Mid-Island Times (1/3/25) by Litmor Publishing

SERVING PLAINVIEW, HICKSVILLE, AND LEVIT TOWN

National Merit Commended Students Levittown schools unveil new fitness room

Hicksville High School student Alyssa Garger, school counselor Patricia Lozoya, student Aashritha Kilambi, school counselor Kevin DeBeneditto, student Om Doshi, student Evan Chun and Assistant Principal Patrick Harris. Photo courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools

Hicksville High School students Evan Chun, Om Doshi, Alyssa Garger and Aashritha Kilambi were named Commended Students as part of the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. Commended Students are identified based on their Preliminary SAT scores. They placed among the top 50,000 of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2025 competition by taking the exam, which serves as the National Merit Scholarship qualifying test. The three Hicksville seniors are part of a select group being recognized nationally for

this exceptional academic accomplishment.

In addition to exhibiting academic excellence, the three seniors also participate in a range of programs, organizations and activities both in and outside of school.

A freshly renovated multipurpose room in the Levittown Memorial Education Center in the Levittown School District which will serve as a new space for cheerleading teams to practice was unveiled on Dec. 4. Cheer teams from Division Avenue and General Douglas MacArthur High Schools were ecstatic to cut the ribbon on the room where they will practice their high-flying routines. Both cheer teams have been highly successful in recent years. Division’s varsity cheer team won the Nassau County Championship and competed in the UCA

National High School Cheerleading Championship, while MacArthur’s three separate cheerleading teams earned a bid to the 2023 National High School Cheerleading Championship. The project, which was years in the making, was made possible by funding acquired by former New York State Sen. Kevin Thomas. The facility will also be used for other purposes, such as during physical activities in Levittown’s Adult Continuing Education Program which includes pickleball and Zumba.

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Firefighter injured during house fire

One firefighter was injured responding to a house fire on Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage, on December 26. According to Nassau County Police, officers responded to a house fire on Round Swamp Road. The Plainview Fire Department

responded to extinguish the fire with the assistance of multiple other fire departments. The home sustained extensive damage.

One firefighter was taken to an area hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.

Christmas fire damages Jericho home

A Jericho home was damaged on Christmas Day after a fire broke out at 10:21 p.m.

According to Nassau County Police, officers and members of the Jericho Fire Department responded to the Vista Drive home, with the assistance of multiple other fire departments.

The home, which sustained significant damage, was attached to other residences which were also damaged. One firefighter was transported to an area hospital for an ankle injury and one firefighter was transported for difficulty breathing.

Fifth grade teacher recognized for Grandpals Club

Mattlin Middle School fifth grade teacher Cori Cohen was recognized by Atria Senior Living for her volunteer work.

Mattlin Middle School fifth grade teacher Cori Cohen was honored by Atria Senior Living’s Adopt a Teacher program. The recognition honors her work with the volunteer Grandpals Club.

Grandpals is a school club that involves students visiting the neighboring Atria Senior Center every Friday to connect with

resident seniors through crafts, games, and meaningful conversations. Both Cohen and her students dedicate their Friday after noons to provide this valuable service.

Atria’s Adopt a Teacher program recogniz es local teachers who have made a lasting impact and go above and beyond to support seniors.

Hicksville woman arrested for assault

Nassau County Police arrested a Hicksville woman on Christmas morning after she allegedly struck another woman and a police officer.

According to detectives, officers responded to a disturbance on Suggs Lane on December 25 at 4:20 a.m. Police say that a 52-year-old female victim was involved in an argument with Stephanie Ceballos, 31. According to police, the argument escalated and the Ceballos broke the front the door. They say a physical altercation occurred which resulted in the Cebellos striking the victim in the face. Ceballos was arrested at the scene and was taken to a local area hospital for treatment and evaluation.

Police also say Ceballos became vio

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Plainview OB schools hold Legislative Breakfast

Local leaders met with the Plainview-Old Bethpage Board of Education on Saturday, Deember 14.

Nassau County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker (D – Plainview) joined with his colleagues in government and the PlainviewOld Bethpage Board of Education on Saturday, Dec. 14 for the District’s annual legislative breakfast at the Howard B. Mattlin Middle School Library. School

board members and elected officials from the town, county and state levels discussed opportunities for addressing district needs through collaborative partnerships; key legislative priorities in education; and other pressing issues facing public education.

“As a lifelong Plainview resident

Officials and school board members discussed the needs of the district.

and a graduate of this district, it has always been tremendously inspiring to witness our community’s dedication to excellence in public education,” Deputy Minority Leader Drucker said. “This annual gathering demonstrates our collective commitment to the success of our students, and I am thankful to

the Plainview-Old Bethpage Board of Education for hosting this productive forum and for all they do to ensure our students continue to thrive in the classroom.”

Students named Coca-Cola Scholar Semifinalists

Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School (POBJFKHS) students

Jason Chen and Parshwa Shah have been named semifinalists for the 2025 Coca-Cola Scholars Program. This prestigious program evaluates students on their leadership, service, and commitment to making a meaningful impact in their schools and communities. Jason and Parshwa were selected as 2 of only 1,336 semifinalists from a pool of over 105,000 applicants nationwide.

Jason Chen is deeply involved in volunteer and charity work, including environmental campaigns and events in the Town of Oyster Bay through The Alliance of Youth Leaders in the United States (AYLUS). He has received the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award and is a commissioned painter and competitive pianist. In addition to his extracurricular activities,

Jason works part time as a coding coach and at a local Japanese restaurant.

Parshwa Shah is passionate about research and engineering solutions to societal challenges. He has developed cost-effective medical devices for individuals with communication impairments, positively impacting his community and beyond. Parshwa is the founder of his school’s Hackathon Club and serves as an executive member of POBJFKHS’ international FIRST Robotics team, where he has inspired his peers in STEM through outreach initiatives. During school vacations, he volunteers for a nonprofit organization in India that promotes social equity and addresses educational and medical challenges.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation will award $20,000 college scholarships to 150 students this year.

Photos courtesy Office of Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker

2025 Coca-Cola Scholars Program finalists Parshwa Shah and Jason Chen.

BHS inducts new members to Science Natl. Honor Society

On Dec. 5, Bethpage High School proudly welcomed 60 students into the prestigious Science National Honor Society during a heartfelt induction ceremony. The evening celebrated the students’ achievements and commitment to excellence in the sciences, leadership and service.

The ceremony began with opening remarks and a science address from Director of Science Chris Pollatos.

