The Garden City Girls Varsity Basketball team made history this season, securing their first postseason playoff victories since the 2012–2013 campaign. The team finished the season with a remarkable 20-3 record, including a perfect 14-0 mark in conference play. See page 62
\ BY KASSARA MCELROY
The Garden City Board of Education is moving forward with 2025-26 school year planning, breaking down the current $137,410,845 budget proposal into three main categories: capital (13.02% of the total), administrative (11.42%), and program (75.56%). This is a 2.56% or $3,423,479 budget to budget increase that the public will have the opportunity to vote on in May.
The program portion of the budget, which directly impacts
students, takes up more than three-quarters of the overall proposal and will be covered in detail during the next two meetings in late March and early April. This week’s meeting focused on the non-instructional administrative and capital portions.
The administrative portion of the budget covers costs associated with the board of education (with costs +1.21%), superintendent’s office
(+4.96%), business administration (+3.31%), legal services (+15.70%), personnel (+3.35%), community reactions (+5.96%), central printing and mailing (-5.58% after negotiations), central data processing (+4.28%), insurance and BOCES administrative costs (+5.38%), among others.
The capital budget covers facilities operations (+3.34%), facilities maintenance (+4.69%), employee benefits capital (+0.20%), capital projects
See page 49
BY RIKKI MASSAND
The Village of Garden City has made a splash with its proposed local law to regulate the construction and use of residential backyard pools. At a recent public hearing, multiple residents voiced concerns and offered comments on the proposal.
Mayor Mary Carter Flanagan reported that the village had received correspondence from residents ahead of the Board of Trustees’ Thursday, March 6, meeting. During the public hearing on the proposed law (amending Section 200-45 of the Village Code), several residents addressed the board in person, while others commented over Zoom.
As announced by the mayor last week, the public record on Local Law No. 2 of 2025 will remain open until Wednesday March 19th -- allowing for additional input from the community. The mayor noted that the item would appear on the Board’s next regular meeting agenda for Thursday March 20th.
“I wanted to make a few statements for clarity before we begin to hear comments so the public comments can be fully informed. We (the municipality) have a Pool code for this evening that has been drafted with extensive input from members of the Board of Trustees and our Zoning Board of Appeals, responding to wide-
See page 26
The General Village Election for 2025 will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Polls will be open from 12 Noon to 9:00 p.m. in the evening and will be held at the St. Paul’s Field House. The names of all those who are running for Village office is as follows:
• Mayor – Two-Year Term: Edward T. Finneran
• Trustee – Two-Year Term: Michele Beach Harrington
• Trustee – Two-Year Term: Richard Catalano
• Trustee – Two-Year Term: Yvonne Varano
• Village Justice – Four-Year Term: Allen S. Mathers
It’s easy to feel like voting in a local election doesn’t matter — especially when the race is unopposed. But even when the outcome seems certain, showing up to vote sends a powerful message: that you care about the future of your community.
Right now, our village is facing an important and emotional debate over the future of St. Paul’s. Restoring this historic landmark could preserve an important piece of our village’s history, but the cost may be too much for taxpayers to bear. The decisions our local leaders make on issues like this will shape the character and financial future of our village for years to come. Even though the election is uncontested, the number of votes cast will
give the incoming leadership a sense of how much support — or concern — exists within the community. Your vote becomes a statement, a way to signal where you stand and how you feel about the direction of the village.
The divisions we’re seeing locally reflect a larger trend in national politics, where sharp disagreements have made it harder to find common ground. But local government remains one of the few places where citizens can engage directly with leaders and have a meaningful impact. Voting is not just about choosing a candidate — it’s about showing up for your community and taking part in the decisions that will affect your life and your neighbors’ lives.
To the Editor:
As Trustees of Garden City, we are writing to express our unwavering support for the candidates running in the upcoming elections: Ed Fineran for Mayor, Michele Harrington, Rich Catalano, and Yvonne Varano for Trustees. Although these candidates are running unopposed, it is crucial for the community to come out and vote to show our collective support and commitment to their vision for Garden City.
Ed Fineran, our candidate for Mayor, has demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication to our community. Ed has been a Trustee for the past two years, and has a deep understanding of the issues facing Garden City. Ed is well-equipped to lead our town into the future. His strategic thinking and collaborative approach will ensure that Garden City continues to thrive.
Michele Harrington, has also been a Trustee for the past two years, and brings a wealth of experience in community service to the Village. In that role, she has worked tirelessly on key issues facing the Village, especially as the Co-Chair of the Environmental Advisory Board. In addition, as a member of the Finance Committee, she has applied her extensive financial experience in financial services to Village finances, resulting in keen oversight of your tax dollars. Her passion for enhancing the quality of life in Garden City make her an invaluable asset to Village leadership.
Rich Catalano, another candidate for Trustee, has a proven track record of effective leadership. He has been a volunteer in many Village organizations, always giving his time and energy to make GC a better place. Most recently, he has been a leader in the “Say No to the Casino” group, spending countless hours organizing residents in this fight. His collaborative approach to this unifying Village issue clearly demonstrates his effectiveness as a Trustee.
Yvonne Varano, also a candidate for Trustee, has a strong history of com-
munity involvement. Her experience in finance will be instrumental in ensuring that Garden City remains a financially stable and well-managed Village. While these candidates may be running unopposed, it is imperative that we, as residents, show our support by casting our votes. Voting is not only a fundamental right but also a powerful way to voice our collective endorsement of these capable and dedicated individuals. By participating in the election, we affirm our commitment to the continued prosperity and well-being of Garden City.
Judy Courtney Vinny Muldoon
Jessica Tai Bruce Torino, Trustees of Garden City
To the Editor:
Correct, proper, morally right, honest, deserved, impartial or unbiased. These words can be applied to the behavior, or lack thereof, by the Garden City Board of Trustees in their administration of the upcoming village-wide survey regarding residents’ inputs of their choices of what to do in regard to the St. Paul’s Main Building.
Each household in Garden City, roughly 7,000, will soon receive, in the mail, a five-page survey prepared by the Board and its outside consultants, BCI, a specialist in preparing surveys for municipalities. This is the second BOT survey. The first was distributed a few months ago and specialized in preferences for upgrading GC.’s Recreation and Parks as they relate to usage of the St. Paul’s property.
The first “Injustice” is the wording of the title of the forthcoming survey...“Developing St. Paul’s as a Community Center.” This title, seems to lead residents to vote for saving all or parts of the building. (An advanced view of the upcoming survey can be found on the Village website.) There are three basic
The Cathedral of the Incarnation in Garden City will host “Moon as Sacred Mirror,” an installation of UK artist Luke Jerram’s “Museum of the Moon,” a breathtaking 20-foot, 3D representation of the lunar surface. This will be the first presentation of the Museum of the Moon in a US house of worship.
The massive installation, crafted using detailed NASA imagery, will transform the cathedral’s historic nave from April 11 through May 4, offering visitors a unique opportunity to contemplate humanity’s relationship with the cosmos and experience social and cultural events from within one of Long Island’s most significant architectural spaces.
The Very Rev. Cn. Michael Sniffen, PhD, Dean of the Cathedral. “We’re inviting our entire community to experience this magnificent piece of art in a way that bridges sacred and secular understandings of existence.”
“The moon becomes our companion through the annual journey from Passiontide to Eastertide. The cathedral is embracing its role as the focal point for culture, learning, contemplation, and prayer for Long Island.” Dean Sniffen emphasized the theological significance of hosting the exhibition during the Easter season.
The installation, which has been
Cathedral
This Side Split home offers four bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and an open floor concept overlooking lush grounds, great for entertaining in the sought-after Morgan Park Estates.
Bordering the serene Garvies Point Preserve, this home is walking distance to beachfront relaxation, boating adventures and scenic trails.
This North Shore gem offers the ultimate lifestyle, all while providing easy access to Manhattan.
Come experience the beauty and vibrancy of Glen Cove at 6 Daniel Drive
Offered at $949,000!
Located in the highly sought after GC Estates, with a mid-block location, close proximity to parks, schools and railroads, this is a fabulous opportunity to make your own!
Welcome home to a thoughtfully designed 2013 Craftsman Colonial, an artful blend of modern functionality and timeless architecture. A welcoming bluestone portico entrance sets the tone for this wonderful home. The open concept first floor is bathed in natural light featuring 9’ high ceilings with an airy open floor plan, ideal for everyday living and entertaining. A huge open kitchen, complete with center island and spacious dining area, beautiful cabinetry and high-end appliances leads to a wonderful backyard, with more terrific entertaining space. Perfect for family gatherings and alfresco dining, as well as outdoor TV entertainment. Four large bedrooms, including a WOW primary suite, plus 2nd floor laundry. A wonderful opportunity is knocking!
Offered at $2,199,000
Nancy Giannone
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Mobile: 516.865.2448 | Email: ngiannone@coachrealtors.com
SUBMITTED BY MICHELE BEACH HARRINGTON
Garden City is a remarkable community with so much to celebrate! My goal is to keep this positive momentum going by continuing to serve with dedication, fairness, and integrity.
During my time on the Board of Trustees over the past two years, I have approached each situation with a balanced and unbiased perspective. I have served as Chair of the Finance committee and I have focused on critically examining each of the expense that comes before our board. As Co-Chair of the Environmental Advisory Board, one of the most pressing issues facing our village is our water quality. Fortunately, Garden City is proactive in addressing this challenge, thanks to the leadership of Stan Carey and our dedicated Water Department. We are actively working to develop a cost-effective solution for residents with lead pipes to replace them, although this process takes time and involves coordination with local, state, and federal regulators. Rest assured, we are making progress and will keep you informed every step of the way.
Another priority I am passionate about is the condition of our village fields. These spaces are vital to our community, serving everyone from our youngest soccer players to senior citizens enjoying a walk around the St. Paul’s fields. To address field maintenance, we have consulted experts from Cornell University and highly regarded local landscapers to strike the right balance between organic and inorganic fertilization practices. Our goal is to maintain safe, healthy, and beautiful fields for all to enjoy.
Our business community is thriving, and nurturing our relationship with local business owners remains a top priority. The unique balance we have between restaurants, law firms, retail shops, medical offices, higher education institutions, and financial firms is truly the envy of our neighboring communities. Maintaining open and ongoing dialogue between the Village and our businesses helps us learn from one another and reassures them that they are valued
partners.
Of course, I cannot speak about Garden City without addressing St. Paul’s. I have always envisioned a way to preserve this magnificent Gothic building while creating an economically viable recreation and community center that benefits all residents. As we continue our efforts to find the best solution, transparency and community involvement are essential. Your participation in surveys and Town Halls is crucial, as your input will guide our decisions. We are committed to listening to every voice and working together to find a solution that makes our village even better.
On a personal note, Garden City has always been a special place to me. My mother’s dream of raising her family here began in the late 1930s, and in 1965, that dream became reality when we moved to this wonderful village. I was just nine years old then, and I have carried my pride in this community with me ever since. Today, I am honored to serve as a Trustee and to give back to the place that has given my family and me so much.
I humbly ask for your vote on Tuesday, March 18th, at the St. Paul’s Field House from 12 noon to 9 pm, so we can continue working together to preserve and enhance our village’s legacy. Thank you for your support and consideration.
Friday, May 2, 2025
Seven o’clock in the evening Cocktails, dinner & dancing
Scan QR code for tickets
For
The Garden City Chamber of Commerce's 70th annual Easter Vintage Car Parade will take place on April 20.
The Garden City Chamber of Commerce’s 70th Annual Easter Sunday Vintage Car Parade will be held April 20 with a new start time: 12 noon!
The parade will step off on Franklin Avenue at Tenth Street with antique, classic and special interest cars throughout the metropolitan area expected to participate in the lineup.
Spectators are welcome to preview the hundreds of magnificent vintage car vehicles at the staging area in Parking Field 9E on Franklin Avenue between
Ninth and Tenth Streets from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. when the parade steps off. The procession of cars will head south on Franklin and west on Seventh Street to Hilton Avenue where it will disperse. Various sponsorships providing many benefits are available. The Chamber gratefully acknowledges our past sponsors and encourages anyone who would like to participate as a sponsor to contact the Chamber of Commerce at 516-746-7724 or visit www.GardenCityChamber.com
RotaCare is proud to announce its annual Caregivers’ Ball, a special evening dedicated to honoring those who help make a difference in facilitating healthcare to underserved communities. This year’s event will take place on Thursday, April 10, at The Inn in New Hyde Park and will recognize Dr. Francis Faustino & Tom Crowley for their outstanding commitment to service.
The Caregivers’ Ball is RotaCare’s premier fundraising event, supporting its mission to relieve pain and suffering for those in need by facilitating free
healthcare services to individuals without access to medical care. The evening will feature a cocktail reception, dinner, live auction, and raffles, all in support of expanding RotaCare’s vital programs.
Community members, businesses, and healthcare professionals are invited to attend, place a journal ad, or participate in the raffle to help fund life-changing medical care for those who need it most.
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities or more information, visit www. RotaCareny.org.
Front row (left to right): I. Porrini, G. Loscano, I. DePalma, A. Desir
Back row (left to right): E. Gray, H. Peter, E. Carotenuto, I. Graffagnino, A. Calabrese, K. Mazaroski, C. Preall
For the seventh consecutive year, several Sacred Heart Academy research proposals submitted to the Association for Psychological Science have been accepted for presentation at the Association’s Convention this May 23–25. At this year’s convention, five SHA seniors and six juniors will participate. Nine girls will present individual posters as first-authors; Another project is co-authored by a junior-senior team. Our teens will present their work alongside undergraduates and graduate students at one of psychology’s most prestigious international annual gatherings. All proposals are “read blind,” meaning the judges did not know they were reading the work of high school students.
Less than 150 pre-collegiate researchers have been asked to present original work over the 38 year lifespan that the APS has held its annual conference. Sixty-five have attended SHA. At this convention, scholars from all over the nation and the world gather to network and share cutting-edge insights. The girls will present ten posters and discuss their original research with other
APS members. APS annual meeting. Typical attendees include university undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty. Institutions such as Boston College, Stanford University, Princeton University, Columbia University, Howard University, Binghamton University, Georgetown University, and the University of Notre Dame are represented at most of the conferences. Science Research Director Stephen Sullivan encouraged the girls to submit their respective projects to the convention, and suggested health, social, cognitive, and educational psychology, along with psychology of religion and spirituality as relevant subfields. From 2019 to 2024, the girls have met with and discussed a variety of topics—from women in STEM to life as an academic—with luminaries such as Carol Dweck and Geraldine Downey, legendary Stanford and Columbia psychologists, respectively.
Garden City’s Ilenia Graffagnino (Grade 12) & Anna Calabrese (Grade 11) of Rockville Centre will present "The Effects of Different Social Support Systems on Perceived Rejection"
Dine-in only! Available in the dining room and at the bar.
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Date: 03/07/2025
Sold price: $1,510,000
3 bedrooms, 3 full bath, 1 half baths
Architectural Style: Split level
Property size: .16 acres
Annual taxes: $19,900
MLS number: 810674
The Seller’s Team: Laura Carroll, Compass Greater NY
The Buyer’s Team: Jennifer McConnell, Berkshire Hathaway
This spacious, sunlit split-level home is situated on a peaceful block near open green space at Stratford Elementary School. Conveniently located close to the Merillon Avenue express train to NYC, the home features a brand-new chef’s kitchen with quartzite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and an open-concept design with gleaming hardwood floors throughout. A stunning sunroom with radiant heated floors overlooks the fully fenced backyard. The second level offers three bedrooms, including a primary suite with an ensuite bathroom and generous closet space. The lower-level den connects to a two-car garage and showcases updated exterior hardscaping, including a new paver stone patio, walkway, and space for four additional cars. The recently renovated basement boasts updated utilities, a modern laundry area, and a full bathroom with a shower
Date: 03/10/2025
Sold price: $1,400,000
3 bedrooms, 2 full baths
Architectural Style: Split level
Property Size: .16 acres
Annual taxes: $15,687
MLS number: L3592362
The Seller’s Team: Maureen Lagarde, Compass Greater NY
The Buyer’s Team: Laura Carroll, Compass Greater NY
Perfectly situated mid-block, this fully renovated split level home located in Garden City’s Estate Section leaves nothing to be desired. With gleaming hardwood floors throughout, this bright and spacious gem offers 3 beds and 2 baths. Its newly built kitchen leads to the bright and spacious living room & dining room with custom built-ins and stunning picture windows. This property is perfect for entertaining with an oversized family room/ home theater, sprawling fenced-in backyard with gorgeous patio, and well-manicured green space. Plus it has a surplus of fantastic amenities like... audiophile grade whole house audio system, radiant heat, whole house water filtration, professional grade high speed internet, full Ring camera hardwired security system, sprinklers and much more. Near LIRR Merillon Avenue Station, Parks and Schools. LOW TAXES!!!
This informational page is sponsored by Douglas Elliman
Houses featured on this page were sold by various real estate agencies
The Candidates for the Property Owners Associations held another Meet and Greet Friday evening for about fifty residents. These smaller forums allow one-on-one time with candidates, which can be helpful if a resident has a specific issue or question, and we encourage all our residents to take advantage of them. We also thank the residents who have opened up their homes for this endeavor.
On Sunday, March 16th at 3pm, we will have our final election season Meet and Greet at 148 Brompton Road: Prosecco and Pastries! The candidates are looking forward to meeting more residents before Election Day. Mark you calendars for Tuesday, March 18th, noon – 9pm at the fieldhouse at St. Paul’s and cast your vote. Your voice counts.
For more information on the CAP Candidates, their bios or to contribute to the campaign, please visit www.gardencitycap.org
We bring a unique perspective to the table, blending traditional values with modern expertise. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, we are dedicated to providing personalized service tailored to your needs. When you choose our Mother/Son team, you gain a partner who truly understands the importance of long-term success and building a legacy for generations to come.
The Eastern Property Owners’ Association has announced that it will once again award a $1000 scholarship for 2025 to a graduating high school senior who resides in the Eastern section.
The candidates, or their family, must be dues paying members of the EPOA. They must be currently attending public or private high school and plan to attend college full time in the fall. The focus of this
scholarship is community service. Candidates need to submit an application which can be accessed from the EPOA website at www. gcepoa.org or obtained from the Garden City High School Guidance Department. Should you have a question, you can call Barbara Garry at 516-248-1486.
All interested, eligible seniors are encouraged to apply. The deadline for applications is April 16, 2025.
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John Kouri and the Hambones will be performing “Songs of Ireland for a Sunday Afternoon.”
BY MELISSA JAEGER
Come and get your Irish on! This Sunday, John Kouri and the Hambones will be performing “Songs of Ireland for a Sunday Afternoon” at the Garden City Historical Society (TGCHS) Museum! The performance, and light refreshments immediately following, will be 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at The TGCHS Museum located at 109 Eleventh Street Museum (the yellow Victorian house on 11th Street). Tickets are only $40 per person.
