Mid-Island Times (1/24/25) by Litmor Publishing

SERVING PLAINVIEW, HICKSVILLE, AND LEVITTOWN

MacArthur HS senior named

Regeneron semifinalist Free musical performances at local libraries

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that its Distinguished Artists Concert Series will continue through May 2025 with free performances at local libraries throughout the Town.

“The Distinguished Artists Concert Series provides free musical and dance programs for the enjoyment of our residents,” said Town Councilman Lou Imbroto. “I encourage residents to take advantage of these wonderful performances offered by the Town for free at local libraries.”

Scheduled performances for February and March include:

• Dean Karahalis & The NY Brass Quintet on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at the Plainview- Old Bethpage Public Library. Open to all. Free tickets required. Tickets available at the library beginning January 20th. For more information call the library at (516) 938-0077 ext. 489.

• The Gypsy Felons on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Jericho Public Library – Playing hit songs from the ‘60s and ‘70s and telling interesting stories behind the music. Open to all. Free tickets required. Tickets available at the library beginning January 15. For more information call the library at (516) 935-6790.

Photos courtesy Levittown Public Schools

General Douglas MacArthur senior Melody Hong was named a semifinalist in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search. She was joined by her science teachers Matthew Zausin and David Friedman and Principal Joseph Sheehan.

General Douglas MacArthur High School in the Levittown School District is pleased to announce that senior Melody Hong was named one of 300 semifinalists in the prestigious 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search, the oldest science and math competition for high schoolers in the nation. Melody will receive $2,000 as well as $2,000 for

her school.

Through her research, titled, “A Bayesian Exploration Into More Flexible trans-Methylation Quantitative Trait Locus Mapping,” Melody developed alternative statistical methodologies to better identify a genetic variant called trans-MQTL, which is tied to certain complex diseases like Alzheimer’s and Type 1 dia-

betes. Melody developed a software package that can simulate data which showed a high level of promise – an important exploration into a relatively underappreciated level of research that provides a foundation for further study, Melody explained. Melody was inspired to pursue this research through her grand-

See page 10

• Alexander Wu & His Trio on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Massapequa Public Library – Three Centuries of the African Diaspora highlights the vast contributions to music by both Africans and the descendants of enslaved Africans from around the world.

• The Brooklyn Bards on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Massapequa Public Library – Experience the deep lyrics and rich melodies of traditional Irish music.

• The Paul Joseph Trio on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Jericho Public Library – This jazz trio presents classic favorites, as you have never heard them before! Open to all. Free tickets required. Tickets available at the library beginning February 9th. For more information call the library at (516) 935-6790.

• The Traditions on Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the Farmingdale Public Library – Vocal harmony at its best! Performing “Teardrops,” “In the Still of the Night,” “Daddy’s

See page 10

Bethpage HS freshman channels creativity for a cause

Winterfest 2025 planned for Feb. 8

The Levittown Community Council will be holding its annual WinterFest on Saturday, February 8, at the Island Trees Public Library between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The event will feature free admission, crafts, entertainment, and eye screening.

It will also feature the Nassau Lionel Operating Engineers, balloon magic by MsMatch the Clown, and music by DJ Tim Aldridge.

For more information please email levittowncouncil@yahoo.com

Catholic Daughters plan Bingo fundraiser

The Catholic Daughters will be hosting a Bingo fundraiser on Sunday, February 2, at the Senior Center, 103 Grumman Road West, Bethpage.

Doors open at 1:30 p.m.

Bethpage High School ninth grader Olivia Anicito is making waves both in the art studio and in the community. As a studio art student and active member of SPEC (Students Putting an End to Cancer), Olivia is guided by art teacher Christopher DeStefano, who also serves as SPEC’s advisor.

Olivia’s journey began in class, where students were exploring the vibrant and playful works of Brazilian artist Romero Britto. Inspired by his signature style, Olivia went home and created her own masterpiece: a painting of Winnie the Pooh infused with Britto’s bold colors, whimsical patterns and joyful energy.

Moved by a desire to give back, Olivia decided to sell her artwork on Facebook Marketplace, with the goal of donating half of the proceeds to SPEC. The painting quickly gained attention, and Olivia received an offer far beyond her expectations. When she shared her intention to donate a portion of the proceeds, the buyer was so inspired by her generosity that they paid her the full amount but allowed her to keep the painting. They suggested she auction it as an additional fundraiser for SPEC.

Now, Olivia is planning a school raffle or auction to maximize the impact of her artwork for SPEC.

Are you a professional?

Our Professional Guide is sure to bring results. Call 516-294-8900 for rates and information.

Reservations in advance: $12. Walkins welcome: $15 (make checks payable to CDA #869)

For reservations, please call Margaret at (516) 633-2900

Snacks, water, coffee/tea and dessert included! The venue is handicap accessible and there is plenty of parking. All money raised is donated to local charities!

Town seniors invited to karaoke program

The Town of Oyster Bay invites seniors to participate in the Town of Oyster Bay Senior Karaoke Program, held at various community centers throughout the Town. The popular program, launched last year, saw such popularity it has returned bigger and better for residents who are interested in showing off their vocal talents.

“We’re calling all Town seniors who love to sing! This fun karaoke program will give you the opportunity to perform your favorite songs, from the tunes of Sinatra and Greatest Hits of the ‘80s to Today’s Top Songs, all in a social, welcoming environment,” Town Councilman Lou Imbroto said. “Join us to make new friends and perhaps even discover a new favorite song.”

The Senior Karaoke Program takes

place on the following schedule:

• Mondays - 1 p.m. at Marjorie Post Center, 451 Unqua Rd, Massapequa Park

• Wednesdays - 1 p.m. at the Glen Head Community Center, 200 Glen Head Rd, Glen Head

• Thursdays - 11 a.m. at the Hicksville Community Center, 28 W Carl St in Hicksville

Great singing skills aren’t necessary to join the fun; residents are welcome to attend without performing. There is no registration required for this program. A full karaoke machine, song list and light refreshments will be provided. For more information, please call the Department of Community and Youth Services, Senior Citizen Services Division, at (516) 797-7916.

Love to write?

We’re looking for writers in our community to compose articles on local topics, opinions, reviews, worthy places to visit on Long Island, and even pieces of fiction. We aim to feature at least one new article and writer each week in our Discovery magazine section.

Email submissions: editor@gcnews.com • Attach article and any photos (1MB), along with your

Bethpage High School ninth grader Olivia Anicito showcases her artwork alongside Director of Fine and Performing Arts Brent Chiarello and art teacher Christopher DeStefano.

STEM skills make for holiday fun at Lee Road School

Students worked together to build a structure that would float.

Students at Lee Road Elementary School in the Levittown School District took on a holiday-themed STEM challenge by helping a gingerbread man cross a body of water on Dec. 19.

Fourth graders in Mrs. Napoli’s class gathered in groups to craft and assemble floating rafts that were strong enough to carry a gingerbread man across a river

using only saran wrap, popsicle sticks and straws. Starting with a blueprint, students brainstormed how they can get their craft to successfully float. In their classroom’s water basin, students’ cre ations were timed to see how long they could stay afloat. After their successful attempts, students showed their pride in achieving the independent endeavor.

Fourth graders at Lee Road Elementary School tested their self-made watercrafts, which carried a festive gingerbread man.

Wisdom Lane students give back for holiday season

The Wisdom Lane Middle School community in the Levittown School District has collected toys for all ages to donate to the John Theissen Children’s Foundation Toy Drive ahead of the holidays.

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Photo courtesy Levittown Public Schools

Central Boulevard students spread love to veterans

The school celebrates "Thoughtful Thursday" monthly.

Students at Central Boulevard School in Bethpage embraced the spirit of Valentine’s Day by crafting heartfelt cards for veterans in nursing homes and hospitals.

Students at Central Boulevard School recently channeled their creativity and compassion as part of their monthly “Thoughtful Thursday” initiative. Students embraced the spirit of Valentine’s Day by crafting heartfelt cards for veterans in nursing homes and hospitals.

