Syosset Advance (8/25/23)

Town, hospital team up to respond to shark bites

National Night Out draws hundreds to JCC

Nassau County Arnold W. Drucker (D – Plainview) joined forces with the Mid Island Y JCC, the Nassau County Police Department and an array of community stakeholders to celebrate National Night Out on Tuesday, August 1 – an event that drew hundreds to the Plainview community hub.

Held in thousands of communities each year on the first Tuesday in August, National Night Out is an initiative that seeks to promote “police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.” The 2023 installment marks National Night Out’s 40th anniversary as a national observance.

Officials from the Town of Hempstead with team members of NYU Langone, who provided extra training to Town of Hempstead Lifeguards in how to respond to shark attacks.

With an alarming amount of shark bites taking place off the shores of Long Island, including an incredibly severe shark bite recently in Rockaway Beach, Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin has teamed up with NYU Langone Hospital Long Island to provide extra emergency training to Town of Hempstead Lifeguards. The “Stop the Bleed” training program equipped participants

with the skills and knowledge needed to respond to grievous shark bites, teaching specific tourniquets and more. Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin welcomed the trainers and participants, noting that the extra training will help combat an emerging threat.

“Town of Hempstead Lifeguards are among the best in the business, and they are always prepared for the worst,” said Clavin.

“With shark bites becoming an increasingly prevalent emergency, we need to be proactive in keeping swimmers and beachgoers safe.”

The “Stop the Bleed” training program was launched by NYU Langone Hospital’s Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, who also administered the lecture and handson training at Town Park, Point Lookout. The training featured fake limbs with

Legislator Drucker’s event was presented in partnership with the Nassau County Police Department’s Second Precinct and local community

partners in business, education, and healthcare. Family-friendly activities from National Night Out include giveaways from local businesses and community groups, refreshments, raffle prizes donated by local businesses, martial arts demonstrations, sweet treats from an ice cream truck sponsored by the Nassau County Superior Officers Association, popcorn and cotton candy, a bouncy castle, and more.

Additional attractions included visits from NCPD Commissioner Patrick Ryder and the department’s K-9 and Mounted units, tours of a Plainview Fire Department ladder truck and ambulance, a display of historic tanks from the Museum of American Armor; entertainment from Party Harty, and information from local businesses, government agencies, See page 10

Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (D - Plainview, center), with members of the Nassau County Police Department.

N. Massapequa man charged in narcotics cases

Meadow

• The sale of cocaine and heroin on December 14, 2022 in East Meadow

• The sale of fentanyl and cocaine on December 29, 2022 in East Meadow

Subsequent to the investigation, detectives say they recovered 101 assorted oxycodone pills, a clear bag containing 11 grams of a white rocky substance believed to be crack cocaine, a clear bag containing 2.8 grams of a

Town Clerk sponsors

One-Stop Passport Weekend

To help residents looking to obtain new passports, Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca announced that his office will offer a special one-stop Passport Weekend on Saturday, September 9, and Sunday, September 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at both Town Hall North in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South in Massapequa.

“Residents looking to apply for a new passport are invited to visit Town Hall during Passport Weekend to receive assistance,” said Town Clerk LaMarca. “We can

Michael Ezzo

Nassau County Police have charged a North Massapequa man for allegedly selling controlled substances multiple times.

According to Narcotics/Vice Squad Detectives, an investigation was con ducted that led to the arrest of Michael Ezzo, 46. Police say Ezzo was responsi ble for the criminal possession of sales on the following dates and location:

• The sale of heroin, fentanyl and psilocybin mushrooms on November 11, 2022 in Levittown

• The sale of fentanyl and psilo cybin mushrooms on November 12, 2022 in Levittown

• The sale of heroin and ket amine on December 3, 2022 in East

Syosset School Board to meet

The Syosset Board of Education will meet on Monday, August 28, at 8 p.m. in South Woods Middle School for its regu lar monthly Board meeting.

Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, Naturalization Certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship.

• Proof of Identity – Naturalization Certificate, Valid Driver’s License (cannot have been issued or renewed in the last six months), Current Government ID (city, state or federal), Current Military ID (military and dependents).

• This service does NOT apply to Adult Renewals unless your Passport is expired for 5+ years.

Oyster Bay Railroad Museum

Overdose Awareness Memorial Service

The Town of Oyster Bay will partner with Drug Free Long Island, along with the Village of Massapequa Park and Thomas’s Hope Foundation, to host an Overdose Awareness Memorial Service on Thursday, August 31, at 6:30 p.m. at Brady Park in Massapequa Park. Resource tables will be available for families from 6:30 p.m.–8 p.m., and a 7:15 p.m. memorial service will be held in memory of those who have lost friends and family to overdose. Following the memorial service, a candlelight vigil walk will take place from Brady Park to Village Square.

Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino stated, “It is so important that we gather to raise awareness of the deadly effects of heroin and remember our loved ones who lost their lives to the opioid epi-

Beach season extended until Sept. 17

demic. Residents are invited to bring a photo of their loved one to the ceremony.”

Drug Free Long Island will supply a large dreamcatcher in which residents can place a picture of a loved one lost and/or card in their memory. For more information, please call Drug Free Long Island at (516) 639-2386 or email info@ drugfreeli.org.

Oyster Bay Town Hall, along with Park Blvd. in the Village of Massapequa Park, will be illuminated in purple in recognition of National Overdose Awareness Day. This event includes support from Assemblyman Michael Durso, County Legislator James Kennedy, the Town of Oyster Bay, Village of Massapequa Park and Massapequa Chamber of Commerce.

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that the Town will help residents hold on to summer a little while longer by extended hours at TOBAY Beach for two additional weekends after Labor Day – Saturday & Sunday, September 9 and 10, as well as the 16th and 17th. TOBAY will stay open free of charge those two extra weekends with lifeguards on duty from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“To help our residents enjoy their summers a little longer we will once again be extending summer fun at TOBAY, free of charge, for two additional weekends this year,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “We invite all our residents and their families to come out and enjoy this beautiful facility, take in some nice weather

Attention students!

and savor the last of the summer season.”

Residents visiting TOBAY Beach on Sunday, September 10th, can also enjoy the Town’s free, family fun Waterfront Festival at TOBAY Marina, presented by Optimum. In addition to a free concert featuring Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band, the ultimate beach party tribute band to Jimmy Buffet, Kenny Chesney, and the Zac Brown Band, the day of free family fun will feature marine and outdoor exhibits, a children’s snapper derby, police boat demonstrations, food concessions and much more! The festival will run from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information on Town beaches and programs, visit www. oysterbaytown.com.

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!

New brokerage welcomed to Syosset

Nassau County Legislator Arnold Drucker (D - Plainview) (center) presented a Nassau County Legislature Citation to founders Jared Sarney, David Cohen, Samuel Horowitz and Stephen

Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (D - Plainview) joined with the Plainview-Old Bethpage and SyossetWoodbury Chambers of Commerce on Tuesday, Aug. 8 as they celebrated the grand opening of SRG Residential - a residential brokerage and development business located at 303 Jackson Ave. in Syosset. Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Legislator Drucker presented a Nassau County Legislature Citation to founders Sam Horowitz, David Cohen, Jared Sarney and Stephen Gaon in rec-

ognition of this significant milestone.

“SRG Residential’s new venture is a testament to their hard work in the real estate industry and the success of the innovative approach to business that they have embraced,” Legislator Drucker said. “It is a pleasure to recognize the founders of SRG for the work they are doing here in Nassau and across Long Island and wish them all the best in the months and years to come.”

This Week at the Syosset Public Library

Thursday, August 31, at 12:00 p.m.

#AskALibrarian (ON TWITTER)

Join

gestions based on your requests. Must have a Twitter account to participate. Read a great book? Need a read-alike? Looking for your next book club choice? Use #AskALibrarian in your tweet.

Let

Gaon.

Photo courtesy office of Legislator Drucker

Bethpage HS earns Scholar Athlete recognition

Bethpage High School was named a 2022–2023 Scholar-Athlete School of Distinction by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, Inc. Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

Bethpage High School in the Bethpage Union Free School District was once again recognized as a ScholarAthlete School of Distinction from the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, Inc. It is among 84 schools from across the state to receive this honor for the 2022–2023 school year.

