Syosset Advance (12/20/24)

Syosset community collects 1000 toys for needy kids Town warns about scam donation bins

The Town of Oyster Bay has warned residents who leave donations in collection bins to make sure that the organizations behind those bins have good intentions.

Particularly during the holiday season, Town officials have witnessed a proliferation in illegally placed bins asking residents to drop off clothing or toy donations. Many of these structures appear to be homemade, contain stencil lettering and no sign of legitimacy.

• Overflowing, non-maintained donation bins

• Donations being requested over the phone

• Acknowledgement of a donation never made

• Requests for personal identification, including social security number

"We want our well-intentioned residents to be certain that donations made out of the goodness of their hearts are going to the right place," Supervisor Saladino added. "Residents should be wary of any bins with no identification, as this is in violation of county and state codes."

Town officials have removed illegally placed bins in the past year after learning that donations were allegedly being improperly collected and sold for profit. Any residents who see these type of donation bins in their community in the Town of Oyster Bay should contact the Town's Code Compliance Bureau at (516) 624-6200.

Unity Allstars toy drive began as a grass roots project to help enhance our own children’s understanding of social responsibility. The organization wanted to associate giving back to their community with something fun. This event combines young children bringing a new unwrapped toy in which they wrap.

supplies ahead of time.

The New York event is in its fifteenth year. This is the third year that they have partnered with Syosset High School to use their space and have different clubs volunteer to work at the event that day as well as collect

This year the group was able to collect over 1000 toys and adopt over 30 families!

The toys are donated to local charities, hospitals, and schools. It is a truly rewarding experience and a win win for all during the holiday season.

"The holiday season is the time for giving, and our residents have a reputation of being among the most giving on Long Island, donating food, clothes and toys to those less fortunate," said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. "Unfortunately, this time of year is also when we begin to see this particular type of scam, and we want to make sure our residents are vigilant when it comes to making donations, whether it be with clothing or monetary contributions."

While collections bins are not permitted in Town of Oyster Bay operated lots, some well-intentioned businesses that authorize donation bins may not be aware of some that are fraudulent. Residents should be aware of the following warning signs:

• Collection bins with no identification

To learn how charities spend donation monies, residents can visit charitynavigator. org or charitywatch.org. To determine is a charity is registered in New York State, visit the State Attorney General's website at www. charitiesnys.com<http:// www.charitiesnys.com> or call (212) 416-8401.

Syosset students helped collect and wrap over 1000 toys for local charities through Unity Allstars.

NCPD officer visits

Gardiner’s Avenue School

Nassau County Police Department officer Teana Grande spoke with Gardiners Avenue Elementary students about stranger danger on Nov. 14.

A Nassau County Police Department officer made a stop to Gardiners Avenue School in the Levittown School District to discuss stranger danger with young students.

First and second graders gathered to hear from Officer Teana Grande of the NCPD’s Community Affairs Unit. Officer Grande discussed tips about

Photo courtesy of Levittown Public Schools

potentially dangerous situations when encountering strangers both in person and online. Students heard and acted out what they should do if caught in a harmful situation. Officer Grande also told students how to avoid harm with specific tips such as never giving out their names or addresses to strangers.

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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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March in memory of victim of October 7 attack

Nassau County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker (third from left) and Legislator Seth I. Koslow (fourth from left) joined hundreds of residents at the Run For Their Lives event held in memory of of Omer Neutra, a Plainview native who was murdered by Hamas terrorists during the Oct. 7, 2023 assault on Israel.

Nassau County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker (D – Plainview) and Legislator Seth I. Koslow (D – Merrick) joined their colleagues in government and hundreds of local residents on Sunday, Dec. 8 as Run for their Lives marched from Country Pointe in Plainview to the Mid Island Y JCC in memory of Omer Neutra, a Plainview native who was murdered by Hamas terrorists during the Oct. 7, 2023 assault on Israel.

“The steadfast and unwavering support shown by our community continues to be a source of comfort and strength for the Neutra family in their time of unthinkable tragedy,” Deputy Minority Leader Drucker said. “I am proud of how Jewish and non-Jewish people around the country and the world have united to condemn the barbaric actions that have taken place, and Omer’s senseless murder has only redoubled our resolve. We must do whatever we can to never let this happen again and exert every effort we can to get the remaining hostages home. That must be our top priority, and it can never be anything less than our top priority.”

“This march in honor of Omer Neutra’s life and legacy was a powerful demonstration of the indelible mark he left upon the world,” Legislator Koslow said. “While our hearts will always be broken by his senseless murder, our resolve to free the hostages has never been stronger - and we will never waver until there is justice for the families who have suffered so greatly at the hands of these Hamas terrorists.”

Photo courtesy Office of the Legislative Minority

Jericho Cares provides Thanksgiving joy to 86 families

Jericho Cares partners with local organizations to have a successful Thanksgiving event. On November 23rd, the VFW Syosset hosted a heartwarming and impactful event, in which 86 Jericho Cares families (390 people) were given food for Thanksgiving. This annual nonprofit event, organized with the support of generous volunteers and local sponsors, was dedicated to creating a special and welcoming environment for families to pick up food, allowing them to celebrate the season of thanks with their families.

The Thanksgiving event was made possible by the generous contributions of local businesses and sponsors. Island Harvest, a weekly supporter, provided frozen chickens and turkeys and assorted produce and Jericho Cares was able to transport all of this with the help of Amazon. Several companies and organizations such as Chase Bank of Hicksville, The Morgan Walsh Memorial Fund, Mid Island Y JCC Rudman Pantry, Car Joy, The Junior League of LI, HBK CPAs, and LI Women over 50 provided bags filled with non perishable and typical Thanksgiving food. Each family received a sweet treat as they were given a pie donated by the Greenfield family of ShopRite.

Jericho Cares couldn’t have held this event without the support of dedicated volunteers, including some from Bank of America. Volunteers played a key role in making families feel welcomed, providing warmth, support, and a sense of belonging. This year, Jericho Cares partnered with Allied Foundation, who provided families with basic essentials such as wipes, diapers, and period kits. Their goal is to end period poverty and diaper need. This addition to the event was overwhelmingly appreciated by our families.

As the event came to a close, the

The Allied Foundation provided essential such as wipes and diapers.

air was filled with a sense of warmth, gratitude, and community. It was a reminder of what this time of year is truly about: coming together, sharing blessings, and lifting each other up.

Jericho Cares extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, and supported this event. Your involvement made this Thanksgiving a meaningful experience for all involved. It looks forward to continuing this tradition and creating more opportunities to give back to the community in the years to come. If you would like more information about Jericho Cares visit www.jerichocares.org .

Jericho Cares provided Thanksgiving meals and other supplies to 86 families.

Amazon helped to transport the food to needy families.

Sarah Grace Foundation brings joy to needy year round

2024 has been a busy and exciting year for the Hicksville-based Sarah Grace Foundation for Children With Cancer, Inc., filled with charitable endeavors rooted in the mission of Sarah’s Angels. Since its founding in 2003 in honor of Sarah Grace Weippert, the Foundation has remained committed to helping children with cancer and their families.

The Foundation’s motto is “providing smiles for children; one child at a time.”

The year started off with beautiful dresses and garments made by students of the Queens College Department of Theater and Dance, which were provided to children at the pediatric cancer center at Montefiore. The gifts were a wonderful distraction for the children who were very excited to receive and wear them. March was again a busy month as the Foundation kicked off its annual “Hugs For Sarah Virtual 5K” in honor of Sarah’s birthday, in addition to hosting a clothing drive. In May, the Foundation was the recipient of a generous donation from West Hollow Middle School, multiple beautifully created art books that were sold as a fundraising endeavor.

In July, the Foundation returned to host its first in-person fundraising event since the pandemic.

“An Evening of Magic,” held at the Milleridge Inn on July 12th, featured entertainment by Magician/ Mentalist David Schwartz. The event was a huge success, as it nearly completely sold out with rave reviews from attendees.  The Foundation has scheduled another event for April 4, 2025, featuring Magician/Mentalist Gary Ferrar.  Tickets for the next event will be on sale soon and the event is limited seating, advance sale only.

