Mid-Island Times (1/27/23)

Bethpage Schools partner with Northwell for mental health care

Division Ave. HS faculty honored for saving student’s life

On January 23, Legislator John Ferretti honored four faculty members from Division Avenue High School in Levittown who saved the life of student Haeleigh Ortiz after she collapsed on the floor of her gym locker room due to an undiagnosed rare heart condition.

On October 17, Haeleigh passed out on the locker room floor and her friend ran to get help. Two nurs-

es, Patty Leavy and Debbi Larkin. rushed to the scene to find Haeleigh unresponsive and with no pulse. Physical education teacher Brian Maloney rushed into the locker room with an AED to assist the nurses in resuscitating Haeleigh, and school psychologist Doctor Thomas Tuchiano performed chest compressions on her.

See page 9

Town sponsors Tax Grievance Workshops

The Bethpage Union Free School District has announced a new partnership with Northwell Health to create a community of care for its students and families.

Bethpage joins several other Long Island school districts who have also connected with Northwell Health to support students’ mental wellbeing.

Starting on Feb. 1, students that reside in the Bethpage School District will have access to Northwell Health’s Behavioral Health Center in Mineola. Here, students will be able to receive care in a timely manner for any mental health crisis that they are going through. Aside from the in-school efforts and supports

already in place by the Bethpage Union Free School District’s pupil personnel team, the center will be readily available for any student that needs it. It will also eliminate the need to visit an emergency room in urgent situations.

“Sometimes we need to

Town of Oyster Bay Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato will host two free Property Tax Assessment Grievance Workshops for residents looking to acquire information on how to challenge their 2024–2025 property tax assessments. The workshops will be held in-person on February 8 at 7 p.m. at the North Massapequa Community Center (214 N. Albany Ave., Massapequa) and on February 13 at 10 a.m. at Town Hall North (54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay).

In January, Nassau County notified residents of their home’s tentative assessed value for the 2024/2025 school tax period and the 2025 general tax period. Any residents who did not receive the notice may view

it online at www.mynassauproperty.com or contact their County Legislator.

At the workshop, Receiver of Taxes Pravato will answer questions and show residents how to use online tools to file an “Application for Correction of Property Tax Assessment” online or via mail. There is no requirement to pay a law firm or agency to file a grievance. For those unable to attend the workshop, Receiver of Taxes Pravato offers an online video at www. oysterbaytown.com/grievancevideo

For more information on the Free Property Tax Grievance Workshop, please call (516) 624-6380. For more information on your property, visit https://lrv.nassaucountyny.gov

The Bethpage Union Free School District and Northwell Health have formed a mental health partnership to support students and their families.

From left: Superintendent of Schools David Schneider, Executive Director of PPS and Special Education Lisa Lucchesi, Northwell Health administrators Dr. Vera Feuer and Gina-Marie Bounds and Board President James McGlynn. Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

Levittown grads received Honorary Life Awards

Hicksville’s pre-K lottery deadline: Feb. 10

Hicksville Public School District is offering a full-day Pre-Kindergarten Program for the 2023–2024 school year. Children must be four years of age prior to Dec. 1, 2023, to be eligible to participate. Selection for this program is lottery based and requires the completion of an application. Applications for the lottery will become available on Jan. 3, 2023, and must be received by 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10.

Classes for the full-day pre-K program will be held from Monday through Friday and will follow the school district’s calendar. There is no cost to participate in this program. Families are responsible for providing transportation for their child. The curriculum follows New York State pre-kindergarten standards and is taught by New York State certified teachers.

Students will be selected for the program by a random lottery to be

observed by the district’s auditing firm. Requests to enter the lottery past the deadline are unable to be accommodated. Please check the Hicksville Public School website, www.hicksvillepublicschools.org, for the lottery date. Seats are limited, and placement is not guaranteed. Students must be a Hicksville Public School District resident to participate. For the 2023–2024 Pre-K Program, students’ birth dates must be between Dec. 2, 2018, and Dec. 1, 2019.

If you would like to enter your child in the pre-kindergarten lottery, please complete the online application no later than Feb. 10, 2023, by 3 p.m. To access the form please visit: https://www.hicksvillepublicschools. org/programs/pre-_kindergarten.

If you have additional questions, you may contact the Pre-Kindergarten Department at 516-733-2371 or email preschool@hicksvillepublicschools. org.

Two graduates of the Levittown Public School District recently gave back to the community by constructing a pond in the courtyard of Northside Elementary School. For their efforts, they were awarded the school’s Honorary Life Award.

The pond, which was completed last school year by Rob Fuentes and Kevin Fuentes, further beautified the Northside courtyard near the established greenhouse. It serves as a home for the school’s two pet ducks, Tater and Tot, who now enjoy the

upgraded living space. The pond features a waterfall over rocks, and more greenery will start to grow once the warmer weather hits. The courtyard is a beneficial space where students can learn about the importance of caring for animals and plants.

Rob and Kevin, owners of Tranquility Scapes, are graduates of the district and wanted to give back through their locally-owned business. The construction of the pond came at no cost to the district.

Rob Fuentes and Kevin Fuentes, graduates of the Levittown Public School District, received the Honorary Life Award for their construction of the school’s pond.

Photos courtesy of Levittown Public Schools

Bus trip to Wind Creek Casino

The Joseph Barry Columbiettes will be hosting a trip to Wind Creek Bethlehem (formerly Sands) Casino in Bethlehem, PA on Tuesday, January 31.

Cost of the trip is $50 per person, which includes the driver’s tip. Give back is $35 slots play.

Salk Middle School’s Terrific Kids

Please arrive at 8:30 a.m. Return is approximately 8:30 p.m.

For reservations, please call Barbara at 516-935-5576.

Please make checks payable to Joseph Barry Columbiettes. The first to pay is the first on the bus.

Winterfest planned for February 11

The Levittown Community Council will host the 22nd annual WinterFest Snow Ball on Saturday, February 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Enjoy free arts and crafts for kids; free entertainment, Nassau Lionel Train Display, featuring ice carving by Ice Memories, magic and balloon art by Ms Match the Clown, hourly

free raffles for adults, music by DJ Tim Aldridge.

The event is free, but donations of food and toiletries will be gladly accepted to help local families in need.

It will be held at Levittown Hall, 201 Levittown Parkway, Hicksville.

For more information please contact levittowncouncil@yahoo.com

A MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENT FOR LONG ISLAND

Sands, the world leader in developing integrated resorts, is proposing a multi-billion-dollar investment at the current site of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. This groundbreaking, world-class hospitality and entertainment project will be transformational for the Long Island economy, creating thousands of quality union jobs and generating millions of dollars in tax revenue.

A HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY FOR LONG ISLAND BUSINESSES

Sands is committed to developing long-term partnerships with local businesses. For Long Island-based manufacturers, distributors, wholesale suppliers and other companies servicing the hospitality and entertainment industries, the Sands project will be an unprecedented opportunity to grow your business and be part of what will surely become an iconic centerpiece of the Long Island landscape.

Hempstead

Brendan Barry, Niamh Cromie, Cara Campbell, Madison Jennings, Olivia Ecuyer, Brady Bridgwood, Jasmeet Sidhu, Jared Schwartz and Bridget O’Sullivan on being named “Terrific Kids,” courtesy of the Levittown Kiwanis. Also attending were Jim and Pat Carney of the Levittown Kiwanis; Kiwanis Club Advisor Scott Haas; Principal John Zampaglione; Assistant Principal Amy O’Grady; JoAnn Papach; and Nassau County Legislator John Ferretti.

Town Clerk Kate Murray congratulated Salk Middle School students

New commissioner at Plainview Water District

Pre-registration for TOB summer recreation program

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that residents interested in having their children participate in the 2023 Summer Recreation Program can now upload necessary documents and materials for review in advance of the final registration period. This process is mandatory prior to registration this spring and will be performed fully online. This year’s Summer Recreation Program will once again include full-day options as well as the traditional program for children ages 4 through 12. Space is limited at each facility.

“The Town’s Summer Recreation Program features great summer fun for children at six of our Town parks, with activities including arts and crafts, various games, themed days, water fun, scavenger hunts and so much more,” said Supervisor Saladino. “To help streamline the registration process this year, residents will be able to sign-up their children online this spring, and can begin pre-registration today!”

Confirm all family members are listed. If needed, select ‘Add Family member’ at bottom of page and add a child or guardian to the household. Then SAVE

• Select DOCUMENT UPLOAD from the portal menu. Each document must be uploaded as a separate file (make sure all scanned documents are legible)

• Required documents:

• Proof of residency (tax or utility bill)

• Child’s Birth Certificate

• Child’s Immunization Records (for full-day campers only)

• Child’s recent physical (for full-day campers only)

Additional information, assistance and instructions are available by visiting the Town’s website at www.oysterbaytown.com/ summerrecreation or by calling the Recreation Office at (516) 797-7945.

The Plainview Water District (PWD) recently held its swearing-in ceremony to celebrate Commissioner Michael Chad’s election to serve on the Board of Commissioners for the next three years. Commissioner Chad, a long-time resident of Plainview, brings to the Plainview Water District a strong background in finance. As he enters his first term, Commissioner Chad will work alongside current Commissioners Marc Laykind and Andrew Bader as well as the PWD’s staff to continue providing quality water and service to the residents of the POB community.

“I am truly humbled and thankful to have the support of the PlainviewOld Bethpage residents as I join the Plainview Water Districts Board of Commissioners,” said Commissioner Chad. “It will be an honor to serve on this Board and begin to work together to continue the District’s role as an industry leader here on Long Island.”

