Mid-Island Times (3/8/24)

Major upgrades underway at TOB golf course

A $5 million upgrade is underway at the Town of Oyster Bay's Hon. Joseph Colby Golf Course in Woodbury. Improvements include new tee boxes on all 18 holes along with a new irrigation system for the entire course. The course will open to the public on April 1st, however, all holes will be played with temporary tees until early June when the new tee boxes are completed. The irrigation replacement project will continue throughout the season; however, the course will remain open with little interruption.

“We strive to deliver a great experience for all golfers at our course and these improvements will certainly enhance the playing experience once complete,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “Make your reservation, enjoy the beautiful course and spend the day in the Town of Oyster Bay.”

Seniors Ankur Raghavan and Arsh Singh from Bethpage High School were recently named finalists in the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program. The two students are among 15,000 finalists who will continue in the competition with the hopes of receiving a Merit Scholarship award.

In the fall of 2023, both Raghavan and Singh were rec-

ognized as semifinalists in the program based on their outstanding scores on the 2022 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. To earn the finalist title, the students had to submit a scholarship application with additional details such as their academic record and an essay. As finalists, both Raghavan and Singh earned a Certificate of Merit.

This year, approximately 7,140 National Merit Scholarships will be presented to students based on their abilities, skills and accomplishments. According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, about half of the finalists are expected to win a scholarship and earn the Merit Scholar title.

Registration is now underway for the 2024 golf season.  The Honorable Joseph Colby Town of Oyster Bay Golf Course is situated on 121-acres of Long Island’s coveted Gold Coast.  It is a challenging 18-hole, par 70, championship golf course that features meticulously manicured greens complete with cascading waterfalls, narrow fairways, water holes, sand and grass bunkers, as well as a putting green.  Completing the scene is a turn-of-thecentury mansion that offers a state-of-the-art catering venue that sits majestically in the heart of our beautiful golf course.  The ambience of this one-time Gold Coast estate is rich with elegance and hospitality, but updated with modern amenities.  People can enjoy a round of golf as well as the incredible setting while dining outdoors course side or hosting a private event.

Visitors are welcome to utilize the Lucas Golf Center at the Oyster Bay Driving Range and Pro Shop, under the management of PGA Director of Golf Bob Miller, which offers a full range of golf services.  Instruction is available for all levels of golfing ability, beginner through advanced. Golfers can inquire about private lessons, group lessons and clinics at the practice range and on the course. The Pro Shop is stocked with brand name merchandise for all your golfing needs.  For more information on instruction, driving range hours and the Pro Shop, please visit www.LucasGolfCenter.com  or call (516) 364-3600 to speak to a PGA professional.

Bethpage seniors Ankur Raghavan (middle right) and Arsh Singh (middle left) were recognized as finalists in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program. Pictured with Superintendent of Schools Dave Schneider (left) and Bethpage High School Principal Nicholas Jantz (right).

Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

Hicksville Middle School students recently recognized the Year of the Dragon by making lucky cat decorations, red envelopes, and lanterns in honor of this year’s Lunar New Year. Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations of the year among East and Southeast Asian cultures. This event fostered understanding and respect for the rich and diverse cultures seen at Hicksville Middle School.

Lunar New Year celebration Casino bus trip

Joseph Barry Columbiettes will be hosting a bus trip to the Wind Creek Bethlehem (formerly Sands) Casino Bethlehem, PA on Tuesday, March 19.

The cost of $55 per person, includes the driver’s tip and $35 slots play giveback.

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

approx. 8:30 p.m.

Parking: 999 So. Oyster Bay Road (dead end);

For reservations please call call Barbara at (516) 935-5576. Please make checks payable to Joseph Barry Columbiettes.

Are you a professional?

Model Train Show to benefit Boys & Girls Club

Trainville Hobby Depot will host a Model Train Show on Saturday, March 9, and Sunday, March 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hicksville Community Center, located at 28 West Carl Street in Hicksville. The Model Train Show includes operating model layouts coordinated by Trainville Hobby Depot. Charitable donations are being accepted at the exhibit to support the Hicksville Boys and Girls Club.

“We’re proud to partner with Trainville Hobby Depot to offer this model train show while raising charitable funds for the Hicksville Boys

and Girls Club,” said Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Laura Maier. “Assisting groups that not only bring a fun and educational experience to residents of all ages, but also help preserve our history in understanding the railroad’s role in our heritage, is a great cause.”

Area train club are invited to display operating model layouts, including N, O, HO, On30, and G scales.

Admission in to the exhibit is $7, children ages 4–11 years are $4 and entry for children under the age of 4 is free.  For further information, please visit www. trainville.com or call (516) 433-4444.

Drive collects professional clothing for veterans

New York State Senator Steve Rhoads is teaming up with Military Blue Star Mothers NY 14 to help young veterans in need of professional clothes. Military Blue Star Mothers NY 14 is a local organization dedicated to supporting and honoring our military service members and their families. As a group of mothers who have sons and daughters who are currently serving or have served in the United States Armed Forces, they understand the importance of providing resources and support to those who have bravely served our country.

From March 1 through April 1, Senator Rhoads and Military Blue Star Mothers NY 14 will be collecting professional clothes to support young veterans in New York looking to start their professional careers and dress for success. New or lightly used dress clothes will be accepted like dress shirts, dress pants, ties, suits, overcoats, sports jackets, blazers, dress socks, dress shoes, vests, and belts. This initiative aims to not only provide these young veterans with the necessary attire to succeed in their job interviews and professional settings, but also to show our support and appreciation for their service to our country. State Senator Steve Rhoads and Military Blue Star Mothers NY 14 hope to make a positive impact on the lives of these young veterans and help them transition into civilian life with confidence and success. Senator Rhoads encourages everyone to take a moment to clean out their closets and donate to this worthy cause, because every little

bit helps in making a difference in the lives of our veterans. He also thanks Verity Van Lines for their support in providing the collection boxes to make this drive successful.

Senator Rhoads said, “We are going to make it a March to remember our military heroes! Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our freedoms, and it is our duty to support them in any way we can. This professional clothing drive is just one small way we can give back to those who have given so much. The drive will not only benefit the veterans, but it will also bring the community together to support our heroes as well as serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our brave service members and the importance of giving back to those who have defended our country.”

There are 5 drop off locations for residents to drop off professional clothes:

• Seaford Public Library (2234 Jackson Ave # A, Seaford, NY 11783)

• Bellmore Memorial Library (2288 Bedford Avenue, Bellmore, NY)

• Wantagh Public Library (3285 Park Ave, Wantagh, NY 11793)

• Levittown Public Library (1 Bluegrass Ln, Levittown, NY 11756)

• Senator Rhoads District Office (4236 Merrick Road, First Floor, Massapequa, NY 11758)

For more information on Senator Rhoads’ Professional Clothing Drive for Veterans or any legislative matter, please contact Senator Rhoads’ District Office a 516-882-0630 or rhoads@nysenate.gov.

Photo courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools

Volunteers wanted for Dune Grass Planting Day

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced a great environmental volunteer initiative for those who love visiting the beach and helping to protect the shoreline. The Town of Oyster Bay will host its annual ‘Dune Day’ grass planting program to help stabilize the beach dunes, on Saturday, March 23, at TOBAY Beach. The event begins at 10 a.m.

“The Town’s Dune Stabilization Project brings together residents of all ages in an effort to protect and preserve our beautiful shoreline and environment by planting stalks of dune grass,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “Year after year, this event is a great opportunity for school groups, Boy and Girl Scout troops, and other environmentally-conscious organizations to help protect Mother Earth while having fun!”

Dunes along the south shore contin-

ue to face environmentally damaging storms that have a significant impact on the beach.  Statistics indicate that the planting of dune grass provides a natural shield that is perfect for withstanding storm surges and high winds.

“The Dune Stabilization Project helps preserve the beach and barrier island for future generations,” said Councilwoman Michele Johnson. “Volunteers work alongside Town officials and crews, as well as residents from across the Town who share an interest in helping preserve TOBAY Beach.”

Early registration is not necessary to participate. To register in advance as a volunteer, residents can visit www.oysterbaytown.com/volunteerform. For additional information, contact the Department of Environmental Resources at (516) 677-5943 or email environmental@oysterbay-ny.gov.

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Toddler Sports Program for Spring 2024

The Town of Oyster Bay’s Toddler Sports Program will return this spring, beginning April 1. This 6-week program offers sports classes at the Hicksville Athletic Center for children ages 3 and 4.

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

The Toddler Sports Program begins April 1 and is 6 weeks in duration. Residents who sign their toddler up for the program must choose one class per week, per child. Classes will take place on:

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

Hicksville; and

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

Registration will take place ONLINE through the Parks Portal available at oysterbaytown.com/portal on March 4, at 9:00 a.m. Space is limited- first come, first serve. Registration will close when the program reaches full capacity.

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

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

Do you have a ser vice to adver tise?

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

Town Clerk Kate Murray congratulated Wisdom Lane Middle School students Rayquon Eisner-Perry, Sariah Evans, Dominic Grauso, Belkiz Mamum, Zebastian Melendez, Matthew Petrelli and Mahtab Singh as they were named “Terrific Kids” by the Levittown Kiwanis Club. Also attending were Levittown Kiwanians Phyllis Camillone, Pat Carney and Diane Mortagua; Levittown Kiwanis Advisor Scott Hass; Superintendent of Schools Todd Winch; Principal John Avena; Assistant Principal Craig Arvelo-Shaw; and Nassau County Legislator Tom McKevitt.