Faculty advisor Michelle Maio served as the master of ceremonies, guiding the event with grace and enthusiasm.

Newly elected officers played a central role in the ceremony. The 2024 Science National Honor Society officers are:

• President: Jadyn Hsu

• Vice President of Service: Ben Maciel-Seidman

• Vice President of

Fundraising: Kaitlyn Ocuto

• Secretary: Allie O’Shea

• Treasurer: Lauren Zabrouski

President Jadyn Hsu delivered the student address and led the candle lighting ceremony along with her fellow officers, symbolizing the core values of the honor society: scholarships, service, leadership, character and citizenship.

The inductees collectively recited the

honor society’s oath, solidifying their commitment to these principles.

Ms. Maio introduced each new member individually, acknowledging their accomplishments and potential. She concluded the ceremony with closing remarks and a glow presentation, leaving the audience inspired by the bright futures of these young scientists.

Photos courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

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On Dec. 5, Bethpage High School proudly welcomed 60 students into the prestigious Science National Honor Society during a heartfelt induction ceremony.

Bethpage High School’s 2024 Science National Honor Society officers along with advisor Michelle Maio and Principal Nicholas Jantz.

Bethpage High School’s 2024 Science National Honor Society officers following the induction ceremony.

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY CORPORATION

Notice of Formation of Carty Pharm LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/18/2024. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Megan Carty: 2 Wander Lane Wantagh, NY 11793. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF BEAR STEARNS ASSET BACKED SECURITIES I LLC, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007AQ2, Plaintiff AGAINST ROXANA VILLANUEVA, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered May 2, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 22, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 7 Morris Road, Bethpage, NY 11714. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in Plainedge, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 49, Block 244, Lot 19. Approximate amount of judgment $530,334.74 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #001466/2017. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held "Rain or Shine". Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 16003434 83230

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Robotics season kicks off with challenge event

Bethpage Schools proudly partnered with FIRST Long Island to host the FIRST LEGO League Challenge Practice Tournament at Central Boulevard Elementary School on Dec. 7–8. Photo courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

Bethpage Schools have partnered with FIRST Long Island to host the FIRST LEGO League Challenge Practice Tournament at Central

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Notice of Formation of North Shore Property Holdings, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/11/2005. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Glenn Jakobsen: 25 Willet Avenue. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Boulevard Elementary School on Dec. 7-8. This marks the third consecutive year that Bethpage has welcomed this event, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to fostering STEM education and innovation among students.

49 teams from all over Long Island, each comprising up to ten students, gathered to showcase their robotics skills, collaborate with peers and receive valuable feedback. These practice sessions provided teams with the opportunity to refine their designs and strategies ahead of regional competitions.

Bethpage’s own FIRST LEGO League Challenge teams, representing Central

Boulevard School, Charles Campagne School, Kramer Lane School and JFK Middle School, participated in the morning session on Dec. 7. Their enthusiasm and ingenuity highlighted the district’s dedication to nurturing young minds in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Bethpage High School students added a touch of inspiration to the event with their powerful renditions of the National Anthem, kicking off the weekend. Special thanks go to Amanda Schneider, Allyson Yalbuzdag and Sahana Passaro, whose performances set a celebratory tone for each session's opening ceremonies.

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Levittown Schools unveil new multipurpose fitness room

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Beyond the Biggies, New York State Has an Embarrassment of Riches When it Comes to Ski Areas

New York State has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to skiing. Besides the worldclass Olympic Regional Development Authority ski areas of Whiteface (and all the Olympic sports facilities in Lake Placid), Gore Mountain in the Adirondacks and Belleayre Mountain in the Catskills, there are some 50 other areas throughout the state – in fact, the most ski areas of any state.

There are ski destinations that are big, incredibly popular and iconic like Hunter Mountain (now part of Vail Resorts and the Epic Pass) and Windham Mountain Club (which offers a membership-style experience), to areas that provide a very intimate, classic experience with great affordability, ideal for families and beginners.

Hunter Mountain

Adds Two Lifts

Hunter Mountain, an iconic Catskills ski resort which opened 65 years ago and is now part of Vail Resorts (so one of the Epic Pass resorts), celebrated a major milestone with two new lifts: Broadway Express: a new high-speed, 6-person chair replaced the existing 4-person fixed-grip Broadway Lift and reduces wait times at one of the mountain’s most popular lifts while increasing uphill capacity by 55%; Otis Quad: the existing 4-person fixed-grip Broadway Lift replaced the 2-person fixed-grip E lift, increasing uphill capacity giving more time to learn

new skills and explore terrain.

Vail Resorts’ investment also added new state-of-the-art automated snowmaking systems on three classic and beloved trails, Belt Parkway, Clair’s Way, and Way Out, accelerating the resort’s ability to open terrain earlier in the season, disperse skier traffic, provide greater efficiency to rebuild snow bases later in the season and allow for better connection of Hunter North and Hunter West more directly and earlier in the season.

Hunter’s summit is at 3,200 ft, from a base of 1,600 ft, for a vertical of 1,600 feet. It offers 320 skiable acres and four terrain parks – 67 trails of which 25% are beginner, 30% are intermediate and 45% are advanced - accessed by 13 lifts. There

is also tubing.

Save up to 15% when you bundle lift tickets & lodging.Lodging spans the old-age charm of the Kaatskill Mountain Club & Spa to family-friendly slopeside condos (huntermtn.com, 518-263-4223)

Windham Mountain Club

Windham Mountain Club has reorganized as a membership club (actually returning to its roots) but is still open to the public – all skiers benefiting from minimal lift lines and uncrowded slopes because of the capacity limits on daily lift tickets and season passes. (The reorganized Windham Mountain Club also is continuing its longstanding partnership with the Adaptive Sports Foundation.)

Set amid 1,200 pristine alpine acres (so plenty of room to roam), Windham Mountain Club has continued to add improvements for the 24/25 season following last year’s transformative rebranding and investments, continuing to reimagine the mountain as a worldclass, year-round destination and New York’s premier public-private mountain resort and membership club.

This season there are more enhancements to snowmaking including automating two of their trails, “Why Not?” and “What’s Next?” with 47 new snow guns on the “Why Not?” trail and 18 rebuilt and refurbished fan guns on “Warmup”. The resort also upgraded their groomers with SNOWsat LiDAR technology.

