Mid Island Times 06-14-2024

SERVING PLAINVIEW, HICKSVILLE,

AND

WATER EDUCATION PROJECT

LEVIT TOWN TOB named

Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray congratulated Island Trees Middle School students for winning a $2,500 grant from the Long Island Regional Planning Council for his water quality education project. The project was a Long Island Water Quality STEM Challenge that promotes nitrogen-related, project-based learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Also attending were Rich Guardino, Executive Director of the Long Island Regional Planning Council; Principal Dan Keegan and other faculty and staff; Nassau County Legislator Tom McKevitt; and Congressman Tom Suozzi.

Lazy Days of Summer event

The Levittown Community Council's 27th Annual Lazy Days of Summer event is planned for Saturday, July 13th from 11:30 am to 3 pm at the East Village Green Park, Jerusalem Ave., Levittown.

The event will feature pony rides, a petting zoo, relay races, crafts and games. Admission is free, but attendees are asked to bring non-perishable

canned goods and toiletries, to be collected for those in need.

For more information please contact Louise Cassano at 516-735-5901 or email levittowncouncil@yahoo.com

'Tree City USA'

BY GARY SIMEONE

Town of Oyster Bay receives honorable designation by Arbor Foundation

The Town of Oyster Bay recently received an esteemed designation by the United States Arbor Day Foundation. The Town was designated ‘Tree City USA’ by the organization. This is the 29th year that the Town has been recognized for its commitment to effective urban forest management.

Town Supervisor, Joe Saladino said the honor was a culmination of all the programs and events that the Town of Oyster Bay holds during the year to recognize environmental awareness.

“This wonderful designation underscores our Town Board’s commitment to our environment and recognizes our ongoing efforts to protect Mother Earth,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Throughout the year, we host programs and events, many of which include tree plantings, that help bring environmental awareness to residents of all ages, while safeguarding our natural resources.”

The Arbor Day Foundation has a particular program in place and the Town achieved the ‘Tree City USA’ recognition by meeting all of the necessary requirements. These included having a tree board/department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget and an annual Arbor Day observance.

Dan Lambe, Chief Executive of the Arbor Day Foundation, said communities like the Town of Oyster Bay are the standard in making smart investments in urban planning.

“Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers and committed citizens in communities like the Town of Oyster Bay make smart invest-

See page 8

Rain Barrel Pickup Day

Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin (right) assisted Andrew Frisa of Bethpage as he picked up a Town of Hempstead rain barrel on June 1, 2024 at Fireman’s Field in Merrick. This initiative by the Town is promoting water conservation and educating residents on the benefits of rainwater harvesting. Residents can purchase rain barrels at a discounted rate, making it easier for homeowners to assist the Town in its environmental sustainability efforts. For more information about the Town’s rain barrel program, please visit https://hempstead.compostersale.com/

Bethpage School Board to meet

The Bethpage Board of Educatin will hold the following upcoming meetings:

Agenda Meeting  Tuesday, June 18, at  7:30PM in the Administration

Building District Conference Room

Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 25, at 7:30PM in the Administration

Building District Conference Room

Arrest for weapon possession

A Massapequa man was arrested on Tuesday, June 4th after police say he was found to be in possession of an illegal weapon.

According to the Nassau County Police Department, Eighth Precinct officers conducted a traffic stop in the vicinity of Union Avenue and Hicksville Road.  Police say officers located a black handgun within the vehicle, and  Shyheim Smith, 27, was arrested without incident.

Smith was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th Degree, Criminal Possession of a Firearm and multiple Vehicle and Traffic Law violations.  Shyheim Smith

Levittown woman attacked in own home

A Levittown woman was awakened by an unknown assailant as she slept in her own bed on Sunday, June 9th at 2:30 am.

According to Nassau County Police, the female victim, 64, was asleep in her home when she was awoken by an unknown person striking her in the face with an unknown object. The subject fled scene in an unknown direction. The

victim was transported to a local area hospital for evaluation and treatment of her injuries. No further description of the subject is available. The investigation is ongoing.

Detectives request anyone with information regarding the above listed incident to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS or call 911. All callers will remain anonymous.

Electrical fire

damages

Hicksville business

A fire broke out in a Hicksville business on Monday, June 3rd at 7 pm.

According to Nassau County Police, officers responded to a building fire at Omega Auto Body located at 16 Jerusalem Avenue. Upon arrival, Officers observed flames emanating from the business. The Hicksville Fire Department along with several additional fire departments responded to

extinguish the fire. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries and refused medical attention at scene. One additional firefighter suffered an eye injury and was transported to a local area hospital for evaluation and treatment. No other injuries were reported.

According to police, the cause of the fire is electrical and is deemed not suspicious at this time.

Girl struck by car on Stewart Avenue

A 16 year-old girl was struck by a car at the intersection of Stewart Avenue and Burkhardt Avenue in Bethpage on Thursday, June 6 at 3:55 pm.

According to Nassau County Police, the girl was struck by a 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe being operated by a 40-yearold female, traveling northbound on Stewart Avenue. The pedestrian suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local area hospital for treatment and evaluation.  She is listed in critical but stable condition.

The driver remained at scene and no further injuries were reported.

The investigation is ongoing.

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Councilwoman Vicki Walsh (right), and Town Clerk Richard LaMarca (left) partnered with with Catholic Health and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center to host the Empire State Ride Long Island.

Town of Oyster Bay board members recently partnered with Catholic Health and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center to host the Empire State Ride Long Island, a charity bike ride through the North Shore to raise funds to end cancer and fund lifesaving clinical trials for new treatment options. Councilman Labriola successfully com-

pleted the ride, cycling 8 miles and personally raising hundreds of dollars. In total, over $100,000 was raised by more than 400 riders who participated in this fantastic event. Longtime News 12 Long Island Anchor and cancer survivor Carol Silva was also honored with the Empire State Ride Long Island’s inaugural Courage Award at the event.

Oyster Bay Town Councilman Steve Labriola was one of the riders in the event.

POB schools celebrate tenure for educators, staff

The Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District has announced the tenure of several educators and staff members during a recognition ceremony held during the June 3 Board of Education meeting.

The following staff members have been granted tenure in their respective positions:

Old Bethpage Elementary School:

• Alec Abramowitz, physical education

• Jennifer Ayasse, elementary

• Dana Ciccotto, elementary

• Justine DeLuca, elementary Victoria Trotta, elementary Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School:

• Mervete Azemi, elementary

• Andrea Bonomo, special education

• Jennifer Falzone, science

• Alison Incarnato, physical education

• Elizabeth Rooney, librarian

• Jacquelyn Moynihan, special education

Pasadena Elementary School:

• Michelle Barclay, physical education

• Nicole Carroll, elementary

• Ariel Rothbaum, reading Stratford Road Elementary School:

• Catherine Brennan, elementary

• Ryan Dorfman, elementary

• Kimberly Farina, elementary

The Plainview-Old Bethpage Board of Education recognized the 2024 tenure recipients during their June 3 meeting. Photo courtesy of Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District

(also district)

• Beatriz Londono, elementary

• Gabrielle Ross, special education

• Erin Vandette, elementary

• Rachel Barrer, reading Judy Jacobs-Parkway Elementary School:

• Shannon Bradley, music (shared with Pasadena ES)

• Nicole Knopp, elementary Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School:

• Kirk Cavanaugh, social studies (shared with Mattlin MS)

• Colleen Cho, English

• Erin DiGiuseppe, foreign language

• Ai-Lun (Ellen) Huang, foreign language

• Jamie Ida, foreign language

H.B. Mattlin Middle School:

• Sara Siliznol, elementary

• Carina Hale, reading Administration:

• Alex Goldberg, director of technology

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mary O’Meara, expressed her pride in the accomplishments of these educators and staff members. "Their dedication to our students and school community is truly commendable. Their hard work and commitment have made a significant impact, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements," she said. "Congratulations to our newly tenured staff members for their outstanding contributions and continued dedication to the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District."

Free summer concerts at local parks, beaches

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced the return of “Music Under the Stars” – a free summer concert series – which kicks off on Wednesday, July 2nd and features a wide variety of genres ranging from country to rock. All concerts begin at 8pm unless otherwise noted below. For comfort, residents may bring blankets, chairs and coolers. Performances are subject to change and will be held weather permitting. For additional information, please call (516) 797-7925 or visit the Town’s website at www.oysterbaytown.com.

Summer Concert Series:

Tuesday, July 2

John J. Burns Town Park, Massapequa - So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience featuring Robert Neary

Wednesday, July 3

John J. Burns Town Park, Massapequa - Any Way You Want It Journey Tribute

Saturday, July 6

Ellsworth W. Allen Town Park,

Farmingdale - The Allmost Brothers Band tribute to the Allman Brothers Band

Tuesday, July 9

*Start Time 7:30 PM - TOBAY Beach, Massapequa - Salute to America Honoring Veterans & Armed Forces featuring Lee Rocker of the Stray Cats followed by Grucci Fireworks

Wednesday, July 10

TOBAY Beach, MassapequaBarometer Soup Jimmy Buffet Tribute

Saturday, July 13

Syosset-Woodbury Community Park, Woodbury - Dr. K’s Motown Revue America’s #1 authentic Motown Revue Band

Tuesday, July 16

John J. Burns Town Park, Massapequa - Uncaged Zac Brown Tribute

Wednesday, July 17

Ellsworth W. Allen Town Park, Farmingdale - Decadia performing hits from the ‘80s and ‘90s Saturday, July 20

Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park

& Beach, Oyster Bay - Disco Unlimited

The hottest disco show and dance band on the East Coast.