Town Clerk Kate Murray congratulated Wisdom Lane Middle School students Nathan Jin, Maisha Mamun, Amira Maqsood, Eva Popescu, Sophia Viola and Christopher Williams as they were named “Terrific Kids” by the Levittown Kiwanis Club. Also attending were Levittown Kiwanians Phyllis Camillone, Pat Carney and Diane Mortagua; Levittown Kiwanis Advisor Scott Hass; Superintendent of Schools Todd Winch; Principal John Avena; Assistant Principal Craig Arvelo-Shaw; and Nassau County Legislator Tom McKevitt.

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St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Bethpage

Reception celebrates Levittown’s student artists, musicians

Levittown High School's artists and musicians were honored at a recption at Levittown Public Library.

On February 15, New York State Senator Steve Rhoads, Legislator Tom McKevitt, Legislator John Ferretti, and Assemblyman John Mikulin celebrated the talented artists and musicians from Division Ave High School at the Levittown Public Library High School Student Art Reception. It was heartwarming to see the support and encouragement from parents, teachers, and community members as they admired

and praised the students’ works. The Levittown Public Library High School Student Art Reception served as a reminder of the power of the arts to bring people together and inspire the next generation of artists and creators. Senator Rhoads congratulated all the students and teachers involved in this event and thanked the library for hosting such a wonderful celebration highlighting our local students.

On Sunday, March 3, Irish eyes were smiling on Bethpage.  A beautiful, warm and sunny day was the perfect backdrop for the 32nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  The parade stepped off following a mass at St. Martin of Tours Church.  Grand Marshal Ray O’Donnell, along with his family and friends joined our

of crowds, donned in their green along the parade route.

The festivities continued with an afterparty at St. Martin of Tours and throughout the community, well into the evening.  A special thank you to the parade committee for its efforts in supporting this annual event.

It was a grand day of celebrating in the finest Irish tradition!

Students, parents and teachers were honored for their art and music work.

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We invite you to send details of your academic achievements, along with your name and contact info, to editor@gcnews.com for a chance to be featured in our paper! Submissions from students of all ages are welcome!

Father Chistopher Costigan, Past Grand Marshals Rose Walker, Bill Quigley, Grand Marshal Ray O'Donnell, Past Grand Marshals Bill Scharen, Gab Hickey, Kevin McCabe, John McTigue, Deacon Thomas Hennessy, Frank DeBobes Sr. Photo credit: Rachel Lacsa

Front row: Past Grand Marshal Frank DeBobes Sr, Assemblymen Jake Blumencranz, Past Grand Marshals John Mctigue, Bill Scharen, Mary McCaffery, Gab Hickey, Kevin McCabe Rose Walker, NY Senator Steve Rhoads, NC Leg Joh Ferretti, Town of Oyster Bay Councilman Tom Hand, TOB Supervisor Joseph Salidadino.

Back row (left to right): Past Grand Marshal Eamon Fitzgerald, Town of Oyster Bay Councilman Louis Imbroto, Assemblyman John Milkun Grand Marshal Ray O'Donnell, Town of Oyster Bay Councilwoman Laura Maier.

veterans, bands, bagpipers, fire departments, elected officials, religious and community groups for a stroll through

downtown Bethpage to a record number

This Week at the Syosset Public Library Upcoming Events at Jericho Public Library

Friday, March 8, at 2:00 p.m.

A Night at the Oscars: Academy Awards History (VIRTUAL)

Presenter: Annette Bochenek, Ph.D., assistant professor and business information specialist at Purdue University, archivist, and film historian of Hollywood’s Golden Age

It’s time to get red carpet-ready! Join film historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents the history of the Academy Awards and some of its memorable moments, while also showcasing previous Best Picture winners and this year’s Best Picture nominees. No registration needed. For Zoom link, go to syossetlibrary.org.

Saturday, March 9, at 10:30 a.m.

Blooms in Color Painting Class (IN-PERSON)

Presenter: Madhumita Sen, Ph.D., painter and neurobiologist

Join us for a day of creativity and learn the art of painting vibrant tulips with acrylics. The instructor will guide you through each brushstroke, helping you create a masterpiece to take home that captures the essence of these stunning flowers. Fee $5. Registration required. Register at syossetlibrary.org.

Monday, March 11, at 2:00 p.m.

The Secrets of the NYC Subway (VIRTUAL)

Presenter: Oscar Israelowitz, author

Where can one find the most ornate subway station in the entire New York City subway system? Where can one see man eating alligators coming out of a manhole cover and eating a subway passenger? In this lecture you will be presented with many secrets of the subway system. No registration needed. For Zoom link, go to syossetlibrary.org.

Thursday, March 14, from 1:30 -3:30 p.m.

Seniors of Syosset Drop-In Session (IN-PERSON)

Learn about social work support, community health nursing, and subsidized transportation to local medical appointments and free bus transportation for shopping, as well as other activities and services, offered to Syosset residents through the Naturally Occurring Retirement Community program funded by the NYS Office for the Aging. These services are only available to residents of Syosset proper, age 60 and over. For those living in the surrounding area, staff can provide referrals to other

resources that may address your needs.

Thursday, March 14, at 2:00 p.m.

Behind Closed Doors: The Secret Lives of Presidents and First Ladies (IN-PERSON)

Presenters: Howard Ehrlich and Harvey Sackowitz, professors, St. John’s University

Wouldn’t it be great to be a fly on the wall and witness many of the facets of the lives of our presidents and first ladies? Well, now you will have a chance to hear some of the extraordinary stories that many Americans do not know about our first families. No Registration needed.

Friday, March 15, at 10:00 a.m.

Simply Stronger with Balance (VIRTUAL)

Instructor: Mindy Vasta

Hand held weights, a resistance band and ball are utilized to help you improve strength, flexibility and coordination. A balance segment is incorporated into the program to enhance posture, core strength and promote proper alignment of all muscle groups. This is a Zoomonly program for adults 18+. Seven sessions. Registration required. Register at syossetlibrary.org.

Friday, March 15, at 10:30 a.m.

Natural Spring Cleaning (IN-PERSON)

Presenter: Janice Imbrogno

Spring is the perfect time to freshen up your home. In this class, you will learn why it is important to eliminate toxic chemicals from your home and how to replace them with effective non-toxic cleaning products. Registration needed.  Register at syossetlibrary.org.

Friday, March 15, at 2:00 p.m.

Gold Coast Gardens (IN-PERSON)

Presenter: Monica Randall

At the turn of the 20th century, there were hundreds of Gold Coast mansions that were surrounded by miles of formal gardens replicating those at Versailles and the Grand Palaces of Europe. This illustrated program will take you on a tour of these spectacular gardens here on Long Island. Registration needed.  Register at syossetlibrary.org.

Friday, March 15, at 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Retro Gaming Night (IN-PERSON)

Stop by the first floor of the library after-hours for an evening of retro arcade and board games.  There’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy. Hosted by LI-Retro Gaming and Master Games.

Sunday, March 10

1 p.m.: Teens: Sketch & StretchJoin Sketch-n-Stretch for a fun & relaxing yoga practice followed by a creative spring themed painting lesson. Every student will exit this program with a completed painted canvas! Wear comfortable clothes. A yoga mat & art supplies will be provided.

Monday, March 11

2 p.m.: VIRTUAL: Profiles with Dr. William Thierfelder: Stolen!Throughout history, women have often been sidelined, either due to peer pressure, lack of opportunity, or flat-out sexism. Many times, women who invented items — from disposable diapers to Monopoly — weren’t given credit for their work. Women are responsible for early sketches of the computer, the discovery of the DNA double helix and even splitting the atom. But men claimed those advancements as their own. This program explores 12 things most people don’t know were invented by women.

Wednesday, March 13

2 p.m.: VIRTUAL: Leonard Bernstein & Broadway with Stephen Nachamie, Stage & Film Director -

Stephen will celebrate the life, work and collaborations of the great Leonard Bernstein on Broadway. With the recent release of Bradley Cooper’s biopic “Maestro,” there is a resurgence of interest in the life and times of the composer. We’ll discuss his many Broadway collaborations including Jerome Robbins, Comden and Green, Stephen Sondheim and shows such as “On the Town,” “West Side Story” and  “Wonderful Town.” Don’t miss it!

Friday, March 15

2 p.m.: VIRTUAL: Great Performers with Marc Courtade: Anne Bancroft: Tough & Vulnerable - Anne Bancroft was noted for her work on stage, in films and television during her 50-year career. She eagerly sought out parts as diverse as Annie Sullivan in  “The Miracle Worker” and Mrs. Robinson in  “The Graduate.” She repeatedly won praise as well as an Academy Award, two Tonys and two Emmy Awards. Director Arthur Penn simply put it this way: “More happens in her face in 10 seconds than happens in most women’s faces in 10 years.” This talk will celebrate the life and career of an extraordinary woman and performer.

Town launches pet food, supplies partnership with LI Cares

The Town of Oyster Bay will once again host a Pet Food & Supply Drive in partnership with Long Island Cares. The drive will take place from March 1 to March 31 with a focus on collecting for the family members most vulnerable to hunger, residents’ pets. Long Island Cares formed Baxter’s Pet Pantry in 2009 to assist in feeding dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, caged pets, fish, reptiles and all others considered family members.