To earn the School of Distinction Award, a school must have 100 percent of its varsity athletes qualify for and

receive the scholar-athlete team award during their respective athletic seasons. Teams are presented with the scholar-athlete recognition if 75 percent of their roster has a GPA greater than or equal to 90. During the 2022–23 school year, Bethpage High School had its 31 teams reach this academic achievement, reinforcing the district’s strong commitment to not only athletics but to academic excellence.

Lastchance to pay property taxes

To assist property owners who missed the August 10 deadline for paying their 2023 General taxes, Town of Oyster Bay Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato reminds residents that they can still pay the bill August 31 with the State mandated 2% late payment penalty while avoiding additional interest and fees from accruing on their property.

Late payers should immediately contact the Receiver’s office at (516) 624-6400 if they did not receive a second notification with a delinquent tax bill. Payments postmarked after August 31st cannot be accepted since the collection warrant will have expired. Those payments must be sent to the Nassau County Treasurer at 1

West Street, Mineola, New York 11501.

In September, the Nassau County Treasurer will be mailing notices to all property owners with taxes in arrears. Receiver Pravato advises homeowners who fall under those circumstances to contact the Nassau County Treasurer at (516) 571-2090 to determine the amount due. They may also visit the Nassau County Treasurer’s Office at 1 West Street in Mineola.

Receiver Pravato noted, “Taxpayers in the Town of Oyster Bay are already paying some of the highest property taxes in the nation, and I want to make sure that our residents do not pay more out of pocket than they have to.”

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Free adoptions at town animal shelter

The Town of Oyster Bay's Animal Shelter will waive adoption fees throughout the month of September.

“I invite and encourage residents looking for a new pet, to check in with the Town’s Animal Shelter during the month of September, as general adoption fees will be waived. Our shelter staff has a wonderful reputation for providing great care to the pets housed there, and has a long history of uniting those looking for a fur-ever companion,” said Town Clerk Richard LaMarca.

During the month of September, the shelter will waive the general adoption fees of $80 per dog and $84 per cat. All usual adoption services will be provided, including the spaying or neutering of the animal, vaccination and microchipping. Residents interested in viewing the animals available for adoption can call the shelter to make an appointment, or visit www.oysterbaytown.com.

“In addition to free adoption month, the Town will be hosting a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic at the Animal Shelter on September 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. No reservations are necessary,”

New restaurant welcomed to community

said Clerk LaMarca. Microchip services will also be available for a $25 fee. “If a pet is ever lost, they can be taken to a vet clinic or animal shelter where they will be scanned for a microchip ID and returned to their rightful owner.”

The Town of Oyster Bay Animal Shelter is located at 150 Miller Place in Syosset. The shelter is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Residents interested in visiting the shelter can call to make an appointment.

To view photos of some of the animals available for adoption, visit the Town’s website, www.oysterbaytown.com or call (516) 677-5784 for more information.

Once dogs reach four months of age, owners are required to obtain an annual dog license and verification tag. The general license fee is $15 for an unneutered or unspayed dog and $10 for a neutered or spayed dog. There is no fee for licensing a guide dog, hearing dog, service dog, war dog, detection dog or police dog. Fees for senior citizens are $5. To obtain an application for a dog license, please call Town Clerk Richard LaMarca’s office at (516) 624-6324.

EXPERIENCE EXCELLENCE

The Plainview Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce welcomed Nice Day Chinese Takeout to the community during a ribbon cutting on August 15. Nassau County Legislator Arnold Drucker (D - Plainview) was on hand to present a citation to the new business owners.

Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (D – Plainview) joined the Plainview – Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, Aug. 15 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the grand opening of Nice Day Chinese Takeout in Plainview. The eatery specializes in fresh, made to order, dinein and take-out classic American Chinese cuisine. During the ceremony, Legislator Drucker presented a Nassau County Citation to co-owners Yong and Wanting Zhang to commemorate the

momentous occasion.

“Small businesses like Nice Day Chinese Takeout offer residents an opportunity to experience delicious cuisine inspired by the full spectrum of the world’s cultures,” Legislator Drucker said. “It was a pleasure to join the Plainview – Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce and the local community in celebrating their grand opening and wishing Yong and Wanting all the best in this new chapter of their lives.”

Two men robbed in Hicksville

Two 40-year-old male victims were walking on Lee Avenue near the intersection of Linden Boulevard in Hicksville on Thursday, August 17, at 12:34 a.m. when an unknown male subject on a bicycle came up to them. The victims say the man pushed both victims to the ground and took approximately $2,500 in US Currency and a phone from the victims before displaying a what appeared to be a knife. The subject slashed both victims

before fleeing the scene in an unknown direction. Both victims were transported to a nearby hospital for lacerations to their hands. Both are in stable condition. No description of the subject is currently available. Investigation is ongoing.

Detectives request anyone with information regarding the above crime to contact the Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS or call 911. All callers will remain anonymous.

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

A Notice of Formation of Ivan Chen LLC, Art. of Org. filed Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 4/18/2017. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: The LLC, 17 Colgate Ln, Woodbury, NY 11797. Purpose: any lawful activity.

NASSAU COUNTY

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK - COUNTY OF NASSAU

DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR RESIDENTIAL ASSET SECURITIZATION TRUST 2007-A8 MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2007-H, V.

HEEJUNG JEONG, ET. AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated January 03, 2019, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein DEUTSCHE BANK

Town, hospital team up on shark bites

From page 1

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, LNV CORPORATION, Plaintiff, vs ALLISON ALBERT, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 8, 2016, 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 September 29, 2023 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 106 Ira Road, Syosset, NY 11791. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 15, Block 105 and Lot 8. Approximate amount of judgment is $523,429.26 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 851/2012. 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.

Francis X. McQuade, Esq., Referee

Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff

Firm File No.: 231353-1

NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR RESIDENTIAL ASSET SECURITIZATION TRUST 2007-A8 MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2007-H is the Plaintiff and HEEJUNG JEONG, ET AL. are the Defendant(s).  I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on September 26, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 59 BLUEBIRD DRIVE, SYOSSET, NY 11791:  Section 15, Block 101, Lot 14:

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT SYOSSET, TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 005966/2016. Brian Carmody, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

various wounds that tasked participants to fill the wound, wrap a tourniquet and apply pressure to the correct areas. The types of wounds included lacerations, bullet wounds and even wounds similar to a shark bite. The goal of the training is not to “normalize” events that might result in life-threatening bleeding, but to prepare communities as best as possible for a range of trauma circumstances.

Town of Hempstead lifeguards are required to be certified in lifeguard training, CPR and first aid training. In the past 88 years, there has never been a drowning at a Town of Hempstead beach when a lifeguard has been on duty. Town of Hempstead lifeguards are trained in various shark-response initiatives, such as properly identifying the fins and swimming patterns of a shark. What’s more, Town of

Hempstead Shark Patrol consists of a team of lifeguards operating watercrafts such as a boat and jet ski, drones that patrol the waters every day and protocols that help protect beachgoers and swimmers in the event of a shark sighting. Town of Hempstead lifeguards are responsible for protecting nearly 4 miles of beachfront, including Town Park at Point Lookout, Town Park at Lido Beach, Lido Beach West, Malibu Beach, Atlantic Beach and Nickerson Beach.

“I’m grateful to NYU Langone Hospital Long Island for helping keep Town of Hempstead beachgoers safe by offering this emergency training,” said Clavin. “It’s my hope that town lifeguards will never need to use this training, but the invaluable knowledge of tourniquets and treating excessively bleeding victims will be most helpful in emergency situations.”

National Night Out draws hundreds to JCC

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and not-for-profit organizations.

“Since 1984, National Night Out events across the country have strengthened bonds between law enforcement agencies and the community members they work tirelessly

to serve and protect each and every day,” Legislator Drucker said. “We are blessed in Nassau County to have what I believe is the finest police force in the nation, and it was a privilege to celebrate their efforts with our partners at the Mid Island Y JCC and so many community stakeholders.”