Windham has a vertical rise of 1,600 to its summit at 3,100 ft. Its 54 trails and six terrain parks on 285 skiable acres range from 300 to 12,500 feet long, accessed by 11 lifts including a high-speed six-passenger, 3 high-speed quads, 1 triple, 1 double, 5 surface (97% snowmaking). But the best thing about Windham is that you really feel like it is a private club (which is how Windham began).

Windham Mountain Club members-only benefits include: use of a state-of-the-art fitness center and a Spa and Wellness facility; a dedicated adventure concierge for personalized outdoor experiences, including year-round guided hikes and memorable summer activities such as guided horseback riding, fly fishing, and a clay shooting range are available for members;

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GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

New York State Has an Embarrassment of Riches When it Comes to Ski Areas

Continued from previous page

and members-only dining options such as “Cin Cin!” which is an Italian Alpsinspired mid-mountain restaurant, and the Windham Grill.

Book a two-night stay at the Winwood Inn and receive a complimentary third night. Accommodations at the Winwood Inn and Condos also include access to reduced ticket rates, every day of the season (www.windhammountainclub. com/ski-and-stay-package, windhammountainclub.com)

More Catskill Gems

Thunder Ridge Ski Area is really geared for families – from the ease of access, ease of reserving lift tickets, rentals, lessons (book online, since walk-ins are only accommodated if the mountain has not reached capacity), serious snowmaking and night skiing. ThunderRidge offers private lessons from age 4, family private lessons, group lessons, Mommy/Daddy & Me, and race teams. Open Monday-Friday, 10 am -9 pm, Saturday, 9-9 pm, Sunday 9 am to 5 pm. just 60 minutes from NYC, you can even take Metro North (so hop on after work) and take advantage of free shuttle service to and from the Patterson train station, (137 Birch Hill Rd & Rte 22, Patterson, 845-878-4100, ThunderRidgeski.com.)

West Mountain, Queensbury: An ski and outdoor activities year-round community with a family-friendly atmosphere (“True to our roots since 1961!”), West Mountain offers an authentic upstate experience on the mountain. Nestled at the foot of the Adirondack , it is conveniently located off I-87. Familyowned and operated, West Mountain continues to evolve to meet the needs of families as well as skiing and riding loyalists and year-round outdoor enthusiasts. (westmountain.com)

Greek Peak Mountain Resort, Cortland, celebrating its 65th anniversary in 2024, has invested $1 million in ski area improvements

including new snowmaking equipment that enables the resort to cover the equivalent of 16.5 football fields with a foot of snow in a 24-hour period. They also upgraded the Chair 1 lift, trail lighting, and purchased new rental equipment. This season, Greek Peak made lift improvements and widened the Castor Connection trail for safer merging. The ski area installed new hand ticket scanners to complement its online purchasing portal (it is now cashless resort), so you can just head straight to the lift when arriving (greekpeak.net)

Holiday Mountain, Monticello

New owners have invested millions of dollars in renovations and upgrades including expanding snowmaking to trails that had not had snowmaking before, re-opening dormant trails, renovating and upgrading their chairlifts as well as updating the base lodge. This year, Holiday Mountain is benefitting from $5MM in improvements and upgrades: 3 new trails (one, Hackledam, is now the steepest in the Catskills) and a new race trail with Giant Slalom races and timing; updated learning center for “terrain-based learning;” and a newly rebuilt quad chair 2,700 feet long. They installed lights on the three new trails and replaced other lights to expand night skiing. They have also greatly enhanced the snow experience with improved snowmaking and grooming. They also installed thrree miles of fiberoptic cable, electrical upgrades and improved parking areas. (skiholidaymtn.com)

Plattekill Mountain opened a new intermediate new trail, “Whiskeys Way,” for a total of 41 ski trails. Snowmaking and grooming are improved with 13 new snowguns, 3,500 feet of new snowmaking pipe and a new winch cat for snow grooming. Plattekill has partnered with 37 mountains for free and discounted tickets with the purchase of Plattekill Mountain season pass which also includes “Platty Perks” for discounts at local businesses. Their

season pass includes new “Buddy Passes” for passholders to bring a friend on non-holiday Friday and Sunday for 50% off the friend’s ticket. Plattekill also installed new electric vehicle charging stations. (plattekill.com)

Adirondacks’

Uncrowded, Affordable Hidden Gems

One of the best-kept secrets in upstate New York is that the Adirondack Mountains have a handful of hidden gem ski resorts ideal for novice to expert skiers, including two ski areas that offer free skiing.

Oak Mountain, Speculator: This quaint ski area – popular with families since 1948 though a new discovery for us – offers 22 trails (snowmaking on 40%; longest run is 7,920 ft.), a 650-foot vertical from base (1,750 feet) to summit (2,400 feet), and four lifts (quad, two T-bars and a surface lift). Lift tickets to Oak Mountain are very reasonable. Full-day tickets are $44, four-hour tickets are $37, and two-hour tickets are only $30. (Capacity is limited, and lift tickets, rentals and lessons must be booked in advance online.) In addition to downhill skiing and snowboarding, Oak features four lanes of snow tubing and miles of snowshoeing trails that take you through a majestic forest. Oak Mountain is a three-season resort (518548-3606, www.oakmountainski.com)

Among the nearby lodges is Lorca ADK, recently renovated from a historic motel to accommodate stays yearround. Lorca ADK is a classic drivein lodge, reimagined as a self-check property for the contemporary traveler. Lorca ADK is about 20 minutes from Oak Mountain, and about 30 minutes from Gore Mountain Resort. (Lorca ADK, Sabael, NY, 518-300-3916, hello@ thelorca.com, thelorca.com/adk)

McCauley Mountain, Old Forge: A charming resort near the Adirondack wilderness. Get a great night’s sleep at the Adirondack Lodge Old Forge, stop by Keyes’ Pancake House for breakfast and Tony Harper’s Pizza and Clam

Strong Bones, Healthy Life

BY CHARLYN FARGO

My friend Joyce fell recently and broke her ankle. After surgery, she’s couchbound for a while as her ankle can’t bear weight. A similar thing happened to my friend Marybeth.

We all want healthy bones, and most of us know that healthy bones require adequate calcium. It’s true that dairy foods generally deliver the highest amounts of calcium per serving. But there are other foods to include in your diet as well, like tofu, bok choy, kale, broccoli and calcium-fortified orange juice.

Calcium as we age is just as important as calcium for our kids. It’s true that for most people the bone-building years end somewhere between age 25 and 30. After that peak is reached, bone mass is generally stable until age 50, when a steady decline begins, according to researchers at Tufts University in Boston. But there’s still plenty we can do to preserve our bones. Keeping active, eating a healthy diet, avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol consumption are all ways to slow down bone loss and prevent osteoporosis.

