Syosset Advance (12/13/24)

Town, Marines collect Toys for Tots

The Town of Oyster Bay, together with the United States Marine Corps, is collecting toys for the needy this holiday season.

The Town of Oyster Bay joined the United States Marines Corps and presenting sponsor Optimum in hosting the largest ‘Cruise-Thru’ Toys for Tots Drive at John Burns Park in Massapequa on December 7 th which collected over 36,000 toys for the less fortunate. Sands New York donated $10,000 toward the cause.

Town Supervisor Joseph Sal-

adino stated, “The thousands of toys collected at this Cruise-Thru Holiday Toy Drive will bring giant smiles to the faces of children this holiday season. I thank residents for opening their hearts and wallets to generously give back to less fortunate children this holiday. This collection drive truly demonstrated the love and compassion our community has for others.”

There is still time left to donate toys this holiday season. Collection boxes are located at Oyster Bay Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay; Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Rd., Massapequa; and at the Ice Skating Center at Bethpage Community Park, 1001 Stewart Ave., Bethpage. For more information, visit www.oysterbaytown.com.

Business leader shares tips on healthy holiday eating

BY RIKKI MASSAND

Healthy eating may not seem compatible with holiday festivities, but Tami Racaniello, vice president of the Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce, aims to change that. Ahead of the Chamber’s Holiday Lighting Spectacular on December 8 in Syosset, Racaniello shared practical advice for maintaining health while enjoying the season’s gatherings and treats.

“At this time of the year carving out the time for self-care and trying to eat healthy can be difficult, and a lot of people will grab something on-the-go. It is important to know where your food is coming from and without a lot of the farmers’ markets open, fresh veggies can be a challenge. The further your food is travelling, the less nutrients it’s going to have,” Racaniello said.

Racaniello, a dietary consultant known as the Wellness Unicorn, speaks from personal experience. Her journey to better health inspired her career, and her guidance has helped many across Long Island.

On Friday, December 6th Racaniello was presented with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for her longtime dedication as a community volunteer. The award is presented by The White House and AmeriCorps to individuals who have completed at least 4,000 hours of volunteer service in their lifetime.

Racaniello has also been honored as the 2023 Syosset Woodbury Chamber Businessperson of the Year; the chairperson of the Syosset Street Fair organizing committee for the past two years, and as an MC and host for several Chamber events and meetings. In September at the Mid Island Y JCC in Plainview, she presented a mini workshop on Goal Setting.

For the holidays, Racaniello begins by telling shoppers to do their homework and find any locally-sourced vegetables, preferably those in-season. One example she brought up is naval oranges usually sold at grocery stores in New York – the oranges are often from Peru, Chile, or other South American countries. When the options for fresh fruit or vegetables are slim, frozen produce could be a better selection. Those fruits and veggies are typically picked and immediately frozen, so they retain quality more than something that travelled too far.

“Frozen veggies are also usually cut and ready to cook so The Syosset Advance Published every Friday by Litmor Publishing Corp. Periodical Postage paid at Hicksville, N.Y. 11801 Telephone 931-0012 - USPS 3467-68 Postmaster: Send Address Change to: The Syosset Advance, 821 Franklin Ave., Suite 208 Garden City, N.Y. 11530 • Meg Norris, Publisher

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Honored for community service

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino joined with Nassau County Legislator Rose Walker and honored Gerhard Gramlich for keeping history alive with his beautiful 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air that he frequently brings to local events. His efforts have helped educate the public about American automotive history and provided the local community with a distinctive tangible legacy of Americana. Through Gerhard’s community service efforts, he has forwarded the heritage of the Town of Oyster Bay and underscored the importance of preserving for future generations.

Bethpage School Board to meet

Bethpage Board of Education will hold its Agenda/Regular Meeting on Tuesday, December 17, at 7:30 p.m. in the Administration Building, 10 Cherry Avenue, Bethpage. Our Professional Guide is sure to bring results. Call 294-8900 for rates and information.

Are you a professional?

Give the gift of life for the holidays

With hospitals facing a nationwide blood shortage,  the Town of Oyster Bay will be holding a Blood Collection Drive on Monday, December 23, from 1–7 p.m. at the Hicksville Athletic Center, located at 167 S. Broadway in Hicksville.

Oyster Bay Town Councilman Lou Imbroto stated, “Blood supplies are critically needed for local hospitals to meet the demand and continue saving lives. Please consider participating in this blood drive to help bolster our blood banks and ensure as many people as possible can be helped. Together, we can give the gift of life though a simple blood donation.”

Appointments are preferred for the Town’s Blood Drive. To qualify as a

within the last 56 days. Anyone who received a tattoo within the past three months is ineligible to donate. It is recommended that donors eat well (low fat) and drink fluids in the days before the Blood Drive. Additionally, all donors will receive a voucher for a free Blizzard at Dairy Queen.

Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino added, “It’s quick, easy, and safe to donate a single pint of blood which can save up to three lives. Donating blood at the Hicksville Athletic Center, is an incredible way for all of us to pitch in and give back, to help ease the burden of our Healthcare Heroes as they continue to provide lifesaving efforts.”

For additional information regarding the Town’s Blood Drive, contact (516) 624-6380. To make an appointment to donate at this Blood Drive, sign up today at www.oysterbaytown.com/

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Hicksville Scout is honored for Eagle Scout project

BY GARY SIMEONE

Matthew Mitko, an Eagle Scout in Troop 382 (Hicksville) was recently honored by the Town of Oyster Bay for his Eagle Scout project. Mitko, a senior at Jericho High School, helped to renovate a small park area in Hicksville for his community project.

Mitko and his Troop members worked diligently from August through November, beautifying and updating the basketball courts at Town Parklet H-8 located on Fordham Avenue in Hicksville. The team of Boy Scouts helped to install four new benches in the small park, resurface the basketball courts and repaint the courts and basketball posts and hoop. They also installed new backboards, rims and nets on each basketball hoop.

“The purpose of the Eagle Scout project is to give back to the community and to help make other peoples lives better,” said Mitko. “My idea was to renovate a small park area where my friends and I used to play as kids. I thought it was a great way to give other kids the same experience I had growing up and add a little bit of fun to their lives.”

Mitko and his troop members spent 220 total hours over the course of three months, removing the rusted out posts and hoops on the courts and filling the cracks on the concrete with asphalt. They also repainted the entire court in black paint and added white lines to the perimeter of the court.

To add to the finishing touches, Mitko installed two engraved plaques with the Troop 382 logo on both basketball hoops.

“We put in a lot of man hours working every other Saturday for three months to help renovate the park,” said Mitko. “We had eight to ten of our Troop mem-

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino recently joined New York State Senator Steve Rhoads and Nassau County Legislator Rose Walker to recognize Eagle Scout Matthew Mitko, of Hicksville, for his work renovating the basketball court at Town Parklet H-8 on Fordham Avenue for his Eagle Scout project.

bers at a time working from eight in the morning to two in the afternoon to beautify the park area. Now other kids will be able to play basketball on a newly renovated court and have as much fun as we did when we were kids.”

Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor, Joe Saladino, who honored Mitko with a citation at the Towns board meeting November 27th, said that the Eagle scout was an inspiration in the community.

“Matthew’s dedication and hard work have truly made a lasting impact on our community,” said

Saladino. “His Eagle Scout project has transformed the basketball court at this neighborhood park into a space that residents can enjoy for years to come. We are so proud to celebrate his incredible achievement.”

Nassau Countu Legislator, Rose Walker, who was enthralled over the Eagle Scouts hard work, said, “Matthew exemplifies the true spirit of an Eagle Scout, leadership, service, and commitment to bettering the community. His efforts to renovate this basketball court are an inspiration, and we are grateful for his contributions to Hicksville and the Town of Oyster Bay.”

Upcoming Events at the Jericho Public Library

Friday, December 13

4:00 p.m.: Craft Corner (Grades K to 3) - Children will make a fun craft with the help of our teen volunteers.

Saturday, December 14

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.

Saturday, December 15

2:00 p.m.: Mary Sollitto’s Holiday Show - Mary Sollitto of Harmony Music and Entertainment will be back to the library! Mary’s showstopping hits are always a crowd pleaser and with this performance she’ll offer her renditions of some holiday songs that you’ve grown to love and enjoy! Come to the Cabaret! Tickets are required. Jericho cardholders may pick up 2 tickets per person immediately. Non-residents may pick up 2 tickets per person beginning two weeks before the performance. Nonticket holders will be seated as space allows.

Monday, December 16

2:00 p.m.: VIRTUAL: Profiles with Dr. William Thierfelder: Santa Claus: The Biography - December is synonymous with the holiday season for many children, involving encounters with Santa at malls, his visit on December 24, and watching movies about him. Explore the global presence of Santa, rooted in the real-life Saint Nicholas over 1700 years ago. Delve into his legend’s evolution across centuries, with cherished stories from Europe,

Asia, and the Americas.

7:00 p.m.: Art Workshop with the Village Artist (Grades 1–6) - Learn art skills using different mediums and materials.

Tuesday, December 17

9:30 a.m.: 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 the front lobby. 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.

