Jericho-Syosset News Journal (11/18/22)

“...you were there for me — reassuring and supportive when I was tentative and nervous.” — Rosemarie S.

Town, Girl Scouts to plant trees

Crime, oil prices topics at BCA meeting

BY GEORGE HABER

The Birchwood Civic Associ ation held its first regular in-per son meeting since the Covid pan demic, November 8 at the Jack son Elementary Scool.

Led by BCA President Roy Chipkin, the group discussed negotiations with Meenan Oil to provide home heating oil and a service contract to members at a discounted price. The oil com pany has been providing oil and service for the group's members for many years.

So far, Chipkin said, no price has been agreed upon by Meenan. The current price for oil from Meenan is $5.19 per gallon.

Chipkin said discussions with the company are ongoing.

Discussing rising crime in the area, the members talked about putting license plate readers at entry points around the com munity that might deter wouldbe burglars from entering the neighborhood.

Town of Oyster Bay officials joined with the Girl Scouts of Nassau County to plant trees at the Dor othy Ave. parklet in Syosset.

Oyster Bay Supervisor

Joseph Saladino, Council woman Vicki Walsh and Town Clerk Richard LaMarca joined with the Girl Scouts of Nas sau County to plant trees at the Dorothy Avenue Parklet in Syosset.

In collaboration with

National Grid’s Project C pro gram, the Girl Scouts of Nas sau County purchased and planted trees native to the region throughout the Town of Oyster Bay.

This initiative is part of the Girl Scouts USA’s Tree Prom ise initiative, which has a goal

of planting five million trees in five years.

Supervisor Saladino, Coun cilwoman Vicki Walsh and Town Clerk LaMarca recog nized the Girl Scouts for their civic duty and dedication to improving the environment.

One East Birchwood resident described an experience he had when he confronted a burglar

in his home one afternoon. The intruder had entered through a back door and went to the sec ond floor of the split level home. The resident confronted him out side the upstairs office and the intruder ran out the front door.

"I followed him and got his license plate and reported this to the police. They caught the man and arrested him. He's now awaiting trial," said the resident.

Members discussed strategies for deterring would-be home invaders which included leaving lights on indoors and outdoors, locking cars on driveways, play ing music or TV when not home, and reporting suspicious persons or cars in one’s immediate area.

Chipkin also told the mem bers that the BCA tree planting program resulted in the planting of 70 trees in East Birchwood at a cost of $17,000.

He added that East Birch wood residents interested in joining the BCA should monitor the group's website to learn of upcoming meetings and contact information. The website is east birchwood.org.

Coat drive to aid homeless

Donors are invited to drop off

new and gently used winter coats at the Syosset Public Library, 225 S. Oyster Bay Road, Syosset, N.Y. 11791 and the Jericho Public Library, 1 Merry Lane, Jericho N.Y. 11753 during normal busi ness hours from Friday, Novem ber 18, to Wednesday, December 21st.

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Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (D - Plain view) is joining forces with the Syosset and Jericho Public Libraries to support an annual coat drive spearheaded by the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless.

Commemorating Veterans Day at Armor Museum

Santa’s mailboxes have arrived at town offices

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that children can send their “holiday wish list” directly to Old St. Nick at the North Pole through a special network of Santa’s mailboxes which arrived in Town facilities from the North Pole. Mailboxes will accept letters now through Monday, December 12.

The Town of Oyster Bay will forward letters to Santa at the North Pole. Letters received by Monday, December 12, with a legible name and return address will be answered by Santa before the holi

day. No postage is necessary.

Colorful red mailboxes will be acces sible from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. daily at the following locations:

• Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay

• Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa

• Ice Skating Center, 1001 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage

For more information about Santa’s mailboxes, please call (516) 624-6380 weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. or visit the www.oysterbaytown.com.

Model Train Show to benefit RR museum

On the eve of Veterans Day in America, Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (D - Plainview) joined with leaders of the Museum of American Armor on Thursday, Nov. 10 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Sherman Tank - an iconic component of America’s “arsenal of democracy” that was instrumental in turning the tide of the war for the Allies.

Among those in attendance at the event were Sherman tanker veterans who were among the GIs who operated the approximately 50,000 Sherman tanks that were used in

World War II.

“It was truly humbling to be in the presence of remarkable individuals whose valor was instrumental in rescuing the world from the evil clutches of the Nazis,” Legislator Drucker said. “These men and countless others risked everything, and in so many cases gave their lives, in pursuit of victory in World War II, and they are the embodiment of what it means to be a part of the Greatest Generation. May our appreciation for their service live on eternally in our hearts.”

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that Trainville Hobby Depot will host a Model Train Show on Saturday, November 19, and Sunday, November 20, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hicksville Community Center, located at 28 West Carl Street in Hicksville. The Model Train Show includes operating model layouts coor dinated by Trainville Hobby Depot. Donations are being accepted at the exhibit to support the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum.

“We are pleased to partner with Trainville Hobby Depot, who coordi nates or participates in many hobby

shows that benefit the fundraising efforts of a sponsoring organization,” said Town Clerk Richard LaMarca.

“Assisting groups that not only bring a fun and educational experience to residents of all ages, but also help pre serve our history in understanding the railroad’s role in our heritage, is a great cause.”

Admission in to the exhibit is $5.00, children ages 4-11 years are $3.00 and entry for children under the age of 4 is free. For further information, please visit www.trainville.com or call (516) 433-4444.

Nominations for Hall of Fame

The Jericho High School Hall of Fame Committee is now accepting nom inations. The deadline is December 5. Please see the link below for the nomi

nation form and more information. https://www.jerichoschools.org/ resources/community/jericho-hall-offame

Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (D-Plainview) (second from left) with leaders of the Museum of American Armor.

Ice skating rinks open November 25

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that the Town’s outdoor ice skating rinks at Marjorie R. Post and Syosset-Woodbury Community Parks will officially open for the season on Friday, November 25, and remain open through Sunday, February 26.

“Ice skating is a fun activity for residents of all ages to enjoy, and the Town’s outdoor ice rinks provide the perfect setting to relax, unwind, and take in the wonderful winter atmosphere,” said Town Councilman Lou Imbroto. “Our outdoor ice rink facilities are the perfect antidote to combating cabin fever during the winter months, and are the ideal way to help make coping with the cold fun and enjoyable!”

Public Skating Sessions are available at both outdoor rinks on Fridays at 4 p.m.–6 p.m. and 7 p.m.–9 p.m., Saturdays at 1 p.m.–3 p.m., 4 p.m.–6 p.m., and 7 p.m.–9 p.m., and Sundays from 1 p.m.–3 p.m. and 4 p.m.–6 p.m. Adjusted hours take effect during holiday breaks, with information available on the Town’s

website.

For residents wishing to take advantage of ice skating but do not wish to be outdoors, the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center is open year-round and is located at 1001 Stewart Ave. in Bethpage. Indoor skating is open to the public seven days a week, includ ing: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Saturdays from 2:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.; and Sundays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. While the Ice Skating Center is open on New Year’s Day, it will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and for Special Events.

For information on schedules, fees and rink programs, call (516) 797-7990 for the Marjorie Post Park Outdoor Rink or (516) 677-5990 for the Syosset-Woodbury Park Outdoor Rink. All information is available on the Town’s website at www.oysterbay town.com/ice.

Hicksville woman arrested for assaults

Nassau County Police arrested a Hicksville woman for multiple assaults which took place on Monday, November 7, in Hicksville.

According to detectives, officers responded to a disturbance at a Hicksville residence located on Harding Avenue at 8:27 p.m. Police say that they were told by an adult female complainant that she was having an argument with a family member. They say that Rosa Sanchez, 18, then approached the officers and became physically combative. According to police, two officers sustained injuries during the course of the arrest. The two injured officers and the defendant were all transported by Nassau County Police Ambulances to a nearby hospital for assessment and treatment.

Defendant Rosa Sanchez is being charged with two counts of Assault 2nd Degree and Resisting Arrest. Our

Rosa Sanchez.