“Unfortunately, many pets are oftentimes placed into shelters or given away because families cannot afford the necessary food and supplies,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “When struggling families have to make choices to heat their homes, buy medication or feed their own families, pets can become an afterthought. Pet food drives like this one can be a real lifesaver for both pets and their families.”

The creation of Baxter’s Pet Pantry by Long Island Cares has helped distribute

Getting married?

over one million pounds of pet food, all of which has been donated through pet food drives like this one and corporate donations.

“These pet food and supply donation drives can help countless animals stay at home with their loved ones,” said Councilman Tom Hand. “The Town is proud to once again partner with Long Island Cares for this important cause.”

Those interested in supporting the Town’s Pet Food & Supply Drive can place donated items in drop-off boxes located at both Town Hall offices, including Town Hall North at 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay, and Town Hall South at 977 Hicksville Road in Massapequa, during regular business hours.

Town Hall locations are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.  For more information, visit www.licares.org or call the Town’s Public Information Office at (516) 624-6380.

Plaintiff, Against LAWRENCE COSTA, STEPHANIE COSTA, ET AL, Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 10/18/2017, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 4/2/2024 at 3:00PM, premises known as 5 Washington Avenue, Hicksville, New York 11801, And Described As Follows:

ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being At Hicksville, Town of Oyster Bay, County Of Nassau And State Of New York.

Section 12 Block 321 Lot 6

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $348,971.62 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 15-004170

If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.

Ralph Madalena, Esq., Referee.

MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573

Dated: 2/6/2024 File Number: 15-312598 CA

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE

STATE OF NEW YORK

SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF NASSAU

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE (CWALT 2004-2CB), Plaintiff, v.

JASON FELS, ET AL, Defendants.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT

In pursuance of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the Office of the County Clerk of Nassau County on August 16, 2023, I, Thomas A. Abbate, Esq., Esq. the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on April 02, 2024 at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Ct. Dr., Mineola, NY 11501 located at 262 Old Country Road, Mineola, NY, at 2:00PM the premises described as follows:

17 Bunker Lane Hicksville, NY 11801 1746 470 39

ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND situate in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau, State of New York.

The premises are sold subject to the provisions of the filed judgment, Index No. 001382/2017 in the amount of $556,142.15 plus interest and costs. Any purchaser at sale will bid on the property subject to any demolition order issued by the Town of Oyster Bay now or in the future. The property will be sold "as is" at the time of sale, whether the structure still stands and improves the premises or whether the structure has been demolished. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the Court System's 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.

Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP

Attorneys for Plaintiff

500 Bausch & Lomb Place Rochester, NY 14604 Tel.: 855-227-5072

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF SALE

OTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE AS SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF BEAR STEARNS ASSET BACKED SECURITIES I LLC, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007AQ1, Plaintiff, vs GEORGE HUDAK, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on March 10, 2020, 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 25, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 170 North 3rd Street, Bethpage, NY 11714. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in Bethpage in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 46, Block 44 and Lots 44-46. Approximate amount of judgment is $594,380.56 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 8116/2013. 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. John Kennedy, Esq., Referee Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff

NASSAU COUNTY BID NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

BETHPAGE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT BETHPAGE, NEW YORK 11714

BID # 003-2425

Chromebook Parts Bid

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that sealed bids will be received by the Board of Education of the Bethpage Union Free School District, Town of Oyster Bay, Bethpage, New York. BID # 003-2425 for Chromebook Parts Bids will be publicly opened and read on March 26, 2024 at 11:00 AM in the Administration Building, 10 Cherry Avenue, Bethpage, New York.

Bids must be (1) submitted to the Board of Education, Bethpage Union Free School District, on the bid form furnished by the District; (2) in accordance with the specifications in the bid solicitation; (3) enclosed in sealed envelope bearing (a) name and address of the bidder, (b) Chromebook Parts #003-2425, March 26, 2024, 11:00 AM and (4) delivered no later than 10:00 a.m. on March 26, 2024– Attention: Scott Harrington, Assistant Superintendent for Business, Bethpage Union Free School District, Administration Building, 10 Cherry Avenue, Bethpage, New York 11714.

The Board reserves the right to reject any and all bids which in its discretion are not in the best interest of the school district, and to waive any informality as to non-material errors or omissions in the submissions. Bid specifications and all applicable terms and conditions may be obtained via email by contacting Sara Minieri at Sminieri@Bethpage.ws. Please contact

Bethpage Business Office with any questions regarding this bid at 516-6444030.

NASSAU COUNTY FORECLOSURE NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE   SUPREME

COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for Lehman XS Trust Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-4N, Plaintiff AGAINST Parminder Chandi; et al., Defendant(s)   Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 20, 2020 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 3, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 253 Haypath Road, Old Bethpage, NY 11804.  All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Old Bethpage, in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 47 Block 31 Lot 12.  Approximate amount of judgment $578,244.15 plus interest and costs.  Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 010267/2015.  The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the Tenth Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held "Rain or Shine."  Charles J. Casolaro, Esq., Referee  LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 4304792  Dated: February 6, 2024

Friday, March 8, 2024 COUNTY NOTICE SUPREME

OF NASSAU Association, Lehman XS Trust Pass-Through 2006-4N, Parminder Defendant(s)   Judgment of Sale duly 20, 2020 I, the will sell at North Side County 100 Supreme Mineola, NY 11501 2:00PM, 253 Bethpage, certain plot land, with the improvements lying and being the Town of of Nassau, Section 47  Approximate interest and be sold of filed 010267/2015. conducted COVID-19 Public Foreclosed by the District. Auctions will be  Charles J. Referee  LOGS f/k/a Shapiro, Attorney(s) Mile Rochester, (877) 430February 6, 2024 Directory the right the job!

LEGAL NOTICES

March 8, 2024

4 Days in Paris: Le Louvre Highlights Day 2

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

Le Louvre is SOOO big, so famous and so very popular – in fact, the world’s largest art museum at 652,300 sq. ft., housing some 35,000 objects from prehistory to the 19th century. In 2018, the Louvre welcomed 10.2 million visitors, 3.5 million more than the Vatican Museums which is the second largest in Europe. The collection is valued at well over $35 billion plus another $10 billion for the building!

Once the home to French Kings including Louis XIV, this monumental palace began as a fortress built in the late 12th century under King Philip II. It was converted to a museum during the French Revolution in the late 18th century. (Hence my observation that such magnificent structures that make Paris so fabulous could only have been built by a monarchy, but opened to the public by a democracy.)

The galleries span 15 acres, which is why, except for the Mona Lisa and some of the other majorly famous items, it is possible for 15,000 people a day to come through and you can still have some areas almost to yourself.

It is massive and overwhelming –like culture shock, really, especially after having visited the comparatively calm Musee D’Orsay the day before. The connecting rooms through three wings of the palace that surround the massive courtyard seem to go on and on and on. Considering that it would take 100 days to see all the art in Le Louvre. I decide the best thing is to just go with the flow – and get the Mona Lisa out of the way – and then just wander and be surprised. (Besides the Mona Lisa, the other blockbuster attractions are Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory.)

It is also one of the most fabulous

Just being in Le Louvre, housed in a fabulous palace built for kings, is thrilling enough, but coming upon such iconic works as DaVinci’s “Mona Lisa” and the Code of Hammurabi, makes for an incomparable experience © Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com

buildings you will ever have the chance to visit, and just going room by room (be sure to look up at the decorated ceilings), is thrilling.

I follow the signs - and the crowdinto the hall with the Mona Lisa, “La Gioconda.”

It’s a bit of a jungle to make your way to the painting (they could have alleviated by putting up ropes that guide you along, like they do outside at the ticket counter, which would also give everyone their turn at seeing the painting from all angles). I move through the middle, row by row.

The sitter for the portrait is believed to be Lisa Gherardini (14791542) who lived in Florence, the wife of Francesco del Giocondo, a wealthy silk merchant. “Leonardo aimed to bring his portrait to life by depicting Lisa as if she were naturally turning to welcome us. Her upper body is in three-quarter view, but her gently smiling face is frontal,” a poster analyzing the painting notes.

I learn that Leonardo da Vinci

used the afumato painting technique of applying multiple layers of pigments bound in oil to create subtle transitions from shadow to light, which is how he brought his model’s gentle smile to life.

Leonardo began this partially experimental painting around 1503 and never finished it. Yet, it is intriguing to learn that he took it with him everywhere he went, until his final trip to France in 1516 at the invitation of King Francois I. The king bought the painting, which is how the “Mona Lisa” entered the French royal collection.

Near to where you exit from Mona Lisa is a great hall (a ballroom, perhaps?) lined with monumental historical paintings.

There is one where Emperor Napoleon is crowning the Empress Josephine. Another depicting Napoleon at the Battlefield of Eylau (9 February 1807), a battle Napoleon’s troops won against Russians and Prussians but paid a high price in

lives. I also come upon JacquesLouis David’s portrait of General Bonaparte (1769-1821) when he was a young dashing fellow (1797-1798).

You realize that such paintings (as well as statues, busts, coins and stamps) were the only way people could record what someone looked like or a historic event (and therefore eminently exploitable for propaganda).

After getting the Mona Lisa under my belt, I just kind of wander, with no specific plan, just being surprised as I go through palatial rooms. (As a general rule, the further away from the Mona Lisa you get, the less crowded until you find rooms that you can have almost to yourself.)