The members of the group have over 150 years of musical experience, playing in individual bands. They united in 2010 with a simple “desire to play the music we love.” For the past 15 years, they have been on a musical journey captivating their audiences with their diverse styles. If the name sounds familiar – it is if you go to the GC Pool! They have an extensive range of over 250 songs spanning across Irish, Americana, Pop, Classic Rock, and Country, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. Among the songs they will perform are, “Whiskey in the Jar,” “Irish Rover,” and “Galway Girl.”
We are also pleased to announce that the family of Maureen Clancy (1932–2021) will sponsor this program. She and
her husband, Cummin, started Clancy & Clancy Brokerage which has been around for more than 67 years. She was also an extremely active and respected member of the GC community, both in private and professional circles. Maureen was a past president of The Garden City Historical Society and an avid supporter of its music programs. As such, The Garden City Historical Society is dedicating its “Songs of Ireland for a Sunday Afternoon” performance to the memory of Maureen. In addition to the show, we will be raffling off a beautiful Irish basket — complete with four Waterford wine glasses, an Irish towel, and a bottle of Bailey’s Irish Cream. Do you feel lucky? After the show, stick around for refreshments -- including Irish soda bread, corned beef sandwiches, and Irish coffee. Tickets are still available for Sunday’s performance and can be purchased at the A.T. Stewart Exchange Friday (10:00–4:00) or Saturday (noon–4:00), or at the door on Sunday.
“May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall softly upon your field.” Traditional Irish blessing (ancient Celtic prayer).
The Knights of Columbus #15809 at St Joseph’s Church in Garden City is pleased to offer the community the AAA Driver Defensive Driving Course. The course will be held on Saturday April 5, 2025 - 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the St. Joseph’s Church, LL St Agnes Room, Garden City. Call for directions. Upon completion of this course, Participants
are eligible for 10% off their motor vehicle insurance for three years and/or a reduction of points from their driver’s license. The fee for the course is $55 per person and advance registration is required. To register and for more information, please contact: Louie Malave 631-398-8922 or John Russo 516-384-4552
Stephen Baymack
The Baymack Team
Licensed Associate RE Broker stephen.baymack@compass.com M: 516.216.0244
Laura Baymack
The Baymack Team
Licensed RE Salesperson laura.baymack@compass.com M: 516.537.3050
Nestled in the heart of the Estates Section of town, this beautiful colonial with a charming front porch has been impeccably updated and maintained throughout. The first floor features spacious sun-lit rooms with a beautiful flow and dual fireplaces that create a perfect ambiance for relaxation and entertainment. The home boasts a lovely primary bedroom suite and three additional bedrooms that are serviced by 2 full bathrooms. Throughout the home you’ll appreciate the detailed moldings, custom trim work and beautiful hardwood floors. The many updates include Pella windows, roof, siding, central air conditioning units, central vacuum, alarm system and in-ground sprinklers. The location and exceptional condition make this home the perfect place to call your own!
BY GARY SIMEONE
A new one-on-one private golf training facility has opened in the Village. PureStryk Golf recently opened their fourth location at 144 Cherry Valley Ave to help golfers with their training and practice sessions.
Mark Roder, owner and founder of PureStryk Golf, said the new facility offers one-on-one training and fitness courses as well containing a Trackman Golf Simulator.
“This is my fourth location on Long Island, and the Garden City location is mainly for one-on-one training andprivate instructional use,” said Roder. “Due to the space limitations of the new facility, rentals are not an option as they are in our three other facilities.”
He said the new facility, which is located within RAF Strength & Fitness Gym, is 30x40 in space and contains only one golf simulator.
Roder also has his main facility in Franklin Square, and two other locations in Melville and Smithtown.
“In the Franklin Square location we
By John L. Gomes, MD
John L. Gomes, MD, founded Women’s Health Care of Garden City in 1995. It has remained an independent private practice, providing personalized obstetrical and gynecological services.
He employs the technical advances of conventional medicine with an integrative approach to navigate women through difficult pregnancies into the menopausal years. He treats a wide variety of OB/GYN conditions and is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care.
All tests are conveniently done on the premises, and a dedicated, compassionate staff is on call 24/7.
He is committed to excellence in patient communication, education and support, as many patients come with anxiety associated with past experiences and future concerns.
Dr. Gomes received his undergraduate degree from Brown University, and his Doctor of Medicine from Columbia University.
have three Trackman golf simulators and people can rent the space to hit balls and practice their golf swing. The Melville and a smithtown locations also have the space for rental use.”
Roder, who is twenty-five years old, has a strong golf resume to his name. He was named League MVP at Kellenberg High School and played college golf at Hofstra University and Coastal Carolina University. He spent three years after college playing in the professional ranks in small circuit tournaments in south Florida and Long Island.
He said that competing at the professional level was stressful and he decided to teach the game that he’s had passion for all his life.
“After over ten years of high-level competitive golf , I wanted to pivot my career to teach the game I love. Ive gained a wealth of knowledge over the years in she game, and I’m fully dedicated to sharing my skills and knowledge with other golfers.”
Roder is TPI, Trackman and PureStryk certified.
He is both Board Certified and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Women’s Health Care of Garden City is located at 1000 Franklin Avenue, Suite 200, Garden City.
Would you like to make a difference in our community? Are you eager to collaborate with people who share a passion for service?
For 100 years, the Mineola-Garden City Rotary Club has been at the forefront of local and global humanitarian efforts, and now, we invite student volunteers to be part of this legacy.
As part of the world’s largest organization, 1.2 million members from more than 200 countries, the Rotary Club connects dedicated and talented volunteer leaders to tackle pressing local and global problems.
By Cecilia Renz
The Mineola-Garden City Rotary Club, unites students, business professionals, and residents who are driven to serve others. Student volunteers play a crucial role in our mission, contributing fresh ideas, energy, and leadership to projects that impact neighbors locally and internationally.
Founded in 1905 by Paul P. Harris in Chicago, the Rotary Club began as a space for professionals with diverse backgrounds to exchange ideas and form lifelong friendships. Today, that mission has expanded to address critical issues concerning the environment, health, hunger, homelessness, special needs, and veterans. The Mineola-Garden City Rotary Club is also deeply committed to empowering young leaders and supporting the local community.
Through the Rotary Youth Leadership Program, students gain hands-on experience in leadership and service, preparing them to make a meaningful impact. The
club also partners with the Salvation Army, ringing the bell during the holiday seasons to support those in need. Additionally, members take part in the Alford family Thanksgiving Program, ensuring homebound seniors and families receive warm meals during the holidays.
Guided by the motto, “Service Above Self”, Rotarians encourage high ethical standards in all vocations while fostering goodwill and peace. The Mineola-Garden City Club meets every second and fourth Tuesday of the month hosting thought leaders from government, local businesses, professional services, healthcare providers, emergency management, and community-based organizations. These meetings help shape the initiatives and provide invaluable networking opportunities for student volunteers to grow as leaders.
Join us as we celebrate 100 years of service and shape the next century. As a student volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to develop leadership skills, make meaningful connections, and impact our community.
For more information on how to get involved, visit https:// mineolagardencityrotaryclub.com, email mineolagardencityrotary club@gmail.com, or call 516-699-7289.
Cecilia Renz is a current sophomore at Sacred Heart Academy. She moved with her family from Chicago in 2018 and currently resides in Garden City.
Adelphi University is excited to invite our Garden City neighbors to campus for the University’s premier Spring semester events featuring notable speakers and professional networking and development opportunities, as well as lively performances from world-renowned acts. All following events are open to the public.
Here is what we have coming up:
Adelphi will host its second annual Writers & Readers Festival, bringing together readers and writers for two days of everything literary on Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5. Awardwinning actress Sarah Jessica Parker will keynote the event on April 4, and author Alex DeMille will join in a tribute to his late father, Nelson DeMille, on April 5.
Tickets for the Sarah Jessica Parker conversation are $20. Learn more and get tickets at adelphi.edu/writers-readers-festival
Adelphi’s Women’s Leadership Conference returns for its eighth year on Saturday, March 29, offering a dynamic day of learning, networking and professional growth. This year’s keynote speakers will be Emmy Award-winning co-anchor of ABC News Nightline Juju Chang and best-selling author Kindra Hall.
Attendees will engage in thought-provoking discussions and have the opportunity to get a professional headshot, review of their resumes and financial
and Readers Festival.
advising.
Learn more and register at adelphi. edu/womens-leadership
Adelphi PAC Presents: Irish Bluegrass and Rock Bands
Irish Bluegrass Band ‘JigJam’ The best in Irish Bluegrass comes to the Adelphi Performing Arts Center’s Concert Hall on Sunday, March 16 at 3 p.m.
Ruckus Early Music
The world’s only period-instrument rock band comes to the Adelphi PAC Concert Hall on Friday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m.
See the Performing Arts Center’s full event schedule and get tickets at adelphi.edu/PAC
Place an ad in our Classifieds for reasonable rates and prompt results. Call 294-8900 or visit us online www.gcnews.com to request information & rates Litmor Publishing's Community Newspapers
mcarterflanagan@gardencityny.net
The power of villages to adopt local laws comes from Article IX of the New York State Constitution commonly referred to as the “Home Rule” article of the Constitution. This power is critically important as Village government is the government closest to the people.
One of the most rewarding parts of serving on the Village Board of Trustees has been adopting local laws that protect the quality of life of our residents, and preserve the character and well being of our community. You may have noticed a number of updates to our local laws and new local laws being passed during recent years, and this reflects efforts by multiple boards working collaboratively on behalf of residents.
ing on quality of life issues, public safety, and the preservation of our community’s character. Those codes addressed short-term rentals (Air BNBs), opting out of cannabis retail dispensaries and onsite consumption establishments, restrictions on vape shops and other adult uses, and a ban on summertime use of gas-powered leaf blowers.
If you haven’t done so already, downloading the Village app, MyGardenCity is a great way to be informed about what is going on in the Village!
Last week, after a public hearing, we passed a much-needed revision to our outdoor dining code. We also held a public hearing on a new pool code, which will be voted on at the next meeting on March 20, 2025. The new pool code that was publicly noticed and is viewable on our website was drafted with input from our Zoning Board of Appeals (“ZBA”) and counsel. The code addresses the need for clear standards on pools in the Village, and considers the complaints we have heard from residents. Research on pool codes in other communities was part of the process, and while some communities we looked at, including Munsey Park and Scarsdale, are more restrictive, we worked together to find a code that best meets the needs of our Village and has support of the Board of Trustees.
While in person public comments have concluded, you may still email comments to kgalanek@ gardencityny.net with the title “Public Comment on Proposed Pool Code.” Please submit by noon on Wednesday, March 19 so they can be provided to the entire Board with time to review prior to the meeting.
At our March 20 BOT meeting we will be holding a public hearing and voting on long overdue amendments to our Tree Code, an initiative that came out of the Environmental Advisory Board’s ongoing efforts dating back to 2021 to protect and improve our diminishing tree canopy. That code is also viewable on the Village website.
Over the last four years there have been other codes passed based on community input by Boards focus-
The Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing on Thursday, March 20 at 7:30 p.m. to amend section 188 of the Village Code with regard to trees.
The Village Board has just approved a three-year extension of our agreement with Flock Safety, allowing the Police Department to lease 12 additional license plate readers strategically placed throughout the area. With these cameras, we’re not just capturing license plate information; we’re also able to compare what we gather with DMV records, criminal files, and ongoing investigations. In total, the Police Department now has 26 readers in action, 14 of which were funded through a generous grant. “Good old-fashioned detective work combined with technology helped solve the case,” said Commissioner Kenneth Jackson, reflecting on how these tools played a crucial role in solving multiple burglaries that took place last December. “These readers capture objective evidence that can make a real difference in our investigations.”
Former U.S. Congressman Anthony D’Esposito will offer Narcan training at the Garden City Library on March 26 at 6:30 p.m. Training includes how to identify an overdose victim, administer the Narcan kit and contact emergency officials. Participants will obtain a Narcan certification and a Narcan kit.
The General Village Election for 2025 will be held on Tuesday, March
See page 25
Suspicious person report
On March 5, police responded to a report of a suspicious person at Walgreens. Officers arrested a man for an outstanding Suffolk County warrant for false personation and various traffic infractions.
Suspended license charge
A motorist on Clinton Road was charged on March 5 with driving with a suspended license, a suspended registration, and unsafe lane use.
Gym locker theft
Credit cards were reported stolen from a locker inside Healthtrax Gym on March 5.
Speeding, suspended registration
On March 5, a motorist on Stewart Avenue was charged with driving with a suspended registration, unlicensed operation, and speeding.
Theft from parked vehicle
Money was reported stolen from a vehicle parked in a private parking garage on March 5.
Multiple fire alarms
GCFD and GCPD responded to several fire alarms on March 5. They determined that one was activated by hair spray, another by a faulty relief valve, two by burnt food, and two by faulty detectors.
False medical alert
On March 5, officers responded to a residence for a medical alert activation. They determined that it was set in error.
A motorist on Clinton Road was charged on March 5 with driving with a suspended registration and excessive speed.
Altered and cashed check
On March 6, a check placed in the mail was reported stolen, altered, and cashed.
Electrical issue resolved
GCFD and GCPD responded to a residence for a smoke condition on March 6. Firefighters discovered a smoldering electrical outlet and rendered it safe.
Suspended registrations
Two Stewart Avenue motorists were charged on March 6 with driving with suspended registrations and other traffic violations.
Traffic light malfunction
Officers responded to a traffic light malfunction on Washington Avenue on March 6.
On March 6, a Clinton Road motorist was charged with driving with a suspended registration status and an unregistered vehicle.
False fire alarms
GCFD and GCPD responded to a fire alarm activated by burnt food and two false alarms on March 6.
Aggravated unlicensed operation
A Stewart Avenue motorist was charged on March 6 with driving with a suspended license while having a previous conviction for the same offense. He was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, 2nd degree.
Criminal trespass arrest
On March 7, officers responded to Meadow Street for a report of a possible unauthorized person inside a vacant residence. Officers found a 29-year-old man inside the home and arrested him for criminal trespass and an active New York State Parole Absconder Warrant.
Overweight vehicles
Two commercial vehicle operators were charged on March 7 with driving overweight vehicles on local roadways.
Burst water pipe
GCFD and GCPD responded to a Garden City Plaza building for a burst water pipe on March 7. Firefighters rendered the area safe.
Clinton Road violations
A motorist on Clinton Road was charged on March 7 with driving with a suspended registration and excessive speed.
False panic alarm
On March 7, officers responded to a location for a panic alarm. They determined that it was set in error.
Rockaway Ave driving offenses
A Rockaway Avenue motorist was charged on March 7 with unlicensed operation and excessive speed.
Construction and steam alarms
GCFD and GCPD responded on March 7 to a fire alarm activated by construction workers and another set off by shower steam.
Washington Avenue offenses
A Washington Avenue motorist was charged on March 7 with unlicensed operation, an unregistered auto, and
excessive speed.
Boiler issue resolved
GCFD and GCPD responded to a residence for a smoke condition on March 7. Firefighters rendered a malfunctioning boiler safe.
Hit-and-run arrest
On March 8, a male subject was arrested for allegedly leaving the scene of a Stewart Avenue auto accident that occurred on March 1.
Reckless driving charge
A Stewart Avenue motorist was charged with reckless driving and unlicensed operation on March 8.
Gas odor investigation
On March 8, GCFD and GCPD responded to a residence for a natural gas odor. Firefighters investigated and deemed the home safe.
License violations
A Meadow Street motorist was charged with driving with a suspended license status and unlicensed oper-
ation on March 8.
Adelphi fire alarm
GCFD and GCPD responded to Adelphi University on March 8 for a fire alarm activated by shower steam.
Suspended license charge
On March 8, a New Hyde Park Road motorist was charged with driving with a suspended license.
Commercial building trespass
Officers investigated a trespass incident inside an Old Country Road commercial building on March 8.
Public urination charge
On March 9, a man was charged with urinating in public on the corner of Washington Avenue and Meadow Street.
Multiple driving offenses
A Clinton Road motorist was charged on March 9 with driving with a suspended license, a suspended registration, and uninsured operation.
Speeding on Washington Ave.
On March 9, a Washington Avenue motorist was charged with driving with a suspended license and excessive speed.
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From page 23
False alarm
Officers responded to a business for an emergency alarm activation on March 9. They determined that it was set in error.
Suspended registration
A Franklin Avenue motorist was charged on March 9 with driving without a suspended registration and uninsured operation.
Fire call at County building
GCFD and GCPD responded to a County building on March 10 for a fire call. Firefighters located a defective light ballast and rendered it safe.
Rockaway Avenue offenses
On March 10, a Rockaway Avenue motorist was charged with driving with a suspended license, a suspended registration, and uninsured auto.
Scofflaw vehicle impounded
A vehicle was impounded from a local parking field on March 10 for being a Garden City Court scofflaw due to outstanding parking tickets.
Unsafe speed
A Washington Avenue motorist was charged with driving with a suspended license and unsafe speed on March 10.
Vehicle damaged
On March 10, a vehicle was reportedly damaged while parked unoccupied in Parking Field 12.
School zone speeding
A Rockaway Avenue motorist was charged on March 10 with unlicensed operation, speeding in a school zone, and unsafe lane usage.
DWI-related charge
On March 11, a 7th Street motorist was arrested for allegedly driving without a court-ordered DWI-related interlock device, an unregistered auto, and an uninsured auto.
Early construction violation
A contractor was issued an appearance ticket on March 11 for starting construction work before 8 a.m.
Clinton Road charges
On March 11, a Clinton Road motorist was charged with excessive speed, unsafe lane usage, and uninsured operation.
Construction alarm
GCFD and GCPD responded to a building on March 11 for a fire alarm. They determined that it was activated by construction workers.
mcarterflanagan@gardencityny.net
From page 22
18, 2025. Polls will be open from 12 Noon to 9:00 p.m. in the evening and will be held at the St. Paul’s Field House. The names of all those who are running for Village office is as follows:
• Mayor – Two-Year Term: Edward T. Finneran
• Trustee – Two-Year Term: Michele Beach Harrington
• Trustee – Two-Year Term: Richard Catalano
• Trustee – Two-Year Term: Yvonne Varano
• Village Justice – Four-Year Term: Allen S. Mathers
La Elección General de Aldea para 2025 se llevará a cabo el martes 18 de marzo de 2025. Las urnas estarán abiertas de 12 del mediodía a 9:00 p. m. por la noche y se llevará a cabo en St. Paul’s Field House. Los nombres de todos los que se postulan para el cargo de Village son los siguientes:
• Alcalde – Dos Años: Edward T. Finneran
• Fideicomisaria - Dos Años: Michele Beach Harrington
• Fideicomisario - Dos Años: Richard Catalano
• Fideicomisaria - Dos Años: Yvonne Varano
• Juez de Aldea - Cuatro Años: Allen
False SOS alarm
Officers responded to a vehicle SOS alarm on March 11 and determined it was set in error.
Franklin Avenue cellphone use
A Franklin Avenue motorist was charged on March 11 with driving with a suspended registration and using a cellphone while driving.