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New bubble tea location opens in Syosset

BY GARY SIMEONE

New Kung Fu Tea owner Neha Sabharwal wanted to branch out from her family owned restaurant business to open her own unique location. The 35-year-old mother of two toddlers took her restaurant and hospitality expe rience, and recently opened a Kung Fu Tea location in Syosset. The store officially opened on October 21 and had its grand opening ceremony this past weekend.

“I wanted to take my hospitality background and general love of bubble tea and diversify it all into one busi ness,” said Sabharwal. “After the pan demic, I wanted to stay close to home raising my two daughters, but had to take advantage of this good business opportunity that came along.”

Sabharwal said that for the past six years, she has been working at Pippali’s Indian restaurant, a family owned busi ness in Manhattan.

Kung Fu Tea is a franchise business that was started in 2010 and is consid ered to be one of America’s largest bub ble tea brands. There are currently over 350 locations throughout the country including multiple locations on Long Island.

Sabharwal, an Old Westbury resi dent, said she chose to open a location in Syosset because of the hamlet’s rich business history and younger demo graphic.

“It’s a popular destination for diners and there are a lot of younger, passion ate people who are enthusiastic about bubble tea, from its unique flavors to its purported healing properties.”

The Kung Fu Tea brand is strict ly about beverages, from cold to hot teas, slushes, punches, espressos and yogurts.

Sabharwal said the menu is extensive and all of the teas are freshly brewed. Tea flavors include oolong teas, black teas, green teas, jujube, milk teas and a lactose intolerant brand.

“We are all about serving a healthy product to our customers without com promising on flavor or uniqueness in our blends”

Kung Fu Tea is located at 408 Jericho Turnpike in Syosset.

Patrons line up to try the offerings of the new Kung Fu Tea location in Syosset.

Neha Sabharwal owner of Kung Fu Tea in Syosset.

This Week at the Syosset Public Library

Friday, November 18, 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.

Upcoming Events at the Jericho Public Library

Friday, November 18

2:00 p.m: HYBRID: Great Performers with Marc CourtadeDavid Niven: The Moon’s A Balloon - David Niven was a British actor known for his wit, class, elegance and humor. His acting career spanned 50 years, was interrupted during World War II to serve in the British Army. Niven’s career resurged in the late 1950s when he won an Academy Award as Best Actor for “Separate Tables.” He became even more popular, appearing in big budget war and action films, as well as suave comedies, including several “Pink Panther” films. Niven also had success as a writer, including his well known autobiography “The Moon’s a Balloon.”

Saturday, November 19

2:00 p.m: Teens: Harvest Chocolate Dessert Platter - Create your own holiday dessert platter with chocolate dipped tasty treats. Bring your finished platter to your family’s holiday gather ing!

Sunday, November 20

1:30 p.m.: Thanksgiving Stories on a Sunday Afternoon (Grades K to 3)Celebrate with Thanksgiving stories, songs, a short film and a craft.

Monday,

with Dr. William Thierfelder: The 60-Minute Universe - Join Dr. Thierfelder for this program based on his spotlight tour of the Hall of the Universe at the American Museum of Natural History. He will take us from the early years of the universe to space exploration today and the discuss the remarkable formation of the stars to the planets of our solar system.

Tuesday, November 22

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 discus sion.

7:00 p.m: TEENS: Smash Bros. Tournament - Mario? Link? Pikachu? Why not all of them! Test your mettle and battle your friends to determine who is the true champion in Super Smash Bros Ultimate!

Wednesday, November 23

November 21

2:00 p.m: VIRTUAL: Profiles

7:00 p.m: Jam Session with Adam King (Grades 1 to 3) - In this fun pro gram, you will exercise your musical skills to collaborate with the group to create music!

Town collects toys for medical center

Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Laura Maier recently delivered five pal lets filled with toys to Cohen Children’s Medical Center, collected by the Town in cooperation with the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots program and Councilwoman Maier’s fundraising efforts.

“I cannot say enough about the car ing people who work Cohen Children’s Medical Center and I thank all those who opened their hearts and wallets to help children and families going through a difficult time,” said Councilwoman Maier. “This cause means so much to me personally, and in addition to the toys we’ve collected through Town efforts, I’m proud to say many are being

donated by Mighty Mason’s Warriors. This is a group organized to help fund raise and collect donations in my son’s name – all to help in supporting the fight against Leukemia and Lymphoma.”

Continuing efforts to help make the upcoming holiday season a brighter for those less fortunate, the Town of Oyster Bay has once again teamed up with Toys for Tots to host a collection drive. Donation boxes have been set up at Town facilities, and the Town will also host the largest ‘Cruise-Thru’ collection drive on Saturday, December 3rd at John Burns Park in Massapequa. For more information, visit the Town’s web site at www.oysterbaytown.com.

Councilwoman Maier (center) with Demi Lonergan and Venhar Burani of Cohen Children’s Medical Center.

Bethpage community gathers for Halloween

To kick-off Halloween weekend, the Bethpage High School Parent Teacher Student Association hosted its annual Halloween at the Field event at Bethpage High School on Oct. 28. Central and building administrators, staff, students and their families dressed in their best costumes to celebrate the spooky sea son.

Sports teams, school PTAs and high school organizations were welcome to create themes and decorate their own

tables and tents at the high school’s athletic complex for trick-or-treaters to visit throughout the evening. Attendees also enjoyed food from a variety of food trucks and participated in Halloween games and activities.

The Bethpage Union Free School thanks the PTSA, students, faculty and parents who volunteered their time and resources to make the event a success.

Students

Bethpage students participated in Halloween activities, such as making potions, at different themed tents.

participated in games during Halloween at the Field.

Central Boulevard Elementary School Principal Dominique Siebert (back right) and Assistant Principal Julianne Inghilterra (back left) greeted students at Halloween at the Field.

Bethpage students dressed in their best costumes for Halloween at the Field.

Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

Syosset Library Artist of the Month

Meagan Meehan’s works are meant to be viewed from any angle, without regard to up, down, left, right, back, front, right or wrong.

Meagan J. Meehan is an abstract art ist whose pieces are bright, colorful, and inspired by the works of Miro, Calder, Matisse, and other abstract masters. “My work aims to combat the dark ness and negativity in the world by showcasing cheerfulness, playfulness, creativity, and imagination,” she said. “If someone looks at my art and smiles, then it has fulfilled its purpose.”

Ms. Meehan’s exhibition, “ Paper Playgrounds, Canvas Carnivals & Other Oddities,” on view in the Syosset Library Gallery through November, is a celebration of the unusual, the color ful, and the joyful. It aims to play with perceptions, to enlighten viewers about the shapes present in common, recy cled objects, and—most importantly—to inspire smiles.

The items in the exhibition are rooted in the concept that artwork should look strong from all angles.

According to the artist, the works in the show reflect the art movement known as Conscious Perceptionalism, a movement that Ms. Meehan said she founded. “Conscious Perceptionalism is rooted in the concept that abstract artwork should look strong from all angles,” she said. “Therefore, there is no definitive left, right, up, or down in any of the works.”

Ms. Meehan is also an author, poet, cartoonist, and playwright who has written for Great South Bay Magazine and other venues.

Syosset Library is located at 225 South Oyster Bay Road in Syosset. For more information about programs, ser vices, and hours, call (516) 921-7161, or visit the library or the website at www. syossetlibrary.org.

Children’s author speaks at Jericho Public Library

On November 10, Laura Vaccaro Seeger, New York Times best sell ing author and illustrator, visited the Jericho Public Library to share with the Jericho School District’s kinder garten classes what it’s like to be a children's book author and illustrator

and how all of her books feature an ele ment of kindness. She is the recipient of many honors of distinction such as the Caldecott Honors, Horn Book Award, and Theodore Seuss Geisel Honors to name a few.

Afternoon Book Discussion at the Syosset Public Library

Tuesday, November 29, at 3 p.m.

Join Evelyn Hershkowitz, Readers’ Services Librarian for an in-person dis cussion of the novel “The Garden of Small Beginnings” by Abbi Waxman. Copies of the book will be available at the Circulation Desk one month before the program. No registration.