2:00 p.m.: VIRTUAL: “Wicked” with Stephen Nachamie, Stage & Film Director - Stage and film director Stephen Nachamie takes us on a journey to celebrate the long-running Broadway hit “WICKED” — and current blockbuster film adaptation. This presentation will include background info on songwriter Stephen Schwartz and creation of the Broadway production and how it became a worldwide hit!

2:30 p.m.: 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.

6:30 p.m.: Teens Art Workshop: Zentangle - Come join us to learn the basics of the art of Zentangle! Using repetitive techniques to create intricate designs, this meditative art form is a fantastic way to create beautiful images. Students will practice some Zentangle examples and then draw them on 3” or 4” tiles.

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, December 18

6:30 p.m.: Wills, Trusts, Etc. with the Law Offices of Feldman, Kramer & Monaco - This is a free seminar, about planning for the future. Law specialists will be onsite to explain how documents work and how important it is to have these documents in place. This seminar will also explain how to avoid probate and will additionally go over the kinds of trusts that are offered and which benefits each individual.

7:00 p.m.: Gingerbread House Workshop - Come to our annual Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop and decorate your own house with your family!

2:00 p.m.: HYBRID: Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300- 1350 with Professor Thomas Germano - “Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300–1350” explores the early Italian Renaissance and the significant contributions of Sienese artists like Duccio, Pietro and Ambrogio

Lorenzetti, and Simone Martini to Western painting. This period was marked by artistic innovation before the plague decimated the city’s population, including its artists. Florence later became the Renaissance’s center. Professor Thomas Germano will present a visual lecture on the art and artists of this remarkable era.

7:00 p.m.: Books Before Bedtime (Ages 4–8) - Listen to a read a loud and then watch a short film all before bedtime!

Friday, December 20

2:00 p.m.: VIRTUAL: Great Performers with Marc Courtade: James Stewart: All American - James Stewart was known for his distinct voice and relatable persona, often portraying the average American. He was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning for “The Philadelphia Story”, and received an Honorary Oscar in 1985 for his 50 years in film. His films continue to entertain audiences, reflecting his impactful career.

4:00 p.m.: Winter Snowglobe Workshop (Grades 1–6) - Have you ever wondered how whales stay warm in freezing waters? Celebrate the wonder of whales and other arctic creatures as you explore blubber and bones from the Whaling Museum’s collection. Design and create a wintry whale scene inside of a shimmering snow globe style craft to take home.

Register for all events at https:// www.jericholibrary.org/events/month Non-residents may register beginning 2 weeks before each program.

This Week at the Syosset Public Library

Friday, December 13, at 10:00 a.m.

Simply Stronger with Balance (VIRTUAL)

Instructor: Mindy Vasta. Handheld weights, resistance bands and balls will help improve strength, flexibility, and coordination. Includes a balance segment to enhance posture, core strength, and proper alignment of muscle groups. Exercises can be performed sitting or standing. Equipment recommended but not required. Registration needed. Register at syossetlibrary.org.  The Zoom link will be sent out once you register.

Friday, December 13, at 2:00 a.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.

Sunday, December 15, at 1:00 p.m.

Concert: The Legendary Recordings

of Tony Bennett & Bill Evans (IN-PERSON)

Listen to the songs of the great Tony Bennett and his collaborations with the legendary pianist Bill Evans that created unforgettable masterpieces. Registration needed. Register at syossetlibrary.org.  Performers, Joel Zelnik & PJ Parker.

Thursday, December 19, at 2:00 p.m.

Barber of Seville (IN-PERSON)

A quirky and famous barber helps his former boss, Count Almaviva capture Rosina’s heart through funny schemes. Tanisha will explore how Rossini was the master of comedy through his ingenious music making. No registration needed. Presenter, Tanisha Mitchell, MET Opera Singer, Librarian at Freeport Library and MET.

Friday, December 20, at 10:00 a.m.

Simply Stronger with Balance (VIRTUAL)

Instructor: Mindy Vasta. Handheld weights, resistance bands

and balls will help improve strength, flexibility, and coordination. Includes a balance segment to enhance posture, core strength, and proper alignment of muscle groups. Exercises can be performed sitting or standing. Equipment recommended but not required. Registration needed. Register at syossetlibrary.org.  The Zoom link will be

sent out once you register.

Friday, December 20, at 2:00 a.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.

Lifesaving teacher honored at board meeting

Abbey Lane Elementary School teacher Kelly McAuley lent vital aid to a student who began choking. She was recognized for her quick action at the Dec. 4 Levittown Board of Education meeting, where she shook hands with trustees, including Peggy Marenghi.

One lifesaving teacher who took action to help a student in need was recognized at the Dec. 4 Levittown Board of Education meeting held at Levittown Memorial Education Center. Additionally, to boost the holiday spirit, the General Douglas MacArthur High School winter wind ensemble previewed their upcoming show.

Abbey Lane Elementary School teacher Kelly McAuley noticed a student begin to choke during a lunch period. Mrs. McAuley, who was trained to conduct an emergency maneuver in such a circumstance through district workshops, was able to quickly lend aid to the student, potentially sav-

ing a life. Mrs. McAuley was commended by trustees and administrators, as well as Abbey Lane Principal George Maurer and Assistant Principal Andrea Ferrari.

In the auditorium, the MacArthur winter wind ensemble took to the stage to perform various holiday songs. Selections included “The Chipmunk Song” and “Jingle Bells,” which featured audience participation by adding jingling keys to the piece. The winter wind ensemble’s concert will take place Dec. 18 at 7:00 p.m. at MacArthur High School. All are welcome to attend.

Members of the General Douglas MacArthur High School winter wind ensemble gave a sneak peek of their upcoming show on Dec. 18.

McAuley received a certificate of commendation from trustees.

Mrs.

Photos courtesy of Levittown Public Schools

Levittown’s young minds learn financial basics

Students at Summit Lane Elementary School in the Levittown School District got a jumpstart toward financial independence as they learned the basics through a Hofstra University program on Nov. 18.

Hofstra University’s Money and Me Program, which teaches young students foundational financial skills, made its way to Summit Lane thanks to visiting junior Andrew Kurian. Mr. Kurian met

with fourth graders, who each received a workbook of activities. Students started off by filling out a check with all information placed in the appropriate fields. Students wrote their names, the date, and the amount of money they wanted to send. The Money and Me Program also covers the use of debit and credit cards, budgeting and more in-depth financial skills.

Photos courtesy of Levittown Public Schools

Hofstra University junior Andrew Kurian shared financial basics with fourth graders at Summit Lane Elementary School on Nov. 18.

Mr. Kurian helped students fill a check with the accurate information.

Students learned how to play atenaha, a game of chance, from historian Maddi Cheers.

Town offers winter fitness classes

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that residents who are interested in maintaining or improving their levels of fitness can register for the Town’s popular Co-Ed Fitness Classes at the Hicksville Athletic Center. Classes will kick off in January 2025 and run for 10 weeks. They are offered to individuals 18 years of age or older.

“The Town’s popular co-ed recreational programs provide a great outlet for our residents to exercise and stay in shape while making new friends,” said Councilwoman Laura Maier. “These fun classes offer an opportunity to stay

physically active, creating an optimal environment for fitness and forging new friendships!”

This winter, residents can participate in a variety of fitness classes that will be held at the Hicksville Athletic Center:

• Ballroom Dancing: Saturdays, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., beginning January 11.

• Cardio Kick-Boxing: Thursdays, from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., beginning January 9.

• Pilates: Mondays, from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., beginning January 6.

• Yoga: Residents can choose their session from the following: Saturdays (beginning January 11) from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., Sundays (beginning January 5) from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., Tuesdays (beginning January 7) from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Thursdays (beginning January 9) from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.

• Zumba: Mondays (beginning January 6) from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. or Wednesdays (beginning January 8) from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Registration is available online by visiting oysterbaytown.com/sports.

Attention students!

Residents must upload proof of residency (tax or utility bill) and a valid identification card such as a driver’s license. Non-residents may register at a slightly higher fee. Mats will not be provided, patrons must bring their own mats to Yoga and Pilates. The schedule is subject to change. If a session is cancelled, make-up day(s) will be attempted. For more information, or to inquire about special holiday scheduling, please call (516) 797-7945 or email tobparks@oysterbay-ny.gov

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Bethpage HS teacher inspires students for Veterans Day

In honor of Veterans Day, Mr. Rob Verdi, a social studies teacher at Bethpage High School, visited JFK Middle School to share his journey from a teacher profoundly affected by the events of Sept. 11, 2001, to an active member of the Army Reserve.

In honor of Veterans Day, Mr. Rob Verdi, a social studies teacher at Bethpage High School, visited JFK Middle School to share a personal and educational experience with the eighth grade students. Mr. Verdi’s presentation highlighted his journey from a teacher profoundly affected by the events of Sept. 11, 2001, to an active member of the Army Reserve.

Students listened intently and had many thoughtful questions for Mr. Verdi about his time in the armed forces.