As it happens, I practically fall upon another of Le Louvre’s famous statues, “The Winged Victory of Samothrace,” that graces the top of the monumental Daru staircase. Dating from 190 BC, “Winged Victory” is of major importance because it is one of the few surviving examples of original Hellenistic sculpture.

But at one point, I decide to search for the Venus de Milo – the third in the triumvirate of Le Louvre’s iconic works - get lost, and, instead, find myself amid Mesopotamian, Greek and Roman artifacts, instead (I never find Venus).

In fact, I am stunned to stumble upon the Code of Hammurabi - in fact, one of the most exciting works in the Louvre. This black stele of basalt stands over two meters high and is engraved with the earliest collection of written laws in human history. It was engraved in Babylon (today’s Iraq) around 1760 BC and recovered in 1901 in Susa (present-day Iran). (The Ten Commandments is dated between 16th and 13th centuries BCE.)

Continued on next page

4 Days in Paris: Le Louvre Highlights Day 2

Hammurabi was the first sovereign who decided to convert rules formerly passed on through oral tradition into an actual code of laws – the most famous of which boils down to “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.”

Le Louvre is really a palace – one of the grandest you have ever seen or have the opportunity to be in. Just walking through the galleries, so opulently decorated from floor to ceiling, the ornamentation is quite fabulous.

If your schedule allows and you book early enough, visit the Louvre Museum at night when the vibe is less frenetic and the famous pyramid is illuminated. (Wednesday and Friday, open until 9:45 pm.). Otherwise try to book a morning time as early as possible.

There are ways to avoid waiting in a long line to get into the Louvre: purchase the Paris Museum Pass (you still must book a time slot in order to guarantee access into the museum; you provide the serial number of your Museum Pass, https://www.ticketlouvre.fr/louvre/ b2c/index.cfm/pmpevent/eventCode/ PMP); book a timed entry ticket online in advance at the official  Louvre website, €17 (https://www.louvre.fr/ en/visit/hours-admission); or take a tour (https://www.getyourguide.com/ louvre-museum-l3224/).

Le Louvre, https://www.louvre.fr/en/ visit/.

Ile de la Cite

I cross the Seine on the Pont Royale and walk along the Quai Voltaire to return to the Isle de Cite for another look at Notre-Dame Cathedral, hoping to see workmen on a Monday.

The tragic fire in April 2019 destroyed so much of the iconic 860-year-old limestone and the latticework of ancient timbers that formed Notre-Dame’s attic, melted the roof’s lead sheath, and endangered the stability of the stone structure. The cathedral’s spire was sent crash-

Coming upon the Code of Hammurabi stele at Le Louvre © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

ing into the interior. It has since been raised again, “one of the most visible and most potent symbols of the cathedral’s rebirth,” a newspaper account states.

There is an outstanding photo exhibit by photographer Tomas van Houtryve with notes documenting the dramatic story of Notre-Dame’s restoration.

“I trained with teams of rope technicians, perched on ancient stones above the abyss, to access the heights of the cathedral,” Photographer Tomas van Houtryve relates. “It felt more like being on an alpine expedition than in the center of Paris. Bit by bit, the technicians carefully removed debris and consolidated stones.”

While I am standing in front of this exhibit, I learn that Jean-Louis Georgelin, the French general in charge of Notre-Dame’s reconstruction, had died just three days before, on August 18, in a fall while trekking in the Pyrenees mountains; he was 74 years old.

“We are rebuilding Notre-Dame identically,” Georgelin had stated. “But we are building a 21st-century cathedral.”

So far, the plan is to reopen in December (it would have been a miracle to reopen in time for the Olympics this summer). But renovation work — especially on the exterior — will continue for years after the cathedral reopens for religious services and visitors (12 million used to visit every year).

From Île de la Cité, I cross Pont Saint-Louis to Île Saint-Louis – more of a residential neighborhood with pleasant boulangeries, quaint cafes and delightful ice cream shops, and find a small park overlooking the Seine to enjoy my ice cream.

For a different Parisian experience, I had checked out my junior suite in the five-star boutique luxury historic Hotel Napoleon just steps away from the Arc de Triomphe in the tony 8th Arrondisement, and take an Uber to my hotel for the second part of my Paris visit, Le 20 Prieure Hotel, a modest but pleasant three star in the Marais district which I find on hotels.com (my booking includes breakfast).

From here the Ile Saint-Louis, it’s

More All-America Selections Flower Winners

BY JEFF RUGG

Finding the red, white and blue logo of All-America Selections on seed packets, bedding plant tags or catalogs will help you find flowers and vegetables that will grow great in your garden. Last week, we discussed the three vegetable winners for 2024 and three of the flower winners. Today, we finish with five more flower winners.

The judges evaluate the plants all season long, not at the end of the season. The flowering plants are evaluated for desirable qualities such as novel flower forms, flower colors, flowers held above the leaves, fragrance, length of flowering season and disease or pest tolerances or

resistance.

The first three species are long-time favorites. These new winners are more colorful and more disease resistant than ever before. If your garden has a lot of shade, you have probably been growing Impatiens. Solarscape XL Pink Jewel is a hybrid between species of Impatiens, so it will tolerate more sun than many in the genus and is more disease resistant to downy mildew. The plants grow about 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide. It was judged to have grown well in both pots and flower beds.

If your garden has a lot of sun, then you have probably grown marigolds. Siam Gold only grows 18 inches tall, but the or-

a mostly straight shot walking across the bridge and up Rue Vielle du Temple Boulevard to my hotel, Le 20 Prieure Hotel (20 Rue du Grand Prieuré, 75011 Paris, https://www.hotel20prieure.com/ en/) about two miles through the Marais District.

Today, Le Marais district is considered “trendy” with charming streets full of hip cafes, boutiques, and bookstores, Gay Pride flags and rainbow-painted crosswalks, and street art.

The Marais, though, was once a predominantly Jewish neighborhood, that still has the marks, remnants, and scars of being uprooted in the Holocaust.

I come upon Allee Des Justes Parmi Les Nations, which I quickly realize borders the Shoah Memorial Center, a museum, information and research center on the history of the genocide of the Jews in World War II.

This 60 meter section of the rue Grenier sur l‘Eau was transformed into the ‘Allée des Justes’ 12 years ago, and refers back to the “Righteous Among the Nations,” a title awarded by the World Holocaust Center in Jerusalem, Yad Vashem, to non-Jews who risked their lives during World War II by helping Jews to hide, flee or survive. The memorial lists the names of the French ‘Justes’ and the locations of their deeds.

A street sign points the way to the Museum of Jewish Art & History, and I put it on my list to visit.

Many of these attractions are included in the Paris Museum Pass, http:// en.parismuseumpass.com/ and Paris Pass (ParisPass.com).

More planning help from the Paris Tourist Office, https://parisjetaime.com/ eng/. Online ticketing at https://parisjetaime.com/eng/tickets.

Next: Day3 in the Marais

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

Crossword Answers

ange flower balls can be 4 inches across. These large flowers are held on top of the plant for the whole season. As one flower ball starts to fade, cut it off to make room for more. Marigolds are heat- and drought-tolerant, but don’t abuse them. Give them enough water and they will reward you with color all summer.

Who hasn’t grown petunias? They grow well for just about everyone except in full shade gardens. Sure Shot White is the ninth petunia in the Sure Shot group, which includes red, blue, pink and purple varieties. These petunias grow in a mound shape that works well in hang-

Continued on next page

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

My family and I get a kick out of running into people at various places when traveling or taking day trips. Those impromptu conversations that we strike up with strangers, with people that we just happen to run into, are often just as much fun as seeing the sights we set out to see. Case in point: my brother, Greg, went to the New Bedford Whaling Museum in Massachusetts a few months ago and he wore his FDNY cap. The cap was the one our nephew gave him the Christmas after September 11, 2001.

A man stopped Greg and asked if FDNY stood for “Fire Department New York.” When Greg replied that it did, he extended his hand to shake Greg’s and said that his name was Ken and he had worked for the FDNY, too. Greg said he hadn’t worked there but that his nephew had and it was his nephew who had given him the cap.

Greg then asked where in New York he was from. Ken said Brooklyn, near Marine Park and Greg said that he had grown up on E. 31st Street near Ave. J. At which point, Ken said he’d actually grown up on E. 40th Street near Ave. J.

Wondering if Ken had gone to a certain Catholic elementary school in that neighborhood, Greg asked. Ken said he had but he and Greg’s graduation classes were four years apart. Still, they’d had certain teachers in common and both had good memories of their formative years there.

Introducing Greg to his wife, Betsy, Ken said he liked the museum. The half scale model whaling ship was especially cool, Ken pointed out, and a docent who was standing nearby was great about answering questions.

The three parted ways and headed to their cars feeling not like strangers but as friends. My siblings and I enjoyed hearing about Greg’s adventure. Then Michelle told us the story of when she and mom went to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. and browsed for a few minutes then went their separate ways. Agreeing to meet two hours later at a certain location, they caught up with each other in the rotunda under a huge statue of an elephant.

As Michelle approached their meeting spot, she saw mom chatting and laughing with a small group of nuns all wearing the old habit. In short order my mother discovered that they were visiting from Spokane, Washington. Mom’s cousin, Mary, had married and moved there years before. She had raised her three kids then worked full-time as a teacher.

Eventually Mary retired and stayed in the area with her husband because they liked it so much. Plus they had grown children and several grandchildren in that area. It turned out that yes, the nuns knew Mary from church. It’s a small world, they all said and mom heartily agreed.

