’s dramas play out in ecosystems as individuals cooperate and compete to survive. In Nature, nothing exists alone.

And as you go through the iconic American Museum of Natural History, and especially the newly opened Gilder Center, what strikes you is this:  the differences among all living creatures are intriguing but the similarities are even more edifying.

The new Gilder Center which opened in May, goes further than anything before in this iconic institution to engage, immerse, create interactions that make the transfer of knowledge, the act of active learning, the probing of the Secrets of Life absolutely thrilling.

The presentations are genius in the way they appeal to all ages and levels of understanding. From the dramatic architecture and physical space, to the state-of-the-art delivery to maximize immersion and engagement, to how smartly complex ideas are presented in simple terms without pandering, getting down to the essence, then inviting you to go deeper as you choose.

For the first time, we have access to see so much more of the Museum’s

collections with the innovative displays of the Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. Collections Core, posing these basic questions:

Why do we study? Why do we collect? What do we learn? Why is it important? What can New York rocks tell us about the history of our continent? What can we learn from a pot? What can a footprint tell us that fossilized dinosaur bones cannot?

I watch as people are transfixed gazing into the spectacular displays, featuring more than 3,000 objects on three levels, representing every area of the Museum’s collections: vertebrate and invertebrate zoology, paleontology, geology, anthropology, and archaeology, with materials ranging from dinosaur tracks to astronomical instruments, and from antlers to pottery.

A series of digital exhibits feature stories about how scientists analyze various types of collections and introduce Museum researchers, while the glass-paneled exhibits, including those in the Macaulay Family Foundation Collection Galleries on the first and second floors, let us glimpse into working collections areas situated behind the displays. Together with the collections stored in the new Lepidoptera facility, which is also visible to visitors (located next to the Collections Core on the second floor), the Gilder Center houses more than 4 million scientific specimens

The Gilder Center is where you can see the astounding “Invisible Worlds,” an extraordinary 360-degree immersive science-and-art experience that represents the next gener-

ation in scientific visualization with interactive, immersive elements, stunning photography, graphics, sound and narration. It is visually exciting (you are flushed with the lights, the floor reacts to your movements) – highly instagrammable as you are bathed in color and pattern.

As you walk into “Invisible Worlds” (clever in that it is on a repeating 12-minute loop so you flow in and out on your own time, and don’t have to wait for start times and audiences to empty and fill an auditorium - I watched it twice), you first go through the Susan S. and Kenneth L. Wallach Gallery, where you engage at stations that pose questions you get to choose an answer and learn from the correct answer. (This requires a separate admission ticket.)

The 230,000-square-foot $465 million, seven-story Gilder Center is brilliantly situated to create 33 connections among 10 Museum buildings, linking the entire campus. I go through one hall and find myself among Pacific Peoples (the Moai ancestor statue from Rapa Nui, better known as Easter Island, is a BIG hit). Through another doorway and into the Hall of Vertebrate Origins (how fossils explain evolution and show a family tree of life of who we are related to full of surprises).

On the main floor, I find myself walking through an incomparable photo exhibit of mural-sized insects that are endangered or near instinct (photographer Levon Biss took 1000 images of insects from AMNH’s collection under a microscope to

Continued on next page

“Invisible Worlds” at the American Museum of Natural History’s new Gilder Center for Science, Education and Innovation puts you inside the body’s nerve system © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

AMNH’s New Gilder Center is Lightyears Forward in Immersing, Engaging Understanding of the Secrets of Life

Continued from previous page

achieve such extraordinary detail) with fascinating descriptions about the animals, then, go down a ramp into the Big Bang (I still can’t wrap my head around the concept that from the size of an atom, the universe burst out within seconds).

Having experienced the Big Bang, I walk along the ramp, where every step is 450 million years, through 13 billion years of the formation of the universe, expanding, expanding, expanding; then find myself in the Hall of Earth (still can’t fathom how the moon was formed in just 24 hours), then back in the Gilder Center, in the new Insectarium, where you can conduct an insect orchestra, go inside a bee hive, and, as I find myself doing, watch two gigantic grasshoppers mating (fascinating).

“Pay attention to insects. Many pollinate plants. Some recycle plants and animal matter into the soil. They are food for countless other things – and even on another, often keeping pest populations in check. Whether beetles, bees or butterflies, insects help natural ecosystems stay healthy.”

For someone who doesn’t (didn’t) particularly care for insects, I have never been so delighted and fascinated to be amid them. The displays are INCREDIBLE.

You see the diligent ants, coming from their nests, each hauling their leaf, traveling, down, up, across metal tubes above the walkway, then down and through a huge enclosure, then up, down, up, down a series of tubes, trying not to fall into the water (they can’t swim) – they work hard!

The key message: insects are not “pests” but vital as the basis of the ecosystem that sustains all life.

Altogether, the exhibits show these critical themes: All life is connected. There are very real threats to survival, to extinction and when you go through the Dinosaur exhibits, you appreciate just how real that is. The notion of extinction also becomes very real when you go through another favorite section, the Hall of Human Evolution (check out how many hominid species have already gone extinct before we homo sapiens came to be dominant).

I love the reaction of the children, from the youngest toddlers, to the various experiences. And couples on a date (this is very date-worthy place).

The Gilder Center also houses a now-permanent Butterfly Vivarium (separate ticket required). The yearround, 2,500-square-foot Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium is where you can mingle with up to 1,000 free-flying butterflies (as many as 80 species) in various micro-environments along a meandering route. The Vivarium let’s you closely observe one of nature’s vital environmental barometers.