The Library is located at 225 South Oyster Bay Road, Syosset. For more information please call 516-921-7161 ext 239 or email Readersservices@syos setlibrary.org

*All events are wheelchair accessible

**Books will be available at the Circulation Desk one month before each program.

Author Laura Vaccaro Seeger speaking about being a children’s author.

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Travel Companies Go Big For Black Friday, Cyber Monday Deals

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

Travel companies are going big for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and no doubt are weighing both the mas sive outpouring of pent-up demand for travel against potential travelers’ concerns for tightened budgets. But here is a snapshot of what you can expect – it can be a discount on the package price, or upgrade, or special features added on. If you don’t see a travel company you are interested in, check their website:

Xanterra’s “Thankful for Travel Sale” Nov. 22-29

Xanterra’s “Thankful for Travel Sale” is lasting a full week, from Tuesday, Nov. 22 – Tuesday, Nov. 29 for value and money-sav ing deals. Highlights include: The Oasis at Death Valley – 30% off hotel stays at the beautifully renovated historic AAA Four-Diamond Inn at Death Valley and newly revitalized, family-friendly Ranch at Death Valley, including new, cozy cottages, spring fed pools and the lowest elevation golf course. Valid for select overnight stays between Dec. 1, 2022 and Feb. 9, 2023.

Historic Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel – 30% off roundtrip train tickets on an entertaining journey in fully restored historic train cars to the Grand Canyon’s fabled South Rim when booking a two-night Getaway Package over select dates between Jan. 2, 2022 and March 5, 2023.

Grand Canyon South Rim – Save 30% on in-park lodging at newly built Maswik Lodge, Kachina Lodge, and Bright Angel Lodge and 20% at the historic El Tovar Hotel. All lodges are in the Historic Grand Canyon Village within walking distance of the rim of the Grand Canyon, Lookout Studio

and Hopi House. Take advantage of the Secret Season at Grand Canyon and enjoy the park without the crowds.

The Grand Hotel – 30% off at the only AAA Three-Diamond hotel near the Grand Canyon in Tusayan (just one mile from the South Rim entrance) on select dates between Dec. 1, 2022 and March 9, 2023.

Zion National Park –  30% off overnight stays inside the park at Zion National Park Lodge on select dates between Dec. 4, 2022 and Feb. 28, 2023.

Cedar Creek Lodge, at the gateway to Glacier National Park –  Save 30% on Rooms (for select dates Dec. 2022-April 2023)

Yellowstone – Save 25% on daily rates for specific stay dates in deluxe rooms at Canyon Lodge, deluxe and standard rooms at Lake Yellowstone Hotel, and deluxe rooms at Grant Village. Offer available for new reservations booked between Nov. 22 and 29, 2022. Stay dates for Canyon Lodge: May 19 – 25, 2023; May 30 – June 17, 2023. Lake Yellowstone Hotel: May 12 & 25, 2023; May 30- June 17, 2023; Grant Village: May 30 and June 17,

2023

The Broadmoor – Rates as low as $259 for select dates and suites available at 25% off published rates; 20% off all-inclusive Wilderness Properties for select dates during 2023.

Sea Island – Receive a $100 resort credit per night of stay in December, January, February at The Cloister or Lodge. Minimum 2-night stay on the standard rate. Offer valid Nov. 22 – 29, 2023.

Bicycling Tours – Book any depar ture of the 2023 France: The Burgundy Wine Region & Dijon Guided Biking Tour and get the Post-Trip Extension to Paris free which includes a 2-night stay at the Hotel Château Frontenac or La Demeure Montaigne (both central ly located in the 8th Arrondissement in Paris), daily breakfast, airport car service for departure and a city infor mation packet.

Walking Adventures – Book any departure of the 2023 Italy: Tuscany & Umbria Guided Walking Tour and get the Post-Tour Extension to Rome free which includes a 2-night stay at the Hotel Dei Mellini in the center of

Rome (between the Spanish Steps and St. Peter’s Basilica), daily breakfast, airport car service for departure and a city information packet.

Holiday Vacations –  Book a Timeless France with Burgundy & Provence River Cruise from April 24 –May 4, 2023 and receive $200 off explor ing Paris and French waterways with included airfare, 7-day river cruise, accommodations, most meals, and attractions.

Windstar Cruises –  Select one Perk on your upcoming cruise. Perk offerings vary depending on cruise length and room category. Perks include a free upgrade to an AllInclusive Fare or one Easy Stays hotel night or up to $1,000 in Onboard Credit. Enjoy reduced deposits of only 5% during one week sale only.

Looking for an unparalleled gift of discovery and wanderlust? Xanterra Travel Collection Gift Cards  are redeemable across all Xanterra Travel Collection destinations for accommo dations, experiences, dining, retail purchases and more. The recipient can choose their adventure with this gift of A World of Unforgettable Experiences. Learn more at Xanterra.com/GiftCard.

For a complete list and to take advantage of Xanterra and its affil iates’ “Thankful for Travel” offers, visit xanterra.com/thankful-for-trav el-sale.

Black Friday Tours Sales

EF Go Ahead Tours’ Black Friday Sale started early this year! Week 3 deals are running until November 17th with a variety of tours discounted to Scotland, France, Italy, and Ireland. Week 4 deals start Nov. 18 and fea ture more deep discounts on bucket list trips to destinations like Australia, Costa Rica, Portugal. (https://www. goaheadtours.com/travel-deals/ black-friday)

Take advantage of Xanterra Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals at iconic hotels in national parks like Yellowstone © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarand near.com

Travel Companies Go Big For Black Friday, Cyber Monday Deals

Mexico

Contiki is offering its Cyber Sale from Nov. 23-Dec. 1 (see https://www. contiki.com/en-us/activity/black-friday

Trafalgar is offering 15% off world wide trips for Black Friday; book before December 5 for limited time savings ( https://www.trafalgar.com/en-us/ deals/black-friday-travel-deals, 866-5131995. (Plus, get a $250 per couple Travel Credit toward your first trip when you sign up to our newsletter.)

GA Adventures is offering up to 30 percent off on a its best adventures, for travel by April 30, 2023; and up to 10% on select trips departing between May 1-and June 30, 2023 (https://www.gadventures. com/travel-deals/cyber-sale/, 1 888 800 4100)

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Travel Offers at Luxury Resorts

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday quickly approaching presenting limit ed-time offers from hotels and resorts from the Maldives to Belize to the Florida Keys, and many more destination resorts around the world. Here are a sampling of offers for travelers to snag the steepest travel deals of the year and enjoy unfor gettable experiences at reduced rates.

Boutique Islands

Coco Collection, Maldives: Comprised of two different boutique island resorts, Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, each create a unique and authentic Maldivian experience rang ing from luxe amenities to eco-forward initiatives for travelers to begin indulg ing in as soon as they arrive. This Black Friday through Cyber Monday, Coco Collection is offering a 50 percent off total booking. The first 5 bookings within this timeframe at both resorts will receive 70 percent off their booking. Offer valid from Friday, Nov. 25 – Monday, Nov. 28 for stays from Nov. 26 through Dec. 25, 2022 and May 1, through Oct. 31, 2023.

Casa Kimberly, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: Formerly Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s home (it was his gift to her for her 32nd birthday, in 1962), this luxurious nine-suite boutique hotel is situated in the heart of Puerto Vallarta and has stunning views of Banderas Bay and the red clay rooftops that dot the Sierra Madre Mountains. From Black Friday (Nov 25) through Cyber Monday (Nov. 28), receive  50% off stays booked December 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023 (does not apply to reservations from Dec. 24-Jan. 3 and other blackout dates may apply). Use code  CYBERCK to reserve at the discounted rate. Visit here to book.

Grand Residences Riviera Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Mexico is a secluded coastal resort located about half an hour outside of Cancun in Puerto Morelos. The resort itself and surrounding setting allows for both active and relaxing expe riences, including a bike tour, spa treat ments, cooking demonstrations, a Kids Club, and more. Private airport transfers to/from the resort are included in every stay. Grand Residences is providing a 25 percent discounted rate on all-inclusive stays for all room categories for those who book their travel up through Dec. 16, 2022. (Valid on new bookings only, no minimum length of stay required; black out dates apply.)