The initiative, which is part of Nassau County’s “Valentines for Veterans” program, is a cherished tradition at the school. Each year, students look forward to participating, not just for the creative outlet but for the meaningful discussions that accompany the activity.

“This is one of the students’ favorite Thoughtful Thursday activities,” said kindergarten teacher Ms. Kristen Ghisone. “They love the opportunity to express their gratitude and share kindness with our veterans.”

The completed cards will soon be delivered to veterans as part of the county-wide initiative, spreading joy and appreciation to those who have served.

courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

Teachers and students engage in conversations about the sacrifices veterans have made and the vital role they’ve played in protecting our freedoms. These discussions provide context and deepen the students’ appreciation, making the act of creating the cards even more impactful.

of her work.

Proud

Photos

What’s our greatest asset at The Bristal Assisted Living communities? It’s the lifetime of interests and experiences you bring to it. After all, that’s what makes you special. A caring team that spends the time getting to know you so you can continue nurturing, sharing and exploring those interests? Well, that’s what makes us special, too.

See for yourself. Explore all of our locations in the tri-state area.

Bethpage students selected for All-County Music Festival

participants from Bethpage High School.

Bethpage Union Free School District has announced the exceptional achievements of our students selected to participate in the prestigious All-County Music Festival, sponsored by the Nassau Music Educators Association (NMEA). This event showcases the finest student musicians from grades 4-12 in Nassau County, offering a platform to perform in ensembles of extraordinary caliber.

The All-County Music Festival is an esteemed event that recognizes students' individual musical achievements. Selected participants join others at their age and skill level to perform in high-caliber ensembles. Selection is based on NYSSMA Solo adjudication scores from the previous school year, along with teacher recommendations, instrument balance and ensemble repertoire.

Students must be nominated by their school music teacher to be considered for All-County. Each nomination is reviewed by a committee that carefully evaluates candidates based on specific criteria, including NYSSMA scores and teacher recommendations. Not all nominees are selected, making the honor even more significant.

The following students have earned a place in this year’s festival:

Central Boulevard Elementary School

• Division 1 East Band: Josie Sachs, Harrison Sita

• Division 1 East Chorus: Iva Blesic, Travis Kenney, Joshua Matevosian, Giovanni Quimbay

• Division 1 East Orchestra: Brianna Singh

Charles Campagne Elementary School

• Division 1 East Band: Naithan Keselman

• Division 1 East Chorus: Madison Furey, Ava Lora, Sofia Ryan

• Division 1 East Orchestra: Charlotte Long

Kramer Lane Elementary School

• Division 1 East Band: Julie Hoffner, Sarah Hoffner

• Division 1 East Chorus: Juliet Harrison, Sanaa Mashriqi, Ella Menig, Jessica Tepe

• Division 1 East Orchestra: Anna Kelly

John F. Kennedy Middle School

• Division 2 Band: Ruben Lee

• Division 2 Chorus: Violet Imbriani, Emilia Marano

• Division 2 Jazz: Connor Oh

• Division 2 Orchestra: Matthias Salgado

• Division 3 Band: Jaysun Balladin, Evelyn Bourke, Sadie Lyons

• Division 3 Chorus: Christopher Cutrone, Charlie Majewski, Brennan

Muller, Sophia Naness, Angelina Radovic, Akansha Raghavan, Annaleigh Stone, Giuliana Suppa, Eric Thaw

• Division 3 Orchestra: Augustine Lin

Bethpage High School

• Division 4 Band: Matthew An, Danielle Betwinek

• Division 4 Chorus: Amanda Schneider, Allyson Yalbuzdag

• Division 4 Jazz: Kayla

Cusumano

• Division 4 Orchestra: Grace Cho

• Division 5 Chorus: Ashdon Chadwick

• Division 5 Band: Benjamin Maciel-Seidman

• Division 5 Symphony Orchestra: Madison Guevara, Sarah Oh, Katherine Sfeir,

• Division 5 Treble Choir: Hailey Hartmann, Ava Mirabelli

Photos courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

All-County participants from Kramer Lane Elementary School.

All-County participants from Central Boulevard Elementary School.

All-County participants from JFK Middle School.

All-County

All-County participants from Charles Campagne Elementary School.

Levittown Chamber holds installation

Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray (left) led the swearing-in of the new Levittown Chamber of Commerce board members during the organization’s Installation Dinner on January 15 at Verdi’s in Westbury.

New Eagle Scout

On January 4, New York State Senator Steve Rhoads was honored to celebrate Alex Gao's milestone achievement of becoming an Eagle Scout. This achievement is a testament to Alex’s tireless efforts and commitment to community service. Senator Rhoads is incredibly proud of Alex’s accomplishment and thrilled about his acceptance to West Point, a well-deserved recognition of his dedication and perseverance.

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Notice of Formation of Danielle Kramer LCSW PLLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/20/2024. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Danielle Kramer LCSW PLLC: 80 Glen Head Rd, Glen Head New York 11545. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

LEGAL NOTICES

NASSAU COUNTY PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE OF NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER’S SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that commencing on February 18th, 2025, will sell at public on-line auction the tax liens on certain real estate, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party in interest in such real estate shall have paid to the County Treasurer by February 13th, 2025 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges against the property. Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 percent per six-month period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in Section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code.

Effective with the February 2019 lien sale Ordinance No. 175-2015 requires a $175.00 per day registration fee for each person who intends to bid at the tax lien sale. Ordinance No. 175-2015 also requires that upon the issuance of the Lien Certificate there is due from the lien buyer a Tax Certificate Issue Fee of $20.00 per lien purchased. Pursuant to the provisions of the Nassau County Administrative Code at the discretion of the Nassau County Treasurer the auction will be conducted online. Further information concerning the procedures for the auction is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/526/County-Treasurer

Should the Treasurer determine that an in-person auction shall be held, same will commence on the 18th day of February 2025 at the Office of The County Treasurer 1 West Street, Mineola or at some other location to be determined by the Treasurer.

A list of all real estate in Nassau County on which tax liens are to be sold is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/527/Annual-Tax-Lien-Sale

A list of local properties upon which tax liens are to be sold will be advertised in this publication on or before February 06th, 2025 Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodations such as those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all services, programs, activities and public hearings and events conducted by the Treasurer’s Office. Upon request, information can be made available in Braille, large print, audio-tape or other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 ext. 1-3715.

Dated: January 23, 2025

TERMS OF SALE

THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER

Mineola, NewYork

Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors' Civil Relief Acts. However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County's Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased.

The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a tax lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser's rights with respect to the lien(s) and the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or the Federal and State Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser's right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act(FIRREA),12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et.seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation(FDIC) receivership.

The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of the parcels of land or premises herein listed. The Nassau County Treasurer reserves the right to intervene in any bankruptcy case/litigation where the property affected by the tax liens sold by the Treasurer is part of the bankruptcy estate. However, it is the sole responsibility of all tax lien purchasers to protect their legal interests in any bankruptcy case affecting their purchased tax lien, including but not limited to the filing of a proof of claim on their behalf, covering their investment in said tax lien. The Nassau County Treasurer and Nassau County and its agencies, assumes no responsibility for any legal representation of any tax lien purchaser in any legal proceeding including but not limited to a bankruptcy case where the purchased tax lien is at risk.

The rate of interest and penalty at which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid. Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten per cent of the amount for which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety per cent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety per cent within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all amounts deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten per cent theretofore paid by him shall, without further notice or demand, be irrevocably forfeited by the purchaser and shall be retained by the County Treasurer as liquidated damages and the agreement to purchase shall be of no further effect. Time is of the essence in this sale. This sale is held pursuant to the Nassau County Administrative Code and interested parties are referred to such Code for additional information as to terms of the sale, rights of purchasers, maximum rates of interest and other legal incidents of the sale.

Furthermore, as to the bidding,

1. The bidder(s) agree that they will not work with any other bidder(s) to increase, maintain or stabilize interest rates or collaborate with any other bidder(s) to gain an unfair competitive advantage in the random number generator in the event of a tie bid(s) on a tax certificate. Bidder(s) further agree not to employ any bidding strategy designed to create an unfair competitive advantage in the tiebreaking process in the upcoming tax sale nor work with any other bidder(s) to engage in any bidding strategy that will result in a rotational award of tax certificates.