The Gilder Center architecture – it was designed by Studio Gang, the international architecture and urban design practice led by Jeanne Gang - evokes the habitats of its subjects. Is this what an ant’s habitat would be like? Or where our cave dwelling ancestors would live? The shapes, patterns are so exciting, it invites instagrammable photos and selfies, as we saw. And so do the exhibits, especially Invisible Worlds, where the lights, lines, shapes wash over you and the entire room, getting everyone snapping and clicking.

Upon entering the Gilder Center (there is a new entrance on the Museum’s west side, at Columbus Avenue and 79th Street from the Theodore Roosevelt Park), you find yourself in the five-story Kenneth C.

Griffin Exploration Atrium, a grand space illuminated with natural light admitted through large-scale skylights. The building’s design is informed by the ways in which wind and water carve out landscapes that are exciting to explore, as well as the forms that hot water etches in blocks of ice.

The texture, color, and flowing forms of the Griffin Atrium were inspired by canyons in the southwestern U.S. and animate the Gilder Center’s grand entrance, evoking awe, excitement, and discovery.

I discover the Museum’s David S. and Ruth L. Gottesman Research Library and Learning Center, which houses one of the largest and most important natural history libraries in the world.

“The Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation is a glorious new facility that fulfills a critical need at a critical time: to help visitors to understand the natural world more deeply, to appreciate that all life is interdependent, to trust science, and to be inspired to protect our precious planet and its myriad life forms,” said Ellen Futter, President Emerita of the American Museum of Natural History. “This opening represents a milestone moment for the Museum in its ongoing efforts to improve science literacy while highlighting for our visitors everything the Museum has to offer, and sparking wonder and curiosity.”

“The Gilder Center is designed to invite exploration and discovery that is not only emblematic of science, but also such a big part of being human. It aims to draw everyone in—all ages, backgrounds, and abilities—to share the excitement of learning about the natural world,” said Jeanne Gang, founding principal and partner of Studio Gang design company.

EVERYDAY CHEAPSKATE

How to Make Fruits and Vegetables Last Longer

BY MARY HUNT

According to the World Resources Institute, the average U.S. household of four people throws out about $1,600 in rotten food every year. Wow. That makes my head spin! Even if that number is far less in your home, consider these simple ways all of us can stop throwing our food dollars into the garbage.

FRESHNESS GUIDE

Fresh produce is not cheap, and it’s getting more expensive every day -- or so it seems. Now more than ever, it’s important to bone up on how long your produce purchases are going to last so you make sure no fruits and vegetables end

up in the garbage or compost. You can count on these items to be generally fresh for:

ONE TO THREE DAYS

-- Asparagus.

-- Berries.

-- Fresh leafy greens.

-- Peaches.

THREE TO SIX DAYS

-- Avocados.

-- Bananas.

-- Broccoli.

-- Green beans.

-- Tomatoes.

ONE WEEK OR LONGER

-- Apples.

-- Carrots.

-- Cauliflower.

-- Potatoes.

-- Squash.

DON’T OVERBUY

The way to do this is to have a good, realistic plan for the produce you bring into your house. Make certain you will consume it before it goes bad -- regardless of the great sale price or how beautiful it looks in the store or farmer’s market. Simply buying too much is the number one reason that household produce lands in the garbage.

DISINFECT THE FRIDGE

I plead guilty on this one. I just don’t think about it if I can’t see a mess. The truth is that anytime something spoils in

Continued on page 5

You can spend eons roaming about here, so it is good that there is also a new table-service restaurant at the Gilder serving contemporary American cuisine with regional and global influences, as well as beverages showcasing local breweries and vineyards (the main museum also has the lower level cafeteria). There are also two marvelous gift shops in the Center.

For anyone who hasn’t been to a museum of the quality like AMNH in awhile and expect static, boring displays with complex notes, this is leaps, bounds and lightyears beyond. Even the iconic dinosaur displays have interactive, engaging elements and make key points that are most relevant to our lives. You really feel you are having a conversation with sheer genius. “State of the art” doesn’t begin to describe it.

And when you think about it, what is so remarkable about AMNH is how what is contained here spans the entirety of history, culture, life, the natural world, the planet and even the known universe. And you get to explore it all.

All admission to the Museum is by timed entry and must be reserved online. Open daily, 10 am–5:30 pm. New York and New Jersey residents pay a suggested amount (all the attractions though are separately priced); standard pricing is Adults: $28 for general admission, $34 plus one, $39 plus all the attractions; Seniors and students are $22, 27, 31; Child 3-012 is $16, $20, $24. (Museum members get a whole year of VIP access to the Gilder Center, including free access to the Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium.)

American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024, 212-769-5606. Visit amnh.org for more information.

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

Crossword Answers

Enjoying these leisurely Summer days

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

Ever since I was a little girl I’ve enjoyed kicking back during the summer months. For many people school is out and for the adults, it’s vacation time. They recharge their batteries and many of my fondest childhood memories are making the most of the things I like to do - taking hikes, visiting faraway lands and enjoying long, leisurely picnics. Here are some other things I have always relished and liked about summer.