North/Central America Hawks Cay Resort, the Florida Keys is offering guests the ultimate Florida Keys vacation experience with on-site amenities like fishing excursions, dolphin encounters, snorkel trips, and more. This Black Friday (Nov. 21-29), Hawks Cay is extending 35% off accommodations booked under promo code CYBERW, for a 2-night minimum stay at the hotel and a 3-night minimum stay at its villas. Subject to availability, blackout dates apply.

Cayo Espanto, Belize: Located

NUTRITION NEWS

three miles off the coast of San Pedro, Belize, Cayo Espanto is home to seven villas, a helipad, private yacht, and end less opportunities to enjoy a barefoot luxury escape in a naturally beautiful setting. The private island resort is offer ing guests a free airfare credit (up to $750 per person) with the booking of a seven night stay this Black Friday through Cyber Monday. Travelers looking to take advantage of this offer must complete their booking online at  aprivateisland. com between Friday, Nov. 25 – Monday, Nov. 28. A booking code is not required; all reservations made during this time frame will receive airfare credit with con firmation. Offer valid on new bookings only and may not be combined with any other offers. Blackout dates apply and reservations are based on availability.

The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort, Panama, one of Panama’s lead ing family-friendly luxury hotels,  is extending a  Flight Cash Back promotion that travelers in pursuit of a discounted luxury vacation will love! The new promotion extends $400 cash back upon check out; complimentary breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children under 12 years; and complimentary use of bicycle, tennis and volleyball courts. The offer is valid until Dec. 31, and a 5-night minimum booking applies.

Caribbean Mount Cinnamon Resort, Grenada: Tucked away on the hillside atop Grand Anse Beach, Mount Cinnamon is an ecoluxe hideaway with an enclave of 37 luxu ry villas and suites. Ranked as one of the Top 40 resorts in the Caribbean Islands from the  2022 Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards  This Black Friday, save 30% on stays of 5 or more nights, daily breakfast included. Booking window: Nov. 25 – Dec. 9, 2022. Travel win dow: Apr. 10 – Nov. 30, 2023. Booking code: MC-BLACKFRIDAY. Check out major hotel companies for deals.

Healthy Eating and Food Costs

BY CHARLYN FARGO

Most of us are painfully aware that food costs in the past year have risen. A survey by The Hartman Group found that 85% of consumers feel the pinch in their pocketbook. Over half of those peo ple say rising prices have impacted their ability to purchase foods, beverages and other grocery items “at least somewhat.” Nearly 1 in 4 report they’ve “really had to rethink how they shop for groceries.”

Here are some strategies for healthy eating on a tight budget:

No. 1: Eat out less. We all got used to eating at home more during COVID-19. Let’s keep up those cooking skills. The

first step is to plan your meals, so you don’t think about what’s for supper on your way home from work -- and opt for a frozen pizza.

No. 2: Choose less expensive foods se lectively. Frozen foods can be cheaper than fresh if fresh foods aren’t in sea son. Skip or reduce soft drinks and en ergy drinks; swap a couple meat-focused meals each week to include dishes based on canned beans or lentils. Or add those canned beans, mushrooms or lentils to ground beef to stretch your meat bud get for items such as hamburgers, pasta sauce or meatloaf. Choose a larger con tainer for foods like unsweetened yogurt and mix each serving with fresh or frozen

fruit. Choose canned or frozen seafood such as tuna or cod.

No. 3: Reduce food waste. Repurpose that leftover chili into a chili mac; buy a whole chicken, cook it in your slow cook er for your first meal, then use it the next few days in quesadillas, white chicken chili or chicken salad. Take an inventory of what’s in your freezer and plan your meals based on what you’ve already pur chased.

No. 4: Use sales and coupons wisely. My mom used to plan her menus around the weekly grocery store flyer. Now you can do it based on your grocery store app

Cruise Deals

Princess Cruises’  Black Friday Sale has arrived. From Nov. 22-30, choose from  60 sailings under $60 per day  (per guest), and 100’s more sailings under $100 per day  (per guest), taking travelers to Alaska, the California Coast, the Caribbean, Panama Canal and Europe. In addition, guests booking through the sale can take advantage of $1 deposits, meaning those who reserve their sailings to worldwide destinations by Nov. 30 don’t have to pay the remaining balance until 90 days before their trip, when deposits typically range between $100 - $800 at the time of booking (www.princess.com).

Take advantage of Celebrity Cruises’ biggest Black Friday Sale with early access and turn your bucket list into your book it list. Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare, plus up to $800 savings per stateroom and up to $800 onboard credit per stateroom. On Cyber Monday, take advantage of $25 deposit and up to $500 to spend onboard (https:// www.celebritycruises.com/cruise-deals/ black-friday)

Royal Caribbean has not yet announced Black Friday offers, but has a sign up form to be notified when a promo tion is announced (https://www.royalca ribbean.com/cruise-deals/black-friday).

A great source for Black Friday/ Cyber Monday cruise deals is cruise critic.com. “Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2022 deals are making waves, with cheap cruises and enticing bargains galore. Whether you have your heart set on cabin upgrades, free shore excur sions, rock bottom fares or all sorts of onboard goodies, Black Friday and Cyber Monday cruise deals are your best bet to snag an irresistible bargain,” writes Marilyn Borth, Assistant SEO Editor. She includes Norwegian Cruise Line, Azamara, Cunard, Holland America in her roundup. (https://www.cruisecritic.

Crossword Answers

Why Thanksgiving is the very best holiday!

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

Thanksgiving is traditionally known as a family day, as a time for people to get together and relax while telling lots and lots of stories. In my opinion, how ever, Thanksgiving is all about the food. Sure food is important on Christmas and Easter but on those days many people focus on opening presents and on Easter Egg hunts.

So once fall arrives and someone says the word “Thanksgiving,” I start picturing a perfectly cooked 20-lb. tur key accompanied by dishes of stuffing, yams, mashed potatoes, a green bean casserole, cranberry sauce and a gravy that always seems to turn out just right - not too thick and not too thin. In my family we customarily use Grandma Katie’s gravy boat, a bone china piece that does the job well and has been passed down from generation to gen eration.

While getting ready for the Thanksgiving holiday this year, I went online and was reading some var ious anecdotes from people recalling menu disasters and other faux pas at their family dinners. They were pretty humorous and when I stopped reading the stories, I thought how lucky I am that my family hasn’t had anything that would ruin a good, solid turkey dinner. We’ve had some near misses but I don’t count them because in the end, things turned out fine.

When my five siblings and I were young adults, my mother was starting to prepare the holiday meal when the power went out in my home town. She had all the fixings for the perfect din ner - the turkey sat in a large roasting pan waiting to enter the oven and the side dishes were assembled waiting to be cooked. All of us had arrived at my parents’ house and once we realized this lack of electricity might go on for a while, my older sister, Michelle, said she had a gas stove/ and oven at her place so we could all go there.

Once we’d decided on our plan, we moved quickly from one place to anoth

er not just because we wanted to have a good holiday but because we real ized that with each passing minute, our appetites were growing. The entrée would be delicious and so would the pies for dessert. We were eager to make this a momentous holiday, one that we would always remember but also one that had tasty food and great company.

Michelle’s home was less than a mile from my parents’ house so each of us put the food, already in their pots and pans, in our cars. It was a short drive there and Michelle immediately start ed preheating her oven. In due time the turkey went in, the potatoes were cooked on the stovetop, the yams turned out well with their bits of melted marsh mallows on top, and all of the food we’d planned turned out fine. Although we ate two hours late, it was a perfect Thanksgiving dinner.

Sometime during hors d’oeuvres and the dinner itself I remember feeling like things were pretty surreal because I’d look around thinking I was in my par ents’ large dining room, comfortably seated at their dining room table then realize that we were all at Michelle’s. Even if things were a bit tight, fitting 16 people at two tables, togetherness is what we wanted on the holiday and togetherness is what we got. All’s well that ends well.