Mr. Verdi recounted his journey

As a teacher at Bethpage High School during the attacks on Sept. 11, Mr. Verdi recalled the deep impact the day had on his life and the lives of many around him. Compelled to serve in response to the tragic events, Mr. Verdi joined the Army Reserve, a decision that would lead him into active duty overseas. During his visit, he explained to the students the complex political dynamics in the Middle East that contributed to the rise of terrorism and ultimately led to the events of 9/11, providing important historical context for the significance of his service.

through basic training and his deployment to Kuwait and Iraq, eventually serving as a prison guard. To bring his experiences to life, he shared a collection of digital photos taken during his time in the military, showing students where he lived and worked and providing a glimpse into the daily realities of a soldier. Students were captivated by his stories of life on base, the surrounding environment and the responsibilities that came with his role. Through these visuals, he offered a rare, personal look

into what life was like as a soldier stationed in Kuwait and Iraq.

Following the presentation, Mr. Verdi answered the students’ questions, sharing insights and reflections on his time in the military. His openness and willingness to discuss his experiences offered an inspiring perspective on service and dedication to one’s country, and it may even inspire some students to consider serving in the armed forces in the future.

Photos courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

Town offers winter athletic programs

The Town of Oyster Bay invites residents to take part in the Town’s Winter Athletic Programs for basketball, badminton, and volleyball, beginning on Sunday, January 5, 2025 at the Town of Oyster Bay Hicksville Athletic Center. All athletic programs run for 10 weeks, are co-ed, and open to individuals 18 and over.

“The Town’s athletic programs offer a great opportunity for residents to take to the court, improve their skills, and make new friends,” said Town Councilman Steve Labriola. “We have a variety of sessions available for each sport, giving residents several opportu-

nities to have fun while staying active.”

Basketball pickup games will be held on Thursdays from 9:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturdays from 8:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., and Sundays from 8:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., beginning on January 5, 2025. The Basketball program is 10 weeks long and costs $25 for residents and $40 for non-residents.

Badminton will feature two sessions for registrants to choose from.

Classes start Sunday, January 5, 2025.

Session 1 takes place Tuesdays from 8:45 p.m. to 10:05 p.m., Fridays from 8:45 p.m. to 10:05 p.m., and Sundays from 6:10 p.m. to 8:10 p.m. Session 2 takes

place Tuesdays from 10:15 p.m. to 11:35 p.m., Fridays from 10:15 p.m. to 11:35 p.m., and Sundays from 8:20 p.m. to 10:20 p.m. The Badminton program is 10-weeks long and costs $75 for residents and $100 for non-residents.

Volleyball will be available in two sessions. The first session will be held on Mondays from 8:45 p.m. to 10:05 p.m., Wednesdays from 8:45 p.m. to 10:05 p.m., and Saturdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The second session will take place on Mondays from 10:15 p.m. to 11:35 p.m., Wednesdays from 10:15 p.m. to 11:35 p.m., and Saturdays from 8:20 p.m. to 10:20 p.m.

Love to write?

The volleyball program is 10-weeks long, costs $75 for residents and $100 for non-residents, and is scheduled to begin on Monday, January 6, 2025.

Registration is available by visiting oysterbaytown.com/sports. You must upload proof of residency (tax or utility bill) and a valid identification card such as a driver’s license. Proof of residency is required for resident discount. The schedule is subject to change - if a session is cancelled, make-up day(s) will be attempted. For more information, or to inquire about special holiday scheduling, please call (516) 797-7945 or email tobparks@oysterbay-ny.gov

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

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Business leader shares tips on healthy holiday eating

From page 1

that will save on prep work and time too,” she noted.

Meat, especially for larger and family events, should also be locally-sourced. Reputable local butchers are a resource she says people should turn to. If that’s not possible, look carefully at packaging or labels for info on the healthier and less-processed options.

“When you’re shopping for meat, steer clear of the hormones and antibiotics, and check for grass-fed versus grain-fed,” she advised. In Racaniello’s review, “Organic” can be nothing but a buzz word for marketing because the definition isn’t uniform.

Another set of words to look out for when you shop is “sugar-free”, “salt-free” or “fat-free” and similar. That label means that the content is under 0.5 milligrams (mg) of the ingredient, per serving. If a serving is limited to three crackers, chips or cookies, etc. the serving amount could be under the 0.5 mg but any amount over the recommended serving drives up the sugar, fat or salt content.

Some hidden ingredients people are often uninformed about include labels for foods with “Natural Flavor.” The FDA has a category for ingredients – GRAS, Generally Regarded as Safe – and anything on the list doesn’t have to be presented on a label.

“There could be 5, 10, 15 or hundreds of ‘Natural Flavors’ added to food; because they are in the GRAS category they

LEGAL NOTICES

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Notice of Formation of YUVAL ZIV CONSULTING. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/29/2024. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to UNITED STATES CORPORATION AGENTS, INC: 7014 13TH AVENUE, SUITE 202, BROOKLYN, NY, 11228, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

don’t need to be listed. It’s on the honor system because the FDA was inundated with many requests. They put the onus on the companies to test the products and submit their reports and papers to the FDA, but not many companies will do that. Nobody is checking up on it. When you see ‘Natural Flavor’ on labels it is really hard to know what you are getting,” Racaniello explained.

She adds that some labels list ambiguous terms such as “spices” as a main ingredient, and that can be especially troubling for shoppers trying to figure out actual spices used.

Timing is Everything

With busy schedules of holiday events and social calendars, people need to work harder to plan their meals and times when they will be in an environment where it’s sure to be “more and merrier.”

“Eat by schedule, according to your day. If you know you have a party in the evening you need to keep it lighter during the day. A full breakfast and lunch followed by a buffet, cocktails and desserts for the event will lead to packing in a lot of food. Mindful eating is great because your choices reflect it. In a buffet you can load up with veggies, add just some meat, and you don’t have to follow it with main dishes. Stick to mostly vegetables but if you want to have the cake and the cookies there, to really experience and enjoy it, see if you can share a slice or piece with somebody,” she said.

Mixing in the fruits and vegetables and figuring out creative ways to add nutrition works for those planning their diet this season. Racaniello says she advises people to “Strive for 5” – five vegetables or fruits in every meal, facilitated through cooking at home or ordering a few extra veggies for any dish. Additional fiber should ensure that the gut can handle multiple meals out and the variety that comes with the holidays.

“Eighty percent of your immune system is in your gut, so work on gut health and have enough fiber every day. A lot of the heavier dishes can throw off your digestion and the immune system if you aren’t finding the balance. Aiming for five veggies could sound daunting but if you get to three, there

is still a value you added to the meal. Omelets with a lot of veggies, even pizza with veggie toppings, stir fry, wraps or salads. Ask for avocado instead of may on sandwiches, and many of the places you can order from can even skip the bread and make your order as a bowl,” she said.

Another golden rule Racaniello has shared with her clients and audiences includes staying away from vegetable oils and using more fruit oils for cooking and food preparation – she says the better options include avocado oil, coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil.

“Avocado oil is even better for high-heat cooking than olive oil and it’s also good for drizzling on salads and vegetables. I advise people to avoid the vegetable oils – corn oil, canola oil, shortenings – and go towards fruit oils. For health benefits, consuming real seeds or nuts are a much better alternative to using any seed or nut oils. And the storage of the oils is important – if it’s stored in a warmer area, seed oils can tend to go rancid very quickly. The same goes for extra virgin olive oil. It is better to have nuts and seeds in their natural state, and you will get many more nutrients than nut or seed oils will provide,” she explained.

Use Caution In Bars and Restaurants

Recent reports have indicated that ice from restaurants or other food businesses were linked to forms of bacteria and causes of illnesses. Racaniello said there are more tips for careful dining experiences people can take, starting with the orders they place when at parties, gatherings and dinners on the town. She advises that the lemon wedges found in cocktails or even glasses of water might be a good one to skip, and you can specify any order to not put that in.

Racaniello’s tips for ordering drinks shone a light on some holiday binging people might be prone to, especially in celebrations.

“It can be hard to check a restaurant’s policies, so it is important to try and order the more safe options. And for drinking, the option of a mocktail may not work so well for keeping the calories down as they are often just as high in sugars as alcoholic drinks. That might be a surprise to

people if they are gaining some weight after ordering ‘virgin’ drinks when they go out. If you order a cocktail you can take it slow. Sip the drink, and then see about ordering a festive seltzer with mint garnishing or just have some water. And with some holiday drinks that have different spices and sugar, it can be hard to taste the alcohol leading people to drink it too quickly – they wouldn’t even realize they finished,” she advised.

Overall, the advice she’s sharing with clients is to have a good time and keep moderation in mind. “It won’t take the fun out of it because you make a few choices. Meet people, be a part of family events and social gatherings, and when you’re there do have some dessert –enjoy it, and then you can move on!” she said.

Free “Holiday on Ice” program

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced the Annual ‘Holiday on Ice’ Show is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 21, at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center located in Bethpage Community Park, 1001 Stewart Avenue.  Admission to the show is free.  Students from the Town’s Ice Skating Program will perform an enchanting, holiday-themed skating exhibition and the evening includes an exhibition hockey game between the Elves and the Reindeer, which are two teams comprised of players from the Town of Oyster Bay Youth Ice Hockey program. Santa and Mrs. Claus are scheduled to visit with children and take holiday photographs after the show.