Vehicle damaged
On March 11, a vehicle was report-
edly damaged while parked unoccupied in an Adelphi University parking field.
Elevator alarm
GCFD and GCPD responded to a building for an elevator alarm on March 11. They determined it was set in error.
Prohibited area violation
On March 11, a Stewart Avenue truck operator was charged with driving in a prohibited area, defective equipment, and uninsured auto.
S. Mathers
Happening in Garden City
Monday, March 17th
1:30 p.m. Monday Movie Matinée: Once at the Library
1:30 p.m. Little Listeners Storytime at the Library. Must register.
Tuesday, March 18th
7:00 p.m. Yoga With Kimberly at the Library. Must register.
12:00 - 9:00 p.m. Village Election at the St. Paul’s Field House
3:30 p.m. Little Matters of the HeArt at the Library. Must register.
6:30 p.m. Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting at Village Hall
7:00 p.m. Teen Paint Night at the Library. Must register.
Wednesday, March 19th
7:30 p.m. Budget Work Session #1 at Village Hall
Thursday, March 20th
4:00 p.m. Teen Creative Hour at the Library. Must register.
6:00 p.m. Traffic Commission Meeting at Village Hall and via Zoom
7:30 p.m. Board of Trustees Meeting at Village Hall and via Zoom
Friday, March 21st
10:00 a.m. Baby & Toddler Storytime for ages Birth - 2.5 the Library
11:00 a.m. Budding Bookworms Storytime for ages 2.5-5 the Library
Place an ad in our Classifieds for reasonable rates and prompt results. Call the Garden City office today 294-8900 for more information.
local law was coming up.
The
spread complaints about the approval of pools within the village. Many pools are on lots arguably not appropriate for pools, while others are close to the property lines of neighbors. I have heard comments from some people that think in Garden City, you need to have a ½ acre lot to get a pool approved while others are thinking it is impossible to get a pool. Many are noticing that in recent years pool applications were frequently approved. Some of the comments we’ve received were also from people who purchased a home in the village with the hopes or expectation of putting in a pool and are concerned about it,” she said.
The code for which the March 6th public hearing was set (Local Law No. 2 of 2025) laid out clear guidelines on when a residential pool should be approved – something Mayor Carter Flanagan said needed to be on the books, after thorough reviews. She explained the intent of the “Pool Code” is to enable homeowners or new home-purchasers in the village, “for the first time, to be able to put in a pool as of right” if the pool application and submission to the Building Department meet all requirements set forth in the proposed code.
The mayor noted, “Right now, no property owner in the village can get a pool as of right – you always need to get a variance for pools. Second, every pool application in the village needs Zoning Board of Appeals’ approval. Third, the village does not have clear guidelines on when a pool should be approved, and that is what led the Board of Trustees to drafting a clear Pool Code as the village does have a history of having strict codes in place to preserve the beauty of our planned community – and there is also a long history of Garden City not approving pools in the past.”
If all the requirements of the adopted code would be met in the application, the case would only come before the Zoning Board of Appeals for approvals of a fence and landscaping.
“This gives much more clarity to people who are looking to purchase a home with a desire to install a swimming pool, and would avoid many of the disputes ongoing with neighbors as to whether a pool should be approved,” the mayor explained.
The first public comment on March 6th came from a former member of the Planning Commission, Craig Biscone.
Biscone is a practicing attorney, and he mentioned two cases he’s currently represented before the local Zoning Board (pending applications for pools) -- one on a half-acre property and the other property is 1.5 acres. He is unhappy that those plans would need to be amended and resubmitted because they were filed back in January and early February, as he knew the proposed
Mr. Biscone said since the upswing for the housing market starting in 2020, he’s experienced an increase in business for pool applications in the village, “more so than I have had in the prior 38 years.” He told the board the proposed amendment presents “a de facto ban on pools for the vast majority of the village.”
“Currently you’d need a special permit to construct a pool, that may or may not not require a variance, but it does go through the Zoning Board of Appeals. Whether or not you pass this amendment to legislation to exempt from it anyone who’s already filed with the Zoning Board. The ZBA was in a very awkward position last month where they had to adjourn all the outdoor pool applications because of this upcoming change. For months now residents have been working with pool contracting companies and landscape architects, attorneys and more and they were paying fees, spending their money -- then they were blindsided by this (proposed amendment). I ask the Village Board, if they pass this, to exempt any applicant who’s already filed because it’s not right and not fair.”
He told the trustees that he often gets calls from Realtors selling homes in Garden City, and one of their first questions is on the probability of gaining the variance for the property to build a pool.
“There is a high demand and desire for pools, especially from people who are immunocompromised and can’t visit the Garden City Pool and/or those who have disabilities. It’s going to become a problem for a lot of residents. I don’t know when pools became so maligned, and if you pass the amendment the message is going to be that only the ultra-affluent on tremendous-sized properties can have a pool,” he noted.
Another issue he brought up is the requirement of a 25-foot distance from the property’s rear line (for a 12,0000 sq. foot lot) and 15 feet between the house and the backyard pool which are required in the proposed amendment.
“The rear yard setback on an R-12 property is 30 feet, so for a legally conforming house on a 12,000 sq. foot lot the 25 feet noted in the proposed code would bring you five feet from the house. You couldn’t possibly put in a pool and comply with the 15-foot requirement from the dwelling without having a space of 60 feet - double the rear yard setback that’s required. Right now the code states three feet, and our ZBA has always required at least 10 feet, and if an applicant can get 20 feet separation I always suggest it. I think this amendment is misguided -- Math doesn’t lie,” Mr. Biscone said.
many backyard pools in Garden City. He reported that under the proposed amendment to zoning and code, “almost none of the pools would have been approved.”
“This would basically be wiping out pool construction in this town unless the applicant had a very large piece of property, and I just wish the Board will think about the families, kids and how more people are working from home these days. Every family and kid wants to live the American dream and part of that is having a pool at the house,” he said.
Former Eastern POA President Christine Mullaney commented that she supports the amendment for the Pool Code. She advised, in “speaking up for a lot of people” living in the village, she supports the initiative to regulate pools in neighborhoods.
“My own property (along Huntington Road) is 60 x 100 feet so I certainly would not want to see a neighbor build a pool next to me, on either side, and I don’t know any neighbors in our area who would want to see that. I think these are reasonable setbacks proposed and for the 12,000 sq. feet properties mentioned, those can be shaped in a variety of ways but I think the proposed setbacks are completely reasonable. A pool going in next door to me would decrease my property value, and I did not move to Garden City to be surrounded by pools, and I’ve been here for many years,” she said.
She noted that people who have an outdoor pool can only use it for about three months of the year and then it has to be closed up for colder seasons. “If swimming is that vital we have a lovely Village Pool facility, and we’ve had that for many years. I urge the Board to vote in favor of the amendment,” she noted.
John Viscardi, an architect who doesn’t live in the village but practices locally (founder and owner of JMK Architects in East Williston) spoke to the board about the types of properties he’s encountered in Garden City.
“This code seems a little excessive as you have not taken into account for certain lots that can exceed 12,000 sq. feet, where you have excessive frontyard setbacks -- for instance on the numbered (Central section) streets or on Poplar, you can have setbacks of 50 to 80 feet so the front-yard setback limits what can happen in the rear yard. Then, some older homes in the village have attached garages that are in the backyard, so there’s very limited space. What’s happened is by increasing the setback requirements, you will move the pool not into the buildable area of the rear yard, but into the buildable area of the house itself,” Viscardi said last Thursday.
Association and at the national level, the Pool and Hot tub Alliance, told the Board of Trustees that Garden City is a community where pools fit the family environment. He said the organizations are offering help for Garden City, in partnership, to craft municipal regulations “to truly help and protect – but also allow families to “live out their dreams, and build the yard of their dreams.”
“Unfortunately there are water safety issues as it pertains to all water – whether it’s a bathtub, a pond or a swimming pool. Our association is working hard to make awareness the biggest priority here, and throughout codes of governance in New York State and around the country, everybody is aimed at trying to make a safer environment around swimming pools. To put in these regulations that would prevent people from living their dream, prevent families from having one – most of the people I build pools for across Long Island and the state, New Jersey and Westchester, they get to watch their children as opposed to the community’s facilities where kids run around everywhere. Safety goes two ways – there are lots of different requirements that will protect them, but as a parent my biggest objective was having the kids with their friends and family – not to run to a community pool where we have to trust in some younger lifeguards,” Mr. Chaikin said.
A Huntington-based landscape architect, Elizabeth Bibla, spoke during the public hearing and told the Village Board about the increase in pool projects in Garden City over the last eight years. She’s worked with residents of the village to construct pools over the last 25 years, and she said in particular when the pandemic hit, in 2020 and 2021 her office became busier as more Long Islanders decided to work from home full-time, and they desire more amenities at their residences.
“I really feel pools are an asset to a house and a community – they are not an evil structure people put in their yard. We certainly want to make people happy as they want to enjoy their pieces of property – these proposed setbacks are very, very restrictive and not at all in keeping with what the rest of Nassau County has,” she commented.
Resident Steve Gorray said a lot of newcomers (residents) of the village do not understand the history of Garden City, and how land use and planning is integral to the fabric of the community.
“Most of us don’t live on big plots. When you buy a home in Topeka, Kansas you can’t expect to have oceanfront but when you buy a house in Garden City you get so many wonderful benefits – one of those things that is a negative is that you can’t have a pool, but nobody gets EVERYTHING in life. For someone like a businessman from From page 1
Dieter Specht from Bohemia, who owns and runs Specht-Tacular Pools spoke about his experience selling his services and products and building
Kyle Chaikin, a representative of the Long Island Pool & Spa Association (LIPSA), the Northeast Spa and Pool
out of town to denigrate our outdoor pool system (Village Pool), with our wonderful staff and lifeguards to say ‘you can’t trust having your children THERE, – well I brought my kid there! I know hundreds of parents bring children and trust them to be in the Garden City Pool facility,” he said.
Gorray asked everyone to consider the environmental impacts, in particular what can happen to the village supply, with allowing several more pools to come to neighborhoods. “How is it going to affect our water? I don’t know if any discussion is addressing that, but I have concerns. Especially with the Sands Casino and other issues looming nearby which could impact our water supply and quality – nobody who’s spoken here has said anything about the environment and it is an important issue,” he said.
Huntington Road resident Cathleen Pratt mentioned the neighborhood’s “contentious situations” regarding a proposed pool. She said the pool would have come right up to their property line, and that led her and her husband to listen at a Zoning Board meeting. Mrs. Pratt said the process at the village level, for getting information on the neighbor’s application, was really not feasible.
She said for everyone involved,
including neighbors of people applying for pools, “there needs to be consistent, appropriate guidelines.” She called the existing code “too subjective” but said some of the proposed setbacks could be tweaked.
Another village resident, Andrea Buckman said her husband grew up in the village and that’s why they live here now. The family saved up to renovate their home and build a pool. She sees the proposed regulations as unfair because her husband is handicapped to the point he can barely walk, and he can’t attend the village pool at all.
“I think it’s unfair with all the setback space – people should assess every situation. With the proposed guidelines only the rich will be able to add a pool so you only will benefit one part of the town. It should be open and available for families to apply. My kids are teens/ younger adults and there is nothing for them to do at the Community Park Pool though it is a great facility for families with younger children, and for senior citizens – it is not ALL family-oriented, with the adults and smaller kids sections. If you have a pool at home you can have a place for teens and young adults to come and be safe, together, and enjoy,” she told the Board of Trustees. She wants the ability to have an application submitted and reviewed, and the
proposed regulations would prohibit their project.
Tuning in over Zoom, Brixton Road resident Robert Vassalotti brought up the safety concerns a pool code will work on, which can help prevent a tragedy in the community.
“As a lifelong village resident I understand everyone’s concerns about the freedoms to add amenities at their homes. However no one has brought up the point that life is so precious – there were 10 drownings at pools in Suffolk County in 2024, and I think nine in Nassau County in 2023. Drownings in pools are increasing so I really do not think this village should be more of a possibility – there is also a lot of noise and paving associated with these pools. Around every pool is paving and we are continuing to pave over the grass and natural land, which is terrible in some ways. The noise factor is important to address as some of the pools, from looking on Google Maps, are right up against their neighbors’ property lines,” he shared with the Board and audience.
A new resident of 5th Street, Nicholas Perrota and his fiancee moved to town in November 2024. He grew up in Long Beach and the couple chose to move to Garden City “picking a house based on building a pool.”
Perrota said he has three businesses
and a dozen employees, and he was looking to open another office in Garden City to bring in more business to the community. The chance to have a pool in the backyard drew them to the town but he noted he and his fiancee would have picked somewhere else if constructing the pool is not a possibility due to the proposed regulations.
Perrota also said their Realtor and the seller’s attorney were in the room for the March 6th public hearing.
“I rave about how good it is here. I am in construction and do contracts in Garden City, and we did move here based on having a pool – before buying we called the Building Department and we’ve already spent about $10,000 on planning for this project: architects, plans, and more – we understand regulations and with my clients we work within setbacks. We’ve come here and we’ve been trying to live the American dream as I paid my way through college and grad school, and we’re really happy to be here and hope to have a family here with kids in the school system. Our property size is almost 17,000 sq. feet and we do want to be able to have the pool, though we know many people have reservations or disagreement with pools based on noise and safety concerns – the village already has See page 49
A view of the second Garden City Hotel, completed in 1895. This “Colonial style” version was designed by the McKim, Meade & White architectural firm. The structure of the original hotel was expanded by adding wings on each side. Of the now 100 guest rooms, only ten included bathrooms; a women’s and a men’s restroom/bath on each floor served the remainder. The renovated building included an elevator.
A hotel brochure states: “Special precautions were taken against fire in the construction of the house itself; and the hotel is likewise supplied in its corridors with fire hydrants and hose connected directly with the main supply service of the Garden City Water Works, the immense Holly engine of which will automatically, at a moment’s notice, supply any desired pressure of water.” Shortly after 7AM on 7 September 1899 a fire was discovered on the northeast top floor, possibly due to a flue problem, and despite the internal hose system and efforts of adjacent village firemen, by 9AM the cupola fell, and by noon the entire building had been destroyed. Archives identifier: gchb05. A floor plan can be seen at gchb03
A selection from the extensive Village Archives. Others can be seen at www.NYHeritage.org - click on Organizations, G, and Garden City Public Library. Comments/questions: email Historian@gardencityny.net
From page 3
displayed in cathedrals, museums, and public spaces worldwide, will serve as the centerpiece for an extensive program of events.
On May 2, the cathedral will make history again with its “Moondance in the Nave” Gala, the first dinner-dance ever held in the cathedral. Beginning with cocktails in the undercroft at 7pm followed by dinner and dancing beneath the suspended lunar installation at 8pm, the gala event will feature catering by Garden City favorite Prime and music by Manhattan Rhythm Machine.
Among the most anticipated events is a performance by Pink Floyd tribute band “Us and Floyd” on April 26, featuring selections from “Dark Side
of the Moon” accompanied by a laser show throughout the cathedral’s soaring nave. The same evening will host the cathedral’s first local brewery festival, featuring six area breweries.
“We’re reimagining what it means to be a sacred space in the 21st century,”
Dean Sniffen noted. “By hosting this extraordinary installation, we’re inviting people who might never otherwise step into a cathedral to experience both the transcendent beauty of our historic building and the wonder of scientific achievement.”
The installation will also include an art gallery titled “Illuminations – Art in Sacred Space” featuring moon-themed works by artists Drigo Morin, Jennifer A. Uihlein, and Susan Tiffen in collaboration with Trinity Community Arts
Center, a partner of Trinity Episcopal Church in Northport.
For those seeking more contemplative experiences, the cathedral will offer yoga sessions under the moon, special prayer services including Contemplative Prayer led by the Community of the Incarnation, the Episcopal Church’s fastest-growing new monastic community (which is based out of the cathedral), an Earth Day commemoration, and traditional worship services throughout the installation period featuring the cathedral’s renowned choir.
The installation concludes on May 4 with a Star Wars-themed afternoon for families and a Choral Evensong service.
“This series of events represents our commitment to preserving our archi-
tectural heritage while embracing innovation and inclusivity,” said Dean Sniffen. “When visitors stand beneath this awe-inspiring representation of the moon within our neo-gothic cathedral, they’ll experience a powerful reminder of both human ingenuity and divine creation.”
Free daytime admission will be available throughout the exhibition, with a suggested $10 donation for evening viewing. Additional information about all of the events taking place during “Moon as Sacred Mirror” can be found at the cathedral’s website, www.incarnationgc.org/moon, or by emailing connect@incarnationgc.org.
Pictured in the Group Study Room are Library Board Trustee Randy Colahan, Operations Director Courtney Rutt Rosenblatt, Library Director Marianne Malagon, Library Board Chair Colleen Foley, Village Co-Historian Patty Siler and Village Trustee Bruce Torino posing in front of more historical photos from the archives, including photos of the Library and Garden City Hotel
Pictured in the Quiet Study Room are Operations Director Courtney Rutt Rosenblatt, Library Board Trustee Randy Colahan, Village Co-Historian Patty Siler, Library Board Chair Colleen Foley, Village Trustee Bruce Torino and Library Director Marianne Malagon. The pictured wall displays Garden City’s rich aviation history with photos of Doubleday, Adelphi College, the Clinton Road Railroad Station and more.
A.T. Stewart Room at the Garden City Public Library, which has portraits of Alexander and Cornelia Stewart as well as the Cathedral School of St. Mary's, St. Paul’s and the Cathedral of the Incarnation. Pictured from left are Library Trustee Randy Colahan, Library Board Chair Colleen Foley, Village Co-Historian
and Village Trustee Bruce Torino.
Q.: C.A.P. Candidates are running ‘unopposed’. Why should bother to vote?
A.: For a few reasons!
~ First of all, voting is both a right and a privilege. When you exercise your right to vote, your voice is heard.
~ Secondly, VGC elections have always allowed for write-in candidates. In actuality, no one slate of candidates has ever really been unopposed. If you support the current slate of candidates and if you approve of the job they’ve done so far, you should vote to support their reelection. Every vote counts.
Q.: What have the CAP Candidates who are on the board now done for the residents of the Village?
A.: In addition to meeting benchmarks their entire term, these candidates and their fellow CAP Trustees have been the amongst most transparent and responsive in the history of our Village.
~ Significantly improved the relationship between the Village and the Chamber of Commerce members
~ Re-evaluated effective usage of organics on our fields, while conducting a multi-statewide search for the Parks and Recreation Department
~ Immediately addressed the pest problem behind 7th Street restaurants
~ Scheduled financial audits of multiple village departments in order to ensure financial discipline across the Village
~ Moved forward on critical projects like St. Paul’s, the West Firehouse, the Senior Center, the proposed Fire Dep’t Training Center and more
Hempstead Town Councilman Tom Muscarella greeted Victoria Rodriguez, Gianna Forte, Katherine Pfeiffer, and Kiera O’Leary during the Garden City Chamber of Commerce Networking Event on February 27, 2025, at Adelphi University.