2. The tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) bid, will be arrived at independently and without direct or indirect consultation, communication or agreement with any other bidder and that the tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) to be bid, have not been disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder, and will not be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder prior to the close of bidding. No attempt has been made or will be made to, directly or indirectly, induce any other bidder to refrain from bidding on any tax certificate, to submit complementary bids, or to submit bids at specific interest rates.

3. The bids to be placed by the Bidder will be made in good faith and not pursuant to any direct or indirect, agreement or discussion with, or inducement from, any other bidder to submit a complementary or other noncompetitive bid.

4. If it is determined that the bidder(s) have violated any of these bid requirements then their bid shall be voided and if they were the successful bidder the lien and any deposits made in connection with said bid shall be forfeited.

Dated: January 23, 2025

Bus trip to Casino

Too much junk in your house?

LEGAL NOTICES

Too much junk in your house?

NASSAU COUNTY PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE OF NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER’S SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE

The Joseph Barry Columbiettes will be hosting a bus trip to Wind Creek Casino in Bethlehem, PA on Tuesday, January 28.

Cost: $55 per person, which includes the driver’s tip.

Give back: $35 slot play.

Please arrive at 8:30 a.m. The return will be at approx. 8:30 p.m.

Place an ad for it in our classifieds section! Call 516-294-8900 for more details.

Parking is at 999 So. Oyster Bay Road (dead end).

Place an ad for it in our classifieds section! Call 516.294.8900 for more details.

For reservations, please call Barbara at (516) 935-5576

NASSAU COUNTY

NOTICE OF SALE

Please make checks payable to Joseph Barry Columbiettes.

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU WELLS

Plaintiff AGAINST RAJESHWARI SINGH;

AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of duly entered November 3, 2017, I, the will sell at public auction at the North Si County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court 11501 on February 11, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises Hicksville Road, Bethpage, NY 11714-3463. All that parcel of land, with the buildings and improvelying and being in the Town of Oyster State of New York, Section 52, Block 310, Lot amount of judgment $459,790.32 plus interest and sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment The aforementioned auction will be conducted NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation all persons must comply with social masks and screening practices in effect at the sale. If proper social distancing cannot be other health or safety concerns, then the will cancel the foreclosure auction. will be held "Rain or Shine". Brian Davis, Esq., LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 83646

A list of all real estate in Nassau County on which tax liens are to be sold is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/527/Annual-Tax-Lien-Sale

Dated: January 23, 2025 THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER

Mineola, NewYork

TERMS OF SALE

Furthermore, as to the bidding,

Dated: January 23, 2025 THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER

Free musical performances at local libraries

From page 1

Home,” and many more!

• Phil Costa & The Something Special Big Band on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library – One of the finest nostalgia/jazz swing bands in the New York TriState area. Open to all. Free tickets required. Tickets available at the library beginning March 10. For more information call the library at (516) 9380077 ext. 489.

• Breakdown on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Hicksville Public Library –One of the finest tributes to the

music of Tom Petty.

• Echoes of Sinatra on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Hicksville Public Library – Keeping the “Sinatra” memory alive!

The Distinguished Artists Concert Series is sponsored by the Cultural and Performing Arts (CAPA) Division of the Town of Oyster Bay’s Department of Community & Youth Services. For the full concert schedule and further information, please call (516) 797-7900 or visit www.oysterbaytown. com/CAPA.

LEGAL NOTICES

NASSAU COUNTY

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY CORPORATION

Notice of Formation of Sam Controls LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/08/2025. 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 The LLC: 12 Central Blvd. Bethpage, NY 11714. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Place an ad for it in our classifieds section! Call 516.294.8900 for more details.

Place an ad for it in our classifieds section! Call 516-294-8900 for more details.

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST RAJESHWARI SINGH; HARENDRA SINGH; ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 3, 2017, 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 February 11, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 4336 Hicksville Road, Bethpage, NY 11714-3463. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 52, Block 310, Lot 43. Approximate amount of judgment $459,790.32 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #009094/2015. 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 Davis, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 17-006341 83646

MacArthur HS senior named Regeneron semifinalist

From page 1

mother, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, a disease that the treatment for which can be benefitted from her findings.

Melody performed her research under the guidance of her mentor Dr. Hélène Ruffieux of the University of Cambridge. At MacArthur, Melody is the captain of the Science Olympiad, a member in the Quiz Bowl and is a principal cellist in the orchestra. She received an

early acceptance into the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, her top choice where she hopes to study applied mathematics. Melody thanked her family members, her science teachers Matthew Zausin and David Friedman as well as her local Korean community for their support. She takes pride in being one of four scholars of Korean descent named across New York and New Jersey, she added.

“It’s an affirmation that my

hard work was worth it, and I’m glad to be recognized for that,” Melody said, “but it’s also been a tremendous win for the community – for my family, for Levittown and MacArthur, and also my church and my Korean American community.”

“Aside from being exceptionally intelligent, Melody is just a top-tier individual,” Principal Joseph Sheehan said. “She’s humble, and her care and compassion always shine through.”

Toddler Arts and Crafts Program offered

The Town of Oyser Bay's popular Toddler Arts & Crafts Program will be offered again this winter, beginning on February 11. This 6-week program offers classes at the Town’s Ice Skating Center Community Room in Bethpage and at the Hicksville Athletic Center, and is open to children ages 2 through 4.

“The Town’s Toddler Arts & Crafts Program is a wonderful way to help support your toddler’s development through nurturing their artistic expression,” said Town Councilman Tom Hand. “Classes will certainly fill up quickly as this program offers children an opportunity to meet others their age and explore their creativity. Highlights of the program include holiday crafts and ceramics.”

The Toddler Arts & Crafts

Program begins February 11th 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 10:00 a.m. for two-year-olds, and 11:00 a.m. for three-and-four-yearolds at the Hicksville Athletic Center in Hicksville;

• Wednesdays at 10:00

a.m. for two-year-olds, and 11:00 a.m. for three-and-fouryear-olds at the Ice Skating Center Community Room in Bethpage;

• Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. for two-year-olds, and 11:00 a.m. for three-and-fouryear-olds at the Ice Skating Center Community Room in Bethpage.

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 45 minutes. The cost of the program is $35 per child who is a Town resident, and $45 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. A smock and supplies will be provided with enrollment.

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

Skiing with Baby? Palisades Tahoe in California’s Sierra Nevada Proves Ideal for Multigenerational Ski Holiday

BY KAREN RUBIN,

As our three-generational family with baby in tow pulls into Palisades Tahoe, a premier mountain resort in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, after a three-hour drive from Sonoma we are greeted with the Olympic flame – a reminder of having hosted the 1960 Olympics when this cherished ski destination was called Squaw Valley. Palisades Tahoe is celebrating its 75th anniversary this season (it opened on Thanksgiving, 1949), and all season long, is honoring its origins, heritage and place in developing skiing. But what really impresses us is how the resort has incorporated technology and understanding of what skiers and riders need and want into its state-of-the-art facilities.

From the Village base, you can’t appreciate how vast the resort is (the lighted map though is a clue). Unlike most ski mountains (especially in the Northeast), where you can see the trails meander from the summit like fingers stretching down, you can’t see the slopes. Instead, the trails seem to fold into onto themselves into the undulating hills and peaks (six on Palisades Tahoe and two more on Alpine) – making it really interesting and exciting to explore and discover. Indeed, the lifts take you over peaks so as you ride, the mountain reveals itself.

Imagine: 270 trails spread over 6,000 skiable acres across eight peaks. Such a massive network can be intimidating, but Palisades Tahoe does a stellar job to ease the way for newcomers, beginners, low

intermediates and infrequent skiers, and people (like me) coming from the Northeast where ski areas are one-tenth the size. But thanks to the incredible support – including a ‘first-timer” website, resort app, ambassadors, and great signage, very soon you do get the hang of it. And once you do, skiing/snowboarding at this magnificent mountain destination, which affords some of the most spectacular vistas in the world, is thrilling.