All exercise is good for bone health,

Shack for lunch/dinner. (mccauleyny. com)

Mt. Pisgah Recreation Center

Saranac Lake: A welcoming community ski hill with night skiing and tubing, with half-day weekend ski passes available for $15. Kick off your boots at Traverse Lodge or Hotel Saranac, and enjoy dinner at nearby Bitters & Bones. (https://www.saranaclakeny.gov/)

Titus Mountain (Malone): A familyfriendly ski gem a short drive from Plattsburgh, Lake Placid, Watertown and Northern Vermont, with terrain for all levels. Check out the rustic cabins at Deer Valley Trails (and stay for dinner) and stop by The Pines Tap & Table for evening revelry. (www.titusmountain. com)

Ski Free at Two Bonus Ski Areas

Newcomb Ski Slope is an ultralocal and community-owned ski hill that offers free skiing. For the last 50 years, the Town of Newcomb has owned and operated this two-run ski slope, where generations have learned to ski. The hill also boasts a trail through the adjacent woods along its 200 vertical feet. At this low-elevation summit, skiers are treated to a view of the snowy High Peaks. (www.newcomb7.bar-z.com)

Indian Lake Ski Hill (https:// indianlakeadk.com/) also offers free skiing, with the local feel and charm of a community-owned establishment. The recreation area comprises a small hill, two ski trails, a t-bar lift and even ice skating. It is just down the road from Lorca Adirondacks at Indian Lake (thelorca.com/adk).

ISKINY online at www.iskiny.com is a hub for snow reports, openings, news and program information for ski mountains throughout New York State, including a map.

especially weight-bearing activity. New research finds that all types of physical activity (swimming, yoga, tai chi, dancing, walking) are beneficial. A study, published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, found that a 12-minute regimen of 12 yoga poses designed to target common fracture sites (spine, hip and femur) increased participants’ bone density when practiced daily over a 10-year period.

Should you take a calcium supplement? If you don’t get enough calcium,

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BY CLAIRE LYNCH

What’s great about this season of Winter

The cold winter months are here and Long Island is transformed into a winter wonderland. I’ve given some thought as to what I like about this season - the season of bundling up in parkas and wearing the hats, gloves and scarves I pulled out just recently. What makes winter magical:

Cooking Pots of Beef Stew

I find cooking great, big pots of beef stew during the cold winter months is the perfect time to give my family something nourishing and tasty. The hot pots warm the kitchen and it smells great when the stew gets going on the stove. There’s no perfectly right or wrong way to make beef stew. Whatever works best for you and your family is fine. I usually make beef stew for my family the way my mother and grandmothers did before me. Browning the meat in the pot, I then add some water or beef broth and an array of vegetables. Potatoes, carrots, onions, peas and celery, all sliced or chopped, are good. I’ll often substitute green beans for the peas so I use whatever I happen to have on hand. I skip the garlic but some people like to add it. Bay leaves and thyme are also optional. Adding some black pepper, a dash of salt and a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, I keep the lid on the pot, let it simmer for hours and stir the stew every so often. To thicken the gravy, I add some flour and stir well. The perfect beef stew gravy should be thicker than soup and flavorful but it shouldn’t be so thick that it has to be eaten with a fork. I place a bowl of biscuits or corn bread on the table and people dig in. I’ve gotten many compliments over the years on my beef stew and I’m proud of that because it means I’ve provided a delicious meal, one that is hot on cold or snowy days and one that, as my grandma used to say, sticks to the ribs. It’s a filling meal and every time I dig into it, I’m reminded of just how tasty beef stew can be.

Watching the Grammy Awards

Each winter we get to see the Grammy Awards on TV and what I like about the show is they highlight those singers, songwriters and musicians who have been around a long time and those who are new on the scene. The Grammys on Feb. 4, 2024, featured Joni Mitchell singing her song, “Both Sides, Now” which came out in 1969 and seeing the Canadian native perform it live at the Grammys was fantastic. During the 2023 Grammys newcomer Madison Cunningham was surprised and delighted to win a Grammy Award for Best Folk Album titled “Revealer.” Cunningham was 26 years old when she won that award. Born in Escondido, Calif., Cunningham grew up in Costa Mesa with her four sisters. Her father was the pastor in a local church and as a child Madison Cunningham performed her music in church. Home schooled from kindergarten through 12th grade, Cunningham was playing guitar and writing songs at seven, experimenting with alternate guitar chords at 15. She planned on going to college but she met musician and producer Tyler Chester whom she credits with putting her on the path to a music career. Chester invited her to go to Los Angeles and start the hard work of writing songs, playing music and recording. He told her, “Just get up here and meet all my friends and all these people you should know.” Cunningham still lives in Los Angeles and in the music industry she’s a triple talent: a singer, songwriter and guitarist. Cunningham sees herself as a songwriter first, guitar player second and vocalist third but however she does it, she’s got some new and different songs. It’s nice seeing new artists on the stage and each winter I wonder what

surprises the Grammy Awards will bring. What’s great about the young singers and musicians is they represent a whole new generation in the world of music.

Ice Skating Adventures

Hunkering down for the cold winter months, I like hearing my friends’ stories about their childhood adventures. My friend, Kelly, recently told me about her visits to Crescent Lake. It’s in Enfield, Ct., which is where she grew up. That lake is in Hartford County which is about as far north in Connecticut as you can get. Kelly said her friend, Amy, had an aunt and uncle who had a house right on Crescent Lake. It was a beautiful house on Lake Drive overlooking the northern part of the lake. Amy’s mother would drive them plus whatever siblings were around on a given day to visit their relatives and the kids were allowed to ice skate on Crescent Lake during the winter months when

the ice was solid. A green flag would be posted meaning it’s safe to skate. The entire state of Connecticut gets cold in December and usually stays cold until early April. Then it takes a few weeks for the lake to thaw out. Kelly and Amy, who were 11 at the time, tied the laces on their ice skates and went skating around Crescent Lake. With all of their gliding and twirling Kelly, Amy and the siblings lost track of time. When it got too cool or they got tired of ice skating they headed back to the relatives’ house to drink some cups of hot chocolate topped with mini marshmallows. Amy’s Aunt Sally graciously set out a plate of chocolate chip cookies and they had a nice snack while chatting about their ice-skating adventures. They laughed when Amy said her brother Billy, 12, showed off by skating backwards - a feat she didn’t know he could do since no one had taught him that trick. By 5 p.m. Amy’s mom asked them to get in the car so they could head home and she could start cooking dinner. Kelly didn’t have a chance to go to Crescent Lake on day trips very often but she’s got some fantastic memories of her visits there.