“This special holiday performance is an annual tradition for many families and children across the Town,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino.

“The show provides an opportunity for participants in the Town’s popular ice skating program to showcase the hard work they’ve put into in train-

ing all year.  Join us on December 21st, as the performance is sure to dazzle all those in attendance!”

In the spirit of “the season of giving,” attendees are asked to bring two non-perishable food items for donation to Island Harvest, an organization committed to ending hunger on Long Island. Attendees are also welcome to bring a new, unwrapped toy for donation to the United States Marines ‘Toys for Tots’ Collection Drive which benefits local children throughout the community.

‘Holiday on Ice’ performance attendees will also be offered an opportunity to take part in the Holiday Mail for Heroes program, which offers residents the opportunity to fill out free holiday greeting cards, available in the lobby, for delivery to troops in the United States Armed Forces stationed in the homeland and around the globe.

Please visit www. oysterbaytown.com for more information or call (516) 797-4121.

Recent Real Estate Sales in Syosset and Jericho

Drive,

BY KAREN RUBIN

What could be a better, more thoughtful gift than giving a part of the world, some memorable, life-enhancing, life-changing experience, something from their bucket-list or that fulfills a long-held dream? Give the gift of travel.

The gift of travel might be the trip itself (or creating a registry so that lots of family and friends can contribute). But it could also be pre-arranging some experience or activity to enhance a trip - a dining experience; a spa visit; admission to a museum or special exhibit, attraction or cultural event; a cooking, baking or jewelry making class; a hot-air balloon ride; rock-climbing adventure; walking tour; bike rental.

It can be a pre-purchased city pass that gives covers admissions and expenses (and skips the time-suck of waiting on line for tickets) to scores of top attractions and activities.

And what trip doesn’t require some special gear? (If you time it right, you might also be able to benefit from holiday savings, even on the more open-ended gift cards or certificates.)

More and more travel companies – hotels and resorts, cruises, tours, theme parks, sightseeing, spas, restaurants, even transportation companies from airlines to Amtrak to Uber, now offer the opportunity to purchase a gift-card, gift certificate or voucher that can be applied to the bigger-ticket items while affording the traveler flexibility for when the trip starts.

Gift cards can open up doors to travel, or take the sting out of the

pinch to a traveler’s, couple’s or family’s wallet. Gift cards can provide that extra spark that gets your loved one to finally take the plunge toward their bucket-list experience. The beauty is you can give the amount that works best for you. (Check if you can apply holiday discounts). Caveat: make sure the vouchers, certificates or gift cards are flexible, do not expire and check how the recipient can apply them.

Another advantage: you can give the gift of travel and make dreams come true pretty much instantly - and no need to travel to a store or post office or lug anything home.

Here are some examples:

The Hotels.com Gift Card is redeemable towards bookings at hundreds of thousands of lodgings in 200 countries and territories, ranging

from major international chains and all-inclusive resorts to local favorites and bed & breakfasts. The gift cards are available in denominations from $10 to $2,000 and there are no expiration dates or fees. Hotels.com also has a secure gift registry where friends and family can contribute toward a Hotels.com eGift Card – great for honeymoons, babymoons, graduation, or any other group-gifting occasion (https://www. hotels.com/lp/b/giftcards)

You can purchase gift cards for stays or amenities at Historic Hotels of America, Historic Hotels Worldwide, Beyond Green and Preferred Hotels & Resorts (all brands of Preferred Hotels & Resorts), through the iprefer.com. Gift Cards can be used for services, experiences, and stays at participating hotels

and resorts in hundreds of destinations around the world. Gift cards do not expire. Purchase online at https:// iprefer.com/i-prefer-gift-cards.

Historic Hotels of Europe offers a Gift Voucher (expires after 5 years) redeemable by selecting the desired place of stay at its website https:// HistoricHotelsofEurope.com, phoning the hotel or booking on the hotel’s website (https://historichotelsofeurope. com/gift-voucher/)

Noble House Hotels & Resorts gift cards may be used at its collection of hotels, resorts, spas, restaurants, marinas and adventures across North America. Among them: the Jekyll Island Club Resort, Georgia; Napa Valley Wine Train; Chatham Inn Relais & Châteaux on Cape Cod (https://www.noblehousehotels.com/ gift-card/)

Small Luxury Hotels SLH Gift Card can be used to book 600 hotels in 90 countries https://slh.com/aboutslh/gift-cards

New England Inns & Resorts Association gift cards can be redeemed at 300 inns and resorts all over New England and can be purchased in any amount you choose. Make a reservation directly with the property, let them know you will be using the gift card and present it at check-in. The cards never expire (https://www. newenglandinnsandresorts.com/giftcards)

Independent Collection Hotels & Resorts, a division of HHM which manages 240 properties across North America, offers gift cards for its portfolio of independent Luxury and Lifestyle, Resorts, Premium Branded and Branded Select. Among them:

Continued on next page

The Rittenhouse, Philadelphia; Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid; MacArthur Place, Sonoma. Purchase in increments of $100, up to $500 for the specific hotel https:// www.independentcollection.com/giftcards

New York State’s Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation gift card can be used at 8,500 campsites, 850 cabins, 135 cottages and 18 golf courses throughout the state. Use for fees associated with camping walk-ups, golf reservations and greens fees, camping supplies, boat rentals provided by NYS Parks (not for vehicle entrance fee, concessionaires, or Department of Environmental Conservation facilities). Purchase online at  https://shop.parks.ny.gov/store/ gift-cards/ for any dollar amount with no expiration date. They can be used with the NYS camping reservation system (Reserve America),  https://www. reserveamerica.com, 800-456-2267

KOA Campground gift cards can be used at any of the 500+ KOA locations in the US and Canada (call 888-562-0000 to order or purchase at a campground, https://koa.com/giftcards/). (Also check out KOA’s 2024 Holiday Gift Guide: The Best Gifts for Campers & Outdoor Lovers (https://koa.com/blog/koa-holiday-giftguide-the-best-gifts-for-campers-outdoorlovers/)

Spacious Skies Campgrounds, which operates 15 campgrounds from Maine to Georgia, makes gift certificates available in increments from $25 to $100; the certificates can be purchased at the individual campgrounds’ websites by pressing the “More” tab and then following the “Gift Certificates” link. The purchaser will then receive an e-mail with the certificate. Or purchase by phone at 862-777-0319.

Moterra Campervans makes gift cards available for fully stocked, easyto-drive vehicles out of pick-up locations including Seattle, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Jackson Hole, Whitefish, Montana, and Portland, Maine, https://shop.gomoterra.com/products/ gift-card Purchase $250 discount codes for just $25- no blackout dates or expiration. (https://shop.gomoterra.com/products/250-for-50)

Travellers Autobarn  gift card can be used to book these fully-stocked campervans to embark on incredible journeys to destinations like Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, and the Pacific Coast Highway from pickup locations in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers, campervans come fully equipped with cozy sleeping areas, functional kitchens, and plenty of storage. And no young drivers fee for those under 25. (https://www.travellers-autobarnrv.com/, 800-469-4790)

Cruiselines also make it easy to purchase gift cards, and even gift registries so that family and friends can contribute to

Give the Gift of Travel.....

New York State’s Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation gift card can be used at 8,500 campsites, 850 cabins, 135 cottages and 18 golf courses throughout the state, including the magnificent Watkins Glen State Park campground © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

purchasing the cruise:

The Royal Caribbean pre-paid gift card can be used for Royal Caribbean International or Celebrity Cruises cruise bookings and redeemed by booking online. The gift card will be sent to the recipient via email on the delivery date you choose. For same-day delivery, most gift cards are sent within an hour of your purchase. Royal Caribbean (www.royalcaribbean.com/programs/gift-cards, 866-562-7625)

Norwegian Cruise Line makes it possible to gift onboard credit, wine, gourmet treats, spa visits, or create a registry so that bunches of family and friends can contribute toward a cruise (https://www. ncl.com/onboard-gifts).

Other cruiselines that have gift card programs include: Disney Cruise Lines ( https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/ featured/holiday-gift-cruise/); Carnival Cruise Lines (https://carnival.ourgiftcards.com/); Princess Cruises (princess.com/giftcard); Holland America (https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/ us/plan-a-cruise/giftcard)

Maine Windjammer Association, with its fleet of member historic ships that sail out of Maine ports, offers e-gift certificates that can be ordered in any denomination, and will be honored by any vessel in its fleet. The gift certificates never expire and can be customized with a special message. Order online. You can have your e-certificate sent immediately or schedule it for a future day. (giftcertificates@sailmainecoast.com,800-807-9463;  https://www.sailmainecoast.com/windjammer-sailing-gift-certificates/)

Gift a cruise aboard Erie Canal Adventures, which operates a fleet of 11 delightful houseboats that cruise New York State’s Erie Canal, eriecanaladventures.com, 315-986-3011.

Gift of Travel for Wellness Wanderers

For wellness wanderers: Plan tradi-

to give the gift of a culinary experience directly. You can arrange a voucher that allows them to cook Cajun-style in New Orleans, make rum cocktails in Barbados, or cook with a Michelin-star chef in Montreal, and much more.