Indeed, Palisades Tahoe is an “upside down” mountain, its trails designed with the most plentiful and interesting greens and blues at the top, so even beginners and low intermediates get the full experience and awe of the spectacular vistas that make Palisades Tahoe such a special place.

Palisades Tahoe, which changed its famous name of Squaw Valley in 2021 out of respect to the indigenous people who came before - is now part of Alterra Mountain Company’s vast portfolio of mountain destinations and one of more than 58 global resorts included in Alterra’s Ikon Pass program. This is (and always was) a high-end, luxurious resort with the finest, state of the art lifts and services. Its phenomenal lift network (a mindboggling 43 lifts), multitude of peaks, and especially its European-style tram make you feel you are skiing the Alps rather than California’s Sierra Nevada. (Its tram is iconic, and one of the older ones serves as a bar at the base.)

Also, the Funitel which operates from the base, is the only one of its kind in North America, operating

on two cables for enhanced stability (and is recommended for beginners and low intermediates to ride down, rather than ski down Mountain Run, a 3.2 mile-long blue trail, not so much for its difficulty, but because it is narrow and can be crowded with fast skiers.)

Riding the tram up to High Camp, at 8,200 ft. elevation, where you are greeted with the Olympic rings and where the heritage of having hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics (it was known as Squaw Valley then) lives on, proves one of our favorite experiences.

Here you find the Terrace Restaurant and Bar and Granite Bistro-Pizza where you can sit at walls of windows with the most magnificent views all the way to Lake Tahoe, as well as the High Camp Marketplace and a porch area that is the most magnificent viewing platform.

You also find the Olympic Museum with interesting artifacts, photos, prints of news headlines and medal winners, a video (free admission). The 1960 Olympics was most notable for USA’s Carol Heiss winning gold in figure skating and taking the Olympic oath on behalf of all the athletes, the first time a woman had this honor; Penny Pitou winning silver in Women’s Downhill and Giant Slalom, and USA winning gold in hockey over Canada and USSR (free admission). There is also a small exhibit that honors the legacy of the indigenous Wahoe people who once occupied these lands.

What is more, there is an actual skating rink, which was closed during COVID and awaiting restoration. January 24, 2025

Continued on next page

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

Skiing with Baby? Palisades Tahoe in California’s Sierra Nevada Proves Ideal for Multigenerational Ski Holiday

Continued from previous page

High Camp can be enjoyed by green and blue skiers (as well as the most advanced skiers who go through narrow, ridiculously steep openings between boulders) have access to a range of trails.

Nonskiers can also purchase a ticket for the tram to enjoy this area. (It’s also where Eric and Sarah take the baby for his first experience playing on snow!)

Considering how Palisades Tahoe is a world-class, world-famous destination drawing from far and wide, especially with the benefits of being part of Alterra Mountain Company’s Ikon Pass, what strikes me is the unpretentious, easy-going California-friendly feel – very possibly because it is about 4 hours drive from San Francisco, about 3 from Sonoma, so has its regulars.

And considering how vast and expansive Palisades Tahoe is, I so appreciate the logistics, especially for a family traveling with a baby.

Of all the ski destinations I have visited, none make it easier for a newcomer, first-timer, beginner or infrequent skier to orient to the mountain, which makes the logistics as convenient as possible, especially for a ski area as humongous as Palisades Tahoe.

Inside Tip: The paper map (yes, REALLY helpful), has a progression plan that lists the lifts and the trails in an order. Also, there are helpful ambassadors at the base. People you wind up riding the gondola or chairlift with also provide the benefit of their experience. I strongly urge to read the “first timers guide” - handy info on website (https:// www.palisadestahoe.com/explore/ first-timers-guide)

You will get the most out of the mountain by downloading its Palisades Tahoe App.that gives up up-to-date information on lifts and trail status,

parking availability (notably, the parking lot is right at the village, a short walk to the lifts) and road conditions, and maps. You can also use the app to track your progress on the slopes. A new navigation tool within the app allows you to easily identify terrain that aligns with your ability level and get guidance on how to reach those areas. (https://www.palisadestahoe.com/palisades-tahoe-app)

Just how vast? Palisades Tahoe offers 3,600 skiable acres; of its 170 trails, five terrain parks and 16 bowls.

Of the 170 trails on Palisades Tahoe, 25% are beginner, 45% intermediate and 30% advanced (the biggest surprise for me was the quantity and quality of green and blue trails, especially from the top). One of the hardest trails, K-2, that the most advanced skiers have to hike to once they get off the lift, is world famous, while the longest trail, Mountain Run, at 3.2 miles, is graded intermediate (beginners and low intermediates are advised to take the Funitel down to the base not because the trail is difficult but that it is narrow and highly trafficked that can be intimidating).

Once I get my ski legs back on the greens from the Big Blue Express, I venture over to the Gold Coast Express and enjoy Gold Coast Face (the easiest blue), Mystery and Emigrant Gully. I appreciate the excellent signage that points to the easiest way down, how to get back to a lift, and even signs that warn against beginners or low intermediates from venturing down a particular trail, or taking a particular lift. And even on a busy Saturday morning, the lift line never takes long.

Alpine is an experience in itself- just getting there with the relatively new Base-to-Base gondola, which opened for the 2022-23 season, offers quite a ride with gorgeous views as it traverses the

GREENER VIEW

mountain peaks (it makes two stops along the way). But this involves a little bit of strategic planning, since the gondola often has holds for the wind, in which case, there is a shuttle bus available to go back to the other base. (Eric especially enjoys the Lake View lift to the summit with a spectacular view of Lake Tahoe, where you can get to two great blues, Outer Limits and Twilight Zone.)

Alpine, which for many years was its own ski area, has a vertical rise of 1,802 ft, from a base elevation at 6,835’ to a peak at 8,637’. It has two mountain peaks, Ward Peak (8,637’) and Scott (8,289’). It offers 100 trails (25% Beginner, 40% Intermediate and 35% Advanced) and seven bowls on 2,400 skiable acres accessed by 11 lifts, with an uphill capacity of 19,400 people per hour (snowmaking on 9 of them) Village at Palisades

When we arrive at the Village at Palisades and our two-bedroom condo (full kitchen, dining table, living room, two bathrooms) after pulling into its own secure underground garage with elevator access to the floor, we walk out to the balcony and are awed by the view: we are literally the closest we can possibly be to the Funitel, Base-to-Base gondola and aerial tram, with gorgeous views of the mountain faces. The logistics prove ideal since we will be taking turns skiing and taking care of Eric and Sarah’s baby. (Palisades Tahoe does not have on-site childcare but there are daycare options nearby you can find at its website.)

The luxurious condo offers marvelous amenities – the resort charge includes garage parking, high speed internet, towels in the spa, local and toll free phone calls, 24-hour front desk, guest computer with printing, board and Xbox games to borrow at the front

All-America Selections Vegetable Winners for 2025

BY JEFF RUGG

Last week, we looked at the flowers that won the 2025 All-America Selections awards, and this week, we look at the five new vegetable winners.

The AAS testing program is an independent nonprofit organization that tests new plants. They have about 80 test gardens from Alaska and Canada to California and Florida. They also have almost 200 display gardens all across the continent that are used not for judging but to show gardeners how well the plants grow locally.

The judges evaluate the plants all season long, not just at the end of season harvest. Only the entries with the highest

nationwide average score are considered worthy of a national AAS Award. Some plants will do better in a hot, dry climate or a cool, humid region and wouldn’t win a national award, so the country is divided into six regions where a plant might win one or more regional awards.

The vegetable plants are evaluated for desirable qualities such as earliness to bloom or harvest, disease and pest tolerance, novel flavors, total yield, the length of harvest, and overall performance.

I will mention again that one of last week’s flower winners, Nasturtium, has leaves and flowers that are edible with a strong pepper flavor.

Another winner with a peppery flavor

desk, in-room coffee and tea, multiple wi-fi hot spots throughout the resort. Other guest amenities include access to eight hot tubs, four sauna, three fitness rooms, media room, and HD TVs, pool table and children’s room and guest laundry among the five, tastefully designed buildings that make up the Village resort.

