Syosset Advance (8/16/24) by Litmor Publishing

Syosset teacher honored by BOCES

Allison de Onis, World Language teacher at South Woods Middle School in the Syosset CSD, was honored by Nassau BOCES and the Nassau Association of School Technologists (NASTECH) for her exceptional contributions to the advancement of technology in our schools. Ms. De Onis was named a Nassau Association of School Technologists Award Recipient (NASTAR) at the sixth annual ceremony this past June.

As a founding member of the Syosset UFSD’s technology workgroup, Ms. De Onis has been instrumental in piloting and implementing districtwide technology initiatives. As a tech coach, she guided her colleagues in the effective use of educational technology to improve instruction. In her current role as middle school mentor teach-

er coordinator, she focuses on pedagogy and technology. Ms. De Onis is a district leader in the use of edtech tools to innovate and redefine instructional goals, while creating an engaging learning environment. In her World Language classroom, she fosters collaboration, innovation and personalized learning, using tech tools such as Google Slides, Pear Deck, Canva and Bitmoji. She has also created multimedia assessments to support her students' academic growth.

The NASTAR awards were created by the Nassau BOCES NASTECH Service to recognize exceptional educators for their innovation, leadership and support of technology initiatives in their school districts. Each recipient is selected by their district based on this criterion.

State senator, libraries collect books for Book Fairies

New York State Senator Steve Rhoads recently achieved a remarkable milestone in his mission to take an active role in promoting literacy and education on Long Island by collecting an impressive 5,582 books during a week-long book drive across various libraries in his Senate District. This initiative was executed in collaboration with Book Fairies, a dedicated organization committed to redistributing books to under-resourced commu-

nities. Recognizing the importance of access to reading materials, Senator Rhoads aimed to not only enhance childhood education but also foster a lifelong love of learning among children, particularly those who may not have the means to obtain books on their own.

The resounding success of this book drive was made possible through the generous contributions of local residents, as well as the enthusiastic participation of sever-

al community libraries, including the Farmingdale Public Library, Hicksville Public Library, Island Trees Public Library, Levittown Public Library, and Seaford Public Library. Each location served as a hub for donations, collecting a diverse array of titles, from charming baby books to engaging chapter books. In the coming weeks, Book Fairies will distribute these collected materials to families and children in need.

New York State Senator Steve Rhoads and staff members with the 5,582 books collected for the Book Fairies.

Allison de Onis (center), World Language teacher, congratulated on being named a NASTECH NASTAR by (from left) Christine Payne and Colleen Vereline. Photo courtesy BOCES/Adrienne Daley Photography

Former Jericho resident publishes 23rd book

Author Marilyn Levinson

BY GEORGE HABER

Former long-time Jericho resident Marilyn Levinson recently published her twenty-third book—the eighth in her “Haunted Library” mystery series. Writing under the pseudonym Allison Brook, Levinson said she will create another mystery and suspense series with her next book.

A former high school Spanish teacher, the prolific Levinson began her literary career writing children's books and young adult “YA” books. Her first book “And Don't Bring Jeremy” was published in 1985 and was widely praised for its sensitive treatment of the relationship between two

Former Jericho resident Marilyn Levinson has written 23 books, eight of which are part of her "Haunted Library" series.

brothers, one of whom has a disability. Her book “No Boys Allowed” was translated into Dutch and Swedish, and another book “Rufus and Magic Run Amok” received a Children’s Classic Award from the International Reading Association's Children’s Book Council.

Levinson will be appearing at the Barnes and Noble store in the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove, Sunday, Aug. 25, at 2 p.m. to read from her latest book and talk about writing.

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

Marshall Tucker concert rescheduled for Aug. 21

Due to inclement weather, the Town of Oyster Bay postponed the region’s largest National Night Out celebration with a special tribute to fallen New York Police Department (NYPD) Detective Jonathan Diller and free concert performed by the world-acclaimed Southern rock band, The Marshall Tucker Band. The event will now take place at John J. Burns Park in Massapequa on Wednesday, August 21th, with a program at 7:45 p.m. and live concert at 8 p.m.

Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino stated, “National Night Out offers us an opportunity to strengthen the bonds between our community and law enforcement while developing community camaraderie to help combat neighborhood issues. This year, we will dedicate the evening in memory of fallen New York Police Department Detective Jonathan Diller and unveil plans for a permanent memorial in memory of this Massapequa Park hero. I thank The Marshall Tucker

Band for their never-ending support of law enforcement.”

In partnership with co-founders of the Towers of Freedom 9/11 Military Monument, located in John J. Burns Park, officials will announce plans to install a memorial in tribute to fallen NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller. The tribute will sit along side a memorial in memory of fallen NYPD Officer Brian Moore, of North Massapequa, who was murdered in the line of duty in 2015.

The Marshall Tucker Band is a legendary rock band from Spartanburg, South Carolina. Noted for incorporating blues, country and jazz into an eclectic sound, the Marshall Tucker Band helped establish the Southern rock genre in the early 1970s under the direction of lead vocalist Doug Gray. Top hits include: “Heard It in a Love Song,” “Can't You See,” “Fire on the Mountain,” “Ramblin” and “Long Hard Ride?”

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 honors three generations of beach lifeguards

Officials from the Town of Oyster Bay visited with lifeguards at Town pool and beach facilities in recognition of National Lifeguard Day, held to honor those who work to protect the public in pool and ocean waters. Officials held a special ceremony recognizing three generations of beach lifesavers at TOBAY Beach, honoring John, Kim and Jack McGovern for more than 50 years of service as TOBAY lifeguards.

“The great lifeguarding tradition began in 1967 for the McGovern family, when John first joined the Town as a seasonal lifeguard, and it was passed down to John’s son Kim, and now his grandson, Jack,” Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino explained. “The diligence and attention to detail it takes to be a lifeguard – John is someone who has it all, and his hard work and commitment have now been passed down to the next generation. That doesn’t just go for his family, it goes far beyond that, as John and others in our lifeguarding team help train and certify lifeguards at both our pool and beach facilities.”

With July 31st marking Lifeguard Appreciation Day, the Town recognized all lifeguards for their invaluable service to Town residents, whether they work at local pools or Town beaches.

Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino joined with the Town Board in recognizing three generations of lifeguards in the McGovern family, all of whom help protect residents at TOBAY Beach. Shown are Town Councilman Lou

Tax Receiver Jeffrey Pravato.

Oyster

Imbroto, Councilwoman Laura Maier, Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Jack, Kim and John McGovern, Town Clerk Richard LaMarca and

Mercy League seeks women bowlers

The Mercy Ladies Bowling League is looking for individual women bowlers or teams of four women bowlers for their noncash league.

The fee is $16 for 3 games, which includes

shoes and ball, and an end of season luncheon.

The league begins on September 6 and bowls on Fridays at 9:45 a.m. at Syosset Lanes.

Hicksville home damaged by fire

A house fire in Hicksville on Sunday, August 4, caused extensive damage, but the four occupants of the home were

side the house.

The Hicksville Fire Department arrived and extinguished the fire. The home sustained extensive damage. Four people were displaced due to the damage. The Nassau County Fire Marshall and the Arson Bomb Squad were on scene to investigate. The fire

Town parks are outfitted with new communication boards

A play communication board installed at a Town of Oyster Bay park. The boards assist children with autism to express themselves.

BY GARY SIMEONE

The Town of Oyster Bay has been a strong proponent of inclusivity, and as part of their agenda, have recently installed play communication boards in sixteen of their public parks. The Town recently partnered with the organization Rocco’s Voice for Autism to install the inclusive play communication boards in the parks for children suffering from the developmental disorder.

Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joe Saladino said that the communication boards are designed to empower children with autism in their play experiences.

ing the communication gap between child, caregivers, teachers, family members and peers.”

She added that the response to the play communication boards has been overwhelmingly positive and has been a main reason for adding additional boards in the parks.

“It has inspired us to extend our efforts by installing the boards in public play areas, schools and facilities designed for children with special needs. Rocco’s Voice for autism remains dedicated to making a meaningful impact in our community.”

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“Our parks are meant to be places of fun and connection for all children," said Saladino. "By installing these communication boards, we are ensuring that children with autism have the opportunity to fully participate in play and build friendships. We are proud to partner with Rocco’s Voice for Autism in this meaningful endeavor.”

The organization was founded by Sonny Spagnuolo in 2017 for his son Rocco, who was diagnosed with autism at an early age. The organizations purpose is to offer support and guidance to children in the community and work in solidarity with families who are affected by the disorder.