BY BOB MORGAN, JR.
Five years ago this month began the massive Covid-19 epidemic and the attempts to cope with the virus. A few thoughts and memories about the Covid era.
Leading up to March 2020, we had begun to hear about the virus, which we knew originated in China, although its exact origins were unclear. Still, there was no generalized sense of alarm.
This changed drastically in the first three weeks of March. The number of reported cases of the virus increased almost exponentially, and there were more and more deaths. Covid was declared a pandemic on March 11. Within a few days, measures were taken that previously would have seemed unimaginable. The National Basketball Association suspended its season (closely followed by the cancellation of March Madness), Broadway plays were cancelled and (except for a few symbolic marchers) there was no St. Patrick’s Day parade. Then, schools were shut down, people were asked to shelter in place, businesses deemed nonessential were closed and most office business was conducted virtually. The virus was initially centered around New York, but spread throughout the nation.
Not surprisingly, there was quite a bit of misinformation about the virus. The initial reports were that it was primarily transmitted by touching objects, which led to a drastic shortage of disinfectants and people doing things like washing the mail. Only after two or three months was it clear that the virus was primarily transmitted through the air.
Of course, even after the method of transmission was pretty much resolved, there were numerous differences of opinion as to the correct public health response. At one extreme were people who either claimed that the virus was a hoax or that it was no more serious than the flu. This proved to be an absurdly wrong position, as the virus (and its many variants) ended up killing (to date) over 1.2 million Americans.
Regions differed in the enforcement of other restrictions, including mandatory masking, travel restrictions and occupancy limits (or outright closures) of restaurants and bars. There were seemingly excessive restrictions on outdoor activities in some areas, when some of these activities (for example boating and skateboarding) were not particularly conducive to the spread of the virus. Other places like Florida were considerably more permissive, without demonstrably much worse outcomes.
The emergence of approved Covid vaccines starting in the beginning of 2021 was both a milestone and a new source of controversy. The vaccines were quite effective in lessening the serious effects of the virus. On the other hand, despite initial assurances, the vaccine did not prevent further transmission of Covid. There were largely unproven claims that the newly developed vaccines produced severe side effects. A number of workers lost their job for refusing vaccines.
The pandemic likely cost Donald Trump reelection, at least until his return four years later. Mr. Trump never quite had the bedside manner necessary to cope with the Covid crisis. He was also prone to rash statements, such as the country getting back to normal by Easter and also did not get along with public health officials like Dr. Anthony Fauci. Mr. Trump actually presided over a successful vaccine development program called Operation Warp Speed, but the vaccine was not quite available on election day. The virus inhibited Mr. Trump’s ability to hold his signature giant rallies; his opponent, Joe Biden, ran a low profile, “basement” campaign.
On the other hand, some favored rather extreme measures. Schools closed for in-person learning in some areas for upwards of 18 months, resulting in significant loss of educational progress for students.
Five years later, the Covid era seems like a bad memory, even as the disease (although in a weakened form) persists. The outbreak certainly raised difficult questions about the balance between prudent precautions in an emergency and the rights of individuals to live their lives. Hopefully we will not see a recurrence of a similar outbreak again in our lifetime, but the Covid years were a difficult and tumultuous time.
A health system is more than a doctor. In our case, it’s 320+ locations with the exact same high standard of care. It’s integrated medical teams that achieve the best patient outcomes. It’s leading the charge in medical discoveries. It’s the lowest mortality rates in the nation. It’s being named #1 for quality care in the U.S. Our health system has the best doctors, and the best doctors are just the beginning.
Better health starts with a better health system.
Award-winning Garden City author Amy McCoy is poised to publish her latest book, “Katie Finds Her Voice: A Story About Autism,” on March 25, 2025. The new picture book follows McCoy’s recent children’s novel series, “Big Little Sister.”
“I want all kids to understand about autism and other disabilities,” McCoy said. “Katie Finds Her Voice” reveals how autistic children see the world in their own unique ways. At the same time, the message of this new book is that all kids, both with and without autism, want the same things: a family who loves them, friends to play with, and teachers to learn from.
“As a visiting author, I love witnessing the dedication schools put into Autism Acceptance Month during April,” McCoy explained. “I wrote ‘Katie Finds Her Voice’ for kids to understand autism better, and for teachers who are seeking a resource they can use to confidently teach about autism.”
McCoy is a former elementary teacher and current disability educator. Her own children are the inspiration for her books and her work. Over the past decade, McCoy has presented to thousands of students as a visiting author. Her passion is to help readers understand, accept, and include differences in the classroom, community and the world.
To celebrate the arrival of “Katie Finds Her Voice: A Story About Autism,” please join the book launch party on Sunday, March 30, at the
Author Amy McCoy
Garden City Senior Center (6 Golf Club Lane, off 11th St. in Garden City) from 3–5 p.m. Signed books will be available for purchase and refreshments will be served at this kid-friendly event.
To purchase a book online, visit amazon.com or www.littlebigsisterbook. com
To inquire about a school presentation or the book launch party, please contact: amy@littlebigsisterbook.com
Follow on Facebook @Amy McCoy, Children’s Author and Instagram @ amymccoyauthor
Garden City’s Senior Center is open. Please visit the Senior Center Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for further information on activities and events!
Trip to Raynham Hall Museum
Wednesday, April 23
Trip to Raynham Hall Museum in Oyster Bay. Recreation bus leaves at 10:30, guided tour begins at 11:30, lunch will be on your own at one of the many nearby restaurants, all within walking distance. Fee: $8.00, make checks payable to “Raynham Hall Museum”, register at the Senior Center front desk.
Presentation: Tips to Avoid Scams
Tuesday, April 1, 11:00, at the Senior Center
The New York State Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection has tips to help you recognize and avoid scams and fraud. To register, please stop by the Senior Center front desk or call (516) 385-8006.
Trip to See “Fiddler on the Roof”
Sunday, May 4
Trip to see “Fiddler on the Roof” at the Argyle Theatre in Babylon, and lunch at La Famiglia. Cost is $67 for the show ticket, check made payable to the “Argyle Theatre” and $50.00 cash for lunch, paid at time of registration. Register at the Senior Center front desk. Registration deadline is April 4th.
Mobility and Flexibility Maintenance
Tuesday, March 25, at 11:00
PT Timothy Caputo from Spear Physical Therapy, will be at the Senior Center, giving a presentation about Mobility and Flexibility Maintenance. To register, please stop by the Senior Center front desk or call (516) 385-8006.
Chair Yoga
New Chair Yoga schedule for Tania at the senior center. Beginning TUESDAY, March 4, 9:15–9:45 Meditation, 9:45–10:45 Chair Yoga class.
Trip to West Point
Tuesday, June 10
Trip to West Point for a tour and lunch at the Thayer Hotel. Tuesday, June 10, charter bus leaves from across the street from the Senior Center at 8:00 am, and it will depart West Point to return home at 3:00. To register visit the Senior Center, $153.oo check made payable to “Amazing Destinations”. DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO APRIL 4TH. We are now opening up this trip to non-residents.
Save the Dates for Future Trips:
Sunday May 4: “Fiddler On the Roof” (Argyle Theatre)
Sunday, June 8: “Legally Blonde” (Madison Theatre at Molloy University)
Sunday, August 3: “The Music Man” (Argyle Theatre)
Chess 4 Community
Join us for Chess 4 Community’s Play and Learn at the Senior Center, every other Friday 3:00–4:00. This program will resume in the fall, dates to be announced. All ages and levels are welcome. No registration is required, just stop by and play!
Senior Center Lunch Group
Join our Senior Center Lunch Group at 12:30–3:30 on Wednesdays, or, if you miss your pool friends, join the Garden City Pool Chat Group at the center, on Thursdays beginning at 1:00–3:30. For both groups, coffee and tea will be served, just bring your lunch and chat!!
The new Fennessy Family Emergency Department at Mount Sinai South Nassau doubles the size of our previous emergency department, o ering 54 private exam rooms with clear lines of sight for physicians, nurses, and support sta . Our new emergency department also o ers a separate triage area, dedicated areas for children and behavioral health patients, and has been designed to reduce wait times and improve patient outcomes.
The Fennessy Family Emergency Department is located within the new Feil Family Pavilion, opening later this year, which will have 40 new critical care suites and nine new operating rooms, designed to support the most complex surgeries on the South Shore.
To learn more visit www.mountsinai.org/feilpavilion *Patient shown is not an
Grab your calendar and mark down these important upcoming dates across the school district. Keep an eye on the PTA website and the GCUFSD website “Events” page for even more detail on what’s happening across all seven schools.
• March 20–22 - Middle School Spring Musical
• March 26 - GC PTA Annual Fundraising Dinner
• March 28 - Middle School PTA/Septa Family Bingo Night
Nominate Yourself for the PTA Executive Board!
The PTA’s nominating committee is now accepting nominations for open positions on the PTA Executive Committee for the 2025–2026 school year. Upcoming positions include PresidentElect, Secretary, Treasurer, School Directors for HS, Stewart, Stratford, and Hemlock. Nominations are welcome through March 26. Nominate yourself or someone you know who would be great at gardencitypta.org/ nominating .
Earlier this school year, the Garden City PTA donated 150 copies of “The Hunger Games” in support of the One School, One Book initiative at GCHS. The final reading celebration had a wonderful student turnout. This year, students were in charge of leading and facilitating the chat station discussions.
The energy was high, and the conversations were deep and meaningful. The addition of raffles added to the excitement!
Proud Platinum PTA sponsor and orthodontist Dr. Denise Emma visited the Primary Schools to speak with students about dental hygiene. They covered meaningful topics like how to brush their teeth, the importance of flossing, and smart snack choices.Thank you to our Health & Safety Committee, staff, & Dr. Emma!
The PTA PARP Committee is thrilled to reintroduce the Garden City Pen Pal Program for 2025! Students from different Garden City schools will be matched according to grade and will send a written letter to their assigned pen pal in the mail. This activity is completely optional (but we hope you will opt in!). If you would like your child to participate, please complete the form sent to you through email by March 31st. Students will receive their pen pal matches before spring break, and are asked to send their letters by April 30. We look forward to helping kids connect with a love of letters, language, and reading!
The spring PTA sportswear fundraiser began 3/1. Grab all new GC pride gear
for grandparents, parents, students, pets and more! Scan the QR code to start shopping or go to https://gcptas25.itemorder.com/shop/sale/
Raffle Donations Needed for the Annual PTA Dinner!
The Garden City PTA will hold our Annual Fundraising Dinner on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 6:30 p.m. at the Garden City Hotel. This year’s dinner theme is “Ascending to New Heights.” By participating in the dinner, every educator, parent, and member of our school community can ensure that our students' futures continue to reach new heights!
We are looking for donations of exciting raffle baskets ($250+ value) and enticing silent auction items ($500+ value) to help make the evening a success! If you would like to show your support of the PTA and this event, please consider joining together with your family, friends, neighbors or club and donate a raffle basket or silent auction item. If you have a connection to sports tickets, concert venues, vacation properties or experiences, please consider donating as these make very exciting prizes. Donated items will be on display at the dinner and listed in the evening's program. Email dinnerdonations@gardencitypta.org if you plan to donate or have any questions. Please help us make a differencens. Please help us make a difference
Your Membership Matters!
Please take a minute today to visit
www.gardencitypta.org if you have not yet joined the GC PTA for the 2024–25 school year. While there, click the “Get Involved” tab to see the many volunteer opportunities with the PTA overall, and with your child’s specific schools. We can’t wait to work with you!
Let’s Connect @GardenCityPTA Website: www.gardencitypta.org
To Get Real Time InformationTurn on Notifications
Facebook: Facebook.com/ GardenCityPTA
Instagram: Instagram.com/ GardenCityPTA
Twitter: Twitter.com/ GardenCityPTA
Enter our “World’s Most Beautiful Grandchildren” contest! Just send in your grandchildren’s photos and a brief description of the child (or children) along with your name and address to editor@gcnews.com
Daisies troop (Troop 1459) and three other Garden City Daisies troops (1253, 1400, 1387) visited the Garden City Police Department and the Garden City Fire Department on Friday, March 7. Detective
from the
gave the girls a tour of Village Hall and the Police Department before bringing the girls over to the GCFD garage, where the firefighters explained their operations.
The children enjoyed the visit from the dentist.
The classes at the Garden City Community Church have been very busy this winter. They celebrated Lunar New Year, made and mailed
Valentines to their families, had a visit from the dentist, and had lots of fun wearing pajamas to school on Pajama Day. These experiences are
Mrs. Emmert’s class on Pajama Day.
only a few of many offered at the school throughout the year.
Registration for the 2025/26 school year is ongoing. Programs are offered for 2, 3, and 4 year olds.
The GC Community Church Nursery School has been committed to quality early childhood educa -
tion since 1953. It is located in the Garden City Community Church at 245 Stewart Ave, corner of Whitehall Blvd. Call the school office (516)7461756, visit www.GCCCNurserySchool. com or email the school director, Cathie McCullough @gcccnursery@ gmail.com for more information.
The Teens and Tweens Yarn Group will meet on Thursday, April 10.
Knit and Crochet at the Monthly Tweens and Teens Yarn Group!
Tweens and teens can practice their knitting and crocheting skills at the Library’s monthly Tweens and Teens Yarn Group, which will be held next on Thursday, April 10, at 4 p.m. This teen-led program encourages tweens and teens in Grades 4–12 to teach their peers and learn together knitting and crocheting. After the program, participants will be able to take home with them the knitting needles or crochet hooks and yarn to practice for two weeks, and should then return their supplies by Friday, April 25. Registration is required online at https://gardencitypl. libcal.com beginning Tuesday, April 1, at 10 a.m.
Upcoming and Ongoing Library Programs for Tweens and Teens
These programs are for tweens and teens in Grades 6–12 unless otherwise noted. Registration is required for these programs on LibCal at https://gardencitypl.libcal.com.
Teens who complete an online survey after specific programs can receive community service for participating.
Registration is live online at https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com for the following programs:
• Saturday, March 15, at 2 p.m.: Video Editing with Sharper Training Solutions (Grades 6–12)
• Tuesday, March 18, at 5 p.m.: Teen Money Night with Welcome to RealLife (Grades 6–9)
• Tuesday, March 18, at
7 p.m.: Teen Paint Night (Grades 6–12)
• Thursday, March 20, at 4 p.m.: Teen Creative Hour (Grades 6–12)
• Friday, March 21, at 3:30 p.m.: Teen Gamers (Grades 6–12)
• Monday, March 24, at 7 p.m.: Jumpstart College Admissions in Today's Challenging Environment with Michael Binder (Grades 9–11 and Their Parents)
Registration begins Tuesday, March 18 at 10 a.m. online at https://gardencitypl.libcal.com for the following programs:
• Tuesday, March 18–Thursday, March 27: Egg Scavenger Hunt Project for Community Service (Grades 6–12)
• Tuesday, March 25, at 4 p.m.: Tween Tuesdays: Bracelet Making (Grades 4–7)
• Thursday, March 27, at 7 p.m.: Friendship Bracelets for Community Service (Grades 6–12)
Registration begins Tuesday, March 25, at 10 a.m. online at https://gardencitypl.libcal.com for the following programs:
• Monday, April 7, at 3:30 p.m.: Inclusive Storytime Adventure Volunteering (Grades 9–12)
Registration begins Tuesday, April 1, at 10 a.m. online at https://gardencitypl. libcal.com for the following programs:
• Tuesday, April 8, at 4 p.m.: Teen Advisory Board (Grades 6–12)
• Wednesday, April 9, at 5:30 p.m.: Perler Bead Art for
Teens went on an adventure at the monthly Tweens and Teens Dungeons and Dragons program, which was held Friday, February 27, at the Library. This teenled program has tweens and teens in Grades 6–12 run Dungeons and Dragons campaigns for their peers while enjoying snacks and drinks. The next Dungeons and Dragons will be held Thursday, April 24, at 4 p.m. Registration will begin Tuesday, April 15, at 10 a.m. online at https://gardencitypl.libcal.com.
Community Service (Grades 6–12)
• Thursday, April 10, at 4 p.m.: Tweens and Teens Yarn Group (Grades 4–12)
• Friday, April 11, at 3:30 p.m.: Teen Crafternoon: Egg Painting for Community Service (Grades 6–12)
• Saturday, April 12, at 3 p.m.: Teen STEAM Workshop: Recycle Challenge with Chris Buchman (Grades 6–12)
Registration begins Tuesday, April 8, at 10 a.m. online at https://gardencitypl. libcal.com for the following programs:
• Tuesday, April 8–Thursday, April 17: Ornaments for Community Service (Grades 6–12)
• Wednesday, April 16, at 7 p.m.: Teen Craft Night (Grades 6–12)
• Thursday, April 17, at 4 p.m.: Teen Creative Hour (Grades 6–12)
• Friday, April 18, at 3:30 p.m.: Teen Gamers (Grades 6–12)
Looking to volunteer? Check out some of our ongoing take-home com-
munity service opportunities for tweens and teens in Grades 6–12. Please check at the Library for more information on each of these opportunities; all volunteer projects should be submitted at the Library with a Volunteer Form, which can be found outside the Tweens and Teens Room.
• Ongoing: Kindness Cards for Community Service - No registration required. Up to 10 cards can be submitted per volunteer monthly.
• Ongoing to Wednesday, April 23: Tweens & Teens Art & Poetry Showcase for Community Service - No registration required. Up to three pieces of art and three poems can be submitted per volunteer.
• Ongoing to Wednesday, April 30: Poetry for Community Service - No registration required. Up to five poems can be submitted per volunteer.
• Ongoing to Monday, May 5: Around the World Recipe Cards for Community Service - No registration required. Up to five recipe cards can be submitted per volunteer.
Graduated from school? Have an outstanding GPA? Made the honor roll or Dean’s List? Scored an internship or study abroad opportunity? We invite you to send details of any of these things and more, along with your name and contact info, to editor@gcnews.com for a chance to be seen in our paper!
On Wednesday, March 19 at 4:00 p.m., The STEAM Club will meet.
These programs are for children ages birth through Grade 5. Registration is required. Visit https://www.gardencitypl.org to view our Events on LIBCAL for registration forms for the month of March 2025.
• Saturday, March 15, at 10:00 a.m.: Baby and Toddler Storytime
• Saturday, March 15, at 11:00 a.m.: Budding Bookworms
• Monday, March 17, at 10:30 a.m.: Toddler Storytime (18 Months to 3 Years)
• Monday, March 17, at 1:30 p.m.: Little Listeners Storytime (Ages 3–5)
• Tuesday, March 18, at 3:30 p.m.: Matters of the HeART (Ages 2–5)
• Wednesday, March 19, at 3:30 p.m.: Mixed-Age Storytime
• Wednesday, March 19, at 4:00 p.m.: STEAM Club (Grades K–2)
On Wednesday, March 18, at 3:30 p.m., Matters of the HeART will return.