Over the summer months, the Foundation was hard at work on several ventures, including: distributing summer craft projects, distributing more than 750 new books, replenishing The Escape Hatch and Chemo Duck at multiple hospitals, and providing backpacks and school supplies as part of the organizations “Back to School” program.  This year, distributions were supported by collections at Ray Leventhal Clothing in Plainview, The Hicksville-Jericho Rotary Club, and Miracle Toyota in Haines City, FL. In addition to all these projects the Foundation continued to provide financial aid to families of children with cancer, including supermarket gift cards to those families experiencing food insecurities.

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month, and the Foundation was hard at work distributing daily information boosts, as well as participating in Childhood

The Sarah Grace Foundation collected toys in cooperation with community groups to bring a brighter holiday to children.

Cancer Awareness Events, encouraging everyone to wear gold ribbons in support of children with cancer.  Through generous donations by the Build-A-Bear Foundation, The Sarah Grace Foundation was able to distribute brand new furry friends to children with cancer.

As fall arrived the Foundation shipped out 550 Halloween trick-ortreat goodie bags and provided fall craft projects for children at local pediatric cancer centers.  “All of this was accomplished while also fulfilling requests for grocery and gas gift cards as well as financial assistance for household expenses, patient co-pays and funeral expenses,” said Matt Weippert, Executive Director of the Foundation.

“The Foundation depends on the generosity of donors and fundraising events to fulfill its mission.  The Holiday Extravaganza raffle held in November raised $5,600 for the foundation’s holiday programs,” said Weippert. “We are incredibly grateful to all our supporters, as well as all of the organizations and businesses we have partnered with this year to continue supporting these

children and their families.”

The foundation hosted both online and in-person toy drives to guarantee a brighter holiday for these children.  The Foundation is grateful to Ray Leventhal Clothing in Plainview, The Hicksville Middle School, and UPS Store #7718 in Davenport FL for hosting toy drives benefiting The Sarah Grace Foundation.  “Our Foundation, along with the children and families we serve, is forever indebted to the generosity of these organizations and all of those involved,” stated Weippert.  “Coordinating a toy drive may seem like an easy task, but it is not.  Many hours go into planning, organizing, and implementing its success. This could not have succeeded without “Sarah’s Angels” facilitating toy pickups, sorting, and shipping. Gift certificates are great, but the smile on a child’s face when they unwrap a toy is priceless,” Weippert said, adding, “The Foundation remains committed to the children we have served for over 20 years and is extremely grateful for the continued support the community has provided.  For many of these children the toys the Foundation can

provide will be the only gifts they receive this holiday season.”

This year, the Foundation has once again received grants from the Nassau County Bar Association – WE CARE Fund in direct support of the Chemo Duck program. In November, the Foundation was also the recipient of a $5,000 grant by the Dunkin Joy In Childhood Foundation in support of Foundation programs to provide meal vouchers and grocery gift cards to families experiencing food insecurity. “Without the tremendous community support the Foundation has received for more than 20 years and grants such as these, many programs would not be possible. The children with cancer we serve would experience a much more detrimental impact from their disease,” Weippert continued.

For more information on The Sarah Grace Foundation, please call (516) 433-9745 or visit the Foundation’s website at www. TheSarahGraceFoundation.org. Donations or requests for information may be sent to the Foundation at 17 E. Old Country Road, Unit B, PMB 202, Hicksville, NY 11801.

NASSAU COUNTY

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY CORPORATION

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.

NASSAU COUNTY LEGAL NOTICE

SYOSSET CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE OF SCHOOL DISTRICT MONTHLY MEETING

Monday, January 6, 2025

There will be a meeting of the Board of Education on Monday, January 6, 2025, at approximately 6:00 p.m. in South Woods Middle School, 99 Pell Lane, Syosset, New York.

At that time, the Board of Education will determine whether to go into Executive Session. If there is a need for an Executive Session, the Board will vote to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters regarding collective bargaining negotiations, school security, the medical, financial, credit or employment history of a particular person and to obtain legal advice regarding proposed, pending or current litigation. If no Executive Session is needed, the Board will recess until the public portion of the Monthly Board of Education Meeting at 8:00 p.m. at South Woods Middle School, 99 Pell Lane, Syosset, New York.

The Syosset Board of Education and Administration welcome you to observe the Board of Education Meeting via livestream broadcast on the District website.

Dated: December 18, 2024 Syosset, NY

Upcoming Programs at Jericho Public Library

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.

Monday, December 23

11:00 a.m.:  VIRTUAL: The Golden Age of

Hollywood With Brian RoseFrom the late 1920s through the end of World War II, studios like MGM, Warner Bros, 20th Century Fox, Paramount, and RKO would dominate film production, not only in America but throughout the world. The reasons for Hollywood’s success during this period are intriguing.

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.

7:00 p.m.: Book Discussion: “The Mitten” (Grades 1 & 2)Come to this book discussion to talk about “The Mitten” by Jan Brett. After registering, pick up a copy of the book to read and be prepared to talk about it with your peers.

Register for all events at https://www.jericholibrary. org/events/month

Non-residents may register beginning 2 weeks before each program.

Events for Readers at the Syosset Public Library

Tuesday, January 14, at 2

p.m.

Graphic Novel Book Discussion

Join Kaye Spurrell, Readers’ Services Librarian, for a discussion of “Maus II:

A Survivor’s Tale: And Here My Troubles Began” by Art Spiegelman. Copies of “Maus II” will be available at the Circulation Desk one month before the discussion. “Maus I:

A Survivor’s Tale: My Father Bleeds History,” was discussed at a previous event. We suggest it be read before Maus II. No registration.

Tuesday, January 28, at 2

p.m.

Afternoon Book Discussion

Join Evelyn Hershkowitz, Readers’ Services Librarian, for an in-person discussion of the historical fiction novel “ Beyond That, the Sea ” by

Laura Spence-Ash. Copies of the book will be available at the Circulation Desk one month before the discussion. No registration.

The Syosset Public Library is located at 225 South Oyster Bay Road, Syosset. For more information please call 516921-7161 ext 239 or email: Readersservices@syossetlibrary.org

*All events are wheelchair accessible

This Week at the Syosset Public Library

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.

“Learn to Play Hockey”

Town of Oyster Bay residents can sign up for a special New York Islanders “Learn to Play” Hockey program at the Town's outdoor rinks at Majorie Post or SyossetWoodbury Community Parks. Part of The Future Islanders Program, this “Learn to Play” clinic introduces the game of hockey to children ages 5–12 and serves as a transition program for first-time players interested in house leagues.

“We are pleased to once again partner with the New York Islanders, NHL and NHLPA to offer this exciting opportunity for children looking to learn the fundamentals of hockey in a fun environment,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “This Future Islanders program, taught by former players and coaching staff from the New York Islanders organization, includes hands-on training skills and all necessary equipment in the early stages of learning hockey.”

The Learn to Play clinic will be offered this winter at Syosset-Woodbury Community Park from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. from December 10 through February 11, and at Marjorie Post Park from 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. from December 11 through February 12th. Eight on-ice training sessions will be held, with special appearances by Isles alumni Arron Asham and Radek Martinek. With a registration fee of $295, students receive full hockey equipment, including jersey, stick, gloves, helmet, shoulder pads, pants, shin guards, equipment bag and much more.

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.

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

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Student organization plans record-breaking shoe giveaway

BY GARY SIMEONE

The Youth Philanthropy Council, a student-run organization, that was founded in 2019, has upcoming holiday plans for a record breaking shoe drive. The New York chapter of the YPC hopes to expand upon the world record breaking shoe-drive which took place on December 7th in California. That shoe drive saw 21,000 pairs of shoes given away to marginalized communities in the San Diego area.

Dev Lakhani, a Jericho High School student and cop-resident of the YPC New York chapter, said the council is excited to get involved with another community initiative.

“Expanding YPC to New York is a significant step in our mission to empower Youth nationwide,” said Lakhani. “We are excited to collaborate with local communities to create meaningful change and inspire the next generation of philanthropists.”

The YPC is partnering with a California-based footwear brand, ‘Jellypop’ to giveaway the shoes at the Broadway Mall in Hicksville. A date for the giveaway has not been announced as of yet.

Emilie Kurniawan, head of the New York chapter, said seeing the organization grow since it’s inception five years ago, has been an amazing achievement.

“Seeing YPC grow and achieve so much has been amazing,” said Kurniawan. “It’s been such a great experience working with friends and helping put a smile on someone’s face.”