A Great Strawberry Shortcake

With summer’s arrival I decided to get busy in the kitchen and make some strawberry shortcake for a family party. It was my sister, Susan’s, birthday so I wanted to make something she would like. I’m not a big cook or baker so I asked my friend, Kelly, to show me the best way to do things. After picking up a quart of strawberries from a local produce market I washed, sliced and drained them on the cutting board. Choosing the tools and ingredients I needed, Kelly suggested making a strawberry shortcake cake rather than place the strawberries into sponge cups. Smiling, I poured a box of storebought vanilla cake mix into the bowl. Adding two eggs, some water and oil, I stirred it all around. Tossing one cup of strawberries into the bowl, I stirred all the ingredients and poured the mix into a 9 x 12-inch Pyrex baking pan.

My oven was preheated to 350 degrees. Placing the pan into the oven and removing it 25 minutes later, I put a toothpick into the middle of the cake and made sure it came out clean. That was the sign of a baked cake. It was clean so I placed the Pyrex dish on a cooling rack to cool. That night for dessert we each had a slice of the delicious strawberry shortcake cake. Some people added strawberries on

top and others had enough strawberries in their slice. We all added dollops of whipped cream on top and wishing Susan a very Happy Birthday, we dug in. Sitting around the dining room table enjoying our dessert I couldn’t resist telling them some trivia because we definitely have some trivia buffs in my family. It was a long time ago - in 1588 - that the first documented strawberry shortcake recipe appeared in a British cookbook. It became even more popular when William Shakespeare named one of his characters in “The Merry Wives of Windsor” Alice Shortcake.

Time Out for Visiting

For as long as I can remember my family took time in the summer to visit relatives we hadn’t seen recently. Summer months were less stressful so we’d visit them or they would come to my house to visit. My aunts, uncles, cousins and godparents would visit at various times. Sometimes we’d have a family reunion and seeing so many people together was exciting but even more than that I enjoyed having company over in small groups when we could spend hours at a time sharing a meal and hanging out. I still think that’s what summer is for - enjoying each other’s company. Since school was out and my father usually took some vacation time, summer was good for having small, spontaneous get-togethers.

Last year my niece, Kylie, surprised me on my birthday by driving from Virginia to visit me on my birthday and to spend a week with her parents. She has three young children and I was even more surprised when Kylie and her husband, Josh, drove to my place and six of my nieces and nephews emerged from her SUV. They ranged in age from 14 to three years old: Mary, Chuck, Patrick, Elle, Nick and Alexa. After the two adults got out of the car, each one of the kids spilled out and I

thought, “Wow! Not just three but six kids!” We had a terrific visit and had a chance to catch up with each other. Last year playing Uno, Blank Slate the board game and Quirky Circuits with Kylie, Josh and company for hours on end was fun. The kids would have kept playing except dinner time arrived so we had to put all of our games away for another time. I’ve got 18 nieces and nephews altogether who live in different states so I cherish our visits.

Sudden Summer Storms

Some friends dislike summer thunderstorms. They turn up their noses and say that many afternoon thunderstorms have ruined their outdoor plans for picnics and barbecues. They run for cover to be safe and away from all of that lightning but I say I’ll take a summer thunderstorm any day of the week. I like it when the sky gets all dark and ominous, when in the distance I hear the first sounds of thunder. As the storm approaches things get even eerier. Bolts of lightning appear followed

by even louder thunder. I count the seconds between when I first see the lightning and when I hear the thunder sound. When the time shortens I know the storm is getting closer. I head for the comfort of my couch and stay away from the windows. The ears of my cat, Bette Davis, perk up at the first sounds of thunder. She knows something is amiss and jumps on the couch next to me or dives under the closest bed to wait out the storm. Sometimes I sit in the wooden rocking chair on my porch and along with my relatives, we grab some iced cold glasses of iced tea and watch the summer lightning light up the sky whether it’s daytime or nighttime. Farmers welcome the rain these storms bring - the land and foliage get dry and we need the water. I don’t mind having to reschedule any planned picnics or barbecues because watching Mother Nature take over my world and magically light it up with its bolts of lightning and rumbles of thunder is something that always takes me by surprise.

Decoding Social Security ‘Claim’ Numbers

BY TOM MARGENAU

Q: I am a 78-year-old recent widow. I got my own Social Security number when I was about 20. But since my husband and I started getting Social Security benefits about 15 years ago, the correspondence I got from the Social Security Administration showed my husband’s Social Security number with a letter “B” behind it. Somebody at a Social Security office once told me this meant I was getting wife’s benefits on his record. How does the letter “B” stand for a wife? And now that my husband has died, I notice that any mail I get from the SSA shows my husband’s number with a letter “D.” Does this mean “deceased?”

A: No, it doesn’t mean deceased. Believe it or not, it stands for “widow!” So, you may legitimately wonder why in the world a “D” means widow. Shouldn’t it be a “W,” perhaps? I will use this column to explain the mysterious world of Social Security claim numbers. These numbers are sometimes referred to as BIC codes. BIC stands for “beneficiary identification code.”

First of all, what is a “claim number?” And how does it differ from a Social Security number? Almost everyone in this country has a Social Security number. It’s the number you give to your employer if you get a job, and it’s the number you would use to file an income tax return. It’s also the number that many government agencies and private companies use as a personal identification number for you. (The use of the SSN for personal identification is a topic for another column.)

But a claim number is the Social Security number on which you are claiming Social Security benefits. And it’s always followed by a little letter symbol to indicate the kind of benefit you have claimed. For many people their claim number is simply their own Social Security number with a letter symbol following it -- usually an “A.” But some people claim Social Security benefits on another person’s Social Security record -- almost always a spouse and sometimes a parent. So, their claim number is the spouse’s or parent’s Social Security number followed by the appropriate claims symbol.