Programs, Events, Clinics & Happy Hour

Among the many marvelous programs and clinics offered at Palisades Tahoe one that gets my attention is an opportunity to join a free, interactive on-the-mountain Guided Tour with a UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) Scientist The one-hour tours are offered at 1pm on Fridays, mid-February through March, from the Alpine Lodge (https:// tahoe.ucdavis.edu/events/ski-scientist) Sunset Happy Hour at High Camp; enjoy a champagne toast and breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and the snowcapped peaks as the sun sets behind the Sierras (select dates, December-February; 4-6 pm, $24; https://www.palisadestahoe.com/events-and-activities/ activity-finder/sunset-happy-hour)

Guided Snowshoe Tour & Chalet Dinner at Alpine : This dining adventure starts at the Last Chair Bar in the Alpine base lodge with a hot glass of mulled wine and a 15-minute walk up a moderately pitched ski trail to the Chalet at Alpine for a four-course Bavarian inspired meal (snowshoes provided). ($140, must be 21+, https://www.palisadestahoe.com/events-and-activities/ activity-finder/snowshoe-tour-chalet-dinner)

Visit Palisades Tahoe, www.palisadestahoe.com, call 800.403-0206.

Crossword Answers

is Konstance Kohlrabi. Kohlrabi is a fatstem vegetable created by selecting plants from the natural wild cabbage. Our regular cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts and others all come from selections of wild cabbage. This is a purple-stem variety that has a crisp, sweet cabbage flavor that can be cooked or eaten raw. It matures over a longer time, giving gardeners a longer harvest time.

Continuing today’s pepper theme, we have Pepper Pick-N-Pop Yellow. A single 2-foot-tall plant can grow 50-100 of these 4-inch-long sweet peppers. They produce over a long season, starting just two

Continued on page 5

A world of difference: Gen Xers & Baby Boomers

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

For years now the subject of the generation gap has been amusing to me because whenever I am out in social situations or getting together at parties with my extended family, it’s inevitable that instances of the generation gap come up.

A coincidence? For a while I thought so but as time goes by I realize the way they see things and the way my friends, siblings and I see things are two very different things. Life experiences matter and for better or worse, those experiences help shape our perspectives.

There are humorous examples of misunderstandings and misinterpretations and sometimes there are actual misunderstandings of historic events and events in the family. I like being a stickler for reality so it can get pretty darn uncomfortable when any misunderstandings pop up and the record has to be corrected. There’s no point in having any hard feelings after all.

My niece, Shannon, is a Millennial in every aspect of the word. Now in her 30s, Shannon has a certain outlook on the world and I can only stand back and appreciate it. She embraces life and once she became a teenager she thought long and hard about what her future career would be. She has lots of different talents and in the end she chose to attend law school.

After graduating and passing the bar exam Shannon thought about what type of law to practice and engaging in one where she helps others every day, I stand back and applaud her. Shannon has been a breath of fresh air to my family where for generations several of us were more cautious about our job choices and willingness to go out there and take the world by storm.

My five brothers and sisters and I were raised by two Traditionalists, those who were born between 1925-1945, and because they lived through the Great Depression and World War II, prudence and caution were uppermost in their minds. The same holds true for my aunts and uncles - life had a way of affecting how and why they made the decisions they did. They sought security, wanted time to enjoy their retirement, and they were inordinately proud of doing a job well both at work and with their families.

The years rolled by and so many Baby Boomers were born between

1946-1964. When the six of us Lynch Baby Boomers were born and my family moved from Brooklyn to Rockville Centre, we studied hard and when it was our turns to fly the nest, we looked at our options, made our moves, got careers and started families. Society continued to change and it still does which brings me to the group right after the Boomers, those Gen Xers who were born between 1965-1980. It’s interesting to see how their perspective on what they want from life is different from my generation and my parents’ generation.

When I’ve worked side by side with Gen Xers I’ve had to remind myself that what motivates them is often different from what motivated me throughout my 41 years of full-time work. It’s not that one approach is better than the other, it’s just different. My friend, Sarah, is a good example. She always struck me as more independent because as she grew up both of her parents worked. It helped shape her personality and form her outlook on life.

Sarah and I worked together in the public relations department of a NYC corporation and sometimes we teamed up for projects and other times we did independent work. I noticed that Sarah liked having the freedom to work independently, to think about and fashion her ideas of how a new marketing concept should be approached and carried out. It always struck me that the more freedom Sarah had the more creatively she approached the tasks. I always liked her final products and so did management. Many of her marketing campaigns were successfully launched.

Seeing Sarah’s approach at work was fun for me to watch since not only was I raised by two Traditionalists but on my own I have my fair share of caution. Sometimes Sarah and I had dinner after work in the city and as we chatted we found ourselves talking and laughing about how different we were in our approaches to creative projects within the corporate structure even though we’re just 11 years apart. Sometimes she’d tell the executives her project was ready to launch when it wasn’t quite ready but she got a certain thrill out of pushing the envelope. It gave Sarah a spark and an energy that kept her reaching for greater heights.

Sarah was an on-time person but she never worried about the clock. She’d attack a project and use her creative ideas to work things out. She was

always happy with the final product and I could tell when in her mind everything came together and looked great. My approach was a little different, a little more methodical and some would say more conservative. Caution has always been a guiding force of mine so as I drafted and worked up a project I’d ask people’s opinions. Feedback is good and as I took in people’s comments, additional ideas would jump out at me.

My friend Paul has a son Corey who he feels is a typical Gen Xer in that Corey has always had a laid-back approach to life and work and this concerns Paul because as much as he tells Corey to apply himself, Corey feels the

jobs and paths he takes in life will all just work out. Paul on the other hand thinks that things don’t just fall into place. There’s got to be a plan but that’s where Corey and Paul disagree.

Corey tells his dad that eventually he wants to marry and start a family but right now he isn’t dwelling on it, he’s more interested in traveling to Europe. He’s got so much to see and visit and wouldn’t it be a thrill to just go do it?

Paul laughs as he tells me this but he’s also looking quizzical because that is a good example of the generation gap we’re talking about.

Most Beautiful Grandchild

“I

think I just saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus.” Evan, grandson of Bobby Wihnyk of Garden City

BY TOM MARGENAU

I had originally planned to use this space to write a follow-up column to one I wrote several weeks ago about the misnamed “Social Security Fairness Act.” But I’ve decided it’s not worth it.

For decades, government retirees who worked at jobs not covered by Social Security, but who did pay into the program at jobs before or after their government careers, have been led to believe that they had been shortchanged by the Social Security system. They hounded Congress for almost 30 years about this issue to no avail. But late last year, Congress finally caved in and gave them what they wanted.

Then I wrote a column saying that they never really had been cheated by the system. And gosh, did I get lambasted for that! I got many hundreds of emails from readers around the country. Some were polite and presented reasoned arguments explaining their take on the law. Many other responses were ill-advised and perpetuated myths about Social Security that I have spent a lifetime trying to correct. And sadly, many responses were crude, mean-spirited and vindictive. Some were even downright threatening.

Even though I know this subject better than most and have lectured around the country on this topic, it was pretty obvious that most readers affected by the law didn’t understand the points I was trying to make. So, I’m done with the topic. Besides, it’s a moot point, since the bill was signed into law earlier this month.

Having said all that, I must make another observation about many of the emails I received. Their comments reinforce a point I’ve made many times: People always say they want smaller government and less government spending. But what I’ve learned over the almost 30 years I’ve been writing this column, and what I relearned with this episode, is what people really mean is that they want less government spending for the other guy but more for themselves.

Very many of the responses I received said something like this: “I deserve this extra money and I earned it. But those people don’t.” (And when I say “those people,” you can insert your favorite Social Security villain.) I’ll use the rest of this column to give you some examples.

Villain No. 1 -- people on disability:

“You sir, are a jerk! And how dare you say I don’t deserve an increase in my Social Security checks. I’ve been robbed for years. But if you want to save Social Security, stop paying disability benefits. They’re all deadbeats anyway.”