I mentioned some of these stories at a family party and my nephew, Patrick,

said that some things are stranger than fiction. Laughing at his comment, I said that wasn’t true in these cases, it was more a matter of coincidence.

It certainly wasn’t strange about Greg going to the New Bedford Whaling Museum in Massachusetts or Michelle and mom seeing the attractions at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. plus meeting that group of nuns from Spokane. Neither story was fiction. Both had happened.

By now several other people had gathered around and of course my brothers and sisters knew exactly what I was talking about so they verified the story. All of this discussion about whether something was true or false was turning into a comedy session in the Lynch family and not to be outdone, my niece, Kylie, said she was in the play “Sister Act” in college and she played the part of Sr. Mary Robert. When they were all singing “I Will Follow Him” she happened to look out at the audience and who was there but Whoopi Goldberg.

Thinking that perhaps she was imagining it, Kylie blinked and looked again. Sure enough it was Whoopi Goldberg not conducting and singing the song but watching as an audience member. And she was smiling and bopping along to the music so obviously she liked the performance. I won’t mention which college this was but suffice it to say that her presence surprised Kylie and her classmates.

The musical was fun to do in college, Kylie said. It was funny and serious but the icing on the cake was definitely when they, the nuns’ chorus, all sang “I Will Follow Him” as the finale. It was a dramatic song and in the movie it was sung for the pope and several cardinals.

Glancing over at Joe and some of my other younger nieces and nephews, I noticed that they seemed a little interested in this topic. I say “a little” because this, too, was ancient history to them. “Sister Act” came out in 1992 - Joe was just four years old when Whoopi was playing the parts of Sr. Mary Clarence and Deloris Van Cartier.

Mumbling to myself that sometimes it really is a small world, I headed to the kitchen for a refill of iced tea. My niece, Kathleen, joined me and we both couldn’t help but laugh at this recent subject of conversation.

“How we get onto these subjects I’ll never know,” I told Kathleen, and she nodded her head in agreement. She added that she liked seeing her sister, Kylie, in the college play. “I didn’t realize she was so talented.”

I said it reminded me of when I saw the Broadway play, “Six Degrees of Separation” with the idea being that people are six or fewer social connections away from each other. A friend may be the friend of a friend and so on, proving the point that it is indeed a small world.

All I have to say is how cool is that?

This is fiction.

ing baskets, flowerpots and garden beds. The plants are under a foot tall, and the 3-inch flowers don’t need deadheading like many other petunias. You can mix the Sure Shot varieties in the same pot or flower bed as they are all similar in size, shape and flowering.

Verbenas are great low-growing flowers with delicate looking, ferny leaves that are tougher than they look. They grow in full sun and dry conditions, mak-

ing them good for clay pots and flower beds near buildings. Sweetheart Kisses has vibrant red, pink and white flowers in small clusters covering the plant. The plants are only about a foot tall and the flower clusters only a little over an inch wide, but they make up for it by growing a lot of them.

Have you ever heard of a Petchoa? How about a Calibrachoa? A calibrachoa is a small, short-lived shrub native to the same South American areas as petunias. They are genetically different from petu-

nias but close enough to allow hybrids. Some Calibrachoas are grown as flowering plants for hanging baskets. They look enough like petunias that you may have grown them without even knowing it.

Petchoas are hybrids of petunias and Calibrachoas. (See how they did that with the name?) They may be the best of both. They have the larger colorful flowers of the petunia and the nonsticky leaves of the calibrachoas. They are drought- and heat-tolerant like the Calibrachoa and cool weather-tolerant like the petunias.

Flower colors range from yellow and orange to red and pink. The dead flowers don’t stick to the leaves like petunias.

Enviva Pink is an excellent example of these new hybrids. It has bright pink 3-inch-wide flowers. The plants are a foot tall and 2 feet wide. They are great in hanging baskets and flowerbeds.

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

COPYRIGHT 2024 JEFF RUGG

DISTRIBUTED BY CREATORS

BY TOM MARGENAU

Over the past couple of months, hundreds of you have written to me because you’ve had trouble getting my book called “Social Security: Simple and Smart” from Amazon. And other times, the problem was that you wanted to get the 2024 edition of the book and you were sent a prior edition.

I won’t bother sharing with you the tales of woe my publisher and I have had with Amazon trying to get this fixed. But the good news is the problem seems to be resolved. You can now order the book from the online merchandizing giant. And if you ask for the 2024 edition of “Social Security: Simple and Smart,” you will be sent the 2024 edition. Yay!

And here is an interesting sidelight. The original cover of the book had a facsimile of a Social Security card. But where you’d normally find the Social Security number, this facsimile had the title of the book and my name. I thought it was clever and cute. Well, my former employers, the Social Security Administration, didn’t. They sent a letter to my publisher telling us we could not have the image of a Social Security card on the cover. So we are in the process of designing a new cover.

That’s an update on “Social Security: Simple and Smart.” But I’m going to spend the rest of this column reminding you that I have another book. It’s called “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.”

I think the best way to tell you about that book is to reprint here the introduction that you’ll find at the very beginning of the book. It goes like this.

“Social Security touches the lives of every American. We all have a Social Security number. Most of us work at jobs in which Social Security taxes are taken out of our paychecks, while others have their own businesses and pay self-employment taxes into the Social Security system.

“Sixty-five million people are receiving monthly Social Security checks. They are getting either retirement or disability benefits, or they are the spouse or child of someone getting such benefits, or they are the widow, widower or child of a worker who has died.

“The trillion-dollar funding of the Social Security program makes up about one-fourth of the entire federal budget of the United States.

“So, a government program that is so huge and that affects every one of us is bound to be the focus of many rumors, misunderstandings, half-truths and outright lies.

“I have spent the last half-century debunking all those myths. And now, for the first time, I have compiled a list of the top 100 myths about Social Security into one easy-to-read and easy-to-understand guidebook.

“Those myths can be broadly divided into two categories. One I will call ‘Political and Policy Myths.’ These myths frequently have to do with how the Social

SOCIAL

Book Updates

Security program is financed.

“But I suspect most people reading this book will be more interested in the second broad category, which I will call ‘Program and Practical Myths.’ These are myths about the rules and regulations for each of the various kinds of Social Security benefits -- essentially, who is eligible for which benefits, when they are eligible and how they go about getting those benefits.”

So that was the introduction. And now, here is just a sampling of the politically oriented myths that I take on in the first part of the book.

-- Social Security is going broke (Hint: the program has fiscal problems that are fixable and those reforms will keep the system from going belly up).

-- Social Security is a Ponzi scheme.

-- The government has stolen Social Security money and used it for other purposes.

-- Illegal immigrants get Social Security benefits.

-- The Social Security disability program is rife with fraud and abuse.

The second half of the book deals with program and policy myths and is further subdivided into sections clearing up myths about retirement benefits, spousal and widow’s benefits, benefits for children, disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income payments. There is also a small section on Medicare myths -- although, as I always point out to my readers, I am a Social Security expert but not much of a Medicare expert.

Here is a sampling of the myths covered in the program and policy part of the book.

-- My retirement benefit is based on my highest three years of earnings (or last five or highest 10 -- just pick your number).

-- If I stop working, or work part-time, before I start my Social Security, I will be messing up my future Social Security check.

-- There are secret or hidden rules about Social Security.

-- I can take reduced benefits from my spouse and later switch to full benefits on my own record.

-- I have to be married for 10 years before I can get benefits from my spouse’s record.

-- All disability claims are denied the first time around.

-- Children can only get benefits from a deceased parent’s Social Security record.

I recommend you read “Social Security: Simple and Smart” if you are looking for a practical guide to how Social Security works, with important information about how and when to file for various kinds of Social Security benefits. And if you want tips for dealing with issues that crop up once your benefits start.

You should read “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts” if you are sick and tired of hearing and seeing all the Social Security mumbo-jumbo that’s out there, mostly polluting the online world -- and if

you’d just like to know the truth.

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. (If ordering the “Simple and Smart” book from Amazon, click on “See all formats and editions” to make sure you are getting the 2024 edition.) Or you can send him an email at thomas. margenau@comcast.net.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Reviewing your insurance policy can save you money

It appears that we may have missed another winter with milder weather, less than 7 inches of snow, far fewer broken pipes, and probably fewer accidents and broken bones from falling on black ice. However, property sales increased in January, due to unusually milder temperatures and almost non-existent snowfall, with slightly lower rates for those who were qualified for a mortgage depending on your income, credit, and debt/income ratios.

Some still think that climate change isn’t real. Oh really? Just do your research and check the most recent severe “atmospheric river” that had provided excessive8-10+ inches of rainfall in California recently, and the 10+ feet of snow that had piled up in the Sierra Nevadas 6500 elevation and even 1-2 feet at the 4000-foot level.

How about the 1200 tornados, that occur yearly in the U.S. (as per the National Severe Storms Laboratory and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), that have been rampant across Tornado Alley (Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and South Dakota are the main targets), but can also include North Dakota, Wyoming, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee. That surely is quite a lot of areas where not only there is loss of life, but millions to billions of dollars of real estate that are affected yearly. Moreover, the hurricanes in Florida and in and around The Gulf of Mexico have been very prone to these natural disasters. Lastly, hurricanes can occur almost anywhere else, and even in the past few years, Long Island has experienced extremely intense microbursts that have totaled a severe path of destruction on the Gold Coast of the North Shore of Nassau County.