POB Flag Football stars come out on top

Star players from the PlainviewOld Bethpage Central School District’s championship 2023 girls’ flag football team took home first place at the National Football Foundation’s inaugural Long Island Girls Quarterback Challenge on July 16. The challenge took place at Kings Park High School.

Quarterback Jennifer Canarutto outscored and defeated competing rivals with the help of her teammates, wide receivers Rachel Ganz and Gabi

Weinstein. This was the first year the National Football Foundation has invited girls to compete at its quarterback challenge and the second year it has held one on Long Island. The event features the best quarterbacks from across the Island.

“It was an amazing experience,” Jennifer told Newsday at the challenge.

“I put in the practice with the receivers all season and it showed.”

Together, the three players helped

lead the POB Hawks to an undefeated 18-0 spring season in which they captured the regional title. Throughout the season, the Hawks were the dominant team on Long Island, scoring 447 points while only giving up 52. In addition to Jennifer and Rachel, Lara Glasser,

Emma Heaney and Ashley Cassano were selected for the All-County team. Julia Kesselman earned All-Conference honors, and Coach Alec Abramowitz was named Nassau County Conference 1 Coach of the Year.

Upcoming Events at the Jericho Public Library

Monday, August 28

2:00 p.m.: VIRTUAL: Art Lecture

- The Art Institute of Chicago with Mary Maguire - The Art Institute of Chicago, founded in 1879, is the second largest art museum in the United States, after the Metropolitan Museum of Art. On this virtual tour through its galleries, we will stop to admire iconic works including Grant Wood’s “American Gothic,” Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks,” George Seurat’s “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte,” Picasso’s “The Old Guitarist” and Caillebotte’s “Paris Street; Rainy Day.” In its inaugural survey by Tripadvisor, the Art Institute was named the World’s Best Museum. So, if you have not had the

opportunity to visit the Institute, this is your chance to explore its collection.

Tuesday, August 29

2:00 p.m.: I N-PERSON: News Currents with Elinor Haber - Join Elinor to participate in an informal exchange about topics of the day -- the international, national and local scene. We’ll focus on trends that affect us now and in the future. Bring your thoughts, issues and a friend to join in the discussion.

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

Wednesday, August 30

2:00 p.m.: VIRTUAL: Art Lecture:

Pioneering Abstraction in WPA with Sylvia Laudien-Meo - While most of the WPA murals commissioned after a special jury review were figurative, there are also several major projects which pioneer Abstraction. The discussions were heated: Can abstract art relate to US American cultural identity? Before WWII it was not yet widely accepted. Can abstract murals have an emotional impact on people using public spaces? In what way can murals be an integral part of architecture and influence our sense of space? Goldwater Hospital on Roosevelt Island, the Williamsburg Housing Projects, WNYC public radio in Manhattan and Newark Airport are important examples. Artists including

Love to write?

Willem De Kooning, Philip Guston, Lee Krasner, Stuart Davis, Arshile Gorky and Fernand Leger also participated and inspired the rise of Abstract Expressionism during the post war years.

Thursday, August 31

10:30 a.m.: Tiny Songbirds (Ages 1–5) - Tiny Songbirds is a cooperative early childhood music class that will have you and your little one singing, moving, playing instruments and creating musical moments together.

7:00 p.m.: K’nex Workshop (Grades 2–4) - Kids will build something then compete with each other after learning basic engineering concepts.

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

Email submissions: editor@gcnews.com

• Attach article and any photos (1MB), along with your name and contact info.

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

All-County quarterback Jennifer Canarutto (pictured). She earned first place at the Long Island Girls Quarterback Challenge on July 16.

Wide receiver Rachel Ganz (pictured) worked alongside Jennifer throughout the spring season and again during the challenge.

Marine Biology Camp takes students to Long Island’s shore

It was a week of adventure for students in Marine Biology Camp in the Levittown Public School District as their trips to Caumsett State Park introduced them to the wonders of marine life.

From Aug. 7–12, marine biology students took daily trips to Caumsett and dived into the environmental conditions of Long Island’s shores. Students braved the terrain through a salt marsh hike and saw the biology of a fish through an observed dissection. During a horseshoe

crab study, they learned about the survival capabilities of the armored arthropods. Finally, a guided fishing trip taught students about safe and humane practices while fishing while they also explored the hidden life found in the shore’s sand.

The program is run by Nassau BOCES Outdoor and Environmental Education and welcomes students entering fifth, sixth, seventh or eighth grade.

Photos courtesy of Levittown Public Schools

Students hiked through the terrain toward the next exciting learning opportunity. Exploration along the shore led to the discovery of marine wildlife.

Levittown’s Marine Biology Camp took students to Caumsett State Park to learn about marine life.

Groups sifted through several curiosities that lie near the shoreline.

Another successful summer for Golden Eagles Summer Academy

The Bethpage Union Free School District held its annual Golden Eagles Summer Academy at Central Boulevard Elementary School from Aug. 7–18. All Bethpage students entering grades 1–12 were invited to join the two-week program for free.

At the elementary level, students participated in hands-on enrichment activities to enhance their academic and social skills before the upcoming school year. They engaged in interactive lessons and games in subject areas such as English, math and science and made new friends along the way.

Middle and high school students had the opportunity to pick from a variety of different course options that best fit their interests, including some not typically taught during the school year. Each course ran for a week, so secondary students could select two for the full program. Courses included Art Around

the World, Band Camp, Careers Camp, Chess Masters, Crocheting, Computer Programming, Critical Thinking Games, Embroidery, Engineering, Forensics, Performance Arts Dance and Shark Tank. In addition, a new ukulele course for beginners, Ukulele Fun, was added for students entering grades 9-12.

The 2023 Golden Eagles Summer Academy was facilitated by program advisers Ryan Catterson and Tracey Zito who helped ensure that the twoweeks ran safely and smoothly for all the students and staff involved.

“We hope that students were able to have an enjoyable and memorable learning experience this summer,” said Mr. Catterson. “Our goal was to give students the chance to gain knowledge and grow while inspiring them to keep learning and have fun each day.”

Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

Bethpage students enrolled in Art Around the World learned how to paint scenes and landmarks from across the globe.

Incoming first grader Jack MacKinnon tallied up his classmates’ favorite colors.

Students in Ukulele Fun learned how to play songs on the ukulele with the help of Bethpage music teacher Kayleigh Duca (back).

Incoming fourth graders (left to right) Jaclyn Talio, Avery Talio and Mia Basta created volcanos during the Golden Eagles Summer Academy.

Incoming third graders practiced their poetry writing and displayed their creations on the wall.

August 25, 2023

Cycling Quebec’s Eastern Townships: So Near and Yet Feeling Far (in the Best Way)

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

It doesn’t take long before we bike across the border into Quebec, Canada, just about 16 miles from Montgomery Center in northern Vermont. The countryside landscape, even the architecture, isn’t all that different, but we immediately see signs in French that remind motorists that 90 km is 60 mph. It is literally crossing a threshold. This Discovery Bicycle Tours cycling trip through Quebec’s Eastern Townships is marvelous in how you feel instantaneously transported far away – in fact, to a foreign country and forget how near we actually are, mere biking distance from our home country.

Discovery Bicycle Tours makes it all so easy. In fact, as our guides tell us when we meet for our orientation, “This is your vacation...”

I have arrived at Phineas Swann Inn, Montgomery Center, Vt around 4:30 pm the day before we set out for Quebec with plenty of time to get settled in my spacious room (more of a suite, with fire place, refrigerator, snacks and sodas, and coffee maker) before our 5:30 pm orientation with our leaders and the other bikers.

What a hoot! I recognize Jim Ortuno as the leader of my first Discovery Bicycles trip, in Woodstock Vt. several years ago. (I have since also taken Discovery’s Coastal Maine bike trip.) Our second leader is Lindsay Smith. Both prove to be exceptionally caring, earnest, and efficient (Jim is a volunteer firefighter and Lindsay is an EMT). After we cross the border,

we are joined by our Quebecois leader, Jacques Hebert, who provides such personal insights of the route, the places, the culture and history of where we travel that would not be obvious as we cycle by.