The YPC has been involved with many initiatives over the past few years including collecting and recycling over 8,000 used tennis balls and transforming them into better tennis courts and a global classroom initiative, which raised over $40,000 to construct a new school building in Africa.

Lakhani said the New York chapter plans to support similar educational projects in the near future.

“We plan to do so both locally and internationally to promote access to quality education,” said Lakhani. “Enhancing educational opportunities for students is one of our main priorities as well as initiating more projects that address healthcare and human services.”

The shoe giveaway is entitled St

NY YPC Team: Dev Lakhani (Co-President), Emilie Kurniawan (Head of New York Chapter), Derek Kwong (Marketing Director)

Nick’s Kicks, an annual event that has distributed thousands of pairs of shoes to individuals in need.

The event has been taking place since

2020, and a record-breaking 21,000 pairs of shoes were donated to underserved women and children in the San Diego community.

Robotics season kicks off with challenge event

Bethpage Schools have partnered with FIRST Long Island to host the FIRST LEGO League Challenge Practice Tournament at Central Boulevard Elementary School on Dec. 7-8. This marks the third consecutive year that Bethpage has welcomed this event, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to fostering STEM education and innovation among students.

49 teams from all over Long Island, each comprising up to ten students, gathered to showcase their robotics skills, collaborate with peers and receive valuable feedback. These practice sessions provided teams with the opportunity to refine their designs and strategies ahead of regional competitions.

Bethpage’s own FIRST LEGO League Challenge teams, representing Central Boulevard School, Charles Campagne School, Kramer Lane School and JFK Middle School, participated in the morning session on Dec. 7. Their enthusiasm and ingenuity highlighted the district’s dedication to nurturing young minds in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Bethpage High School students added a touch of inspiration to the event with their powerful renditions of the National Anthem, kicking off the weekend. Special thanks go to Amanda Schneider, Allyson Yalbuzdag and Sahana Passaro, whose performances set a celebratory tone for each session's opening ceremonies.

Youth Girls Ice Hockey Clinic

The Town of Oyster Bay will offer a Youth Girls Hockey Clinic, scheduled for Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center. The clinic, running from 10:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., is open to girls between the ages of 6 and 16.

This special event provides an excellent opportunity for young athletes to experience the excitement of ice hockey in a supportive and encouraging environment. No prior hockey experience

is required, though basic skating skills are necessary. Participants will receive hands-on instruction and leave with a complimentary TOBAY hockey jersey. All participants must wear standard hockey gear.

Equipment will be available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis. For additional information, please contact the Department of Parks at (516) 433-7465 x8230 or register today at www. oysterbaytown.com/portal.

Bethpage Schools proudly partnered with FIRST Long Island to host the FIRST LEGO League Challenge Practice Tournament at Central Boulevard Elementary School on Dec. 7–8.

Photo courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

Give the Gift of Travel Experience

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

Travel is inevitably a journey of discovery, of self-fulfillment, of personal enhancement and change. It is about doing, engagement, forging relationships, and yes, lifelong memories.

Enhance your traveler’s upcoming trip by prearranging a dining experience; a spa visit; admission to a museum, attraction or cultural event; a cooking, baking or jewelry making class; a hot-air balloon ride; rockclimbing adventure; walking tour; bike rental. And what trip doesn’t require some special gear? (If you time it right, you might also be able to benefit from holiday savings.)

You can pre-purchase a citysightseeing pass that provides admissions to the most popular attractions and experiences in cities like Prague (PragueCoolPass.com); Paris (parispass.com); Amsterdam ( iamamsterdam.com ); Berlin (citypasses.eu); Dresden (getyourguide. com). The added advantage is that the passes help organize the itinerary, provide info on hours, exhibits, save the time of waiting on line and the anxiety of being shut out and even save money over purchasing admissions individually.

Go City sells passes in 25 destinations from major metropolises like Amsterdam, Barcelona, Madrid, Singapore, London and New York to oceanfront oases like Sydney and Oahu – 1,500 attractions, tours, and activities worldwide, saving money over purchasing individual tickets, connected on your smart phone (GoCity.com, 800 887 9103).

CityPass (https://www.citypass. com/) has pass programs in numerous

The ParisPass saves time and anxiety in visiting high-demand attractions like the “Mona Lisa” at Le Louvre © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

US cities and Toronto.

Arrange for your travelers to drive an exotic car, learn to fly, rock climb, skydive, bungee jump, take a hot-air balloon ride. Virgin Experience lists some 5000 different experiences in 122 regions from 600 “best in class” partners that their gift card can be applied to:

Go to Food & Wine Gifts, Adventures Experiences and other listings. Easy return, no expiration, free exchange (https://www.virginexperiencegifts. com/action-and-adventure, https:// www.virginexperiencegifts.com/ https://www.virginexperiencegifts. com/attractions

Gift certificates from Broadway. com can be redeemed for tickets to any Broadway or Off-Broadway show currently playing in New York City ( https://www.broadway.com/giftcertificates/).

You can also purchase “showstopping holiday gift” theater tickets at discounts at todaytix.com.

Or for that Broadway theater

fan, pre-purchase admission to The Museum of Broadway (145 West 45th St. 212-239-6200, or 800-447-7400, www. themuseumofbroadway.com)

Context Travel offers personal walking tours with experts in 60 cities across 6 continents. Skip the line and off-hours access to popular sites in the world’s cultural and historical capitals. Its gift cards can be used for all its travel experiences, including audio guides, walking tours, pre-trip talks, day trips, and shore excursions. Gift cards are redeemable for hundreds of tours and experiences in any city, can be e-delivered immediately or at a future date and can be personalized with your message https://www. contexttravel.com/gift-cards/new Spafinder.com, a compendium of resorts, wellness centers and day spas, makes it easy to purchase giftcards. At this writing, Spafinder was offering 10% off orders of $100+ and free shipping.  Get $30% off purchases of $150+. (Promo code Flash30).  https://

myspafinder.spagiftcards.com/ category/eGift-Cards

Theme parks can be a very, very pricey vacation for families. Gift cards can put the vacation in reach or enhance the experience.

Disney’s gift cards can be purchased in denominations of $25 to $500 and used for “practically” all things Disney – theme park tickets, resort stays, merchandise, dining and experiences at Disney destinations. Redeemable at shopDisney.com, Disney Store locations in the U.S., participating locations at Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida, Disneyland® Resort in California, Disney Cruise Line®, and Adventures by Disney®.  https://www.disneygiftcard.com/.

Also consider gifting some of the really special experiences, like Zookeeper for a Day at Busch Gardens (www.buschgardens.com), or sleepover “Night in the Museum” experiences at places like National Air and Space Museum, International Spy Museum, American Museum of Natural History, Cincinnati Museum Center, California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, or family memberships.

For the skier/snowboarder, consider purchasing lift tickets, lessons, rentals, perhaps even a multiday, regional or local pass (EpicPass. com, IKONPass.com, snow.com, ski. com). Get Ski Tickets is an online marketplace to purchase date-specific discounted lift tickets, lessons, rentals, group lift tickets and season passes ( https://www.getskitickets.com/ , 970-233-7040, info@getskitickets.com) and gift certificates (https://www. getskitickets.com/gift-certificates/).

And cruises may advertise as being “all-inclusive” but shore excursions are costly add-ons. Pre-purchase a

Continued on next page

Give the Gift of Travel Experience

Continued from previous page

shore excursion from Shore Excursions Group which offers 4,000 tours in 300+ ports worldwide, with something for every kind of cruiser, from first-timers to seasoned globetrotters, at 40 percent less than purchasing from the cruiseline.

Fantasy Camp!

There are any number of fantasy camps to satisfy, well, every fantasy. If you can fantasize it, there is likely a fantasy camp to realize it.

Want to play baseball like a major leaguer? There are baseball fantasy camps with teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, Atlanta Braves (mlb.com). For basketball: 76ers Fantasy Camp is the inaugural NBA fantasy camp, www.76ersfantasycamps. com).

Join players from the gold medal winning 1980 USA Hockey Team for this annual Miracle On Ice Fantasy Camp, in magnificent Lake Placid, NY – host city of the historic 1980 Winter Olympic Games. Skate and compete in the 1980 Rink – Herb Brooks Arena where USA conquered the Russians and shocked the sports and political world (actual Miracle on Ice players usually participate!). (https://lakeplacidolympiccenter.com/ todo/miracle-on-ice-fantasy-camp/)

Space Camp, an educational camp on the grounds of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center museum near NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama, provides residential and educational programs for children as well as adults on themes such as space exploration, aviation and robotics. There are camps for every age group, even adults! (www. rocketcenter.com/SpaceCamp, camps@ rocketcenter.com, 800-637-7223).