Floods are another prime dilemma for homeowners who have seen in recent years, incredible damage and total loss, which generally is not covered by homeowners insurance. However, hurricanes, hail, and wind are usually covered under most poli-

cies, as well as lightning strikes, fire, smoke, heat damage, and puffbacks from oil burners.

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

Real Estate is a major factor and commodity that is very much affected by the excessive costs to repair and rebuild, creating a burden on the local, state, and Federal governments. This is the major reason why insurance costs in those affected states have at least doubled up to 10 times, especially in coastal areas in North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Texas, and other states, noted in an article in Money magazine, on March 1st by Pete Grieve and Editor Brad Tuttle. Based on data from Quadrant, the average cost of homeowner insurance for a typical 1800 sq. ft home has risen to $2417 per year.

However, Hawaii residents have the lowest cost of insurance at $762 per year. Oklahoma has the most expensive policies with an average yearly cost of $5,839. However, location, credit scores, claims history, dwelling age, deductible, and overall risk level can have a pronounced effect on your insurance costs per year. This information was derived from marketwatch. com in its March 1st article by Mike Miller edited by Sabrina Lopez and reviewed by Mark Friedlander of the Insurance Information Institute.

I happen to choose to take the highest deductible on my homeowners and auto (combo policy will provide the most economical cost) that I feel comfortable with to gain the lowest rates. This will all depend on your history of claims and your comfortable risk tolerance. However, over several years it can pay off with the excellent savings that you will derive.

I suggest that you check your policies and make sure they are up to date. Make certain that you have more than adequate coverage in the event of a hurricane, microburst, gale wind lightning strike, hail, a tree falling on

your home, etc. For the majority of homeowners, your home is the most valuable asset that you will own in your lifetime that has helped build your long-term wealth, so it is extremely crucial to make sure that your homeowner’s insurance provides you with the most complete and maximum coverage across the board at the most economical price. Also, make sure that you are insuring your home and not the land, as I have seen some insurers include the land in the policy. However, 99.9% of the time your land doesn’t need insurance as it doesn’t burn or experience any damage unless it’s a flood, which is next to impossible to get that type of coverage! You need to review your policy yearly as homes have increased in value over the last 10 years and you want to be certain that you have more than enough coverage in the event of a claim.

Lastly, you might want to look into an additional umbrella policy, which is an excellent add-on as it is an additional layer of coverage in the event of a major claim. As the adage says, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Always shop your insurance as you just might save money. If you need any advice or guidance in choosing an insurance company with the best rates and coverage, call me anytime for a free consultation.

P.S. Have you entered our contest yet? Whoever provides the correct answer in how many interest rate reductions or possible increases plus the total percentage reduced or increased will be the winner. Your reward will be a dinner with my wife and I and a special surprise bonus! The contest will end on 3/31/24 and the final drawing will be on 12/28/24. We thank the multitude of participants who have already entered and this will be a very exciting contest to determine what Jerome Powell, the Fed Chair’s course of action will be

during 2024. The first correct complete answer picked will be the winner! To be qualified, you must send your answers to Phil@TurnKeyRealEstate.Com with your legal 1st and last name, cell, and email by midnight on 3/31/24.

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

Save my New digital business card with/Videos,Virtual and Drone Tours/ photos/Bio/Reviews to your cell, PC or Laptop contacts: https://onetapconnect. com/turnkeyrealestate-philraices Are you still using your passé paper card? Do still use a rotary dial phone, of course not. So get on board in 2024 and order your digital card by scrolling all the way down to the bottom and click on the link, “Get your Connect Card.”

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

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

BY MARY HUNT

Even though it still feels like winter, home improvement centers are hauling out air conditioners this month and putting them on sale. And March is National Frozen Food Month, so plan to fill your freezer. But that’s not all. Check out all these things you’d be smart to stock up on this month.

SNACKS AND SODAS

The NCAA calls it their Basketball Tournament, but we know it more fondly as March Madness. That’s good news for basketball fans and for retailers, too, who will take full advantage of the situation by offering low prices on party essentials like vegetable trays, wings, chips, sodas, crackers and more.

FROZEN FOOD

Because it’s National Frozen Food Month, you should expect to see significant savings on frozen fruits, vegetables,

EVERYDAY CHEAPSKATE

Things to Stock Up on in March

entrees, side dishes, pizza, chicken, desserts -- you name it! Plan now for how you can load up your freezer. Keep an eye on store ads and circulars as well, as there are likely to be some great coupons for frozen foods inside.

CORNED BEEF

St. Patrick’s Day always prompts meat markets, supermarkets and warehouse clubs to load up on corned beef. And it’s usually reasonably priced because they want to sell out. Save some room in the freezer for a few corned beef brisket or flats. You’ll be glad you have them at any price come spring and summer when corned beef is not easily found.

SPRING CLEANING SUPPLIES

Hard to believe but the vernal equinox is only a few days ahead -- the first day of spring! That means all of the big box stores -- Sam’s Club, Costco, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Target and Walmart -- will be offering deals on household cleaning supplies and equipment. Need to replace that squeegee in anticipation of window cleaning? A new stool that’s not so wobbly? It’s a good time.

CHIPS AND DIP

March 23 is National Chip and Dip Day, so don’t be caught off guard by all kinds of sales and samples in the chip and dip

aisles of your local supermarket. If these are staples of your pantry throughout the year, this would be the right time to stock up.

LUGGAGE

As we’re making summer vacation plans, retailers are loading up on luggage -- from backpacks to five-piece matching sets. And because they want to move them out, they put them on sale.

GOLF CLUBS

New club models begin arriving this month, so last year’s models will make their way to the sale counter. Don’t miss this; the markdowns will be significant.

Protein at Every Meal

BY CHARLYN FARGO

We hear a lot about the need for protein, but many of us may not realize the need for protein at every meal. We do a great job of getting protein at a dinner meal, but perhaps not such a good job at breakfast or with snacks.

How much do we need? A 120-pound adult would need between 45 and 70 grams of protein each day, but the key is to spread consumption out over our meals and snacks.

Our bodies can only utilize 25 to 30 grams of protein (the equivalent of about four ounces of meat or chicken) at a time to maximize muscle building and repair, according to a 2009 study by T.B. Symons on skeletal muscle protein synthesis published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.

Getting protein at breakfast can help curb hunger and start your metabolism. Every meal should contain a combination of protein, fats, fiber and complex carbohydrates. Not only does that support weight loss and sustained energy levels, but it also helps preserve and build muscle mass, according to a study by Madonna Mamerow on dietary protein distribution and muscle protein synthesis published in the 2014 Journal of Nutrition.

So how do you get protein at every meal? Think Greek yogurt, cottage cheese,

string cheese, hard-boiled or scrambled eggs, protein powder added to smoothies or oatmeal, nuts, seeds and ancient grains such as quinoa. Rather than a giant bagel with cream cheese and a cup of coffee, start your day with overnight oatmeal, a peanut butter smoothie or a protein pancake. Avocado toast with a fried egg or slice of turkey sausage makes a great breakfast.

For snacks, add a piece of string cheese to your air-popped popcorn, or grab a handful of almonds. Hummus with fresh veggies can be satisfying as well. Protein helps slow our digestion of carbohydrates and helps us feel full.

And if you add consistent exercise to protein throughout the day, it can help preserve muscle mass. As we age, that’s even more important. Muscle mass loss begins as early as age 30, and after age 50, it occurs at a rate of 1% to 2% per year, according to Nathan Meiser with the Department of Kinesiology at Concordia University Irvine in California.

The bottom line? Aim for protein at every meal.

Q and A

Q: Does celery have much nutritional value, or is it mainly water?

A: Celery stars as a low-calorie snack and is packed with nutrients. A cup of celery has 37% of the daily value for vita-

ATHLETIC SHOES

Outdoor stores like REI and Cabela’s often have springtime sales in March, and running shoes are almost always on the list. Shop around though. You want the best price out there, and those stores will slash prices to earn your business.

PIES

How could we talk about special days and retailers who take full advantage of them without mentioning pie ... I mean, Pi. National Pi Day is March 14, or 3/14. I know what you’re thinking, and you are exactly right: Pi is approximately equal to 3.14, which is why Pi Day falls on March 14! Expect everyone who deals in pies to be featuring big sales in some way this week.

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

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min K and is high in vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium and folate. It’s also high in antioxidants, which may reduce the risk of cancer. The crunchy, green stalks are proven in the kitchen for their versatility and flavor. Along with onion, carrots and parsley, celery is the base for stews and soups, gives crunch to tuna and chicken salad and adds flavor to the Thanksgiving stuffing. I’m reminded not to look down on celery just because it’s a familiar veggie. Dip it in hummus; stuff it with peanut butter; or use add it to a stir-fry.

RECIPE

This recipe will help you rediscover the great taste of Brussels sprouts. You can cook them on the grill or roast them in the oven. The recipe is adapted from Hy-Vee.