We go around the inn’s salon to introduce ourselves. I find it enormously interesting that all nine of us are women and not exactly spring chickens (but each with zeal and zest). Our complement includes a group of five ladies from New Hampshire who have been biking together since COVID and make me think of a cycling version of “Jane Austin Book Club”; two sisters from Massachusetts; and two of us who are traveling solo, from New Jersey and Long Island (bike

trips are marvelous for solo travelers, and Discovery does a great job of accommodating singles).

What I love best about Discovery Bicycle Tours is the underlying philosophy: “Ride your own ride,” in order to make the experience, regardless of biking ability, as pleasurable as possible. That is not the case with some bike tour operators that have the group ride together at some communal pace (you have to ask permission to stop for a photo) and is really the difference for me, maximizing the enjoyment and the experience.

The secret ingredient is Discovery’s use of Ride With GPS app. We all have our own route on our phone

(customized by Discovery’s owner, Scott Cone) - they also give you a printed cue sheet if you ask, which I do. That means you can ride at your own pace, you’re not pressured to keep up or even keep riding (I like to stop for photos and to see things). You know how far you’ve come and how far you have to go.

Scott has organized the GPS so it alerts us to an attraction or when to show special caution such as a railroad crossing or an upcoming turn, and most importantly, when you’ve gone off-route. The GPS (and the cue sheet) alert you to what’s coming up “there will be 1.3 miles of gravel road ahead –note round barn up on the left.” “There is a nice view of Riviere Yamaska off to the right.” “1976 Olympic Equestrian Venue on Left”. “A very nice bakery on the left. Cash or debit cards only.” “Stop at the granite marker for the 45th parallel. You are half way between the Equator and the North Pole.”

Another quality of Discovery’s trip planning is that each day there is the primary ride and an option to do extra miles, which is a great way of accommodating riders of a range of abilities and interests. (One of the guides also drives the van each day that is available in case of a problem, but also sets up our rest stop/snacks/ water each morning and afternoon.)

This Quebec Eastern Townships ride is classed as “2” or “intermediate” – so the rides are around 25-35 miles a day with options to do more (the toughest climbs are usually optional), and have for some long climbs along the road, as well as rolling hills, so that

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The gorgeous pastoral scenery on Discovery Bicycle Tours’ Quebec Eastern Townships © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Cycling Quebec’s Eastern Townships

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you can use the momentum from coming down to get you much of the way back up. Most of the ride are along the paved and gravel roads (but the Canadians are very polite and accommodating). Half of the group ride e-bikes (either their own or Discovery’s which they make available at no extra charge); a couple have carbon road bikes; and one lady switched from her road bike to Discovery’s e-bike. I am about the only one riding a regular hybrid bike, and at the end of a ride where there was one of the hardest climbs, everyone cheers as I come in.

“Our job is to make sure you have a good time. It’s important to us that you have a great week,” Lindsay tells us. And that isn’t just words. She asks what snacks we like and want (she is going to the grocery first thing in the morning to shop) – and the final list might suggest the cravings of pregnancy – olives, peppercorn chocolate which she purchases at the chocolate museum, chips, beer, plus fresh cherries, strawberries and other good stuff.

Jim and Lindsay, who are really good humored, really caring and really kind, fuss over us like mother hens. Jim makes it his mission to offer great pro-tips on tackling the hills: keep chin up, relax the shoulders, light hands on the handlebar, push/pull pedals, breathe in once, out twice to empty the lungs; sing (which distracts).

Discovery Bicycle Tours does an outstanding job of preparing you for the ride – giving you all the information you need for contact (phone, email, addresses); fitting the bikes and helmets,

BY LOU THEODORE

safety talk; map talk preparing you for the trip and for the day’s ride. Everything is conveniently accessible on the Ride with GPS app, including the elevations for the route. (They also arrange for shuttle for anyone flying into Burlington airport.)

The meals (all breakfast, all but one dinner) are fantastic – excellent selection (we mostly order off the menu), marvelously prepared, with excellent choices, as well as accommodating diet preferences.

And the lodgings they choose are not merely places to overnight, but are special.

Our stay at the Phineas Swann Inn, in Montgomery Center, really sets the stage for the quality we experience all along the way. The inn is a restored 1880s farmhouse which TripAdvisor and Boston Magazine have named one of the most romantic inns in America. It is really plush, luxurious, quaint and has a spa for those who would like to indulge.

After our orientation meeting, we have a wonderful dinner at the inn and then a delicious breakfast, a last bike fitting for anyone who needs it, and map talk before we start riding and a last reminder: HAVE YOUR PASSPORT ON YOU!

Cycling “Route des Vins”

The primary ride this first morning is 35.3 miles, with an option for11.7 more, for 47 miles. I take note of the map showing elevations – six climbs, one descent, 1,664 ft. for the main; and 483 ft for the next 11 with a rather long climb.

Though we generally are able to ride at our own pace, on this first morning, because of crossing the US-Canada

border, Lindsay, who will be biking with us while Jim drives the van, tells us we need to pretty much stick together. It is rather exciting to go through the border, even though it is pretty pro-forma.

Much of our ride is along the wonderfully scenic Quebec’s “Route des Vins” (a winery/vineyards trail), and this day, we cycle to a winery, Domaine du Ridge, at mile 27.6 for a beautiful lunch (it’s really a surprise), where we have a delightful tasting of four wines accompanied by a plate of cheese, meats, pate, served at small tables outside on the lawn.

We pass the Musee Missiquoi, which inhabits a water mill, which we would normally visit (it is closed on Monday).

We end the regular ride at another winery which also has a sculpture park (they have arranged admission), and we are given the choice of riding the van back from here or ride 12 miles on gravel road to the hotel.

I continue on for the option, which is mostly on gravel country road with some hills (worth it for the views, they keep reminding us). Jacques has promised gorgeous scenery and it is true – the countryside scenes are painterly.

Scenery is important to me – the opportunity to see landscapes, villages, people going about their day at the pace of a bicycle, with the ability to stop and take it in, take a photo – is why I love bike trips so much. The physical feeling you get – the satisfaction of attacking a hill (and being successful) – is great, too, but not my priority, though tackling distance and hills is the priority for some of the road riders.

WRITER’S CORNER

I’m loving this trip because we are immersed in a foreign culture – the fact it is French speaking – is such a wonderful overlay – and yet so accessible.

We pass a Quebec highlight, a round barn. Off to the distance we can see our destination for the night, the charming Auberge & Spa West Brome, where we have access to their sauna, gym and gorgeous indoor heated pool. Just as we arrive, it begins to rain, and it is so very enjoyable to paddle around in the indoor pool and totally decompress and chat with people from Montreal, summoning my rusty french.

We have a sensational dinner at the Auberge’s Bistro – Chef Ugo’s inspiration menu. I get to taste Jacques’ Boudin noir maison (homemade black pudding, bacon-whisky marmalade, apples with Calvados – it’s actually quite tasty), but enjoy my appetizer, citrus salmon; for the main I have the duck leg confit with creamy roasted garlic puree. The dessert, chocolat mousse is fabulous.

This inn (actually modern, but very charming, with a series of small buildings) really caters to cyclists. It is set amid 200 acres of picturesque farmlands, just north of the town of West Brome, surrounded by the lovely rolling hills that characterize the Eastern Townships of Quebec.

Next: Discovery Bicycle Tours’ Quebec Eastern Townships: Scenic Routes & Chocolate

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

A Broadway Musical Play Revisited

I was always in love with the music of the 1950s and 1960s. And suddenly, it came to me five years ago while watching an advertisement on the great love songs of the past. I thought: How about a musical play on the great music of the 1950s and 1960s era? After some thought, I decided to put together an outline for a Broadway play concerned with the musical hits of that period, focusing on (but not limited to) country plus rock and roll music. And, that was what an article at that time was all about…a Broadway musical play titled: The Music of the 1950s and 1960s.

That was 5 years ago. Five years have elapsed and I’ve decided to revisit that article. And, here is my edited and revised version of my earlier work.