Also: Broadway theater  (Broadway Fantasy Camp, broadwayfancamp. com), Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp, an interactive musical event that takes place in various locations worldwide involving various Rock Stars on various dates (rockcamp.com; gift cards available, https://gift-cards.rockcampevents.com/)

For many, being able to participate in important science research is also a fantasy. Earthwatch Expeditions makes it possible to support important research into global challenges from climate change to human-wildlife coexistence to sustainability, while engaging local communities. It offers more than 40 field research expeditions around the world, with opportunities for teens and adults; no prior experience needed (Earthwatch. org, info@earthwatch.org).

Also Ecology Project International (https://www.ecologyproject.org/travelprograms); GVIUSA (https://www. gviusa.com/blog/how-to-join-researchexpeditions-around-the-world/)

Getting There or Coming Here

You can purchase gift cards on many airlines: the Delta Gift Card is redeemable for any Delta Air Lines

A gift of some special gear or apparel will add to the enjoyment to an upcoming hiking, camping, biking, outdoors and adventure trip © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

flight worldwide and for any Delta Vacations package that includes airfare, no expiration date (https://www.delta. com/us/en/gift-cards/overview). Also Southwest Airlines (no expiration date, fully transferrable, usable for passenger travel, https://www.southwest.com/ gift-card/); American Airlines (https:// giftcards.aa.com/), United Airlines, British Airways, Air France, KLM, SAS.

Prefer riding the rails to boarding flights? Amtrak gift cards are available in an amount up to $500 with no fees and never expire. Have it emailed or sent through the mail. Redeem for travel online, in the app, by phone or in staffed stations. (May not be used for onboard purchases) https://www.amtrak.com/ giftcards

Memberships Have Benefits

Gifting family memberships in a favorite museum, zoo, aquarium, preserve, historic site or attraction gives a sense of “ownership” and encourages multiple or multi-day visits as well as giving access to benefits – from special access to events and openings, discounts and promotions, magazines: American Museum of Natural History (members enjoy free admission, special access and previews of new exhibitions, and discounts on purchases with member ID (get $20 off membership with code MEM22); the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Chicago Museum of Art, any and every important museum, hall of fame, attraction, zoo such as the Wildlife Conservation Society which operates the Bronx Zoo and Brooklyn Aquarium among others (www.wcs.org).

Smithsonian Institution, not only has an excellent store and catalog of excellent expeditionary trips (Smithsonianstore.com), but I treasure the Smithsonian Magazine, which also provides membership benefits, access to gifts; subscribe to the magazine and get gift subscriptions to share with someone else, smithsonianmag.com). Similarly, National Geographic inspires to pursue

your own expedition and also has links to great expeditionary gear; there is also a National Geo Kids edition, to sow the seeds for lifelong adventure. (https:// ngmdomsubs.nationalgeographic.com/

Also check out the memberships and gift possibilities at: Sierra Club (produces an excellent catalog of trips, sierraclub. org); Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (also check out the trail shop for gear like jerseys, trail guides and such, railstotrails. org), Parks & Trails NY  (which hosts the annual Cycle the Erie 8-day, 400-mile camping/biking trip, ptny.org); Audubon Society ; Nature Conservancy , National Wildlife Federation (nwf. org); World Wildlife Federation (wwf. org) and Kennedy Space Center (www. kennedyspacecenter.com).

You can also gift membership in a favorite wine club. For example, a gift membership in Dry Creek Vineyard, in the charming Sonoma, California town of Healdsburg, provides insider access to limited-production wines, customizable shipments, VIP invitations to membersonly events, Complimentary annual tour for member and guests, complimentary tasting for up to 6 guest,  and 20–25% savings on wine and 20% savings on merchandise (707-433-1000 ext. 123, email  wineclub@drycreekvineyard.com, drycreekvineyard.com)

Another way to transport a travel experience is to arrange for wine from a winery or destination that the recipient visited or yearns to visit. Besides Dry Creek,  we have also really enjoyed the winery and the wine experience at Imagery Estate (imagerywinery.com), and  Gundlach Bundschu Winery (gunbun.com) in Sonoma, which also make it easy to gift their wine.

Travel Gear

Travelers also appreciate the gear, special clothing, photo equipment that a trip (expedition, voyage, journey) entails, but may feel guilty about purchasing or simply tapped out- like sunglasses, hiking poles (one of my favorite things!); hiking/ skiing socks; safari hat; packing cubes;

day pack; chargers; rain poncho. As they say: there is no bad weather, only bad clothes.

Our favorite go-to outfitters (especially when you catch holiday deals, sales and closeouts): REI (top trending gifts, gifts by activity or price, www.rei.com/s/giftsfor-travelers; sale items https://www. rei.com/c/travel-gear/f/scd-deals, 800426-4840);  LL Bean, 888-610-2326,  llbean. com; Sun & Ski, sunandski.com, 866786-3869 (gift cards available); Eastern Mountain Sports, 888-463-6367,  ems. com; Tennis Express (gift guide online, TennisExpress.com), Bass Pro Shops,  www.basspro.com; Patagonia (Patagonia.com); Paragon Sports (paragonsports.com). And of course, luggage - one great site  Luggageonline. com

What trip doesn’t involve photos! Go beyond the cell phone! B&H Photo consistently has best inventory, prices and holiday specials, efficient delivery, excellent customer service, delivery and return policies – think about memory cards, a point-and-shoot camera for hiking/biking; a mirrorless that packs easily but gives great quality; a long lens for that safari; a waterproof camera for that snorkeling/scuba diving trip (www.bhphotovideo.com), 800.606.6969, 212.444.6615).

Great stocking stuffers so appreciated by travelers are socks for hiking, running, endurance, skiing, biking, hunting, work and lifestyle: Bombas (get 20% off, https://bombas.com/) and Darn Tough (www.darntough.com).

A subscription to a travel magazine like Travel & Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler (holiday sale, digital for $10, print for $20 plus tote, https://www.cntraveler. com/v2/offers/cnt313, cntraveler.com), National Geographic Traveler and National Geographic are a great gift to inspire and inform; there is also a National Geo Kids edition. (https:// ngmdomsubs.nationalgeographic.com/

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

Crossword Answers

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

Preparing for that infamous “Tax Time”

Those who are in the business know that tax time is quickly approaching. It isn’t tomorrow or next week but April 15th will arrive before we know it. I’m keenly aware of tax time and tax deadlines because not only did my father work for 40+ years as an accountant but I spent four years in high school and college working for a Certified Public Accountant in my home town of Rockville Centre. It was part-time when school was in session and fulltime when school was closed.

The CPA came to Career Day at St. Agnes Cathedral High School in my junior year to tell us students all about majoring in business and working as an accountant, and he held my attention. He spoke about working at a large NYC accounting firm then starting his own small business as a CPA not far from his home on Long Island. The subject matter and small businesses were fascinating to me.

Because I commented and inquisitively asked several questions, the next day he phoned my high school, spoke with the school secretary and offered me a job in his firm. I accepted knowing that real experience would be as helpful as book learning.

At college in Connecticut I was an accounting major for one year then I switched to English. My accounting classes and experiences at the CPA company were good experiences and many of the things I learned were very helpful - both then and now.

Sure things have changed since I went to college in the 1970s but the basic tenants of accounting remain the same. Deadlines are deadlines and meeting them is a lot easier than having to pay late fees. Collect your tax documents and get your tax papers in order. Arrange them the way your tax preparer wants to see them - it will save a lot of scrambling down the pike.

Computers have come a long way and E-Filing aka “electronic filing” has made life a lot easier for tax preparers and the Internal Revenue Service. It’s fast, expeditious and accurate - as long as you sign your return before submitting it.

I’ve depended on my tax preparer to explain the IRS terminology because it can be confusing. I’ve also relied on the tax preparer’s years of experience

for guidance on which forms, schedules and attachments are needed. Meeting the deadlines is uppermost in my mind. Oh, and those rules, I need to read them all line by line and make a note of whatever applies in my particular case. Being cautious always applies because any tax exemptions or deductions have to be allowable. There is no bending of the rules.