Tuesday, July 23

John J. Burns Town Park, Massapequa - Kashmir featuring Jean Violet The Spirit of Led Zeppelin Live Wednesday, July 24

Plainview-Old Bethpage Community Park, Plainview - Badlands Tribute to the Music of Bruce Springsteen

Saturday, July 27

John J. Burns Town Park, Massapequa - The Beat Goes On Cher Tribute featuring Lisa McClowry Tuesday, July 30

John J. Burns Town Park, Massapequa - Mike DelGuidice

Currently on tour with Billy Joel Wednesday, July 31

Harry Tappen Beach, Glenwood Landing - Fleetwood Macked the Ultimate Tribute to Fleetwood Mac Saturday, August 3

John J. Burns Town Park, Massapequa - New York Bee Gees Tribute Show Playing the Bee Gees

Greatest Hits

Tuesday, August 6

*Start time 6:00 PM - John J. Burns Town Park, MassapequaFirst Responders Night featuring The Marshall Tucker Band

-Police Displays for National Night Out, Family-friendly activities, inflatables and food trucks at 6PM; concert starts at 8 PM

Wednesday, August 7

Syosset-Woodbury Community Park, Woodbury - Dean Karahalis and the Concert Pops of Long Island present Rhapsody In Blue featuring Kelly Horsted, Cantor David Katz and Deana Verone

Saturday, August 10

*Start time 6:00 PM - John J. Burns Town Park, Massapequa - Country Fest: The Ultimate Aldean Experience & The American Ride Toby Keith Tribute, The World’s Greatest Luke Bryan Tribute - Family-friendly activities, photo opportunities, line dancing, inflatables, food trucks and so much more!

LAKESIDE THEATRE

INTERNATIONAL NIGHTS

6/16 ...... Indian American Night ............. 6:00 - 8:30 pm

6/26 ...... Greek American Night .............. 7:00 - 9:30 pm

6/29 ...... Chinese American Night .......... 6:00 - 8:30 pm

6/30 ...... Israeli American Night ............. 6:00 - 8:30 pm

7/1 ........ German American Night ........... 7:00 - 9:30 pm

7/19 ...... Creole American Night ............. 7:00 - 9:30 pm

7/21 ...... Bangladeshi American Night ... 6:00 - 8:30 pm

7/22 ...... Italian American Night ............. 7:00 - 9:00 pm

7/28 ...... Korean American Night ............ 6:00 - 8:30 pm

8/5 ........ Irish American Night ................ 7:00 - 9:30 pm

8/18 ...... Pakistani American Night ........ 4:00 - 8:00 pm

8/19 ...... Ukrainian American Night ....... 7:00 - 9:30 pm

9/8 ...... Turkish American Night ............. 6:00 - 7:30 pm

9/29 ...... Latino American Night ............ 2:00 - 9:00 pm

Bring Blankets or Chairs

EISENHOWER PARK

LAKESIDE THEATRE

& Stewart Avenues | East Meadow | 516-572-0200

Schools hold community forum on diversity

Students, parents, and District administrators were tasked with holding potentially uncomfortable discussions about ways they could create a more welcoming environment.

The Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District recently held a special, student-led community forum focusing on diversity and appropriate ways to discuss difficult topics. The forum was held amid the current conflict in the Middle East and rising tensions at home and at schools across the country.

Student moderators led small discussion groups comprising parents, teachers and school administrators, discussing three questions:

• How do POB Schools celebrate and embrace the diversity of our community?

• What are some challenges facing the District in the areas of equity, inclusivity and belonging?

• What are some ways we can improve and enhance a welcoming and affirming environment for students, staff and families?

The student moderators worked to

ensure that all members of the group had a chance to contribute and that all conversations stayed civil. Crucially, students were in agreement that some topics of discussion may cause discomfort. The ultimate goal of the forum was to come up with new ways to ensure all members of the POB school community feel welcomed. The forum took on an added importance and urgency as discussions around the war in Gaza have turned uncivil at schools and universities across the country. Thanks to the ideas gleaned through collaboration during the forum, the District has new tools and ideas to ensure it remains a diverse and welcoming environment.

“It’s critical to discuss what we can do better as a community and how we can best support the people in this community,” said senior Lindsay Hamburger, one of the students leading the discussions during the forum.

The Plainview-Old Bethpage School District recently held a student-led community forum to discuss ways to ensure a diverse and welcoming environment.

A primary goal of the discussions was to ensure everyone felt heard, and that conversations remained civil.

Affordable summer camp at Boys & Girls Club

Are you ready for an unforgettable summer? Look no further! The Hicksville Boys & Girls Club is thrilled to announce our Low-Cost Summer Camp Program, designed specifically for middle and high school students. With a diverse range of activities and trips, our camp promises a season of excitement and learning at an unbeatable price.

The program is not just a camp; it’s a journey into the heart of fun and camaraderie. The Boys & Girls Club offers a variety of activities that cater to every interest. From sports clinics and art workshops to science experiments and outdoor expeditions, campers will have the opportunity to explore new hobbies and perfect old ones.

But that’s not all – the club believes in the power of exploration. That’s why it has included educational trips to local museums and science centers. These excursions are designed to ignite curiosity and expand horizons, all while providing a hands-on learning experience that goes beyond the classroom.

Safety is the top priority, and the experienced staff is dedicated to providing a secure and supportive environment. The club maintains a low camper-to-staff ratio to ensure personalized attention and care.

The summer camp is not just affordable; it’s an investment in your child’s future. For the entire summer, your child can enjoy this enriching experience for only $100, with all activities included (trips are individually priced at the lowest cost possible). Plus, the club offers scholarships and payment plans to ensure that every child has the chance to join in the fun.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Enroll now and let the adventure begin!

This program is open to all Middle School and High School students only.

For more information call 516 8227594 and to register, please visit //www. hycbgc.com/ or contact the club's office. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today!

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New Eagle Scouts honored

or visit FlushingBank.com.

Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray (left) congratulated Levittown resident and Boy Scout Troop 330 member Aidan William Prescott as he reached the rank of Eagle Scout. The Court of Honor was held on June 2 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Levittown.

NASSAU COUNTY FORECLOSURE NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for Lehman XS Trust Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-4N, Plaintiff AGAINST Parminder Chandi; Kawaljit Chandi; et al., Defendant(s)  Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 24, 2020 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 25, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 253 Haypath Road, Old Bethpage, NY 11804.  All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Old Bethpage in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 47 Block 31 Lot 12.  Approximate amount of judgment $578,244.15 plus interest and costs.  Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 010267/2015. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 10th Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held "Rain or Shine." Charles Casolaro, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 4304792 Dated: May 10, 2024

NASSAU COUNTY

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NASSAU.

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO BAC HOME LOANS

SERVICING, LP FKA

COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS

SERVICING, LP, Plaintiffagainst- YONG S. LEE, YOUNG JA KWAK, MOON CHAN KWAK, EDWARD W. WALSH, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated November 12, 2019 and entered on November 13, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court "Rain or Shine" located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on July 9, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being at Hicksville, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the southerly side of Stanley Street, distant 431.85 feet southerly and easterly as measured along the westerly side of Stanley Street West and the Southerly side of Stanley Street South from the extreme southerly end of the curve connecting the westerly side of Stanley Street West with the Southerly side of 10th Street; being a plot 70.00 feet by 100.00 feet by 70.00 feet by 100.00 feet. Section: 46 Block: 334 Lot: 20

Said premises known as 22 BROOKS STREET AKA 22 BROOKS STREET SOUTH, HICKSVILLE, NY 11801

Approximate amount of lien $543,131.03 plus interest & costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.

Index Number 002575/2016.

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Jim J. Hexham

Jim John Hexham of Hicksville passed away on May 31st at age 87.

IN MEMORIAM

Jay Hexham was the beloved husband of the late Doris Hexham. He is survived by his loving nieces and nephews, Leslie, Debbie, Steven, Mitchell, Joseph and Aaron. He is also survived by his long-time aid and friend, Mia Louis. Jay was a retired grounds supervisor for Belmont Racetrack and member of the NYRA. With his wife Doris, he travelled and golfed all over the world and was a devoted and award-winning member of the Mid-Island and Long Island Dahlia Societies. Jay was a beloved neighbor and friend to many.

Visitation was held at the Vernon Wagner Funeral Home in Hicksville on June 7th. Interment followed on June 8th at Holy Rood Cemetery, Westbury Jay Hexham

Town of Oyster Bay named 'Tree City USA'

From page 1

ments in urban forests,” said Lambe. “Trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our neighborhoods, along with numerous economic, social and environmental benefits.”

Lambe said that Town joins a network of more than 3,400 communities nationwide that are committed to effective urban forest management.

“The designation under-

scores the town’s commitment to planting and maintaining trees, engaging residents in tree-related activities, and investing in the future health of its suburban forest,” said Lambe.

The Arbor Day Foundation Tree City USA program, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, has been recognizing communities for their commitment to

urban forestry since 1976. Saladino said he plans to keep the Town of Oyster Bay’s investment into the environment a top priority.

“We look forward to continuing our efforts to expand and enhance Oyster Bay’s urban forest, providing numerous benefits to our residents, including improved air quality, enhanced property values, and increased recreational opportunities,” said Saladino.

Environmental Poster Contest Winner

ANTHONY J. RATTOBALLI, ESQ., Referee Kosterich & Skeete, LLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 707 Westchester Ave, Suite 302, White Plains, NY 10604

{* Mid Island Times*}

Subscribe to our newspaper by calling 516-294-8900, or visit issuu.com and search

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino congratulated Valentina Waqar, a fourth-grader at Charles Campagne Elementary School, who placed 3rd in the Town of Oyster Bay’s Environmental Poster Contest. Students throughout the Town were encouraged to best illustrate what this year’s theme of ‘Trees for Tomorrow’ means to them. As part of her 3rd Place recognition, the Town planted a tree at her elementary school. Supervisor Saladino spoke to students at the school about the importance of protecting our environment and how choices they make every day impact Mother Nature and local communities.