On to the musical itself. Keep in mind that I am not a producer or director, and have attended only 15 (my best guess) Broadway plays and 5 (my best guess again) off-Broadway plays. Most

have been of a musical variety. My first play was Grease and remember becoming mesmerized on entering the theatre and hearing the piped-in music prior to the play. I also remember Dream Girls and Jersey Boys. Interestingly for me, the plot never came into “play;” it was strictly the music. Based on all of this, here is what I’ve come up with for a Broadway play on the music of the 1950s and 1960s.

Three things come into mind regarding the proposed play: the music/score, the singers/musicians, and the presentation/production. Each are detailed below.

The Music/Score: As noted earlier, the music would be primarily based on the hit songs of the 1950s and 1960s. Here are some of my favorites:

• Be My Baby

• Beyond the Sea

• Blueberry Hill

• California Girls

• Georgia on My Mind

• Crazy

• I Want to Hold Your Hand

• Johnny B. Good

• ShBoom

• Someday Soon

• Sweet Caroline

• Whole Lotta Lovin’ Going On

• All My Lovin’

• You Belong to Me

• Begin the Beguine

Some, but not all, of the above would be part of the play for a given night, details of which are provided in the Presentation/Production section.

The Singers/Musicians: This should consist of a 5–10-person band with excellent singers and music playing abilities. A no-name group – that are true fans of the songs of the 1950s and 1960s – would be preferred. At a minimum, the band would consist of a drummer, guitarist, keyboard player, violinist, and horn. The band members would be male but a female singer/musician would be a plus. Other musicians could also be included in the band.

The Presentation/Production: Here

is what I envision for a typical performance. The band opens up with a medley of 5 or more country music songs from the past. This would be followed by ACT I which would consist of 15 songs selected randomly by the Director from a list of 75 hits of the

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Crossword Answers

WRITER’S CORNER

A Broadway Musical Play Revisited

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1950s and 60s, almost all from a different artist. The 75 songs would initially be selected by the Director. Each song would be preceded by a short one-minute commentary on the songwriter(s) and/or original singer(s). ACT II would follow after a 15-minute break. This last act would consist of 10 songs that would be randomly selected by the audience. The play would conclude with another medley of songs of a rock-and-roll variety. The band would have to rehearse all songs early during the production stage of the play.

The aforementioned 15 songs in ACT I would be randomly selected from the “bank” of the aforementioned 75 songs for each performance. Songs would also be randomly selected from the 60 songs that were not selected that previous evening for the following (next) performance. The next performance would then be selected from the remaining 45 songs. Etc. Etc. The cycle would therefore be repeated after every five

performances, being careful that the songs are randomly selected each night and each cycle.

The ACT II songs would be selected by the audience each night on entering the theatre from the 60 songs remaining in the pool of songs not included in ACT I for that evening. The selections from the audience would be computerized, with the results of the top 10 choices determined during ACT I and the break. These songs would then constitute the aforementioned 10 songs for ACT II that night.

The opening (prologue) and closing (epilogue) melodies would be the same each night.

A typical performance could consist of the following:

ACT I

INTRODUCTION: Lead member of band

OPENING MELODY (COUNTRY MUSIC; my selections)

• Country Road

• Someday Soon (my favorite)

• Don’t it Make My Brown Eyes Blue

• Lying Eyes

• Rocky Mountain High 15 SONGS

These would be selected from the pool of 75 songs. For example, the 15 selected earlier could be chosen.

INTERLUDE/BREAK (15 minutes)

ACT II

10 SONGS

You (the audience) pick them.

CLOSING MELODY (ROCK-ANDROLL; my selections)

• Earth Angel

• ShBoom

• Maybelline

• I Wanna Hold Your Hand

• Sweet Caroline (audience participation)

CLOSING REMARKS: Lead member of band

Finally, three points need to be made. First, I must inform the reader that I have never written a song, sung a song professionally, played a musical instrument, written a play, or under-

stand the various ramifications associated with a play, let alone a musical play. Second, each performance would be different and thus could be attended numerous times by a theatergoer. (This is similar to Louie Prima’s shows of yesteryear in Las Vegas where – due to Prima’s insanity - the audience was treated to a different show every night.) Third, the above outline and details of the proposed musical play are dynamic in nature and could be “tweaked,” e.g., more or less selections, elimination of random selections, different musical categories, and any potential and/ or special accommodations to the performers, audience, societal interests and problems, etc.

©Theodore Tutorials, 2018.

Any thoughts? Your comments would be appreciated.

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

Over 50 Fair Has Fabulous New Additions

The Over 50 Fair will amaze the large crowd of Long Island Baby Boomers and seniors who will attend this year’s event. The Over 50 Fair, in its 14th year, returns to the Hilton Long Island/ Huntington on Sunday, September 10 from 10 AM - 4:30 PM.

The Over 50 Fair is, according to owner/director Barbara Kaplan of East Hills, “part health and wellness fair, part activities and education expo, and part conference.” In addition to running this annual event, Barbara runs the hugely successful All Kids Fair every April.

Over 25 classes will be presented at the Over 0 Fair, including some very unusual offerings:

• Dream interpretation

• Ghost hunting

• “Manage your money without your honey”

• How to improve your dating and sex life after 50

• “How my positive attitude helped me beat breast cancer”

Michael Diaz, author of Get out of the Water: A Story of Survival and Self Discovery, will be speaking. Michael endured a harrowing ordeal whereby he floated on the choppy waters between Long Island and Connecticut for 17 hours after his kayak overturned in 2017.

Additional classes will include Social Security, stress reduction, a comedy show, a dance demonstration, Medicare, and yoga.

In addition to the classes, there will be over 80 businesses and organizations

promoting a diverse assortment of local products and services, including health and wellness, travel, attorneys, jewelry, and assisted living options.

Local beauty queens from the Ms. New York Senior America pageant, including 2023 winner Mae Caime, RN, 2015 winner CJ Marie, and 2010 winner Elisabeth Zamarelli, Ph.D. will be in attendance.

Barbara Kaplan said that the Over 50 Fair is “ ’Overflowing with Opportunities for Age 50+.’ Our attendees can also take advantage of free hearing screenings and blood pressure checks, many types of free consultations and screenings.”

A live acoustic music showcase will consist of several local musicians, including:

• James “X” Erxleben – playing acoustic Rock and popular music

• Steve Charles – Elvis tribute

• Joanne Amante – lead singer in Illusion: A Tribute to Women Who Rock playing 60’s and 70’s music

• Acoustic Angry Alice – playing the best Rock and popular music from the last decade

This year’s event will feature a blackjack table with “funny money” where attendees can play the popular casino game.

In the Singles Lounge, singles can relax, mingle, win a free matchmaking membership and maybe meet their “special someone.”

A free photo booth with props will also be available.

This event has been building a loyal following among the Boomer Generation due to its consistent presentation of a variety of classes and products they find appealing.

2022 Attendee Michele Splain shared “You offered variety and a lot of nice people. Something for everyone. You did a good job of putting it all together and meeting different people’s needs.”

Giving is Living Inc., a local non-profit that helps Long Island’s needy, will be collecting non-perishable food and money; those who donate will receive raffle tickets to win valuable prizes.

The Over 50 Fair is a nine-time consecutive winner of Best of Nassau County in the Best Annual Event/ Festival category.

Admission tickets, which include access to all classes, exhibitors, and attractions are $5 online, $7 at the door, and free for Veterans with ID.  Those who pre-pay will receive a special raffle ticket at registration.

The Hilton Long Island/Huntington is located at 598 Broadhollow Road (Rt. 110), Melville, just south of the Long Island Expressway. Free valet parking will be available at the rear (Grand Ballroom) entrance.

Sponsors for this year’s event include Tideline Center for Health & Aesthetics, Aetna, Senior Health Plan Specialists, Acupuncture Wellness Services, AARP, Wellcare, Financial Planning Association of Long Island, Blank Slate Media, Litmor Publications, Herald Community Newspapers and, 516Ads.com/631Ads.com.

The Over 50 Fair will include health checks as well as classes and information important for seniors.