The Social Security Fairness Act: A $200 Billion Boondoggle

BY TOM MARGENAU

Congress just passed a law that will give me (and millions of people like me) extra Social Security benefits that we simply do not deserve and haven’t earned.

To understand what is going on, here is a quick history lesson: The original Social Security Act included unintentional and overly generous benefits for government employees. These were benefits that no other Americans could get. About 50 years ago, a more responsible Congress recognized this and created two laws to correct this mistake. The Windfall Elimination Provision said that Social Security retirement benefits for government employees should be figured the same way as those for all other senior citizens. The Government Pension Offset law said that government pensions should offset any Social Security spousal benefits potentially due, just as Social Security retirement benefits have always offset those same spousal benefits.

But now, bowing to relentless pressure from government employee unions and advocacy groups, a more naive and vote-seeking Congress has repealed WEP and GPO. So once again, government retirees like me will get overly generous Social Security benefits that no other senior citizens in the country are eligible for. And by so doing, they have put a $200 billion hole in an already rapidly deflating Social Security budget balloon.

To explain why repealing WEP and GPO is a wrongheaded boondoggle, I will use myself as an example. But first, you need to know a basic tenet of Social Security: Benefits have always been skewed to give lower-paid workers a better deal than their more highly paid counterparts. Very low-paid workers could get a Social Security benefit that represents up to 90% of their preretirement earnings. This percentage is known as a “replacement rate.” People with average incomes (the middle class) generally get a 40% replacement rate.

So now back to me. I spent the bulk of my career working for the federal government. While working as a fed, I paid into the Civil Service Retirement System, not Social Security. (Things have changed since I was hired in the early 1970s; all federal employees hired after 1984 pay into Social Security.) But I also did pay into Social Security at a few jobs I had in high school and college and at other jobs I’ve had since I retired from federal government work. I have about 15 years of earnings that were covered by Social Security.

So when the Social Security computers looked at my record when I applied for Social Security benefits, they assumed I must be poor. After all, I had all those years with no earnings. That record didn’t show that I actually was working all that time for the government and earning a civil service retirement pension.

And because the Social Security system thought I was poor, it was pro-

grammed to give me that 90% poor person’s benefit rate. In other words, I would have been getting an undeserved windfall from Social Security. And that’s where the “Windfall Elimination Act” came in. It correctly recognized that I wasn’t poor, and it gave me the same 40% rate all other average income Americans get.

And it did the same for all other workers who spent the bulk of their careers in jobs not covered by Social Security. These are primarily teachers, police officers and firefighters in certain states. (Why those groups don’t pay into Social Security is the subject for another column.)

For the past half-century, union officials representing these groups have been pressuring Congress to eliminate WEP because they wrongly think the law cheats their members out of Social Security benefits they are due. And in each of those years, a bill to eliminate WEP has failed to get approved. But in this wacky political year, things were different. So even though almost all of you reading this column are getting the proper 40% Social Security benefit rate, Congress has now decided to eliminate WEP to give me (and all those other government employees like me) the 90% rate -- boosting our Social Security checks by a couple hundred extra bucks per month. What a sham and what a shame!

But it gets even worse. As I said, the other law that the misnamed “Fairness Act” eliminated is called the Government Pension Offset, or GPO.

To explain what is going on here, I will once again use myself as an example. Before the GPO law came into effect, I would have been able to get my government pension retirement check AND I would have been due a “dependent” husband’s benefit on my wife’s Social Security record. Why? Because of those Social Security computers that think I’m a poor old guy with just a small Social Security check. So I was deemed financially dependent on my wife and granted spousal benefits on her Social Security record. But the GPO law came along and recognized I worked for the government and get a civil service pension check. And just like a Social Security retirement check offsets any spousal benefits that might be due, my civil service pension check would also offset those potential dependent benefits.

But by eliminating GPO, Congress is giving me (and all those millions of other government pensioners) unintended benefits from our spouses. Think about that. Almost all of you reading this column cannot collect your own Social Security retirement check and at the same time, get some extra benefits from your spouse’s account. But now I and other government pensioners will do just that.

And so if you believe that repealing WEP and GPO makes sense, write your member of Congress and tell him or her you think the “Social Security Fairness Act” was a great idea. But if you don’t

think it’s fair, then write your member of Congress and say, “Shame on you! I thought you were supposed to be saving Social Security, not squandering its funds on greedy government retirees!”

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

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

Have you seen the news reports lately about Florida? If not, stay tuned, and continue reading. It may be old news, but do you remember what happened in Surfside, Florida on June 24, 2021? I will let you know at the end of my column.

Besides New York and California, Florida appears to be losing its appeal for sun worshipers when retiring would flock to the “Sunshine State” due to its’ warm climate and sunny days. However, climate change, hurricanes, tornadoes and floods, have greatly impacted many coastal areas in the U.S. especially Florida. Those events have devastated the state in 2024.

Did you know that cyclones have hit the region and resulted in over 10,000 deaths, and most had resulted prior to the hurricane hunter flights in 1943?

More devastating is the total cumulative damage costs of over 300 billion dollars ( based on 2018 dollars). This is only based on damage from Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Ian in the 1992, 2017 and 2022 seasons respectively!

Just this year, Hurricane Milton came on shore in Siesta Key, Sarasota County, where it brought at least a 10 foot storm surge and ferocious winds and tornadoes that accompanied the storm. It destroyed and left in ruins Orlando, Tampa, Saint John andd throughout Hillsborough County. Even Palm Beach, Broward, St. Lucie and Brevard counties were hit badly and 100 tornado warnings were issued as Hurricane Milton hovered over the state.

More critical it tore off the roof of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, home of the Tampa bay Rays, Florida’s Major League baseball team. At that time 29% of the state had no power and 50,000 linemen from as far west as California travelled to assist in restoring the energy grid.

The damage from Hurricane Helene and Milton is calculated to be in the

Florida, are you kidding me?