Commissioner Chad has been an accountant in private practice since 1988, after earning his BA in accounting at the City University of

New York’s Brooklyn College. His business expertise encompasses all aspects of general accounting, with a focus on corporate and personal income taxes. Commissioner Chad has also been a proud resident of Plainview since 1994, where he raised his two children and currently lives with his wife.

“Michael Chad is a proud member of this community, and we are fortunate to have his years of expertise in finance as we continue our mission of providing POB residents with the highest quality water possible,” said PWD Chairman Marc Laykind. “His background will make him a very effective member of the District’s Board of Commissioners, and we look forward to the insights and guidance he’ll provide throughout his term.”

Since 2014, Commissioner Chad has held several prominent roles in the Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce, initially, serving as the organization’s Treasurer and then on its Board of Directors. Commissioner Chad is also a long-time member of the Plainview Jewish Center, where he also serves on the Board of Directors of the Men’s Club.

All registrations for Summer Recreation will performed online this year. In an effort to simplify the process, the Town’s Parks Department is now accepting all necessary documentation, including proof of residency, child’s birth certificates, recent physicals etc. to be uploaded to a portal on the Town’s website prior to the final registration period this spring. This process is mandatory and ends on March 15th. Once all documentation is properly uploaded, parents/guardians will receive notification of approval to register, as well as directions for online registration.

How to upload materials (note: pre-registration does not guarantee a spot in this year’s Summer Recreation Program. Parents will need to perform final registration this spring)

• Parents/guardians can visit oysterbaytown.com/parksportal

• Select ‘My Account’ on the top right corner and log-in or create a new account (if your child was registered for the 2022 Summer Program, you already have an account, however documents must be uploaded)

• After logging in, select ‘My Account,’ then Household & Member.

“We know many of our youngsters can’t wait for the warm weather and all the fun they have at the Town’s Summer Recreation Program,” said Councilwoman Walsh. “With full-day options again available at Marjorie Post Park in Massapequa, PlainviewOld Bethpage Community Park and Syosset-Woodbury Community Park, as well as our traditional programs at Ellsworth Allen Park in Farmingdale, Harry Tappen Beach in Glen Head and Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park in Oyster Bay, we look forward to another successful summer of fun!”

The mandatory pre-registration period, during which interested parents/guardians can upload documents and required materials for registration, is open now through March 15th. Submission of materials does not guarantee a spot in the 2023 program – parents must complete their registration this spring when final registration opens. Parents will receive an email from the Recreation Division confirming that all documents have been received, as well as directions on how to complete registration. All registration will take place online. For more information, visit www.oysterbaytown.com/ summerrecreation or call the Town’s Recreation Office at (516) 797-7945.

Get rid of your unwanted items by placing an ad for them in our Classifieds! We have reasonable rates, and you’ll have prompt results!

Call our Garden City office at 294-8900 for rates and other info.

Commissioner Michael Chad (left) sworn in as Plainview Water District Commissioner.

PROTECT EAST BIRCHWOOD

PLEASE CONTRIBUTE FUNDS to a project that will help protect East Birchwood. The Birchwood Civic Association (BCA) is partnering with the community to rent 20 License Plate Readers (LPRs) to cover 10 entrances and exits to East Birchwood for at least 1 year. Many East Birchwood residents want to be better protected against crime.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Your financial contribution is needed! The BCA suggests a contribution of $100 per household per year, although any amount is appreciated. If you make a financial contribution to this LPR project and you are not a BCA member, you will receive a free 2023 BCA membership!

The honor roll lists for Graceland University’s 2022 fall term have been announced, and Bora Apak of Plainview has been named to the President’s List.

Graceland University students with a perfect 4.0 grade point average are named to the president’s list. Congratulations Bora! Graceland commends you on your academic success.

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Kelli Heffer of Bethpage is one of more than 850 Lebanon Valley College students named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2022 semester. Dean’s list students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.4 out of 4.0.

Heffer is pursuing a bachelor of science in exercise science at The Valley and is a graduate of Plainedge High School.

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The University of WisconsinMadison has recognized students named to the Dean’s List for the fall semester of the 2021–2022 academic year.

The following local students were so honored:

Jericho

Morgan Adise, School of Human Ecology, Dean’s Honor List

Derek Chu, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List

Deanna Klappert, School of Education, Dean’s List Old Bethpage

Carly Hersch, School of Education, Dean’s List

Plainview

Jessica Finkelstein, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List

Cara Gordon, School of Business, Dean’s List

Bailey Vader, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List

Syosset

Hannah Bass, School of Education, Dean’s List

Katie Belfi, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List

Madeline Cover, College of Engineering, Dean’s Honor List

Delli Mizrahi, College of Letters and Science, Dean’s List

Juliet Quaglia, School of Education, Dean’s List

Sophie Weissman, School of Education, Dean’s List

Students who achieve at a high level academically are recognized by the dean at the close of each semester. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, students must complete a minimum of 12 graded degree credits in that semester. Each university school or college sets its own GPA requirements for students to be eligible to receive the distinction. Most call the honor “Dean’s List”, but some grant the “Dean’s Honor List” and “Dean’s High Honor List.”

n Vincent Leonardi of Hicksville has

College Notes

been named to the 2022 fall semester Dean’s List at Ohio Wesleyan University.

To earn Dean’s List recognition, Ohio Wesleyan students must achieve a grade point average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale in all applicable classes.

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More than 1,980 students have been named to the Fall 2022 Dean’s List at Kutztown University, including Danielle N Melman of Bethpage.

To be eligible for the Dean’s List, an undergraduate student must be registered for at least 12 credits and have a minimum grade point average of 3.60.

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Sophia M. Padilla-Gundersen, a SUNY Canton criminal investigation major from Bethpage, earned Dean’s List honors during the Fall 2022 semester.

Dean’s List recognizes full-time students with a GPA between 3.25 and 3.74.

n Emily A. Weih, a SUNY Canton veterinary technology major from Hicksville, earned President’s List honors during the Fall 2022 semester.

President’s List recognizes fulltime students who achieve a 3.75 or greater GPA.

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SUNY Canton recognized more than 200 students for earning PartTime Honors during the fall 2022 semester.

The college created this recognition for students who earned at least a 3.25 GPA in 6 to 11 credit hours of coursework. It stands alongside the college’s Dean’s and President’s lists as one of the top awards for academic success.

SUNY Canton’s Part-Time Honors list includes the following area students:

Irene F. Canela, a SUNY Canton health care management major from Levittown.

Francis Pollicino, a SUNY Canton emergency management major from Levittown.

n Elijah Land of Jericho recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the College of Charleston.

Land was among more than 290 students who received degrees.

n Chelsea Welsch of Bethpage, NY, recently graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in middle grades education from the College of Charleston.

Welsch was among more than 290 students who received degrees.

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Commonwealth UniversityBloomsburg congratulates the more

than 1,870 students who were named to the Fall 2022 Dean’s List.

Abigail Kavanaugh from Levittown, a psychology BA major, was one of those recognized.

To qualify for Dean’s List, a student must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher (based on 4.0) during the semester.

n Hofstra University students presented their original research as part of Undergraduate Research Day on December 12. The displays, showcasing months of preparation, investigation, and advanced study, represented individual work under the guidance of an academic advisor.

The following students presented these projects:

Bethpage’s Andrew Tarabokija presented a project titled: Engineering Applications of Hair Fibrils

Bethpage’s Ornov Ganguly presented a project titled: British and French Responsibilities for Spanish Republican Refugees: Consequences of British and French Non-Intervention in Regards to the Spanish Civil War

Levittown’s Isabella Molina presented a project titled: Infrared Imaging Reveals Changes in Chemical Composition in Lung Tissue with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Levittown’s Jenna Lopez presented a project titled: Normative values for voice quality in children in typical development n

Hofstra University is proud to announce the Fall 2022 Provost’s List, which recognizes students who earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average. Students from the local area to be recognized as Provost Scholars include:

Aafia Alladin of Syosset, whose major is psychology

Chloe Chan of Syosset, whose major is accounting

Yashika Dalal of Hicksville, whose major is criminology

Lauren Dietrich of Bethpage, whose major is pre-physician assistant studies

Michael Dietz of Bethpage, whose major is exercise physiology

Olivia Eden of Levittown, whose major is speech-language hearing sciences

Samantha Doerner of Bethpage, whose major is accounting (licensure track)

Hannah Farbstein of Woodbury, whose major is history

Aleksei Feigenbaum of Jericho, whose major is health science

Livia Futterman of Plainview, whose major is pre-physician assistant studies

Urvi Gandhi of Syosset, whose major is journalism

Mitchell Goren of Plainview, whose major is information systems

Sharan Grover of Plainview, whose major is pre-medical studies

Riya Gupta of East Norwich, whose major is psychology

Donald Hagemann of Woodbury, whose major is accounting

Jillian Kane of Bethpage, whose major is video/television

Stacy Kappel of Plainview, whose major is mechanical engineering

Kawalpreet Kaur of Levittown, whose major is health science

Anshu Khindri of Levittown, whose major is rhetoric and public advocacy

Erin Kim of Plainview, whose major is speech-language hearing sciences

Michaela Lang of Syosset, whose major is psychology

Katelin Leavey of Bethpage, whose major is health science

Nicole Leshinsky of Levittown, whose major is natural sciences

Jessica Levy of Plainview, whose major is psychology

Elaine Mayer of Hicksville, whose major is community health

Kevin McDermott of Levittown, whose major is finance

Carolyn Miao of Plainview, whose major is STEM studies (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math)

Ellen Mierzejewski of Hicksville, whose major is psychology

Allie Mossner of Bethpage, whose major is film studies & production

Brandon Moy of Levittown, whose major is filmmaking

Daniel Ochs of Syosset, whose major is history

Rose Perlman of Levittown, whose major is marketing

Robert Raminfard of Syosset, whose major is accounting

Jaclyn Spector of Levittown, whose major is pre-physician assistant studies

Stone Strongin of Hicksville, whose major is finance

Sophia Suazo of Plainview, whose major is history

Andrew Tarabokija of Bethpage, whose major is bioengineering

Nicole Zacchia of Bethpage, whose major is political science n

Peter Cornell of Levittown participated in an internship during McDaniel College’s Fall 2022 semester. Cornell is a member of the class of 2023 and a communication major.