I’m happy to say that we’ve never had anyone cook the roast turkey with

the giblets inside nor did anyone drop the dish of cranberry sauce while it was en route to the dining room table. We’ve been very lucky all in all and sharing our gratitude has always been our main thought.

My nephew, Kevin Anthony, loves anything to do with Thanksgiving. Ever since he first heard about the holiday, about families getting together and cel ebrating with a big feast, he has liked it. The story of the Pilgrims and the Indians sharing their first Thanksgiving with everyone appealed to him although any time people have the chance to sit at long tables outside, sharing a meal, is right up his alley. So is the thought of people sailing on big ships. The ocean amazes him.

Kevin explained that his nursery school teacher told him and his class mates all about Thanksgiving one day when they were four and that story made an impression on him. He’s five now and although he’s forgotten some of the details of the very first Thanksgiving, Kevin got the fact that this tradition of joining together with family and friends, and sharing a meal, is important.

He also recalled hearing his teacher recite a prayer of Thanksgiving the prior year and he asked his mom to print it out so he could read it to us. Young Kevin can be a little dramatic so he got into it as he read a holiday poem

called “Family Tree” by Lori Soard:

“Lord, Please bless our family tree.

Each branch is special to me.

God, I thank you for those I love.

And for all great gifts from above.

Amen.”

Everyone applauded when Kevin fin ished reading and, putting the paper down, Kevin unhesitatingly dug into the food on his plate.

My six-year-old niece Charlotte Anne glanced over at Kevin and smiled but before starting her meal she wanted to share her thanks. Her family had recently gotten a Goldendoodle and as a dog lover she was so happy about that.

Charlotte thanked her parents for mak ing that dog, named Gus, a part of their family and she promised she would help by walking him and playing with him.

Listening to the youngsters saying their prayer of thanks and mentioning things in their daily lives that they were grateful for reminded me that as much as I focus on how spectacular the dinner can be on Thanksgiving, deep down I know that first and foremost, sharing the day together is what it’s all about.

A very Happy Thanksgiving to one and all!

Don’t Overthink Social Security Starting Date Questions

BY TOM MARGENAU

I frequently get emails from read ers who turn a little molehill of an is sue into a big mountain of a problem, and it has to do with the starting date for their Social Security benefits. The Social Security retirement application asks a question that goes something like this: “Which month do you want your benefits to start?” Way too many folks overthink the question, and it is espe cially vexing for those who absolutely insist that their benefits start at their full retirement age -- not a month before and not a month later. (Near the end of this column, I will point out why people shouldn’t get so hung up about this FRA start date business.)

For now, here is an example. Frank wants to wait until his full retirement age, 66 and 4 months, to start receiving his Social Security benefits. He turns FRA in December. So, when the appli cation asks, “When do you want your benefits to start?” Frank should answer, “December.” It really is that simple.

But then Frank starts thinking too much; here is what I mean by that. He knows that Social Security checks al ways come one month behind. In other words, the Social Security check for De cember is actually sent out in January. Now Frank worries that if he indicates he wants his benefits to start in Decem ber, SSA will interpret that to mean he wants his first check to come in Decem ber, meaning it would be the payment for November. And if his benefits were to start in November, that would give him a one-month reduction in his full retirement age benefit rate.

Then Frank thinks even harder and figures that he should answer the ques tion by saying he wants his benefits to start in January, knowing that would be the December Social Security payment. But if Frank does indicate January as his starting month, he won’t get his first benefit payment until February.

As I have explained a hundred times in this column, don’t worry about So cial Security check payment dates. The application question is not asking when you want your first Social Securi ty check to physically show up in your bank account. Instead, it is asking which month you want to be your first month of eligibility for Social Security benefits.

The folks at the Social Security Ad ministration know this has been a prob lem because they have been getting lots of calls from panicked retirement appli cants who misinterpreted the question and answered it incorrectly, or at least what they perceive to be incorrectly (more about that in a minute). So, they are calling to see if they can change their answer -- thus creating lots of ex tra work for SSA’s representatives and computer systems.

According to quite a few readers

who have reported this to me, SSA has changed the question asked on the on line retirement form, at least for folks approaching their full retirement age. It now says this: “Do you want your bene fits to start at the earliest date without a permanent reduction?”

This is a bit of a mouthful, and more than a few readers told me it took them a reading or two of that line to decipher it. But if you are approaching your full re tirement age and that is when you want your benefits to start, by simply answer ing “Yes,” you can be assured that your benefits will start effective with the month you reach FRA -- not a month be fore, and not a month after.

So now let me get back to this issue of working yourself into a tizzy about starting your benefits at exactly the right month. To explain where I am coming from, let’s go back to Frank’s case. In the following examples, we will assume his FRA benefit amount is $2,500 per month. I said he turns 66 and 4 months in December, and he wants his benefits to start then. So, he should indi cate December as his starting month. Or if he is filling out the online application with the new question -- “Do you want your benefits to start at the earliest date without a permanent reduction?” -- he would answer, “Yes.”

Now, let’s say he didn’t do that. Sup pose he said he wanted his benefits to begin in November, because he figured that’s the check that comes in Decem ber. That essentially means his benefit start date would be age 66 and 3 months, one month before his FRA.

Retirement benefits are reduced about one-half of 1% for each month they are taken before FRA. So instead of getting $2,500 per month, Frank’s ben efit rate would be about $2,488 -- mean ing he loses $12 per month, forever. That’s the bad news. But on the upside, by choosing November as his starting month, Frank did get one extra check for $2,488. It’s going to take Frank about 207 months before he comes out on the short end of the Social Security stick. In other words, Frank will be 83 years old before his supposed “mistake” catches up to him.

A panicky Frank might be inclined to call SSA to change his starting date, which would entail withdrawing that first claim, repaying the one month’s reduced retirement benefit he received, and refiling a new claim. But I’d tell Frank not to worry about it. Take the extra $2,488 check and have a party!

Now let’s say Frank went the other way around -- meaning that he picked January as his starting month thinking that the December check comes in Jan uary. But by choosing January, he’s not going to get his first Social Security ben efit payment until February. As in the prior example, Frank panics and thinks he better contact the SSA to correct his

perceived mistake. But once again, I’d tell Frank to relax. Sure, he’s going to miss out on one Social Security check (the December benefit that would have been paid in January). But the upside is that Frank’s ongoing benefits will in clude a two-thirds of 1% “delayed retire ment credit” increase for starting his benefits once month after his full retire ment age. If Frank lives long enough, at some point he’ll actually come out ahead with what he thinks was a mis taken Social Security decision.

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Secu rity -- Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Un derstand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Secu rity.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon.com or other book out lets.

COPYRIGHT 2022 CREATORS.COM

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Surveying buyers, sellers and investors

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

I am devoting a portion of this week’s column to ascertaining what purchasers, sellers, and investors’ concerns are in our local Long Island market.

The following are choices in determining how you would rate your concerns about the current real estate market and where you might place your money whether you choose to stay put where you are, go into a rental, or consider moving out of the area to a lower priced location or state or lastly to buy an investment property for cash flow. Choose the top 4 in the order of most to least in importance to you:

1.) Interest rates

2.) Lack of inventory to choose from

3.) Rental prices

4.) Staying in place and saving more for a down payment

5.) Fear of purchasing at the height of the market

What is your biggest concern right now:

A.) Buying your primary home

B.) Buying an investment property for cash flow

C.) Investing in the stock market

I would hope my readers will respond and provide me and other readers with a view of the pulse of our local market in a future column. So please email them back to me at phil@ turnkeyrealestate.com in the order that you feel is most concerning in either buying, selling, or investing.

Real estate is considered more of a local event. What happens here on Long Island can be much different compared with down south, in middle America, and out west, and can have varying degrees of the strength and weakness of their particular markets.