Anna Dichiara, executive director of Rocco’s Voice for Autism, said the play communication boards were installed throughout the spring and meant for nonspeaking or minimally speaking children.

Over the spring, the boards were installed in sixteen area parks including Syosset Woodbury Park, Plainview-Old Bethpage, Haypath Park in Plainview and John Burns Park in Massapequa.

Multiple Town of Oyster Bay officials commented on the new communication boards saying they wete an important initiative and instrumental in helping children with autism express themselves in a positive meaningful way.

Town Councilman Steve Labriola said “Rocco’s Voice for Autism has been instrumental in raising awareness about the needs of children with autism. These communication boards are a wonderful addition to our parks and they represent a step forward in our ongoing efforts to create spaces where all children can feel included.”

Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh said that new boards are an important initiative in supporting children with autism.

“The boards are made up of photos and symbols of recognizable images, so that the children with autism are able to interact and express themselves on the playground by gesturing or pointing to the images on the board enabling them to effectively communicate their thoughts and emotions,” said Dichiara. “The boards play a crucial role in bridg-

“It is so exciting to see our community come together to support such an important initiative,” said Walsh. “By providing tools that support children with autism in expressing themselves we are not only enhancing their play experiences but also promoting a greater understanding and acceptance within our community.”

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Syosset Library Artist of the Month

"Sunset Symphony", acrylic on canvas.

New York-based artist, art instructor, and neurobiologist, Madhumita Sen explores the intersection of science and artistic expression in her artwork. In her compositions, she strives to balance the structured and unstructured patterns found in nature.

“I work with acrylic and mixed media, always pushing the boundaries of my own creativity and experimenting with new techniques and materials,” she says. The resulting paintings, whether abstract or representative, are colorful, bold, and vibrant. Her abstractions frequently employ fluid art, a technique that involves the use of free-flowing or very runny acrylics, powdered pigments, or inks, and she sometimes incorporates recycled household materials into her works.

“Through my art I hope to spread happiness and joy, and to encourage my audience to appreciate both the simplicity and the complexity of nature,” she says.

Dr. Sen holds a doctorate in neuroscience from Louisiana State University, has conducted postdoc -

This Week at the Syosset Public Library

Friday, August 16, at 1:30 p.m. Friday Movie at the Library (IN-PERSON)

Join us for an afternoon movie at the library. Check our website for the movie that will be shown. Go to syossetlibrary.org.

Thursday, August 22, at 2:00 p.m. America’s Finest:

Meryl Streep (IN-PERSON)

Presenter: Marc Courtade, retired arts director

Meryl Streep is the most highly regarded film actress of her genera-

tion, particularly known for her versatility and her ability to master any accent. She has received 3 Academy Awards from a record 21 nominations. She remains one of the most famous actresses in the world, but it is difficult to pin an image on her. Enjoy the variety of the roles she has taken.

Friday, August 23, at 1:30 p.m. Friday Movie at the Library (IN-PERSON)

Join us for an afternoon movie at the library. Check our website for the movie that will be shown. Go to syossetlibrary.org.

Upcoming Events at the Jericho Public Library

Friday, August 16

“Poised and Pristine”, acrylic on canvas.

toral research at Mount Sinai, and frequently teaches art classes at the library. A selection of her works is on view in the Syosset Public Library Art Gallery through August.

Get rid of your unwanted items by placing an ad for them in our Classifieds! We have reasonable rates, and you’ll have prompt results! Call our Garden City office at 294-8900 for rates and other info.

10:30 a.m.: Jump for Joy (Ages 18 Months to 5 Years) - Join us for a lively program of music and group activities for you and your child.

2:00 p.m.: VIRTUAL: Great Performers with Marc Courtade: Lee Marvin: Tough Guy - This talk will salute an iconic American tough guy and one of the 20th century’s greatest Hollywood stars. Lee Marvin was an American actor who excelled at playing villains and characters with a vicious streak.

Saturday, August 17

10:30 a.m.: Saturday Science Lab (Grades 2 to 4) - Though school is not in session, science is always happening all around us. Let’s see how!

2:00 p.m.: An Afternoon Opera with Benjamin Truncale - Benjamin Truncale, 21-year-old tenor, is a graduate of The Juilliard School, where he earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance/Opera in May 2024. This fall, he will begin his graduate studies at Bard College Conservatory in the Hudson Valley, NY, working towards his Master of Music degree. At Juilliard, he has performed in a variety of operas, concerts, and recitals. He is equally at home in the opera, art song, and musical theatre repertoires. This August at Jericho Library, he will present a recital of art song and folksong in French, Italian, and English, along with some classic musical theatre favorites. He will be accompanied by his friend and fellow Juilliard graduate, classical harpist Amanda Kengor.

Tickets will be available at the Circulation Desk for all beginning

August 1.

Monday, August 19

2:00 p.m.: HYBRID: Art LectureThe Smithsonian Museum ~ Part 2 with Mary Maguire - In Part 2, we are off to visit the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery, its Postal Museum, its African American History and Culture Museum, the progress of the new American Women's History Museum and finally we will see the Hope Diamond at the National Museum of History.

Tuesday, August 20

9:30 a.m.: IN-PERSON: Adult Walking Club (Weather Permitting)All levels, all abilities are welcome. Join us for a 45 minute walk around the neighborhood. It’s an opportunity to get some exercise, meet new people, spend time with a friend and enjoy some conversation. Meet us in front of the library. Participants must wear sneakers and bring a bottle of water.

11:00 a.m.: VIRTUAL: Guided Meditation for Self-Healing with Patricia Anderson - Join Pat for one or all of the meditation sessions to bring harmony and balance into your life. Learn the beautiful practice of Jin Shin Jyutsu to help your body heal and keep you relaxed.

7:00 p.m.: STEMtastic (Grades 3 to 6) - Learn and have fun while exploring a hands-on STEM experience. Come and learn while having fun!

Wednesday, August 21

6:30 p.m.: Tweens: Back to Basics (Grades 4–6) - Learn basic life skills to help navigate the world while having fun. Topics include cooking, sewing, and more!

Supplies drive collects school items for children

School supplies were also collected at the Syosset Public Library and the PlainviewOld Bethpage Public Library

Nassau County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker (D – Plainview) thanked supporters of the Scott Martella “Supply our Students Drive” for donating more than 50 large bags filled with supplies that will help ensure that deserving local youngsters will start the school year off ready to learn.

The drive, which ran from June 24 to July 24 in support of the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, was part of a regional effort named in honor of Scott Martella, a former Smithtown School Board Trustee who made history when he was elected at age 22 and later became a top aide to former Governor Andrew Cuomo and former Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. Martella was tragically killed in an August 2016 car crash on the Long Island Expressway. Since his untimely death, there have been numerous charitable drives, including the “Supply our Students Drive,” in recognition of his commitment to improving the lives of others.

Throughout the monthlong drive, supporters dropped off contributions including backpacks, folders, spiral and marble notebooks, loose -

leaf paper, binders, tabbed subject dividers, pencil cases and sharpeners, pens, pencils (colored and No. 2), highlighters, erasers, markers, glue sticks, lunchboxes, index cards, rulers, scissors, and calculators at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library, the Syosset Public Library, and Always Orthodontics in Syosset.

“With a new school year just weeks away, it has been outstanding and downright awe-inspiring to once again witness the tremendous generosity of our neighbors, and it is a reminder of why I am so incredibly grateful to represent the communities of the 16th Legislative District,” Deputy Minority Leader Drucker said. “It is an outcome that will help many families facing hardships, and I know that Scott would be very proud of what we have achieved for the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless. Thank you to our community partners at the Syosset and Plainview-Old Bethpage Libraries and Always Orthodontics for being with us every step of the way!”

Photos courtesy Office of Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker

Attention students!

Graduated from school? Have an outstanding GPA? Made the honor roll or Dean’s List? Scored an internship or study abroad opportunity? We invite you to send details of any of these things and more, along with your name and contact info, to editor@gcnews.com for a chance to be seen in our paper!

Always Orthodontics was a partner in the school supply collection drive.

Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker with some of the collected school supplies.

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August 16, 2024

Health & Wellness Offerings Expand in Response to Exploding Demand by Travelers

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE

Health and wellness have been growing areas in everyday life as well as increasingly integrated into hospitality, travel and tourism behaviors. Wellness Tourism globally has grown to be worth $651 billion annually (out of a $5.6 trillion global wellness economy) and is forecasted to grow annually by an average of 16.6% through 2027

We used to think of “wellness” mainly in terms of spa retreats, but health and wellness now is figures into everything from the motivation to travel and choices of destinations, accommodations, activities and experiences, even when to travel.