Cornell interned as a mentor with the Student Accessibility and Support Services (SASS) at McDaniel College. SASS assists all students with documented disabilities.

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Bethpage students create Valentines for Vets

Bethpage students from Central Boulevard Elementary School participated in a Valentine’s Day service project for Thoughtful Thursday on Jan. 19. Students throughout the building created their own Valentine’s Day cards as part of Nassau County’s “Valentines for Veterans” program. The school

Students colored their own cards and wrote thoughtful messages inside, thanking the veterans for their service. The cards will be distributed to veterans in hospitals and nursing homes. Each student will also receive a certificate from Nassau County for taking part in the program.

Photos

Central Boulevard fourth grader Navroop Kaur filled out her Valentine’s Day card.

Central Boulevard students created Valentine’s Day cards for veterans on Jan. 19.

Fourth grader Jennifer Racanelli colored the front of her Valentine’s Day card.

Central Boulevard students wrote messages of appreciation to veterans for Valentine’s Day.

participates in this program each year around Valentine’s Day.

courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

From page 1

extend that support outside of our walls and find ways for families to connect to the healthcare field so that they get the proper care that they need,” said Bethpage Superintendent of Schools David Schneider.

Lisa Lucchesi, Bethpage’s executive director of PPS and special education, echoed that statement, noting that the partnership will provide “that extra support, more than what we can do within the school system.” The Behavioral Health Center will provide short term crisis care, including medication management and urgent access to psychiatric assessments and referrals for those in crisis. This is critical as it sometimes takes months for families to be connected to providers for ongoing care.

“Follow up care can take 6–8 weeks to get,” said Bethpage Director of Guidance Thomas Kenny. “That’s not a good thing for our students and families so this is the bridge to that.”

The Mineola facility is one of three Behavioral Health Center’s that Northwell has. Unlike an emergency room, the center is warm and inviting.

“The goal is for patients and families to

Division Ave. faculty honored

come in and have a place where they feel comfortable to talk…not feel like their first entry into mental health care is in an emergency room or very clinical environment,” Northwell Health Assistant Vice President Gina-Marie Bounds said during an information session with the Bethpage community.

In addition to the Behavioral Health Center, the new partnership allows for Northwell Health resources to be shared within the Bethpage community. Northwell hosts community sessions and will provide a monthly newsletter for the district to share with its residents which will highlight relevant topics and resources. It also has a new mental health advocacy program for high schoolers called Cohen’s Strong. Students can be trained to support one another with the help of Northwell Health employees.

The partnership is a true collaborative effort as Northwell Health will provide professional development for Bethpage staff and be there for guidance when supporting the mental health of its students. The Bethpage Union Free School District thanks the board of education for supporting this partnership and it looks forward to seeing the positive impact it has on students and families.

County Legislator John Ferretti, second from right, presented citations to four staff members at Division Avenue High School for saving the life of a student.

From page 1

Because of these four faculty member’s actions, Haeleigh is alive and well today.

“As a lifelong resident of Levittown and an alumnus of Division Avenue High School, it fills me with pride and a sense of security to know that the faculty in the school districts in my commu-

nity are so committed to the well-being of their students,” Legislator John Ferretti said. “Because of dedicated heroes like these four faculty members who go above and beyond the normal responsibilities of their job, we all live in a better world today. I am very proud to honor these four for their work in saving Haeleigh’s life. Thank you for all you do.”

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, NJCC-NYS COMMUNITY RESTORATION FUND LLC, Plaintiff, vs. THERESA KEMERSON A/K/A THERESA TOSCANO, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Amending Caption, Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 30, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 21, 2023 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 202 Roxton Road, Plainview, NY 11803. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 12, Block 565 and Lot 57. Approximate amount of judgment is $562,023.91 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 002693/2015.  Cash will not be accepted.  This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Richard L. Farley, Esq., Referee Knuckles, Komosinski & Manfro, LLP, 565 Taxter Road, Suite 590, Elmsford, NY 10523, Attorneys for Plaintiff

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 21st, 2023, 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 16th, 2023 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 21st day of February 2023 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 08th, 2023 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 25, 2023

THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER Mineola, NewYork________________

TERMS OF SALE

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 25, 2023 THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER Mineola, New York

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 21st, 2023, 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 16th, 2023 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 21st day of February 2023 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 08th, 2023 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 25, 2023

THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER Mineola, NewYork________________

TERMS OF SALE

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.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY CORPORATION

Notice of Formation of Jennifer L Watters Ed.D Professional Development and Consulting Services. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2022-10-26. 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 Margaret Watters: 23 Janet Drive Plainview NY 11803. Purpose: Any lawful purpose

January 27, 2023

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE OF SALE  SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff AGAINST RICHARD GREIG; ET AL., Defendant(s)   Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 26, 2018, 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 27, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 54 SOUTH 1ST STREET, BETHPAGE, NY 11714.  All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Bethpage, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 46, Block 5, Lot 46, 47 & 48. Approximate amount of judgment $407,811.10 plus interest and costs.  Premises will be sold subject to pro-visions of filed Judgment Index #003518/2016. 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". Robert G. Litt, Esq., Referee   Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221   18007130 74604

NASSAU COUNTY

FORECLOSURE NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs ANNE MANNING AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF JAMES HOPKINS, HEIR AT LAW TO HOWARD J. HOPKINS, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Granting Nunc Pro Tunc Relief, Discharging the Guardian Ad Litem and Military Attorney, Amending the Caption, Default Judgment and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on November 6, 2019 and an Order Appointing Successor Referee duly entered on April 4, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 1, 2023at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 89 Sherman Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 46, Block 19 and Lots 1 & 2. Approximate amount of judgment is $358,584.87 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 000323/2015. Cash will not be accepted. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale. Peter James Mastaglio, Esq., Referee Knuckles, Komosinski & Manfro, LLP, 565 Taxter Road, Suite 590, Elmsford, NY 10523, Attorneys for Plaintiff

HHS band recognized at school board meeting

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY CORPORATION

Notice of Formation of Let's Birdie LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2023-01-11. 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 UNITED STATES CORPORATION AGENTS, INC.: 7014 13TH AVENUE , SUITE 202 BROOKLYN NY 11228. Purpose: Any lawful purpose

The Hicksville High School marching band was recognized at the Jan. 18 Board of Education meeting for their undefeated 2022 competitive season.

The dedicated students spent their weekends during the months of September and October competing locally. In November, they finished the season in Syracuse participating in the New York State Field Band Championships placing first in the Large School II Division. This year’s show entitled “Color My World” was written entirely by Hicksville staff members. The champions were welcomed home by Hicksville

Superintendent Marianne Litzman, members of the board of education, the school community, with a special escort from the Hicksville Volunteer Fire Department. This was the second year the marching band was named New York State Field Band Champions. Proudly, Hicksville Marching Band made New York State Field Band history for being the first Large School Division school to take home the championship Governor’s Cup consecutively

Members of the Hicksville High School Marching Band watched the live feed of the Jan. 18 board of education meeting as they were being recognized for their undefeated season of competition.

Hicksville High School Principal Ray Williams, Band Parents Association President Ryan Chaplin, Hicksville Supervisor of Fine Arts Chad Wyman, Hicksville Marching Band Director Kerri Barnett, students and drum majors Fatima Aguilar, Samantha Mason, Gia Rangi, Marching Band Assistant Director Michael Caruso, Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Marianne Litzman and Board of Education trustee Annette Beiner.

for two different divisions.