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

billions; and the total cost is still being tallied. All these disasters are raising and in most cases doubling and tripling home and building owners costs. This will continue to be a burden for the majority of those living in the effected locations. Due to these catastrophic events it has caused an exodus out of Florida. Moreover, prices have been plummeting and this is mainly due to the overall excessive cost of homeowner insurance, increased common charges and assessments by the condo associations.

of the people moved due to worsening weather and climate change. Population declined in 17 states in 2021, according to a yearly report from the Pew Charitable Trusts Fiscal 50 project. This was intensified by Covid-19 deaths and continued restrictions from immigration. More info here: https://www. worldpopulationview.com

ry. (en.m.wikipedia.org).

So plan ahead to ascertain and determine where you want to move to whether retiring or relocating as your decision will have either a positive or a devastating effect; so do your due diligence, homework and research and take your time.

I hope all my family, friends, business associates and current and future clients enjoyed a healthy, happy, fun, and relaxing Christmas and the best of the holiday season

Continued from page 2

it’s a good safety net. Be aware that your body can only absorb 500 milligrams at a time, so choose a supplement that stays under that level. There have been news articles that supplements can cause kidney stones. However, most of the kidney stone data comes from the 2006 Women’s Health Initiative trial where study participants were taking as much as 1,200 milligrams per day from supplements alone,

Most important, are the new inspection laws passed in 2022, covering all of Florida, whereby condo associations have 9 days, from the writing of my column, to submit inspection reports for their buildings and to collect additional money to pay for any needed and required repairs. Condo owners are reporting that new condo rules are resulting in magnifying and increasing fees and influencing shocking assessments! Moreover, the financial burden on retirees have been monumental and devasting, causing many to leave and others now considering selling and getting out. This is having a direct impact and effect on prices and sales, as inventory has been skyrocketing. I have several friends that had their insurance costs quadruple from $9500 to over $30,000 per year! Many insurance companies are exiting the state due to the humongous loses that they have been experiencing.

However, United Van Lines did a study this year. Prior to the hurricanes, employment was the number 1 reason in the last 3 years why people moved between states with a third citing and admiting it was the main reason. 32% moved due to wanting to be near family and was also due to the isolation caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic. The balance

In 2024 South Carolina, North Carolina and Wyoming were the top 3 states where people and families were flocking to. More information can be found here: https://www.movebuddha. com California had the greatest number of people and families moving out due to real estate taxes and the cost of housing.

However, this year, those that reside near a major or even a minor waterway, has experienced severe increases in homeowner’s insurance, as well as real estate taxes. The costs of housing and daily living are pushing people to leave Florida in droves, adding to increased inventory and prices being impacted. But people and families are still moving south due to lower cost housing in those previously noted states, lower real estate and State taxes, lower cost of living and warmer climates. However, Florida may never be the same.

Florida appears to have lost its shine for it has the 2nd largest population loss, followed by New York at number 3, Texas #4 and Illinois #5. California has the dubious position as #1 with the greatest loss in population this year.

The answer to the initial question of what happened in Surfside, Florida on June 24, 2021 at 1:22 a.m. was the unfortunate collapse of Champlain Towers, killing 98 people and to date was tied with the Knickerbocker Theatre collapse as the 3rd most deadliest, non-deliberate, tragic and devastating, structural engineering failure in U.S. histo-

Strong Bones, Healthy Life

far above the RDA of 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams for most adults.

The bottom line? Work in some exercise, grab a yogurt or roast some broccoli and track your calcium like you track your calories for your bones to be strong when you need them to be.

Q and A

Q: Are there any foods that can help ease headaches?

A: It’s well known that environmental

factors such as certain foods, noise, lighting, changes in sleeping patterns, alcohol use and exposure to strong smells or allergens can trigger headaches. Research finds that vitamins and minerals found in some foods may have a positive effect on headaches by preventing, stopping or soothing symptoms. Eating some foods regularly, such as fatty fish (salmon and tuna), leafy greens (broccoli, romaine, spinach) and nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts), may reduce how often you ex-

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

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

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

perience headaches. Other foods, including ginger, beans and legumes, plus proper hydration, may help soothe the pain once a headache has started.

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

Save Money Using What You Have On Hand

BY MARY HUNT

From pasta to vinegar, there are all kinds of things in your kitchen pantry that could save you all kinds of money -and frustration too! You’re going to wonder why you didn’t think of that!

CANDLELIGHTER

If you can’t light a candle without using a long lighter, grab a piece of dry spaghetti from your pantry. Strike a match and hold the flame under the spaghetti until it ignites, keeping the spaghetti so the end farthest from you is slightly downward. Once lit, extinguish the match and use the lit spaghetti to light the candle. -- Erin

BAG THE FAT

Removing fat from meat drippings before you make gravy is easy. Let the drippings cool a little, then pour into a zip-type bag. I use the quart size the most. Allow it to settle long enough for the fat to congeal, seal the bag and then snip off a very tiny corner. The good drippings will come out of the hole, but the fat won’t. Once all the good stuff is out, just toss the bag. -- Rosemary

FOGGY BATHROOM MIRROR

I have figured out a way to clean the

BY MARY HUNT

toothpaste splatters from the bathroom mirror. After someone gets out of the shower and the mirror is all fogged up, I grab an old rag and wipe down the mirror. The heat and steam from the shower softens those pesky little toothpaste splatters, and they wipe away with ease. Later, I use a solution of vinegar and water to make it shine. -- Valerie

FORK IT

My favorite kitchen tool is a large table fork. Some flatware styles are extra big and heavy, making the fork just right for stirring and mixing. It works better than a large spoon, and with the quick turn of the wrist, it even whips like a whisk. The fork fits in my flatware drawer, and I have found extra-large forks at thrift stores. -- Jo

DISCOUNTED BY A DENT

We bought a brand-new dishwasher that we found on Craigslist for only $230. It was a high-end, stainless steel model that retailed for $799. A delivery truck had dropped another dishwasher on top of it, denting the top. We inspected it and didn’t find any damage to the machine. We covered a hammer with a soft cloth and banged out the dent, but once

installed, the damage was unseen. We installed it ourselves and are still enjoying the savings. -- Ginger, email

VINEGAR CLEANER

Having children with sensitive skin, I’ve learned to disinfect my home without the use of harsh chemicals such as bleach or ammonia. Vinegar in a spray bottle is my cleaner: full strength for the bathroom, and diluted for windows, wood floor, linoleum and tile. I use it to clean my car windows, vinyl upholstery, door handles and vinyl mats. I use vinegar once a month to clean my coffee maker and once every six months to clean my hot tub and dishwasher. Mixed with baking soda, I clean my refrigerator, porcelain kitchen sinks and bathtub. -- Colleen DIY BROWN SUGAR

Brown sugar can be replaced with one cup of white sugar plus one to two tablespoons of molasses. Place both into a bowl and stir to mix using a fork. Hint: I find this to be so much better than commercial brown sugar, I’ve made a permanent switch. And I only make as much as needed at the time. No more brown sugar turning hard as a brick! -- Caleb

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

10 Essential Resources for Caregivers

Planning for an uncertain future can feel downright overwhelming -- like trying to pack for a trip without knowing the destination. Whether you’re making arrangements for elderly parents or figuring out your own plan, I am confident that the following books, websites and organizations will give you the kind of help, support and information you need.