The little claims symbols were not assigned in any sort of meaningful pattern. In other words, the letter “R” was not used to indicate “retirement” benefits and the letter “W” wasn’t used to indicate “wife’s” or “widow’s” benefits.

Instead, the letters were essentially assigned alphabetically as benefits were added to Social Security law. Here is a list of the claims symbols used. It’s not a complete list.

No. 1: A -- This claims symbol indicates you are getting your own retirement benefits.

No. 2: B -- You are getting benefits as an aged (over 62) wife on your husband’s record.

No. 3: B1 -- You are getting benefits as an aged (over 62) husband on your wife’s record.

No. 4: B2 -- You are getting benefits on your husband’s record as a young wife (under age 62) caring for his minor child.

No. 5: B6 -- You are getting benefits as a divorced wife on your ex-husband’s record.

No. 6: C -- You are getting benefits as a child on your parent’s record.

No. 7: D -- You are getting aged (over age 60) widow’s benefits from your deceased husband’s record.

No. 8: D1 -- You are getting aged (over age 60) widower’s benefits from your deceased wife.

No. 9: D6 -- You are getting divorced widow’s benefits.

No. 10: E -- You are getting mother’s benefits -- paid to a widow under age 60 who is caring for the minor children of a father who has died.

No. 11: E1 -- Same as above, except you are divorced from the father.

No. 12: E4 -- You are getting father’s benefits -- paid to a widower under age 60 who is caring for the minor children of a mother who has died.

No. 13: F -- You are getting benefits as a dependent parent on a grown son or daughter’s Social Security account (very rare).

No. 14: HA -- You are getting disability benefits on your own account. (Although sometimes the SSA shortens this to just “A.”)

No. 15: M -- You don’t have enough work credits for regular Social Security, and you only qualify for Part B Medicare benefits.

No. 16: T -- You are not insured for Social Security benefits, but you are eligible for Part A hospital coverage from Medicare. (See below for more information.)

No. 17: W -- You are getting disabled widow’s benefits on your deceased husband’s account.

No. 18: W1 -- You are getting disabled widower’s benefits on your deceased wife’s account.

No. 19: More about the “T” code. In the past, the “T” code was reserved only for those very few people who were not eligible for any kind of Social Security benefit but had paid taxes into the Medicare program. But when the full retirement age climbed beyond age 65, and people affected by that change started reaching that age, the SSA had to change their claims-filing rules. Those rules say that you can file for Medicare at age 65 without having to file for Social Security benefits. And these folks had to be given a claim number. It couldn’t be an “A” BIC code, which again means you are getting retirement benefits, so they used the “T” code, and the defini-

tion was changed to “entitled to Medicare but not yet entitled to Social Security.” That means the once little-used “T” BIC is now very common. There are currently millions of “T” beneficiaries.

If you are one, meaning you took Medicare at 65 but are waiting until full retirement age, or maybe age 70 to file for Social Security, whenever you do that, your claim number will change from your SSN with a “T” to your SSN with an “A.”

Again, this list is not complete. It shows only the most common beneficiary codes. But “common” is a relative term. Many of the benefits listed above are infrequently paid. For example, you

could almost count on your hands the number of people getting “F” (parent’s benefits) or “W1” (disabled widower’s benefits).

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

School districts a major factor in home sales

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

We all want the best location, amenities, shopping, restaurants, cultural events and the convenience of local transportation. However, when a consumer buys a home, are schools also another variable that they consider as one of the most important factors in their decision-making?

It all depends on whether they have children, are going to have children or maybe not. Even for those who may not plan to have children or who no longer have children living at home like me, the best place to continue to increase your wealth when purchasing and keeping stability in values is in those school districts that are ranked the highest.

I have spent a multitude of years contemplating and pondering the reasons why people and families purchase homes, townhomes, condos, and coops. The main reason is to create a stepping stone to gain potential future wealth through ownership. According to the National Association of Realtors in a Jan. 7, 2022, article, “Homeownership is the largest source of wealth among families, with the median value of a primary residence worth about 10 times the median value of financial assets held by families. Housing wealth (home equity or net worth) gains are built up through price appreciation and by paying off one’s mortgage.”

At the national level, a homeowner who purchased a single-family existing home 10 years ago would have gained $225,000 in home equity if the home

were sold at the median sales price of $363,100 in the third quarter of 2021. The gains of $193,600, or 86% of the increase, had come from price appreciation and principal payments of $31,300.

Over that 10-year period, home prices have increased 7.9% annually, a stronger appreciation compared to the 4.2% annual price pace in the past 30 years. Our Long Island areas have seen even greater increases than the national average, due to those areas that have above-average schools.

Obviously, not everyone thinks about schools as the No. 1 reason to purchase a home. However, if you were to research and study where prices have appreciated the most (pre-pandemic and especially post-pandemic) the vast majority of families with children or those going to have them saw schools as the No. 1 factor in choosing a place to live.

In my professional opinion, I firmly believe this is the No. 1 reason for the greatest price appreciation over the long run. Education is generally the road to earning greater incomes and financial security for many who strived for greater opportunities and the path out of poverty. However, today it has become a more difficult challenge to seek out better schools due to the greatest increases in prices going back to

1967, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Comparing prices in 1967 with 2023, they have gone up 925.65% (a $925,650.30 difference in value). The cost of a $100,000 home in 1967 would be $1,025,650.30 in 2023 (56 years) for an equivalent purchase.