Take climate change, for instance. In light of record heat waves, wildfires, flooding, people are choosing their destinations and seasons to travel with more care. “Coolcations” is one of the emerging new trends in travel – choosing places like Scotland and Quebec for summer holidays, trading cities for mountains, theme parks for dude ranches. There is also an awareness of the fragility of bucket-list destinations and sights like Venice (sinking), islands like the Galapagos and the Maldives (just a foot above sea level), the Great Barrier Reef (coral bleaching), the Dead Sea and the Great Salt Lake (evaporating), even the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor is on the endangered list.

Travelers are also seeking out opportunities to be active outdoors instead of passive sightseers – biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, pick-

This Alpaca four-day Inca Trail hiking/camping adventure hits on many of the trends in wellness travel: desire for “slow-travel” walks/pilgrimage that activate physical, emotional, spiritual cylinders of well-being, an impromptu yoga session to rejuvenate after ascending the 14,000-ft high peak, responsible/ sustainable/eco-friendly travel which mutually benefits travelers and community © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

leball, hiking – that are physical, engaging, but also incorporate inner peace. Pilgrimages which involve long walks to places that have spiritual meaning fit the bill of combining physical and emotional benefit, as do bike trips

The wellness motif also figures into a desire for responsible and sustainable travel, where the benefits are mutual for the traveler - providing mental, physical and emotional wellbeing - and the local regional and urban economies that sustain people in their communities and preserve heritage and conserve environment for future generations.

The Global Wellness Institute’s Tourism Initiative team reported on these emerging wellness travel trends.

Climate Adaptive Wellness

Travelers are adapting to climate change and so is the wellness industry along with city planners, Jane Kitchen, editor-at-large of Spa Business, reports.

The impacts are seen in architecture and design: instead of relying on air-conditioning, which contributes to climate change, architects and designers are looking at new solutions as well as ancient ways to cool buildings. More rooftop and vertical gardens, more greenspace, new building materials, heat resilient design incorporated into buildings whether new tech or going back to 1000-year old building techniques - like in the Middle East before air conditioning.

Urban planners are becoming

alarmed about the public health dangers of heat for residents as well as travelers who are beginning to shun popular cities like Paris and Athens in summer.

The city of Miami created a new position of Chief Heat Officer with Los Angeles, Melbourne, and Athens following suit. Cities are installing cooling stations (like Paris), cleaning up rivers so people can do wild swimming (like Paris, spending over $1 billion to clean the Seine), planting more greenery, even using greenery on buildings (like Friedensreich Hundertwasser’s Green Citadel of Magdeburg, Germany, an apartment building that is literally a work of art and model for new urban design, Spa and wellness travel is also adapting with new, fun programs such as nighttime wellness and spa treatments, night hikes and star gazing which have a wellness component but take place in evening when it is cooler; ice baths; and climate adaptive beauty and geo-skin care, based on where you are and the weather connections

Power of Pilgrimage

Journalist Eric Wilson found a “silver lining of the pandemic: people discovered the benefits of walking and walking enthusiasts discovered the benefits of exploring the ancient pilgrimage trails around the world. A record number of trekkers sought out hikes infused with cultural heritage across Asia, Europe, and the Americas (my four-day Inca Trail Trek fits neatly into that trend). A record 500,000 completed the Santiago Pilgrimage Trail in Spain – most who chose the experience not so much

Continued on next page

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

Health & Wellness Offerings Expand in Response to Exploding Demand by Travelers

Continued from previous page

in pursuit of faith but for physical and spiritual wellness.

The trend has impacted a rejuvenation of trails globally to accommodate scores of new, modern pilgrims in “buzzy new destinations” like Sri Lanka, Bhutan, India, Italy and Japan. Governments, interested in promoting holistic tourism, have invested in extensive restorations of these trails – Bhutan opened a 250-mile Trans Bhutan Trail. Walk Japan reported such a surge in demand, there were not enough roadside inns or monks quarters to accommodate them.

Surging popularity, availability of bike tours: For much the same reason as pilgrimage and walking trips, biking tours are another “slow form” of self-propelled travel experiencing explosive growth in interest and availability. Among the operators offering guided and self-guided itineraries on rail trails: Discovery Bicycle Tours (discoverybicycletours.com); Wilderness Voyageurs (Wilderness-Voyageurs. com); Backroads (backroads.com); VBT Bicycling Vacations (vbt.com) and Boat Bike Tours (boatbiketours.com). Also see Rails to Trails Conservancy (railstotrails.org) and the Adventure Cycling Association (adventurecycling.org).

Wellness holidays with kids are about enrichment

Families increasingly value travel experiences that support their child’s wellbeing by expanding their education, personal development and worldview such as hands-on workshops that focus on local traditions and foods, learning about local biodiversity and marine life conservation as well as personal growth elements that expose children to unexpected situations, teaching them to adapt to new environments and overcome challenges. Gleneagles Hotel

in Scotland offers outdoor nature led activities for children while newcomer, Jayasom’s Family Wellness focus includes family counseling, enrichment activities, virtual reality and outdoor wellbeing excursions including a large hydrotherapy space that families can enter together. Austria’s Reiters Finest Family hosts sustainable family wellness holidays in Bad Tatzmannsdorf, a resort featuring 125 hectares of outdoor space, 400 animals for farm adventures as well as thermal waters, and a health and longevity center that families can enjoy together.

Sports is playing a bigger role in hospitality

Sports related travel accounted for 66 million room stays and generated $49 billion in 2021, reported Patricia Ladis of WiseBody Physical Therapy. Enthusiasts are traveling to where they can train or improve their skills, engage in the sport (golf, tennis have long been popular but now mountain biking, rock climbing, pickleball are among the activities that motivate travel) as well as to participate or spectate in competitions and tournaments as grand as the Olympics but as basic as a child’s hockey tourney.

Devices like e-bikes have expanded accessibility - extending the lifespan and opening destinations for people who previously felt they couldn’t go the distance or climb the hills.

People are not only traveling to engage or train in a sport, but for rehabilitation treatments and therapies. SIRO Hotels is one of first luxury hotels to be designed around health, wellness, and recovery.

Its new SIRO One Za’abeel Hotel in Dubai delivers a complete experience under one roof, with rooms designed to combat jet lag, 2,000 sq m of fitness and recovery facilities with cutting-edge treatments, personalized nutritional guidance, diverse training options. Dedicated health resorts like Chenot

Weggis Palace in Switzerland offer wellness travelers the opportunity to spend a week recharging with the top technologies on hand to future proof your health and wellbeing.

In Search of Calm

Mental wellness as a travel trend has been gaining significant traction over the past few years, reflecting a broader societal shift towards valuing mental health and self-care. Wellness retreats integrate yoga, breath work, meditation. What is new are the more intensive therapy retreats. For example, equine therapy (with horses) is offered at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat in Australia and NIHI Sumba in Indonesia, Rewilding retreats that immerse into natural settings to support mental wellbeing are popular across the globe: properties like The Dreaming, in the heart of Wales and AroHa in New Zealand.

This interest in seeking out the wild – getting off the beaten track - is facilitated by the rising availability of luxury campervans, equipped with water, solar-powered batteries, that enable wild camping with maximum calm and minimum stress. Among the companies: Moterra Campervans (gomoterra. com), Blacksford RV (blacksford.com), and Roadsurfer (roadsurfer.com)

Diagnostic Boom as Wellness Travelers Look to Prevention, Longevity

Living longer is one goal of healthand-wellness travelers, but so is living well. There is recognition that quality of life is as important as quantity. Wellness travelers are now seeking out tailored and proactive health approaches, prompting many health and wellness operators to enhance their offerings with comprehensive diagnostic assessments alongside traditional wellness activities. At Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona, you can undergo thorough health evaluations encompassing genetic testing, preventive diagnostics, body

Whole Grains Versus Refined

BY CHARLYN FARGO

I often counsel patients that it’s important to make the simple switch from refined grains to whole grains. That can be as easy as choosing brown rice over white, whole-wheat bread over white and whole-wheat pasta over regular. Small changes like these can make a huge difference later in life.

It’s a recommendation from the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans -- make half your grains whole. Whole grains include barley, quinoa, bulgur, whole-grain crackers and brown rice.

Now a study by Tufts University re-

searchers finds that switching to whole grains also improves heart health. Researchers investigated why that’s true. They specifically looked at fasting blood glucose levels, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure and blood triglyceride concentration.