Traveling Spoon connects travelers with local hosts in their homes in 200+ destinations around the world to cook family recipes, visit local markets, learn culinary traditions and create memories over food. Founded in 2013, Traveling Spoon offers private food experiences, from home cooked meals to cooking lessons, with personally vetted hosts. In 2024, Traveling Spoon added destinations and off-the-beaten-path culinary experiences and currently operates in 233 cities in 70 countries.

tional Ayurvedic therapies, yoga sessions, aqua fitness experiences, and hikes in the Himalayan foothills to wrap up under the tree this year. Book a sleep enhancement or yogic detox wellness program at Ananda in the Himalayas to give the gift of vitality this year.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025,  Ananda in the Himalayas is a world-renowned holistic wellness retreat in North India, overlooking the spiritual town of Rishikesh and river Ganges. Located in the former Palace Estate of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal, the retreat spans 100 acres of lush grounds and gardens and offers customized programs including yoga, meditation, emotional healing, spiritual awareness, and healthy cuisine. The heart of Ananda lies in its 25,000 square foot wellness center, offering beautifully designed therapy rooms with nature views, open-air yoga and meditation pavilions, an outdoor pool, a physiotherapy center, gymnasium, and a comprehensive range of Ayurvedic and international therapies for holistic cleansing of the body, mind, and soul.

For sustainability seekers: “Wrap up” a sustainable and eco-friendly experience at Hotel Belmar by arranging to ride horseback through the countryside, visit a sustainable farm, or attend a garden-toglass cocktail class.

Hotel Belmar  is an independent, family-owned luxury eco-lodge situated in Costa Rica’s Monteverde cloud forest highlands and fosters connections to nature, mindful serenity, and holistic wellness. Rooms become eco-conscious sanctuaries, ideal for travelers seeking both comfort and sustainability in an unforgettable setting. Farm-to-table gastronomy, thematic forest immersions, garden-surrounded yoga, cultural programs, a carbon-neutral farm, and an onsite craft brewery bridge guests to Monteverde’s natural wonders.

For culinary travelers: Traveling Spoon is offering gift givers the chance

For purposeful adventurers: This is the holiday season to go big and gift that unexpected—but much desired—trip to someplace off the beaten track with a personalized itinerary designed by Naya Traveler.

For travelers looking for an experience that’s all their own, want destinations that are off the beaten path and meaningful, that don’t feed into overtourism, Naya Traveler creates tailored itineraries to exactly those kinds of destinations around the world. Naya Traveler focuses on fully-formed itineraries that feature exclusive insider experiences bringing back purpose and value to travel and providing a space to discover a destination through the eyes of those who know it best.

For luxury escapists: Put a bow on a selection of spa treatments at the Ti Spa at Calabash Cove Resort and Spa  Calabash Cove Resort and Spa is one of the most popular all-inclusive, adults-only boutique hotels in Saint Lucia, offering seclusion, beauty, and mesmerizing views. The 26 suites blend Caribbean charm and modern luxurious resort amenities.

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

BY LOU THEODORE

Hello Basketball, Goodbye Baseball

This one is for those in the reading audience who bet on sports. Once again, it’s transition time. It is time to leave a truly exciting baseball season (particularly for Met and Yankee fans) and return to the tainted world of college basketball. Both are important to many of us since sportsbooks have now become front and center for the betting public. For me, it’s DraftKings. For others, it’s FanDuel. In any event, here’s how baseball came down for me and what’s coming up with basketball.

Baseball

What a dream season for those of us who are Met fans. It was almost better for the Yankee season (even though they made it to the World Series). But, what about my bets? I probably won a couple of bucks only because of partnerships with two of my dearest friends

(who are still around). Mary and I naturally had several bets on the Mets. My key bets were on San Diego and Cleveland. Believe this or not but I had $2 on San Diego to win the National League at 180-1! Ouch! *!@#. Both these two bets lost although I had a $20 pickup on a Cleveland futures over bet. But, baseball is behind us and it is now time to talk basketball and this season’s basketball bets.

Basketball

As noted last Spring, I caught Connecticut at 40-1 two years in a row. I’m hoping that the 2024-25 season will be another good year.

Keep in mind that there are primarily two types of bets available in sports betting: the point spread and the money line. My recommendation is future bets (that I refer to as seasonal bets). These are bets on a team or individual winning a championship, league, division,

Yogurt for Lower Blood

BY CHARLYN FARGO

It’s the holiday season, and your blood pressure may be rising -- maybe it’s the holiday stress; maybe it’s the relatives. But whatever the reason, having a little yogurt every day may help lower your blood pressure.

Add a dollop of yogurt to your morning cereal, make a smoothie with a halfcup or have a quick yogurt cup on the go. New research from the University of South Australia and published in Science News backs up this suggestion.

Conducted in partnership with the University of Maine, the study examined the associations between yogurt intake, blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors. Researchers found that yogurt is associated with lower blood pressure for those with hypertension.

It is estimated that more than a billion people in the world suffer from hypertension (and not just during the holidays), putting them at greater risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke.

The study was conducted on 915 community-dwelling adults from the Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study. Habitual yogurt consumption was measured using a food frequency questionnaire. High blood pressure was defined as being greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg (a normal blood pressure level is less than 120/80 mmHg).

Researchers found that for people with elevated blood pressure, even small amounts of yogurt were associated with lower blood pressure. Results were even stronger for those who consumed yogurt

award, etc., and the good news is that each of these bets (hopefully) applies over an entire season. In college basketball, it is who is going to win the NCAA Championship or make the Final Four. For example, last year, I had a $2 bet on Yale to make the Final Four at 1000-1, and $5 on North Carolina State to win it all at 50-1. But that was last year. What remains is what do I have for this year?

Here are some of the approximate future odds to win the NCAA Tournament:

UConn (9-1) - Kentucky (25-1)

Duke (10-1) - Baylor (30-1)

Alabama (11-1) - Indiana (45-1)

Houston (14-1) - Tennessee (50-1)

North Carolina (20-1) - Illinois (60-1)

Do I have any suggestions? Of course I do! I’ll be putting some money ($2 –$10) on the following teams: Houston, Illinois, and Tennessee (my key).

Pressure

regularly. Their blood pressures were nearly 7 points lower than those who did not consume yogurt.

It may be the live, active bacteria that are responsible for lowering blood pressure. Researchers found the bacteria promote the release of proteins that lower blood pressure. In addition, dairy foods contain a range of micronutrients, including calcium, magnesium and potassium, all of which are involved in the regulation of blood pressure.

The bottom line is what we eat makes a difference in our health, and a serving of yogurt a day could make a difference if you have high blood pressure.

Q and A

Q: How can you encourage kids to eat healthy foods that they may not like?

A: Try introducing healthy new foods by combining them with foods your child already likes. It also helps to offer children lots of options and get them involved in grocery shopping and cooking, so they have a say in what they eat. I’ve found it’s important to continue to offer foods like broccoli -- show them you like to eat it -and eventually, they will eat it. A parent’s job is to present healthy food to kids. A kid’s job is to choose to eat it. Often, they will do that if alternatives aren’t quickly provided. Remember that all foods can be fine in moderation -- even cake and cookies can be enjoyed occasionally but shouldn’t be a staple in kids’ (or adults’) diets.

Continued on page 5

Whatever you do, if anything – good luck. Kansas (12-1) and Michigan State (55-1) look good, but I can’t bet them since I believe both coaches should be barred by the NCAA. This also hurts: St. Johns will have to be reckoned with this year; but, I hope I’m wrong.

Don’t forget that it is also the season for the NHL, NBA, NFL, and college football. I offer these comments:

NHL: Try the Rangers and Devils to win it all.

NBA: Pass.

NFL: My money is on Baltimore (AFL) and Green Bay (NFL).

College Football: I got in early on Oregon, Tennessee, and Mississippi.

Visit the author at:

www.theodorenewsletter.com and/or Basketball Coaching 101 on Facebook

BY TOM MARGENAU

You Say Tomato, I Say Tomahto!

Every once in a while, I will use a word or phrase -- with the most innocent of intentions -- that nevertheless ends up driving some people nuts. Well, if not “nuts,” it at least makes them irate enough to send me an email voicing their anger with my language choices. I’ve saved some up, and here they are today.

Q: It really gets my goat when you use the term “Social Security checks.” Don’t you know that no one gets a paper check anymore?

A: Actually, for a variety of reasons, a couple hundred thousand people still get paper Social Security checks. But that’s neither here nor there.

I occasionally use the term “Social Security check” interchangeably with the term “Social Security benefit.” (Although check out the next question about how even that term upsets some people!)

I suppose I could religiously refer to someone’s “Social Security direct deposit payment.” But that can be a little bit stilted and awkward. So I think if, every once in a while, I talk about a person’s Social Security check, my readers will know I’m not referring to a paper check mailed to them every month but rather to the payment that shows up monthly in their bank account.

Q: I hate when you use the term “Social Security benefit.” I worked hard and paid lots of taxes in return for the Social Security money I get every month. I am not getting a “benefit” from the government. I earned it!

A: I am not trying to imply anything negative or degrading when I refer to Social Security “benefits.” It’s just a commonly used term for the money that Social Security beneficiaries get every month from the government. Uh-oh! I just said “beneficiaries.”