June 14, 2024

Coast to Coast, Canada’s Heritage, Culture, Wilderness Beckon Ecotourists in Summer

Experiences that Celebrate Indigenous Cultures, in British Columbia

June is  National Indigenous History Month  in Canada, culminating in  National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, but all summer long, British Columbia offers any number of ways to experience histories, traditions and values of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. Indigenous tourism encourages visitors to understand and respect different perspectives of the world, and to experience histories, traditions, and values in an authentic and unfiltered way.

British Columbia has the greatest diversity of Indigenous cultures in Canada: of the 12 unique Indigenous language families in the country, seven are located exclusively in BC. Together, there are 204 unique Indigenous communities in BC. Here are 11 ways to engage in Indigenous experiences in British Columbia this summer.

Indigenous tour operators lead visitors into their traditional territory, providing a new perspective of local wildlife, plants, and waters:

Guided nature adventures led by the local Nation – Explore Ahousaht territory with Ahous Adventures, which is owned by a nation that has stewarded the lands and waters of Vancouver Island since time immemorial. The popular hot springs tour cruises the coast and inlets of Clayoquot Sound, with

guides pointing out wildlife along the way. Once onshore, guests take a 30-minute walk via wooden boardwalk through old-growth rainforest, leading to the healing mineral waters of the hot springs. Throughout the journey, guides will discuss the history and cultural significance of Hot Springs Cove, a site that has been used for centuries by the Ahousat Nation for medicinal and spiritual benefits. Dates: Tours are available throughout summer and beyond.

Cruise an Island Archipelago – Sidney Whale Watching, serving Sidney (just 30 minutes from Victoria, BC) and the Saanich Peninsula on Vancouver Island, is owned and operated by the Tsawout First Nation, with whale-watching

experiences taking place on the traditional territories of the W̱SÁNE Nation. The three-hour whale watching tour cruises through the Gulf Island Archipelago, winding past orcas, sea lions, and bald eagles hunting for salmon. Sidney Whale Watching has a 95% whale-sighting rate throughout the year; if guests don’t spot a whale, they are welcome to join another tour free of charge, anytime. Dates:  Whale-watching tours take place daily between March and October.

Take a cultural tour in a 35” canoe – Takaya Tours, based in Whey-ah-wichen, or Cates Park, in North Vancouver, leads guests through the territory of the TsleilWaututh Nation. Guests can pad-

dle the protected waters of Indian Arm in replica ocean-going canoes, while guides share songs and stories of ancient villages. There’s also an option to add a rainforest walking tour to your paddling adventure. Dates: The Cates Park location is open between May and September for guided tours, as well as rentals of kayak, surf-skis, and stand-up paddleboards.

BC Tourism Industry Awards Best Indigenous Tourism Operator Winner 2024 – Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours, which stewards the grizzly bear population in Bute Inlet—the ancestral home of the Homalco Nation—welcomes visitors to discover the area’s longstanding cultural and historical significance. The company’s fullday bear-watching and cultural tour leads guests to viewing areas that showcase grizzlies feeding on spawning salmon, along with plenty of opportunities to whale watch and bird watch. Guests can also wander through Aupe, an uninhabited Homalco village site. Dates: Tours are offered between August and October.

2023 Yelp Travelers Choice – Sea Wolf Adventures, which leads tours in the Broughton Archipelago and the Great Bear Rainforest, on Musgamakw Dzawada’enuxw Nation territory, combines cultural experiences with grizzly- and whale-watching safaris. The Grizzly Bears of the Wild tour connects guests with the iconic grizzly inhabitants of the Great Bear Rainforest, with bonus viewings of Pacific white-sided dol-

Continued on next page

A group with Takaya Tours, rowing a traditional First Nations canoe in Deep Cove (Photo: Destination BC/Hubert Kang)

EDITED BY KAREN RUBIN

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

Coast to Coast, Canada’s Heritage, Culture, Wilderness Beckon Ecotourists in Summer

Continued from previous page

phins, eagles, orcas, and other wildlife. The full-day tour departs from Port McNeill, and includes Indigenous interpretations of local landscapes, as well as stories about the Musgamakw Dzawada’enuxw People. Dates: Tours run from May 31 through October.

Try Plant Medicine Lemonade –  Opened in February 2024,  The Ancestor Café in Fort Langley brings traditional Indigenous nourishment to locals and visitors while supporting Indigenous food sovereignty. The eatery is owned by Chef Sarah Meconse Mierau, a member of the Sayisi Dene Nation. On the menu: bison and elk Bannock tacos, handcrafted plant-medicine jams and lattes, and other delicacies made with traditional Indigenous ingredients. Beyond the food, the café features a fairtrade gallery displaying works by local Indigenous artists and brands.

Indigenous-owned and operated accommodation providers welcome visitors to experience warm hospitality alongside stories and culture—all with a deep-rooted respect for nature:

Gorge Harbour Marina Resort –One of the most desirable cruising destinations in BC – Located at the edge of Desolation Sound, on Klahoose Nation land, Gorge Harbour Marina Resort offers an idyllic home base to explore the sound, Cortes Island, and the Discovery Islands. The resort offers a multitude of overnight options, including a rustic lodge, a cottage, two self-contained trailers, 21 full-service RV sites, six glamping domes, and six tent sites. Summer activities span live music on the waterfront, yoga at the harbour, family movie nights, as well as whale-watching tours offered between May 1 and October 15.

Nemiah Valley Lodge – Off-grid & highly requested  – Open year round,  Nemiah Valley Lodge is located in the Chilcotin region, on Tŝilhqot’in Nation land. Here, guests are immersed in the food, history and traditions of the Xeni Gwet’in community through local events, cultural experiences, and wildlife viewing. All-inclusive packages include lodge activities such as lakeside yoga and meditation, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, an archery.

Tsawaak RV Resort – A 2024 Indigenous Tourism Award Winner – Whether you’re seeking a cozy wilderness cabin or a place to park your RV,  Tsawaak RV Resort— located in Tofino, on Tla-o-qui-aht Nation land—offers a tranquil space for rest and rejuvenation. Guests can choose

from 34 RV sites and 13 longhouse-style cedar cabins—all situated close to Mackenzie Beach and a 30-minute walk from town. The central amenities building offers laundry facilities and vending machines, while the visitor center houses an art gallery and retail shop. The resort provides easy access to Tofino’s most popular adventures, including surfing, hot springs, and hiking.

Spirit Bear Lodge – Located in the largest, temperate coastal rainforest in the world – Wildlife viewing and cultural experiences take centre stage at  Spirit Bear Lodge, located in Klemtu, on Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation land. The lodge’s all-inclusive adventures are anchored by visits to cultural sites of the Kitasoo Xai’xai People, who have lived for thousands of years in the Great Bear Rainforest—the largest temperate coastal rainforest in the world. Guests can search for the elusive Spirit bear, watch grizzlies roam lush estuaries, see whales and other marine life, and explore the remnants of ancient villages.  Open from August to October, with limited reservations available.

For more information on authentic Indigenous experiences in British Columbia visit www.indigenousbc.com

Nova Scotia Hosts Worldwide Celebration of Acadian Heritage

This August 10-18,  Nova Scotia will host the  Congrés mondial acadien  (CMA), a worldwide celebration that takes place every five years and brings together the Acadian diaspora from around the world for musical events, culinary and cultural attractions and family gatherings. Several major outdoor concerts featuring noted Acadian artists are scheduled, including Canada’s National Acadian Day on August 15. From the brightly painted houses of Yarmouth and picturesque views of seaside villages like Belliveau Cove and Pointede-l’Eglise, visitors will find vivid reminders of the French settlers who first claimed Nova Scotia as their home in the early 1600s. The CMA reunites and welcomes communities, families, and visitors to the province to honor Acadian history and to commemorate the thousands displaced in 1755 when the Acadian people were expelled from the province by the British for not taking a vow of loyalty to King George III. (https://cma2024.ca/en/).

Throughout the summer, there are important Acadian historic sites to visit in Nova Scotia: Grand Pré National Historic Site: Open from May 17 to October 14, the  Grand Pré National Historic Site is

a powerful way to discover the history of l’Acadie (a historical Acadian village in Nova Scotia settled from 1682 to 1755), its people and its culture. The location is a monument that unites the Acadian people, and for many, it is the heart of their ancestral homeland. Guided tours lead visitors through the center of this Acadian settlement and where they can learn about the history of the mass deportation of the Acadians, “Le Grand Derangement,” that began in 1755. This tragic event continues to shape the vibrant culture of modernday Acadians across the globe. Tours are available in July and August.

Le Village Historique Acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse: Explore the oldest Acadian region still inhabited by descendants of its founder in  Le Village Historique Acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse. Founded in 1653 by Sieur Philippe Mius-d’Entremont, the village is a breathtaking, 17-acre space overlooking Pubnico Harbour. Attractions include historical buildings and original 19th century wooden homes like Duon House and Maximin d’Entremont House, a lighthouse and local cemetery, nature trails with natural fauna and flora indigenous to the area, and opportunities to learn about the historic Acadian fishing and farming traditions.

Rendez-vous de la Baie Visitor Centre: Open year-round and located on the campus of Université SainteAnne in Clare,  Rendez-vous de la Baie Visitor Centre is an Acadian cultural and interpretive center. Attractions include an artist-run gallery, a souvenir boutique, a 263-seat performance theatre, and an outdoor performance area. Travelers can experience the interpretive center and museum which delve into the Acadian peoples’ history through multimedia displays of music and language with free guided tours available. The venue is also a trailhead for a three-mile network of walking trails leading to the breathtaking Nova Scotian coast (guided walking tours available).

More information: Nova Scotia, www.novascotia.com

Summer is a 5 Sensory Season in Newfoundland and Labrador

From the rolling waves lapping off the coastline to the colorful clotheslines dancing in the ocean breeze,  Newfoundland and Labrador is home to the slow way of life that heighten all the senses. Experience the first sunrise in North America, witness the migration of whale species and taste food foraged from land and sea.