• Wednesday, March 19, at 6:00 p.m.: Nighttime Storytime
Check this paper each week for fun and informative all-ages activities, like classes, lectures, concerts, movie screenings, and more, all for free or cheap!
• Thursday, March 20, at 11:30 a.m.: Tiny Tots Storytime
• Thursday, March 20, at 7:00 p.m.: Pajama Storytime
• Friday, March 21, at 10:00 a.m.: Baby and Toddler Storytime
• Friday, March 21, at 11:00 a.m.: Budding Bookworms
• Saturday, March 22, at 10:00 a.m.: Play Hooray
• Monday, March 24, at 10:30 a.m.: Toddler Storytime (18 Months to 3 Years)
• Monday, March 24, at 1:30 p.m.: Little Listeners Storytime (Ages 3–5 )
• Monday, March 24, at 3:30 p.m.: Mixed-Age Storytime
• Tuesday, March 25, at 10:30 a.m.: Mother Goose Storytime (Birth to 17 Months, Non-Walkers)
• Tuesday, March 25, at 11:30 a.m.: Preschool Storytime (3 Years to 5, Not in Kindergarten)
• Tuesday, March 25, at 4:00 p.m.: Tween Tuesdays Bracelet Making
• Wednesday, March 26, at 4:00 p.m.: STEAM Club (Grades K–2)
• Thursday, March 27, at 7:00 p.m.: Pajama Storytime
• Monday, March 31, at 10:30 a.m.: Toddler Storytime (18 Months to 3 Years)
• Monday, March 31, at 1:30 p.m.: Little Listeners Storytime (Ages 3–5 )
It is Library policy that all children under age 11 must be accompanied by a parent or designated responsible person while in the Library. Also, if the young child is attending a Library program, we require the parent or designated responsible person to remain in the Library throughout the program and meet the child upon completion of the program.
Monday Movies
Monday Movies presented by the Friends of the Garden City Library at 1:30 p.m.: March 2025
3/17/25 - “Once”, 85 mins, 2006 3/24/25 - “Wicked”, 160 mins, 2024 3/31/25 - “Enchanted April”, 90 mins, 1992
Below is our schedule for Adult Services. More programs and information will be available soon.
Mah-Jongg
Thursday, March 27, Saturday, March 29 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Large Meeting Room
To register, please register online at LibCal at https://gardencitypl.libcal.com/ . For additional information contact Adult Services at (516) 742-8405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@ gardencitypl.org.
Yoga with Kimberly Tuesdays, March 18, March 25, April 1, April 8; 7 p.m.–8 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room
Kimberly Mercadante is back with her popular Yoga Series! Join her for a Yoga Class for beginners and more.
All are welcome! This is a series of eight classes continuing through April.. To register, please register online at gardencitypl.org. For additional information contact Adult Services at (516) 742-8405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@gardencitypl.org.
This program is funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.
James Hawkins Presents Stories and Songs of Ireland! Friday, March 14, from 1–2:30 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room
“A History of the Irish Storytelling Tradition” is a discussion and performance of storytelling “types” (for example: religious, myth, legend etc.) as they relate to Irish stories, their origins and development. Please join us as we celebrate Ireland at the library!
To register, please register online on LibCal at https://gardencitypl.libcal.com/. For additional information contact Adult Services at (516)742-8405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@ gardencitypl.org.
Museum Pass Information
Print From Home for Some Passes!
Through the generosity of the Friends of the Garden City Public
Library, the Library offers free passes to select museums and cultural institutions. You can make a reservation to borrow a Museum Pass from one of the member institutions in our Museum Pass Program.
Some museum passes are now available to print from home. If you do not have access to a printer, the library will be happy to print the pass for you. These passes will be good for one day only.
Please note that not all museums participate. Passes for the following museums still need to be picked up at the Library: 9/11 Memorial & Museum, NYC (2 adults & 2 children); Empire Pass, Long Island Children’s Museum, Garden City (2 adults & 2 children); MoMA (the Museum of Modern Art), NYC (5 visitors) and Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Old Bethpage.
The following Library Museum Pass rules remain in effect.
Museum passes are available only to Garden City Public Library cardholders in good standing who have signed the Museum Pass User Agreement. Museum passes may be reserved in advance and must be checked out by an adult (18 years and older) family member.
Reservations will be taken up to one month in advance of the desired date, subject to availability on a first-
The film “Once” will be shown on Monday, March 17, at the Garden City Public Library.
come, first-served basis. Reservations can be done in person at the Reference Desk or over the phone at 516-742-8405 x5236.
Additional rules and information are available at the library.
Garden City students participated in World Read Aloud Day.
On Feb. 5, Garden City Public Schools came together to celebrate World Read Aloud Day, bringing students and educators together in a shared love for storytelling. Superintendent Dr. Sinha kicked off the day with a virtual reading of “Feeling Grateful” by Kobi Yamada, setting the tone for a day filled with literacy-rich experiences.
Throughout the district, students participated in a variety of activities that highlighted the magic of reading aloud. Younger and older students paired up to read together, authors shared their stories virtually, and students reflected on their experiences through writing and creative projects like bookmark making. A special highlight was middle and
Middle and highschool students recorded virtual read-alouds for primary and elementary students.
high school students recording virtual read-alouds, which were compiled into choice boards for primary and elementary students to enjoy.
“It's always special to see our district come together in celebration of the joy of reading,” said Director of Literacy K-12 Lauren Kaufman. “These moments foster a love of literature and build con-
nections across grade levels.”
While reading is celebrated daily in Garden City, World Read Aloud Day continues to be a cherished tradition that brings the learning community together in a special way.
Students paired up to read together.
Friday, March 14,
options presented as overall disposition of the property: Option A, at a cost of about $70-75 million, called adaptive re-use--preserving the entire building externally and partial interior; Option B, partial replacement, often referred to as fascadism: preserving some new and some existing architectural features-cost about $75-90 million; Option C, mothballing--cost roughly $30-40 million, which would restore only about 25% of the building’s 100,000 square feet, all of which would be on first floor, leaving the other 75% for development in the future as “Phase 2” of the re-use of the building--some interior and some exterior improvements. This extra, unfinished space is described theoretically, as equivalent to an attic in our homes. Development of this space could drag on well into late this century.
The Crux : Nowhere on the new survey is there a specific, written. choice for a fourth alternative-- Demolition. Defined--taking down the entire building and using the space for a Village park. Cost? Not provided, but probably least expensive of the other options, A, B, or C.
Why is demolition not an option for residents to choose? A logical question, but NOT disclosed or offered to survey participants. In fact, in the October 2023 Village Opinion Poll, 39% of the votes were for demolition. In my view, there is no logic for omitting this alternative. Do the Trustees fear that demolition could emerge as the receiver of most votes? This is a reasonable surmise. Options A,B, and C theoretically could divide up the other 60%. The Board has been silent on this question.
This is where my headline for the theme of this letter comes in. Stated simply, the omission of demolition is an apparent intentional act by the Board of Trustees, loaded six to two in favor of preservation--to marginalize demolition-- a logical choice for a 150-year-old structure, in dilapidated condition, that was not properly maintained during the 30+ years that Garden City has owned it.
Write-ins? A few Trustees have suggested that residents write in “demolish” on item number 8, page 3 of the upcoming survey. I ask, what would the Board do if demolition emerges as the number one or two vote-getter? At that point, they might become speechless!
A complicating factor in the St. Paul’s puzzle would be the results of the annual Village election on March 18, which will feature a new mayor, (effective in early-April) Ed Finneran, who is running unopposed and could shake things up. However, the 6-2 pro-preservation super majority would likely remain unchanged.
With four choices--Options A,B,C, plus demolition--it would be very possi-
Email: Editor@GCNews.com
ble for not one of the choices receiving a majority, i.e. 51% of the votes. Would a re-vote or tie-breaker be required? The present Board has not addressed this possible outcome--even though I and others have requested one.
In fact, I would not be surprised if a legal challenge would be brought by advocates for demolition, owing to a deception of sorts, asking how roughly 40% of voters prefer demolition, yet their vote may not count at all. The trustees may simply arbitrarily approve the outcome of their choice. Who knows?
My recommendations and conclusions:
1) The new surveys have not yet been finalized, but will be ready for mailing soon. Why not reprint the survey with a choice of (D) for demolition. 2) The Trustees should tell residents IN ADVANCE how the tabulating of the survey will be interpreted if no single choice gets a majority. 3) What about write-ins? Yes, residents have been encouraged by Trustees and others to write-in the word Demolition. Some residents will not be aware that they can do this. It would require heavy advertising, but worth it. 4) The entire survey should be delayed while Trustees consider the different options. The fact is that Garden City residents are being asked to choose uses for St. Paul’s when there are simply too many choices on the Survey. 5) For example, there are no known depictions of what facadism would look like, or cost. I find this ludicrous--voting in the dark.
Finally, after 30 years of agonizing debate, residents are seeking “finality” of the St. Paul’s nightmare. From today’s perspective, Garden City is far from an end solution to St Paul’s, including the risk of losing its precious AAA credit rating, owing to heavy debt on our Village balance sheet, and the material cost to our residents of mortgaging our futures-- for either 15 or 30 years. I recommend a vote for demolition on March 18th.
George M. Salem
P.S. The current BofT policies re the Survey, remind me of the cry of the American colonists phrase to the British: “Taxation without representation is tyranny.”
To the Editor:
Below I share my findings about St. Paul’s based on reading of the reports available on the Village Website, listening to the BOT discussions and the answers I have received from Trustee Vinny Muldoon and several other trustees.
Demolition is not listed as an option. Why? Because 39% of the respondents to the Opinion poll chose Proposal #2 (demolition). Further, after 30 years
of dealing with St. Paul’s, I concluded that this is the last opportunity to evaluate all the information available on the Website as well as the renovation costs and potential tax increases. The goal is for households to carefully examine the options for preservation. If they do not support any of the options, they will be able to clearly indicate their desire for demolition. I believe that the resolution of St. Paul’s has taken too long, and the survey provides a final opportunity for every household to conduct a careful review, assess the options and express their opinions and concerns. The information gathered will be made available when they publish the final report. I have no doubt that the process will be transparent as I believe in the moral character and integrity of all involved.
Facadism is not listed as an option. Why? After reading the Westerman report and listening to Mr. Westerman, my understanding is that Facadism is another type of adaptive reuse. It is more involved and complex. Facadism requires further analysis and approvals, including environmental approvals related to the demolition aspects, including salvage and storage. St. Paul’s would no longer receive the designation of a historical building. This process could further delay efforts to deliver recreational and community use programs to our community.
Mothballing is included. Why? As discussed in the Town Hall, mothballing is not a new idea as it has been around for centuries. It is done all over the world for different reasons with different types of properties. It is the cheapest option to preserve the building and give future generations the ability to use the building. It is almost half the cost of adaptive reuse and the survey will let the BOT know if the majority of the households wants to use this building or not. This option does several things. It preserves all the historical things that have to do with the building and preserves the monument that was built for our founder AT Stewart. It gets rid of the derelict-looking building in the middle of our village and removes the construction fence and includes minor landscaping to make it look like a beautiful building driving down Stewart Avenue. The restoration provides the ability to apply for grants given for a historical restoration of the building. This also keeps in place possible philanthropy for people who desire to preserve the building and its historical state. Further, this option allows the young people to invest less money in St. Paul’s now so they can invest additional money later.
I believe that the goal is to engage in a streamlined process that will focus on repairs and lead to a sooner finalization and delivery of programs. Further, Adaptive Reuse eliminates environmen-
tal concerns and environmental approvals concerning external demolition. If the residents were to approve Adaptive Reuse, the timeline for design, work and completion could be more easily determined. I refer residents to pages 10 and 11 of the Westerman report.
Why are ballpark figures included in the survey? Why are they not including actual costs? It is a common and acceptable industry practice to provide “ballpark” estimates as a guide for decision making before a final commitment to a project is made. Ballpark numbers are approximate estimates that guide budgets and assess feasibility to give residents a general idea of the costs of the potential projects. Once a specific project is identified, residents will know exactly what they are getting and for how much.
Ballparks provide a general sense regarding costs. They are realistic but within a range. Mr. Westerman explains this process in his presentation to the BOT on March 16, 2023 and also in the final report dated September 28, 2023.
Trustee Muldoon, in conjunction with many architects, engineers, general contractors, the St. Paul’s Advisory Committee, heads of Departments at the Village and many other professionals, worked for months to create the “ballpark” figures included in the survey. They reviewed all the engineering, architectural and design information from prior years, used the 2023 Westerman report as the basis, adjusted for missing estimates and consulted with professionals to produce a ballpark figure.
Any concerns about the ballpark figures? How can we trust the process? The Village hired Westerman Construction in 2022. This is a reputable company. The information about this company is available on the Village website ( https://www.gardencityny. net/DocumentCenter/View/438/RFPResponse-Westerman-ConstructionCo-Inc---October-12-2022-PDF. Trustee Muldoon has mentioned publicly that he believes the Westerman report was a very good report overall.
I would like to mention that there have been some comments made concerning a senior tax exemption. I spoke with several trustees, checked the Village website and listened to several BOT meetings. At this time, there is no discussion of a senior tax exemption. The St. Paul’s Committee is exploring financing options. Please take this into account when completing the survey. As tasked by Trustee Muldoon, the St. Paul’s Advisory Committee will continue to pursue every possible avenue available in regards to financing. We are blessed to have a very dedicated and hard-working advisory board.
Please make sure to obtain accurate information solely from the Village of
Garden City website, information discussed at the Board of Trustees meetings and St. Paul’s Town Halls led by BOT. Decision making should be informed by these sources.
I encourage residents to visit the Village website and become informed by documents available for St. Paul’s. I highly recommend the following:
St. Paul’s Advisory Committee https://www.gardencityny. net/DocumentCenter/View/3012/MeetThe-St-Pauls-Advisory-Committee
Draft of the St. Paul’s Survey https://www.gardencityny.net/ DocumentCenter/View/3124/St-PaulsSurvey
Reading the Westerman report with Executive Summary dated September 28, 2023 - (https://www.gardencityny. net/DocumentCenter/View/2088/ Westerman-Report-with-ExecutiveSummary-FINAL---September-28-2023PDF )
Prior Proposals for St. Paul’s Main Buildings – I recommend the videos and the documents. (https://www.gardencityny.net/449/Prior-Proposals-For-StPauls-Main-Buildi)
Listen to St. Paul’s Information Session October 3, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=DkYVtE1sXfM&t=1s
Listen to Westerman Report Discussion at BOT Meeting March 16 2023
https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=RZ8sY-cfrkE&list=PLe78UNgt7m6KYjghJjiSgwfdkd__fFGcI&index=9
St. Paul’s updates - https://www.gardencityny.net/291/A-New-Approachfor-2025
Marta Waters
Marathon meeting
To the Editor:
What was learned is watching, listening to the first Town Hall does not suffice to learn enough about what is going on with the survey. (This is not to say that what the Mayor and Trustee Torino said then is not very important. (see 2/14 GCN p.1 and 2/21 letter Town Hall recap at p..50, col. 2) . Last Saturday’s presentations were made by Bond Counsel about referendum, bonding and conduit project financing; by CMA, our financial bond advisor about bond costs and options, and our own illustrious Irene Woo about how debt financing impacts on residents’ taxes predicated on the assessed value ( not market value) of our homes.
At 2 hr. 40 min. Trustee Courtney advised home owners renting their home to advise the renter whether or not the owner wanted to fill out the survey or allow the renter to do so. Later, Trustee Muldoon and Harrington confirmed that even if conduit financing via a lease with a non profit took place the Village
Email: Editor@GCNews.com
would remain in control of the operations and management of the finished project. All well and good. It appears the consensus was conduit financing was more costly and more complicated than direct General Obligation bonding by the Village, conduit’s only advantage being that it could get 30 year financing (but with more than double the interest of 15 year financing- add about 71% to principal) without NYS legislation).
But notably at the inception of the meeting (1 thru 3 minutes) the Mayor announced Trustee Muldoon still had not turned over any information supporting his cost estimates. Trustee Muldoon started his part of the proceedings by claimed to have documentation backing up his cost estimates (which he had not produced during the first presentation). He actually had to gall to criticize the Mayor for several times requesting the backup as if she was questioning his integrity. But weren’t his transparency and credibility at issue? Certainly the Mayor’s conduct was fulfilling her fiduciary responsibility to strive to share cost estimates transparently with residents which would include any documentation purportedly supportive of Trustee Muldoon’s ballpark cost estimates. Does Trustee Muldoon really understand that the Mayor has a fiduciary responsibility, as do all the Trustees? Trustee Muldoon refused to supply basic supporting data to both the Mayor and all residents. Did Trustee Muldoon withhold the information from the Mayor because the Mayor, in good faith, does not support the 6 Trustee survey version which dramatically deviates from BCI recommendations and contains his “mothball” idea which was never part of the Oct. Poll?
During the Q & A part of the session (2 hr. 57 thru 3hr. 01 min.) when asked by this writer at this recent Town Hall about his failure to provide any documentation to the Mayor, and residents Trustee Muldoon said he had invited me to his office presumably to discuss the supportive information. I never got such an invite to go to West Hempstead to meet with him for this purpose. He had in the past offered me an invite around the time another resident took up his offer. I declined and will continue to decline any special meeting with any Board member. While there is certainly nothing intrinsically wrong with any two residents meeting or dining together, I am more interested in transparency to all than an making a pilgrimage to West Hempstead. As I said during the Town Hall in my view all residents are entitled to transparency not just one person obtaining an audience with a Trustee especially on St Paul’s, an issue of importance to all residents. How did the meeting between Trustee Muldoon and another resident provide any transparency whatsoever to the
other 2,2000 residents of the Village? Were documents shown not available to other residents? Had I accepted Trustee Muldoon’s invite what documentation would he have shared with me? And what if the Mayor came with me? What then?
What kind of precedent does Trustee Muldoon’s conduct set, with an arbitrary method of doling out information? The point is the information should have been disclosed at the first Town Hall and provided to the Mayor and the entire Board. It should have been disclosed to residents so they could better understand the Town Hall presentations. Why have such info hidden from the Mayor? Are residents just supposed to respond to a survey with cost numbers with zero back up data to read for themselves? This problem is yet another compelling reason all residents should sign the Open Letter demanding facade and demolition be restored to the survey, (see p. 29 ad last week GCN)!
Hopefully, after the meeting Trustee Muldoon shared his information with the Mayor but as of the submission of this letter at 23:00 on Tues. Mar. 11, the information, if any, was not posted on the VGC website. Then at 3PM , Wednesday, Trustee Muldoon made an offer, by email, to myself and George Salem to come to his office for discussion. My point remains the documentation should be posted on the village website regardless of whether I or anyone else gets a private audience with Trustee Muldoon. While Trustee Muldoon offered to show his documents to residents at the meeting (and maybe the Mayor?) remaining after a nearly 3.5 hour meeting this just adds to the lack of true transparency- what good would that do those on zoom, the many who had left already and those who intended to view the meeting later on via VGC web link. I can’t say if Mr. Salem is comfortable with the invitation but my position remains any keep away game from all residents must stop.