Q: You should not be using the term “Social Security account.” That implies some kind of banking relationship. The government is not my bank. They are not holding my money in an account. As we all know, the government has stolen every nickel of money ever collected in Social Security taxes, and they are just repaying us with made-up money from an empty U.S. Treasury.

A: I’ll get back to your allegation of stolen Social Security funds in a minute, but first let me deal with the word “account.”

Once again, I’m not trying to imply anything by using the word. I simply use the word “account” interchangeably with the work “record.” I think you’ll accept the fact that you do have a “record” with the Social Security Administration. For example, they maintain a record of your earnings while you are working and then they maintain a record of your monthly payments once you start receiving benefits.

Also, if you go to the SSA’s website, you

will see that you can open up a “MyAccount” site to help you access all kinds of personal services associated with your Social Security account. Oops. Should I have said “Social Security records” or “Social Security files?”

Now back to your stolen money allegation. I just don’t have the space in today’s column to explain Social Security financing. If you really want to understand the issue, get my book “Social Security Simple and Smart” and read the chapter called “Myths and Facts About Social Security Financing.” In a nutshell, every dime ever collected in Social Security taxes is immediately converted into U.S. treasury notes. And some of those notes are redeemed (with interest) every month to pay all benefits due that month. The remaining notes make up the Social Security trust funds.

Q: It really gets my goat when I hear you, and many politicians, refer to Social Security as an entitlement. I worked all my life and paid Social Security taxes all my life. How can they call that an “entitlement?”

A: They can call it that because Social Security is an “entitlement” -- literally. And I think you’ve got to blame popular culture, not politicians, for abusing the term.

Social Security is an entitlement in not only the literal but also the legal sense of the term. Social Security is Title 2 of the Social Security Act. Medicare is Title 18 -and other programs make up other titles of the Social Security law. So that’s where the root word “title” comes from.

Once you meet all the qualifications for Social Security benefits (having enough work credits, being the right age, etc.) then you are considered “eligible” for benefits. But when you actually file a claim for benefits and get approved, you are legally “entitled” to those benefits.

So that is what makes Social Security an “entitlement” program. And for that matter, any other government program for which you have to meet certain eligibility criteria and then sign an application and get approved for benefits is also an “entitlement” program.

But popular culture has given the term a bad name. Many folks have started using the word to imply some kind of government handout, such as welfare or food stamps. Actually, welfare and food stamps are also “entitlement” programs because you have to meet certain eligibility criteria and file a formal application to become “entitled” to those benefits, too.

It’s just too bad the name has been given such a stigma. There is nothing wrong with being an “entitlement” program. It’s just a legal term.

Q: In a recent column, you used the term, “OMG!” That is using our Lord’s name in vain and is an affront to me and all good Christians. You should be ashamed of yourself!

A: Oh, my goodness (OMG), I had no idea I was committing a sin!!

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 oth-

er 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.

COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

REAL ESTATE WATCH

Sustainable development and its value

Everyone wants to save money and conserve on their energy usage, right? But how many actually practice this basic and most crucial and critical concept? Not many, that’s for sure.

Globally, 1 in 4 vehicles sold in 2023 were electric or plugin hybrids. Even the percentage of those who own all electric or hybrid vehicles only account for 4.6%, which will not solve our climate change issues. However, in Norway it was 93%, 60% in Sweden and in China is was just shy of 40% and the U.S. 10%. The U.S. had the 3rd smallest percentage of purchases. However, overall, only 18% of the world’s cars sold in 2023 were electric or hybrid plug-ins. This is only one facet to be able to reach a successful and sustainable climate change goal. It will be a very daunting task as I do not see how we in the U.S. can convert and transition our cars, trucks, trains, ships and factories to non-fossil fuel alternative sources anytime soon; as we have an addiction, like drugs, in continuing the path we are taking. I predict that the cost and length of time to convert will be in the neighborhood of at least 25+ years. Government and consumer goals do not match the results that we are currently experiencing now and over the next 10 years. Practicing and adhering to a set of lofty objectives that we are trying to accomplish are unrealistic and unattainable in the reality of our current results. Here is a link to more information and statistics: https://www.lea.org/reports/ globalev-outlook-2023

When it comes to sustainable homes, only 2% or 36,000 of the 1.8 million homes constructed met the criteria of being eco-friendly or as some call

Continued from page 3

RECIPE

Looking for a new recipe to serve during the holiday season? You can’t go wrong with vegetables to help balance out the overabundance of sweets. This side, roasted asparagus with balsamic browned butter, is from Cooking Light’s Holiday Cookbook.

ROASTED ASPARAGUS WITH BALSAMIC BROWNED BUTTER

Servings: 8

40 asparagus spears, trimmed (about 2 pounds)

Cooking spray

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons butter

2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce

1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Arrange asparagus in a single layer on a baking

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

them low carbon footprint builds. This is a practice of designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining buildings in an environmentally responsible and resource-efficient manner as quoted by Tony Mariotti of Ruby Home Luxury Real Estate in his article from Sept 11, 2023. According to Business Wire, 84% of homeowners said living in a green home was important to them. In addition, 64% said they would pay more to live in a green home or development. LEED-certified homes increased by almost 20% from 2017-2019. Around 400,000 homes existed at that time, but barely comprised a tiny portion of all existing homes constructed.

dents (2,257).

In 2024, 5 states led the list for eco-friendly homes, which were, California led with 39,296, Texas with 24,598 and New York with 24,598, Washington with 10,521, and Colorado with 8091. In 2019, CBRE published a Green Building Adoption Index which found only 13.8% of commercial office buildings in the U.S. in the 30 largest markets met the criteria of being fully green (but not LEED/Leadership in Engineering and Environmental Design) certified). However, we started the green initiative and are the world leader, China second and India third. Washington D.C. became the first city to legislate for green building certification with the Green Building Act in 2006. It still leads the country in the number of LEED certifications at over 1500+ establishments per million resi-

A key factor in green construction projects of buildings and homes is the savings and stronger asset values going forward, based on increasing future fossil fuel energy costs. According to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, building green only takes an increase of 1-12% in the construction budget in most situations. If you switch to a solar panel system, do your homework and do due diligence to make sure it is worthwhile to ensure enough savings. Your roof will need a substantial amount of sunlight, approximately at least 80% for a good portion of the day for creating the storable energy to be converted to electricity. Also, purchasing the system for the majority will be more beneficial than leasing; unless you cannot afford to buy it, then leasing will be your other option and giving away the kilowatt hour credits to someone else. Currently, NYS provides a direct tax credit of 25% and federally you will also receive a 30% direct tax credit, which totals 50%! My professional advice is to get 3 estimates and see what your overall costs and savings will be.

Installing solar panels to reduce your electric costs will be a win/win situation for you, the environment and your pocketbook.. You will continue to save money over the years while electric costs continue to increase. More importantly, this will add excellent future value in the sale of your home. If you need any advice on solar ener-

gy, geothermal HVAC, Heat pumps or any questions or concerns in saving energy and money, call me for a Free consultation.

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; (516) 647-4289.

sheet; coat with cooking spray. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake at 400 F for 12 minutes or until tender. Melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat, and cook 3 minutes or until lightly browned, shaking pan occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in soy sauce and vinegar. Drizzle over asparagus, tossing well to coat. Serve immediately. Yield: 8 servings (serving size: 5 spears).

Per serving: 45 calories; 19 grams protein; 3.9 grams carbohydrate; 3 grams fat, 8 milligrams cholesterol; 1.7 grams fiber; 134 milligrams sodium.

Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois, and the current president of the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. . COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

Is Your Grocery Bill Gobbling Up Your Budget?

BY MARY HUNT

Is your monthly grocery spending eating up a big portion of your income? You’re not alone. Figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture show that as of March 2024, on average, a family of four spends $1,341 per month on groceries to be eaten at home. Here, let me do the math: That’s $16,092 annually! And that doesn’t take into consideration the amount the typical household is spending on eating out.

Want to cut your grocery costs by, oh, let’s say HALF? You can if you are determined to become a smart shopper, employing every trick and tip in the book. You can -- without sacrificing your family’s health and joy of eating great food -while keeping $8,000 or so in your pocket over the coming year.

1. SKIP THE CONVENIENCE MARKUPS

Yes, those precut bags of vegetables and single-serving oatmeal packets are super convenient -- but they’re also budget busters. Consumer Reports points out that precut veggies come with jaw-dropping markups: Precut onions cost 392% more per pound than whole onions, and precut green beans have a 192% markup. The solution? Roll up your sleeves and do your own chopping, shredding and grating. You’ll save a bundle and maybe even burn a calorie or two. Do your own chopping, shredding, grating and measuring, and you will save a bunch.

2. STOP WASTING FOOD (AND MONEY)

Be honest -- how much produce ends

up wilting in your fridge? A squishy cucumber here, a moldy berry there -- it adds up fast. The Natural Resources Defense Council estimates that the average household tosses 40% of the food they buy, equating to an annual loss of thousands of dollars for a family of four. Buy only what you can realistically use, and start keeping tabs on what’s getting tossed. Your wallet will thank you.