Sea of Whales Adventures: Just

off the Bonavista Peninsula, travelers will be humbled by the spectacle of whale species like humpbacks, sperm, orcas, feeding, migrating, and playing on  Sea of Whales Adventures whale watching boat tours (3-hour whale watching tours daily, May 15-Oct. 14, 2-hour tours daily, June 15-Sept. 3.

Preserving the Dark Sky: Terra Nova National Park, the first designated Dark Sky Preserve in the province, allows travelers to gaze into the cosmos untouched by light pollution. The most popular viewing locations include Sandy Pond, Ochre Hill, Blue Hill and Visitor Centre. New in 2024, UNESCO World Heritage Site Gros Morne National Park is applying to the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada for designation as a Dark Sky Preserve, offering visitors even more unaltered space to bask in the celestial views.  Wild Island Kitchen: Open year round,  Wild Island Kitchen offers travelers the chance to dine aside breathtaking seascapes listening to the crashing waves while wild and sustainably caught seafood is cooked over an open fire (email  experiencetwillingate@gmail. com; pre-booking is required).

Grates Cove Seaweed Baths: In the northernmost part of Newfoundland and Labrador, weary travelers can soak in a seaweed bath at  Grates Cave Co.

More information: Newfoundland and Labrador, www.newfoundlandlabrador. com

© 2024 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear. com

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

All about this Father’s Day holiday

Father’s Day is on June 16 this year and in honor of that I am focusing on country singer Brad Paisley. Bradley Douglas Paisley was born October 28, 1972, in Glen Dale, West Virginia. He is the only child of Douglas Paisley, who worked for the West Virginia Department of Transportation, and Sandra Jean Paisley, who was a teacher.

His maternal grandfather, Warren Jarvis, gave him his first guitar, a Sears Danelectro Silvertone, for Christmas when he was eight years old and taught him how to play it. Paisley says his love of country music was born then and there.

In third grade, he performed for the first time in public by singing in his church. Initially, they were just going to have him play the song on the guitar with the choir singing in the background but then the adults heard him sing the song and said, “forget the choir, let’s just have Brad do the whole thing.” He became popular at parties and events in Glen Dale. He later said that “Pretty soon, I was performing at every Christmas party and Mother’s Day event. The neat thing about a small town is that when you want to be an artist, by golly, they’ll make you one.”

When Paisley was 12, he caught the attention of the program director of a radio station in Wheeling, W.V., who invited him to perform on “Jamboree USA,” the station’s long-running live country music program. He was a regular on the show for eight years.

At age 13, Paisley wrote his first song, “Born on Christmas Day,” which later appeared on his album titled “Brad Paisley Christmas.” He had been taking lessons with local guitarist Clarence “Hank” Goddard. Then Goddard and Paisley formed a band called “Brad Paisley and the C-Notes” with two of Paisley’s friends.

Brad Paisley graduated from John Marshall High School in Glen Dale,

W.V., in 1991 and attended West Liberty State College for two years. In 1993 Paisley moved to Nashville because he loved country music and to attend Belmont University where he pursued music business. He obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the Mike Curb School of Music Business in 1995. After graduating from college Paisley worked as a songwriter in Nashville before releasing his debut record, “Who Needs Pictures,” in 1999.

In 2000, the Academy of Country Music named Brad Paisley the year’s Best New Male Vocalist. Over the years Paisley has won many awards including three GRAMMYs, two American Music Awards, 14 Country Music Association Awards and 15 Academy of Country Music Awards. A member of the Grand Ole Opry since 2001, Paisley has written 21 of his 24 #1 hit songs and in 2008 he became the first artist to achieve 10 consecutive Billboard Country Airplay #1 singles.

Paisley saw his future wife, Kimberly Williams, on the big screen playing Annie Banks in the movie, “Father of the Bride” and “Father of the Bride II.” Ten years later Paisley asked her to be in his music video and they started dating.

In 2003 Paisley and Kimberly Williams married in a ceremony at Pepperdine University in Los Angeles. They have two sons, William “Huck” Huckleberry, who was born in 2007 and was named after the famous fictional character of Mark Twain, and their second son, Jasper Warren, born in 2009 in honor of Paisley’s grandfather, Warren Jarvis, a World War II veteran who bought Paisley his first guitar when the country music singer was a boy. Kimberly and Brad Paisley built a log home in Franklin, Tennessee, where they raise their family.

During his time at Belmont University, Paisley benefitted from a scholarship supported by Vince Gill and has long been committed to “paying it forward” by establishing the

Brad Paisley Endowed Scholarship. Established in 2012, it provides financial assistance to a deserving student with demonstrated need who is studying in the Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business.

About fatherhood Brad Paisley has said:

“Before Huck arrived, I thought, ‘I’m a free spirit - how am I going to give that up?’ I confided in my preacher, who told me, ‘You won’t even remember what you gave up - it will be that inconsequential.’ He’s right. The first time you come home and your son sees you and laughs, you forget.”

“I’m able to be home and present in a way that I haven’t been, so that part is nice. The fires in the fireplace and everybody sitting around, that’s pretty great. I don’t want to look back on this when I’ve complained for years about not having time for certain things, like fishing with my kids and hiking in the woods. We’re trying to do that as much as we can.”

“You feel like what you’ve done up until now is to prepare yourself for this,

and that starts to be a memory that you associate with your kids. So, I can see how eventually, I won’t be able to remember who I was before, because it does change you. It’s already changed me a little bit, and it’ll change me more with every heart attack they give me!”

About working in Nashville and becoming a country music success Paisley has said:

“Okay, this is what I want … I want to be a recording artist, I want some headphones, a tour bus, and I want to live in Williamson County, Tennessee. And, I think I made it! You see people who move here all the time and get the cart before the horse. This isn’t a forgiving place like Glen Dale. I was young and wanted to sing, and everybody was happy about that. I became the best in Glen Dale. When you come to Nashville you might not be the best … you may be good … but chances are you are not the best. This town is crazy with the amount of talent here.”

I wish all the dads out there a very Happy Father’s Day!

BY TOM MARGENAU

Flipping Benefits Usually Not Possible

Women who have a smaller Social Security benefit than their husbands have frequently asked me if they can take their own reduced retirement benefit at 62 and then at full retirement age, switch to a full spousal benefit from their husband.

The answer is almost always no. But that is assuming the husband is already getting his own Social Security at the time the wife reaches age 62. And in that scenario, Social Security’s “deemed filing rule” says a wife must file for both her own benefits and any spousal benefits she might be due at the same time.

But there are situations where a wife can take reduced retirement benefits on her record and then later switch to higher benefits on her husband’s account. This almost always happens when the husband files for benefits years after the wife files for her own.

Conversely, other women ask me if they can take reduced spousal benefits at 62 and at 67, switch to their full retirement age benefit. The answer to that question is always no. Here are some questions and answers that deal with those issues.

Q: I am 62 and retired. My full retirement age benefit will be $2,100. But if I take benefits now, I’d get about $1,500. My husband is already getting his Social Security that he started a few months ago when he was 67. He gets $3,800. Can I take spousal benefits now and let mine grow until 67 or even 70? I think I’d be due about a third of his now, or around $1,200.

A: No, you can’t do that. The deemed filing rule mentioned above says when you sign up for one Social Security benefit, you must file for any and all benefits you are due at the same time. In other words, if you want to take benefits at 62, you must file for your own Social Security. You said at 62, you’d be due about $1,500 on your own record. And that is more than the $1,200 you’d be due in reduced spousal benefits. So, the only claim you would be filing now would be your own retirement claim. And FYI: If your husband dies before you do, you could, at that point, file for higher widow’s benefits.

Q: My husband is 67 years old. He was going to wait until 70 to file for his Social Security, but he changed his mind and decided to file now. He’s already submitted his application. I am 62. My husband’s benefit is about three times higher than mine. Can I start my own reduced benefit now and then when I turn full retirement age, switch to 50% of his?

A: No. Again, that deemed filing rule says you must file for your own benefit and whatever spousal benefits you might be due at the same time.

Q: My wife is about to turn 62. I am 61. She is eligible for a small Social Security check on her own record. And she wants to file for those benefits now. But I think she is wrong. If she takes her reduced retirement check now, she won’t be able to get half of mine later on. So I think she should wait six years until I turn 67, when I plan to sign up for my much higher Social Security benefit. Then she will get half of my benefit. So, am I right? Or is my wife right?

A: I think your wife is right. And before I explain why, I must point out that the deemed filing rule doesn’t apply because at the time your wife would file, you wouldn’t be getting benefits yet.

I’ll explain why your wife might be right with examples. You didn’t give me any benefit amounts, so I will make up some numbers. Let’s say your wife’s full retirement age benefit rate is $1,000. Filing at age 62, she would get 70% of that, or $700 per month. Furthermore, let’s say your full retirement age benefit at 67 will be $2,800.

We’ll follow your advice first. That would mean your wife does nothing now. In six years, when you turn 67, you will start getting $2,800 per month. Then your wife would file for spousal benefits, and she would get 50% of your benefit, or $1,400 per month. (Actually, she would be paid her own $1,000 retirement check, and then she would get $400 in spousal benefits to take her up to the $1,400 spousal rate.)

And now look at what your wife wants to do. She wants to file for her benefits now, meaning she would start getting $700 per month right away. Then in six years, when you turn 67 and file for your benefits, she still could file for spousal benefits. The reduction she took in her own retirement checks would carry over to her spousal rate. Here is roughly how they would figure out what she would be due: They would take her FRA benefit rate of $1,000 and subtract that from one-half of your FRA rate of $2,800, or $1,400. So, $1,400 minus $1,000 leaves $400. And that would become her spousal benefit that would be added to her reduced retirement rate. She would start getting $1,100 per month in total benefits after you turned 67. ($700 plus $400 equals $1,100.)

Now let’s compare the two scenarios. In your option, your wife would get an extra $300 per month in benefits starting six years from now. ($1,400 is $300 more than $1,100.)