The study analyzed information on the diets, health and lifestyles of over 3,000 participants in the Framingham Offspring cohort study over 18 years. The individuals were 55 years old (on average) when the project started and had an average body mass index of 27.

Those who ate more whole grains had

composition analysis, and metabolic assessments.The new Longevity Spa at Hotel, Portrait Milano, provides cutting-edge diagnostics like DNA testing and Longevity Molecular Profile, complemented by Integrative Wellness solutions and nutrition plans. KEPOS by Goco at Daios Cove in Crete, Greece, features diagnostic services such as Metabolic Biometrics and Epigenetics testing alongside wellness programs and spa offerings.

Seeking Out Cultural Traditions and Healing

Indigenous healing has gained prominence as part of the broader trend towards holistic wellness and the search for authentic, transformative experiences. These experiences draw on the wisdom and practices of indigenous cultures around the world, offering healing techniques that have been passed down through generations. The interest in and drive behind these retreats are linked to an acknowledgement of the benefits of indigenous healing practices, a holistic approach and reconnection with the land. At Wai Ariki Hot Springs, in Rotorua New Zealand you can discover the ancient healing methods of these indigenous cultures, from the deeply cultural touch of mirri mirri or romi romi massage to the revitalizing power of blessed stones and herbal remedies; each experience incorporates local healers and wellness practitioners, herbal medicine practice and ceremonies that honor the community and the land. Asian traditional therapies and medicine are growing in popularity for the wellness traveler around the globe. More information at globalwellnessinstitute.org.

smaller increases in fasting glucose, waist circumference and systolic blood pressure compared to those who ate fewer whole grains. Those who ate more refined grains (white bread, white rice, refined grain crackers, packaged cookies and cakes) had greater increases in waist circumference and less decline in triglycerides.

Try adding some whole-wheat flour to baked goods or adding barley to your vegetable soup. Adding quinoa to a salad is a tasty way to add whole grains to your diet. It’s never too late to make the switch.

Continued on page 6

BY LOU THEODORE

Who was it WHO said: “The dumbest person I ever met was my father. But when I got older, and had married and had kids, my father suddenly got smarter.” But what about a guy like me? My wife claims I’m both a father (3) and grandfather (3). Maybe the time had come for me to offer some advice to the kids; after all, I’ve been around nearly a century. After some deliberation, I realized it was too late to offer anything to our kids, so I sat the three grandkids down one day and told them about my dozen no-no’s. These no-no’s were very simple grandfatherly suggestions. Their reaction appeared to be positive. It has been TWO months since our chat and there’s been no feedback. So,

On A Dozen No-Nos

I thought I might jot down my suggestions (as best as I can remember) for safe keeping. Here they are with the #1 No-No the most important to observe, and the #12 No-No the least important.

The Twelve No-Nos

No-No 1: No sexual activity that can result in a pregnancy.

2: No drinking and driving.

3: No drugs. These should only be used for treatment or prevention of disease. Stay away from barbiturates, sedatives, hypnotics, stimulants, hallucinogens, opioids, etc. Shame on Willie Nelson’s attempts to publicize drug use.

4: No carrying of weapons. It was knives, razors, and chains in my day.

5: No drinking to excess. The Queen

and I haven’t had a drink in about half century.

6: No smoking (or vaping).

7: No tattoos. Tattooing is a method of “decorating” the skin by inserting colored substances under the surface. This irreversible action is both stupid and insane. I wear no jewelry. If one of my kids came home with a tattoo, it would be a major disappointment.

8: No gambling to excess. This is a tough one for me since I’ve been gambling all my life. The key here is to gamble only with money you can afford to lose.

9: No hard political or religious positions. Sorry, but I can’t help myself here with the former.

10: No shortcutting your education.

It is absolutely imperative that you be able to communicate orally and in writing.

11: No physical or mental abuse of others.

12: No physical altercation(s) with others.

I hope some of the above helps a couple of my readers.

Note: The opening “quote” has been attributed to Mark Twain. However, this has been disputed in recent years.

Visit the author at: www. theodorenewsletter.com and/or Basketball Coaching 101 on Facebook

Rewarding Thrift Store Shopping in Today’s Economy

BY MARY HUNT

If you enjoy the thrill of finding bargains and super steals, it’s a safe bet that you love thrift stores. These treasure troves offer a unique blend of eclectic finds and budget-friendly prices. But lately, thrift shopping isn’t what it used to be. With inflation hitting almost everything, even thrift store prices are on the rise.

It’s not just hearsay -- thrift store prices are indeed climbing, with the sale of used clothes expected to top $77 billion by 2025. This boom has its pros and cons. On the bright side, there’s more variety and a growing acceptance of thrifted items. On the flip side, prices are creeping up as the market grows and evolves. So how do we continue to score great deals amid rising costs? These tips can help you find those thrifty treasures without breaking the bank.

GET A GAME PLAN

Approach thrift shopping with a plan. Make a list of what you truly need. Set a strict budget for your visit. This focused ap-

proach prevents impulse buys and makes certain you haul things out of the store that are sure to add real value to your life.

SHOP ON DISCOUNT DAYS

Many thrift stores offer special discount days, seasonal sales or loyalty programs that can lead to significant savings. Familiarize yourself with the sales calendar of your favorite stores, and plan your shopping trips accordingly. Student, military or senior discounts can also apply, so don’t hesitate to ask. Additionally, some thrift stores have year-round clearance sections where you can find items at deeply discounted prices.

TAKE YOUR TIME

The thrill of thrift store shopping is in discovery. Take your time to sift through racks and shelves to uncover the best deals. Rushed shopping might mean you miss out on hidden gems or make regretful purchases, such as discovering much later a big hole in that otherwise gorgeous sweater. Give yourself a few hours to leisurely enjoy the pursuit of bargain hunting.

PAY WITH CASH

Not only does using cash help you stick to your budget and avoid overspending, you’ll be helping out that thrift store’s bottom line. Retailers pay fees for each credit card purchase they process, and some thrift stores pass that fee on to the consumer. You can often save a small percentage by paying with cash or a debit card.

SEARCH FOR QUALITY

Inspect for durability, brand reputation and overall condition. By choosing wellmade, high-quality, gently used goods, you can avoid spending more on frequent replacements. Owning quality items also opens the door to lucrative reselling.

IN- AND OUT-OF-SEASON ITEMS

Just like retail stores, thrift stores often have items that are out of season -- think winter coats in the summer or swimsuits in the winter. These out-of-season items are often heavily discounted. Similarly, in-season items that have lingered too long may also be marked down to make room for new stock.

Continued on page 5

Should a Housewife Get Paid for Social Security Purposes

BY TOM MARGENAU

People frequently write to me with an idea to change Social Security law in some way that they think is clever and unique. But I usually have to tell them that their proposal has been considered in the past. After all, Social Security has been around for almost 90 years now, and for those nine decades, people have constantly been coming up with plans that they think would improve the system. And lots of times, those plans don’t work out under closer scrutiny. Here is an example.

Q: I have been a stay-at-home mom and housewife for the past 40 years. Other than a few years when I worked before I got married, I’ve never paid into Social Security. So I am due no benefits on my own record. I will only be due benefits on my husband’s record. I don’t think that’s fair. I should get some kind of Social Security credit for all the work I’ve done as a wife, mother and homemaker. So here is my idea I don’t believe I’ve ever seen before. I think a certain amount of money -- maybe $1,000 per month -- should be added to the Social Security record of all women who choose to stay home and make a career as a homemaker.

A: Actually, that’s an idea that’s been tossed around many times in the past -not quite the way you propose, but something similar. It’s usually called “earnings sharing,” and unfortunately, it wouldn’t work.

You suggested that $1,000 per month be added to the Social Security account of stay-at-home moms. So where would that money come from? And if it wasn’t actual money, just some kind of credit added to your Social Security account, those pseudo-credits would eventually lead to Social Security retirement checks for all homemakers. And where would the money come from to pay all those extra benefits?

And then you would also have to decide how to handle women who work part time and stay home part time. For example, my granddaughter works about 20 hours per week. The rest of the time, she’s home being a mom and housewife. So instead of the $1,000 per month Social Security credit you suggest that full time homemakers get, should she get $500 added to her Social Security record?

And what about single women who work full time but then come home and also do lots of work around the house? Shouldn’t they get some kind of Social Security credit for the housework they do?

And for that matter, what about a man who works full time but comes home and watches the kids or does some laundry or cooks a meal or does the dishes? Should he get Social Security credits for the housework he does?