BOOKS

“The Complete Eldercare Planner” by Joy Loverde. This is the most complete resource between two covers. Caring for aging parents, loved ones or other elders in your life can feel overwhelming, whether you’ve been thrust into the role unexpectedly or are thoughtfully planning your own future care. Now in its fourth edition, “The Complete Eldercare Planner” is here to guide you through the challenges of today’s caregiving landscape, offering practical tools and insights tailored to your unique situation.

“Long-Term Care: How to Plan and Pay for It” by Attorney Joseph L. Matthews, 14th Edition. This reader-friendly book offers straight-talking information on choosing and paying for care, as well as excellent information on Medicare, Medicaid and long-term care insurance.

“They’re Your Parents, Too!: How Siblings Can Survive Their Parents’ Aging Without Driving Each Other Crazy” by Francine Russo. Here’s a book that is indispensable for anyone who has sib-

lings and aging parents. Includes real-life stories and helpful family negotiation techniques, as well as practical advice on a wide range of topics, such as how to choose a gerontologist and a financial planner.

WEBSITES

Eldercare (ElderCare.gov) is a public service of the Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that connects older Americans and their caregivers with information on senior services in their area. Just type in your zip code and the kind of information you’re looking for, or call (800) 677-1116.

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA.org): Supporting the supporter is the role of an elder law attorney. You can find an elder or special-needs attorney in your area using the search function on this highly regarded, not-forprofit site.

The National Council on Aging (NCOA. org) is a nonprofit advocacy group that works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health and live independently. It also offers an excellent free booklet, “Use Your Home to Stay at Home,” that gives an overview of reverse mortgages in an easy-to-read format. Go to ncoa.org/article/use-yourhome-to-stay-at-home to get this free download.

Medicare.gov is the single best place to learn all about Medicare. Includes up-tothe-minute changes as well as help with

benefits eligibility and enrollment. Or call 800-MED-ICARE.

LongTermCare.gov is a clearinghouse for long-term care presented by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. You’ll find a lot of good information here -- from how to assess your need to what to look for in long-term health insurance policies.

OTHER

Medicaid: To find specific details about your state program, search online with the name of your state plus the word “Medicaid.” For general information, go to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website at CMS.gov.

The Senior Health Insurance Program Volunteer counselors are available free of charge through this organization to assist Medicare beneficiaries and their

caregivers with Medicare, prescription drugs, long-term care and related issues. Go to ShipHelp.org, then click on “SHIP Locator” to find your state’s specific and very helpful information.

100 Years Ago This Month: Historical events from January 1925

The month of January has been home to many historical events over the years. Here’s a look at some that helped to shape the world in January 1925.

• Christiania, the capital city of Norway, is renamed “Oslo” on January 1.

• Violence plagues Italy on January 2 as part of the fallout of Benito Mussolini’s crackdown on opposition newspapers. Though King Victor Emmanuel III refuses to grant Mussolini the dictatorial powers the latter requested, he grants the Prime Minister tacit permission to respond to the violence how he sees fit.

• Nellie Tayloe Ross is inaugurated as the Governor of Wyoming on January 5, becoming the first woman elected to a gubernatorial office in United States history.

• Bhanupratap Deo is proclaimed as the new Raja of the princely state of Kanker within British India on January 8. The 3-year-old would rule until 1947, when the princely states are abolished as India gains its independence.

• The British submarine HMS L24 sinks in the English channel on January 10. The submarine had collided with the Royal Navy battleship HMS Resolution, killing all 43 men aboard the L24.

• Al Capone survives an assassination attempt made by the North Side Gang on January 12 in Chicago. Capone was conducting business inside a State Street restaurant when the rival gang riddled his car with bullets, prompting the mobster to order a bulletproof Cadillac.

• Joseph Stalin fires Leon Trotsky as Commissar for Military and Navy Affairs on January 15. A prominent critic of Stalin, Trotsky is eventually murdered at his home in Mexico City by a Stalinist agent in 1940.

• Huddie Ledbetter, better known as “Lead Belly,” is granted a full pardon by Texas governor Pat Morris Neff on January 16. The blues musician had served seven years of his prison sentence after being found guilty of killing a relative over a fight for a woman.

• “The Gentleman Bandit” Gerald Chapman is arrested in Muncie, Indiana on January 18. Chapman is apprehended thanks in part to informant Ben Hance, who is murdered in August in a killing that is believed to have been performed as retaliation for Chapman’s incarceration.

• Roy Olmstead, a lieutenant in the Seattle Police Department, is indicted by a federal grand jury on January 19. Olmstead is accused of smuggling alcohol into the country from Canada in violation of the Volstead Act.

• Curtis Welch, the only doctor in Nome, Alaska, sends an urgent message via radio telegram on January 22. The message alerts all major Alaskan towns of an impending outbreak of diphtheria, while a second message sent to the U.S. Public Health Service in Washington, D.C. highlights the desperate need for antitoxin. Roughly 300,000 units of antitoxin are discovered in Anchorage on January 26, temporarily containing the epidemic.

• Paul Newman is born in Shaker

LOST IN SUBURBIA

Taking the Plunge

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

When we got the last-minute invite to a Christmas party at someone’s house, I didn’t realize I had a problem until I was waiting for the elevator to take us up.

“Oh no! I don’t have a gift,” I said to my husband.

“What?” he replied.

“I don’t have a gift,” I repeated. “I don’t have a hostess gift. We’ve never been to this woman’s apartment before, and my mother always said you should never go to someone’s house for the first time without a gift. I need to go out and get a gift.”

He shook his head. “There’s no time. There will be a ton of people there. I’m sure she won’t notice.”

I frowned. This just would not do. I was brought up to be a polite member of society. I respected my elders, moved over in movie theaters and didn’t say anything when someone had spinach in their teeth. But now I was showing up at a party without a gift. Miss Manners would be appalled.