Photos courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools

Need Inspiration for Your Winter Escape? Here are Ideas from Santa Barbara to Saint-Tropez

EDITED BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

Need some inspiration for your next winter escape? Perhaps a wellness vacation? A ski holiday? Escape to a beach destination? Or be really whimsical and choose based on your astrological sign. BCPM, a travel marketing company, offers these ideas: Wellness Trips for 2023  Immerse in the Winter Wonderlands of Switzerland: Switzerland is an unparalleled wellness destination full of fresh air, healing activities, and stunning nature. Guests can warm their bodies and souls within their snowy surroundings at Tschuggen Grand Hotel, the perennial favorite among discerning travelers. The onsite Tschuggen Bergoase Spa features incredible design by architect Mario Botta, where natural materials and intentional design come together to promote stillness and grounding. Over 5,000 square metres of space spread over four floors, guests can find indoor and outdoor pools, a mountain sauna with snow terrace, a biosauna, steam room, rooms for treatments with expert therapists. Guests at Tschuggen Grand Hotel can also book experiences like ice bathing, where they’ll dipping in icy waters to deliver stress-relieving endorphins, stimulate the circulatory system, and boost the immune system, and firm the skin.  (https://tschuggencollection. ch/en/hotel/tschuggen-grand-hotel)

Experience a Complete Reset in a German Wellness Retreat: Designed by renowned architect Christoph Ingenhoven, Lanserhof Sylt fully opened in August 2022 as

a distinctive health resort on the German island of Sylt. Sylt’s program is overseen by a team of health experts who deliver a wellness experience grounded in medicine and science. Lanserhof Sylt is the ultimate destination for results-driven guests as they embark on journeys to transform their lifestyle habits in a secluded environment. (lanserhof.com/en/ lanserhof-sylt/)

Snowbird Destinations  Trancoso, Brazil: A small beach town on the Bahia coast in Brazil, Trancoso’s appeal lies in its tranquility away from nightlife and busy resorts. As the epitome of tropical relaxation, Trancoso boasts a variety of sprawling beaches, as well as artisanal shops and dining on the Quadrano in the center of this old fishing town. Stay at Hotel Fasano Trancoso, where guests find paradise in the expansive and private bungalows, five-star spa, and plunge pools overlooking the Bahia sea. (www.fasano.com.br/hoteis/fasano-trancoso)

Geminis are social, curious and energized by the urban bustle. They’d thrive in New Orleans, ripe with museums, live music, and historical sites to get lost in. Here, an impromptu band on Frenchman Street © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Miami, Florida: Beyond beautiful beaches and a buzzing social scene, Miami is a great destination for art lovers. From exploring the outdoor murals and galleries of Wynwood to the new exhibits and restaurants in the Design District (Cote Miami is a must-try for Korean barbeque), travelers will be inspired by the creative energy at every corner. The theme continues at EAST Miami, the stunning hotel with Feng Shui-inspired room design, infinity light elevators and dining concepts that excite the eyes as much as the palate. (www. easthotels.com/en/miami/)

Saint-Tropez, France: With its sunny and mild climate and natural beauty, the French Riviera is an unexpected destination to find reprieve from the cold. Travelers can troll through the colorful streets and glamorous beaches without the stuffy crowds and enjoy al fresco dining and wines on the cobblestone streets. Guests at Hotel Lou Pinet, the boutique hotel from French hospitality

group Maisons Pariente, can make the most of their vacation as they relax by the picturesque pool and immaculate gardens. (www.loupinet.com/)

José Ignacio, Uruguay: Snowbirds will find their sunny escape in Jose Ignacio, with the premiere experience at Posada Ayana, an idyllic 17-room luxury hotel in the vibrant Uruguayan town, steps from the famous Mansa beach. The hotel – opened in November 2021 – is home to James Turrell’s first freestanding Skyspace in South America, aptly named Ta Khut (the light). (www. posada-ayana.com)

Winter Wonderlands  Arosa, Switzerland : Winter sports aficionados know to visit Arosa – the largest interconnected skiing area in the region of Graubünden – for nearly150 miles of flawless trails. Even those who are sports-averse can find winter magic with ice skating, horse-drawn carriage rides, and après-ski dining. The Tschuggen Collection has two properties in Arosa, perfect for getting the most out of the region at Valsana Hotel and Tschuggen Grand Hotel. Both hotels are completely carbon neutral and feature unique experiences such as a gondola straight to the ski mountain, private ski shops, holistic wellness spas, outdoor butlers to curate regional experiences, and Michelin-starred restaurants. (tschuggencollection.ch/en/ hotel/valsana-hotel)

Méribel, France: With its charming chalet-style buildings and pristine forest surroundings, Méribel is a charming ski destination for travelers of all ages. For the ideal ski-in ski-out experience, five-star boutique

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

Need Inspiration for Your Winter Escape? Here are Ideas.....

hotel Hotel Le Coucou offers a warm and inviting respite. The hotel’s chalet exterior reflects the Alpine landscape, and all rooms feature a balcony offering immaculate views of the snowy mountains. For families looking to experience Méribel the hotel has four-bedroom ski in- skiout chalets. Parents will also appreciate the Kid’s Club, which engages young travelers with daily activities, like storytelling sessions, arts and crafts workshops, and hands-on cooking demonstrations. (www.lecoucoumeribel.com)

Edinburgh, Scotland: Rich with heritage, Edinburgh’s coldest months make a lovely winter retreat for those who curious about arts and culture. Bundle up and hike up UNESCO World Heritage Site Calton Hill or the extinct volcano Arthur’s Seat, both of which offer unforgettable city vistas. Then, enjoy afternoon tea and stroll through Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh Castle and other historic sites throughout the city. Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, acts as the perfect launchpad for exploring the city, like a walk down the Royal Mile for an endless selection of shops, galleries and restaurants. (virginhotels.com/edinburgh/)

Where to Go Based Off Your Horoscope

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19) - Paris, France: Paris is a no brainer for Capricorns, who love to learn, experience culture and take immense pride in their worldly personas. Le Grand Mazarin, which opens in April 2023, will have any Capricorn feeling like they have lived in Paris their whole life. A stone’s throw from the Seine, the hotel has been reimagined by famed architect Martin Brudnizki with whimsical décor inspired by 17th-century France that feels true to the area’s cultural heritage yet still luxurious for today’s traveler. (www.legrandmazarin.com/)

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) - Glasgow, Scotland: Often referred to as the “non-conformist” of the signs, an Aquarian is constantly seeking liberation over flashy indulgences. A perfect destination for this air sign is the city of

Glasgow, offering culture without the crowds of nearby Edinburgh. Opening in Spring 2023,  Virgin Hotels Glasgow is an ideal base for exploring the city. Just steps away from world-class institutions like Citizen’s Theatre and Gallery of Modern Art, the hotel is a doorway to all the local culture the Aquarian wants to explore. (virginhotels.com/glasgow/)

Pisces (February 19 – March 20) Provence, France: Dreamy and compassionate, Pisces are known as the healers of the Zodiac. This laidback and nature-loving group might find themselves in the region of Provence, filled with picturesque landscapes, lavender fields, and quaint villages. Pisces should stay at Hôtel Crillon Le Brave, an intimate hotel comprised of interconnected structures that will spark their appetite for discovery. A visit to the spa, set in an 18th-century stone house, reinforces the feeling of rest and recovery within this private escape. (www.crillonlebrave. com)

Aries (March 21 – April 19) - Arosa, Switzerland: For the naturally curious Aries, the alpine towns of Switzerland would be a dream playground. At The Tschuggen Grand Hotel in Arosa, Aries can cruise on the Tschuggen Express Railway, an ultimate amenity taking them directly to the nearby slopes and hiking trails. In line with this nature loving sign, The Tschuggen Grand Hotel is also 100% climate-neutral and champions sustainability as part of their mission. (tschuggencollection.ch/en/hotel/ tschuggen-grand-hotel)

Taurus (April 20 – May 20) - Punta del Este, Uruguay: Taurus is all about comfort, luxury, and a delicious meal. There’s no better place to treat themselves than Hotel Fasano Punta Del Este, the first international hotel from the Brazil-based hospitality brand. Perched on a hill among rock formations, the striking and luxurious hotel merges seamlessly into the natural fabric of its surroundings. During their stay, Taurus can gallivant though the countryside on horseback, sunbathe at the exclusive River Club and indulge in contemporary cuisine at the three onsite restaurants. (www.fasano.com.br/hoteis/fasa-

NUTRITION NEWS

no-punta-del-este)

Gemini (May 21 – June 21) - New Orleans, Louisiana: Geminis are social, curious and energized by the urban bustle. They’d thrive in New Orleans, ripe with museums, live music, and historical sites to get lost in. Of course, Bourbon Street can’t be missed, where they’ll hop in and out of the bars and dance into the late hours of the night. Virgin Hotels New Orleans, with its sleek design and vibrant onsite bars, make the best place for a Gemini to take in the Big Easy. (virginhotels.com/new-orleans/)

Cancer (June 22 – July 22) - Santa Barbara, California: For this cardinal water sign, family is everything to Cancers, and contentment often means sticking close to home. This makes Santa Barbara – lovingly called the American Riviera – a smart choice for these travelers. The destination is close to home, but the sunshine, warm weather and Pacific Ocean views will make Cancers feel like they’ve been whisked away to paradise. To complete the vacation, stay at El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, an idyllic hotel with distinctly local architecture, lush gardens, and a beautiful pool that stretches into the horizon. (www.belmond.com/hotels/north-america/usa/ ca/santa-barbara/belmond-el-encanto)

Leo (July 23 – August 22) - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Leos love to see and be seen. With a penchant for all things glamorous and flamboyant, a visit to the sun-soaked Rio de Janeiro is surely on the books – ideally during Carnival. During the biggest festival in the world, Leos can dance, sing and eat their way through the streets. The hotel is just as important and Fasano Rio de Janeiro is set right by the waterfront, making it the most ideal home base. Leos can luxuriate in infinity pools with the most amazing seaside views and enjoy the frenetic energy at the buzzy onsite bar. (www. fasano.com.br/hoteis/fasano-rio-de-janeiro)

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)Sylt, Germany: Virgos thrive on order and discipline, and few places embody this orderly ideal more Lanserhof Sylt.  Hidden away in the Wadden Sea far from the urban bustle, Lanserhof Sylt is a

Taming a Sweet Tooth

BY CHARLYN FARGO

Most of us know we probably need to cut back on the added sugars we consume, but how do you do that when you have a craving for something sweet?

These days, the average American eats an estimated 17 teaspoons of added sugar each day. A study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health states that added sugar consumption worldwide is at a “pandem-

ic” stage. Research shows a clear association between eating too much table sugar and higher risk for tooth decay, Type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease.