But, if you go with your option, which again means your wife doesn’t file for any Social Security benefits until you turn 67, she would be throwing away the $700 per month retirement check she would have been due beginning now, when she is 62. Over the next six years, she would lose $50,400 in Social Securi-

ty benefits just to get that extra $300 per month when you are 67. It would take her 168 months to make up that loss. In other words, your wife would be in her late 70s before she would come out ahead in your scenario.

Q: I am 62. My husband is 57. I was a homemaker most of my life and have no Social Security record. Is it true I won’t get any of his Social Security until he starts drawing benefits himself?

Continued on next page

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Renovate and expand, or build new?

You’ve been in your current home for longer than you anticipated. Your family is growing and you need more space and potentially more tax deductions to reduce your taxable income. You need to decide to either expand or increase the footprint of your home and increase the living space; or find another home to renovate or a piece of land to build a new home upon. Staying put and doing the necessary expansion and upgrade to increase the size of your home is possible, but at what cost? Finding a piece of land in your local area just might be feasible if you are residing in Suffolk County, but somewhat doubtful within Nassau County. Lastly, finding a reasonably priced house in the area with prices being at the highest in history is not as desirable or simple as you might have thought. So what do you do when the options are not as possible or probable as you had anticipated? Also, considering the increased interest rates, do I have enough equity to take a second mortgage out to do the required renovation? So you are in a stressful quandary as to what path to pursue. Should you focus on expanding your current home? You have to take into account that this could become a real major project and an inconvenience. You will need to decide to either stay in one part of your home and seal the space to avoid the dust created while the other section is being renovated; or move out and rent another home at what cost until the work is completed.

You now have to ascertain how to engage and hire an interior designer, contractor and architect to redesign your home to suit your specific needs and wants, as your age in place. Do I consider a recommendation from family and friends, and/or go online and search out reviews of those who are currently or previously used their con-

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

tractors to see how satisfied they are/were with their services? Should you apply for all the permits and try to save money or instruct your contractor or architect to take on the job? How involved do I want or need to be in the renovation and upgrade? My daughter went through this project a while back and was almost 100% ensconced in her renovation and was hands-on from picking out the materials to the major redesign of her kitchen, bathrooms and owner’s suite and en suite bathroom w/ washer and dryer. Will you consider purchasing and installing solar panels to save money for the short and long term, reducing your carbon footprint and add a very valuable asset and benefit to your home? Timewise, it took her over 8 months to complete the job and waited almost 1.5 years for her commercial sub-zero refrigerator; and this was when supply chain shortages were still occurring and it was all about being patient in the waiting game of completing all the construction. The end result was anything but a remarkable and a spectacular renovation and superb job that was well done.

desirable plan come to fruition and that you will be completely satisfied with the end result. You may make changes along the way, so this must be a consideration and incorporate in the initial planning to make sure you have some flexibility within your project. When using an architect in conjunction with your desired contractor, this must be a consideration and discussed before hand to incorporate the possibility of changes within your budget for your upgrade and renovation. It’s a rarity that anyone stays exactly within their initial budget. However, the more you plan and price everything in advance, so you know the price of your materials, and the most costly commodity, your labor, the better the opportunity of staying as close to within your initial budget as you possibly can.

increased appreciation in your home by spending your money in a wise and pragmatic fashion will add to your family’s enjoyment and happiness for years to come.

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

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

A: You made the same mistake my wife did. You married a younger man! And yes, it is true that you can’t collect on his Social Security account until he signs up for his own benefits.

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “So-

As I have previously conveyed in past columns that our current housing inventory is at historic 50 year low. Competing to purchase another home is more challenging than just expanding and renovating your current home. However, many would prefer not to take this path, but would rather find another home to renovate and/or knock down to build new from scratch. This consideration has to be carefully planned, throughout and fine tuned whereby the t’s have to be crossed and I’s dotted to make sure that your

As your project begins and progresses, changes can and many times will occur; but make sure you have the funds for some options, so it will simplify those changes in advance of actually implementing them. You need to think outside the normal box and be cognizant of the changes that might be on your wish list and that you may want as your renovation proceeds. Your decisions to renovate your current residence or buy another home will be predicated on your current income and not based on future income. Staying grounded as to what is affordable and realistic in your expectations. Don’t go overboard unless you have the money or cushion of available funds to do so. Planning is crucial and critical to come to a successful and happy outcome that you will be ecstatic with to enjoy for years to come. Building

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

Save his My New Electronic signature/Bio/Reviews to save to your contacts: https://onetapconnect.com/turnkeyrealestate-philraices

cial Security -- Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Security.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon.com or other book outlets. Or you can send him an email at thomas.margenau@comcast.net.

COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

BY JEFF RUGG

Q: A few weeks ago, I bought a columbine plant that had pretty red flowers. The plant tag said that the blooming time was May and June. The flowers lasted only a few days. We aren’t even halfway through the time the tag said they will bloom. Was this short blooming time because I just planted it, because it is a young plant or because of some other problem?

A: A lot of flowers only last a single day, such as hibiscus, or maybe a few days if the weather is cool. We even name some plants based on this characteristic, such as daylilies. Some flowers last only until they are pollinated, which could be one day or a week. Flowers can be arranged on the stem in several ways. We commonly think of single flowers, such as a single-stem rose, but many flowers are compound. Flower heads of a few to thousands of flowers grow next to each other and may look like a single flower, with each

The

A GREENER VIEW

Columbine Flowers

flower called a floret. The aster, daisy and sunflower families plus many other families have flower heads. The individual flowers in a compound flower head may start producing seeds as they are pollinated and are not officially blooming anymore, but the whole head still looks like it is blooming for a longer time.

Most plants have a structure of flower parts called the inflorescence. The pedicle is the stem that attaches an individual flower to the plant stem. It can be short or long and can arrange the flowers into round or flat-topped clusters. Some inflorescences cause the stem to stop with flowers at the end and are determinate, and some have flowers continuing to arrive over time and are indeterminate.

Examples of inflorescences are corymbs, cymes, panicles, racemes, spadices, spikes and umbels. There are compound versions of these and other kinds of inflorescences. Knowing which inflorescence is which is important when you are trying to identify plants.

Each individual flower in one of these structures may last a day or longer. The overall effect is that the plant is blooming from the time the first flower opens until the last flower in the inflorescence finishes blooming.

If a columbine is planted from seeds in the spring, it will not bloom. If the seeds are planted in the late summer or early fall, they will probably bloom the following spring. If the plant is purchased in a pot in the spring, it will probably bloom in the spring.

A single columbine plant will produce flowers on a multibranched panicle over several weeks. From the first to last flower, it will bloom for about a month. The plant tag is designed to give you the range of months during which the plant will bloom. It will not bloom for the entire range. In fact, if you are in the southern states, columbines may begin blooming in April. And, if you are in a high Rocky Mountain valley, they may not bloom until August.

If you pinch off the flowers as they begin to fade, the plant may produce a

few more flowers for a longer blooming season. On the other hand, many columbine species are short-lived perennials that stay in the garden for many years because they produce seeds that continually replace the plant. Pinching off fading flowers will reduce the amount of seeds produced.

Keep your plant healthy and it will grow larger. It will have more flowers over a longer time than it did this year. Be careful when you read plant tags as they may not mean what you think they do.

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

COPYRIGHT 2024 JEFF RUGG

DISTRIBUTED BY CREATORS

Ultimate Guide to the Care and Cleaning of a Glass Cooktop

BY MARY HUNT

When it comes to kitchen appliances, nothing says modern and sleek like a beautiful, new, electric, smooth-top ceramic or glass cooktop. It’s a financial investment that deserves the utmost maintenance and care.

While a smooth-top beats a coil-element cooktop in the style department, it requires a different kind of proactive care to keep it looking good while preventing discoloration and scratching.

With smooth-top cooktops, it’s all about prevention. If you think of your cooktop as a delicate possession that requires your protection, you’ll be way ahead of the game. That means being well aware of what not to do.

What to Avoid

Do not use cast iron or stone cookware on a smooth-top cooktop or range. Period. The bottom of these types of cookware can be rough, even gritty to the touch. Any movement on that cooktop can leave permanent scratches.

Do not drag heavy pots on the cook-

top; lift and transfer to another area of the cooktop to reduce the risk of scratching.

Never allow abrasive cleaners, free Scotch-Brite sponges (the blue nonscratch version is OK) or metal pads near the cooktop.

Do not allow spills to linger. When boiling or cooking with sugary substances, take care not to spill these on a smooth-top cooktop. A sugar substance can discolor the cooktop, leaving yellowish areas that are impossible to remove. Clean up such spills quickly.

Never stand on top of the cooktop to reach something high up. Never place anything heavy on a smooth-top cooktop, even temporarily.

Do not place stirring utensils on a warm cooktop while you cook. Food on these utensils can mark or burn the cooktop, leaving a mess that needs more time to clean.

Do not place glass bakeware (from the oven) to cool on a smooth-top cooktop. Place these items on a counter to cool.

How to Clean

Here’s the rule: If you wouldn’t use it to clean your eyeglasses, don’t use it on your smooth top. Always reach for a soft sponge or cloth and a cream cleaning solution.

-- Bar Keepers Friend now makes a cooktop cleaner (about $8 for a 13-ounce bottle) that gets rave reviews from manufacturers and smooth-top owners. Another highly recommended option is Cerama Bryte Cooktop Cleaner (about $10

for 28 ounces).

-- Homemade cream cleaner. Make a paste of 50/50 baking soda and Blue Dawn dishwashing liquid. Stir until smooth. Using a non-scratch sponge, work this cream in circles over the entire cooktop. When you’re done, rinse with a wet towel followed by a microfiber cloth to polish the glass surface.