I hope you see where I’m going with this. Your proposal, although well-intentioned, would be extremely difficult to implement and administer. That’s to say nothing of all the extra costs that would be

added to an already overburdened Social Security system.

That’s why when ideas like yours were kicked around in the past, many Social Security reformers came up with what they thought was a better solution, which was called “earnings sharing.”

In a nutshell, a couple’s earnings during their marriage would be shared for Social Security purposes. For example, if husband Fred made $100,000 per year, and wife Wilma was a stay-at-home mom with no outside earnings, then $50,000 would be put on Fred’s Social Security record, and $50,000 would be put on Wilma’s Social Security record.

And then let’s look at their neighbors, Barney and Betty. If Barney made $100,000 per year, and Betty also worked outside the home and made $50,000 per year, for a total combined income of $150,000, then $75,000 would be placed in each of their Social Security accounts.

On the surface, this might sound like a good idea to some. But one big reason this plan never went anywhere is because of the negative impact this plan would have on a married couple’s potential Social Security benefits.

To show you what I mean, let’s go back to Fred and Wilma. Fred was making $100,000 per year, and Wilma had no Social Security-covered earnings. Under the current Social Security system, because he had fairly high earnings, Fred would probably end up with a pretty high monthly Social Security check. Let’s say it would be $3,000 per month. And under the current system, his stay-at-home wife Wilma would qualify for spousal benefits on Fred’s record -- anywhere from 30% to 50% of Fred’s rate, depending on her age. To keep my math simple, we’ll give her the 50% rate. So that means Fred will get $3,000 per month from Social Security, and Wilma will get $1,500 per month -- for total benefits of $4,500 per month.

Now let’s say that the “earnings sharing” rules had been in place all the years that Fred and Wilma were married -- meaning they each got half of Fred’s earnings added to their Social Security accounts. Well, that means Fred would end up with a Social Security benefit about half as much as he was due under the current system. In other words, Fred would start getting $1,500 per month when he retired. But his wife Wilma, who had equal earnings on her Social Security record, would also get $1,500 per month. That would be good news for Wilma. She would get her own Social Security check. But for the two of them as a married couple, it would be bad news. Their combined benefits would be $3,000 per month instead of the $4,500 in total benefits they’d be due under the current system.

Also, under an “earnings sharing” arrangement, things really wouldn’t work out for Wilma after Fred dies. Under the current system, Wilma the widow would get her spousal benefit of $1,500 per month

bumped up to Fred’s $3,000 rate. But with “earnings sharing,” where they each end up with identical monthly benefits of $1,500 per month, there is nothing extra to

bump up to -- so Wilma would get no widow’s benefits.

Continued on next page

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

The wow factor of Long Island benefiting housing

I have lived on Long Island for over 69 years. I have enjoyed all the beauty and benefits of the sights, sounds, food, culture, and fun things that accompany living on Long Island. There is so much to see and do and enjoy here that it draws those who can afford to gain all that it has to offer. While many towns and cities across the U.S. have seen their inventory skyrocket over the last year and a half and seen their prices go down considerably, Long Island housing prices according to Redfin are up 7.8% year-over-year. Some have left NYS for other locations for many reasons, mainly due to the cost of living, e.g. escalated housing prices, interest rates, rents, and other reasons. As I have mentioned in previous posts, we have lost net population over the last 12 years and the latter reasons are why this has occurred.

But for those that want, need, and can live on Long Island, there is a cornucopia of things to do, see, participate and actively get involved with to keep you constantly busy, having fun, learning, relaxing, and enjoying everyday experiences with the abundance of choices here on Long Island. Once you begin living here, you will not want to leave.

However, our world-class pristine beaches, especially Jones Beach, draw huge crowds during the summer months. Strolling on the boardwalk at Jones or Long Beach is one of the relaxing and enjoyable ways to spend some time. Our world-renowned wineries out on the North Fork: https://bit. ly/46KjdwH provide those wine enthu-

siasts with fabulous choices and local bands playing music to dance by and accompany your wine tastings.

There are a multitude of music venues that will assuredly satisfy everyone’s tastes: https://bit.ly/4diYfaJ.

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

Whether you enjoy Rock n’ roll, jazz, or classical music, it can be found here on Long Island. If you like shows, there is quite an assortment of venues to choose from in and around the area: https://bit.ly/3M2qRsQ. Also, you are a hop, skip, and a jump from the Big Apple for Broadway shows: https://bit. ly/3M3B9sE

During each season there are numerous farms to pick your favorite fruits, during the late spring, summer, and fall where there is apple picking and grabbing a pumpkin for Halloween https://bit.ly/3YFGSw6

There are plenty of boating activities and excursions to consider for a weekday or weekend: https:// bit.ly/3SL2JPa If you are an avid or weekend fisherman, then there are excellent choices to either go out on a charter or party fishing vessel, https://bit.ly/4dmPGeY rent your boat https://liboatrentals.com/ or throw your line over on a pier for a relaxing day https://bit.ly/4dhKGIE. If camping in the outdoors is an activity that you would thoroughly enjoy or want to try, then Long Island has choices, from RV Parks,

Continued from previous page

Those of you who think “earnings sharing” might be a good idea should remember that old saying: “Be careful what you wish for!”

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Security -- Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Security.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon.com or other book outlets. Or you can send him an email at thomas.margenau@comcast.net.

and campgrounds: https:// bit.ly/3M3hskH Being able to cook your meals by a fire, toasting marshmallows, creating S’mores for a delectable dessert. There are other activities that a family can enjoy, hiking, biking, fishing, star gazing, nightlife, restaurants, etc.

Long Island has much to offer to satisfy a family’s or couple’s needs and wants. Whatever you are looking for can be found here. Most important is having highly acclaimed and top-rated schools, which draws many families to come to Long Island or to continue to reside here. All these contributing factors and the lack of inventory and continued demand account for higher prices for housing and rentals. We all hope and pray that more inventory will come into the market over time as more purchasers come of age and situations can buy their first home, condo, or coop. It is not a very easy market to secure a home, as many have lost out to those who have outbid them in the ongoing game of negotiations and bidding wars that are still occurring.

I believe Long Island will always have the wow factor to engage and entice those seeking a vibrant, funpacked, entertaining, and actionpacked living experience to enjoy and flourish in a pleasurable and unique lifestyle among places to call home.

Philip A. Raices is the owner/ Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3

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

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

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

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

Rewarding Thrift Store Shopping in Today’s Economy

Continued from page 3

UNIQUE AND VINTAGE

A great thrill of thrifting is discovering one-of-a-kind or vintage items that really stand out. These treasures can bring unique character and flair to your home or wardrobe and might even appreciate in value. And while you’re at it, be on the lookout for special pieces that match your personal style or make perfect gifts.

FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA

To make the most of your savings, follow your favorite thrift stores on social media or sign up for their email newsletters. These channels often share exclusive deals, announce special sales events and update you on new arrivals, keeping you informed about the best shopping opportunities. Plus, some stores offer

discounts to email subscribers with every purchase.

DONATE TO MAKE ROOM

Before you visit the thrift store, think about tidying up your space and donating items you no longer use. Many stores reward donations with discount coupons or vouchers, which helps you clear out clutter at home and save money on your next purchases.

RESELL FOR A PROFIT

If you have an entrepreneurial bent, thrift shopping just might present a fun, profitable side business. Look for underpriced items with potential resale value. Vintage clothing, collectibles or unique home decor pieces can often be flipped online for a profit.

In a time when the thrill of thrift shopping has met the sting of inflation, find-

ing ways to save money while indulging in this rewarding hobby has become more crucial than ever. I am confident that with these tips and determination, we can keep our thrift shopping adventures fun and rewarding!

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.”

Confused by Food Product Dating? Yes, We Are!

BY MARY HUNT

Pop quiz: You pull a chicken from the fridge to fix for dinner and notice that yesterday was the “Sell By” date. You should:

A.Throw it away because not many emergency rooms offer a stomach pumping family plan.

B.Cook it to an internal temperature of 195 F minimum to kill the salmonella; serve with a pungent sauce to mask any residual foul odor.

C.Relax. You and the supermarket have complied with Food and Drug Administration regulations requiring that this chicken be sold before the date on the label.

D.Refuse to answer on the grounds that obviously this is some kind of trick question.

If you selected “D,” you are right. This is a trick question, and what better way to introduce an article on confusing dates than with a confusing pop quiz?