As an example, inventory out west in San Francisco increased 32% year over year in June as per Realtor.com. Los Angeles Metro Area saw housing inventory slightly accelerate, but September price increases of 2.7% year over year, but 2% lower from August 2022. Sales in Los Angeles County contracted 31.7% year over year. Due to the excessive increases in interest rates, Nevada, Colorado and Texas have seen much slower sales contributing to increased inventory year over year and the slowing of the market for new homes. Moreover, due to higher costs of construction and supply chain issues, developers have also pulled back. Having déjà vu of 2008 and have pulled back due to the fear of getting stuck with unsold homes with looming memories of the past in 2008.

However, in Long Island, there aren’t as many areas where land is readily available to build new homes, so inventory is much more restricted and will take many years to reach normal levels of 6-7 months. Due to the still fairly strong demand, as the median sale price of homes sold on Long Island in the 3rd quarter hit a record of $620,000 as per the Multiple Listing Service. This was a 6% increase year over year. Available inventory is still at 3.1 months, meaning it would only take that long to sell all the available homes currently on the market. Listing inventory fell 6% compared to 2021 and sales fell 16% compared to the same time period. Those that had prior lower interest rate commitments were fortunate and lucky with their timing

and purchases. Most important, Suffolk County had established a Land Trust, which was the first in the nation, and NYS, which has been securing and purchasing more and more farmland to keep as protected nonbuildable spaces; and for the last 40 years up until 2018 had acquired or restricted 10,000 acres of farmland from doing any residential construction.

With inventory as tight as it is and the lack of buildable land, many are knocking down homes to build new ones. Prices therefore will not crash but may moderate as interest rates increase again and this may dampen demand in the 4th quarter, especially for investors who are most concerned with the return on investment. The continued demand from millennials and Gen Zs for those whose incomes have increased and those baby boomers who want or need to downsize and are able to stay local may just keep our market going through 2023. But realistically with all that is occurring, with inflation, energy issues, supplies of goods and services, and the continued war in Ukraine, the results of our Midterm elections, will determine the future effect on our economy. It is unknown what future domestic and world events might affect and deter buyers and sellers; it’s all a guessing game and prognostication. Some will be right and many will be wrong, but we’ll hope and pray for the best outcome.

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

NUTRITION NEWS

Healthy Eating and Food Costs

Continued from page 2

-- and what’s on sale.

No. 5: Make a list before you shop. Most of us tend to impulse shop when we go to the grocery store. If you have a list, you’re more likely to purchase the things you need rather than what appeals to you in the moment. It’s also important to eat before grocery shopping. Planning helps you avoid overbuying and helps you know when to cook a little extra for use in another dish. Q and A

Q: How much calcium do we need, and what foods contain calcium?

A: The National Academy of Medicine recommends 800 milligrams a day for women under age 50 and men up to age

71, and 1,000 milligrams per day there after. For women, the additional calci um after age 50 is needed to help offset the loss of estrogen at menopause. The estrogen loss triggers more rapid bone loss. A serving of milk, yogurt or a yogurt drink (like kefir) supplies around 300 milligrams. An ounce of cheddar cheese has 200 milligrams. In addition, many foods are fortified with calcium, such as breakfast cereals, plant milks and orange juice. Vegetables (like cooked greens and broccoli), legumes (chickpeas), nuts (al monds), seeds (sesame seeds) and dried fruit (figs) also offer calcium.

RECIPE

Here’s a quick grab-and-go breakfast.

These blueberry muffins are full of protein and low in calories. They only take five in gredients, including almond butter and va nilla Greek yogurt. The recipe is from the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council.

FIVE-INGREDIENT BLUEBERRY PROTEIN MUFFINS

1 banana, mashed

1 cup cooked quinoa

1/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt

1/4 cup almond butter

1 cup fresh blueberries

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray 6 muffin cups with cooking spray. In a large bowl, stir together banana, qui noa, yogurt and almond butter until well blended. Fold in blueberries. Spoon bat

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. TurnKeyRealEstate.Com and you can “do it yourself (DYI) and search on your own. For a “FREE” `15 minute consultation, as well as well as a “FREE printout or digital value analysis of what your home might sell for in today’s market without any obligation or “strings” attached. He can also provide a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality, and our Seller’s and Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider when Selling, investing or Purchasing your Home.

You can email or snail mail (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.

ter into prepared muffin cups. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and set in center. Let cool completely. Makes 6 muffins.

Per muffin: 140 calories; 5 grams pro tein; 18 grams carbohydrate; 7 grams fat (1 gram saturated); 0 milligrams choles terol; 3 grams fiber; 7 grams sugars; 30 milligrams sodium.

Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with SIU Med School in Springfield, Illi nois. For comments or questions, contact her at charfarg@aol.com or follow her on Twitter @NutritionRD. .

COPYRIGHT

2022

CREATORS

STARGAZERS

The Mystical Northern Lights

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of November 20-26, 2022

Stand just once beneath the shim mering curtains of the northern lights -- the aurora borealis -- and you will never forget the experience. They are without question the most hauntingly beautiful and unearthly of all natural phenomena.

A typical auroral display begins as a diffuse arc during late evenings. As the arc brightens and drifts slowly across the sky, new ones may form in its place. Within these may appear intricate rip ples and curls that dance along the arc, giving the impression of curtains blow ing gently in the breeze. Their colors can range from a faint grayish green to brilliant yellow-green, crimson, purple and sometimes even blue.

Such displays have mystified and inspired sky watchers for ages. Some tribes of North American Indians believed the aurora to be the light of lan terns carried by spirits seeking the souls of dead hunters. During the Middle Ages in Europe, the lights were believed to be the breath of brave soldiers who gave their lives as they battled forever in the skies for their king and country. And Indigenous Australians believed the aurora australis (the southern lights) to be a dance of the gods across their southern sky.

Witness them just once and you’ll completely understand.

Today, of course, we strive for a

more scientific appreciation. Over the past century of aurora research, we’ve learned that these mystical lights owe their origin to the sun. Our star con tinuously belches into space electri cally charged particles and sometimes erupts in violent “coronal mass ejec tions.” Some of these particles are cap tured by our planet’s magnetic field and slam into the polar regions of our upper atmosphere, causing atoms of oxygen and nitrogen to glow a variety of undu lating colors.

Residents of arctic regions are treated to these magical lights almost nightly, but those in lower latitudes certainly aren’t excluded -- especially now as the sun is approaching the top of its 11-year activity cycle (“solar maximum”). At times of solar max, auroral storms can become even more powerful and fre quent and can enable sky watchers in southern Canada and the northern tier of U.S. states to see the spectacle. In fact, during the most recent solar maximums, stargazers as far south as Florida, Texas, Arizona and Southern California enjoyed viewing several mas sive displays as undulating waves of greenish-gray or deep crimson. We could see these again over the next few years.

Of course, to see the lights in their true splendor one must travel north ward, to places like Alaska, Iceland and Norway, where they can be seen danc ing majestically across the sky on just about every clear night.

If this amazing experience is on your

bucket list -- or if you’d like to give a gift that is truly out of this world -- I hope you’ll consider joining me for my exciting March 2023 Alaska Northern Lights tour, where you will learn to forecast, watch and even photograph the lights like a pro. For more details about this once-in-a-lifetime cosmic adventure, visit melitatrips.com/alas ka-northern-lights, and use promo code

DMAK23.

Wherever you live -- or wherever you travel -- keep your eyes skyward, for the aurora borealis is one sky show you definitely don’t want to miss!

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennis mammana.com.

COPYRIGHT 2022 CREATORS.COM

LOST IN SUBURBIA

Can You Hear Me Now?

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

“What did you say?” said my hus band. “You think I need to get my meer kat net?”

“No. I said, ‘I think you need to get your hearing checked!’” I sighed.

“My hearing is fine,” he argued. “You were mumbling.”

I shook my head. I am not a mumbler. Nor am I a soft talker or a dog whisperer. If anything, I’m typically whisper-chal lenged, which is why I knew the issue was my husband, not me.

“Just go to the audiologist,” I said.

“Why do I need an archeologist?” he wondered.

I just stared at him and then left the room, muttering under my breath. Now if he didn’t hear me at least there was good reason.