An answer for some has been to use more artificial sweeteners. The Food and Drug Administration has declared all sweeteners on the market to be safe; however, they have been under scrutiny by other groups. Consumers have turned to more natural sugars, such as honey, ma-

ple syrup, molasses and coconut sugar. The truth is that sugar is sugar, whether it comes from sugar cane or a tree, and as sugar, it is high in calories.

Should you try other sweeteners? Stevia is a well-known natural sweetener, derived from the leaves of the stevia plant. It has no calories and no nutritional value but is sometimes blended with sugar alcohols, like erythritol. Monk

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wellness retreat for those serious about a health transformation. With the guidance of the property’s health experts, Virgos will be guided through multiday programs that combine cutting-edge diagnostics, gut-resetting diets and natural healing methods to reach their latest wellness goals. (lanserhof.com/en/ lanserhof-sylt/)

Libra (September 23 – October 23)Saint-Tropez, France: Ruled by Venus – the planet that governs love and beauty – Libras cherish a refined and romantic vibe. Vineyards by the gulf, gourmet picnics, and artisanal boutiques will make Libras feel like the main character of their romance movie. At the end of the night, return home to Hotel Lou Pinet, an inviting family-owned hotel with a vintage Bohemian aesthetic that makes guests feel like they’re visiting an old friend. (www.maisonspariente.com/en/ hotel-loupinet)

Scorpio (October 24 – November 21) - St. Moritz, Switzerland: The zodiac’s most intense and passionate sign, Scorpios can find soul-invigorating activities at The Carlton Hotel in St. Moritz. There, Scorpios can venture out on a torchlight hike, where they’ll explore the pristine mountains in near-complete darkness,. Or they can ice-skate over frozen lakes as the sun sets over the mountains (tschuggencollection.ch/en/ hotel/carlton-hotel)

Sagittarius (November 22 –December 21) - Angra dos Reis, Brazil: The thrill-seeking Sagittarius gravitates towards places where they can roam and be free. Angra dos Reis, where beaches meet forests on over 300 islands, is a perfect destination for exploration. Hotel Fasano Angra dos Reis, a refined hotel with 60 suites and incredible activities, offers upscale boat tours to neighboring islands, guided hikes through the Atlantic Forest, and even access to a private island, making it the perfect home away from home for the adventurous Sag. (www.fasano.com.br/hoteis/fasano-angra-dos-reis)

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

Crossword Answers

Black History Month and Poet Lucille Clifton

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

In honor of Black History Month this February, I am highlighting writer Lucille Clifton. Clifton was a prolific poet, children’s book author and professor. Born Thelma Lucille Sayles on June 27, 1936, in Depew, N.Y., a suburb of Buffalo, her father worked in the steel mills and her mother in a laundry.

Clifton has said that as a child she was poor but she was not deprived. She grew up loving books and began writing poetry at the age of 10, inspired by the sonnets of Edna St. Vincent Millay. She has also said that she was inspired by Emily Dickinson’s poetry.

During her childhood in Buffalo, Clifton listened to oral histories told to her by her grandmothers and aunts. She was fascinated by them. Her parents loved to read even though they did not finish elementary school. Her mother also loved to write poems. As Clifton said in her memoir, “Generations”: “Oh she made magic, she was a magic woman, my Mama. She was not wise in the world but she had magic wisdom.”

In 1953, Clifton started attending Howard University in Washington, D.C., but she left Howard and attended Fredonia State Teacher’s College near Buffalo to join a group of poets and intellectuals. In Buffalo she met Fred Clifton, a philosophy professor at the University of Buffalo. They married in 1958 and were married for 26 years until Frederick James Clifton passed away in 1984 after suffering from cancer. He was 49 years old.

Clifton’s poetry focuses mainly on the strength and endurance one must possess in order to live as an AfricanAmerican, although it also explores other aspects of her life such as being a woman and a poet. She taught at several different universities throughout her life, including Dartmouth and Columbia. Clifton was a Distinguished Professor of Humanities at St. Mary’s College of Maryland and a Chancellor of the Academy of American Poets.

Over the years Lucille Clifton credited her six children with inspiring much of her writing. She added that they taught her patience and they also kept her grounded. Her writing took so much of her time but so did the work around the house.

Clifton’s first book of poems, “Good Times,” published in 1969, was rated one of the best books of the year by the “NY Times.” Clifton worked in state and federal government positions until 1971 when she became a writer in residence at Coppin State College in Baltimore, Md., where she completed two collections: “Good News About the Earth” (1972) and “An Ordinary Woman” (1974).

She was the author of several other collections of poetry, including

“Blessing the Boats: New and Selected Poems 1988-2000” (2000), which won the National Book Award; “Good Woman: Poems and a Memoir 1969-1980” (1987), which was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize; and “Two-Headed Woman” (1980), also a Pulitzer Prize nominee as well as the recipient of the University of Massachusetts Press Juniper Prize.

Clifton also wrote “Generations: A Memoir,” which was published in 1976, and more than 22 books for children, written specifically for an AfricanAmerican audience. Clifton’s mission in writing these children’s books was to help them understand their world and their African-American heritage.

Her daughters Sidney, Gillian and Alexia Clifton wrote that their mother authored several children’s books to fill an obvious void: “Prior to the publishing of ‘Some of the Days of Everett Anderson’ in 1970 there were very few children’s books depicting the lives of black and other children of color. And of those few; even fewer were written by black or ethnic authors. Creating characters whose lives, language and experience were a mirror to the lives, languages and experiences of thousands of underserved children across the country was important to her …”

In 1973 Clifton was the author of a children’s book called, “The Boy Who Didn’t Believe in Spring” and Brinton Turkle did the illustrations. It is a simple story about a young boy who doesn’t believe in spring because he lives in the city where there are few trees, flowers, insects and green grass until one day he takes a walk beyond his neighborhood to an abandoned lot that features a spring flower just starting to grow. It introduces young children to what it’s like to live in the city.

Lucille Clifton’s honors include an Emmy Award from the American Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, a Lannan Literary Award, two fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Shelley Memorial Award, the YM-YWHA Poetry Center Discovery Award and the 2007 Ruth Lilly Prize.

In 1999, Clifton was elected a Chancellor of the Academy of American Poets. She served as Poet Laureate for the State of Maryland from 1979 to 1985, and Distinguished Professor of Humanities at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Lucille Clifton died on February 13, 2010, in Baltimore at the age of 73.

Lucille Clifton never knew any poets as a young girl, in fact she only thing she ever saw were the portraits that used to hang on the walls of the elementary school that she attended. She never really knew what it meant to be a poet, but she started writing her feelings down. That is how her profession as a writer and a poet began.

About poetry, Clifton has noted that there is definitely a connection between American history and her own personal history.

Lucille Clifton said, “One thing poetry teaches us, if anything, is that everything is connected. There is so much history that we have not validated.”

When asked how she would like to be remembered, Lucille Clifton has said:

“I would like to be seen as a woman whose roots go back to Africa, who tried to honor being human. My inclination is to try to help.”

Lucille Clifton was such an expert at combining craft and storytelling. An American poet known for her work focusing on the African-American experience and family life, Lucille Clifton’s work will live on for years to come.

NUTRITION NEWS Taming a Sweet Tooth

Continued from previous page

fruit extract is another zero-calorie natural sweetener. The best sweetener is the one you enjoy eating. But like sugar, have them in moderation.

How can you tame a sweet tooth?

It’s best to try for moderation rather than cutting out sugar completely. Aim for cutting back to six teaspoons a day for women and nine teaspoons for men, or about 10% of total calories, as recommended by the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines. Make swaps little by little rather

than adopting an all-or-nothing mentality with sugar.

The bottom line? Over time, try to limit consumption of added sugars. Practice mindfulness when you eat a piece of candy or cake. Rather than having sugar daily, save it for a special occasion. Substitute fruit for that cookie, and over time, cravings will lessen.

Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with SIU Med School in Springfield, Illinois

COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS

The Problems With Running a Disability Program

BY TOM MARGENAU

Several readers recently sent me copies of a news story that appeared in papers around the country. The author of that piece criticized the Social Security Administration for not updating a listing of jobs that benefit applicants might be able to do instead of going on the government dole collecting disability benefits. (The law says that a person must be unable to do any kind of work to be eligible for such payments.)

I’m sure those job listings will eventually be updated, but here is a point I need to make. I worked for the Social Security Administration for 32 years, and in almost every one of those years, Congress passed laws designed to “fix” the disability program. Also, in each and every one of those years, there were internal SSA studies and commissions that resulted in proposals also intended to make the disability process more fair, more streamlined and at the same time, less prone to fraud and abuse.

So, what’s going on with that? Why is the disability program apparently always under scrutiny and constantly subject to congressional and administrative and media meddling? The answer to that question is what this column is all about.

Here is the bottom line: any disability program is an absolute mess to manage. And the Social Security disability system is even more prone to administrative nightmares because it is, by far, the biggest such program in the country.

And why is a disability program such a mess? Because it is so subjective. For example, compare it to the Social Security retirement program. The eligibility rules for retirement are relatively cut and dried. You contact the SSA, show them a birth certificate to prove you are old enough for benefits, answer a few questions and meet a few other eligibility requirements, and you qualify for benefits. No muss, no fuss.