S. G. Gorray
To the Editor:
Last Saturday I attended the 6 trustee’s presentation on the costs of St. Paul’s. It was very well attended. I had anticipated that they would answer the three main questions about St. Paul’s which are: the cost of adaptive reuse; the cost of preserving the façade, etc.; and the cost of demolition. Trustee Muldoon spoke for almost an hour, but he never said a word about the cost of demolition, which many residents favor.
In summary, it was pointed out that by keeping the building, the average homeowner’s taxes would go up approximately $1,300 a year or about a 1/3 increase over what they are today. That was based on the approximate
cost of $75,000,000, which could go higher. Even though it was omitted from the formal presentation, I learned later from one of the trustees that the cost of demolition and redevelopment would be approximately $15,000,000.
It was also pointed out by one of the bond experts that if the building is not demolished, operating costs would continue for the life of the building at a rate of $1,000,000 a year.
These facts should be considered when residents vote on a binding referendum.
John Pittoni. Esq
For the past 30 years, I have lived in Garden City. I raised my family, (wife and four kids) put food on the table and a roof over their heads by managing teams of professionals that have built complex, major commercial construction projects in the tri state area (for 37 years). Never have I seen a project more suited to go sideways in a hurry than any at St. Paul’s other than demolition. Demolition puts an end once and for all to the hemorrhaging of money and will let the Board of Trustees focus on real problems that will benefit all residents. I’ve been inside St. Paul’s often. I’ve overseen stabilization work on the building. I agree, as derelict as it appears, overall it is structurally sound. But just because it appears doable, does not mean we should do it. It has been a colossal distraction for the village for thirty years. Again, demolition is the only way to end the distraction for once and for all and let our great Board of Trustees focus on real problems that will make GC better.
Firstly. The single most important factor is that you can not cite a government construction project that finished even close to on time and on budget. A project like this could crush this village and anyone who touches it. There are sophisticated construction management firms that would lose their shirts on a project such as this.
The only way this gets done with any modicum of success is with a fully designed set of documents (which is next to impossible due to all of the unknown conditions) and lump sum hard bids by general contractors who put up payment and performance bonds. The problem there is the low bidder will likely fall on his face, and the correct number will be double whatever you’ve seen thus far. In order to provide a hard bid, a responsible GC will plan for every eventuality to protect themselves.
The alternative is to hire a pure construction manager where the budget will start wherever you want it to and each and every change will be paid for by the village through the nose. Death
See page 46
Friday, March 14, 2025
by a thousand cuts. Either way, the numbers you have seen can easily double. The proposed uses and ballparks don’t include operation and maintenance costs.
Secondly, there is no need. Preservationists are shoehorning uses in a building not nearly suited for them under the guise of we need STEM, we need coffee shops, we need this or that. We have it all elsewhere. We do not need St Paul’s. Preservationists WANT St Paul’s. Big difference.
Walter Beal
To the Editor:
There are two important elections coming up in our village.The first vote is for mayor and three trustees on Tuesday, March 18th.
I cannot vote for Trustee Ed Finneran who is running unopposed for mayor because he has refused to list demolition as one of the options on the St Paul’s Survey. I say this regretfully because Finneran has been eloquent speaking out publicly on the dangers of the Sands Casino.
On the ballot I will write-in Donald MacLeod’s name for mayor. Mr. MacLeod is smart, knowledgeable about village matters and will ensure that all village business is above-board.
The second vote is the St Paul’s Survey that the village will mail to every household, probably in April or May. My wife and I are voting for Option B, Partial Replacement, which will restore a significant portion of the exterior and interior of St Paul’s School.
According to financial experts hired by the village, the potential tax increase on a 15-year bond on a home worth between $1 million to $1.5 million is about $1280, which is more than reasonable to save this architectural gem.
The fly in the ointment is the cost of construction overruns. By 2017, only one year after the grand reopening of the Senior Center, our village had spent more than 3.5 times the original budget of $630,00, according to Bob Orosz. Unfortunately, the Senior Center didn’t have Trustee Vincent Muldoon as their construction manager. Muldoon’s skill, experience and passion for St Paul’s will ensure that the construction costs stay within the budget.
If it fits with your political and architectural values and principles, I hope you will consider joining me in writing-in Donald MacLeod’s name for mayor on your ballot on election day, Tuesday, March 18th. And I hope you will also join me in voting for Option B, Partial Replacement, when you receive the St Paul’s Survey in the mail sometime in the near future.
Leo Stimmler
Email: Editor@GCNews.com
To the Editor:
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Michelle Harrington for over 25 yrs. She always demonstrates exceptional people skills, is a great team player and always a pleasure to be around. I believe her to be a fabulous asset as GC Village Trustee and will make good choices for our town.
Donna M . Ceriano
To the Editor:
Ed Finneran and I worked together as institutional salespeople at Merrill Lynch for 10 years in the 1990’s. During that time, I learned to rely on Ed for advice not only about my job but also about my life. His calm demeanor and personal warmth ingratiated him not only with our colleagues but with our clients. His sharp intellect, humility and personal integrity is something I willl always admire and makes me proud to call him one of my dearest friends.
As a Garden City trustee for the past 2 years - during which time Ed has been working to find a solution for St. Paul’s and he has passionately opposed casino development at the Nassau Coliseum site - and as a former assistant Bronx District Attorney, Ed has a record of public service. It didn’t surprise me when he informed me a few months ago that he was contemplating running for Mayor of Garden City. Retired and enjoying his retirement with his lovely wife, Mary, Ed wasn’t deterred by the unpaid nature of the demanding job of being Mayor of a relatively large suburban town. He loves the town, brought up his four boys with Mary there, and believes he can help address some of the thorny issues confronting it.
I can’t think of anyone better qualified to become Mayor of G.C.. Ed’s interpersonal skills and sharp mind will serve him well in negotiating with adversaries and allies alike; there are few people who could bring people together as well as Ed on divisive issues. Ed will make Garden City a better place to live, and I believe G.C. residents will be fortunate to have him as their Mayor.
Richard Reubenstone
To the Editor:
Get out the vote! While this year the candidates are running unopposed (officially) it is important to go to the polls and bubble in the selections for CAP candidates Trustee Ed Finneran for Mayor, Trustee Michele Beach Harrington who is running for re-election and Estates resident Rich Catalano and Central resident Yvonne Varano both of whom are seeking their first term on the Board of Trustees.
Steve Ilardi
With the election now just days away, I want to spotlight a candidate truly deserving of your vote for Village Trustee - Rich Catalano. A dedicated resident of over 25 years, devoted husband, and father of three, Rich has always put Garden City first. His leadership as Co-President of the Estates POA and a founding member of the Say NO to the Casino Civic Association underscores his unwavering commitment to preserving our quality of life and safeguarding home values.
With over 40 years of finance experience, including his role as an audit partner at KPMG and his current position as EVP & CFO of a Long Island public company, Rich brings unparalleled financial expertise to the Trustee position. He has also served on multiple boards, including the Farmingdale College Foundation and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s DNA Learning Center, demonstrating his ability to lead with integrity and transparency.
As Trustee, some of Rich’s goals for the Village will include:
• Continuing the fight to stop the Nassau Hub casino and preserving our community’s character
• Developing an affordable, community-backed solution for St. Paul’s
• Ensuring sound financial management while maintaining high-quality village services
• Improving traffic safety, public spaces, and recreational facilities
• Enhancing our library, senior center, and village aesthetics, including landscaping, 7th Street beautification, and senior center upkeep
I have known Rich for years, and one thing is certain - he listens, he collaborates, and he gets things done. He’ll make sure every resident, especially young families, has a voice in shaping the future of our village.
On March 18th, please consider voting for Rich Catalano for Village Trustee.
Michael Daab
To the Editor:
We have known Michele Harrington for years and in our opinion, she has done a very effective job as Trustee over the last two years. Michele, who is running for a second term as a Trustee from the Estates, brings a wealth of experience to her candidacy for Trustee.
As a long term resident of Garden City, Michele has generously volunteered her services and time in a myriad of positions on civic and athletic organizations as well as Village committees representing the interests of the residents of Garden City. She has demonstrated her love of and commitment to the Village and its residents in each
of these positions and has worked collaboratively with others to achieve the best solutions for the issues. Michele has proven her knowledge of the issues, her leadership and initiative skills, and very importantly, her ability to act independently. She has shown that she takes her fiduciary responsibility seriously and will act in the best interests of the residents in all her votes!
We also endorse the other members of the CAP team, Ed Finneran for Mayor, and Rich Catalano and Yvonne Varano for Trustees. Each of these candidates has a long and impactful record of volunteering in various positions in the Village! We are happy to be able to vote for candidates with this caliber of experience and such a strong record of volunteering and we would strongly encourage fellow residents to support them as well in the upcoming BOT election!
Kate & Karl Schmidt
To the Editor:
I am writing in enthusiastic support of Michele Harrington in her second term on the Garden City Board of Trustees. Michele has demonstrated her commitment to fostering meaningful communication between the village, residents and local business owners, ensuring that all sides are heard and addressed.
As head of the Finance Committee, Michele has been a prudent steward of our village budget. Her thorough analytical skills, combined with her commitment to environmental issues such as water conservation and lead pipe remediation make her a valuable asset to our BOT.
Her dedication and goal toward Garden City’s consistent sustainable growth makes her the ideal candidate to continue this important work. I encourage my fellow residents to support Michele Harrington in this election.
Rene Blair
To the Editor:
I have know Ed for over 25 years, first as a fellow commuter and later as directors of the CPOA. On our daily commutes we would discuss village matters and it was immediately clear how much knew about, cared about, and loved Garden City. I learned a great deal from Ed and grew to respect his thorough pragmatic analysis and rock solid good character and judgement. I trust Ed. His resume speaks for itself from his Georgetown education to his experience as an attorney, and later financial markets career. Ed has intellectual curiosity and is dogged in his pursuit of data, facts, and realistic opportunities.
Ed Finnegan is a consensus build-
er, a good listener and a thoughtful decision maker. I saw this as a CPOA director along with Ed and especially when he served as President. Residents could always count on Ed to give everyone a chance to express their viewpoints. Residents village wide recognized his strengths and elected him as an independent candidate for Trustee. Serving as Traffic Commission Chair he continuously seeks resident input in discussions about all neighborhoods from First Street, to the Mott section, to Clinton Avenue, etc. It was clear that Ed could be an excellent Mayor. That time is now. Ed is a good man, a good leader, and good Trustee. Let’s make him our next mayor on Tuesday, March 18th, 2025.
Peter T. Clarke
To the Editor:
I am writing this letter in support of Michelle Harrington and Ed Finneran, and co. I am so impressed with their level of commitment to keeping this village as wonderful as it has always been. I have lived in Garden City for 61 of my 73 years, and I appreciate all they have done and will continue to do.
Elizabeth LeSueur
To the Editor:
Michele Harrington is a life-long Garden City resident and has given a tremendous amount of time and dedication to our Village. She has been integral to many volunteer organizations in our town including: Wintrop Hospital, American Cancer Society, Garden City Historical Society, Estates Property Owner’s Assoc. and most recently has served as Village Trustee. To each of these roles she has brought professional financial acumen, fresh ideas, a welcoming and inclusive attitude and a passion for our community. She is one of the most kind, ethical, and productive women I know, and I believe that our Village has never needed her contributions more! I strongly urge everyone who desires smart, effective, inclusive, transparent Village government to come out on March 18th and vote for Michele Harrington!
Rachel Cashwell
To the Editor:
I write to strongly support the candidacy of Ed Finneran for Mayor.
I have known Ed for four decades. His character, capability and life long commitment to public service (going back to his college days) make him an outstanding choice to serve the residents of Garden City. I hope you will join me in voting for Ed.
Bob Gage
Email: Editor@GCNews.com
To the Editor:
I wholeheartedly endorse the reelection of Michele Harrington as Village Trustee. She brings the highest level of professionalism and respect for our neighbors. Michele is a life-long resident who raised her family here and cares deeply about the future of our Village. She has been a leader and a dedicated neighbor over the years through coaching Centennials, teaching religious education at St. Joseph’s, and devoting countless hours volunteering for civic organizations like Twigs, the American Cancer Society, the Estates Property Owners Association, and now the Village Board. At the same time, she has had a highly successful and distinguished professional career.
Michelle provides the professional experience, leadership and character we need to represent our Village. I urge my fellow neighbors to vote for Michele Harrington for Trustee on Tuesday, March 18th.
Maryanne Reilly
To the Editor:
Our community thrives because of dedicated individuals who volunteer their time, energy, and expertise to ensure that our neighborhood remains a great place to live. With the upcoming Board of Trustees election on March 18th, we have the opportunity to elect representatives who genuinely care about our community and work tirelessly for its well-being.
The volunteers running for the Board of Trustees are experienced, compassionate, and dedicated to addressing real community concerns. They are people who have already demonstrated their commitment—whether by organizing events, improving communication, advocating for residents, or working to resolve disputes in a fair and constructive manner.
Your Village Board of Trustee Candidates are Edward T. Finneran (Mayor), Michele Beach Harrington, Richard Catalano and Yvonne Varano. Village Justice, Allen S. Mathers, is running for re-election as well!
Please vote. It matters.
June Michalak
To the Editor:
The fate of St. Paul’s consumes much of our village’s civic energy, but it’s an issue that we control internally. The potential for an enormous casino-resort on our eastern border is a threat to our local economy and our quality of life that we cannot control, but over which our village can have a strong influence.
That’s why we support Rich Catalano for Trustee and Ed Finneran for Mayor.
Rich’s leadership of the “Say NO to the Casino Civic Association” has been essential to developing the group’s messaging and reach and a big reason that the movement is gaining traction. One only has to hear Rich speak - something he’s done at hearings and before the County Legislature numerous times - to be impressed by his ability to powerfully communicate the facts about why this project is such an awful idea.
We observed Ed Finneran’s steadfast support of the anti-casino movement even before he became a Trustee, appearing on News 12 and speaking at the first SEQRA hearing last January and at the County Legislature since. Though our Trustees are unified in opposition to the casino project - and we thank them for that - we’ve singled Ed out for joining Mayor Flanagan and Trustees Chester and Courtney in voting to take legal action against the 42-year operating lease granted to LV Sands by the County.
While some debated the utility of the filing, we feel strongly that actions speak louder than words, and the Village putting resources to this fight is sending a powerful message. The voice of our village will only be heard if we use it; Rich and Ed have shown that they’ll keep the pressure on, and we will support them with our votes on Election Day.
Lynn Krug George Krug Monica Keily
To the Editor,
I am honored to express my support for Rich Catalano as Garden City Village Trustee.
Rich is a founding member of the Say NO to the Casino Civic Association. As such he has worked intelligently and tirelessly to fight the development of the proposed casino at the Nassau Hub. He recognized early on that this is a fight worth fighting and I thank him and all the members of Say NO for their efforts.
Rich is also a CPA with extensive and relevant work experience. He will bring fiscal responsibility to our Village, while not losing sight of the things that make Garden City a wonderful place to live.
As Treasurer of the Estates POA I have had the pleasure of working closely with Rich for several years. He listens to and considers competing points of view. He has the skill and temperament to work collaboratively and successfully for our village.
Please vote for Rich Catalano on March 18.
Debbie Sweeney
To the Editor:
I recently became aware that my friend Rich Catalano is running for
Trustee, and I am delighted to offer my endorsement and support of him and his candidacy. Here’s why:
During my tenure as a WPOA Board member, I had gotten to know Rich at our various events and found him to be an extremely decent person who cares deeply about Garden City. Involved for quite some time with the Estates POA and as a founding member of the Say NO to the Casino Civic Association, Rich Catalano has proven that his zeal and love for Garden City is more than just lip service. Those who serve on the POA boards put in an effort that is far greater than most residents are aware (I know this first-hand as a WPOA Board member). On top of that, he has been a major voice for Say NO to the Casino, which is attempting to save the Village from the harmful consequences that placing a casino near schools would bring.
I had been a resident of the Village for more than 31 years, and although I am no longer there, I care deeply about my friends and neighbors in Garden City. Village Trustees are positions that need to be filled by good, qualified people in order to assure the Village government successfully serves its residents. That’s why I urge you to consider voting for Rich Catalano on Tuesday, March 18th. Bill Cuomo
To the Editor:
For better or for worse, politics arrived in our village fast and furiously in 2021. As a result, voting in our village elections has become more important than ever. I encourage all residents to get out and vote on March 18th for a set of candidates who share a desire to help keep the village of Garden City an amazing place to live, work, and raise a family. Ed Finneran and Michele Harrington have a proven record of integrity and hard work as trustees over the last several years. Yvonne Varano and Rich Catalano are both long-term residents looking to give back to the community and will hopefully be given the opportunity to join the team of hard-working trustees.
Please get out and vote on March 18th for Ed Finneran (Mayor), Michele Harrington, Rich Catalano, and Yvonne Varano (Trustees)
Eric Breusch
To the Editor:
The forces at work against our village are many and unrelenting. They come from sources big and small. From large casino operators and the governor’s office in Albany to local bullies who spew misinformation on social media. All of them threaten to erode See page 48
our quality of life here in Garden City.
That’s why I’m voting – and I encourage all residents to vote – for Ed Finneran for Mayor and Michele Harrington, Rich Catalano, and Yvonne Varano for Village Trustee. Each has deep roots here in Garden City, a long history of serving village residents, and leads with integrity. We need fighters who are ready to take on the challenges facing our village. This is that team.
Vote Finneran, Harrington, Catalano and Varano on March 18th.
Paul Dircks
To the Editor:
A letter in support of Yvonne, Ed, Michelle and Rich:
We are very lucky to have this fantastic slate of candidates running for Mayor and Trustees and we urge everyone to get out to vote for them on March 18th from 12 noon to 9 pm at the St Paul’s Field House.
I worked with Yvonne for several years on PTA and know firsthand that she is a great worker, a great listener and a gifted problem solver! She will always be available to help. She will always listen carefully, and she will value your opinions and listen to your concerns. Her candidacy is a big win for our village.
We admire Rich and all the work that he has done on behalf of Garden City as founding member of Say No to the Casino. As far as we are concerned, he is exactly the type of person that we look for to lead our village. Someone that puts the needs of our village in the forefront. Someone who looks at the big picture, dissects it, and says- ok, this is how I can make a difference. We applaud all the volunteerism over your 25-year period in Garden City. You have made a difference already!
Finally, Ed and Michelle, we have known you for a long time and look up to both of you. You are model citizens and fine leaders. You both listen to residents; you are approachable and extremely hard working. We look forward to watching you continue your work on the Board.
In closing, we are excited to see this Board continue all the great work they have started. It is a fantastic group with a very strong work ethic and endless energy. Garden City will certainly benefit!