-- Homemade heavy-duty smooth-top cleaner. This is for tough spots and any stuck-on food that spilled while cooking. Combine 1 cup water and 1 cup white vinegar in a spray bottle. Add 10 drops of lemon essential oil. Shake well. Once the cooktop has cooled, sprinkle baking soda directly on the tough spots. Spray the baking soda with the vinegar mixture. Wait until the baking soda stops fizzing and wipe clean with a very soft cloth or sponge, using the texture of the powder to scour off the grease. This will not scratch the surface. Repeat as needed until you’ve taken care of any tough spots.

-- Remove discoloration. The natural oils and acids in food cooked on the stovetop can leave behind dark or light stains on the surface. Restoring discoloration from a ceramic cooktop involves proper cleaning. Follow these steps to get your cooktop back to looking new.

Apply a cream ceramic cooktop cleaner (see above) once the area cools. Rub using a soft scrubbing pad made for this purpose (the Cerama Bryte Ceramic Cooktop Cleaner Kit comes with five

cleaning pads), rubbing deep into the stain. The abrasive nature of a scrubbing pad that has been designed specifically for a glass cooktop helps release the stain to remove stubborn discoloration. Wipe the area with a wet paper towel or microfiber cloth.

-- Remove scratches. It’s best to never allow your cooktop to get scratched. Still, if you have scratches you cannot live with, you may be ready to bring out the big guns. An automotive scratch remover (you won’t find anything better than Meguiar’s Ultimate Compound) is designed to remove scratches to a clearcoat, glasslike finish. Follow the instructions on the label or apply the automotive scratch-removing compound with a soft cloth, and buff the scratch gently. Allow the scratch remover to dry, then wipe off the compound with a dry cloth.

You can find more information on the resources mentioned above at EverydayCheapskate.com/cooktop.

Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/ contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “Debt-Proof Living.” COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

SCREENER

‘The Fall Guy’: Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt in a Fast-Talking Action-Com

BY KURT LODER

What’s your favorite movie stunt?

Mine -- well, one of them -- takes place in the intricate opening sequence of 1984’s “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.” It’s the scene in which Indy and his companion, the shrieky nightclub singer Willie Scott (Kate Capshaw), are making a frantic exit from a club owned by Shanghai crime lord Lao Che. Lacking any other means of egress, they’re compelled to leap out a window (accompanied by a gigantic bronze gong), and the stunt is launched. Falling toward a narrow alley, Indy and Willie rip through a series of canvas awnings -- four in all -- before bouncing over onto a fifth one on the other side of the street, from which they drop into the back seat of a just-arrived Duesenberg convertible driven by a little kid called Short Round (Ke Huy Quan). He advises them to hold on to their potatoes.

This sequence, which lasts about 35 seconds, is an unforgettable demonstration of great pictorial design and stunt execution. It shows director Steven Spielberg operating at the peak of his gifts, and two top-rank stunt artists -- the celebrated Vic Armstrong and his similarly expert wife, Wendy Leech -- embodying the director’s vision. But Armstrong and Leech, as eagerly sought as their services were at the time

(they also appeared in various “Superman,” “Star Wars” and Bond films), are as often as not noted in IMDb cast lists as -- and I quote -- “uncredited.”

A movement has been building for years now to give stunt artists their due. After all, what would action movies be without them? (They’d be radio.) Now comes a fond nod to these undervalued craftspeople in director David Leitch’s new movie, “The Fall Guy,” which has the distinction of being both an orgy of top-tier stunt work and a sweet, fasttalking romcom. If this unusual combination doesn’t quite jell, well, there are worse things clogging the multiplexes at the moment.

The picture is loosely based on an ‘80s TV series that starred Lee Majors (who makes a cameo in this film) as a stuntman who moonlights as a bounty hunter. Here, Ryan Gosling is the stunt guy, Colt Seavers, but there’s no moonlighting involved. Colt is returning to the movie business after a long layoff recuperating from a stunt-related back injury. He’s summoned by producer Gail Meyer (Hannah Waddingham) to Sydney, Australia, where his ex-girlfriend, cinematographer Jody Moreno (Emily Blunt), whom he ghosted after being sidelined, is making her first movie as a director. It’s a sci-fi action feature called “Metalstorm,” and it stars the egotistical Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-John-

‘Furiosa:

BY KURT LODER

George Miller’s last “Mad Max” movie, the 2015 “Fury Road,” was such a titanic achievement -- an action classic that all but ran you over -- that you wondered if he could ever possibly top it. Now, with the new prequel “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” we have the answer. And the answer is: possibly, but not right now.

“Furiosa” is a top-flight action film -- from the shot designs to the hell-onwheels stunt work to the awesome, hammers-of-doom score by Tom Holkenborg, it definitely does its job. There are problems, though, and since “Furiosa” is half an hour longer than “Fury Road,” we have time to notice them.

First, the two stars -- Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth, both highly appealing performers -- are miscast. In playing the title character -- a younger edition of Charlize Theron’s Imperator Furiosa in the previous film -- Taylor-Joy hasn’t been given enough dialogue to create a full performance (her character is an old-school, strong-andsilent type); and her peculiar, serpentine beauty -- a considerable artistic asset -- is muted by the slick of automotive facial grime through which her big brown eyes peer out.

Hemsworth has a different prob-

son), with whom Colt has long been teamed as a stunt double. Colt quickly finds himself back in harness, being set on fire, slammed against boulders and strapped into stunt cars doing “cannon rolls” down a beach. (One of these tricky maneuvers, pulled off by production stuntman Logan Holladay, set a new Guinness World Record of eight-and-ahalf flips.)

Unfortunately, Jody, still angry at Colt about their awkward breakup, isn’t happy that he’s been hired to work on the film. Complicating matters, her star, Ryder, has mysteriously disappeared. Colt, of course, is soon assigned to find him.

The heartbeat of the movie is the spirited, quippy chemistry between Blunt and Gosling, who are a classic screwball

couple. (It’s puzzling that some of their zingiest interactions were left in the trailer and never made it into the picture itself.)

Then there’s all the action: Given the director, it’s unsurprisingly top-notch. Leitch, a producer and co-director in the “John Wick” franchise and a longtime stunt double for Brad Pitt, spares no effort (or, presumably, expense) in burning through pyro, staging space-alien beach battles and calling in helicopters to juice up the spectacle. But if the movie feels a little too long (at 126 minutes), it’s because the action eventually overwhelms the perfectly crafted romance. It’s kind of heartbreaking, actually.

Kurt Loder is the film critic for Reason Online.

COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS

A Mad Max Saga’: Wasteland Re-Revisited

lem. Having honed his comic charm with over a decade of playing Thor in the Marvel movies, he is here asked to take two conflicting approaches to his character, a bike-gang leader called Dementus. This loud, beardy fellow is ostensibly the villain of the story; but in this harsh world, as incarnated by Hemsworth, he’s too light and goofy to project much menace. (“I’ve been waiting for someone worthy of me,” he tells a lucky lady.) And just when you begin to hope the actor will take this guy all the way to the fun side, Dementus suddenly demonstrates a taste for human “blood sausage.”

The movie is also slow to get going. It begins in the Green Place -- the Edenic sanctuary to which Charlize Theron was attempting to return in “Fury Road” (only to ultimately learn it had been destroyed). Here we get the backstory. As a little girl, some 45 years after the societal collapse that turned the outside world into a wasteland (or the Wasteland, as it’s officially styled), Furiosa lived in the Green Place with the Vuvalini, or “Many Mothers,” among them her own rifle-packing mom (Charlee Fraser). One day we see her being captured by young Dementus’ bandit horde and are unsurprised when very terrible things start to happen almost immediately.

Dementus keeps little Furiosa around (in a cage), hoping to learn more about her verdant homeland, which he would like very much to invade and despoil. Eventually, envisioning the creation of a brave new Wasteland in which he might play an exalted role, Dementus pays a visit to a fortress with which we’re already familiar from the last picture -- the Citadel, home of the battle-blond warlord Immortan Joe (Lachy Hulme) and his pasty-faced army of fanatical War Boys. (Around in here, Alyla Browne, the actor who has been ably playing the young Furiosa, steps out and is replaced, with wonderful subtlety, by Taylor-Joy, who proceeds to kick many butts.)

At age 79, Miller, who has also made excellent movies about talking pigs and dancing penguins, remains a virtuoso of cinematic action. And all his Wasteland trademarks are here: the roaring bike swarms, the incessant pyrotechnics, along with a few new tricks. There’s been some carping about the arrival of CGI in Miller’s world, starting with “Fury Road.” I don’t think this is a tremendously big deal, but computerization does alter the nature of the Mad Max gestalt -- the original thrill of these movies was a function of watching fearless stuntmen racing around in mutant dune buggies and risking their lives for real.

What’s also missed this time out is an actual Max figure, like the one played by Tom Hardy in “Fury Road.” There’s another amiable mope in that mode here -- a character called Praetorian Jack, played by Tom Burke -- but he’s so mild of manner that he barely registers, especially as a possible love match for Furiosa. And while Taylor-Joy is never anything other than fine in the title role, it’s hard not to think back to Charlize Theron’s strong take on the character, and her ability to convey the woman’s grit and sorrow with little more than her weary face and battered physique. (Speaking of which, high five to Taylor-Joy for the electrifying scene in which she does frantic battle while hanging upside down on the underside of a speeding truck.) (High five to the camera op, too, I guess.)

The “Mad Max” franchise may be showing its age a bit -- the first film came out 45 years ago. That’s a lot of screaming choppers, rampaging leather boys and endless, red-desert vistas. Somebody might want to check the gas, but as long as Miller stays on the job, any future sequels (the next one’s already in the works) are unlikely to go entirely unwatched.

Kurt Loder is the film critic for Reason Online.

COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS

“

The Vacant Space Revival Program

Unoccupied business spaces are an opportunity to help bring vitality to downtown areas. For George Karatzas, owner of James Cress Florist, staying downtown was a priority, but costs were prohibitive. Then George applied for our Vacant Space Revival Program, which has provided $2,462 in bill credits to help offset his overhead.* And Smithtown continues to have a business that brings warmth and charm to the area. It’s a beautiful thing to see come together—just like George’s floral arrangements.