My response:

Disability benefits have always been a favorite target of those looking for some part of the Social Security program to

Less for Others but More for Me

gripe about. Everyone claims to know a neighbor or uncle or someone who is supposedly cheating the system.

But the fact is the Social Security disability program is universally recognized as one of the most difficult programs to qualify for. You simply don’t get benefits if you have a minor problem. To qualify for disability payments, you must have a severe physical or mental impairment that is expected to keep you out of work for at least 12 months -- or a condition that is terminal.

Villain No. 2 -- women:

“You are a complete moron if you think I don’t deserve what’s rightfully mine -- higher Social Security benefits. But you know who should have their benefits stripped away? Women who never worked and never paid a dime into the system! That’s an add-on goody that makes no sense!”

My response:

Benefits to dependent spouses and widows have been part of the Social Security program since 1935 -- the very beginning. It’s not an “add-on goody.” But I tell you what. If you convince Congress to eliminate these benefits, I hope they put you in charge of calling the approximately 3 million women getting widow’s benefits to notify them their Social Security checks will stop. I’ve got a suggested script for your phone call: “Hello, ma’am. My name is Ebenezer Scrooge, and I’m calling about your Social Security. Even though your deceased husband paid into the program for over 50 years, I’m afraid we are going to have to cut off your checks because you were a slacker who never worked and paid taxes. Have a nice day.”

Villain No. 3 -- people on SSI:

“You are an idiot! I worked hard and deserve every nickel I can get out of Social Security. It’s those lazy bums who never worked and are getting SSI benefits. Kick them off the system and Social Security will be saved.”

My response:

Supplemental Security Income is a federal welfare program that happens to be managed by the Social Security Administration. But SSI payments are not Social Security benefits and are not funded by Social Security taxes. So kicking people off of SSI won’t save a dime from the Social Security trust fund.

Besides, many people on SSI have worked and paid taxes. But for a variety of reasons, they ended up with very small Social Security checks, and those benefits are frequently supplemented with SSI payments.

There were many more examples of “those people” from readers saying that “I deserve more money, but those people don’t.” But I’m out of room. As I’ve always said: Lots of people want less government

spending for others but more for themselves.

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.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Covid’s affect and impact on real estate, then and now

Have you ever been a landlord? Were your experiences mostly positive or negative? (Please respond and let me know by filling out the reply form in my online column. I want to survey to gather statistics to be reported in the future. If you are still a landlord, how did you handle not receiving your monthly rent during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Did you apply via your tenant or for your employees for any PPP (payroll protection plans), EIDL (economic injury disaster loans), or any landlord programs for reimbursements? If not, why not? I most definitely applied since my real estate brokerage and all the other 125,000+ Realtors and businesses in NYS were told by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, to cease doing business until further notice. He initiated and signed into law “New York State on Pause.” It was an executive order, a 10-point policy to assure a consistent, stable, and safe environment for everyone.

Here is a brief history of what occurred and affected the crazy market that we have been experiencing. Our industry and others considered non-essential, had to be sequestered and cease working until further notice. My professional opinion was that this was definitely a huge error in judgment by Governor Cuomo. What Realtors always do for the economy is to totally and emphatically support a humongous and myriad number of ancillary industries and services in our consumer expenditures, contributing to 70% of our economy. The fact we were ordered to stop working affected all industries except supermarkets, food, delivery services, utility companies, and transportation.

Real estate sales plummeted for a short period, and the greatest exodus

of consumers in modern times occurred in major and even minor cities. They began moving away from crowded locations to avoid contact with others. This truly revitalized our industry.

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

I saw the market soften in 2019, after the longest 8-year expansion in real estate history. However, during the pandemic, the most qualified, credit and income families, individuals, and ready-to-buy consumers began purchasing homes, townhomes, HOAs, condos, and coops in a frenzied and almost insane fashion.

This began the severe reduction in our housing inventory from the normal 6-7 months to the current 3.1 months. With a mindset of FOMO, fear of missing out, the overwhelming demand, and the lowest interest rates in history, it became the major factor causing the escalated and skyrocketing double-digit prices and increased values over the next few years. Single-family homes with at least one additional room that could be utilized as a home office became the most popular and valuable entity for sale, which purchasers needed and wanted.

This event seriously affected our housing inventory, creating a historical 50-year low, and was crucial and critical in causing a fragmented and catastrophic supply chain shortage. Consumers hunkered down, working remotely. They began purchasing in significant, monumental, and frenetic numbers online, never seen before.

So we all had to stop working from Sunday, March 22 @ 8 PM until June 10, 2020, when we were legally and finally allowed to return to work.

However, before that date, there were those who I knew were still actively conducting business, worrying more and with greater concern and emphasis on earning money than about their or anyone else’s health. They were jeopardizing their health and that of others, with the possibility of infecting others, especially if they were asymptomatic and didn’t contract the disease but caused others to become sick or, worse, die!

Fast forward, things have returned somewhat to normal, and most landlords are finally getting paid again. Covid is still with us in various ways as it has consistently morphed into new strains, but is not as dangerous as the original. The death rate is minimal, nothing close to what we experienced in 2020. Real Estate in the commercial office space has been severely affected and may never be the same again, as many people are working part remotely and a partial return to their workplace.

Next year, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our Independence from England. The next four years could be a critical and crucial determining factor in our success or the potential of becoming more mediocre on the world stage. Currently, NATO is stronger than it has ever been, since the war in the Ukraine began. Could our reserve currency play second fiddle to the BRIC nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and now Africa) who have begun purchasing their oil with their currencies, putting a tiny bit of pressure on our dollar, although, at the moment, our dollar is still very strong?

A GREENER VIEW

We all must bury the hatchet, learn from the past, begin to get along once again, forge ahead, and press on to be the best we can be with empathy, respect, sympathy, and consideration for one another and keep the world’s strongest economy to continue improving and expanding.

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

All-America Selections Vegetable Winners for 2025

Continued from page 2

months after planting into the garden and continuing until frost. With a Scoville heat rating of 0, they can be eaten right off the plant or added to any recipe. Pattypan-type squash look like alien spaceships. A lot of gardeners don’t grow them, but they should. Green Lightning is striped with light and dark green stripes and could be used as a decoration, but inside the fruit is a delicious edible flesh. It is bush-type squash, so it doesn’t spread, and the fruit weighs 1-2 pounds.

The Thriller squash is a 1- to 2-pound squash growing in what is called the dumpling shape. It is taller than wide and almost square, and it has a flat top and wide ridges. The furrows mature to or-

ange, while the ridges mature white with green speckles and spots. It is very pretty and edible at the same time.

The last vegetable is the one we are all waiting for: a new cherry tomato. OK, maybe not; there are so many types of tomatoes, why do we need a new one? Well, maybe because Tonatico has everything we want in a cherry tomato. The judges said it has great flavor, high yield, high disease resistance to common diseases and very few fruit that crack open -- all on a plant that stays under 5 feet tall and starts bearing 150 to 200 fruit in just 60 days after transplanting into the garden. It can even be grown in a container, such as a 5-gallon bucket. It is a regional winner in the mountain, southwest and northeast zones. All of the other vegeta-

ble winners in 2025 are national winners. Email questions to Jeff Rugg at info@ greenerview.com. .

An Efficient Way to Slash Home Heating Bills

BY MARY HUNT

Just as I was knee-deep in researching, testing and learning all I could about electric space heaters, this letter popped up in my inbox.

Dear Mary: I need your help to figure out how we can reduce our home heating bills. It’s killing us to pay so much to keep our house warm in the winter. We have a gas furnace, and where we live, the cost of gas has gone up more than 10% while, at the same time, the cost of electricity has gone down slightly.

Our home is a two-story with a basement. Our kids are grown, so it’s just the two of us. My husband travels for his work, so I’m the only one here most of the time. Thanks in ad-

BY CHARLYN FARGO

Here’s more proof that skipping the saltshaker and processed foods with high sodium, along with adding potassium-rich foods, can lessen your risk for a heart attack.