MAPLE-BOURBON BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Servings: 6

1 pound Brussels sprouts

1 large apple, cored and cut into 3/4inch cubes

1/4 cup aged bourbon barrel maple syrup

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon each sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Nonstick cooking spray

1/2 cup candied pecans

3 slices thick-sliced sweet, smoked ba-

con, cooked and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

To roast in oven, place oven rack in upper third of oven. Line a 15-by-10-inch baking pan with foil. Place pan on oven rack. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. (To cook on grill, place large cast iron skillet on grill to heat up. Meanwhile, cut large sprout pieces lengthwise in half. Place sprouts and apple in a large bowl. In another bowl, stir together syrup, olive oil, thyme, salt and pepper; drizzle over sprouts and apple. Toss until coated. Remove baking pan from oven and lightly spray foil with cooking spray. Transfer sprouts and apple to prepared pan. Spread in a single layer. Roast for 10 minutes. Stir and roast 5 minutes more, or until sprouts are caramelized and apples are tender. Add pecans and bacon; gently toss to combine.

Per serving: 180 calories; 4 grams protein; 27 grams carbohydrates; 8 grams fat; 5 milligrams cholesterol; 20 grams sugar (0 added); 330 milligrams sodium.

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

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A Time Change and a Pair of Lunar Visits

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of March 10-16, 2024

I can’t believe we’re still performing this archaic ritual, but on Sunday, March 10, we’ll again set our clocks one hour ahead to Daylight Saving Time and “spring forward.” Well, most of us will. Hawaii, Arizona (except the Navajo Nation), a few U.S. Territories and some other countries are sensible enough not to participate in the madness.

When planning to observe future celestial events, knowing the correct time is essential. This depends not only on the time zone in which one lives but also, in many cases, whether the clock reads standard or daylight saving time. It can be quite confusing.

Thankfully, this week’s sky events depend not on the exact times, just on the dates, because the waxing crescent moon in its orbit around the Earth will pass by two of the most beautiful objects in the heavens.

You’ll most likely spot the delicate crescent moon low in the western sky at dusk early this week. As darkness begins to fall, look carefully at the moon, and you’ll see not only its bright sunlit crescent, but also the ghostly image of its full disk. This phenomenon was first explained by the 15th century Italian artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci.

He recognized that whenever we see

the moon as a crescent in our sky, a hypothetical sky watcher on the moon would see a nearly full Earth in the lunar sky. And just as a bright moon illuminates the dark landscape on Earth, a brilliant Earth illuminates the dark surface of the moon even more brightly.

On Wednesday night, March 13, look for the moon to appear next to the planet Jupiter high in the western sky at dusk. Even 491 million miles away, Jupiter appears dazzling because it’s so immense (11 times the diameter of the Earth) and reflective (more than half of all sunlight that falls on its cloud tops bounces back into space).

While you’re out enjoying the crescent moon and Jupiter, look above this pair for the tiny shimmering star cluster known as the Seven Sisters, or Pleiades. This is where the moon will appear on the following night, Thursday, March 14, when it will offer us a great opportunity to break out the binoculars.

On that night, you’ll see both the moon and the Pleiades in the same binocular field of view. If you’ve never viewed the Pleiades this way, however, it won’t be the same view as you’ll get on a moonless night. Even in its crescent phase, the moon can be quite the showoff and will wash out all but the brightest stars of this stunning cluster.

Just as the moon and Jupiter appeared only along the same line of

sight on March 13, so, too, will the moon and the Pleiades. The stars in this cluster lie some 440 light-years away (nearly three thousand trillion miles), or 11.5 billion times farther than the moon.

I hope you’ll step out at dusk this week to watch the crescent moon visit

Jupiter and the Pleiades. And be sure to set your clocks to the correct time ... whatever that is!

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com.

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You should still be able to see the Seven Sisters even when the moon is out.

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

Since I work from home, I don’t generally get dressed up for the occasion. Most of the time, I consider it a successful day if I change out of my bathrobe and put on actual clothes. Because of this, I don’t have a lot of fancy clothes and most of what I do have can easily be thrown in the wash.

This arrangement has always worked out fine until the day I bought a pair of “nice” jeans. These uber-highend jeans fit great but were clearly spun from gold denim, if the cost was any indication. Even though the label said they could be washed in the laundry, I was concerned I might accidentally shrink them, spill bleach on them or wreak some other kind of irreparable havoc on them. Not that I’ve ever done that before. OK, once. Or maybe six times. But definitely not more than 29.

Anyway, knowing I am laundry-chal-

lenged, I decided the safest thing to do would be to have the pants dry-cleaned. I figured people who clean clothes for a living must be better at it than I am, or at the very least, their clean-to-ruin ratio would be better than mine. Plus, having used the same dry cleaners for a while, I was confident they would take good care of my new, expensive jeans so they lasted a long, long time and I could justify having spent so much on a stupid pair of pants.

In my defense, these were no ordinary jeans. In my long career as a fickle jeans consumer, I have probably tried on and rejected more skinny jeans, flares, boyfriend jeans and straight legs than an Instagram influencer. Between the super low ones that leave me with the world’s worst muffin top to the high-waisted mom jeans that make my butt look so big it should be designated the 51st state of the Union, I have searched high and low for great-fit-

ting jeans. So, when I finally found a pair that actually flattered my lower half, I was willing to pay whatever the price to rein in the UFO (Unidentified Formidably sized Object) that rides behind me.

Confident in my jean-saving strategy, I had my nice jeans dry-cleaned and then brought them home and ripped them out of the plastic bag to try them back on. But as I went to pull them up, I realized something was amiss. I got them on my legs and over my knees, but once I got to my thighs, it was clear the jeans were not going any further. I was pretty sure I had not gained 10 pounds overnight, although that has happened in the past, so I figured it had to be the jeans.

“I don’t understand,” I wailed to my husband as I stood in the bedroom with my jeans at half-mast. “I had these drycleaned. They’re not supposed to shrink when you get them dry-cleaned.”

“They must have laundered them instead,” he said.

“I definitely told them dry-clean, not laundry!” I protested.

“They must have gotten your instructions wrong,” he replied.

I grabbed the hanger and read the dry-cleaning ticket. Then I peeled the pants off and stared at them accusingly. With a sudden realization I peered at the jeans label.

“Actually, they got it half-right,” I said shaking my head. “They were definitely dry-cleaned ...

“But they’re not my jeans.”

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

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Yield: One 9-inch pie

1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding

2 cups heavy cream 1 cup milk

1 cup crunchy peanut butter (use smooth, if preferred)

1) Whip the pudding mix with the cream and milk in a large mixing bowl, then add the peanut butter, vanilla, and salt. Continue mixing until it’s light and thick, roughly 2 to 3 minutes.

2) Crush the cookies in a bowl or Ziploc® bag and mix with the melted butter.

3) Press into the pie dish, then spoon the filling into

Deep-Dish

Peanut Butter Pie

Math-lovers rejoice each March because they get to celebrate a particular irrational number and mathematical constant that is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. Known more casually as pi (π), this infinite decimal is typically shortened to 3.14.

What does pi have to do with cooking, one may ask? Typically nothing, unless a person is calculating the size of a circular food. However, because the symbol is pronounced with the long “i” (as in eye), it is a homonym to pie, which is a dessert enjoyed in many households. Pie frequently is served on Pi Day, celebrated on March 14 (3/14).

Individuals who want a new pie to add to their recipe collections, which can be enjoyed on Pi Day, need look no further than this recipe for “Deep-Dish Peanut Butter Pie” from “Butter, Flour, Sugar, Joy” (Sourcebooks) by Danielle Kartes.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 pinch salt

10 to 12 Biscoff® cookies, graham crackers, or crunch peanut butter cookies

4 tablespoons butter, melted

1 1⁄2 cups heavy whipping cream

3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar

the dish.

4) Whip the heavy whipping cream in the work bowl of your stand mixer, with a hand mixer, or by hand in a mixing bowl and confectioners’ sugar. Top the filling with the whipped cream.

Refrigerate at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. Serve and enjoy.

Chicken Tamale Pie

Tamales are a traditional Mesoamerican dish made of a masa dough and fillings, and then steamed in a corn husk or banana leaves. While tamales certainly are delicious, the time-consuming nature of making them may compel some to avoid preparing them at home. This recipe for “Chicken Tamale Pie” offers the flavors of tamales in a single-pan dish. Try it, courtesy of “30-Minute Meal Prep” (Sourcebooks) by Robin Miller.

1

1⁄3

2

1 large egg

1) Preheat the oven to 400 F. Coat a 9-inch pie plate or oven-safe skillet (such as cast iron) with cooking spray.

2) In a large bowl, whisk together the corn muffin mix, milk, butter, egg, and taco seasoning. Fold in the corn. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, and smooth the surface. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes,

2 teaspoons taco seasoning

1⁄2

2 cups shredded, cooked chicken

1 cup red enchilada sauce, divided

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack

until a wooden toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with moist bits clinging to it.

3) Meanwhile, in a large skillet or saucepan, combine the chicken and 3⁄4 cup of the enchilada sauce. Set the pan over medium heat and warm the mixture through.

4) Using the end of a wooden spoon or spatula, poke holes all

cheese, or a blend of cheddar and Jack, or Mexican cheese blend

Fresh cilantro leaves (whole or chopped) for serving

over the cornbread in the pan. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce into the holes. Top the cornbread with the chicken mixture. Top with the cheese.

5) Bake for 5 minutes, until the cheese melts.

6) Top with fresh cilantro, and serve.

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Local artists invited to showcase at “Art in the Park”

The Town of Oyster Bay invites local artists and artisans to display and sell their hand-crafted goods at a special day of “Art in the Park.” Applications are now available for the event which will be held on Saturday, May 18, at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park & Beach in Oyster Bay.