Years ago I learned that being able to understand the IRS guidelines is good - and keeping up with seemingly ever-changing rules is just as important. And when I think I’ve got it down pat the IRS makes changes and it’s important to keep up.

I think back to my days working at the CPA office in Rockville Centre. Interestingly, my CPA’s wife helped him set up the office then I became his first secretary. Over time his office staff grew and I became a junior bookkeeper.

Mr. CPA hired another accountant, a young man who had just finished college plus an assistant accountant, a woman who was still getting her college degree in accounting. The secretary was a full-time employee who greeted customers and kept track of the employees. The CPA often visited business clients who were out of state. He would check their books and prepare the tax returns and tax documents they needed.

Not only did the standard forms have to be prepared and filed but often there were quarterly payments to be made.

During the summer months and whenever we had free moments those of us working for Mr. CPA would celebrate birthdays and other milestones together. We had a conference room so that worked great for our little parties. We’d order pizza for everyone or stop at the delicatessen on North Park Avenue to pick up the best sandwiches and desserts.

On Saturdays I remember being handed the keys to Mr. CPA’s car and driving to a local car wash to have his car done. Fortunately he asked me ahead of time if I could drive a manual transmission car and the good news was that my answer was Yes, I can drive a stick shift. He had some tax returns to prepare but sure, I could do that errand. No problem there.

The first time I started the engine and drove out of the parking lot I felt

Mr. CPA’s eyes on me. Several windows from our building faced that way and he had a clear line of sight for making sure that I was driving smoothly since I’d assured him that I was comfortable driving a stick shift.

I’d get out in the fresh air, put on my sunglasses, roll down the windows and feel the wind in my hair as I tooled around for a while. It was a beautiful day in July and to me, Long Island never looked so good. While steering and shifting I would have to remind myself that this was one smooth car but that Audi wasn’t mine so I’d better be careful.

In time Mr. CPA hired other CPAs to

join his firm and eventually he retired. He left a legacy for that particular CPA firm and I knew that Mr. CPA would golf even more than he had beforeweather permitting, of course. Bowling was his second-favorite sport so that worked out great when he needed an indoor type of place. One thing I’d learned early on was that Mr. CPA worked hard and played hard.

Technology sure has come a long way since I first started studying accounting. E-Filing is convenient and you can do it or have your tax preparer E-File for you so I say why not make the most of it? Why not make friends with technology?

BY TOM MARGENAU

My columns are usually focused on one theme or topic. But every once in a while, I like to just dig into my email inbox and pull out random questions. Here are six for today.

Q: I was married to my ex for 23 years. Of course, I worked all of those years. But I also worked and paid into Social Security for about 10 years before we were married. Since we divorced five years ago, I have continued to work and pay Social Security taxes. I expect my ex-wife to claim benefits on my record. Will that benefit be based on just the 23 years we were married? Or will it be based on my entire earnings history?

A: IF your ex will be due any benefits on your record, they will be based on your entire earnings history. But you’ll notice that’s a big IF. She wouldn’t get anything on your account if she has remarried or if she has worked and her own benefit is higher than the smaller spousal rate she’d be due from you.

Q: Since I was 65, I have been on Medicare and have been paying my Part B premiums quarterly based on bills I get from Social Security. But I will be turning 67 soon and plan to apply for my Social Security then. From that point on, my Part B premium will be deducted from my Social Security checks. I am wondering what to do in this transition period. Should I pay my next quarterly bill? Or should I just let the premiums come out of my checks?

A: Millions of people each year go through what you will be going through. There is always some overlap in this transition period, but after a few months, it all gets reconciled. To be safe, it would be best if you just pay the premiums you are billed for. If they also deduct premiums from your Social Security check for the same month (or months), they will reimburse you. But as I said, it always takes a couple months to work out and for you to get reimbursed.

Q: When my father died several years ago, my mother got the $255 one-time death benefit (in addition to ongoing monthly widow’s benefits). However, when my mom recently died, we inquired about the $255 death payment and were told we were not due anything. Can you explain why not?

A: The law says that the miserly onetime death benefit can only be paid to a spouse (or to minor children). Assuming you and your siblings are grownups and assuming your mom hadn’t remarried after your father died, then there was no husband eligible for the $255 payment.

Q: I will be turning 62 in June 2025 and plan to file for Social Security at that point. I will be working full time until the end of May and will proba-

6 Questions and 6 Answers

bly make about $40,000 until then. But after that, my earnings will be nil. I heard there is a $22,000 earnings limit. I assume that begins in June, after I go on Social Security. Can you clarify this for me?

A: You don’t have it quite right. First of all, the earnings limit will be $23,400 in 2025. And second, that limit applies to the whole year, not just to the months after you apply for Social Security. But there is a special “first year of retirement rule” that, in a nutshell, says that even if your earnings exceed the annual limit, you can get a Social Security check for any month you’re not working.

Those rules are way too complicated to explain in this column. So I suggest you go to Amazon or other booksellers and spend 15 bucks and get my little Social Security guidebook called “Social Security: Simple and Smart.” One of the chapters in the book explains the earnings penalty rules and the special rules for the first year of retirement. It will answer all your questions.

Q: For a variety of reasons, I am planning to take my Social Security when I turn 62 next year. My wife, who has been a homemaker all of the 50 years we have been married, is older than me. She is 67. When I file for benefits, will she get half of my age 62 benefit? Even though I’m younger, I expect to die before she does. So what will her widow’s benefits be?

A: When you retire, even though you will get a reduced retirement benefit, your wife’s spousal benefit will be 50% of your full retirement age rate. That’s the good news. The bad news is that part of the reduction you took by filing for early benefits will carry over to her eventual widow’s benefits. Assuming you do file at age 62, you will be getting an amount equal to 70% of your full retirement age benefit rate. But a widow is guaranteed at least 82.5% of your FRA benefit. In other words, when you die, she’ll get your benefit rate with an extra 12.5% added on.

Q: Will the money stolen from Social Security ever be repaid?

A: It’s an urban myth that money has been stolen from Social Security’s trust funds. Every nickel ever collected in Social Security taxes has been invested in U.S. treasury notes. And those notes have always been redeemed to pay Social Security benefits while earning the prevailing rates of interest. But explaining the financing of Social Security is WAY more than I can do in today’s column. Once again, I suggest you check out “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.”

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

Are pests invading your home this winter?

I don’t know about you, but for many those pesky little critters, some calling them cave or the properly named camel crickets, causing a stir and fear for the last umpteen years. Generally congregagating mostly in dark moist areas of your home. They are not dangerous, but do leave a bit of their tiny feces behind wherever they travel. The greatest concentrations can be found mainly in basements. However, I have seen them in my home hopping and jumping about in my bathroom and kitchen, like an Olympic athelete, lol. Too bad they weren’t human as they would easily win a bunch of gold medals if they were entered into the high jump events in the Olympics, lol.

Utilizing a proper dehumidifier will help control their breed to some degree. But what I have determined to be most effective in controlling their populations has been sticky traps. They are safe and simple to use. You can purchase them online. Just Google “sticky traps” and buy the large ones that appear to catch the most; and also great if you have a roach, mouse or even a rat issue. This is the time of the year that rodents have been seeking out a warmer environment, like going to Florida, lol; and trying to head indoors through the smallest cracks and holes on the outside of your home. You may have spiders but suprisingly enough, I noticed they will feed on those crickets on the sticky traps, so don’t kill spiders,

although you may feel a bit creepy having them around, they are beneficial to other unwanted insects.

BY CHARLYN FARGO

If you’re young and live in the U.S., there’s a way to live longer: Simply eat healthier.

Sounds so simple.

A new study, published in PLOS Medicine, found that young adults in the U.S. could increase their life expectancy by more than a decade if they include more legumes, whole grains and nuts in their diet, and include less red and processed meat.

Lead researcher, Lars Fadnes, M.D., and a professor in the department of global public health and primary care at the University of Bergen in Norway, found women, starting at age 20, could increase their life expectancy by 10.7 years and men, starting at age 20, by 13 years, if they switched from a typical diet to the optimized diet that included the legumes, whole grains and nuts and less red and processed meat. If men and women waited until they were 80, they could still increase life expectancy by 3.4 years. Adopting the healthier diet at age 60 would increase life

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

You should buy a few cans of foam sealant, or white or clear calking depending on the color of the exterior of your property. On a 50 degree day go out and seal up any holes, crevices, or cracks that might allow an entrance into your walls where they will live and thrive throughout the winter months. I would not suggest using any pesticides (unless done by a professional) in the inside of your home. It is too cold to try to treat them on the outside of your home’s foundation.