Vinny and Dina Muldoon
To the Editor:
Voting is important whether or not there is a contested election. This year’s candidates for Village mayor and trustees are running formally unopposed on the Community Agreement
Email: Editor@GCNews.com
line but your vote on March 18 will give them a good indication that residents appreciate the incredible amount of time and effort they put in representing our interests, whether it be opposition to the Sands Casino, what to do about St. Paul’s (whatever your view), or the many issues, individual and village-wide, that affect residents. Participation in government by voting is perhaps the most important way to combat misinformation in today’s social media world. Thank you to current Trustee and Mayoral candidate Ed Finneran, current Trustee Michele Harrington, and residents Richard Catalano and Yvonne Varano, all running for two-year Trustee positions. Please show your support for them by voting on Tuesday, March 18, at the St. Paul’s Field House between 12 noon and 9 pm.
Christine Mullaney
To the Editor:
I am very pleased that Rich Catalano is running for Trustee this year. Rich is a long-time resident with outstanding community involvement and a highly successful and distinguished professional career. He is one of the founding members of the Say NO to the Casino Civic Association and Co-President of the Estates POA where he exhibits the respectful demeanor and strong commitment needed to properly address Village issues. As a member of the Environmental Board, I have found Rich to be a valuable asset in helping residents better understand the concerns regarding lead service lines in our Village.
Rich will bring the appropriate character, leadership and the professional experience we need for the Village Board so I urge you to vote for Rich Catalano for Trustee on Tuesday, March 18th.
John Reilly
To the Editor:
We are writing this in support of our long time friend Michele Harrington, who is running for re-election for Village Trustee.
We have known Michele for over 30 years. Our families share many happy memories growing up together in this wonderful village. Over the years, we have witnessed that In addition to holding a highly successful position in finance, raising three active children, and running various sports associations within the village, Michele has maintained a strong commitment to Garden City Village affairs. She has dedicated her time and knowledge to serve this community for as long as we can remember. Her knowledge, experience and dedication has remained consistent
over several decades and that experience is a valuable asset in our current environment.
Michele is an intelligent professional with a big heart and a strong drive to get things done. She has a passion and dedication to serving this community for the greater good. We are fortunate to have her working for us . We urge you to cast your vote in support of her efforts to continue on her path of service to this community.
Maggie and Bob Johansen
To the Editor:
I am proud to endorse the Community Agreement candidates for board of trustees and mayor positions. They are a dedicated and experienced group who truly understands the needs of our community. Their commitment to working together to create the bright future we deserve is admirable and exciting as a resident.
As a young parent, I appreciate that this team will work tirelessly to ensure that all voices and circumstances are considered in their decision making. They will bring fresh ideas, thoughtful leadership, and a deep sense of responsibility to the village.
I encourage you to join me in voting for the candidates of the Community Agreement Party on March 18.
Sam Amato
To the Editor:
I am writing in support of Ed Finneran for Mayor. Having known Ed for more than 25 years I can say with confidence that Ed has the ethics and abilities to serve the Village well. My relationship with Ed has been both personal and professional over the years. His reputation in both has been exemplary and you would be hard pressed to find anyone who doesn’t respect Ed’s character.
He has already demonstrated his commitment to serve this Village over the last few years, most recently as a Trustee. I have spent a lot of time talking with Ed about the issues that are important to this Village and I assure you that his priority is getting to the right place for us through transparency and collaboration. His experience in financial services and as a lawyer will prove valuable in a job that requires negotiation and consensus building.
We will be lucky to have him working for us to solve the issues that we face today and I hope you will join me in voting for Ed as our next Mayor.
Tom Luglio
To the Editor:
I urge you to vote at the Village-wide
election next Tuesday, April 18, at 12 noon – 9 p.m. at St Pauls’ Field House, for Community Agreement (CAP) candidates Ed Finneran to fill position of mayor along with Rich Catalano, Michele Beach Harrington and Yvonne Varano to fill positions as trustees for upcoming terms.
As one who has attended most all board of trustee’s meetings for the past 52 years, I have watched and listened to a lot of Village ins/outs/ ups and downs since 1973 when for a spell, I covered trustee meetings for the Garden City News.
This past term, with the addition of Trustees Judy Courtney, Ed Finneran, Trustee Jessica Tai, Bruce Torino (again) and Vinny Muldoon, I’ve watched the current full board address budget issues; the St. Pauls status; traffic and safety concerns; water and ecumenical issues; both civic and commercial beautification concerns along with other issues as they have arisen – all most efficiently and productively.
Next Tuesday, we have the opportunity to vote for current Trustee Ed Finneran as mayor along with Michele Beach Harrington for an additional term as trustee – both of whom have demonstrated efficient service on various commissions and in capacities throughout this past term. Michele grew up here. (I even had the pleasure of working with her mom, Florence Beach through the POAs many years ago!)
Plus, both new trustee candidates Rich Catalano and Yvonne Varano have had decades of experience in the financial fields and have been civically involved for many years – Yvonne for decades. Rich should be commended for his dedicated effort to defeat the threat of the proposed casino to our east. And in fact, I had the pleasure of working with Yvonne Varano, past president of the Garden City PTA, and other civic involvements, on a Garden City School District Committee for 10 years and I saw her jump up to serve many tasks on that committee throughout those years. Please folks, join me in voting in Garden City’s general election next Tuesday for these remarkable candidates: Ed Finneran for mayor along with Rich Catalano, Michele Beach Harrington and Yvonne Varano for trustees.
Althea Robinson
To the Editor:
Several years ago, my wife and I were privileged to visit Normandy, specifically Colleville –sur-Mer, the location of a World War II memorial better known to many as The American Cemetery at Normandy. There, are located 9,389 graves of known and 1,557 American soldiers missing in action. During the tour our guide asked all veterans in
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the group to step forward. Many did, and what followed was playing of taps as a sign of respect and tribute to their sacrifice in the effort to halt Adolf Hitler from the complete destruction of the European continent. There are other Cemetaries around the world that contain the graves of our American Armed Forces who fought to preserve freedom, including those located on Long Island: Calvary and Pinelawn.
This visit to Normandy was personal to me as my father fought in WW II, and landed at Utah Beach, and managed to survive. When I am able, I always try to attend the local memorial tributes to our deceased veterans who fought and died for our country in all wars. All our Armed Forces Veterans living and deceased command not only our respect, but also deserve to receive honorable treatment, and opportunities to continue to contribute to the health and wellbeing for as long as they wish.
It is with extreme distress and revulsion that some politicians and non-elected officials feel that all of those who signed up to protect our country from our well-known enemies, are now viewed as wasteful, inefficient, and losers. Those elected officials who attend ceremonial services honoring our veterans and who do not stand up to those politicians do not deserve to speak at such services.
All veterans who, under the direction of an individual who was not born in America, should not be terminated if they are in the current employment of the US Government.
God Bless all those who fought for our freedom. Now we must stand up and fight on their behalf for our respect of their bravery and dignity.
Matthew R. Cody
To the Editor:
Sadly, all of the Democrats in the Senate (lead by Schumer and Gillibrand) voted against protecting women and girls in sports. It is truly remarkable how nonsensical they have become, not one Democrat could find it in their heart to support women and girls, they can parade out in all the pink out-
fits they want it will not change what their actions have told the electorate.
Laura Gillen, our House representative has also voted against the legislation to support women and girls in sports. Given that her district is leaning more Moderate/Conservative she is setting herself up to serve only one term. Believe me I will remind all the voters how you have voted during your term.
The pathetic show that the Democrats performed during the Joint Session of Congress on Tuesday was embarrassing and immature. Since most of the polls after the speech said the people were overwhelmingly pleased with what Trump proposed with over 70% approval rate in the CBS (certainly no-Trump Fan) poll published on Wednesday.
I encourage all of you to pay attention how these people vote and remember it when it comes to elections.
Richard Hay
To the Editor:
Last week’s View From Here was spot on when it viewed with skepticism the current administration’s tariff threats and implementation. Let’s examine what tariffs have accomplished to date: higher prices of goods (including houses and autos - two fundamental parts of the American dream as well as critical cogs of our economy) and services; re-stoking inflation and fear of its companions recession/depression; increasing layoffs and higher unemployment; ill-feeling and retaliatory tariffs from our historic allies who have fought side-by-side with us for democracy; and last but not least - driving the markets into the ground which has hammered accounts designed for retirement and our children/grandchildren’s college education. It’s no wonder the recent State of the Union address had no inquiry as to how our 401K’s are doing. And we are told to grin and bear it to boot! Never before in history have so many multi-generational American families been hurt by an administration’s willful actions. And to think not even two months have passed since it was installed.
Joe Cauchi
From page 27
everything regulated so well. And we’re just seeking the opportunity like every opportunity we’ve ever grabbed – we would like to use a pool in our backyard AFTER the village pool is closed,” he explained.
Perrota said he’s hopeful the Board will reconsider the changes to ‘Pool Code’ with the local law proposed, add-
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(+4.55%) and debt services (+0.12%).
The proposed tax levy increase is currently set at 2.42%, in line with the maximum allowable increase under state regulations. Administrators attribute the majority of the increases to salaries, contractual expenses, and BOCES services. Examples of cost drivers for each category detailed in the budget presentation available under Board of Education presentations on the district site.
There are a number of capital projects that are now or will be completed during the remainder of this school year. At the high school, this includes a PA system replacement, a Merillon vestibule ceiling replacement, air conditioning in two offices, and blind replacements. At the middle school, this includes a baseball field update, fencing and gates, painted hallways, and replaced gym window operators. At Stewart School, this also includes a PA system replacement, along with auditorium lighting upgrades, refinished gym floor, and ceiling tile and lighting replacement in five classrooms. At Stratford, this includes a gym refresh (paint, wall pads, doors) and main lobby refresh (paint). All primary schools received air conditioning multi-purpose rooms. Administrative buildings received a level fuel tank replacement and tree removal.
There are also a number of capital projects in progress. At the high school, this includes boiler replacements, gym bleacher and divider curtain replacement, an athletic addition including outdoor bathrooms, a new turf field and baseball/softball infields, interior alterations, and air conditioning in the cafeteria and main gym. At the middle school, this includes air-conditioning in the cafeteria and hallway and classroom painting. At Stewart, air conditioning in the cafeteria and the addition of a south parking lot. At Stratford, this includes air-conditioning in the cafeteria. For all primary schools, this includes air-conditioned classrooms. At the bus garage, this includes cement repair and HVAC and electrical upgrades.
2026 school year total $2,300,000 million. The proposed high school projects include replacing the main turf field and netting, and upgrading the library’s air conditioning. Additional district-wide projects focus on boiler infrastructure upgrades, masonry work, technology infrastructure and server updates, and beautification efforts.
One community member raised concerns about the upcoming electric bus mandate. “We have 60 buses, and each electric bus could cost upwards of $400K …” the member said. Trustee Elizabeth Gaffney acknowledged the challenge, explaining, “It’s going to be very expensive. We’re telling them that 2027 is too soon. We recognize the challenge, and every district is in the same boat. The economics don’t make sense.” To prepare for the mandate, a survey is included in this year’s budget to assess space, capacity, and charging plans.
A teacher in a neighboring district and Garden City resident shared a general comment. “Thank the district for all you’ve done for my family over the years. I have a daughter with special needs, who you are helping to become a fully functioning adult. I also have a third grader in the district, and I’m here to say that statistics can be manipulated but my third grader had an exceptional experience here.”
All current and past budget presentations are available on the district’s website for the community to review and make the most informed decision. These can be found under Board of Education presentations on the district site. Sideby-side comparisons of the 2024-2025 budget, the proposed 2025-2026 budget, dollar changes, and percent increases can also be found there.
ing that it should not be deregulated. “There’s other ways to do this with smaller setbacks, not as large as you’re setting forth with this. We are not looking for you to change all the rules here, but for our opportunity to apply for a pool,” he said.
The mayor noted that the record on public comments for the proposed law remains open until the Board meeting on Thursday, March 20th at 7:30 p.m.
Proposed capital projects for the 2025-
The next Board of Education meeting on March 25 will cover the first portion of the instructional budget proposal, with building principals presenting on K-12 programs. On April 8, the PPS, technology, and athletics portions will be discussed. The budget adoption is scheduled for April 23, with a public budget hearing on May 13. The budget vote, accompanied by the election of two trustees on the ballot, will take place on May 20.
BY AHMED AHMED
Ever notice that one side of your body gets more tired and achy when you’re walking or doing any other activity?
Your body is designed to move similarly from the right side to the left…
And the further away it is from this balance…
The more discomfort, stiffness, and movement limitations will stop you from doing the activities you love, for as long as you want.
Now, if you want to avoid that…
Your muscles need equal levels of endurance on each side!
Think about it like this…
Every muscle in your body has a battery life.
The slower that battery drains, the more you can do without discomfort, for longer.
Picture two muscles that move your leg forward when you take a step…
You’re going for a walk…
And “Muscle A” has a smaller battery life than “Muscle B”.
When Muscle A gets tired…
One of two things will happen… Muscle A will keep going even though it’s tired.
Muscle B will try to carry Muscle A’s weight and do more work than it can handle.
Both of these scenarios lead to the same thing, pain and tightness.
This is why many people feel good at the start of their walk…
But then longer into it, they start limping!
So how do you fix this?
Follow these three steps!
1- Find the weaker side- Do single sided exercises.
You can pick a weight (not too heavy or too light) and do as many repetitions
as possible in a minute…
Or do a hold for :60-:90 seconds on each side and compare.
2- Train the weaker side- focus on building it’s endurance for 6-12 weeks.
3- Retest!
By balancing out your sides, you’ll move with total ease, and enjoy your favorite activities for longer without nagging aches and pains.
Remember exercise is key to lifelong strength and independence. Try these tips today!Ahmed Ahmed is the owner of Lotus Fitness. Contact him at (646)415-2349 or ahmed@lotusfitnessny. com https://lotusfitnessny.com/
Demonstrations, Experiments & Hands-On Learning
Bring STEM to Life
Visitors to Long Island Children’s Museum on March 29-30 will take place in a weekend dedicated to curiosity and innovation through hands-on STEM activities. Families are invited to take part in activities each day (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) that will ignite the imaginations of children and adults alike. This exciting event will feature guest specialists from the worlds of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), offering engaging demonstrations, experiments, and interactive activities. STEM Weekend’s annual lead sponsor is National Grid.
“We look forward to bringing this opportunity to our visitors every year,” said Claire D’Emic, LICM’s STEM Initiatives Program Director. “STEM fields are shaping the future, and we want to provide children with the
chance to explore these subjects in a fun and approachable way. Through interactive learning, we hope to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators.”
STEM Weekend activity highlights include the opportunity to:
Sample the science of molecular gastronomy at work – flash frozen ice cream by Alkemy!
Explore the science and technology behind beauty.
Learn about native and invasive species that swim in Long Island waters.
Discover how oysters are coming to our rescue!
Investigate how wind turbines turn moving air into electricity to light up a community.
Study the water cycle and Long Island’s unique geographic formations with LICM’s Green Teens.
Additional support for STEM Weekend is provided by Vineyard
Offshore, The Estée Lauder Companies and Brookhaven National Laboratory. Artifact provided courtesy of Haugland Group, LLC.
STEM Weekend at Long Island Children’s Museum is not only an exciting annual event, but also part of the Museum’s longstanding, year-round commitment to fostering STEM education and research as vital community resources. For decades, the Museum has been dedicated to sparking curiosity and providing educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math.
LICM’s focus on STEM education has been further supported by two generous grants in the last year from the National Science Foundation, which will help continue to expand the Museum’s educational programs and resources. These grants underscore the Museum’s ongoing mission to inspire future generations of innovators, scientists, and
problem-solvers, while also creating outcomes that support the work of parents, educators and schools to cultivate a STEM-focused culture. By aligning its efforts with these broader initiatives, LICM plays an integral role in building a network of learning that benefits the entire community.
All activities will be held at the Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Avenue, Garden City, NY. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Museum admission: $18 for adults and children over 1 year old, $16 for seniors, FREE to museum members and children under 12 months old. For additional information, contact 516-224-5800.
Hours: September to June: Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July -August: Open Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Students read "The Hunger Games" and discussed it in small groups.
On Feb. 13, Garden City High School students and faculty members came together through literature for the eighth annual One School, One Book community read program. Coordinated by librarian Margaux Calemmo, this year’s initiative featured the contemporary mystery thriller “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins. The day marked the culmination of a process that began in December 2024 when students and staff voted on the novel to read.
The event included small group "chat station" discussions that delved into the novel’s themes, unpacking the puzzles and mental challenges put forth by the author. This year, the event had a special twist as the chat stations were run entirely by student volunteers from Garden City High School ELA classes. With guidance from their peers and support from teachers across all subject areas, students engaged in conversations about their perspectives on the character development and themes of the book. The focus was on the contemporary elements of the novel, as this year’s selection—a dystopian narrative—represented a departure from the historical and realistic fiction typically chosen.
This schoolwide community read remains a popular event at Garden City High School, with significant participation from students throughout grades 9-12. The committee began planning in the fall, incorporating student input and preferences. In December 2024, students cast their votes from a selection of three titles with “The Hunger Games” emerging as the winner.
The district thanked the PTA for donating paperback copies of the book and the Garden City Public Library which made print, electronic and audiobook versions available.
Photos courtesy of the Garden City School District
Students discussed the character development and themes of the book. Garden City High School students participated in the One School, One Book event.
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
Charles Royall Frazer II, a man whose larger-than-life journey on this Earth was filled with many chapters, finished writing his marvelous life story. He passed away peacefully at his home in Bedford, Virginia, on November 9, 2024, at the age of 79. Charlie was born on February 26, 1945, to James Royall Frazer and Maria Strand Frazer in Portsmouth, Virginia. He was raised in Garden City, and he was a proud alumnus of St. Paul’s School in Garden City (Class of 1964). There, he wrote for the student newspaper, served as Vice President of the school’s music club, competed on the varsity football team, and lettered in varsity track and wrestling. He attended Syracuse University, where he joined the college’s marching band.
However, Charlie would soon transfer to George Washington University in Washington D.C., and it was there, while playing guitar at a house party, he would meet the legendary “Father of
Rock and Roll” himself, Chuck Berry. Though Charlie received his BBA from Adelphi University, he would ultimately join Berry on tour as his guitarist. During that time, he gigged with Bo Diddley, jammed with Eric Clapton, and even opened for James Brown. He also served as the music director for The Shirelles. When Charlie returned home to Garden City to take a break from his hectic touring schedule, he met Andrea, the love of his life. They married in 1977 and had three children: Charlotte, James, and Bear. In the 1980s, Charlie distanced himself from the music industry and focused on real estate so he could spend more time with his family. He also founded his own commercial real estate company, Pro Realty, in Hempstead. Although his career kept him incredibly busy, the dedicated family man made sure to attend every one of his children’s school plays, concerts, and soccer and softball games.