“Art in the Park offers local artists and artisans an amazing opportunity to showcase their best work for the public and gain local notoriety,” said Town Councilman Steve Labriola. “Art in the

Park is certain to attract hundreds of families and seniors as the event also features live music, food trucks and activities for kids.”

Participants must be 18 or older, and display and sell only their original pieces. No commercial or mass-produced items are permitted. Artists must supply their own 10x10 canopy and additional items required for their space. Additional details and associated costs are provided on the application, available on the Town’s website.

Art in the Park is run by the Town’s Department of Community & Youth Services, Cultural and Performing Arts Division. The event focuses on hand-crafted goods, including ceramics,

watercolors, glass, jewelry, wood, leather, sculpture and more. Artist applications available on the Town’s website at www.oysterbaytown.com/capa or by calling (516) 797-7932. S2C

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Three Natl. Merit Finalists at at POB John F. Kennedy HS

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has announced the names of more than 15,000 finalists out of the 1.5 million students who entered the 69th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. The district is pleased to announce that POBJFKHS seniors Matthew Kang, Michael P. Olakkengil, and Richard Wong are among the 15,000 students nationwide who progressed to the next level of the competition

“Being recognized as National Merit Scholarship finalists is a true testament to the exceptional dedication and academic prowess exhibited by each of our outstanding seniors,” Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK HS Principal Dr. Heather Dvorak said. “We are immensely proud of their achievements and eagerly anticipate the bright futures that await them as they continue to excel and make meaningful contributions to our

community and beyond.”

As finalists, these three students will be considered for approximate -

ly 7,100 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $31 million. Winners will be announced in the spring.

East Broadway dives under the sea for “The Little Mermaid” play

Talent beamed from the stage at East Broadway Elementary School as they presented their latest play, “The Little Mermaid,” a production weeks in the making.

Audiences were taken under the sea with immersive stage sets decorated with student-made props and backgrounds. Under the direction of

art teacher Kaitlyn Judge and music teacher Alexia Horner, more than 50 students played sea creatures, sailors and mermaids to tell the story of Ariel discovering a world beyond the sea. Playing the leads were Faith Ahn as Ariel and Eric Joseph Laucella as Prince Eric.

Richard Wong

Michael Olakkengil

Matthew Kang

Ryan Paine portrayed King Triton while Sebastian was played by Alessandro Maffia.

East Broadway students Vittoria DiGiovanni and Faith Ahn brought to life the characters of Flounder and Ariel in a production of “The Little Mermaid.”

Scarlett Alston, (center) brought a menacing tone to Ursula.

Photos courtesy of Levittown Public Schools

Hicksville Board of Ed highlights student achievements

At the Feb. 15 Board of Education meeting, Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton highlighted several Hicksville students.

To start, Lee Avenue Elementary School fifth grader Joella James Sagya Arun was recognized for winning the Intermediate Visual Arts category through the National PTA Reflections Art Program. This year’s theme was “I Feel Hopeful Because….” Joella’s winning art piece featured a beautiful walking path on a canvas with the message, “I am hopeful because the sun shines every day. It shows me the way to the future.”

Next, Dr. Fulton acknowledged three Hicksville High School students who were recognized at a recent Model UN conference in Plainview.  Jack Beaudette received an Honorable Mention for Modern Constitutional, Aleeza Khan received an Honorable Mention for UNESCO and Arvin Mehra was Best Delegate for World Health

Organization.

These global-minded high school students dedicate hours to learning about world issues and engaging in lively conversation and debate through the Model United Nations Club. While participating in Model UN conferences, the high schoolers play the roles of diplomats, and engage in simulated diplomatic sessions where they represent assigned countries and work collaboratively to address global issues.

The final group of student recognitions included Jack Beaudette Mayuri Kumar, Patrick LaBarca, Saivamsi Nanugonda and Rohan Shah representing the high school’s Virtual Enterprise (VE) program that has won recent local Trade Shows and Business Plan Competitions showcasing their virtual company Bello, a hair care subscription package, advancing them to Nationals taking place in April at the Jacob Javitz Center in New York City.

The VE program offered through

the High School’s Business Department simulates a virtual business environment. Students gain practical, hands-on experience in running a business while engaging in company activities within a global network of student-run businesses in more than 40 countries through

Virtual Enterprises International. Students attend virtual and in-person events and are responsible for creating a product, marketing the product and selling the product to other business students.

Photos courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools

Hicksville Board of Education President Annette Beiner, Lee Avenue Elementary School Principal Stephanie Matthews-Stam, student Joella James Sagya Arun and Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton.

Hicksville Supervisor of Math, Business, & Computer Education Dr. Linda Pfaffe, Hicksville Board of Education President Annette Beiner, students Jack Beaudette, Patrick LaBarca, Mayuri Kumar, Saivamsi Nanugonda, Rohan Shah and Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton.

Hicksville Supervisor of Social Studies & Home and Careers Dr. Bryan Sarandrea, social studies teacher Kelly Minot, Hicksville Board of Education President Annette Beiner, students Jack Beaudette and Arvin Mehra, social studies teacher Matthew Stephan and Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton. Absent from photo: student Aleeza Khan.

Levittown schools mark a milestone with 100 days

Northside students had a great time dressing as centenarians.

Reaching 100 days of school was a districtwide celebration in the Levittown School District as kindergartners in each building dressed the part as centenarians.

Counting to 100 days was just the start to an exciting year for the district’s youngest students, who looked back on what they have learned while looking ahead to what’s next. Equipped with

Dressed as 100-year-olds, students counted to 100 with various items.

Abbey Lane Elementary kindergartners were 100 days smarter on the 100th day of school.

walking canes and wearing grey-haired wigs and eyeglasses, students had a great time acting as 100-year-olds for the day. They also completed a variety of activities focused on finding 100 as a

solution to mathematical problems.

Photos courtesy of Levittown Public Schools

At Northside Elementary School, kindergartners covered projects in 100 objects.

Bethpage Model Train Show Lifeguard jobs available at town pools, beaches

On February 17, New York State Senator Steve Rhoads attended the Nassau County Model Train Show at the Bethpage Community Center. Senator Rhoads thanked the model train enthusiasts from all over the county who gathered to showcase their impressive collections and share their love for this timeless hobby with the community. The senator expressed his appreciation for the dedication and hard work that goes into building and maintaining the intricate train sets, and highlighted how it serves as a unique form of art and creativity that brings the community together.

Bethpage Board of Education meetings

The Bethpage Board of Education will hold its next agenda meeting on Tuesday, March 19, at  7:30 p.m.  at the Central Boulevard School, 60 Central Boulevard, Bethpage.

The Board’s regular monthly meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 26, at 7:30 p.m. in the Administration Building District Conference Room, 10 Cherry Avenue, Bethpage.

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that it has lifeguard employment opportunities at Town Pools and Beaches throughout the Town. Opportunities for this summer once again include a competitive starting salary of up to $18 per hour for all lifeguards, as well as openings for 15-year olds at community pools.

“From having the opportunity to work at one of the Town’s fantastic summer facilities and building confidence, self-esteem, and leadership skills, to making new friends and helping others, working as a lifeguard is one of the best summer jobs around,” Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino said. “Our lifeguards provide an invaluable service in protecting our residents and have helped save countless lives in both pool and ocean waters. We encourage you to take the first step in making this summer your best one yet by applying to be a Town of Oyster Bay lifeguard today.”

The Town is accepting lifeguard applications from candidates who possess Nassau Lifeguard Certification and a current CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer. Additionally, the Town is offering Red Cross Lifeguard Training and Nassau County Certification courses for

residents who are not certified, but would like to be. Upon successful completion of these two courses, residents will be eligible for employment as a lifeguard with the Town of Oyster Bay and the Town will then pay all fees for both courses. There are also many future opportunities for advancement, including as Water Safety Instructors, Swim Team Coaches, Swim Lesson Teachers, Head Lifeguards, Lifeguard Instructors and Lifeguard Managerial positions.

“The Town of Oyster Bay is making it easier than ever to become a lifeguard. We’re offering all the certification and training courses you need to apply, covering the fees of these courses for successful candidates, welcoming 15-year olds to our lifeguard ranks at Town community pools, and offering competitive pay in recognition of the life-saving work they do,” added Supervisor Saladino.

Town lifeguards are hired for the summer season, which runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Positions are available at all Town pools and beaches. For all inquiries about lifeguard employment and classes, please call 516-797-4131 or email aquatics@oysterbay-ny.gov.

Scholarships available for high school seniors

New York State Senator Steve Rhoads announced that the New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators is accepting applications for four $3,000 scholarships, two academic and two athletic.

Scholarships are available to residents of the 5th Senate District who are current college students or high school seniors entering college. Students can access and complete the application by visiting: https://www.nyiacsl.org/applyfor-scholarship-form.

The application deadline is Friday, March 15.

“This is an excellent scholarship opportunity for high school seniors and college students in the 5th Senate District who have worked hard, distinguished themselves from their peers and intend

to pursue higher education,” said Senator Rhoads. “With college costs continually rising, this is a chance to lessen the financial burden that is a concern for so many young people and their families. I encourage eligible students in my district to apply.”

Applicants should have a grade point average of 85 or higher; be active in community service and extracurricular activities and demonstrate financial need. In addition to these qualifications, students applying for an athletic scholarship must also be involved in an organized sport(s).

Applicants need not be of Italian American heritage to apply.

Scholarship recipients will be announced in April, and the winners will be honored at a ceremony in Albany.