In a large-scale study of more than 10,000 adults with accurate sodium measurements from individuals, researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health reaffirmed that lower sodium consumption and higher potassium intake is linked with lower risk of cardiovascular disease in most people. The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, November 2021.

Researchers decided to conduct the study because past research had used less-than-ideal methods to assess sodium and got mixed results -- with some studies showing both low and high sodium diets linked to cardiovascular disease. This study measured excretion of sodium and potassium in participants urine -- the most accurate way possible to measure intake.

Researchers calculated that each daily increment of 1,000 milligrams in sodium

vance for your help! -- Jeanine

Dear Jeanine: An efficient and easy way to reduce your home heating cost is to heat only the rooms that are occupied and keep your furnace set very low. Use a space heater (or heaters) to make occupied rooms comfortable. You can rely on this method during the day, as well as at night.

You could easily see your heating bill drop 35% or more with these simple changes. It’s such a simple way to make a huge difference in your home heating costs.

Keep in mind that multiple space heaters could become less efficient and more expensive than running the central heat. It’s a matter of experimentation and careful tracking.

Just as I received your letter, I was in the throes of figuring this out for my own situation here in Colorado, as we were facing our first winter and the matter of heating the house. I learned there are several types of space heaters, each with its own strengths.

MICATHERMIC

This type of heater has an element covered in thin sheets of mica. The Bionaire Silent Micathermic Heater is a good example. The manual states that it produces both convection and radiant heat. The Bionaire creates immediate warmth -- a nice, gentle kind of heat, not a blast of hot air. And it is a constant source of warmth -- not a constant warming up to hot and then shutting off until it gets cold again.

CONVECTION

Generally, a convection heater relies on the circulation of air within the room to heat the room. The fan blows air over a heating element, and the air is recirculated into the room. Convection heaters push hot air up to the ceiling, which results in energy loss. Still a viable option, our pick for the Best Inexpensive convection space heater is the Mill Convection Heater that can be found for under $50.

PARABOLIC

The Best Inexpensive parabolic heater, the Presto HeatDish Parabolic Electric Heater for under $100, uses a computer-designed parabolic reflector to focus heat like a satellite dish concentrates TV signals. That makes it feel three times warmer than 1,500-watt heaters, yet it uses a third less energy. Because it warms you directly, you feel the heat almost instantly without it first having to heat the entire room.

HALOGEN

It operates using energy-efficient halogen lamps that provide radiant heat, which means that they heat up the objects that are around them but not the air. It does not operate with a fan, which should be good news for people who suffer from dust allergies. A good choice for a halogen heater is the Comfort Zone Oscillating Flat Panel Halogen Heater, in the $50 range.

QUARTZ

This produces infrared, which heats

Less Sodium, More Potassium

excretion was associated with an 18% higher cardiovascular risk and each daily increment of 1,000 milligrams in potassium excretion was associated with an 18% lower risk.

Most of us consume far more sodium than the recommended 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, not from the saltshaker, but from packaged foods and restaurant meals.

On the other hand, we don’t get enough potassium, found in fruits, vegetables and legumes.

Too much sodium in the bloodstream pulls water into the vessels, increasing the volume of blood flowing through them. That can lead to high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Potassium helps lower blood pressure by lessening the effects of sodium.

The researchers examined data from 10,709 generally healthy adults who were an average of 52 years old. They were participants in six different studies across the U.S. and Europe. Their sodium and potassium levels were measured with at least two 24-hour urine samples, meaning all urine produced in a full day, which is

objects, not the air. The Holmes Quartz Tower Heater, a bit pricy at about $140, has an auto safety shut-off and tip-over protection to help prevent accidents. The quartz element glows red, making the front grille very hot and hazardous for young children and pets. It operates with a fan that cycles on and off.

For more information plus resources for the heaters mentioned, go to EverydayCheapskate.com/heaters.

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.”

considered the optimal method.

During an average follow-up of 8.8 years, there were 571 cardiovascular disease events such as a heart attack or stroke. The researchers found that higher sodium levels, lower potassium levels and higher sodium-to-potassium ratio were all associated with higher risk.

After adjusting for other cardiovascular risk factors such as age, smoking status, cholesterol and diabetes, participants with the highest levels of sodium in the urine (an average of about 4,700 milligrams) were 60% more likely to have a cardiovascular event than those with the lowest sodium levels (about 2,200 milligrams). Those with the highest levels of potassium (about 3,500 milligrams) had a 31% lower risk of cardiovascular events than those with the lowest levels (about 1,750 milligrams).

The bottom line: Cook at home where you can control your sodium intake, and opt for fruits, veggies and whole grains, skipping the more processed foods. Your heart will thank you.

Q and A

Q: Are best-by-dates or use-by-dates

required by law on all food products?

A: No, except for infant formula. Infant formula is required to have use-by product dating and it should be honored to ensure the nutrients are at peak quality. For all other foods, use-by or best-by dates are included voluntarily to tell consumers about peak quality, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the food should be thrown out past the date. Use a first-in, first-out system when storing canned or packaged shelf-stable items. Keep the older dates in front so you’ll use them first. If you use a product past its use-by or best-by dates, the quality may be affected but, in most cases, they are still safe to use. The dates refer to freshness and peak quality. The exception is food that can spoil, such as dairy products or meat.

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

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of January 26February 1, 2025

Anyone who reads this column regularly knows how much I enjoy seeing a conjunction of the moon and Venus in the western sky at dusk. I’m not sure why it’s so beautiful to me. Perhaps it takes me back to my childhood; even then I was enamored by this almost three-dimensional pair as daylight was fading.

I still get that same feeling when I gaze upon these two, and this coming Saturday (Feb. 1) will occur another great show that I’m looking forward to.

The two actors in this celestial drama have long been recognized as female characters. The moon has been known for ages as Diana, Isis and Levanah. Why many cultures perceived the moon to have female traits is anyone’s guess. Perhaps it’s her 28-day cycle during which she dances among the stars, intriguing us with her ever-changing shape and brilliance.

And Venus -- well, she was known by both the ancient Greeks and Roman as the goddess of love, and anyone seeing her light up the sky will understand completely.

On Saturday, Feb. 1, the moon will appear in the direction of Venus at dusk, and together they will create a pair worthy of stepping out into the cold.

The fact that they appear near each

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

As the chief domestic officer of our family, I’m usually pretty fastidious about the cleanliness of my home. But every once in a while, something escapes my attention, and then, before I know it, we have a disturbing situation on our hands.

Such is the case with my refrigerator.

“Something in the fridge has gone bad,” said my husband, slamming the refrigerator door on the offending smell.

“I may have forgotten to throw something out,” I, the likely guilty party, said.

“Well, don’t worry about it,” he said. “At this point, whatever it is can probably walk itself to the garbage.”

I will typically empty out the leftovers once a week. But occasionally a leftover will be pushed to the back of the fridge, out of sight and out of the smell zone, until it gets so bad we have

STARGAZERS

Two Lovely Ladies at Dusk

other that night is, of course, an illusion. Our moon is our nearest celestial neighbor, only about 226,000 miles away on that evening, and Venus -- currently our second-nearest celestial neighbor -- will lie about 48 million miles away. On Saturday evening they will lie roughly along the same line of sight but will give the impression that they’re close to each other.

The pair will create a beautiful sight to the unaided eye. And, while the moon will appear as only a thin crescent lit directly by sunlight, you will be able to see a ghostly outline of the full moon. This is called earthshine, and it’s caused when sunlight reflecting off the Earth falls back onto the darkened lunar surface.

You can even try taking a photo of the pair. Just aim your smartphone in their direction during twilight, and snap a shot or two. You may need to zoom in a bit, but you should capture a wonderful image to help you remember.

For a real visual treat, aim binoculars in their direction. You’ll see both the moon and Venus together, and the lunar earthshine will be much more obvious; you’ll even be able to make out the darker lunar features (the “seas”) quite easily.