But it’s a completely different story for the disability program, and that’s because it is hard to get people to agree on the answer to this question: How disabled does someone have to be to get disability benefits? One person’s disabling condition is another person’s relatively minor inconvenience. Think of this in practical day-to-day terms to which anyone can relate. We all know fellow workers who call in sick because they have a case of the sniffles. On the other hand, we also know of co-workers who will show up at the workplace even though they look like they are knocking on death’s door! In other words, we all have different interpretations of what should keep a person from being able to work.

Here is another example. I’ve got a neighbor who has a 35-year-old son with multiple sclerosis. The son uses a wheelchair and needs other forms of help. Yet, he still goes to work every day at a local

Target store. At the same time, I’ve encountered thousands of people over the years who claim to be disabled because they have a bad back or sore knees. Is my neighbor’s son “disabled”? How about the guy with the bad back?

The government tries to make the Social Security disability program as objective as possible with a handbook full of regulations to help SSA adjudicators decide who is legally disabled and who isn’t. Teams of medical professionals are also involved in the process.

Yet, it always comes down to the fact that some government bureaucrat, after reviewing the medical evidence, consulting the professionals and employing the guidelines, will have to make a subjective decision about a person’s eligibility for disability benefits.

Let’s take that guy with the bad back. I’ll call him Frank. And we’ll say that Frank actually has some painful spinal damage. How severe should it be to qualify for disability? He had a job that required heavy lifting. He is certainly too disabled to do that kind of work anymore. But perhaps there are other less-strenuous jobs Frank can be trained to do. Should he qualify for Social Security disability if he can do those other jobs? (The media report I began this column with was alleging this listing of potential jobs Frank might be able to do is outdated.)

Let’s assume Frank filed for Social Security disability and was told his spinal condition was not severe enough to get benefits. But then he mentions that he also has high blood pressure and some hearing problems. Neither one of those conditions by itself is legally disabling -- but how about all three of them together? Do they make the guy disabled?

Following this scenario, let’s assume that the initial person adjudicating Frank’s claim says no and decides he is not disabled enough according to law.

Frank is upset because he is convinced he is disabled. So, he files an appeal. And after about a yearlong wait, (because there are tens of thousands of other people who are also filing appeals), he eventually meets with a judge who interprets the disability rules a bit differently than the first adjudicator did, and he approves Frank’s claim. Frank has mixed emotions. He’s happy his claim has been finally approved. But he’s upset it took so long. So, he writes his member of Congress and demands that something be done to improve the process. The representative agrees that the program is too strict and co-sponsors a bill with language demanding that SSA “fix” the disability program.

But is the process broken? Was the first adjudicator wrong, or was the judge too lenient? Different people will have different opinions. That’s just the nature of a subjective process.

Let’s follow Frank’s case a little fur-

ther. Six months after he starts getting disability benefits, a neighbor sees him out on a ladder cleaning his gutters. It took a lot of effort, but Frank managed to do it. The neighbor has always been a little suspicious of Frank’s disability allegations and seeing this put him over the edge. So, he contacts Social Security’s fraud department and alleges Frank is cheating the system. He says, “This guy claims to have a bad back and can’t work, and yet I saw him up on a ladder working on his house. How can this be?”

This call triggers a fraud investigation. More SSA adjudicators examine Frank’s claim. After interviewing Frank and obtaining updated medical records, they decide he is still legally disabled.

This upsets the neighbor even more. So, he writes his representative in Congress claiming that “the incompetent government is wasting taxpayer money by sending monthly checks to a guy who is clearly not disabled.” The sym-

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

U.S. faces challenges over debt ceiling

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

Unfortunately, last week we hit our debt limit. Since 1960, Congress has acted 78 times to consider either temporarily extending or permanently increasing the debt limit or revising the meaning of the debt limit; 49 times under Republican presidents and 29 under Democratic presidents.

Janet Yellen the Secretary of the Treasury had sent a letter to Congress on 1/13/23 that our current U.S. debt limit was raised to 31.381 trillion dollars on 12/16/21 and was reached on 1/19/23 which was 138% of GDP. In 2013 it was 100% of the GDP.

The Pandemic caused a liquidity crunch with the excessive (virtually created) 8 trillion dollars infused into the market (but not printed). I have read recently that increasing the money supply doesn’t cause inflation. Inflation results when spending grows faster than the real rate of growth of population and production exported including services. The money supply doesn’t cause it, but it is the effect of it, so the Fed has to tweak in both directions to try to keep inflation steady and balanced. It sounds logical as production slowed to an almost standstill during the Pandemic. I have read differing opinions and facts about what causes inflation and this was a different perspective and explanation. If you are an economist, financial whiz, or study the economy what are your opinions and thoughts on this explanation? Here is another analysis put out by the Whitehouse in 2022 that provides additional future projections of our economy, debt, and deficits: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/ap_3_long_term_ fy2023.pdf

There is an overabundant amount of misinformation, fake news, and just plain lack of knowledge out there from the mainstream media by those individuals who write but don’t know how to do the research to gain the most accurate and detailed data and facts! FYI, only $200 billion was actually printed in 2019 and 2020, and approximately $600 billion physical dollars were printed in 2021 & 2022 from orders provided by the Federal Reserve to the Bureau of Printing and Engraving). See article link: https://www.usatoday.com/ story/news/factcheck/2022/04/14/fact-

check-federal-reservehas-balance-sheet-9-trillion/7198368001/.

The 8 trillion virtual dollars created (confused with physical printing) via treasury bonds as IOUs issued by the government to the banks in exchange for the loans. This injected liquidity into our financial system during the pandemic, along with printing assisting in easing the concerns of corporate America, our economy, and its citizens. Bonds were purchased with cash by the banks (savings and checking accounts) and the government promised to pay back with interest at a future date.

However, overall in my professional opinion, I believe too much was created and given out, especially to those who received more than they earned weekly as well as those with substantial liquidity, who surely didn’t need the stimulus money. However, not having prior experience in dealing with the economic impact and consequences of a Pandemic our government did what it thought best to assist the greatest number of people and businesses. Speed in executing their plan was the necessary evil even with all the mistakes made as well as those unscrupulous entities that took advantage of our dire situation. I am sure if and when there is a next time, and hoping there isn’t, that there will be a more thought-out plan, with checks and balances and a decisive course of action to deliver assistance; so when future inflation does occur, we’ll be in a better position to predict and control it, so it will be less detrimental to our citizens and economy.

According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, unless they pass a temporary increase to the debt limit to refinance and pay current U.S. government obligations up to June (not authorizing new spending) a default situation would occur affecting paying beneficiaries of social security, government pensions, Medicare benefits, military salaries, interest on the national debt, tax refunds and other debts. This would cause an economic catastrophe and irreparable harm to the U.S.

economy and a negative impact on world economies. This would have a major and monumental and mind-blowing tsunami impact affecting American jobs and savings, interest rates, and our overall economy as well as having a massive and immensely negative effect on housing for many years. Moreover, the ripple effect on global economies due to this historic event would also be a loss in the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, and the U.S. dollar, the world’s reserve currency. This would certainly be a tragic and damaging event potentially creating a global depression not seen since the crash of 1929.

The Federal debt/GDP is currently around 138%; meaning our government is spending 38% more than it takes in (calculated by The Congressional Budget Office’s latest report at the end of 2022) and says the interest on our National Debt (not including state debts) will go from approximately 399 billion in 2022 to 1.2+ trillion by 2032 and total 8.1+ trillion over the next 10 years; costs doubling from 1.6% of GDP in 2022 to 3.3% in 2032. However, interest rates and their inherent costs to the Federal debt and deficit could grow at an even more rapid and alarming pace going forward having a disastrous and cataclysmic crisis event that would be far-reaching into the future.

The cost of energy increased at a slower rate to 7.3% down from November’s 13.1%; supported by the decrease in the price of gasoline (-1.5% vs. 10.1%) and fuel oil (41.5% vs. 65.7%), probably due to warmer than normal temperatures and ample supplies. However, looking back over the same November-December period costs accelerated for electricity (14.3% vs. 13.7%) and natural gas (19.3% vs. 15.5%).

On the positive side, inflation has slowed for the 6th consecutive month from the high of 9.1% in June to finish 2022 at 6.5% down from 7.1% in November (again excluding the volatile energy and food sectors). Most important, according to the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, births

YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY

increased in 2021 and 2022 for the first time in 7 years but this may not necessarily be the future trend of the consistency of past declining rates.

This column will continue next week to include the future of consumer spending, housing, and interest rates, so stay tuned.

Continue to Donate to the Ukrainian Crisis and save a life or 2: https://usaforiom.org/iomsukraine-response/

Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 40 years experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned designations as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (G.R.I.) and also as a Certified International Property Specialist (C.I.P.S.) and in 2022 has earned his National Association of Realtors “Green Industry designation for eco-friendly construction. He will provide you with “free” regular updates of sold and new homes in your town via the Multiple Listing Service of Long Island (MLSLI) or go to https://WWW. Li-RealEstate.Com and you can “do it yourself (DYI) and search on your own. For a “FREE” `15 minute consultation, as well as well as a “FREE printout or digital value analysis of what your home might sell for in today’s market without any obligation or “strings” attached. He can also provide a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality, and our Seller’s and Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider when Selling, investing or Purchasing your Home.

You can email or snail mail (regular mail) him with your request or ideas, suggestions or interview you for a specific topic and a Q & A for a future column with your name, email and cell number. He will email or call you back and respond to your request ASAP as long as he has your complete name, cell, email and/or full home or business address. Again, for a “FREE” 15 minute consultation, he can also be reached by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@ TurnKeyRealEstate.Com to answer any of your questions and concerns in selling, investing, purchasing, or leasing residential or commercial property.