The truth is that “C” would be correct if not for that word “regulations.” Except for infant formula and some baby foods, product dating is not required by federal regulations. It is a convenience offered to store owners by food manufacturers.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, at a Food Waste Summit in Washington D.C., shared a story about his adult son cleaning out their fridge and tossing everything past its package date, even if it was frozen. His point? If his own son doesn’t get what those dates mean, who does?

The answer: Not many of us. According to a survey by the Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic, nearly 85% of people admitted to throwing out food based solely on the date on the package.

Although dating of some products is required in 20 states, dating is voluntary on the part of manufacturers and processors. To further shake your confidence, stores are not legally required to remove

outdated products from their shelves. So it’s up to you to make sure you are getting the freshest products.

That means scrutinizing the package labeling and purchasing items with the most recent dates.

WHAT IS FOOD PACKAGING DATING?

The calendar date, or “open date,” on food packaging (as opposed to a code) is a date stamped on a product’s package to help the store determine how long to display that food item for sale. It can also help the customer to know the time limit to purchase or use the product at its best quality.

An open date is not a safety date. These dates help stores move older merchandise and protect manufacturers from potential liability claims. Although most markets are vigilant about rotating stock, some are not.

‘BEST

BEFORE,’ ‘BETTER IF USED BEFORE’ OR

‘BEST

IF USED BY’

This tells you how long the product will retain its best flavor and highest quality, as determined by the manufacturer. Typically, these phrases are on products like baked goods, cereals, snacks and some canned foods. The food is still safe to eat after this date but may have changed somewhat in taste or texture.

‘EXPIRATION,’ ‘USE BY’ OR ‘USE BEFORE’

These phrases appear on yogurt, eggs and other foods that require refrigeration.

Other dating terms are guidelines, but this one means what it says. If you haven’t used the product by this date, toss it.

‘GUARANTEED FRESH’

This date is often used for perishable baked goods. Beyond this date, freshness is no longer guaranteed, although the product may still be edible.

‘SELL BY’

This date is usually found on highly perishable foods like meat, milk and bread. This date guides the rotation of shelf stock and allows time for the product to be stored and used at home. The product is still safe and wholesome past this date.

For example, properly refrigerated milk will usually be good for at least a week beyond its “Sell By” date. Meat that has arrived at its “Sell By” date is still fresh but should be either consumed or frozen within 48 hours.

‘PACK

DATE’

Some products bear a “pack date,” indicating when they were packaged. This information is often encrypted so that only manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers can read it. The pack date on some products, such as eggs, is shown by a Julian date (1 through 365): Jan. 1 is 1, and Dec. 31 is 365.

CAN YOU FREEZE FOOD THAT’S GOING BAD?

Freezing excess food, like meat and bread, is a great way to cut down on waste. Once frozen, food won’t spoil, but keep in mind that the sooner you freeze it, the fresher and better it will be when you defrost it.

While frozen food remains safe to eat indefinitely, its quality can decline the longer it stays in the freezer. When it’s time to thaw your food, the safest method is to move it to the refrigerator and let it defrost gradually. Avoid leaving food out on the counter to prevent any risk of spoilage.

HOW LONG DOES PANTRY FOOD REALLY LAST?

Shelf-stable foods like pasta, snack foods, canned goods, baking products and jerky can technically last forever. However, that doesn’t mean they’ll always taste great. These items will be safe to eat indefinitely, but their freshness and

quality depend on the product. Unopened canned goods might stay good for years if the packaging is intact, while dried foods like pasta could get stale or have slight flavor changes over time.

HOW LONG CAN YOU KEEP LEFTOVERS?

You can usually see, smell or taste when cooked food has gone bad. If you’re unsure, the Department of Agriculture’s FoodKeeper app is a handy guide for checking how long specific foods last. Generally, you should toss leftovers after about four days. Even in the fridge, spoilage bacteria can grow, so properly stored leftovers won’t stay fresh forever.

Bottom line, the fresher your food, the better it is and the longer you have to use it up at home. So buyer beware, and always read the label. Tip: In a properly stocked store, the freshest items will be at the back of the shelf or underneath older items.

Whole Grains Versus Refined

Even middle-aged adults can benefit from switching to whole grains. Look on the label for the Whole Grain Stamp or choose the breads, crackers and pasta with the most fiber listed on the nutritional label. Making that simple change may just help keep your blood glucose more stable over time and thereby reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Q and A

Q: What are net carbs? Sometimes I see them on Nutrition Facts labels.

A: Some carbohydrates, such as fiber and sugar alcohols, are not fully broken down by the body and therefore provide few calories and little or no rise in blood

sugar levels. Net carbs refer to the amount of fully digestible carbohydrate in a food. It is calculated by subtracting grams of dietary fiber and half the grams of any sugar alcohols from grams of total carbohydrate. Food manufacturers aren’t required to list net carbs on the label -- only total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, sugars and added sugars. However, if they are listed, they can be helpful to someone following a lower carb diet or people with diabetes.

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.

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of August 18-24, 2024

One thing I’ve learned over many decades of stargazing is this: Stare at the stars long enough and you’ll begin to find among them all kinds of recognizable patterns. Lions and tigers and bears depicted in constellation maps, however, may forever elude you, but there’s no law against creating your own star groupings.

Unlike constellations, which are 88 recognized areas of the sky, these patterns we can create are called “asterisms,” outlines that actually look like something familiar. I often suggest to my Borrego Night Sky Tour guests to look for geometric figures, letters of the alphabet, numbers and even simple everyday items such as a dipper or a teapot. You’d be surprised just how many you can find once you begin looking.

One of my favorite letter asterisms appears low in the northeastern sky after dark this time of year. Its name is Cassiopeia.

This region of the sky was known to the ancient Greeks as an Ethiopian queen, and mother of Andromeda. She was said to have been so obsessed with her own beauty that when the gods placed her in the heavens, they put her in the north so she’d revolve daily about the North Celestial Pole and spend half

STARGAZERS

Cassiopeia and Cassiopeia-Lite

of her time upside down.

The ancient Persians, however, represented its stars as a kneeling camel, while some in the Inuit culture of Canada and Greenland knew it as Pituaq, a lampstand. Some see the stars of this region as the throne on which the Queen sits.

If you can see these things (without chemical assistance, of course), good for you. Maybe I don’t have much imagination, but to me, Cassiopeia appears simply as the letter “W.”

This is how it appears right now, of course, but over an entire year Cassiopeia revolves around the North Star, and it appears to rotate. Pay attention and you’ll discover it can appear as four different figures. Now it appears as a “W,” but when it’s on its side it can look like an “E” or even a “3.” And when it’s high above the North Star, it appears as an “M.”

On August nights, look just above Cassiopeia for another “W.” It appears almost like a miniature version (with a few extra stars), but it’s part of the constellation Lacerta, the lizard. You’ll need a dark moonless sky to see it since it contains no especially bright stars, so it’ll be best to wait until later this week when the moon is no longer in the evening sky.

Lacerta is one of seven obscure Northern Hemisphere star groupings

created and introduced in 1687 by the Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius. He designed Lacerta to use the stars of such a tiny area of the sky that no other constellation would fit it. Some think he may have been inspired by the ancient Chinese, who represented this celestial region as a Flying Serpent. If you’ve got a good dark sky later

this week, you should be able to trace the outline of a lizard. But the five stars on its far left-hand side ... well, they seem to form a figure I just call Cassiopeia-Lite!

LOST IN SUBURBIA

Knuckling

Under

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

“Ow!” I said as I went to lift the pan off the stovetop.

“What’s ‘ow’?” asked my husband, glancing over from the kitchen counter where he was working.

“I hurt my hand yesterday,” I said, massaging the area of my hand where my first and second finger met. “I think I sprained a knuckle.”

He gave me that look.

“I don’t think that’s possible,” he said.

“Well, it must be possible,” I said, “because I did it!”

I pressed on the area that was sore and winced. I had definitely sprained my knuckle. And I did it by lifting the laundry basket with one finger. Why I had lifted the laundry basket with one finger, I had no idea. I was a mystery to myself. The real question was, how was I going to fix it?

“How do you think you fix a sprained

knuckle?” I asked my husband.

“I don’t know,” he said. “Go see the knuckle doctor.”

Since I didn’t really know any knuckle doctors, I decided to look it up on WebMD. That’s what my husband always did when he got a “man cold” and was convinced he was too sick for it to just be a “man cold.” Usually he decided it was something like foreign language syndrome or arctic seal poisoning or something really obscure like that that he’d had no chance of contracting. Eventually he would realize he only had a “man cold,” which, for the rest of us, was misery enough.