How can the vast majority of families who seek out an excellent education in a better school district afford to purchase if the prices are beyond their incomes? I believe this is one of the reasons why New York State has lost a portion of its population in the last 10 years to other lower-priced and taxed states. I do believe the answer is much greater government and public spending to prop up those schools that may need assistance in hiring more qualified administrators and higher salaries for teachers.

They could develop more comprehensive and stronger programs to elevate the grade point averages in math, science, and English. However, crime and parenting are other factors that will determine whether there will be a positive or negative effect and determine the outcome on students’ grades and academic future. This, in turn, will always have a tremendous effect and directly culminate in the value of housing prices in a town.

There is a direct correlation between housing prices and schools. The better

the school district, the higher the prices. Even with a downturn in the economy, there are towns, like Great Neck, Port Washington, New Hyde Park, Herricks-Searingtown, Glen Head, Sea Cliff, Syosset, Jericho, Plainview, Bethpage, Ward Melville, Half Hollow Hills, Commack, and Dix Hills where prices may vary between school districts, but don’t generally decrease as they do in less than stellar school districts.

According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, each dollar spent towards schooling in a neighborhood results in a $20 appreciation in home values.

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 of 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) as well as the new “Green Industry” Certification for eco-friendly construction and upgrades. For a “FREE” 15-minute consultation, value analysis of your home, or to answer any of your questions or concerns he can be reached by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@ TurnKeyRealEstate.Com or via https:// WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com Just email or snail mail (regular mail) him with your ideas or suggestions on future columns with your name, email, and cell number and he will call or email you back

How to Make Fruits and Vegetables Last Longer

Continued from page 2

the refrigerator, it leaves behind mold we can’t see. As a result, this mold attacks the new, fresh stuff you put in there. Disinfecting the inside surfaces of your refrigerator on a regular schedule will make everything last a little longer and smell a lot better.

EXTEND BERRY LIFE

Soaking berries in a weak vinegar and water solution before you store them in the refrigerator will make them last for several days longer than simply putting them in the fridge. Add 1 part vinegar to 10 parts water. Swirl the berries around for just a few seconds. Rinse, and store. Strawberries can last up to two weeks longer using this method.

FOODSAVER

A Foodsaver vacuum-sealing machine is a great option for extending the useful life of produce. Food can be vacuum-sealed in bags or stored in specific

Foodsaver canisters. However, my favorite method for storing everything from strawberries to tomatoes and everything between is in ordinary glass canning jars.

This requires a Jar Sealing Kit that attaches to the Foodsaver. Simply fill a glass canning jar (regular or widemouth) with unwashed produce like strawberries, blueberries, tomatoes, lettuce, etc. Set the lid on the jar, and apply the jar sealer. Start the machine and it removes all of the air from the jar and seals the jar tightly.

Stored in the refrigerator, the contents will remain fresh and beautiful for weeks.

UGLY PRODUCE

There are now several companies, such as Imperfect Produce and Misfits Market, that offer a subscription delivery service for “ugly” food. They offer perfectly healthy and nutritious “ugly” produce for up to 50% less than retail store prices. Check this out if nutrition,

not perfection, is your goal.

GROW YOUR OWN

Now more than ever, it’s important that we think about growing our own food. There’s nothing like a worldwide pandemic, long lines at food stores and fear of food shortages to wake us up to the idea of becoming more self-reliant. You don’t need acreage to grow a garden. In fact, you don’t even need a yard or plot of land (although that is surely a blessing if you do have that).

Start reading; start learning; start a garden!

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

EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “DebtProof Living.”

COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of July 2-8, 2023

While you’re out enjoying the pool this summer and soaking up some rays, try this fun experiment.

Ask some friends which season of the year they think the Earth is nearest to the sun. Unless your acquaintances are atypical, I’ll bet most will guess that we’re closer to the sun during our summertime.

Many people believe that our warm temperatures are somehow caused by our smaller distance from the sun, but this just isn’t true. It’s just the opposite: we’re closest to the sun in early January!

Like most celestial bodies, the Earth orbits its star not in a circle, but along an ellipse. An ellipse is simply a circle that’s been squashed and, because we orbit along an elliptical path, our distance from the sun varies slightly throughout the year. This was discovered some four centuries ago by the German mathematician Johannes Kepler.

After struggling for many years to calculate a circular orbit for the planet Mars, Kepler threw up his hands in frustration. All he had to show for his work was 900 pages of calculations and 70 worthless orbits.

Earth at Aphelion

And then, around Easter of 1605, he decided he had seen enough circles for one lifetime. He concluded that all he had left to try was an ellipse or, as he so eloquently described it: “a single cartful of dung.”

As Kepler drew an ellipse over his data, his eyes lit up. It fit beautifully. In this single moment of unrivaled genius, Kepler solved a problem that had confounded astronomers for centuries. With unbridled joy, he sketched on his work the goddess of victory riding her chariot above the clouds. “The truth of nature, which I had rejected and chased away,” he later wrote, “returned by stealth through the back door, disguising itself to be accepted ... ah, what a foolish bird I have been!”

We now understand that the Earth, too, orbits the sun along an elliptical path, and our distance from the sun varies by about 3% -- hardly enough to contribute to seasonal temperature differences. Those are caused, instead, by the tilt of the Earth’s axis.