The Problems With Running a Disability Program

pathetic representative agrees that the program is too lenient and sponsors a bill with language demanding that SSA “fix” the disability program. And on and

on it goes!

By the way, the Frank example (with the name changed) is a true story. It’s a case I was involved in about 25 years ago while working for the SSA.

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Security -- Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Security.”

The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon.com or other book outlets.

COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of January 29 -- February 4, 2023

Stargazers might remember Comet NEOWISE, which helped us survive the summer of our pandemic year. It was faint enough that we required binoculars unless we viewed it from under very dark, un-light-polluted skies.

Now, nearly three years later, another comet is swinging past the Earth, and, while, at its brightest, it may appear some 40 times fainter than NEOWISE, it has become quite newsworthy because of the stunning green color we see in photos.

I’m referring to this visitor from deep space designated officially as C/2022 E3 (ZTF), named for the Zwicky Transient Facility at Southern California’s Palomar Observatory where it was discovered. Astronomers just call it Comet ZTF.

ZTF, like all other comets, is one of countless icy remnants of the primordial solar system that tumble silently in a region known as the Oort Cloud, billions of miles from the sun. Occasionally one of these cosmic nomads drifts inward toward the sun’s heat, and its ices disintegrate into a cloud of gas and dust around its nucleus (the “coma”). Sunlight and the solar wind act as a fan and blow this material outward to create one or two tails that always point away from our star.

Occasionally a comet becomes noteworthy enough to make the news, and that’s just what’s happened with ZTF. The big news is about its color. This comes from the diatomic carbon and cyanogen within its atmosphere; when this is struck by sunlight it glows green. Of course, all comets have these chemicals in them -- some more than others -- and all show at least a wisp of greenish color.

STARGAZERS

Green Comet

Estimated to be about two-thirds of a mile across, the icy nucleus of ZTF is much too small to be visible with even a powerful telescope, but its coma and tail are. As compact as a comet’s tail may appear to us from Earth, its material is spread over tens of millions of miles; in fact, to achieve the density of the air we breathe, a comet’s entire tail would need to be compressed to fit into the size of an average suitcase.

Comet ZTF is what’s known as a long-period comet, and it hasn’t journeyed our way for 500 centuries, but it will pass only 26 million miles from our planet on Feb. 2. Just how bright ZTF will become, however, is anyone’s guess.

Will it be visible to the unaided eye or fade as it recedes into the depths of space? No one can say for sure. Comets are notoriously unpredictable. As noted comet-hunter David Levy likes to say: “Comets are like cats. They both have tails and they both do what they want.”

Nevertheless, you may be able to spot this interplanetary nomad in the evening sky if you’ve got dark skies far from the lights of big cities. Watch for it in the northern sky after dark as it drifts from the vicinity of Polaris (the North Star) on Jan. 29 and 30 up toward the planet Mars where it will appear on Feb. 10.

Be sure to check out the accompanying illustration and grab binoculars to locate and enjoy the amazing interplanetary iceball this week after dark!

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com.

COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM

Comet ZTF is what’s known as a long-period comet, and it hasn’t journeyed our way for 500 centuries, but it will pass only 26 million miles from our planet on Feb. 2.

LOST IN SUBURBIA

Who’s Calling, Please?

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

Receptionist: “Dr. Zucker’s office. This is Charlene.”

Me: “Hi, this is Tracy Beckerman...”

Receptionist: “I’m sorry, there’s no

Receptionist: “Oh, she’s not here right now.”

Me: “Yeah, Charlene, I got that.”

Receptionist: “That’s so funny! My name is Charlene, too!”

Me: (Sigh.) “My name isn’t Charlene.

Me: “OK, can I leave a message for her?”

Receptionist: “Who?”

Me: “Dr. Zucker.”

Receptionist: “She’s not here right now.”

Me: “Yes.”

Receptionist: “OK, but she’s not here right now.”

Me: “I know.”

Receptionist: “Would you like me to leave her a message?”

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WIREMAN/CABLEMAN

Flat TVs mounted, Phone, TVs & Computer wiring installed & serviced, camera & stereos, HDTV Antennas FREE TV www.davewireman.com 516-433-WIRE (9473 631-667-WIRE (9473) or TEXT 516-353-1118

HEALTH SERVICES

FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC

Dr. Ann Marie D’Angelo PMHCNS-BC Doctor of Nursing Practice Advanced Practice Nurse Care Manager

Assistance with Aging at Home /Care Coordintion

Nursing Home & Assisted Living Placement PRI / Screens / Mini Mental Status Exams

Medicaid Eligibility and Applications 516-248-9323 www.familycareconnections.com 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530

SERVICES PAINTING & PAPERHANGING

MICHELANGELO PAINTING & WALLPAPER

Interior, Exterior, Plaster / Spackle, Light Carpentry, Decorative Moldings & Power Washing. Call: 516-328-7499

PARTY HELP

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RELAX & ENJOY

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

SERVICES

A & J MOVING & STORAGE: Established 1971. Long Island and New York State specialists. Residential, Commercial, Piano & Organ experts. Boxes available. Free estimates. www. ajmoving.com 516-741-2657 114 Jericho Tpk, Mineola NY DOT# 10405

DISH TV

$64.99 for 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo expires 1/21/23 Call 1-866-595-6967

LEAK REPAIRS

Plumbing Repairs Bathrooms, Showers, Kitchens

24 HOUR SERVICE Call 516-668-5624

MAGNUM SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC.

Serving Garden City for 40 years.

Let Magnum Upgrade Your Existing Security System. Burglar & Fire Alarms Cellular Radio 3G Upgrades Remote Access Call: 516-486-5484

PASSION FOR SENIORS

Certified HHA’s, Companions & Homemakers. 24 hour care available. Also Nassau Locations. Trained in Dementia and Alzheimer’s care. Call 718-850-3400

Dip your spoon into a creamy mushroom meal Easy Mushroom Soup

Soup can be a delicious meal for lunch or dinner or even make for a comforting snack. The versatility of soup undoubtedly contributes to its appeal. Just about any ingredient can go into a soup to yield the ideal result.

The benefits of soup do not end with flavor alone. A bowl of soup can be filling, helping to corral hunger and reduce overeating. Plenty of studies also link soup to increased wellness and recovery from respiratory illnesses. Soup also is a perfect comfort food on a cold day. It warms from the inside out, helping to chase away chills from damp or frosty conditions.

Mushrooms can be the star of soups, adding earthy

Yield: 3-4 servings

3 tablespoons butter 2 garlic cloves, minced

notes to the broth. Enjoy this creamy recipe for “Easy Mushroom Soup” courtesy of the Mushroom Council.

1 shallot, finely chopped 4 ounces crimini mushrooms, chopped 4 ounces white button mushrooms, chopped 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3 cups chicken stock

1⁄4 teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste

1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste Sliced sautéed mushrooms for garnish, optional Chopped parsley for garnish, optional

1. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large pot such as a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and shallot, cook for 1 minute, until they begin to soften. Add the mushrooms and cook for about 3 minutes, until tender and browned. Transfer all the contents of the pot to a bowl.

2. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pot. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk it quickly into a paste. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the stock a little at a time, whisking out the clumps between each addition.

3. Increase the heat back to medium-high and allow the soup to simmer well for 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms back to the pot and continue to cook for 2 minutes more. The stock will thicken slightly to be somewhat creamy.

4. Let cook for 3 to 4 minutes, then ladle into bowls. Garnish with mushrooms and parsley, if desired.

Last Hope Animal Rescue is Part of the Chewy.com Rescue Program

If you haven’t tried Chewy.com yet for your pet food and supply purchases, this is a great time to check them out. Last Hope is now part of their rescue program. For each new customer that makes a purchase, Last Hope will receive a $20 donation. Click on the ad below or go directly to the Last Hope page at https://www.chewy.com/rp/5941

“Get in the Game” senior softball players

How would you like to feel like a “kid” again? Want to re-live the thrill of hitting a double or catching a long fly ball? If you will be 60 years old on or before December 31, 2023, you are eligible to play senior softball this summer.

The Long Island Senior Softball Association is looking for men to try-out for our team. Locally, the Generals, whose home field is at Cantiague Park in Hicksville, are looking for more players. The Long Island Senior Softball Association is

a league consisting of eighteen senior teams across Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Enjoy the camaraderie of men who want to turn back the “hands of time,“ enjoy friendly competition and maintain a healthful lifestyle.

Attention students!

Graduated from school? Have an outstanding GPA? Made

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

Remember, “You don’t stop playing because you old! You get old because you stop playing!”

For further information, call Lou at 631-923-1555 or Cell at 516-241-7073 before April 1.

Students step to the beat at East Broadway

Officials congratulate Terrif ic Kids

The group started in a circle to learn the basics.

Students at East Broadway Elementary School in the Levittown Public School District enjoyed an intricate dancing lesson on Jan. 18.

Dancing educators from Dancing Classrooms L.I. visited the school and prepared a makeshift dance floor in the front lobby. Students started out by

learning the basics steps that make up Cuban merengue dancing. Once they learned the moves, boys and girls partnered up and danced to Cuban music. The dancing lessons helped students grow their confidence while picking up a new skill.

The event took place on January 12, at Lee Road Elementary School in Wantagh. Also attending were Jim and Pat Carney of the Levittown Kiwanis Club, Principal Jami Anspach, Superintendent of

Private school fair on February 4

Long Island is known for our beautiful beaches, the best bagels, and the birthplace of Billy Joel. While those are clear to everyone who live here, not everyone is aware of the many educational resources that exist on Long Island. For the 5th year, Fusion Academy, located in Woodbury, along with a plethora of other private schools are teaming up to showcase their schools, at the annual LI Private School Fair, this year on February 4.