3. REFUSE TO PAY FULL PRICE

Here’s my mantra: Never pay full price. Ever. If it’s not on sale this week, wait it out -- it will be soon. Get creative with your meals and plan around what’s discounted. When pantry staples or freezer-friendly items go on sale, stock up. Just make sure you have the space to store them!

4. MASTER UNIT PRICING

Comparing prices gets a lot easier when you know to look at unit pricing -that’s the cost per ounce, pound or piece. It’s right there on the shelf tag, so bring your reading glasses if you need to. Once you start paying attention, you’ll see how often bulk purchases or generics win the price war.

5. CHOOSE RECIPES WISELY

Instead of building your weekly menu based on a Pinterest craving, start with what you already have and what’s on sale. It’s amazing how far you can stretch your budget with a little creative meal planning.

6. STICK TO YOUR LIST

Make a shopping list before you leave the house, and don’t let your eyes wander once you’re in the store. Those unplanned

Good Gardening Doesn’t

BY JEFF RUGG

Are you an aging-in-place gardener? You know the type -- people like my 91-year-old mother who is still growing tomatoes and other vegetables, summer flower pots on the porch, and houseplants galore. She is not quite as active as she used to be, and she has downsized some of the garden.

Or are you a gardener who is getting arthritis? My shoulder really hurts when I lift my arm too high. Have you had your

knees replaced? I know several gardeners who have gone through one or both knee replacements. Even if you are a young gardener now, you are getting older every day, and the time will come when old age sneaks up on you.

In other words, everyone should get a copy of both books by the gentle teddy bear of a young-at-heart gardener Duane Pancoast. He wrote “The Geriatric Gardener: Adaptive Advice for Seniors” and The Geriatric Gardener 2.0: More Adaptive Gardening Advice for Seniors.” Both books are as essential to gardeners as books on pruning, weeding or any other gardening task.

He offers many great tips and explains how we don’t have to compromise our desirable garden, but we can adapt it to fit our health and abilities. Finally, when our outdoor gardening is over, we don’t have to be a retired gardener; there are many indoor plants that are very low maintenance. Get the books directly from Duane at thepancoastconcern.com/the_ geriatric_gardener.

purchases add up quickly -- research from the University of Pennsylvania suggests that 60%-70% of supermarket transactions are impulse buys. That’s a big chunk of change you don’t need to spend.

7. GO ORGANIC WHERE IT COUNTS

Save your organic dollars for foods more likely to harbor pesticide residues, like soft-skinned fruits, meat, milk and chicken. Check out the Environmental Working Group’s “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Fifteen” lists at www.foodnews. org for guidance. Spoiler alert: Organic cookies are not a wise option.

8. BREAK UP WITH BRANDS

We all have our brand loyalties, but it’s time to let most of them go. Store brands and generics are often just as good -sometimes identical -- to their namebrand counterparts. Don’t like it? Most stores will happily refund your money if you’re not satisfied.

9. BE A COUPON NINJA

Digital or paper coupons can be great, but read the fine print. Make sure you’re grabbing the right item and size, and watching those expiration dates. It’s frustrating to grab the wrong thing and miss out on the savings.

10. KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN

Markdowns, buy-one-get-one-free deals or specials can be great -- but only if you double-check. Ask a store employee to verify prices to make sure your coupon applies or if something seems unclear. Don’t let sneaky tactics trip you up. You’re smarter than the grocery store’s gimmicks.

With these strategies in your arsenal,

you’re well on your way to a leaner, meaner grocery bill. And who knows -you might even have some fun outsmarting the system while you’re at it. Now, go forth and conquer those aisles!

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.”

COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

Stop as You Get Older

Another book that is oriented toward the senior gardener is Toni Gatone’s “The Lifelong Gardener: Garden with Ease and Joy at Any Age.” Toni is a frequent speaker on topics such as herbs, fruits, vegetables, rooftop gardens and more. Her book is filled with tried-and-true methods of gardening that will eliminate physical strains by using the proper tools. It is available at bookstores and Amazon. One of the tips that both Duane and Toni give for gardeners is to plant into containers. Barbara Wise is another garden speaker and author. She wrote “Container Gardening for All Seasons.” This book dives into 101 beautiful flowerpots. Each one has a recipe that is easy to follow. You don’t have to be a senior gardener to enjoy this book. Just pick a picture of a flowerpot that you like and go to the garden center to buy the plants. Plant it following the recipe, and you will have the prettiest flowers on the block. It is also available at bookstores and Amazon.

One of the ways that senior gardeners an reduce the labor involved in

maintaining their landscape is to replace some of the lawn grass with ground cover plants. This is especially true in shady areas where grass doesn’t grow as well as other plants. A great book that teaches you how to effectively remove the grass and pick a prettier, lower maintenance plant is “Groundcover Revolution.” Author Kathy Jentz is also the editor for Washington Gardener Magazine and the award-winning GardenDC Podcast. “Groundcover Revolution” is again in bookstores and Amazon. Don’t forget, the “Greener View Gardening” book is available on Amazon. It is for gardeners of every age and every experience level. It also pairs up with my YouTube channel which will have 400 videos by the end of the year. I would love to hear from you on which topics you want me to cover with videos in the new year.

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

COPYRIGHT 2024 JEFF RUGG

A GREENER VIEW

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of December 15-21, 2024

Every star we see in the night sky is like our sun. Sure, some are larger or smaller, and some are hotter or cooler, but all work the same way. Each is a thermonuclear fusion reactor that converts millions of tons of hydrogen into helium each second and, in the process, releases energy -- some of which we see as light.

Also like our sun, most stars are home to planetary systems. Despite these not being visible to the human eye, this has been a topic of study for many centuries. As far back as 2,000 years ago, ancient Greek thinkers conducted vigorous debates on the subject.

It wasn’t until 1983 that the Infrared Astronomy Satellite detected a dusty disk around the bright star Vega, producing the first evidence of a planetary system in formation.

Since that time, astronomers have found other such protoplanetary disks around other stars, but in 1995 they made a stunning discovery. They found the first actual planet orbiting the star known as 51 Pegasi some 50 light-years away. And if you think this wasn’t a big deal, this discovery won the Nobel Prize in 2019!

The newly found planet was known to astronomers as 51 Pegasi b, but in 2015 the International Astronomical Union announced that they had assigned it an

STARGAZERS

The Dusty Disk of Vega

official proper name: Dimidium.

Today, we can count more than 7,300 planets and more than 5,000 planetary systems orbiting nearby stars. The technology for finding these has improved so much in the past quarter-century that their number rises significantly every year. If you’d like to keep up with the rapid pace of planet discoveries, visit both exoplanet.eu/catalog and science. nasa.gov/exoplanets and have a look around!

So what about that first dusty disk found around Vega some four decades ago? Do we know any more about it? Is it, in fact, the beginnings of a new planetary system? Great questions, all!

When the Hubble Space Telescope was launched in 1990, astronomers aimed it toward Vega and saw reflected light from dust the size of smoke particles mostly on the edge of a 100-billionmile-wide disk. In 2005, they used the infrared Spitzer Space Telescope to map this dusty ring but couldn’t see much detail -- at least, not enough to determine if there existed any clumps that would ultimately form planets.

And this year, the new James Webb Space Telescope aimed its 6-meter diameter infrared-sensitive eye toward Vega for an even closer look.

From its perch a million miles above the Earth, it resolved the glow of warm sand-sized particles and found the disk to be remarkably smooth. In other words, there appeared no evidence of

planets within, nor even clumpiness in the disk that might eventually lead to the birth of planets.

This is an important finding because it throws into question our understanding of how planets and planetary systems come to be and opens an entirely new path for astronomers to explore.

Step outside this week to check out

Vega; it’s the brightest star low in the western sky after dark. Of course, you can’t see its disk, but you can see the star that’s captured astronomers’ imaginations!

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com. .

COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

Sleeping in C Minor

“Ow!”

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

I woke up with a start when my husband’s left arm whacked me in the head. I rolled over to yell at him and saw that he was sound asleep. His hands, however, were wide awake and keeping a perfect 3/4 time to some mystery concerto. Sadly, this was not the first time this had happened. My husband works in the music industry, and like most husbands, he tends to take his work to bed with him. For us, this means he goes to sleep dreaming of music. Sometimes I wake up to the sound of him humming in his sleep, which, truthfully, can be kind of cute if not for the fact that he wakes me out of a dead sleep humming. But the other, less cute thing he does in his sleep is conduct. And things can get dicey when he is working on a big orchestral piece and I happen to be sleeping in the string section.

After my husband whacked me, I rubbed my forehead and wondered if I should interrupt the symphony and tell the players to take five, or roll over and go back to sleep.

I watched for a minute and saw his hands start to slow down. I wasn’t sure if the piece he was conducting had become more allegro or if one of the horn players had screwed up and they were trying it again more slowly.

Deciding the conducting coast was clear, I closed my eyes and tried to go back to sleep. But just as I dropped off, I got another blow to the head.

“OK, maestro, concert’s over!” I barked at my husband, shaking his shoulder.

His eyes popped open.

“What?”