I googled “knuckle sprain,” found some information, then went back to my husband.

“OK, so I have arthralgia, and it is monoarticular pain in one of the metacarpophalangeal joints of my phalanges,” I announced.

He gave me that look again.

“What the heck does that even

mean?” he asked.

I shrugged. “I sprained my knuckle.”

“Clearly,” he said. “So what does it say to do?”

“Oh. I forgot to look that up.”

“Better get on it,” he warned. “I heard if you don’t treat a knuckle sprain right away, it could turn into something serious, and you could lose a knuckle.”

“Go ahead and mock me,” I said. “But you’ll be sorry if it really is something serious and I do lose a knuckle and then you have to spend the rest of your life with a wife with nine knuckles!”

I went back to my computer and googled “treatment of knuckle sprain.” I was pretty sure it was worse than I thought and I was going to have to go see a knuckle doctor after all and get a knuckle splint or a knuckle cast or maybe even have surgery to repair my mucked-up knuckle. It was possible I could be incapacitated for weeks or even months while my knuckle healed, and I

would have to hire a special knuckle nurse to do basic things for me like button my pants, which, apparently, you needed your knuckles for.

A few minutes later, I went back to my husband.

“So, what did you learn?” he asked.

“I definitely have a knuckle sprain, and I have to alternate between ice and heat, and it could take a few weeks to heal.”

“Well, that’s a relief,” he said.

“A relief?” I repeated. “I said it could take a few weeks to heal!”

“Yeah. But it could be worse,” he said. “At least it’s not a ‘man cold.’”

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.

The asterism Cassiopeia is currently visible on dark nights.

ONE CALL TO 516-294-8900 AND YOUR AD WILL APPEAR IN 11 LOCAL NEWSPAPERS. CALL TODAY FOR OUR VERY LOW RATES. www.gcnews.com

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EMPLOYMENT

HELP WANTED

CUSTODIAL POSITION

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EMPLOYMENT

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Oh Most Beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven. Oh, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity.

Oh Star of the Sea, help me herein and show me here you are my Mother.

Oh Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power.

Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee (say three times).

Holy Mary I place this cause in your hands (say three times). Amen.

This prayer is never known to fail and is to be said for 3 consecutive days. In Gratitude (M.T.F.)

MARKETPLACE

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Antiques-FurnitureJewelry-Silver-MirrorsLamps-Artwork

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Mon-Fri 10-4 (Wed till 6) Saturday 12-4

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Email photos (with sizing info) to: store@atstewartexchange.org

All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical Society Like us on Facebook & Instagram

Transform your space, maximize your value: Are you looking to add value to your property and enhance its appeal? Look no further! At Invited Sales, we offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet your needs: Personal Property Appraisals and Evaluations: Get expert insights into the true value of your personal property.

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TAG SALE

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AUTOMOTIVE

AUTOS WANTED

***AAA***

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REAL ESTATE WANTED

APARTMENT WANTED

Wanted 2 Bedroom Apartment. Mint condition. Phone- John Koerner 516-269-9107.

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Make the most of your garden’s bounty Blueberry Zucchini Bread

Summer’s bounty knows no bounds. Home gardeners often discover there are a number of crops they can harvest during the waning days of summer, with tomatoes, blueberries, zucchini, and other squashes among

Baking spray with flour

1 cup shredded zucchini

1⁄2 cup granulated sugar

the offerings. It pays to have various ways to prepare these ingredients when a garden starts to overflow. “Blueberry Zucchini Bread” is a moist recipe that is both sweet and subtly tangy. This recipe,

1⁄2 cup packed light brown sugar

1⁄2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted

3 large eggs

1 tablespoon lime juice

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat an 8-by-4-inch loaf pan with baking spray.

2. Place shredded zucchini on two layers of paper towels; top with 2 more layers of paper towels and press gently to remove excess moisture.

3. Whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and lime juice in a large bowl. Stir in the zucchini.

4. Whisk 11⁄2 cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.

courtesy of Eating Well and Pam Lolley, can be either an easy breakfast or a light dessert. It also happens to be vegetarian, nut- and soyfree.

Makes 1 loaf

1 1⁄2 cups whole-wheat pastry flour, plus 1 tablespoon, divided

1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder

1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda

1⁄2 teaspoon salt

1 cup fresh blueberries

5. Add the flour mixture to the zucchini mixture; stir until well combined.

6. Toss blueberries with the remaining 1 tablespoon flour; gently fold into the batter.

7. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan. Bake until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes.

8. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Run an offset spatula around the edges of the pan and carefully remove the bread to a wire rack to cool completely, about 1 hour.

Scam prevention seminar planned for Sept. 5

Local political leaders will be hosting a Scam Prevention Seminar at the Hicksville Community Center on Thursday, September 5, at 7 p.m.

from the Nassau County Office of Crime Victim Advocate, Family & Children’s Association, and Nassau County Police Department will explain

NASSAU COUNTY

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY

OF NASSAU The Bank of New York Mellon fka The Bank of New York successor Trustee to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Trustee for the Bear Stearns ALT-A Trust, Mortgage PassThrough Certificates, Series 2005-9, Plaintiff AGAINST Matthew K. Tannenbaum, Sanda Tannenbaum, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 1, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on September 17, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 20 Sagamore Way South, Jericho, NY 11753. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Jericho, in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, SECTION: 12, BLOCK: 577, LOT: 56. Approximate amount of judgment $961,182.49 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #014530/2012. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 Protocols located on the Office of Court Administration (OCA) website (https://ww2.nycourts.gov/Admi n/oca.shtml) and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held "Rain or Shine". For sale information, please contact XOME at www.Xome.com or call (844) 400-9633. Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01057009-F00 81741

Teen arrested for weapon possession

A 17-year-old boy was arrested on Tuesday, August 13, for allegedly threatening another teen with an imitation pistol BB-gun.

According to Nassau County Police, a female victim was approached by a 17-year-old boy, who brandished what appeared to be a firearm and threatened the victim. Police say the boy left the scene, but

was apprehended by police a short time later without incident. An imitation pistol-BB gun, which police say was used in the commission of the crime and has been recovered.

The 17-year-old juvenile defendant is charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th Degree, and Menacing 2nd Degree.

DWI arrest in Levittown

Nassau County Police arrested a Levittown woman for allegedly driving while intoxicated while two minors were passengers in her car.

According to police, officers responded to Flamingo Road for a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee that had struck an unoccupied parked vehicle. Police say that the driver Jessica Lemus, 21, had

slurred speech, watery eyes, was unsteady on her feet and had an odor of alcohol emanating from her breath. They say she failed a field sobriety test and was placed under arrest without incident.

The vehicle's two 15-year-old male juvenile passengers were released into the custody of a family member that responded to scene.

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Matthew J. Duffy of Plainview was among the 56 members of The University of Scranton’s undergraduate class of 2024 who were honored for academic excellence, service or both at the school’s annual Class Night Ceremony on campus May 17.

Duffy was honored with the 2024 Lawrence A. Mann Award for extraordinary involvement in student activities. In addition to earning a Bachelor of Science degree, summa cum laude, as a double major in business analytics and philosophy with a minor in computer science. Duffy served as a Resident Assistant, Orientation Assistant, and as a Office of Student Support and Success tutor. He was a Campus Ministries Retreat Leader, Sacristan, Eucharistic minister, SPARK and SMART mentor, and Praise and Worship member and president. He has served on the Commencement Student Speaker Selection Committee and was the president of the Alpha Sigma Nu Honor Society. His work with fellow students was sometimes

Jessica Lemus was charged with two counts of Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated (Child under 16) under the Leandra’s Law, two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, two counts of Driving While Intoxicated and Operating a Motor Vehicle by an Unlicensed Driver.

College Notes

less formal, including through the institution of what he called “Waffle Wednesdays,” which saw him making waffles from scratch for anyone who came by to gather and chat. Duffy also participated in Domestic Service Trips to Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles. He volunteered for We Care Wednesday, End of the Year Drive, and at the Nativity Miguel School. He also participated in intramural sports. After graduation, Duffy plans to return to New York to work and pursue a Master of Science in Business Analytics.