New York City is known for hosting a similar event, for families who are interested in specialized high schools, competitive primary schools

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and unique opportunities. Long Island offers the same opportunities to meet every student’s customized educational needs, with programs to keep children challenged, engaged and supported to their best ability.

This year this event is being held on Saturday, February 4th at SUNY Farmingdale’s Campus Center from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. If you are interested in learning more about the event and what schools will be participating this year, go to EventBrite and search LI Private School Fair. You can register or just drop in.

• Articles must be between 1,500 - 3,000 words. • Each writer will be reimbursed a stipend of $25.⁰⁰

Students at East Broadway Elementary School enjoyed a dancing lesson on Jan. 18.

Photos courtesy of Levittown Public Schools

Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray congratulated Keira Duryea, Peter Sacco, Emily LaMantia, Rosalie Angieri, Ava Ferruzola, Antonella Soto, Victoria Baksh and James Kemnah as they were named “Terrific Kids” by the Levittown Kiwanis Club.

Schools Todd Winch and Nassau County Legislator Tom McKevitt.

Hicksville fifth graders perform at All County Music Festival

Fifty-four fifth graders from Hicksville elementary schools recently performed at The Division 1 East All-County Music Festival held at The Tilles Center in Brookville on Jan. 8. The event, hosted by Nassau Music Educators Music Association, was an opportunity for select music students who participate in their school’s band, orchestra or chorus to be rewarded for their individual success on their instrument or voice.

All-County provides students with the opportunity to play with some of the finest musicians at their age level in Nassau County. Students were chosen based on their New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) scores from the previous school year, as well as teacher recommendation. Over thirteen songs were performed throughout the afternoon concert and included some familiar favorites such as “We Will Be” by Jim Papoulis, “Over the Rainbow” by Harold Arlen and Bob Cerulli, and “Rock On” by Seth Gamba.

Congratulations to the following fifth grade students for this wonderful accomplishment representing all seven elementary schools in the Hicksville School District.

• Gregory Aguilar, Fork Lane Elementary Chorus

• Alessio Airo-Farulla, Dutch Lane Elementary Band

• Alexander Alicea, Dutch Lane Elementary Orchestra

• Gabriella Barro, Dutch Lane Elementary Chorus

• Mikayla Benjamin, Old Country Road Elementary Band

• Donovan Bennett, Fork Lane Elementary Orchestra

• Justin Bernard, Fork Lane Elementary Chorus

• Angelica Caparella, Lee Avenue Elementary Band

• Paul Cataldo, Old Country Road Elementary Chorus

• Julie Columbano, East Street Elementary Orchestra

• Madison Cuevas, Burns Avenue Elementary Chorus

• Brianna Navarro Diaz, Old Country Road Elementary Chorus

• Leia Dominicci, Burns Avenue Elementary Chorus

• Gabriel Driscoll, Burns Avenue Elementary Band

• Charlotte Eng, Lee Avenue Elementary Orchestra

• Lucy Ethe-Sayers, Fork Lane Elementary Chorus

• Devon Fosco, East Street Elementary Band

• Isabelle Gan, Fork Lane Elementary Chorus

• Marwah Karimi, Old Country Road Elementary Chorus

• Amrit Kaur, Woodland Avenue

Elementary Chorus

• Brianna Kennedy, Lee Avenue Elementary Orchestra

• Suvi Kidhardt, Lee Avenue Elementary Orchestra

• Xavier Lam, Fork Lane Elementary Band

• Brianna Larios, Old Country Road Elementary Chorus

• December Lefkowitz, Old Country Road Elementary Chorus

• Caden Leung, Dutch Lane Elementary Chorus

• Connor Leung, Woodland Avenue Elementary Chorus

• Elina Lew, Woodland Avenue Elementary Chorus

• Taylor Lombardozzi, Dutch Lane Elementary Chorus

• Ryan Noonan, Old Country Road Elementary Orchestra

• Saanvi Patel, East Street Elementary Chorus

• Sheyis Paul, Lee Avenue Elementary Chorus

• Leah Pernell, Fork Lane Elementary Chorus

• Kaylin Pineda Ayala, East Street Elementary Chorus

• Phoemela Poe, Burns Avenue Elementary Orchestra

• Erik Porter, East Street Elementary Chorus

• Jeanette Pinto, Burns Avenue Elementary Chorus

• Liam Price, Fork Lane Elementary Chorus

• Grace Raje, Lee Avenue Elementary Chorus

• Anastasia Ramfos, East Street Elementary Chorus

• Raquel Ridgwell, Lee Avenue Elementary Chorus

• Jaanai Saenz, Burns Avenue Elementary Band

• Aiden Sandoval, Dutch Lane Elementary Chorus

• Snehpreet Singh, Lee Avenue Elementary Chorus

• Namanpreet Singh Saund, Woodland Elementary Orchestra

• Aksa Shajan, Burns Avenue Elementary Chorus

• Ronak Talreja, Woodland Avenue Elementary Chorus

• Shobal Thomas, East Street Elementary Chorus

• Ava Viniaratos, Woodland Avenue Elementary Chorus

• Oliver Wen, Fork Lane Elementary Chorus

• Austin Zhao, Lee Avenue Elementary Chorus

• Vincent Zhao, Lee Avenue Elementary Chorus

• Michelle Zara, Fork Lane Elementary Chorus

• Rida Zia, East Street Elementary Chorus

Long Island fifth graders performing at The Division 1 East All-County Music Festival held at The Tilles Center in Brookville on Jan. 8 hosted by The Nassau Music Educators Music Association.

Photo courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools

Bethpage HS families attend Wellness Night

sionals and Bethpage’s PPS staff.

The Bethpage Union Free School District held its Wellness Night: A K–12 Parent Academy on Jan. 18 at Bethpage High School. The evening was open to all Bethpage parents of K-12 students. The event featured informative presentations and a variety of booths from community organizations for parents to visit.

Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Michael Spence, Executive Director of PPS and Special Education Lisa Lucchesi and Director of Guidance Thomas Kenny coordinated the community event. Parents took their seats in the high school auditorium where Superintendent of Schools David Schneider welcomed them and spoke about the importance of focusing on student wellness, especially after a global pandemic.

“This world of wellness is something that we’ve been working on prior to the pandemic,” said Mr. Schneider. “The pandemic only exacerbated it even further. We’ve been working within our team and

outside with resources to help understand the best ways to support your children. Tonight, is one of those nights that we help explain some of that and provide some of those resources to you so that you can help your children as well. The school and community partnership is vital to your children’s success.”

He then introduced Dr. Carol Oris, child psychologist, who presented on how to help students overcome mental health challenges. She educated parents on the obstacles that children face today, common warning signs for anxiety and depression, the importance of protective factors, how to build a child’s resilience and more.

The second presentation of the evening was hosted by Dr. Vera Feurer and GinaMarie Bounds from Northwell Health. Both part of the Northwell School Based Mental Health Administration Team, they spoke to parents about the Bethpage Union Free School District’s new partnership with Northwell Health’s Behavioral Health

Center. Starting on Feb. 1, this partnership will help students and families get the care they need in a timely manner without going to an emergency room. Aside from the supports in school from pupil personnel staff, a student who is in crisis can utilize Northwell Health’s Behavioral Health Center in Mineola to create a care plan, receive referrals, connect with providers and more. Northwell Health will also provide professional development for Bethpage staff, a training program for high school students, newsletters, and education forums for the community. After the informative presentation, parents were welcome to attend one more session based on their child’s grade level. Elementary parents heard from school psychologists Kristina Spiess and Dr. Maggie Kammerer about the Zones of Regulation and were educated on different

strategies that they could use at home with their children. Secondary school parents heard from school psychologist Dr. Louis Ricci and counselor Jay Benjamin about modern parenting and how to overcome challenges.

Throughout the evening, parents were welcome to visit the booths that were stationed in the high school lobby. Members of Bethpage High School’s Students Against Destructive Decisions Club, along with community groups such as the Long Island Crisis Center, the YES Community Counseling Center, the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, and Pride for Youth, were able to provide resources. The event was a great way for the Bethpage Union Free School District and the community to come together to support its children.

Gina-Marie Bounds (right) from Northwell Health spoke to Bethpage families about the resources they provide.

Parents attended presentations throughout the evening from mental health profes-

Members of Bethpage High School’s Students Against Destructive Decisions Club were stationed at a booth during Bethpage Wellness Night on Jan. 18.

Child psychologist Dr. Carol Oris presented on how to help students overcome mental health challenges.

Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

Levittown’s Division Avenue High School athlete Olivia Agunzo recently reached a milestone as she gained her 1,000th point on the girls basketball team.

Olivia reached her 1,000th point during the home game against North Shore on Dec. 28. It was a celebratory occasion as she hit a free throw toward the end of a tight game. Family and

friends in the crowd made posters and brought balloons to mark the momen tous achievement. While Olivia has obtained such a bright moment in her athletic career, she continues to confi dently look ahead to the future.

“I’m very proud of myself,” Olivia said, “but I’m more focused on what’s to come.”

Coaches, teammates and family celebrated the achievement.

Division Avenue High School athlete Olivia Agunzo scored her 1,000th point at the Dec. 28 home game against North Shore.

Photos courtesy of Levittown Public Schools