“You’re conducting in your sleep again!” I exclaimed.

He snorted. “I was not.”

“You were, and you whacked me in

the head twice!” I responded. “Could you switch to a more sedate piece of music?”

He laughed.

“It’s not funny. I didn’t know orchestral music was a contact sport. Couldn’t you just snore like other husbands?”

While I was clearly not a fan of being whacked in the head by my husband in his sleep, I suddenly realized there might actually be an untapped resource in his sleep-conducting. If he could conduct in his sleep, why couldn’t he do some other things that would be infinitely more productive? Maybe we could get him to dream about home repairs and have him fix the broken garage door in his sleep. Or change the lightbulbs in the bathroom. Or even take out the garbage. He could sleepchore his way through all the things he complained about doing when he was awake. It was genius.

“I’m going back to sleep,” he said

groggily.

A few minutes passed, then I heard my husband’s breathing get more rhythmic, and I knew he was asleep. I leaned in close to him and began to chant softly into his ear:

“Garage door. Garage door. Garage door.”

“Garage door,” he murmured.

“Yes, garage door. Fix the garage door,” I said softly.

“Good plan,” he said loudly. “And if you’re going down to the garage, you might want to grab a bike helmet in case I whack you again.”

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.

COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

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The bright star Vega is visible in the western sky this week. (

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INVITED SALES

BY TRACY JORDAN

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Gingerbread takes the cake

Tender Gingerbread Cake

Plenty of foods are associated with Christmastime, but none perhaps as familiar as gingerbread. Although the slightly spicy and warming tang of gingerbread often is enjoyed in cookie form or baked into panels used to create gingerbread houses, the spice combination of ginger, cloves and cinnamon can impart a delicious flavor to cakes as well.

This holiday season, whip up this recipe for “Tender Gingerbread Cake” from “Butter, Flour, Sugar, Joy” (Sourcebooks) by Danielle Kartes.

Yield: 1 cake

1 cup packed muscovado sugar (dark brown works great)

1⁄2 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 eggs, room temperature

1⁄4 cup plain full-fat Greek or plain yogurt

1 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt

1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon

1⁄4 teaspoon ground cloves

1) Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a 9-by-9-inch cake pan with parchment paper.

2) Cream the sugar, butter, and vanilla on low speed, 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time and mix until just incorporated, then scrape down the sides of the bowl and gently fold the yogurt into the batter.

1⁄4 teaspoon ground ginger

1⁄4 teaspoon apple pie spice

1 cup hot water

3⁄4 cup molasses

3) In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, and spices together.

4) In a third bowl, mix the hot water and molasses together.

5) Now mix the dry ingredients into the batter in 3 additions, alternating with the hot molasses water. Do not overmix.

6) Pour the batter into your

Garnishes 1⁄2 cup confectioners’ sugar 1 cup pomegranate arils

lined pan and bake 25 to 30 minutes until the cake is well baked. Allow the gingerbread to cool, then dust with confectioners’ sugar and pomegranate arils. This cake is also lovely with cream cheese icing! Serve and enjoy.

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Pyramath tournament at Central Blvd. School

On Monday, Nov. 18, fourth and fifth graders at Central Boulevard School participated in a Pyramath tournament led by elementary math specialist Ms. Allison Robb.

On Monday, Nov. 18, fourth and fifth graders at Central Boulevard School participated in a Pyramath tournament led by elementary math specialist Ms. Allison Robb. This after-school event, part of the Bethpage Schools 21st Century Scholars' Program, offered students a chance to combine fun with math mastery in an engaging, competitive environment.

Pyramath, an interactive card game, sharpens math skills through addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The game, which can be played solo or in pairs, promotes logical thinking and quick problem-solving, making it a hit both at home and in the classroom.

Students had a blast working in teams and challenging their competitors, making math an enjoyable and exciting experience. The lively atmosphere was

filled with laughter and enthusiasm as students cheered each other on and celebrated their accomplishments, proving that math could be both fun and rewarding.

The event aligns with the goals of the 21st Century Scholars’ Program, which encourages students to explore topics of personal interest while developing essential skills to succeed in an ever-changing world. The program fosters well-rounded scholars through a diverse portfolio of activities, ranging from literature circles and community service to technology certifications and cultural institution visits. By participating in events like the Pyramath tournament, students not only refine their mathematical abilities but also exemplify the spirit of exploration and growth central to the 21st Century Scholars' Program.

Photo courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

Kids f ind books at Wisdom Lane’s “StarBooks Café”

Mark Xue, Pamela Douglin and Minki Hong were absorbed in books that aligned with their tastes.

Discovering a new literary adventure has never been easier for Wisdom Lane Middle School students who frequently browse selections in the library’s “StarBooks Café.”

Wisdom Lane librarian Caitlin Stabile and senior library clerk Robyn Walsh recently invited classes to the library to experience the StarBooks Café, a perfect opportunity to explore many options available to read. Library staff assemble an array of recommended reads across several genres, such as fantasy, science fiction or sports,

Sheika Musfera enjoyed her new read accompanied by relaxing background music.

George Roesemann looked through recommendations in the historical fiction genre.

Each table in the library featured a different genre for students to explore.

displayed on the SmartBoard and tables throughout the room. Students fill out a pamphlet describing their interests to get a taste of a book they might love. With the assistance of library staff, students can find the perfect adventure for them. While they read in the library, the

mood is set with relaxing background music. The StarBooks Café encourages a love of reading among Wisdom Lane middle schoolers, some of whom are choosing their first independent reading novels.

Photos courtesy of Levittown Public Schools

Wisdom Lane Middle School student Rebecca Tyart found her next read in the library’s StarBooks Café.

Christmas tree lighting

HOBY ambassador named at Division Ave. HS

Division Avenue High School sophomore Shane Villaume was selected as a Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership ambassador. He is joined by Assistant Principal Mark Curtiss and Principal John Coscia.

Division Avenue High School in the Levittown Public School District is proud to announce that sophomore Shane Villaume was selected as a Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership ambassador for the 2024–25 school year. Sophomores across the country are chosen for the honor for characteristics such as outstanding communication skills, sensitivity to the needs and concerns of others, courage to speak out for one’s beliefs and strong decision-making skills. Shane will represent Division Avenue at a three-day leadership seminar attended by more than 230 high school sophomores from across eastern New York. Through discussion panels and activities, participants will be challenged to examine issues critically and draw their own conclusions to form their opinions.

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On Sunday, Dec. 1, Nassau County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker (D – Plainview, second from left) attended the annual Christmas tree lighting at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Plainview.

On November 9, New York State Senator Steve Rhoads joined the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce and Town Clerk Rich LaMarca for the official grand opening of Michael’s Craft Store in Hicksville.

Photo courtesy of Levittown Public Schools

Levittown athletes commit to play at future schools

The Levittown School District has announced that 12 senior athletes from Division Avenue and General Douglas MacArthur High Schools have committed to play for their future colleges and universities.

Senior athletes were joined by their parents and coaches to mark the occasion. Each student signaled their commitment to continue to play their respective sport at their next educational destination.

From Division Avenue, athletes included:

• Ashley Anderson – SUNY Farmingdale, volleyball

• Jessica Bowe – Brooklyn College, softball

• Kenneth Griffin – SUNY Old Westbury, baseball

• Matthew Hartmann – City

MacArthur senior Alexandria Zambrano will attend Pennsylvania State University for gymnastics.

College of New York, baseball

• Isiah Marino – Molloy University, baseball

• Rebecca Petrellese – Molloy University, soccer

• Emma Robins – SUNY Cortland, softball

From MacArthur, athletes included:

• Caitlin Barry – University of New Haven, soccer

• Bella Calabro – Seton Hall University, soccer

• Hailey Trapani – Wilmington University, softball

• Nicole Magnozzi – Bard College, soccer

• Alexandria Zambrano –Pennsylvania State University, gymnastics

MacArthur senior Nicole Magnozzi will attend Bard College to play soccer.

Seven senior athletes at Division Avenue High School signed commitments to play at their future colleges and universities on Dec. 3.

MacArthur senior Hailey Trapani will attend Wilmington University to play softball.

MacArthur senior Bella Calabro will attend Seton Hall University to play soccer.

senior Cailtin Barry will attend University of New Haven to play soccer.

Town proclaims “Color the World Orange Day”

The Oyster Bay Town Board recently joined Jennie Reigler of Plainview, and her father Richard Haunss of Syosset, to proclaim Monday, November 4, as “Color the World Orange Day,” to help spread awareness about the medical condition complex regional pain syndrome, or reflex sympathetic dystrophy, also known as CRPS/RSD. Jennie’s sister, Kristen, suffers from the debilitating disease.

“Jennie and Richard’s unwavering dedication to raising awareness about this rare and painful disease is inspirational as they continue to advocate on behalf of their cherished sister and daughter, as well as all those who suffer from CRPS/RDS,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “The Town of Oyster Bay will support the CRPS/RDS community by illuminating Town Hall orange for the month of November.”

Members of the Town Board proclaimed Monday, November 4, as “Color the World Orange Day” to spread awareness of the medical condition complex regional pain syndrome.

MacArthur

Photos courtesy of Levittown Public Schools

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