The following Fairfield University student(s) graduated from Fairfield University, May 2024: Levittown

Hans Lim Plainview

Pierangelo Bonda-Riva John Tetteris Syosset

Alexandra Emanuel

Dominic Macedo

Sophia Parziale

At the time of graduation, a student must have earned a minimum of 120 credits and

completed at least 38 three- or four-credit courses, depending on the course of study, and have an overall grade point average of 2.0 or better at the conclusion of the senior year.

n Anthony Canino of Old Bethpage, was named to Hartwick College’s Spring 2024 Dean’s List. Canino, who is pursuing a major in Business Administration, was among the approximately 350 students who were named to the Spring 2024 Dean’s List.

Making the Dean’s List is an indication of excellence in academic work. To qualify, students must complete at least 12 academic credits during a term with a grade point average of at least 3.50 and no incompletes.

n New York Institute of Technology congratulates the students named to the Dean’s Honor List for the spring 2024 semester, including: Bethpage

Kashaff Hafeez

Bryan Kershaw

Lily Kljyan

Roshanth Pirapakaran

Sukhraj Singh

Mahnoor Zafar

Hicksville

Jasleen Dhillon

Rahmatullah Khan

Aman Jayprakash Roy

Navjeet Singh

Harsh Talreja Levittown

Ahren Agatep

Syed Bukhari

Miriam Farah

Jasdeep Kaur

Serena Onbasi

Jake Rossillo

Prabjot Singh

Brian Toledo Plainview

Evan Witt

Andrew Zhang

Syosset

Nicholas Andersen

Isabelle Chen

Jawaad Nasim

Jynnie Yang

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Jessica Lemus

Church organizes cleanup of Hicksville downtown

Families came out to help.

On July 19, New York State Senator Steve Rhoads joined Pastor Jaime Aguilar from Iglesia Cristiana Manantial Abierto (I.C.M.A) Church and local community members to clean up Nelson Avenue and West Marie Street in Hicksville.

Armed with brooms, garbage bags, gardening tools, an abundance of enthusiasm, and an unwavering commitment to service, the group was able to make a

big impact in making Hicksville a more beautiful place.

Senator Rhoads thanked the I.C.M.A Church for organizing the street clean up and reminding us that when we come together to serve, we become more than just neighbors; we become a family. The Senator rolled up his sleeves to help and encouraged everyone to continue working as one Hicksville family to engage, uplift, and beautify the community.

Members of the community worked to improve the downtown Hicksville area.

Members of the community donned gloves to clean up the business area.

New York State Senator Steve Rhoads (right) joined with communjity members to clean up streets in Hicksville.

Even the youngest members of the community came to help out.

Overdose prevention, Narcan training

Blood drive in memory of cancer victim

To help save lives and further combat the ongoing opioid epidemic on Long Island, the Town of Oyster Bay is partnering with Drug Free Long Island, Thomas’ Hope Foundation and Massapequa Park Village Mayor Daniel Pearl to host free Family Support, Overdose Prevention & Narcan Training Seminars on Monday, September 16, and Monday, September 30, at 6:30 p.m at in the downstairs meeting rooms of Massapequa Park Village Hall, located at 151 Front Street in Massapequa Park. The program will begin at 6pm with a family support group offering support to family members who have lost a loved one or have a loved one struggling with addiction, followed by a prevention workshop and overdose reversal agent training seminar at 7:30 p.m.

“We’re addressing the ongoing opioid epidemic on Long Island by offering Support, Overdose Prevention and Narcan Training Seminars for residents to learn the warning signs of drug addiction, obtain information on available treatment options, and learn how to reverse the fatal effects of an opioid overdose by administering a life-saving antidote,” Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino said. “Whether you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or not,

we invite you to join us in September for the betterment of our community.”

The overdose reversal agent known as Narcan is administered through a nasal spray, and is provided by the YES Community Counseling Center at no charge to trainees over the age of 18. Under New York State law, residents can administer Narcan in an attempt to save a life, without fear of liability.

Massapequa Park Mayor Daniel Pearl stated, “Through initiatives like this, we can and will continue to save lives and keep families whole. Together with Drug Free Long Island and Thomas’ Hope Foundation, we are strengthening our community in its battle with drug use and working with mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and neighbors to identify warning signs and provide help to those struggling with addiction.”

This free Support, Overdose Prevention & Narcan Training Seminar is available to all residents. No prior medical experience is necessary to participate. All trainees will receive a Certificate of Completion. Anyone can attend, but seating is limited. Please RSVP to Drug Free Long Island by calling (516) 639-2386 or emailing info@ drugfreeli.org.

NY Islanders “Learn to Play” Hockey Clinic

The Town of Oyster Bay will be holding a special New York Islanders “Learn to Play” Hockey Clinic is returning to the Town of Oyster for children ages 5-9. Part of The Future Islanders Program, this “Learn to Play” clinic introduces the game of hockey to young children and serves as a transition program for first-time players interested in house leagues.

“We are pleased to partner with the New York Islanders to offer this exciting clinic for children looking to learn the fundamentals of hockey in a fun environment,” said Town Councilman Lou Imbroto. “This Future Islanders program, taught by former players and coaching staff from the New York Islanders organization, includes handson training skills and all necessary equipment in the early stages of learn-

ing hockey.”

The “Learn to Play” clinic will be offered at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center, and run on Wednesdays, August 7 – September 25, from 6:15 p.m. –7:15 p.m. With a registration price of $295, students receive full hockey equipment, including jersey, stick, gloves, helmet, shoulder pads, pants, shin guards, equipment bag and much more. Sessions will include special appearances by Isles alumni Arron Asham and Radek Martinek.

Enrollment is limited to 60 participants. Registration is now open and space is limited. Visit newyorkislanders.com/learntoplay for additional information, or contact jocelyne.cummings@newyorkislanders.com or call (516) 501-6764.

The Town of Oyster Bay, in partnership with New York Blood Center, will host a blood drive in honor of Bridget McElroy, who lost her battle to cancer at just 35 years old. A regular blood donor herself, it was Bridget’s wish for her family and friends to donate blood in celebration of her birthday. The drive will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Marjorie Post Park Community Center, located at 451 Unqua Road in Massapequa.

“Bridget McElroy was an amazing young woman who lost her life to a rare form of cancer far too soon. Even during her darkest days, Bridget was focused on helping others and requested that her family and friends give the gift of life by donating blood. Now that she’s sadly passed away, we’re continuing her legacy by hosting “Bridget’s Birthday Blood Bank,” a blood drive in her honor. Please join us in donating blood on August 24,” Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino said.

In July of 2020, amid the growing COVID-19 pandemic, Bridget was diagnosed with Leiomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of soft tissue cancer. She was just 33 years old. While being treated for her cancer, she received many blood transfusions, experiencing firsthand what a life-saving gift blood donation can be. She was in the hospital on what would be her very last birthday, with a visitor limitation due to COVID restrictions, battling severe illness and a poor prognosis, yet her smile beamed through her unimaginable pain when she heard that so many people were rolling up sleeves to donate blood in her honor. Bridget passed away 3 months later at the age of 35. The blood transfusions she received extended her life and helped her to live more comfortably for the time she had left.

To make an appointment, visit https://donate.nybc.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/316344.

Avoid penalties: Town taxes due by Aug. 12

The Town of Oyster Bay reminds residents that the Second Half of the 2024 General Tax Levy is due on July 1st, but can be paid without penalty through August 12.

“New York State Law allows my office to provide taxpayers with a 40-day penalty free period from the date the tax is due during which payment may be made without penalty,” Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato explained.

“After the 40 days, State Law requires a one percent penalty be added for each month the tax remains unpaid. So make your payment before August 12th and don’t delay, and you will ensure you aren’t paying more out of pocket than you need to.”

The Tax Office is open at both Town Hall North, 74 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, and Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. to assist residents and accept payments with a check, cash or credit card. On August 9 and 12, both offices will be open from 8:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m. When paying in person, residents are reminded to bring the entire

Let your voice be heard!

tax bill. There are also outdoor walkup windows, and drop boxes have been installed at both locations for residents to make payments when the Tax Office is closed.

Residents who prefer to mail in their payments should send them to the Office of the Receiver of Taxes, 74 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, N.Y. 117711539. Please make your check payable to Jeffrey P. Pravato, Receiver of Taxes and indicate your property’s Section, Block and Lot and telephone number on the check.

Tax payments may also be made online through a link on the Town website, www.oysterbaytown.com.

Residents may view tax bills, print out a hard copy, or pay taxes with an ACH check payment for a fee of $1.75, or by credit card (for a much higher fee, charged by credit card companies). The Town of Oyster Bay receives no portion of this fee.

Residents may contact the Tax Office with any questions about their tax bill at 516-624-6400 or by emailing receiveroftaxes@oysterbay-ny.gov.

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