BY TOM MARGENAU

Let’s say you own a Honda Civic and you’ve got a problem with it. Maybe it leaks oil, or maybe it has trouble starting. Would you go to Honda’s headquarters in Minato City, Japan, to get it fixed? Of course not. You’d go to your local Honda dealer.

Or maybe you’ve got a Maytag washing machine that’s on the fritz. Would you contact Maytag’s headquarters in Benton Harbor, Michigan, for repairs? No, you wouldn’t. You would find a local appliance repair shop and have them look at it.

So, I’m always surprised when people with a Social Security question or problem think that they should contact Social Security Administration headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland, for help. Why in the world do that when you’ve got a local Social Security office probably just a few miles down the road? (There are about 1,200 Social Security offices around the country.)

A few months ago, I wrote about people who travel all the way to the SSA’s headquarters in the Baltimore suburb of Woodlawn because they want to take their Social Security issue “all the way to the top” and then end up talking to a representative from the nearby Randallstown, Maryland, Social Security office who is out-stationed there just for instances like these.

I was reminded of all this when I got an email this week from a woman who was asking a fairly simple question. She is 68 and is getting about $2,000 per month in her own retirement benefit. Her 74-year-old husband gets about $3,000. She was asking if she would get widow’s benefits on his record if he should die first.

And here was my answer: “Yes, you can switch to higher widow’s benefits if he dies first. Because you are over your full retirement age, you’ll be bumped up to what he was getting at the time of death.”

After getting my answer, she thanked me and told me it was so much clearer than the reply she got from the SSA headquarters in Baltimore. It turns out she had previously sent them the same question. And she shared the reply she got. Here it is.

“Thank you for contacting the Social Security Administration.

We apologize for the delay in answering your inquiry. We regret any inconvenience this may have caused.

When a claimant starts receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, other family members also may be eligible for payments.

They include the following:

--A spouse, if they are age 62 or older;

--A spouse, at any age, if they are caring for the worker’s child who is disabled or is younger than age 16;

--The worker’s biological child, ad-

Going to the Top Is the Wrong Way

opted child, or, in some cases, a stepchild or grandchild.

When a child is adopted after the natural parent’s death, survivors’ benefits can be paid to the child on the natural parent’s Social Security record. The adoption of a child already entitled to survivor’s benefits does not terminate the child’s benefits. However, a child adopted by someone else during the lifetime of the natural parent can receive benefits on the natural parent’s record only if the child was either living with or receiving support from the natural parent at the time the parent died.

Payment of benefits on the natural parent’s Social Security record to a child who was adopted by someone else during the natural parent’s lifetime is consistent with the purpose of Social Security benefits -- to replace support lost by a child when the worker dies. The requirement that the child must have been dependent upon the worker is intended to assure that the child lost a source of support when the worker died.

To receive benefits, the child must meet the following criteria:

-- be unmarried; and

-- be under age 18; or

-- be 18-19 years old and a full-time student (no higher than grade 12); or

-- be 18 or older and disabled from a disability that started before age 22. (The child’s disability also must meet the definition of disability for adults.)”

This response from the SSA headquarters people went on and on for another couple paragraphs. I just can’t squeeze it all in the space of this column. And guess what? It never answered her question!

I’m not going to defend my former colleagues at the SSA. But I am going to explain what happens when you “go to the top” (in this case, the SSA headquarters) to get an answer to a simple question. I know what happens because I used to work in an office in the same department as the folks who handle these questions.

SSA’s headquarters probably get thousands of routine inquiries each day. And there is a staff of about a hundred people whose job it is to answer these letters and emails. When I worked there, it was called the Office of Public Inquiries.

Regular readers of this column know that I’ve pointed out many times that I’m essentially asked the same questions over and over again. Well, guess what? The same happens with OPI. So rather than “reinvent the wheel” by coming up with new answers each time to the same old questions, they have prepared “canned” responses for the hundreds of different questions they might get.

So, for example, when this lady’s email came in, someone looked at it and said something like, “We need to reply with Paragraph 212 that explains which dependents can get benefits and then

Paragraph 449 that explains this and Paragraph 652 that explains that.” Then someone puts together a response that includes those canned paragraphs and the reply goes out.

But it sounds like in this lady’s case, they forgot to add the paragraph that explains widow’s benefits. That’s just another example of why you shouldn’t “go to the top” to get your Social Security questions answered or your Social Security issues resolved. Instead, for help, rely on your local Social Security office, the SSA’s toll free number (800-772-1213) or the agency’s website at www.socialsecurity.gov. Or rely on

your friendly Social Security columnist. And for the most comprehensive help, buy his books listed below!

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

COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers on page 2

Reducing and eliminating capital gains when selling

Yes, the market is still strong with our limited inventory. It appears attracting buyers is easy as pie if putting your home on the market at a value that makes sense. Bidding wars are apparently still occurring. But what if you have been living in your home for 30+ years and potentially, for various reasons, you will endure a moderate to large capital gains exposure? Would you rather pay it up front in the year of your closing or minimize the amount over a specific number of years? Or, would you like to potentially pay nothing? There are strategies that will enable you to accomplish this.

First, have you considered becoming the lender to your prospective buyer? With interest rates this past week exceeding 7%, providing financing for a buyer, especially if you’re in the higher-priced home sector, could essentially reduce and possibly eliminate your capital gains to “0.”

Moreover, you could receive an excellent interest rate return from your prospective purchaser, while also saving them thousands of dollars per year on their financing costs. This would become a win/win event with all parties benefiting. Qualifying your buyer or having your Broker perform this important process would enable you to make a logical and pragmatic decision as to their qualifications. Knowing what type and length of time they have been in business and/or the length of employment will aid in that most crucial and critical decision in becoming their lender. Knowing the strength of the industry that they are employed in as well as the strength, profit, and loss of their business will also provide a solid basis in determining their qualifications.

Another rather new factor to consider, that has come into play that most will not consider or think about

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

is what businesses and jobs will be affected by AI, and will have a positive or negative effect on consumer income going forward. Some examples (quoted from VisualCapitalist.com by Mar-cus Lu), are office and administrative support, legal, architecture and engineering, life, physical and social science, business and financial operations community and social service management, and sales and related are just a handful of industries that will be greatly impacted.

Providing longer terms for a mortgage will create a better opportunity to reduce your exposure to increased capital gains taxes. One must ascertain an exact plan to be able to do this. This could save you thousands of dollars as well as saving the buyer money at the same time. The important factor is once you provide financing then your taxable income comes into play. The more that you earn, the more capital gains you will pay. The amount could be as much as 20% or as little as 0%. So the plan must be set in motion to have as little “taxable” income as possible, during those years that you are providing financing, to lessen the amount of capital gains that you will be subject to over the term of the mortgage. This will not work for the majority of sellers, who are allowed a $500,000 exemption, plus the original cost of their purchase plus whatever capital improvement costs have been made over the years. Total that up and then subtract it from the sale price. Then the difference, if any, will be subject to capital gains in relation to your taxable income during the year of the sale. But for those who figure it out and plan accordingly,

it could save you a substantial amount of money. For some, creating a specific type of trust will also minimize and reduce your exposure to greater capital gains taxes. It is imperative to discuss all the possibilities with your CPA and financial planner as they will create a customized plan that will specifically be designed around your personal financial situation.

Another method to defer, reduce and eliminate capital gains is to rent your home for 2 years, showing the rental income and obviously paying whatever your required taxes minus expenses would entail. One day after that 2-year period your previous primary residence is now considered your investment property and you can then execute a 1031 deferred tax exchange. This will allow you to purchase another investment property only within the U.S. So if you decided to retire to another state, you could search out a property nearby for easier management. Once you close you will have 45 days to locate another property which is included in the allowable and maximum 180 days to close and take possession. I suggest if you are looking locally or out of state, to begin your search as soon as your contract is fully executed. This will provide you additional time to secure the most advantageous investment with the best return possible. More information on capital gains: Internal Revenue Service (IRS)Capital Gains and Losses: capital gains info

You may call me at any time to further discuss your specific “needs and wants” when selling and create a customized plan to save you money if possible.