I looked around at the exquisitely decorated lobby, resplendent with a gold Christmas tree, twinkling lights, and bow-wrapped poinsettia plants dotting the floor, tables and ledges, and I had an idea. As the elevator chimed and the doors opened, I grabbed one of the poinsettia plants on the table beside me.

“Gift problem solved,” I said to my

husband and our friends as the elevator doors closed. My husband looked horrified. Our friends laughed.

And the hostess loved her gift.

At the end of the party, though, I asked her for the plant back so I could return it to the lobby. I wasn’t sure how good the building’s security was, and I didn’t want to spend Christmas in jail for grand poinsettia larceny.

Fast-forward one year.

“We got invited to the big holiday party again this year,” my husband told me.

“I guess she liked the stolen poinsettia,” I said.

“Yeah, well, this year you have time

to go out and buy a gift,” he said.

“What should I get?”

“I don’t know, honey,” he said. “You decide. Just make sure you pay for it this time.”

Although I had met the hostess last year, I had only spent about 10 minutes talking to her and didn’t really know her all that well. Also, the apartment had been so packed with people that I hadn’t really had a chance to get a sense of her decorating style or taste. I wondered, what does every single person need in their home?

So I bought her a plunger.

“You bought her a plunger?!?!” exclaimed my husband.

Heights, Ohio, on January 26. The son of Theresa Garth and sporting goods store owner Arthur Sigmund Newman, Sr., the younger Newman would grow up to become one of the world’s most recognizable movie stars and a devoted philanthropist.

• A riot breaks out in Berlin on January 27. Numerous injuries are reported as monarchists, communists and republicans clash during demonstrations held on the birthday of ex-kaiser Wilhelm II.

• On January 28, nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court Harlan Fiske Stone testifies before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. Stone is eventually confirmed by a vote of 71 to 6.

• After nearly a year of fighting and 14,000 deaths, the Khost rebellion against King Amanullah Khan is ended in Afghanistan on January 30. The rebellion is ultimately unsuccessful, but many of the king’s reforms are delayed until 1928.

“It’s not just a plunger. It’s a Christmas plunger,” I said.

“What makes it a Christmas plunger?” he asked.

“I wrapped it in Christmas paper.”

“You can’t give her a plunger!” he said adamantly.

“Why not?” I replied. “I actually think it’s a very thoughtful gift.”

“Really? How so?”

“If she has as many people at the party this year as she did last time, she’ll definitely need it.”

Tracy Beckerman is the author of the Amazon Bestseller, “Barking at the Moon: A Story of Life, Love, and Kibble,”

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Let these nachos be the hit at any gathering Outrageous Barbecued

Nachos

Chips and dip always work when entertaining, and the potential flavor combinations of this classic party offering are endless. When it comes to nachos, the dip and the chip are melded into a single dish for a convenient and tasty offering that works as a snack, appe-

3 ounces (about 1 cup) pulled pork

tizer or even a main course. Of course, nachos also are a go-to dish while watching the big game with friends.

Nacho flavors run the gamut from Latin-inspired to chili-covered to everything in between. These “Outrageous Barbecued Nachos,” courtesy

3 ounces (about 1 cup) pulled chicken

3 ounces (about 3 slices) sliced and chopped barbecued brisket

1 1⁄2 cups favorite mild barbecue sauce

1) Preheat the oven to 400° F.

2) Combine the meats and barbecue sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat.

3) Spread half of the tortilla

of “Virgil’s Barbecue Road Trip Cookbook” (St. Martin’s Press) by Neal Corman, pair the smoky flavor of slow-cooked barbecue with the zip of some nacho standards like jalapeño peppers and cheese.

Serves 4–6

3⁄4 (10-ounce) bag tortilla chips

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese

15 pickled jalapeño slices

chips on a small cookie sheet. Cover the chips with half of the meat and sauce. Top with half of each cheese.

4) Repeat the process on top of

this layer, using the other half of the ingredients.

5) Bake until the cheese is completely melted, about 10 minutes. Remove and top with the

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS...

Each week,

Litmor Publications publishes the ads of providers in our Classifieds, Professional Guide and Service Directory. A 6-week agreement brings your specialty or service to the attention of the community in a public service format.

LET US BEGIN LISTING YOU IN OUR NEXT ISSUE.

For More Information and Rates, Call Nancy 516.294.8900

Email:

Nancy@gcnews.com

Include name, daytime phone number, address and email.

Deadline for Professional Guide or Service Directory is Monday, 12 Noon. Deadline for Classified is Tuesday, 1pm

Advertising in the Professional Guide is only open to N.Y.S. Licensed Professionals.

Share your accomplishments with our readership! Put your engagement, wedding, baby announcement, or more in our paper. It's free of charge for subscribers! Email editor@gcnews.com

Winter Toddler Sports Program

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

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

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

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

Hicksville; and

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

Registration will take place ONLINE through the Parks Portal available at oysterbaytown.com/portal on January 7 at 9:00 a.m. Space is limited- first come, first serve. Registration will close when the program reaches full capacity.

Each class is approximately 50 minutes. The cost of the program is $75 per child who is a Town resident, and $90 per child whose care giver is a Town resident but not the child. The child’s birth certificate and a tax or utility bill will be required to validate age and proof of residency. A guardian must be present during the class. The child MUST be 3 years old by the start of the program.

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

Attention students!

Graduated from school? Have an outstanding GPA?

Made the honor roll or Dean’s List? Scored an internship or study abroad opportunity?

We invite you to send details of any of these things and more, along with your name and contact info, to editor@gcnews.com for a chance to be seen in our paper!

Seniors recognized for physical fitness

Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School seniors Rachel Ganz and Ryan Katz have been honored with the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation,

and Dance (APHERD) Physical Education Award. They were recognized for their dedication to physical education and how it enhances their lives.

APHERD provides guidance and support for health, physical education, recreation, and dance programs across the state. The annual awards ceremony celebrates students who commit to an active lifestyle in and out of school, demonstrate positive social behavior, and exhibit strong leadership skills. Recipients must also achieve a high level of fitness on approved fitness tests.

“Rachel and Ryan have both exemplified exceptional physical performance, scholastic ability, and leadership qualities,” said Plainview-Old Bethpage Athletic Director Joseph Braico. “We hope they continue to prioritize physical fitness and enjoy its many benefits throughout college and their adult lives.”

Ryan Katz. and Rachel Ganz

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