Another method, if you can be quick enough to catch them is to vaccuum them up, but I have found them to be way too quick jumping around like a windup hopping toy. Once you get proficient like me, you can periodically, if you are quick enough, you may be able to smash them with a rolled up newspaper or fly swatter

I am not sure for how long these insects will continue to be evident, but they are more an annoyance than a dangerous insect. I have been seeing a consistent improvement in reducing their populations over the last few years as those sticky traps

have been the most effective tool. However, once a year I bomb my basement only if I see an infestation. Prior to leaving my home I open all the windows. To be very candid, I had previously been a licensed and insured pesticide applicator through the NYS DEC and handled those types of chemicals to control insects in my former business for over 25 years, I was extremely familiar with the procedure and process in using the materials.

When selling your home, the last thing you need is to have those crickets hopping and jumping around while your clients are viewing your home. This might be a deterent for some purchasers, as people are generally afraid and worry about those type of issues.

Some homeowners will go with sticky traps the natural way, others will prefer a treatment. However, I do not suggest that you do this yourself. Hire a licensed and insured exterminator with the years of experience in the applying the proper materials in the correct amount for control. Also, ask if there is a guarantee that is provided with their service.

If you need any suggestions, referrals or advice, feel free to call me

Philip A. Raices is the owner/

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

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

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

expectancy by an estimated 8 years for women and 8.8 years for men.

I find that amazing (and I preach and teach healthy eating all the time). But I’m still taken aback sometimes at what a difference choosing healthy foods can make.

Researchers used a model to estimate the impact that sustained dietary changes may have on life expectancy using meta-analyses and data from the 2019 Global Burden of Diseases study. Legumes, whole grains and nuts (and eating less red or processed meat) gave the biggest gains in life expectancy over fruits and vegetables because researchers said many people were eating fruits and vegetables already and reaping benefits.

The bottom line? You can’t go wrong with adding more legumes, whole grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables to your daily diet.

Q and A

Q: What are the benefits of plantbased eating?

A: First of all, think of this as plant-forward eating rather than the absence of meat in your diet. Instead of thinking of

meat as the star of a meal plan, think of it as an accent, or supporting role. Make small adjustments in modest amounts -- substituting beans for beef or chicken.

Much research has been done on diets that are (SET ITAL) predominantly (END ITAL) plant based, especially the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet and the MIND diet. Plant based eating patterns have shown improved health outcomes, including lower levels of obesity, reduced risk of heart disease and lower blood pressure. Also, plant-based meals can be lower in fat and offer fewer overall calories. They

also typically have more fiber, potassium and vitamin C, which are all beneficial to heart health and digestion.

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

COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

No-Cost Ways to Drift Off to Sleep That Don’t Involve Sheep

BY MARY HUNT

Ah, sleep -- that elusive friend we all need but sometimes can’t seem to find. I don’t know about you, but I’ve spent plenty of nights staring at the ceiling, wondering why my brain insists on replaying every awkward thing I’ve ever done instead of letting me snooze. The good news? You don’t need fancy gadgets, pricey pillows or lavender-scented contraptions to get some shut-eye. Let’s chat about some simple, no-cost tricks to help you catch those ZZZs without breaking the bank -- or your patience.

SET A SLEEP SCHEDULE

Your body loves a routine. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day -- even on weekends. I know, I know. Saturdays are sacred. But hear me out: When your body knows what to expect, it starts shutting down naturally. Think of it like training a toddler to nap -- minus the tantrums.

DITCH THE SCREENS

Raise your hand if you’ve ever fallen down the rabbit hole of cute videos at 11 p.m. (Guilty.) Blue light from screens messes with your brain’s melatonin production, making it harder to feel sleepy. Swap the phone for a book or -- brace yourself -- nothing at all. Staring into the dark can actually help your mind wind down.

EMBRACE THE POWER OF A WIND-DOWN ROUTINE

Start 30 minutes before you want to sleep. Turn off the TV, dim the lights and do something relaxing: Stretch, meditate or sit quietly with your thoughts. A cup

BY JEFF RUGG

Sticking with last week’s theme of books that are good for gardeners, here are a few more.

A lot of people are moving to the Southwest from Northern states. Gardening is different down there, to say the least. I visited family in Arizona this year, so I bought “Dry Climate Gardening” by Noelle Johnson. It is a great read and reference for anyone in an arid climate. As she says, “With careful plant selection and thoughtful design, you can cre-

of herbal tea wouldn’t hurt, but we’re keeping it no-cost, so maybe just sip some water and pretend it’s chamomile.

BREATHE LIKE YOU MEAN IT

Deep breathing is like giving your nervous system a hug. Try the 4-7-8 method: inhale for four seconds, hold for seven, and exhale for eight. Repeat until you either feel calmer or get bored. Either way, you’re closer to sleep. Bonus: This one’s portable. Use it anytime, anywhere.

BAN THE BEDROOM CHAOS

Your bedroom should feel like a spa, not a storage unit. Clear the clutter, make your bed inviting and keep it cool and dark. If your windows let in streetlight brighter than Times Square, grab an old T-shirt or towel and MacGyver a blackout curtain. Fancy? No. Effective? Absolutely.

CHANNEL YOUR INNER GOLDILOCKS

Let’s talk temperature. The sweet spot for sleep is around 60-67 F. Too hot? Toss off the blankets. Too cold? Grab an extra layer. Your goal is to feel just right -- and if you’re married, this might involve stealth blanket-stealing tactics. (I’m not saying I’ve done this, but I’ve heard stories.)

PUT YOUR BRAIN TO WORK -- IN A GOOD WAY

Ever try not to think about something and suddenly it’s all you can focus on?

Use this to your advantage. Try a mental game, like listing all the vegetables you can think of or counting backward from 300 in threes. The goal isn’t to finish; it’s to bore your brain into submission. Be-

fore you know it, you’ll be dreaming of carrots and kale.

TALK BACK TO RACING THOUGHTS

If your brain insists on replaying your middle school talent show disaster at bedtime, try this: Acknowledge the thought, thank it for its time, and tell it you’ll deal with it tomorrow. Sounds silly, but it works. Giving yourself permission to let go can stop the mental hamster wheel in its tracks.

TRY PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RELAXATION

This one’s like a workout but without the sweating. Start at your toes and slowly tense, then relax, each muscle group as you work your way up. It’s oddly satisfying -- and by the time you get to your shoulders, you might be too relaxed to even finish.

LISTEN TO THE QUIET

Silence is golden, but if it’s too loud (funny how that works), try a DIY white noise hack. A fan works wonders, or you can hum softly to yourself. And no, this doesn’t make you weird; it makes you resourceful. Plus, it’s better than lying awake listening to the neighbor’s dog bark at ghosts.

A BONUS TRICK: GET UP IF YOU’RE STUCK

Sometimes, trying harder to sleep is like trying to unsee that weird thing you saw at the grocery store -- it just doesn’t work. If you’re tossing and turning for more than 20 minutes, get up and do something calming. Try journaling, stretching or folding laundry.

A GREENER VIEW

Gardening Books Galore

ate a low-water landscape that’s an oasis for humans and wildlife alike. There are hundreds of plants well-suited to xeric conditions, and with the proper care, they create a living desert landscape that will stop passersby in their tracks.”

I bought my copy of her book at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, which is a great place to see what many of the plants in the book look like.

Headed to Florida this winter or next?

You will want to pick up “The Garden Tourist’s Florida: A Guide to 80 Tropical

Gardens in the Sunshine State.” There are a lot of public gardens in Florida. This book by Jana Milbocker will help you find the ones closest to your destination and which ones have the types of plants you want to see.

Speaking of botanical gardens, you should look for them anywhere you take a vacation. Vacations can get to be hectic, and a garden walk is a good way to enjoy nature and slow down your pace. If you are a member of your local botanical garden, you may very well get free admission to botanical gardens all over the country. An easy way to get this benefit is to be a member of the American Horticultural Society. For one low price, over 380 botanical gardens across the country will let you in for free or at a reduced price. For more information, go to ahsgardening.org.