Our planet’s equator is tipped about 23.4 degrees to the plane of its orbit around the sun. This means that during June, July and August, the Earth’s Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun and allows sunlight to beat directly down upon us.

Six months and half an orbit later, our planet’s tilt aims the Northern

Hemisphere away from the sun; solar rays then shine down on us at a much shallower angle and cause our temperatures to be lower.

It may surprise your friends to learn that the Earth reaches its farthest point from the sun during our summertime. This year, “aphelion” occurs on July 6 at 4:06 p.m. EDT (1:06 p.m. PDT). Our planet’s nearest point to the sun -- “perihelion” -- won’t occur until Jan. 2, 2024, at 7:38 p.m. EST (4:38 p.m. PST).

LOST IN SUBURBIA

Playing Fowl

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

When you buy a new house, you’re not just getting the house; you are also getting someone else’s taste in tile, paint and wallpaper. In some cases, the previous owner may have had an unusual preference for a particular theme, which may not be exactly your taste, and may, in fact, be an overabundance of something like...

Ducks.

Lots of ducks. There were ducks everywhere. Duck tiles, duck wallpaper, duck faucets and duck toilet paper holders. There were mallards in the kitchen, Muscovies in the master bath and mandarins in the hallways. There were so many ducks of so many types in almost every room that I was actually nervous to open doors, in fear that an actual duck may be wandering around like he owned the place, which, after looking at the house, certainly could be the case.

“What the duck?” I said to my husband as we really looked around for the first time as the new homeowners. We’d done our inspections, of course, but most of our interactions had been online because the house was far away. We hadn’t really been aware of the excessive duckiness of the house until just now.

“Did you see all these ducks in the pictures of the house?” he asked.

“I don’t think they included the duckiest rooms,” I said.

“Which room doesn’t have ducks?”

“The front hall closet, I believe,” I replied.

I looked out the window to take a break from all the ducks and that’s when I saw... more ducks! There were ducks lolling on the lawn and ducks cavorting on the deck. Everywhere I looked, I saw ducks. And that’s when it hit me...

I had a duck curse.

I realized it probably started when I was a kid. One day I innocently quacked

at a duck in a neighbor’s pool. I’m not sure what I said in duck language but apparently it wasn’t good because the duck literally chased me up a tree.

I wondered: Was quacking at a duck really so bad, or had I run afowl of a duck in a previous life? Either way, it was clear I needed a duck intervention before something more ducked up happened to me or the people I loved.

“I’m really sorry, honey,” I said. “It’s my fault we have duck issues. I have a duck curse.”

He rolled his eyes.

“No, it’s true,” I insisted. “I’m not sure how it happened, but it seems that I have been cursed with a lifetime of ducks.”

“Well, that’s just ducky,” he said. “What are we going to do?”

“First thing tomorrow, I’m going to find someone to remove the curse.”

The next day I looked online and found a woman who could remove my

Of course, if you happen to live in the Southern Hemisphere where seasons are reversed from those north of the equator, our planet’s nearest point to the sun does occur during summertime. But that’s a story for another time.

Follow Dennis Mammana at facebook/dennismammana.

COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM

duck curse over Zoom for a hefty fee. She chanted at me, waved some sage at a rubber ducky, and then announced that I was curse-free.

The next morning, I got up and looked out the window.

The ducks were gone.

I woke my husband. “Great news honey, the ducks are gone! The curse has been lifted.”

“Well, mine hasn’t,” he said, sitting up.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

He rolled his eyes.

“You’re still here.”

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

COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS

Contrary to popular belief, summertime is not when the Earth is closest to the sun, at least in the Northern Hemisphere.

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NOVENA TO THE BLESSED MOTHER

Oh Most Beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven. Oh, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity.

Oh Star of the Sea, help me herein and show me here you are my Mother.

Oh Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power.

Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee (say three times).

Holy Mary I place this cause in your hands (say three times).

Amen.

This prayer is never known to fail and is to be said for 3 consecutive days. In Gratitude (M.T.F.)

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44 Mohwak Way

Elizabethtown, NY

Serving GARDEN CITY and surrounding area since 2003 Repairs & Installations of all types Carpentry, Moldings, Lighting and More

35-yr Nassau Resident References

Lic#170101

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MADE IN THE SHADE

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS PER NASSAU COUNTY CIVIL SERVICE

EAST ROCKAWAY UFSD

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university and Four years of satisfactory administrative staff experience, which must include participating in budget preparation, and/or personnel and/or procurement activities.

CENTRE AVENUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HEAD CUSTODIAN 1

NOTE: 1. Experience, as outlined above, in excess of the four-year requirement, may be substituted for college education on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of four years.

AUTOMOTIVE

AUTOS WANTED

MUST BE REACHABLE ON THE CIVIL SERVICE HEAD CUSTODIAN 1 LIST

***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS

2. A Master’s degree from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university may be substituted for one year of the experience as outlined above.

SALARY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EAST ROCKAWAY CUSTODIAL UNIT BARGAINING AGREEMENT

AnticipAted StArt dAte: to Be determined

$Highest$ Ca$h Paid$ All Years /Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct Ca$h.