I, myself, had recently been diagnosed with an issue called “hidden hearing loss,” which is really just a problem hear

ing conversation in a crowded room. On a side note, I also suffered from “silent reflux” and “phantom knee pain,” so apparently, all my problems were secret ones. My husband, however, had a hard time hearing me clearly all the time. It was pretty obvious, at least to me, that there was nothing phantom about his hearing issues, although he may have had some not-so-hidden denial about it.

“I hear everything I need to hear,” he said

“So, you have selective hearing loss,” I said.

“I dunno. Maybe,” he replied.

“Which means you have elected not to hear me,” I said.

He shrugged. “I probably can’t hear my mother, either.”

Eventually he went to get his hearing checked just to prove me wrong and was surprised when the audiologist gave him her diagnosis.

“You have ‘spousal hearing loss,’” she

said confidently.

“What does that mean?” we asked.

“You are tuning out the frequencies of your wife’s speech,” she said to my husband.

“Just me?” I wondered.

“Maybe his mother, too,” she said. Clearly, she’d been around the block a few times with this topic.

“So, this is really a thing?” I asked her.

“Not officially,” she replied. “But I do see a lot of it.”

When we got home, I wondered if my husband would be able to hear me if I spoke an octave higher or lower. I decid ed to try out some different frequencies when talking to him to see if my theory worked. I am typically an alto, so I had a wide range of other vocal ranges I could try.

“What do you want to do about din ner?” I sang in my highest operatic sopra no. My husband was in the next room, so I thought it was a good test of our theory.

I wasn’t sure if he would hear me, but there was a good chance I might get a female solo in the next Met performance of “La Traviata.” At the very least, I knew at that pitch the dog could hear me.

“Yeah, I think you look a little thin ner,” he replied when he walked into the kitchen.

So, clearly going an octave higher didn’t help.

“How about some fish,” I asked, drop ping my voice down to a tenor.

“Yes, honey,” he said, coming behind me and wrapping his arms around my waist. “You are definitely a dish.”

I smiled. Maybe this hearing loss issue wasn’t such a bad thing.

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

Over the past century of aurora research, we’ve learned that these mystical lights owe their origin to the sun.

GARDEN CITY CPA

EMPLOYMENT

HELP WANTED

RECEPTIONIST FULL TIME NEEDED

For Port Washington Animal Hospital. Including Saturdays. Please call for interview/ more info: 516-883-2005

TELEMARKETERS

Lead Generation. No Experience Necessary! $16/hour Plus Commission! 25 Hours/Week, 10am-4pm. Nice Work Environment! In Office Only / Not Remote. Garden City, NY Call Rick: 516-456-7492

VET/TECH KENNEL ASSIS TANT needed. All shifts avail able.

Duties include helping doc tors with appointments/treat ments. Cleaning cages/offices equipment. Must like animals, be reliable, dependable & work well with others.

Please call to schedule inter view.

Port Washington Animal Hospital: 516-883-2005

Student

learn how to keep books and records for small businesses, prepare financial statements and payroll, busi ness and personal income tax returns and assist on certified audits. Knowledge of Excel and Word required, Quickbooks a plus. Reply to gardencityc pa@yahoo.com

ADVENTURES IN LEARNING

SEEKS PART-TIME TEACHERS

Adventures in Learning, the highly successful after-school academic and enrichment program for Manhasset and Great Neck students (Grades Kindergarten-6), seeks part-time teachers who have either a Bachelors or Masters Degree in Education for the 2022-2023 academic year. Teachers are needed with backgrounds in Reading, Math, Science, English as a New Language (ENL) and more.

For many years, Adventures has served hundreds of local children, making a difference in the lives of young people who would otherwise be without assistance during a critical time in their development.

For further detailed job information, please email diana@adventures-in-learning.org or call 516-365-7131.

Practical

•

•

•

SERVICES

Money Matters

•

•

Call 516.684.9800

SERVICES INSTRUCTION

COOKING LESSONS FROM A PRO

Former Culinary Institute of America instructor will teach all levels of skill in your home or business.

Classic, Contemporary, International and Nutritional Cuisines (Paleo, Whole 30, Keto).

Individual or small groups. Master the basics and wow your family and friends, or gift to someone special.

Impeccable references. Catering too!

Call/text Mark: (917) 327-0298

EMPLOYMENT

SITUATION WANTED

•

•

•

•

AIDE/CARE GIVER: Caring, Efficient, Reliable. Available FT Live In nights & weekends to care for your sick or elderly loved one. Cooking, tidy up, personal grooming, administer medica tions. 15years experience. References available. Fully Vaccinated. Please Call 516-448-0502

CERTIFIED NURSE’S AIDE 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE. Honest, reliable. Available Full-time, Part-time & Over night.

Licensed driver with own car. Also available to run errands, pick up medication, etc. Call Barbara 917-442-5760

ELDER CARE Experienced woman seeks position to care for the elderly live in or live out. Certified HHA. Excellent references. Please call 516-800-6442

IRISH LADY AVAILABLE To care for sick or elderly Full Time any days. Experienced in all phases. References and car available. Garden City references. Please call 516-437-1285

EMPLOYMENT

SITUATION WANTED

MATURE LADY SEEKS employment as CNA. Home health aide, very reliable, hard working, willing to do background checks, 15 yrs nursing home experience. Please call 516-410-1892, 917-244-3714 or 516-688-9251.

CAREER TRAINING

COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Com puter & Help Desk Professional now! Grants and Scholarships available for certain programs for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details! (844) 947-0192 (M-F 8am-6pm ET) Computer with internet is required.

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MARKETPLACE

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Mon-Fri 10-4 (Wed till 6) Saturday 12-4 Shop Our Online Store ATStewartExchange.org Items to Consign? Email photos (with sizing info) to: store@atstewartexchange.org All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical Society Like us on Facebook & Instagram

INVITED ESTATE SALES BY TRACY JORDAN 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 win ning 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 clean ing 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 con sultation or receive more infor mation.

Visit us at www.invitedsales. com for a listing of our upcom ing Virtual Tag Sales and Weekly Auctions!

AUCTIONS

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MARKETPLACE

GARAGE SALE

MOVING SALE

GARDEN CITY

Saturday, November 19 10am 2pm 72 Kensington Rd Garden City, NY 11530 Selling furniture, beds, tables, mirrors, household items, kitchen items, dishes, and a whole lot more!

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SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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SERVICES SERVICES

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Regal Deli to celebrate a new chapter

Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (D - Plainview) pre sented a Nassau County Legislature Citation to Sherri Banks, former owner of the Regal Kosher Deli and Caterers on Friday, Nov. 4, to thank her and the Weiss family for 55 years of serving the Plainview com munity.

While the Weiss family had pre viously made the tremendously dif ficult decision to close their doors on Sunday, Nov. 6, the grand finale weekend became a grand reopen ing instead. Instead of shutting its doors, the beloved destination for knishes, sandwiches and all sorts of kosher noshes is carrying on thanks to an outpouring of love from the community, a landlord agreeing to help with the rent, and a Regal Deli employee who stepped up to buy the business.

“It is absolutely wonderful to see the community rally around the Regal Deli and empower this beloved Plainview institution to continue a tradition that the Weiss family built over the course of the last six decades,” Legislator Drucker said. “We wish you all the best in this exciting new chapter and encourage everyone to support the local small businesses that add so much char acter to our neighborhoods.”

Legislator Drucker presents a Nassau County Legislature Citation to Sherri Banks at the Regal Deli in Plainview on Friday, Nov. 4.

Photo courtesy of Office of Legislator Arnold W. Drucker

MacArthur High School performers showcase “Mama Mia!”

Division Ave. students receive scholarships

Division Avenue High School senior Faid Fasal has been selected as a State Winner of the Heisman High School Scholarship.

Division Avenue High School in the Levittown Public School District is proud to announce that two stu dents have been chosen as a State Winner and the School Winner of the 2022-23 Heisman High School Scholarship award.

Faid Fasal has been selected as a State Winner of the Heisman Scholarship, while Sophia Massoni has been selected as a School Winner. The Heisman Scholarship honors the nation’s most esteemed and accom

Sophia Massoni is a School Winner of the Heisman Scholarship.

plished, community-minded senior student-athletes. By inviting male and female students from schools across the country to share their stories of leadership and impact, the program aims to inspire all students to harness their potential, push their limits, and use their talents not only to advance their own futures, but to improve the communities and world around them.