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

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

Big Moon A-Risin’

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of Aug. 27 -- Sept. 2, 2023

Make sure you’re out at sunset on Wednesday, Aug. 30, to watch the beautiful full moon rise in the east.

If it seems particularly large when it rises that night, that’s because, well, it is. Not the moon’s actual size, of course; that is always 2,159 miles across. I’m talking about its apparent size -- how big it appears to the eye.

I know what you’re thinking: The full moon always looks large when it rises. That’s true, but you may also know that’s purely an optical illusion caused by a combination of foreground landscape along with some convoluted decision making by the human brain. This is known as the “moon illusion,” and it produces quite a striking sight. I know I have a difficult time with this one myself.

Don’t believe it’s all in your head?

The next time you see this grand spectacle, close one eye and check out the rising moon through a loose fist or cardboard tube that blocks the landscape from view. You’ll see that the moon seems to shrink back to a “normal” size, proving that the effect is purely an optical trick played by the brain.

Amazing, but true!

So why, then, might next week’s rising full moon appear even larger? Because during the moon’s elliptical orbit around the Earth, it occasionally becomes closer (perigee) and farther

(apogee) from us. And in between, its apparent size change is even tougher to notice.

This particular full moon is the second full moon of this month, referred to as a “blue moon.” It will occur only a few hours after its closest perigee of the year. Since it’ll lie only 221,942 miles from us -- 7.6% closer than average -- it will be the nearest full moon of 2023. Even though the moon will display a larger size than normal, will anyone even notice? Probably not, unless you either know it’s supposed to appear larger (in which case you’re cheating!) or you’ve measured its actual size from time to time. Otherwise, most folks would be hard-pressed to notice that the moon’s disk appears larger than

normal.

That’s because our memory of such things is not particularly accurate, and there’s that pesky “moon illusion” thing that confuses matters even more.

While these apparent lunar size changes are relatively minor, we can see the difference easily by comparing two full moon photographs -- one taken when the full moon is near perigee and another when it is at apogee.

You can create such photos for yourself. Use a camera with a long telephoto lens (300-400 mm will do nicely) and exposures similar to those for a bright, sunny landscape on Earth. Be sure to “bracket” your exposures by shooting some slightly overexposed and some slightly underexposed -- just to make

Though the moon always looks closer when it rises, that’s actually an optical illusion -- except when it’s not!

sure that one turns out.

Take one photo next Wednesday night and another on March 24, 2024, when the rising full moon will lie about 251,906 miles from us. When you compare the two images, you’ll discover that the full moon of March will appear about 13.5% smaller -- not sufficient for unsuspecting moon gazers to notice by eye, but enough that your photos will show a dramatic difference.

Follow Dennis Mammana at facebook/dennismammana. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM

Tracy and the Chocolate Factory

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

Every so often, I get an email of doom that has been sent to me along with everyone else on the planet. The latest one I received warned that we are on the verge of a severe Global Chocolate Shortage. The alleged cause is a combination of high demand and some alienesque choco-viruses that are attacking our beloved cocoa beans. Of course, since people forward me this kind of email Armageddon all the time, I immediately had my doubts. But since this was chocolate they were talking about, and I have a love for chocolate that rivals my love for my children, you can imagine my total, utter, complete dismay bordering on hysteria when I got this email predicting the coming of a Chocapolypse.

The truth is, I have never been a

vanilla person. As a kid, I hated vanilla ice cream, thought vanilla wafers were a waste of time and refused to eat yellow cake. As an adult, I became more tolerant of vanilla, but my one true love has and always will continue to be chocolate. he chocolatey-er, the better. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, mint chocolate, peanut butter and chocolate -- I am down for basically anything made with, filled with or covered with chocolate, with perhaps the only exception being chocolate-covered bugs... But the bugs are not necessarily a deal breaker.

Fortunately, according to the email, the CRC (Cocoa Research Center) is on the case, working on new strains of super cocoa beans that can stop these choco-viruses in their tracks. Their motto is, “To chocolate infinity and beyond,” and they will stop at nothing to not only make more chocolate, but to

make it better tasting as well. Sounds like a sweet plan to me.

However, I’m not betting that things will turn around that quickly, so like any smart chocoholic facing a Chocapolypse, I started hoarding KitKats and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Could I, myself, be contributing to the shortage? Maybe. But I also have to put my family’s well-being first, and I know that once a month, if there is no chocolate in the house, things could get ugly.

Still, I’m smart enough to realize that, like many things I read on the internet, this rumor might not actually be true. So, I checked the online authority on internet hearsay, Snopes.com, who proclaimed the Chocapolypse to be mostly false, and predicted more of a likelihood of rising prices than lack of chocolate.

Relieved that I was less likely to run out of chocolate than to be notified by an Arabian prince that I am the sole beneficiary of a 160-million-dollar inheritance and a herd of camels as long as I forward my Social Security number and the code to my bank account, I decided to let go of my Chocapolypse concerns and stop worrying that we will have to endure a Halloween composed solely of Dum-Dum lollipops.

...Not to be confused with the Dum-Dum who believed there was a Chocapolypse coming.

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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PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN (Never known to fail).

Oh Most Beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine of Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin assist me in this necessity. Oh Star of the Sea help me and show herein you are my Mother. Oh Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth I beseech thee from the bottom of my heart to succor me this necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh show me herein you are my Mother. Oh Mary conceived without sin pray for us who have recourse to Thee (three times). Oh Holy Mary I place this cause in your hands (three times). Thank you for your mercy to me and mine. Amen. This prayer must be said for three days and after three days your request will be granted. The prayer must be published. Grateful thanks. (T.Y.)

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Don’t worry about your closing date, we can get your house ready on time! We are a one stop service for all your needs when you are moving or selling a property! Selling, donating, discarding and cleaning out services can be done to meet your time frame with minimal stress. Contact info@invitedsales.com for more information or call 516-279-6378 to schedule a consultation or receive more information. Visit us at www.invitedsales. com for a listing of our upcoming Virtual Tag Sales and Weekly Auctions!

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Catholic Daughters show appreciation to military

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas will be holding a special “Thank You Project” in support of members of the military who currently serve the country.

On September 30 and October 1 after all Masses at St. Ignatius Loyola church, the

CDA will host tables at the priests' garage where you can write a quick note of support. The CDA will supply paper, cards, pens and markers. You may also drop off notes you have already prepared.

You may also drop off your cards at any

time in the box located in the church or mail or drop them to the rectory office (St. Ignatius Loyola, 129 Broadway, Hicksville NY 11801). Please mark them “Catholic Daughters Thank You Project”. Cards must be received by October 22. Suggestions and other important guidelines:

• Address your card to “Dear Friend” or “Dear Service Member”

Family Care Connections, LLC

• Be positive! Write a note of encouragement or tell them of your hobbies or what life is like in your town.

• You do not need to sign your full name or provide an address.

• Please refrain from political statements or inappropriate topics or lengthy religions discussions.

• Please do not be holiday specific as cards will be sent throughout the year.

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Legislator honors junior firefighters

Town holds e-cycling event

Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan speaks to junior fireghters at the East Norwhich firehouse.

Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan (D – Woodbury) recently honored the 19 members and eight advisors of East Norwich Volunteer Fire Company No. 1’s junior firefighters for their accomplishments in community service.

The juniors received the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) Youth Group of the Year and National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) National Junior Firefighter Program of the Year awards. Launched in 1994, the East Norwich Juniors teach valuable fire -

fighting and safety skills to their 12 –17-year-old members, including hose lines, aerial and ground ladders, forcible entry, bailout, and more.

“These outstanding volunteers are proudly continuing the rich tradition of service that has sustained Long Island’s volunteer fire departments for generations,” Legislator Lafazan said. “It was truly a privilege to honor this amazing group of young people, and we are all so grateful for the fact that men and women courageously step up to keep us safe!”

Bowlers needed

The Mercy League Ladies Bowling Team is seeking new members starting in September.

The league plays on Fridays at 9:45 a.m. at Syosset Lanes. $16 per week

for three games, includes shoes and ball, and also an end of season luncheon. For details, please call Dolores Sartor at 516-931-4106.

Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin assisted Marta Kowalska of Levittown during the Town of Hempstead E-Cycle and Shredding Program on August 5, at Town of Hempstead Parking Field 2 in Levittown. All televisions, computers, computer components (including cables, cords, and wiring), monitors, tablets, e-readers, electronic keyboards, mice, fax machines, scanners, printers, VCRs, DVRs, DVD players, digital converter boxes, cable or satellite receivers, electronic and video game consoles and portable digital music players are accepted for e-cycling. For more information about upcoming E-Cycling events, please visit hempsteadny. gov/225/E-Cycling.

College Notes

Jesse Lauterbach graduated from Emporia State University in May 2023.

Lauterbach of Syosset, graduated with a Master of Science degree in health, physical education, & recreation.

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Roger Williams University is proud to announce that Christos Moustopoulos, of Syosset, graduated with a BS Architecture in May as part of the Class of 2023.

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New York Institute of Technology congratulates the students named to the Dean’s Honor List for spring 2023, including:

Bethpage

Christopher Bello, Sukhraj Singh

Hicksville

Vived Bhavsar, Gina Brindisi, Rahmatullah Khan, Sebastian Lopez

Jericho

Yuna Cha, Eli Gersh

Levittown

Manuel Fuertes, Brandon Hernandez, Darrien Sierra

Old Bethpage

Angad Jassal

Plainview

Erni Shqerra, Joana Thomson

Syosset

Isabelle Chen, Devamouli Nag, Jawaad Nasim, Telmo Prego

To qualify for this academic honor, a student must earn a GPA of at least 3.5 and complete 12 or more credit hours without any incomplete grades.

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Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) announces its Spring Dean’s List recipients. This honor is awarded to full-time students who have successfully completed their coursework with a semester grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 score.

Among those named to the Dean’s List is Shania Jagda of Syosset, who is pursuing a degree in public health.

More than 2,300 students earned recognition for academic excellence on the SUNY Cortland Dean’s List for the Spring 2023 semester. The Dean’s List is the highest ranking for undergraduate students in their respective academic areas of the university. Students must earn a minimum 3.3 grade point average for the semester to make the list.

The following local students were honored:

Bethpage

Ryan Bohringer (Media Production)

Lauren Bonura (Psychology)

Alexa Coscino (Childhood Early Childhd Ed B–6)

Patrick Dalton (Physical Educ Major K–12)

Nicholas Griffin (Business

Economics)

Emily Hicks (Criminology)

Joshua Jamison (Criminology)

Alexandra Loverde (Inclusive Ed Child)

Ashlynn McGrorty (Physical Educ Major K–12)

Christopher Mertz (Political Science)

Gregory Neofitos (Sport Management)

Peter Sigalas (Business Economics)

Andrew Testani (New Communication Media)

Victoria Tiedemann (Childhood Early Childhd Ed B–6)

Richard Verbouwens (Exercise Science)

Hicksville

Aidan Aguirre (Pre-Major)

Julia Colonna (Speech & Hearing Science)

Julia Deturris (Exercise Science)

Jessica Kwasnik (Physical Educ Major K–12)

Brianna Reyes (Adoles Educ-Social Studies)

Jaclyn Sullivan (Inclusive Education Childhood)

Levittown

Annie Barry (Childhd Early Childhd B6)

Kaelynn Cafarella (Inclusive Ed Child)

Claire Cornell (Inclusive Ed Child)

Mark Darcy (Business Economics)

Sage Diaz (Speech & Hearing Science)

Isabella Hines (Pre-Major)

Emily Jones (Business Economics)

Erin Maguire (Political Science)

Brandon Martinez (Inclusive Education Childhood)

Daisy Pendergrass (Inclusive Education Childhood)

Stephanie Russo (Biomedical Sciences)

Alyssa Silver (Childhood Early Childhd Ed B–6)

Old Bethpage

Madison Cohen (Inclusive Education Childhood)

Kayla King (Business Economics)

Jonathan Maino (Exercise Science)

Eric Melle (Inclusive Education Childhood)

Jonathan Maino (Exercise Science)

Eric Melle (Inclusive Education Childhood)

Jack Pinnata (Exercise Science) Plainview

Austin Adams (Sport Management)

Lily Adinolfi (Childhood Early Childhd Ed B–6)

Jac Barnett (Political Science)

Hannah Braccia (Speech & Hearing Science)

Robert Brussenski (Sociology)

Samantha Frisch (Inclusive Education Childhood)

Kimberly Gang (Childhood Early Childhd Ed B–6)

Shayna Glatter (Recreation)

Lindsay Gurtman (Sociology)

Javier Hills (Inclusive Education Childhood)

Angela Larusso (Adoles Educ-Soc Studies)

Louis Lavacca (Business Economics)

Nicolas Pepe (Physical Educ Major K–12)

Max Perskin (Childhood Early Childhd Ed B–6)

Maxwell Shapiro (Criminology)

Lyndsey Shulroff (Physical Educ Major K–12)

Alexis Storch (Childhood Early Childhd Ed B–6)

Jake Storch (Adoles Educ-Social Studies)

Alexis Vitti (Community Health)

Jessica Williams (Inclusive Ed Child)

Syosset

Christina Efstratiou (Adoles EducSoc Studies)

Justin Gottlieb of (Criminology)

Paul Metaras of (Physical Educ Major K–12)

Hunter Pick of (New Communication Media)

Olivia Strocchia of (Sport Management)

Vanessa Strocchia of (Business Economics)

Ryan Voight of (Physical Educ Major K–12) n

Danielle N Melman of Bethpage, has been awarded a Bachelor of Arts in music from Kutztown University.

Emerson College student Elizabeth Becker of Jericho, New York, 11753, participated in the Emerson Stage production of “The Loyals,” a comedy about treason, in conjunction with NewFest: New Play Workshop.

Becker is majoring in theatre edu and performance and is a member of the Class of 2026.

Uzair Mahmood of Hicksville was named to the Dean’s List for the spring semester at University of Maryland Global Campus. To be eligible for the honor, a student must complete at least six credits during the term, earned a grade point average of at least 3.5 for the term, and maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.5 at UMGC.

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Curry College congratulates Danielle Stein of Plainview, who was named to the Spring 2023 Dean’s List. n

Kristina Calamia of Bethpage graduated cum laude from Furman University with a Bachelor of Science in health sciences. Calamia’s parents and/or g uardians are Mrs. Lynda G. Calamia and Mr. Christopher M. Calamia.

John Lopresto of Plainview is working on a project called “Storying

Critical Social Worlds through Comics” under the faculty mentorship of Dr. Suriati Abas, assistant professor of elementary education and reading.

The 2023 Summer Research Fellowship recipients receive financial support from University Advancement’s Student Research and Creative Activity Grant Fund, with additional funding from Alumni Engagement. Students receive grants of up to $3,000 each, with a maximum of $6,000 for two or more students working together on a single project. Students who must remain on campus for their research stay at SUNY Oneonta for free this summer.

The students will share their projects with the campus community during a Summer Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase from Sept. 7 to 14.

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The following local students earned degrees from SUNY Cortland during graduation ceremonies this spring:

Jericho

Jason Lee - Exercise Science

Levittown

Christopher Bellucci - Physical Education

Mark Darcy - Business Economics

Sage Diaz - Speech & Hearing Science

Haley Giles - Criminology

Chloe Rigney - Psychology

Anthony Ruggiero - Physical Education

Old Bethpage

Logan Kerley - Inclusive Childhood Education

Kayla King - Business Economics

Plainview

Samantha Battista - Inclusive Childhood Education

Julia Martins - Health Education

Sydnie Schreier - Inclusive Childhood Education

Anthony Scibelli - Physical Education

Joseph Sica - Inclusive Childhood Education

Hannah Smith - Inclusive Childhood Education

Syosset

Argiroula Kefalas - Early Childhood/Childhood Education

Hope Shapiro - Inclusive Childhood Education

Emily Wolfe - Early Childhood/ Childhood Education

Woodbury

Brooke Shore - Childhood Education

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Johnny Riggins of Bethpage has made the Dean’s List at Wentworth Institute of Technology for the Spring 2023 semester.