OK, back to books. When you are out walking in the woods and you come across a plant with some flowers or ber-

The best part about these sleep strategies? They cost nothing but a little effort. You don’t need fancy apps, weighted blankets or sleep consultants charging more than your rent. Sleep is natural -it’s just a matter of coaxing your brain and body back into their rhythm. So tonight, skip the sheep and try a few of these tips. Sweet dreams ! 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

ries that look enticing, you may want to nibble on them. In that case, “How to Forage for Wild Foods Without Dying,” by Ellen Zachos, is for you. This book has great color photos and plant descriptions. It also covers potentially dangerous lookalike plants. The majority of the plants in the book are found in all regions of the country. The book is field guide-sized with a water-resistant cover for outdoor adventures. Signed copies are available from her website at backyardforager.com or on Amazon. Her website is a must-read for anyone wanting to find edible plants in the wild.

I almost forgot: My book “Greener View Gardening” is available on Amazon. If you or someone you know loves plants but thinks they have a black thumb, this book will help turn it green.

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

COPYRIGHT 2024 JEFF RUGG DISTRIBUTED BY CREATORS.COM

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of December 22-28, 2024

If you’d like to see all the planets of our solar system, this is a good week to do so.

Step outside at dusk and you’ll notice the most obvious of planets in the southwestern sky. I’m referring, of course, to the dazzling planet Venus. It’s a world about the size of Earth but shrouded entirely in light-reflecting clouds.

Midway up in the south-southwestern sky just after dark this week lies the planet Saturn. Nowhere near as bright as Venus -- in fact, right now it’s 145 times fainter -- its stunning rings make a good subject to view through a small telescope.

Now turn and gaze low toward the northeastern sky and you’ll spot Jupiter. Though it may appear to rival Venus in brightness, it’s actually four times fainter! Only when these two planets appear close together in the sky -- as they will at dawn next August -- can we see just how much brighter Venus is.

If you wait a few hours after sunset, you’ll be able to spot the Red Planet Mars rising in the northeast. Mars will reach its closest to Earth in mid-January and will then rise around sunset.

Two additional planets lie in our evening sky now: Uranus and Neptune. Unfortunately, these are too faint to see with the unaided eye, but with a small

STARGAZERS

Mercury and the Moon at Dawn

telescope, a good finder chart and some patience, you could certainly see them as well.

So that takes care of Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. But where’s Mercury? I’m glad you asked!

Mercury is the closest planet to the sun and, as such, moves fairly quickly around its orbit. Only for a week or so every couple of months does it reach far enough from the sun’s glare to be visible during either dawn or dusk.

If you’d like to see this elusive planet right now, you’ll need to rise before the sun, because that’s exactly what Mercury is doing this week. Look for it very low in the southeastern sky 30-45 minutes before sunrise. Even though Mercury is pretty bright right now, its light must pass through so much turbulent air near the horizon that it sometimes can be a challenge to spot without binoculars.

Fortunately, the moon will be along to help. On the morning of Dec. 27, the waning crescent moon will appear above and to the right of Mercury, and by the following morning it will lie just to the right of the planet. The moon will be pretty thin and faint, so you may need binoculars to find these two in the brightening glow of dawn.

Don’t be confused by the reddish-orange star shining immediately to the left of the moon on the 28th; that’s the

distant star Antares. Mercury will lie more to the left and will appear noticeably brighter.

But let’s not forget the most important planet of all: our Earth! As we on this tiny blue world complete yet another journey around our life-giving star, I want to wish each of my readers a

wonderful holiday season and a happy, healthy and safe new year. I hope your stars shine ever more brightly in 2025!

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com. . COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

LOST IN SUBURBIA

It’s Raining, It’s Pouring

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

“Is it still spitting out there?” I asked my husband as he walked in the door. It was dark and gray outside and was forecast to rain all day, but I couldn’t tell if it was actually raining at that moment or not.

He shook out his umbrella and dropped it on the floor.

“I don’t like the word ‘spitting,’” he said.

I thought for a moment.

“How about misting?” I asked. “Nope.”

“Sprinkling?”

“Not so much.”

“Hydrating the ground lightly?” I said, pondering other alternatives.

“Why don’t you just say ‘rain’?” he complained.

“Well, the word ‘rain’ doesn’t really

describe the intensity,” I explained. “Is it pouring? Is it coming down in sheets, sideways, torrentially, like a monsoon? Or is it merely spritzing, lightly brushing your face like a slight morning mist? You need to be more specific. Is it a deluge or a drizzle? A spray or a steady stream? A drencher or a drip?”

He shook his head. I suspected he thought I was a lunatic. But without the proper words, how could I really know the state of such things? I was a writer, of course, so what did he expect? That I would just call rain “rain”? That would be like saying the dog smelled “bad.”

One generic word just can’t even begin to cover the infinite range of possibilities.

Typically, the amount of rain we’re having is actually linked to how bad the dog smells. If it’s pouring, the dog gets soaked, releasing the full potency of his

royal smelliness. If it’s just spritzing, I can usually get away with just toweling him off and spraying him with Febreze.

But that was not the issue today. The issue today was that I needed to know the intensity of the rain so I could put on the proper rain gear. Did I need a raincoat or just an umbrella? Could I wear sneakers or did I have to put on my rain boots? More importantly, was it raining hard enough that all the worms were going to come out of the ground and cover the sidewalks so I’d have to dance around them, which is easier in my sneakers than my rain boots?

“Why does this matter?” he asked.

“I need to figure out all my options,” I said. “Don’t you think Noah needed to know if it was just going to sprinkle or if it was really going to pour before he started building his ark?”

“Are you building an ark?” he said.

“No, I need to go pick up something to make for dinner.”

“And how long will you be in the rain?”

“Five minutes.”

He sighed. “If you’re only going to be in the rain for five minutes, why do you care how hard it’s precipitating?”

“I just want to make sure I’m prepared for the worst-case scenario.”

“You mean, like a typhoon?” he said.

“EXACTLY!” I shouted.

“I have a better idea,” he said. “Order in.”

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

This week, Mercury will be visible for a short time before sunrise.

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Take hot chocolate to the next level

Hot Chocolate Float

People tend to think of sipping ice cream floats in the middle of summer when temperatures are soaring. Ice cream floating in a bubbling base of cola or root beer can be a welcome treat on a hot day. However, floats can be just as delicious when the weather chills, particularly when ice cream enhances rich and decadent hot chocolate.

For this “Hot Chocolate Float” from “Chocolate: Over 100 Temptingly-Tasty Dishes” (Love Food) by the Love Food editors, coconut- and chocolate-flavored scoops of ice cream bob and melt in creamy hot chocolate. Feel free to use your favorite flavors of ice cream to make this recipe your own, and you can even make this drink a boozy version with the inclusion of a shot of flavored vodka.

Serves 4

2 cups milk

8 ounces semisweet chocolate

2 tablespoons superfine sugar

8 scoops coconut ice cream

8 scoops semisweet chocolate ice cream

Whipped cream, to decorate

1) Pour the milk into a saucepan. Break the chocolate into pieces and add to the saucepan with the sugar. Stir over low heat until the chocolate has melted, the sugar has

dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Remove the saucepan from the heat.

2) Put 1 scoop of coconut ice cream into each of 4 heatproof glasses, top with a

scoop of chocolate ice cream, then repeat the layers.

3) Pour the chocolate flavored milk into the glasses, top with whipped cream, and serve immediately.

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HHS students participate in Career Day

Hicksville High School welcomed 70 guest speakers as part of Career Day Inc. on Dec. 6. Career Day Inc. is a daylong program that connects students with a variety of professionals to get them thinking about their future career choices.

The event took place over eight periods and was held throughout various locations in the high school. With more than 1,800 students, the entire study body benefitted from the comprehensive day of career inspiration, exposure to diverse industries and personal development.

The program showcased presentations from prominent local professionals, along with keynote presenters Maria Conzatti, chief administrative officer at Nassau Community College, who spoke to 11th and 12th grade students, and Renee Flagler, executive director of Girls Inc. of Long Island, who spoke to 9th and 10th grade students.

Following the keynote addresses, students participated in small group sessions designed to match their career

interests, giving them valuable, first-hand insights into diverse industries and potential career paths. Some of the many sectors represented included art, beauty, business, finance, law, medical and wellness.