Performers from General Douglas MacArthur High School in the Levittown Public School District showcased a sneak peek at their upcoming presentation of “Mama Mia!”

Before the business meeting of the board of education began on Nov. 2, MacArthur performers took

to the stage at Levittown Memorial Education Center. They displayed their renditions of popular “Mama Mia!” songs, including “Dancing Queen.” The shows will take place on Nov. 18 and 19 at MacArthur High School.

Photos courtesy of Levittown Public Schools

Cluttered?

Place an ad in our Classifieds for reasonable rates and prompt results. Call the Garden City office today at 294-8900 for more info.

Annual Holiday Crafts Fair

St. Bernard ’ s Catholic Daughters will hold its annual Holiday Crafts Fair and Vendors Market on Saturday, November 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the St. Bernard ’ s School Gymnasium.

The event will feature national

brands as well as woodcrafts, collect ibles, knit and crochet items, holi day ornaments, baked goods, sports figures and home decor. There will be bratwurst, pretzels and other refreshments available for purchase.

Mercy League bowlers needed

The Mercy League Ladies Bowlers need members for the team. Games are played at 9:45 a.m. on Fridays at Syosset Lanes. $15 per week includes three games, ball and shoe rental. It

also includes an end of season lun cheon.

For details. please call Dolores Sartor at (516) 931-4106. Come out and have some fun!

Attention students!

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

The shows will take place on Nov. 18 and 19 at MacArthur High School.

Performers from General Douglas MacArthur High School gave a sneak peek at their upcoming performance of “Mama Mia!”

Photos courtesy of Levittown Public Schools

Kramer Lane students channel their emotions

Students throughout Kramer Lane Elementary School in the Bethpage Union Free School District are in touch with their emotions thanks to social-emotional push-in lessons from school psychologists Dr. Danielle Rannazzisi and Dr. Louis Ricci. Lessons are geared toward each specific grade level and classes will receive these push-in lessons from Dr. Rannazzisi and Dr. Ricci throughout the 2022–23 school year.

Dr. Rannazzisi visited Amanda Tepedino’s first grade class on Oct. 14 and educated students on the zones of regulation. She explained to the stu dents that we all have emotions and that we categorize these emotions into dif ferent zones that have a specific color. For example, if a student is in the red zone, they might be feeling angry or out of control. Being aware of our emotions helps us regulate our actions.

The class listened intently as Dr. Rannazzisi read “Today I Feel Silly: And Other Moods That Make My Day” by Jamie Lee Curtis. They discussed what the character in the book was feeling and the first graders were able to pinpoint what zone the character was in. Afterwards, Dr. Rannazzisi did an exercise with the class. She read them different scenarios and the emo tions the coincide with them. The first graders had to decide what zone the emotion belonged in. They placed their answer in either a blue, green, yellow or red shape, representing the zones. The hands-on lesson kept the class engaged and furthered their knowledge of the zones of regulation.

Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

Let your voice be heard!

Is there an issue in your community you want to discuss? Want to respond to something you saw in our paper? Then write a letter to our editor and bring it to everyone’s attention! Send your letter to editor@gcnews.com and we’ll publish it for you!

Kramer Lane school psychologist Dr. Danielle Rannazzisi read “Today I Feel Silly: And Other Moods That Make My Day” by Jamie Lee Curtis to first graders in Amanda Tepedino’s class.

First grader Francis Rapacki put the “tired” emotion in the blue zone. First grader John Orenstein next to the different colored zones of regulation.

BHS celebrates new Natl. Honor Society members

Ninety-seven students from Bethpage High School were induct ed into the Bethpage chapter of the National Honor Society on Nov. 3. A special ceremony was held in the Bethpage High School auditorium where the inductees were seated on the decorated stage and were hon ored.

Inductee Ashley Garnar kicked off the evening with the National Anthem, which was followed by remarks from Bethpage High School Principal Nicholas Jantz. Mr. Jantz congratulated the students, along with their families.

“Students, we understand that obtaining membership into this pres tigious society has not been easy,” he said. “Each day you have made sacri fices and have challenged yourself to excel in the classroom. You’ve donat ed time to help others in the commu nity and have served as role models to the student body. Thank you.”

Susan Sciglibaglio, Bethpage High School’s National Honor Society adviser, also addressed the new members and like Mr. Jantz, echoed the rigorous process that one must go through to be admitted into the soci ety. This includes providing a full student portfolio of diverse accom plishments and activities.

Each of the new officers present ed and lit a candle for one of the society’s pillars: character, scholar ship, leadership and service. After taking the oath, each new induct ee was announced at the podium by fellow new member Marnes Richemond. They signed their name

From left: Manuel Jimenez (vice president of tutoring), Matthew Tarabokija (treasurer), Erin O’Boyle (secretary), Svetlana Mughnetyan (vice president of tutoring), Raymond Ahmadhi (vice president) and Georgia Karaisarides (president).

to the National Honor Society’s book and were each congratulated by Mr. Jantz.

The installation of the National Honor Society’s new officers was

held at the conclusion of the ceremo ny. New officers include President Georgia Karaisarides, Vice President Raymond Ahmadhi, Vice President of Tutoring Manuel Jimenez and

Svetlana Mughnetyan, Secretary Erin O’Boyle and Treasurer Matthew Tarabokija.

Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

Bethpage High School’s new National Honor Society officers.

Bethpage High School Principal Nicholas Jantz (left) congratulated the new inductees.

Secretary Erin O’Boyle lit the candle for “character.”

Sikh community celebrates founder’s birth

Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (D - Plainview) joined with Sikhs across the 16th Legislative District in cele brating the 553rd anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, founder of the Sikh faith.

Legislator Drucker presented Nassau County Legislature Citations to the lead ers of Guru Nanak Darbar in Hicksville; Gurudwara Shaheedan in Hicksville; and the Guru Gobind Singh Sikh Center in Plainview as they commemorated the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and his message

of equality, peace, service, and interfaith cooperation.

“Nassau County’s Sikh community con tributes tremendously to the richness of the cultural tapestry that makes this such a special place to live, work and raise a family,” Legislator Drucker said. “It was a pleasure to be a part of a celebration and personally thank leaders of the Sikh com munity for all they continue to do to put Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s visionary message of equality, peace and service into action on a daily basis.”

Luncheon celebrates work of Girls, Inc.

Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (D - Plainview) joined Girls Inc. Long Island on Thursday, Nov. 3 at their annual “Fuel Her Fire” lun cheon at The Heritage Club in Bethpage. During the celebration, Legislator Drucker pre sented Nassau County Legislature Citations to “Girl of the Year” Dreshta Boghra and “Alumna of the Year” Amy Stephanie Luis. According to its mis sion statement, Girls. Inc. of Long Island provides school and community-based pro gramming that serve the unique needs of girls ages 5-18, living in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Like simi

lar regional chapters throughout the coun try, Girls Inc. Long Island strives to help girls achieve their full potential and pave the way for a brighter future.

“For generations, Girls. Inc. has inspired young women across the United States to be strong, smart and bold advocates for them selves, their commu nities, and for a more just and equitable future, and it is won derful to see that their efforts are flourishing here on Long Island,” Legislator Drucker said. “It was a privi lege to once again be a part of their annual luncheon and celebrate this year’s honorees.”

Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (D-Plainview, second from left) with leaders of the Sikh community.

Legislator Drucker presents Nassau County Legislature Citations at the Gurudwara Shaheedan in Hicksville (left photo) and Guru Gobind Singh Sikh Center in Plainview (right photo) on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

“Alumna of the Year” Amy Stephanie Luis; Legislator Drucker; “Girl of the Year” Dreshta Boghra and Girls Inc.

Long Island Executive Director Renee Flagler on Nov. 3.

Photo courtesy of Office of Legislator Arnold W. Drucker

Michele Gort

Andrea Costello

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson costellogortteam@compass.com M: 516.457.6451