—George Karatzas, James Cress Florist, Smithtown — Smithtown *Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project.

EVERYDAY CHEAPSKATE

Help! Need Cheap Pest Control, Leather Seats Are

Hopelessly Stained, Best Upright Vacuum on

BY MARY HUNT

Dear Cheapskate: Once each quarter, we have our house and property professionally treated for pests. The results have been excellent, and we no longer have the problem with bugs that we had before. Do you know of a homemade or store-bought solution that we can use instead of paying quarterly? The payment is quite high, and although I was able to negotiate to lower the fee, I know that’s just temporary. I am afraid if we don’t continually have our house treated, we may end up with an infestation again. -- Gloria, email

Dear Gloria: Pest control performed by a professional service is costly because these companies are licensed to use chemicals that are toxic and restricted for consumer use. The professionals know how and where to apply the chemicals in a way that doesn’t put you and pets in harm’s way.

There are do-it-yourself options for minor issues like ants and aphids, but it sounds to me as if you have bigger problems that warrant the services of a professional.

Instead of trying to do this yourself, I suggest you shop around to find the most cost-effective service possible, and let your current provider know that you

BY CHARLYN FARGO

Many of us have had loved ones debilitated by dementia. My father-in-law suffered for eight years; my uncle had it as well. Many of us worry we might have it later in life. We know there are many things that can be done to help prevent it. The MIND diet, which is a blend of the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet and emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and less red meat (along with lower-sodium foods), has been found to help. In addition, physical activity is key. Now, you can add a good night’s sleep to your routine.

You may not think sleep has anything to do with your memory or lack thereof, but a new study found that getting only six or fewer hours of sleep a night was associated with a 30% higher likelihood of being diagnosed with dementia nearly

are doing so. If you find a lower bid, your company may be willing to match that number to keep you as a loyal customer. Also, consider service every four months or twice a year. That might do the trick as a maintenance option and cut your costs.

Dear Cheapskate: Last summer, heat from the sun caused the red lettering from a plastic shopping bag to melt onto the grey leather, front passenger seat in my car. I have been unable to remove the stain and hope you may have a solution. -- Toni

Dear Toni: Because this was a grocery bag, the ink is undoubtedly considered “food grade” because it comes into contact with edibles, so it should be easy to remove. Provided your previous attempts to remove it have not seriously changed its properties, Bickmore Bick 4 Leather Cleaner and Conditioner should remove that stain and, at the same time, condition the leather. While you’re at it, you should clean all the leather interior.

I have used the product for super challenging situations, and for me it has performed well. Available on Amazon, the reviews are fantastic. Read them before you spend $20 on this cleaner. I’m confident it will be money well spent to make sure the stain is removed and your car retains its resale value.

Dear Cheapskate: I just have to say thank you! I recently purchased the

Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional vacuum that you have written about -- even though I have a good vacuum and am trying to minimize my possessions. Oh my! I have been vacuuming for a week straight and am still getting dirt out of my family room carpeting. What’s more, it even feels like new carpeting under our feet. Not to mention this machine is also beautiful -- white and silver! This is just indicative of the numerous ways your wisdom and insight have blessed me and my family. Hope I get to see you in person again sometime (I was in the audience when you spoke in Naperville, Illinois, several years ago). -- Nancy

Dear Nancy: Yours is the 19th message I’ve received just this week from readers who are also ecstatic over their Shark vacuums. I know the feeling. I get it every time I put my Sharky to work. I have moved from being embarrassed by what he gets out of the carpet to feeling kinda self-righteous, knowing that finally my carpeting is really clean. Now it’s easy to keep it that way. I try to stay on top of even the smallest spot so it doesn’t become a stain, using the commercial spot treatment Carpet Aid. By the way, there are dozens of models of Shark vacuums out there! My best advice: Make sure when you purchase that

NUTRITION NEWS

Sleep and Dementia

three decades later.

Researchers in Britain conducted an observational study using sleep data from surveys filled out six times by nearly 8,000 individuals between 1985 and 2016. By the end of the study, 521 people had been diagnosed with dementia at an average age of 77. Participants started the study when they were around age 50.

The tricky part is dementia is known o disrupt sleep patterns. So, was insufficient sleep a contributing cause or an effect of dementia? Researchers felt that by starting the study at age 50, it was less likely pre-dementia brain changes had begun.

Before you crawl into bed early, note that observational studies often lack sufficient data to prove a cause-and-effect relationship, meaning the study doesn’t establish that better sleep prevents de-

mentia. We all know that many factors can contribute to the development of dementia.

The bottom line is a good night’s sleep is important. Adequate sleep along with a healthy diet and regular physical activity have all been associated with delaying the onset or slowing the progression of dementia. That’s reason enough to make sure you get eight hours a night.

Q

and A

Q: How much water do I need to drink?

A: For years, the answer was eight 8-ounce glasses a day. But research finds the correct amount is tied to your weight. New recommendations suggest you need to drink half your body weight in ounces of water. For a 150-pound person, that means 75 ounces or just over nine 8-ounce glasses. Your water needs

Earth

you see these words in the specific model name: Shark, Navigator, Lift-Away and Professional. Now you have what I consider the best upright vacuum that will give you lots of options, including attachments you will need and a canister that “lifts away” to easily vacuum steps on a staircase. I have put together more information along with links and resources for the items mentioned above at EverydayCheapskate.com/carpet.

It was great to hear from you and to recall that evening in Naperville. When I walked to the podium, I was shocked nearly to tears to see my college music professor, Fr. Wilbur David Ellsworth, and his wife, Jean, sitting front and center. I had not seen them since graduation day. Knowing you were there as well makes that memory extra special.

Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/ contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “Debt-Proof Living.” COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

are also dependent on how hot it is outside and your activity level. Other liquids -- and foods such as watermelon and broth-based soups -- can count toward the total as well. Because everyone’s fluid needs vary, the most important thing is to listen to your body and honor your thirst. A simple way to tell if you’re getting enough water is to check the color of your pee. If it’s pale yellow, like the color of lemonade, you’re good. Anything darker and you probably need to drink another glass of water.

Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois, and the current president of the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. For comments or questions, contact her at charfarg@aol.com or follow her on Twitter @NutritionRD. . COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

STARGAZERS

A Huge Strawberry Moon

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of June 16-22, 2024

Summer has arrived! Or at least it will on Thursday, June 20.

Around noon on that day, the sun will reach the year’s highest point in the mid-day sky and begin its gradual trek southward until it reaches its lowest point on Dec. 21. The actual summer solstice occurs on Thursday at 4:51 p.m. EDT (1:51 p.m. PDT). For skywatchers in the southern hemisphere, of course, everything is reversed, so they’ll see the sun at its lowest, marking their first day of winter.

Once the sun sets this week, you’ll see a very bright moon. On Friday, June 21, the full moon will rise in the southeast just as the sun sets in the northwest. Every full moon of the year has a name given to it by Native Americans; the June full moon is known as the “Strawberry moon,” many think because it has a pink hue but, folks, if you ever see a pink moon ... well, I don’t know what to tell you!

No, it’s known as the “Strawberry moon” because strawberries are in season and ready for harvest in June.

So, while the moon won’t appear pink (or even red), it can appear quite orange as it rises over the horizon. That distinctive orange color originates from the Earth’s atmosphere. If you recall from your elementary school days, the moon reflects sunlight to our eyes, and the white sunlight is composed of all colors of the spectrum squeezed together to give the appearance of white light.

When the moon is low in the sky, its light is passing through about six times more air than when it’s overhead. This thick, dust-filled air scatters the bluish light from the moon’s spectrum and leaves only warmer colors such as yellow, orange and red to shine through. The more particulate matter (such as dust, smog or volcanic ash) in the air, the deeper orange the

moon will appear.

Once the Earth rotates enough for the moon to appear higher in the sky, however, its light will pass through less atmosphere, and the moon will appear a more “normal,” yellowish-white color.

If you watch the moon rise around sunset on the 21st, you’ll also notice how immense it appears. If you believe the atmosphere somehow acts like a lens and magnifies the moon, you’re in good company, because it was Alexandrian mathematician and astronomer Claudius Ptolemy who first suggested it. Unfortunately, this is as wrong now as it was two millennia ago!

No, believe it or not, the moon’s apparently large

size originates not from the atmosphere but from right between our ears. That’s right, it’s a weird optical illusion created by our brains!

To demonstrate this “moon illusion”, make a loose fist and hold it up to your eye. Now view the rising, “large” moon through it, using your fist to block out all but the moon itself. The moon will appear to shrink. Now try blinking your eyes back and forth, looking through -- then around -- your loose fist, and watch as the moon grows and shrinks!

Any way we look at it, it’s quite an illusion!

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com. COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

LOST IN SUBURBIA

Up Sheet’s Creek Without a Paddle

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

Back in the day, when I was younger, I would wake up in the morning and, for the most part, look like I had gotten a good night’s sleep. Not the mornings in my early 20s when I was hung over, of course. Or the mornings in my 30s after being up all night with my kids. Or the mornings in my 40s after waiting up all night for my kids to come home. But I’m sure there were some mornings when I didn’t look like I’d been hit by an ice cream truck, dragged for a mile while the tinny music drowned out my screams, then attacked by a pack of rabid badgers. Actually, it was less like I’d been hit by a truck and more like I’d been driven over by one, because every morning there seemed to be tire tracks across my face that wouldn’t go away until about lunchtime. My nightly tire tracks had become so prevalent that my

husband started calling me, in the most loving way possible, Mrs. Bedsheet Face. Of course, I had no control over what happened to my face when I slept. I’m naturally a devoted back sleeper, but in recent years I’ve had to switch to sleeping on my side, because if I slept on my back I snored (another surprising joy of turning 50). And apparently, when I slept on my side, I engaged in a bout of extreme championship wrestling with my pillow all night trying to get comfortable, and the pillow usually won. The next morning, I would have so many lines and crevices across my face that I looked like a longitudinal map. This was an interesting look for a globe. For a woman in her 50s ... not so much.