DMV ID#1303199

Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS 516-297-2277

Adirondack Mountain Home overlooking village. Stunning attention to details, blazing internet, close to I-87 and Ferry to Vermont. Call Christine Benedict 518593-0533 OR Christine.adkrealtor@ gmail.com

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ARE YOU BEHIND 10K OR MORE on your taxes? Stop wage and bank levies, liens and audits, unfiled tax returns, payroll issues, and resolve tax debt FAST. Call 888-869-5361

(Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm PST)

JACK’S CUSTOM FRAMING

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Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Draperies

Top Brands at Discount Prices! Family owned & operated www.madeintheshadensli. com

516-426-2890

MASONRY

All types of stonework

Please submit letter of interest and resume by July 10, 2023, to:

STARTING DATE: On or after July 3, 2023

MS. DIANE DRAKOPOULOS

DRIVE OUT BREAST CANCER:

We can frame anything! Quality Care & Workmanship

Pavers, Retaining Walls, Belgium Block Patios, Foundations, Seal coating, Concrete and Asphalt driveways, Sidewalks, Steps.

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Personnel Clerk

Please submit letter of interest no later than May 17, 2023, to: Diane Drakopoulos

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443 Ocean Avenue East Rockaway, NY 11518

Email: ddrakopoulos@eastrockawayschools.org

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A.T. STEWART EXCHANGE CONSIGNMENT SHOP

516-746-8900

Antiques-FurnitureJewelry-Silver-MirorsLamps-Artwork

Come to Consign & Stay to Shop

Visit.... Our Shop 109 Eleventh St. Garden City Mon-Fri 10-4 (Wed till 6) Saturday 12-4

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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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Professional Services for Assisting with Preparation, Serving and Clean Up

Before, During and After Your Party

Bartenders Available.

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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.

Call or text 516-589-5640

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Let Magnum Upgrade Your Existing Security System.

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PASSION FOR SENIORS

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This refreshing salad can makes a meal

Authentic Greek Salad

Quick and simple meals are the name of the game when warm weather beckons and spending time in the kitchen is less attractive. Salads are best during the midsummer when they can be comprised of fresh and ripe ingredients plucked right from the garden. What’s more, salad can be a side dish or even the main meal if fortified with a little protein and some bread.

This recipe for “Authentic Greek Salad” from “Clueless in the Kitchen: Cooking for Beginners” (Firefly Books) by Evelyn Raab is ideal.

Serves 4 to 6

4 medium tomatoes, cut into 1⁄2inch chunks

1 seedless English cucumber, cut into 1⁄2-inch chunks

1 small red onion, diced

1⁄3 cup Zorba the Greek Dressing (see below)

4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup)

1⁄2 cup black olives (kalamata or other brine-cured ones are best)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

In a large bowl, toss together the tomatoes, cucumber and onion. Add the dressing and toss to mix. Sprinkle in the feta

cheese and olives, and toss gently.

Taste the salad, adjust the seasoning with additional salt

and pepper if you think it needs it and serve immediately.

Zorba

1⁄2 cup olive oil

3 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon crumbled dried oregano

1⁄2 teaspoon salt

1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper

In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until combined. Makes 3⁄4 cup dressing — enough for a couple of bowls of Greek salad. You can keep any leftover dressing in the fridge for about a week.

Town pools open for season

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that its community pools have opened for the summer season.

The Town of Oyster Bay operates five pool facilities, including Bethpage Community Park, Marjorie Post Community Park, Plainview-Old Bethpage Community Park, Syosset-Woodbury Community Park, and a saltwater pool at Tappen Beach in Glenwood Landing.

“The warm, sunny days of summer are nearly upon us and all residents may start visiting our pools daily,” Supervisor Saladino said. “Town Pool memberships offer families and senior citizens access to many great amenities, including upgrad-

ed restrooms, pool deck furniture, picnic benches and sunshades.”

Pool hours from Saturday, June 24, through Labor Day, Monday, September 4, will be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, weather permitting. Additionally, extended hours until 8 p.m., will be offered as follows (weather permitting) at the following locations on the following schedule:

• Monday: Syosset-Woodbury

• Tuesday: Plainview-Old Bethpage

• Wednesday: Bethpage

• Thursday: Marjorie R. Post

• Fridays: ALL pools open late including Tappen

Pool memberships can be obtained at each park location. Memberships are available at community park pools for both park district residents and non-park district residents. Daily admission rates, nanny memberships and group access are also available. In addition to the great new amenities at our facilities, the Town is offering swimming lessons at local pools to residents age five and older. Applications to register for swimming lessons are available on line at oysterbaytown.com/portal, with four swim lesson sessions available to choose from.

The Town will also offer a swim team this summer at outdoor pools located in Syosset-Woodbury Community Park

and Marjorie R. Post Community Park in Massapequa. Town of Oyster Bay residents aged 6 to 16 are eligible to register for the swim program. Practices will be held on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. beginning Wednesday, June 29. Swim meets will be held Saturday mornings and class meets will be held Tuesday afternoons. Schedules will be distributed the first week of practice. For more information, including membership rates, and schedules for swim lessons, please visit www.oysterbaytown. com/pools.

Professional Services Guide

Syosset HS commencement exercises celebrate Class of 2023

More than 560 seniors accepted their high school diplomas at Syosset High School’s 65th Annual Commencement ceremony held on June 21, at Hofstra University.

Students marched into Hofstra’s David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex to “Pomp and Circumstance” played by members of the Syosset High School orchestra. Senior members of High School vocal group The Adelettes performed a stunning rendition of the National Anthem.