And if you have a small telescope, you can certainly get a closeup look at each of these celestial bodies in turn. Expect the moon to appear quite dramatic; the craters on its sunlit crescent combined with the eerie earthshine make a wonderful sight. If you then aim the telescope toward

Venus, don’t be surprised by what you see. Though Venus orbits the sun, it also displays phases like the moon, so with a telescope you’ll be able to see it in a thick crescent phase this week.

Mark your calendar now so you don’t

miss this beautiful twilight event. Now let’s hope clouds don’t ruin our view!

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com.

The Bad, Smelly Thing

to bring in a crime scene cleanup crew to take care of it.

Typically, the offending culprit is just one lone container, and the stinkified aroma is not that bad. In this case though, the smell was so horrific that it was clear there might be multiple former leftovers that had transmutated into things with consciousness and, possibly, hair. Knowing the endeavor of finding and disposing of the problem could singe my nose hairs or otherwise expose me to a life-threatening health hazard, I donned rubber gloves, a rain poncho and a surgical mask.

Experience had taught me that when it comes to rotting leftovers, you can never be too careful.

“OK, save the dog and yourself,” I announced. “I’m going in.”

But my husband did not leave. He offered to help, proving once again that love is not only blind but olfactorily challenged. After he put on his own personal hazmat suit, we opened the fridge

and began clearing out the items in the front that we suspected were blocking the offending items in the back. We soon came upon four storage containers that looked and smelled suspect. My husband opened the first one.

“What is it? Or rather, what was it?” he asked, stepping back for fear that the thing in the container would leap out and consume him, then consume the house, the city and all the people in it.

“I don’t know,” I admitted. “Maybe fish?” We both stared at the former fish and realized we no longer had fish, but we did have an excellent source of homegrown penicillin.

We opened another container and decided that not only did the contents have to go, but so did the container itself.

“I’m afraid to open the next one,” said my husband as he reached for the third storage container. “Every time I open one, I think it couldn’t be as bad as the last one, and it’s worse.”

“I know,” I said. “It’s like the kitchen version of Chernobyl.”

“I think we’re in over our heads,” he said. “We need a biohazard team to contain the problem.”

“No, we can do this,” I assured him through my mask. “There’s just one more container.”

As we pried open the top, my son walked into the room, assessed the situation, then peered into the Pyrex.

“Oh, hey! I was wondering what happened to my leftover pizza,” he said.

I raised an eyebrow at him.

“It was just biding its time before it could take over the world,” I said.

“Oh, cool,” he replied. “Do you think I can still eat it?”

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.

On Saturday, Feb. 1, at dusk, the moon and Venus will appear close together in what’s known as a conjunction.

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Celebrate the Chinese New Year with deep-fried wontons

Deep-Fried Pork Wontons

The Chinese New Year is a unique celebration with a global footprint. While many of the more awe-inspiring celebrations may occur within China, that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to commemorate this unique event elsewhere. Celebrations can even take place at home, where individuals can whip up homemade Chinese fare to lend their festivities a more authentic feel. This Chinese New Year, those who want to bring this unique event into their homes can try the following recipe for “DeepFried Pork Wontons” courtesy of Lines+Angles. Makes 6 servings

For the filling:

7 ounces minced pork

2 spring onions

1 green chili, deseeded

1 tablespoon grated ginger

1 garlic clove, minced

2 tablespoon fish sauce

1 tablespoon lime juice

32 square wonton wrappers

Vegetable oil, for frying

To serve:

Mixed leaf salad; cabbage, lettuce and coriander Sweet and sour sauce

1) Mix together the ingredients for the filling, stirring in one direction only.

2) Place double layers of wonton wrappers in front of you in a diamond shape. Place a little of the filling on the bottom half of the dough. Fold the bottom corner of dough over the filling and

roll it once. Take the outside corners and bring them together, sealing with a little water. Stand the wontons on their flat bases and gently separate the two top flaps. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.

3) Heat about 4 inches oil in a deep pan until gently bub -

bling, then fry the wontons in batches for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels then serve on beds of the mixed leaves with the sweet and sour sauce alongside.

Tip: This recipe may also be steamed or boiled.

Gardiner’s Avenue

Terrif ic Kids

On November 18, New York State Senator Steve Rhoads joined Levittown Kiwanis and Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray in honoring the Terrific Kids at Gardiners Avenue School in Levittown. The Terrific Kids program, sponsored by Kiwanis, focuses on fostering character development, self-esteem, and perseverance among students. This remarkable group has demonstrated exceptional kindness, respect, and compassion towards their peers, making it inspiring to witness them being recognized for their commendable actions. Senator Rhoads emphasized that the compassion and kindness exhibited by these students will have a lasting positive impact on the community.

Drumming for Veterans

Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray (second left) greeted Jack Stein, along with Chet and Chris Doboe, during the Drumming for Veterans Fundraiser on January 11, 2025 at Levittown Hall.

Photo courtesy Town of Hempstead/Harry Huncken

LONG LIVE

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Long Live You and Long Live Long Island™

Hicksville BOE highlights outstanding students

Back row (left to right): NYS Assemblyman Charles Lavine, Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton, Hicksville High School NYSSMA AllState participants Owen Chan, John Ryan Chaplin and Lauren Mason, 2024 District Holiday Card winner Julian Gandolfo and Hicksville Board of Education President Annette Beiner.

Front row: Dutch Lane third grader and New York State PTA Contest winner Insiya Ali.

Absent from photo: Matthew Kilfeather-Bonello. Photo courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools

At the Dec. 18 Hicksville Board of Education meeting, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton began his report by highlighting six outstanding students, including the New York State PTA Contest winner, four NYSSMA AllState participants and the 2024 District Holiday Card winner.

Dutch Lane Elementary School student Insiya Ali was one of 12 recent winners of the New York State PTA Contest. The third grader entered the contest with a video submission about “Why reading is important for your health and wellness.”

Four Hicksville High school students were selected to participate in the NYSSMA All-State Festival that took place in Rochester, New York, this past December. Owen Chan was selected to perform in the All-State Piano Showcase, Matthew Kilfeather-Bonello was selected to be an alternate for the All-State Choir, Lauren Mason was selected to be a member in the All-State Wind Ensemble and John Ryan Chaplin was selected to be a member in the All-State Symphonic Orchestra. These

Gardiners Avenue tech enthusiasts master Google apps

Gardiners Avenue Elementary School students are learning real-world technology skills, which was the focus of the academic presentation at the Jan. 8 meeting of the Levittown Board of Education.

Members of the Google Applied Digital Skills Club, which meets on Monday mornings before school, shared how they get to be innovative and creative through technology. The club, in its second year, is advised by English as a New Language teacher Erin McCall.

to their projects through the Google Classroom learning platform and create a digital portfolio as they make projects from the choice board. They shared some of their work this year, including animations and comic strips made with Google Slides and photo journals completed in Google Docs.

students were chosen to participate, or assigned as an alternate, through their exemplary solo performances during the Spring 2024 NYSSMA Solo Festivals.

The District Holiday Card winner for 2024 was Hicksville High School 11th grader Julian Gandolfo. Gandolfo designed the winning card in the school’s Advanced Graphic Design Class using the Adobe Photoshop software on Macintosh computers and a pen tablet. His thought process behind designing the card was a calm, serene landscape with the focus being these two subjects: the polar bear and the penguin. The idea was to create a feeling of soft texture, even though it was made digitally. Additionally, he added the northern lights in the background to add a whimsical warm winter feeling.

Assemblyman Charles Lavine (D-North Shore) was also at the meeting where members formally accepted $500,000 in special funding he secured as part of the 2024–2025 state budget. The money will be used to enhance programs and facilities within the district.

The purpose of the club is to promote creativity, digital literacy and problem-solving. Students have access

Participants in the Google Applied Digital Skills Club describe themselves as a “community of innovators.” While projects are typically done independently, students worked collaboratively in helping each other learn the tools and capabilities of the different programs.

Adviser Erin McCall and club members talked about the club’s purpose.

Photo courtesy of the Levittown School District

The Levittown Board of Education hosted a presentation by the Gardiners Avenue Google Applied Digital Skills Club at their Jan. 8 meeting.

Barbara Bucovetsky Sells Homes!

There

Must Be A Reason...

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