Career Day Inc. is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where every student can thrive. Special sessions were conducted in Spanish, allowing bilingual students to engage meaningfully and connect with professionals. This commitment empowers all students to explore careers on equal footing, no matter their background.

Beth Bucheister, executive director of Career Day Inc., highlighted the organization’s dedication to students’ growth, saying, “When students are presented with opportunities to hear directly from professionals, it can significantly impact their confidence, direction, and ultimately, their success.”

Career Day Inc. is a nonprofit organization that partners with local businesses and volunteers to inspire high school students toward personal and professional success.

The Hicksville High School student body participated in Career Day Inc. on Dec. 6, a daylong event of career inspiration, exposure to diverse industries and personal development.

Photo courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools

Record turnout at annual Hicksville Tree Lighting

Once again, Kennedy Park was the site of the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 7, 2024. Sponsored by the Hicksville-Jericho Rotary Club and the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce who together coordinated the decorating of the park and the evening’s program.

Kennedy Park sparkled with twenty-two trees decorated by community organizations, and the addition of numerous new photo opportunity sites including the gazebo which shined with lights and a family of snowman and golden reindeers.  The memorial plaza and tree walk saw the addition of old fashion light poles

Rivera-Downey, president

joining the two nutcrackers, the wooden soldiers and the menorah.  A friendly holiday dressed penguin was there to welcomed Santa’s flying sled and the holiday season to Hicksville. The Hicksville Chamber of Commerce added to the sparkle by provided glow sticks to the attendees

The evening’s program began with a welcome by Dr. James Bentson of Hicksville Chiropractic Office and the Hicksville-Jericho Rotary Club, who introduce several local elected officials including NYS Senator Steven Rhoads and Nassau County Legislators Rosemarie

Walker. The program opened with a flag ceremony performed by the Cub Scouts of Pack 381 from Holy Family Church.

Holiday cheer was added to the evening by a medley of Christmas songs performed by the Hicksville High School Chamber Singers, glittering performances from Ella Marie Dance Studio and caroling from the Girl Scouts of the Hicksville Service Unit.

As always, the highlight of the evening was the arrival of Santa on a fire truck from the Hicksville Fire Department.

Santa with the help of the crowd counted down to the premier lighting of the large fir tree in the center of Kennedy Park. This

year, with the assistance of the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce, the large fir tree shined even brighter as over 1500 lights. The Park will continue to shine throughout December and will welcome in the new year.

Complimentary refreshments were provided by the Hicksville Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and Stop and Shop of Hicksville.

“We wish to thank all of the performers and organizations who decorated trees this year,” said Donna Rivera- Downey, president of the Hicksville-Jericho Rotary Club. “This event brings together the whole of

Chamber members with glow sticks: Pictured are Donna Fisher, Charlie Montana, Samia Jawab and Charlies Razenson.

Santa counts down to the tree lighting.

Boy Scouts from Cub Scout Pack 381 of Holy Family Church and NYS Senator Steven Rhoads and Nassau County Legislator Rosemarie Walker.

The tree all aglow.

Donna

of Hicksville Jericho Rotary pictured with new lamppost decorations.

Record turnout at annual Hicksville Tree Lighting

the Hicksville Community and we are so thankful for the continuing support of the Hicksville Fire Department, Hicksville Water District and the Town of Oyster Bay for their help with the decorating the large tree and installing the smaller trees.” “A great big shoutout goes to the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce for their foresight in funding the purchase of the additional display items which greatly added to the festivities.” said Rivera- Downey

The smaller trees were donated by Ron Reagan, a friend of the Hicksville Jericho Rotary Club and were decorated by Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz, Montana Agency, Saint Ignatius Loyola Church, Hicksville Garden Civic Association, Girl Scout Troops 3396 and 3397 and Cub Scout Pack 381 from Holy Family Church, Knights of Columbus Joseph Barry Council 2520, Hicksville Public Library, Hicksville Boys and Girls Club, Hicksville Historical Society, Nassau County Legislators Rose Marie Walker, Hicksville Gregory Museum, Hicksville Chamber of Commerce, Carousel

Give

Day School, Hicksville Water District, American Legion Charles Wagner Post #421, Knights of Columbus, Holy Family Council, Kiwanis Club of Hicksville, The Center for Developmental Disabilities, Ladies Auxiliary, Hicksville Fire Department, Northwest Civic Association of Hicksville and Councilwoman Vicki Walsh.

Hicksville-Jericho Rotary is the first Rotary club of Hicksville founded in 1951. Rotary brings together a global network of community leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. It connects 1.2 million members from more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in almost every country in the world. Their service improves lives both locally and internationally, from helping those in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. The HicksvilleJericho Rotary Club meets on Thursdays at Trullo D’Oro in Hicksville. Visit Rotary. org for more information on how to join Rotary or contact Donna Rivera-Downey at 516-532-4566!

blood,

get Islanders tickets

At Deputy Minority Leader Drucker’s upcoming blood drive, which is running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 28 at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library, 999 Old Country Road, Plainview, every person who rolls up their sleeves will receive a voucher for two tickets to a select 2024-25 regular-season home game.

“Long Island’s blood emergency is unrelenting, and we must remain ever diligent in our efforts to combat this crisis and ensure that every person can access this life-saving form of medical care in their moment of need,” Deputy Minority Leader said. “Whether you are a routine donor, one who hasn’t given in a while or even a first-time donor, giving the gift of life is a great way to end the year, and I’m proud to be partnering with the PlainviewOld Bethpage Public Library, the New York Blood Center and the Islanders to

rally our community behind such a great cause.”

Eligible donors must have an ID with a signature or a photo, weigh at least 110 pounds, have had no tattoos in the last 12 months and be ages 16-75 years of age (16-year-old donors must have parental consent. Donors over age 76 must bring a doctor’s note.) O-negative and B-negative donors are especially needed in addition to all other blood types.

Appointments are preferred but not required; walk-ins will be taken as capacity permits. Call 1-800-93-BLOOD (25663) or visit https://donate.nybc. org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/320284 to make an appointment. For more information, contact Deputy Minority Leader Drucker’s office at 516-571-6216 or adrucker@nassaucountyny.gov

ACDS receives $25K grant for improvements

Jeff Barber, Richard J. O’Brien Foundation vice president; Katherine O’Brien, Richard J. O’Brien Foundation president; Tricia Leahy, ACDS principal; Mike Durney, ACDS CEO, Megan Lombardo, ACDS COO

ACDS, a program located in Plainview which offers services for individuals with Down syndrome, autism, and other developmental disabilities, recently received a $25,000 grant from The Richard J. O’Brien Foundation. The grant has been designated towards making capital improvements for the Plainview school building to be more accessible to the increasing number of children we serve with mobility challenges who are walker and wheelchair bound. This includes renovations to our bathroom facilities so they are fully handicapped accessible. These features are essential to properly supporting our constituents.

ACDS serves 250 children in its specialized day care, center based early

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intervention and special education preschool in Plainview. The number of children we serve with serious physical as well as cognitive impairment has increased drastically over the past several years.

The Richard J. O’Brien Foundation was established to honor the memory of Rich O’Brien, who passed away in September 2010. Rich was actively involved with many non-profit organizations on Long Island and always gave generously of his time – especially to organizations benefiting children and their families. The Foundation was organized by Rich’s family and friends and supports charities focusing on children in need of special care, bereavement counseling and those dealing with children’s health issues.

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

Email submissions: editor@gcnews.com

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

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

“Why did we use a real estate broker who did not live or work in our area? It’s simple really. When we met Barbara there was something in her demeanor that made us relax – almost like we were in good hands. She kept us calm and made us more realistic on price. Professionalism at its best. She convinced us to do the one thing we have a hard time doing – COMPROMISE! You cannot go wrong using Barbara Bucovetsky as your real estate broker.” — Laurie and Paul F.

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— Cami and Tom F.

“We have no doubt that the reason for the rapid and aggravationfree sale was that we listened to Barbara. We always followed her advice, and all her recommendations turned out to be wonderful. Barbara is always there by letting you know that everything will work out and that she was only interested in having a “qualified” buyer – not someone who will waste your time. She is always available to answer any questions and to calm you down when you need some calming. She is constantly in touch, letting you know what to do and when to do it. If you want the best, let Barbara Bucovetsky sell your home. Just follow her advice.” — Gail & Stanley G.