This year’s class was highlighted by one U.S. Presidential Scholar, 16 National Merit Finalists, 39 National Merit Commended students, and six Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars.

Syosset High School Principal, Dr. Giovanni Durante, delivered the welcoming remarks, praising students for their successful High School careers, and sending them off with well wishes for the future. “I have seen the great work you’ve done both inside and outside of the classroom, and want you to know that I believe in you,” Dr. Durante said. “I have confidence in you, and I look forward to hearing about all of your future successes.” Dr. Durante also recognized seven graduates who would go on to serve in different branches of the U.S. military: Daniel Chan, Timothy Chan, Nathan Edwards, Michael Schroeder, Jacob Brockey, Madison So, and Anoushka Rishi.

Superintendent Dr. Thomas Rogers reflected on the unique challenges this graduating class has faced, having spent a bulk of their time in High School in the midst of a pandemic. He encouraged students to live the story that they want to tell. “May each of your chapters be full of exploration, discoveries, interesting new characters, and inevitable conflicts successfully overcome,” he said. “Live everyday with attention to intention. Surround yourself with people who make your story better. Leave room for your dreams to grow, along

with your imagination. And keep notes, because these will be tales you want to tell.”

Board of Education President Thomas Rotolo and trustee Carol Cheng also addressed the students, encouraging them to enjoy the next steps on their journey after High School. Mr. Rotolo also kicked off what he hopes will be a new graduation tradition. “No amount of artificial algorithms can compare to human emotions and feelings,” Mr. Rotolo said. “Now that I think about it, we should start a new High School graduation tradition of hugging each other for a minimum of five seconds. Get up!” The graduates and members of the administration stood up, embracing their classmates and colleagues in a touching moment of connection.

Class of 2023 Student Government President William Chantemsin and Senior Class President Parker Kim presented the class gift—benches for the courtyard outside of the High School cafeteria. Class Speaker Anika Shah acknowledged the challenges of the past four years, and how her class was able to thrive despite them. “We definitely were not expecting an online freshman year, a hybrid sophomore year, and a junior year behind plexiglass and masks,” she said.

The Valedictorian Alex Lin Wang and Salutatorian Zachary Kam also addressed their class. Zachary Kam thanked Syosset families, teachers, coaches, and mentors for laying the foundation for their future success. Alex Lin Wang reflected on the question often asked of every child: what do you want to be when you grow up? “This is probably the worst question you can ask a kid,” he said. “As you know, dreams change. Whether you know what you want to do today, or discover it later—it will never be too late.”

The commencement culminated with each student receiving their diploma and the traditional cap toss.

(From left) Senior Class President Parker Kim, Student Government President William Chantemsin, Class Speaker Anika Shah, Salutatorian Zachary Kam, Valedictorian Alex Lin Wang

Syosset High School Principal Dr. Giovanni Durante addresses graduating class Syosset graduate celebrates the acceptance of his High School diploma

The Superintendent of Syosset Schools Dr. Thomas Rogers addresses graduating class

Syosset graduate Sabrina Guo accepts award for being selected as a U.S. Presidential Scholar

Color Run at Robbins Lane School

The Robbins Lane PTA hosted the Color Run for grades K-5th on June 5, 2023. White t-shirts and goggles were provided for everyone. It was an exciting and fun family event that included a food truck and a DJ playing music keeping everyone entertained. The Playground Athletics organized the

event with various activities such as tug of war, wiffle ball, soccer, football, obstacle courses and the color run. The students enjoyed every moment of getting covered in the vibrant colors along the course with friends. The fun continued with ice cream. There were many colorful and happy faces.

Friends excited for all the festivities

Smiling faces

Taking

a game of football

Seeing orange

break from

Enjoying some ice cream

Seeing blue

Seeing pink Parachute games

Bethpage students encouraged to ‘enjoy the ride’

Bethpage students and staff from Central Boulevard Elementary School celebrated their final Energy Bus assembly of the school year on June 15. Classes gathered outside on the school’s blacktop where they reviewed the Energy Bus rules that they had learned throughout the school year based on Jon Gordon’s children’s book “Energy Bus for Kids: A Story About Staying Positive and Overcoming Challenges.”

Students participated in the Energy Bus program throughout the year, learning important rules to live by such as “fuel your ride with positive energy,” “drive with purpose” and “you’re the driver of your own bus.” The program helps create a positive school culture as students become leaders.

During the final assembly, staff members, including Central Boulevard

Principal Dominique Siebert, held up signs to spotlight and review each Energy Bus rule that the students learned. The classes were then introduced to the tenth and final rule, “Enjoy the Ride.”

School psychologist Dr. Louis Ricci and library media specialist Ashley Scotto served as emcees and spoke about the meaning of the new rule which encourages students to be present and positive. Several fourth and fifth grade students shared how they “enjoy the ride” and Assistant Principal Julianne Inghilterra announced the school’s Passengers of the Month.

The assembly continued on a high note as students and staff danced to a few songs together before forming a conga line back into the school building, ready to take on the summer.

Students danced to the ‘Cha Cha Slide’ during the assembly.

Principal Dominique Siebert (right) and staff members helped review the Energy Bus rules during Central Boulevard’s final Energy Bus assembly.

Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

Central Boulevard students had fun dancing to different songs during the assembly.

Central Boulevard students were greeted by the Eagle during their final Energy Bus assembly of the 2022-23 school year.

Central Boulevard students formed a conga line after the assembly.