I understand wrinkles, saggy knees, gray hairs, and chin hairs are all part of the aging process, and I am willing to let them all do as they may (except the chin hairs, of course). But this bedsheet-face

thing was not something I was going to take, er, lying down. When people start asking you if you got that long scar down your face from your days as a pirate, you know something needs to be done.

I grabbed my laptop and googled “bedsheet face.” I got nothing. There were plenty of articles about bedbugs -- fortunately not a problem I had. Then there was another one about how to get rid of bedsheet wrinkles. But they meant wrinkles on your sheets, not wrinkles on your face from the sheets. Then there were a few more essays about the challenge of making a bed. I would think if you couldn’t figure out that the sheet with the elastic at the corners goes over the mattress, you have bigger problems than dealing with your bedmaking skills.

So now I knew how to get rid of bedbugs, smooth out bed wrinkles and

make a bed, but I still had the dreaded bedsheet-face dilemma.

I scrolled a little further and finally found an article. Could it be that someone else out there suffered from the same sleep-induced, tire-track-face dilemma that I did? Was I not alone in my quest for a smooth-faced sleep experience? Eager to rid myself of this blight on my appearance, I clicked on the link for the article “How do I get rid of sheet wrinkles on my face?”

Their advice?

Sleep on your back.

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 2024 CREATORS.COM

You can catch a glimpse of a bigger-looking moon around sunset on the 21st.

© 2008 Dennis Mammana

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LADIES & GENTLEMEN RELAX & ENJOY Your Next Party! Catering and Experienced Professional Services for Assisting with Preparation, Serving and Clean Up Before, During and After Your Party Bartenders Available. Call Kate at 516-248-1545 SERVICES

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Awards galore as Levittown BOE honors standout students

From success in the arts and athletics to contributions to the community, dozens of students were recognized at the Levittown School District Board of Education meeting on June 5. The final gathering of the school year always comes with much fanfare, and students from kindergarten through 12th grade were among the honorees.

Every month, there is an art display from one of the schools in the board room at the Levittown Memorial Education Center. Memorial staff select a top overall piece from each exhibit, and those 10 students were honored for their talents. This year’s art winners, beginning in September, were Scarlett Diaz, Northside School; Jordan Hoang, Summit Lane School; Evan Rahaman, East Broadway School; Jenna Reed, Gardiners Avenue School; Kaolis Delacruz, Division Avenue High School; Jillian Teti, Abbey Lane School; Madeline Cordeira, MacArthur High School; Ella Patrick, Salk Middle School; Adelyn Psipsikas, Lee Road School; and Lia Cuevas, Wisdom Lane Middle School.

Lee Road fourth grader Vincent Petruzzeli was honored for his success in the Nassau Reading Council’s Young Authors’ Contest. His personal narrative was published in a book along with the works of other Nassau County winners.

MacArthur junior Shangjing Chen was the statewide second-place winner in the Historical Society of New York Courts 2024 Law Day art contest. Her

piece, “Democracy Brings Us Together,” was inspired by the American Bar Association’s Law Day theme, Voices of Democracy.

Division Avenue Principal John Coscia introduced senior Andrew Greco, who received the Eagle Scout distinction. Andrew worked with Joe’s 23 Colonies, an organization that helps rehabilitate sick and injured animals so they can be adopted by loving families, for his community service project. Andrew directed and helped construct feeders for animals where they would be protected from the elements or people as they recovered.

Board members and Superintendent Todd Winch honored this year’s board of education student liaisons, Ronald Gray from Division Avenue and Olivia DeMarco from MacArthur. Throughout the year, they gave monthly reports on school events, students achievements and more at board meetings. Mr. Winch cited their remarkable commitment in all areas of student life.

The spring athlete standouts included students who received All-County and Player of the Year awards, as well as county champions and state qualifiers. Students from Division Avenue and MacArthur’s badminton, baseball, flag football, lacrosse, softball and track teams were honored. The evening closed out with a celebration of the Division Avenue varsity baseball team, which won the Nassau County Class AA championship.

The Levittown Board of Education honored the student art winners from the monthly board room exhibitions at the June 5 meeting.

Lee Road Elementary School fourth grader Vincent Petruzzeli was a winner in the Nassau Reading Council’s Young Authors’ Contest.

The board celebrated the Division Avenue varsity baseball team on its Nassau County championship.

Photos courtesy of the Levittown School District

The athletic department recognized Division Avenue’s spring standout athletes.

Andrew Greco, a Division Avenue High School senior, became an Eagle Scout earlier this year.

MacArthur High School’s spring standout athletes were recognized.

MacArthur junior Shangjing Chen earned second place winner in the state in the Historical Society of New York Courts 2024 Law Day art contest.

The board honored its student liaisons, Olivia DeMarco and Ronald Gray.

Registration open for GAP summer program

The Group Activities Program (GAP) will run a Summer Program from July 1 through August 9 at Marjorie Post Community Park in Massapequa and Syosset-Woodbury Community Park. The Summer Day Camp program will run daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will be open to developmentally disabled children and young adults ages 5–21.

“Our Group Activities Program

Summer Day Camp is one of the finest programs of its kind in the nation and our activities specialists take great pride in fostering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive atmosphere at the day camp,”

Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino said. “We’re focused on group interaction, and as part of the summer camp, participants will be able to take part in activities such as swimming,

arts and crafts, sports, music, and playground time. I encourage residents to take this opportunity to register now and take advantage of this great program.”

This GAP Summer Day Camp provides a unique social-recreational experience for developmentally disabled town residents in a well-supervised setting over the course of six weeks. The

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Our Professional Guide is sure to bring results. Call 294-8900 for rates and information.

GAP Program is administered through the Handicapped Services Division of the Town’s Department of Community and Youth Services. The focus of the GAP program is group interaction. The 6-week program costs $250 per child registered. To register for summer camp, please contact the GAP Office at (516) 797-7947.

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Hicksville school board honors student achievers at meeting

At the May 21 board of education meeting, Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton highlighted several Hicksville High School students for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the Hicksville School Community. Student recognitions included a fourth grader who won the 2024 Humane Society Essay Contest, a winning team of three students that qualified to participate in the 2024 New York Statewide Elementary Mathematics Tournament Championship Finals, student participants of the 2024 Long Island Youth Summit and second and third place winners of this year’s South Asian American Women’s Alliance Annual Essay Contest.

Lee Avenue fourth grader Ayoub Obaidi won the 2024 Humane Society Essay Contest sponsored by the Office of the Nassau County Executive, Bruce Blakeman, the Humane Society of New York, the North Shore Animal League America and the Nassau County SPCA.  The Hicksville student was one of two winners selected from hundreds of submissions by Nassau County students.

Through the New York State Education Department (NYSED), Lee Avenue students Riyan Chhetri, Safwan Hoque and Stavya Khanna qualified to participate in the 2024 New York Statewide Elementary Mathematics Tournament Championship Finals that will take place at the University of Albany in the beginning of June. Each of the three Hicksville students received a trophy and a plaque was presented to Lee Avenue School administrators

along with a $1,000 prize from NYSED.

In April, Dr. Stephanie Piscitelli and Hicksville students participating in the introduction to Social Studies Research class attended the 2024 Long Island Youth Summit.  The Youth Summit brings together talented high school students for a day of interactive workshops with experts in the fields of medicine, business, economics, leadership, and the environment at St. Joseph’s University. The summit aims to engage young people as early as possible in thinking about the problems related to both local and regional issues.

Hicksville students Connor Chaplin, Lincoln Guida, Shreya Jacob and Kaylee Lin all won “Best Project” for their research papers in their respective categories, covering topics such as diversity, renewable energy, and teens and substance abuse.

The South Asian American Women’s Alliance held its 10th Annual Essay Contest this year for all High School students of the Tristate area. This year’s prompt was “How will ChatGPT change schools in the 2020s?  Students were encouraged to consider whether the new chatbot is the end of education as we know it, or a useful new tool for learning.  Additionally, students were asked to weigh how schools should respond to students’ use of ChatGPT.  Social Science Research Class students Nandini Bali and Aster Yeung placed second, Connor Chaplin, Arnav Chhatwal and Krishang Gupta placed third in this year’s contest, with their thoughtful essays on the topic.

Hicksville Supervisor of Math, Business and Computer Education Linda Pfaffe, Ed.D., Hicksville Board of Education President Annette Beiner, Hicksville teachers

Teresa Kelle and Peter Ryan, Lee Avenue Principal Stephanie Stam and Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton. (L-R Front Row): Hicksville students and New York Statewide Elementary Mathematics finalists Safwan Hoque, Stavya Khanna and Riyan Chhetri.

Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton, Hicksville Board of Education President Annette Beiner. Hicksville students and South Asian American Women’s Alliance 10th Annual Essay Contest winners Connor Chaplin-third place, Arnav Chhatwal-third place, Nandini Bali-second place, Aster Yeung-second place and Krishang Gupta-third place, Hicksville Social Studies teacher Dr. Stephanie Piscitelli, Hicksville Supervisor of Social Studies and Home & Careers Dr. Bryan Sarandrea and Hicksville High School Principal Ray Williams. Photos

Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton, Hicksville Board of Education President Annette Beiner. Hicksville students and Long Island Youth Summit participants Shreya Jacob, Connor Chaplin, Lincoln Guida and Kaylee Lin, Hicksville Social Studies teacher Dr. Stephanie Piscitelli, Hicksville Supervisor of Social Studies and Home & Careers Dr. Bryan Sarandrea and Hicksville High School Principal Ray Williams.

winner Ayoub Obaidi, Lee Avenue Principal Stephanie Stam and Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton.

Hicksville Board of Education President Annette Beiner, Hicksville teacher Nicole D’Antonio, Hicksville student and Human Society Essay

courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools

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