Dreaming of a quieter life with mountain views, Charlie and Andrea relocated to picturesque Bedford in August
2001. There, he continued to work on his business deals, spend more valuable time with his family, and bond with his four beautiful grandchildren all the way up to his final days on this Earth. Charlie loved James Bond flicks, westerns, telling jokes, and sharing stories. He was fiercely protective of those he loved, and by God, did he love us well. And now, like a cowboy at the end of one of his beloved westerns, he has ridden off into the sunset, leaving us with a legacy of love, laughter, music, and memories that will keep his spirit alive.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents James R. Frazer and Maria S. Frazer, and his sisters Janice VanBuren Frazer and Maria Kristina Frazer. He is survived by his devoted wife Andrea D.Frazer, daughter Charlotte Farley and her husband Matthew Farley, son James R. Frazer II and his partner Catherine Schofield, his youngest son, Bear, and his younger brothers James S.Frazer and Marc T. Frazer. He also leaves behind four amazing grandchildren: Ridley, Wesley, Liam, and Griffin.
BY DAN MALITO
Twenty some-odd years ago, after a particularly debaucherous GC night (you know the ones I mean), I walked into Adelphi deli at the crack of noon wearing a ratty Rush t-shirt. I was there for the customary bacon, egg, cheese, salt and pepper (ketchup is for heathens) that would stave off any hangover and fuel the rest of the weekend. Or so the rumor went. As I stepped up to order, a man in glasses who looked like Orville Redenbacher’s younger, nerdlier, cousin suddenly said, “Dude, Rush? You’re a Rush fan? I was at that concert!”
Of course, my first thought was, “Ugh, now I gotta talk to a guy? What is this North Korea?” I quickly went through the options available to me to not have
a conversation but short of pretending to be hard of hearing I was left with no other recourse but to say, “yeah, Rush, they are great.” That choice, that one little sentence, started a 20+ year friendship with Tom Mcarthy — the part owner and heart and soul of Adelphi deli. As the years went on, I got to know his brothers who were friendly some days and courteous other days and even, dare I say, grumpy now and again (no offense boys), but Tommy — well, he was never without that beaming smile and that “pep,” as the greatest generation would call it. So much so that, frankly, it sometimes veered into… let’s call it “annoying-adjacent.” I’d walk in, pretty sure I was going blind from the night before’s activities and there he’d be, buzzing as usual. “Tommy, I love you man but how in God’s name are you this energetic at 6am on a Monday morning??”
A Celebration of Life was held at Walnut Street Chapel in Bedford, VA. Donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Charlie's memory.
That was Adelphi Deli — and along with the daily quiz (that I aced every day, of course), Tom is the one thing I will remember until the day I leave this Earth. He was the shining light of Adelphi Deli and anyone who went in there - old customer or new, young or old, Rush fan or not, instantly felt his warmth, his welcoming demeanor, and his passion for… sandwiches? Well, you know what I mean. I hope that this brings some comfort to his family in this unthinkable time and I am sure he is up there, listening to deep, unreleased cuts of Rush along with outtakes and concert bootlegs, smiling that smile and using those glasses to think up today’s quiz for the line of angels streaming out the door, all waiting for their bacon, egg, and cheeses and then suddenly realizing, “Ugh, now I gotta talk to a guy?”
Thanks Tom, you will be missed.
Have you lost someone?
If you would like to post an obituary for a loved one, simply send a short biography of them with (if desired) their photo, details of their funeral/visitation services, and/or any donation requests to editor@gcnews.com, or call our office at 516-294-8900 to inquire.
The Garden City Chapter of the National Charity League (NCL) hosted its annual Senior Recognition Luncheon on Sunday, March 2, at City Cellar to honor the Class of 2025 and their philanthropic and leadership service. The National Charity League, Inc. (NCL) is a nationally recognized non-profit organization designed to encourage community service and volunteering opportunities for mothers and daughters in grades 7–12.
The following seniors were recog-
nized for their philanthropic dedication: Senior Service Award: Presented to the Senior(s) with the highest number of cumulative philanthropic services hours during participation in NCL:
• Juliana Mitchell
• Madeline Mitchell
The Merci Award: Presented to student members who completed the most philanthropic service hours during the 2024–2025 NCL year.
• Juliana Mitchell
• Madeline Mitchell
• Amelia Rom
• Sofia Sanita
• Keira O’Leary
• Abigail Jesberger
• Emily Eschmann
The Mother-Daughter Award : Presented to mother/daughter teams who completed a combined minimum 50 philanthropy service hours during the 2024–2025 NCL year.
• Juliana Mitchell & Diana Mitchell
• Madeline Mitchell & Diana
Doris Gertrude Peppard (née Busch), age 93, died peacefully on March 9, 2025, at Sunrise Assisted Living in North Lynbrook, from natural causes. Doris was a longtime resident of Garden City, NY. She leaves behind five children: Nancy Peppard Carpenter (George), Judy Peppard Lynch (Jeff), and Christopher Peppard, all of Garden City, and Tom Peppard (Alison) and Vicky Peppard Lisi (Tom) of Denver CO. She also leaves behind thirteen grandchildren: Brian (Bonnie Graham), Alec (Stephane Eton), and Emily Essig-Peppard (Gavin Meredith), Nigel, Caitlin, and Patrick Carpenter, Justin (Casey Kelly), Becky (Michael Watson), and Ryan Lynch, Jessica (Matt Benjamin) and Lauren
Lisi (Kevin Olifirowicz), Caroline (Ben Brown) and Julia Peppard, and eight great-grandchildren.
Doris was the only child of Edna Marie Busch (née Harris) of Woodhaven, NY, and although raised by a single parent, she was surrounded by many doting aunts and uncles. She graduated from St. Joseph’s College in Brooklyn NY in 1953, and on June 6, 1953, married Thomas Peppard, also of Woodhaven, NY. Doris started her working career as a teacher in Brooklyn. Upon the arrival of their first child in 1957 they moved to Garden City, NY, where she had lived until recently. Later in life Doris went back to school earning a dual master's degree in Linguistics and Education. She worked as a teacher and administrator for Nassau County BOCES for
Have you lost someone?
Mitchell
• Amelia Rom & Cira Rom
• Kiera O’Leary & Kristina O’Leary
• Sofia Sanita & Danielle Sanita
• Abigail Jesberger & Jaclyn Jesberger
• Emily Eschmann & Melissa Eschmann
Congratulations to the Class of 2025! Thank you for your dedication, philanthropic service and dedication to NCL.
15 years until she retired.
Doris was devoted to her family and loved to share her passion of reading with others; donating many hard covered books to charity over the years. She loved to travel, especially to upstate New York and to Woodloch Pines in the Poconos, and occasionally to Florida and Bermuda. She absolutely loved to laugh and had an unapologetic fondness for bawdy humor. She was greatly loved and will be forever missed.
Visitation was held at Fairchild Sons Funeral Home in Garden City, NY, on Sunday, March 16th. Funeral service was held at St. Joseph’s Church in Garden City on Monday, March 17th. Interment was at Calverton National Cemetery where she will join her husband Tom in everlasting repose.
If you would like to post an obituary for a loved one, simply send a short biography of them along with (if desired) their photo, details of their funeral/visitation services, and/or any donation requests to editor@gcnews.com, or call our office at 516-294-8900 to inquire.
NASSAU COUNTY
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Notice of Formation of Apressea LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/07/2025. 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 Apressea LLC: 89 4th Street, Garden City, New York 11530. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
NASSAU COUNTY
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Notice of Formation of Blueverb LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/02/2025. 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 SSNY: 15 Crestline Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
NASSAU COUNTY
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Notice of Formation of Aunty Shan. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/01/2025. 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 Joshua Renfroe: 42 Orleans Rd, Valley Stream, NY 11581. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
NASSAU COUNTY
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Notice of Formation of XOXROBINXOX LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/05/2025. 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 ROBIN SOHN: 156 Woodmere Blvd. South Woodmere NY 11598. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
NASSAU COUNTY
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Notice of Formation of Notilt,LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/06/2024. 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 Kenneth Molloy: 67 Hilton Ave. D24 Garden City, NY 11530. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
COUNTY
NOTICE OF HEARING ON PROPOSED LOCAL LAW
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Garden City, New York, will hold a public hearing at the Village Hall, 351 Stewart Avenue, in said Village as well as via Zoom at 7:30 p.m. on the 20th day of March 2025, upon the following proposed local law: A Local Law to Amend Section 188 of the Village Code with Regard to Trees.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE VILLAGE OF GARDEN CITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES AS FOLLOWS:
The Code of the Village of Garden City Chapter 188. Trees, shall be amended as follows:
Section 1. Section 188-5. “Penalties for offenses” shall be deleted.
Section 2. A new Article IA. entitled “Planting on Private Property” shall be added as follows:
Section 188-5. Planting on Private Property
Upon submission of the appropriate paperwork, the Chairman, Board of Commissioners of Cultural and Recreational Affairs or his designee may, at the request of the property owner, plant an appropriate size and species of tree on the front lawn of private property. Thereafter, the responsibility for the care, pruning and removal of the tree, if needed, is the sole responsibility of the property owner.
Section 3. Article II. “Infested trees and shrubs” shall be revised to read: “Article II. Infested, Dead, or Dangerous Trees, Shrubs and Bushes”
Section 4. Section 188-6. “Infestations prohibited” shall be revised to read as follows:
Section 188-6. Conditions prohibited.
Section 5. The text under current Section 188-6 shall be renumbered as 188-6.A
Section 6. A new Section 188-6.B shall be added as follows:
B. It shall be unlawful for owner, lessee or occupant of any lot or land to permit any dead or dangerous trees, shrubs or bushes, or parts thereof on their property.
Section 7. A new Section 188-6.C shall be added as follows:
C. A dead or dangerous tree is defined as any tree or part thereof on private property in the Village that is either dead, diseased, decayed, damaged or, due to other causes, in such a state that there exists a clear and present danger of said tree or any part thereof falling so that the free, safe, and lawful usage of the land by the public would be impaired or endangered and/or cause a dangerous condition to public land or public right-of-way.
Section 8. The text under current Section 188-7 shall be renumbered as 188-7.A
Section 9. A new Section 188-7.B shall be added as follows:
B. It shall be the duty of any owner, lessee or occupant of any lot or land to remove any dead or dangerous shrubs or bushes, or parts thereof on their property to comply with provisions of Section 1886.B hereof.
Section 10. A new Section 188-7.1 shall be added as follows:
Section 188-7.1 Permit required.
No person or persons, firm or corporation shall destroy or remove a tree as set forth in Section 188-7 without first obtaining a permit therefore issued by the Chairman, Board of Commissioners of Cultural and Recreational Affairs or his designee.
Section 11. A new Section 188-8.C shall be added as follows:
C. If the person upon whom the notice is served fails, neglects or refuses to remove any dead or dangerous trees, shrubs or bushes, or part thereof, with five days after such service or mailing of such notice, the Chairman, Board of Commissioners of Cultural and Recreational Affairs of the Village or his designee, shall undertake such work and the cost thereof as certified by the Chairman or his designee to the Clerk of the Village and shall thereupon become and be a lien upon the property on which such dead or dangerous trees, shrubs or bushes are located and shall be added to and become and form a part of the taxes to be assessed and levied upon such lot or land and shall bear in interest at the same rate as taxes and collected and enforced in the same manner as taxes.
Section 12. Section 188-10. Definitions. - is hereby amended so that the definition of Tree shall read as follows:
Any living upright wood plant with its root system, which has at least a trunk of 2 ½ inches in diameter or greater at a height of 4 ½ feet above the ground.
Section 13. Section 188-12 entitled “Protection of Trees” shall be added as follows:
Anyone performing any work in the Village must provide adequate protection to avoid unsafe, hazardous and other conditions which may be potentially detrimental to any Village tree, in accordance with tree protection specifications on file with the Village Department of Parks and Recreation.
Section 14. A new Article IV entitled “Penalties For Offenses” shall be added as follows:
Section 188-13. Penalties for offenses.
A. Any violation of the provisions of this Chapter shall render each offender liable to a fine as set forth from time to time by resolution of the Board of Trustees.
B. In addition to any fines hereunder, the Village reserves the right to seize, remove and dispose of any planting in violation of this Chapter.
Section 15. In this Chapter, the title “Chairman, Board of Commissioners of Cultural and Recreational Affairs or his designee,” shall replace “Director of Public Works” and “Director.”
Section 16. Effective date
This Local Law shall take effect immediately upon filing in the office of the New York Secretary of State in accordance with Municipal Home Rule Law.
NASSAU COUNTY
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
GARDEN CITY UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
56 CATHEDRAL AVENUE
GARDEN CITY, NY 11530
LEGAL NOTICE TO BIDDERS
The Board of Education of the Garden City Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, Garden City NY 11530 hereby invites the submission of sealed bids for Welding Repair Services Cooperative Bid for the 2025/2026 school year.
Sealed bids will be received up to 11:00 am, Wednesday April 9, 2025 at the office of the Director of Facilities & Operations, Garden City UFSD Administrative Office, 56 Cathedral Avenue, Garden City NY 11530. Bids received after this time will be rejected.
The bid instruction and specifications can be sent upon request Please contact Mr. Robert Foley at foleyr@gcufsd.net or 516-4781080. Specifications and bid forms may also be obtained at the same office Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm except holidays. Bids must be presented on the forms provided in the instruction and specifications. Additional bid forms will be sent upon request
The terms and conditions of the contract or contracts awarded under this cooperative bid shall be extended to and made available for procurement by other Nassau County school districts which are or become members of the Nassau County Directors of School Facilities Purchasing Consortium, during the term of the awarded contract(s), in accordance with General Municipal Law Article 5-G and section 1p03, subdivision 16.
List of participating school districts: Baldwin UFSD, Bellmore UFSD, Bellmore-Merrick UFSD, Bethpage UFSD, Carle Place UFSD, East Meadow UFSD, East Rockaway UFSD, East Williston UFSD, Elmont UFSD, Floral Park-Bellrose UFSD, Freeport UFSD, Garden City UFSD, Glen Cove SD, Great Neck UFSD, Hempstead UFSD, Herricks UFSD, Hewlett-Woodmere UFSD, Hicksville UFSD, Island Trees UFSD, Jericho UFSD, Levittown UFSD, Locust Valley CSD, Long Beach UFSD, Lynbrook UFSD, Manhassett UFSD, Massapequa UFSD, Merrick UFSD, Mineola UFSD, New Hyde Park-Garden City Park UFSD, North Bellmore UFSD, North Merrick UFSD, North Shore CSD, Oceanside UFSD, Plainedge UFSD, Plainview-Old Bethpage CSD, Port Washington UFSD, Rockville Centre UFSD, Roosevelt UFSD, Seaford UFSD, Syosset CSD, Uniondale UFSD, Valley Stream HS UFSD, Valley Stream UFSD #13, Valley Stream UFSD #24, Valley Stream UFSD #30, Wantagh UFSD, West Hempstead UFSD, Westbury UFSD.
Bids shall remain firm for a period of forty-five (45) days following the date of the opening and shall thereafter remain firm unless the Bidder provides written notice to the School District’s Purchasing Office that the Bid should be withdrawn.
The Board of Education reserves the right to reject all bids and readvertise in accordance with Section 103 of the General Municipal Law. Any bid submitted will be binding for the duration of the contract.
Joseph Sileo, President Board of Education
BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM
This year’s travel talk by Pauline Frommer at the New York Travel Show was a homage to her father, the legendary Arthur Frommer who single-handedly inspired generations of travelers not born into family fortune to experience the world, with his guidebooks, then radio and TV shows, starting with the iconic “Europe on $5 a Day”. His philosophy, mission and love of travel that infuse the Frommer guides have remained. He passed away in November.
At her talk, titled “Travel Lessons I’ve Learned From My Father That Will Make Your Next Vacation Less Expensive and More Meaningful,” she said, “He believed money should be used smartly. He believed travel could be a life-changing activity.”
Quoting Arthur, she said, “We cannot permit ourselves to live stunted, stay- at-home lives. We need to travel if we are to enjoy the fullness of life… contact with new and the different is how we grow and develop. That may be possible in other ways than travel, but there is something about experiencing the world that cannot be duplicated… Nothing has the lasting impact of being there.”
Frommer devoted his life to guiding people how to travel inexpensively and how to have meaningful vacations, that shift who you are as a person in important
In 1957, when Arthur set out on his mission to inspire Americans to travel abroad, Americans were rich compared to rest of world - Europe was in rubble while Americans had dollars.
Arthur Frommer and Pauline Frommer appear together giving their forecast and tips for travel at the New York Travel Show in 2015. Pauline has gone on to continue her father’s legacy; the travel icon who launched millions on journeys of discovery, passed away in November © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
“Now we are in the same position - currently the Euro is almost equal to the $1: $1.02 to 1e (in 2016 it was $1.36 to 1e. The Japanese yen has never been this weak, 156 yen to $1; the dollar is worth 1.44 Canadian and the Mexican peso is at 20.78. It has never been so good.”
On the other hand many travel companies are using AI to raise prices surgically, depending upon your prior buying habits - what Joe Biden’s Federal Trade Commission called “surveillance pricing.”
Have you had the experience of searching for an airfare, finding one, but going off to think about it for awhile, only to return and find the fare $50 higher? “That’s because you are being watched; the amount of surveillance is insane.”
Frommer’s antidote? “When searching for travel goods and services, be private - hide your identity. For example, subscribe to a VPN (virtual private network) to hide who you are; clear your cache and cookies. Use a different computer.
The best search engines for airfares, she recommends. are Momondo (Kayak) and Skyscanner.
But, she adds, “Then you don’t buy on them. There are so many issues in air travel, if you buy from a third party [like an OTA, an online travel agent], you are last in line if something goes wrong. Search on the website, then buy from the airline.”
There are also days that are best to purchase air fares: Frommer recommends purchasing an airfare on Sunday can yield 6% savings on
domestic fare, 17% savings on international.
Also, “buy 1-3 months out for domestic travel (for a 25% savings), 18-29 days out for international (for a 10% savings). Last year, it was 4 months out, but she acknowledges, “it takes courage to book so close.”
You get the best fares if you start your trip on a Thursday or Saturday (16% savings over flying on a Sunday). “Sunday is the most expensive day to start a trip.”
Also, given the “chaos in the sky” with the doubling of cancellations in 2024, she recommends, “fly before 3 pm, or up the risk of being cancelled or delayed by 50%.” If you fly after 9 pm, your risk of being delayed or cancelled goes up by 57%. Fly after 9 pm and your risk of being delayed or cancelled goes up 57%
To get the best rate for a hotel, Frommer suggests booking threeplus months in advance for resorts, but just one week before in business-travel cities.
“Always get a reservation you can cancel.”
Vacation home rentals, such as through airbnb.com may not be cheaper than hotels because of housekeeping fees and taxes (unless you are a family or couples traveling together), but typically afford more space, the convenience of kitchen and laundry, and are typically in neighborhoods so you get to connect with local people.
Looking for added value in accommodations? Consider hostels: “There are wonderful hostels all around the world, where you get private rooms, private bathrooms for much less than a hotel. There usually is a common March 14, 2025
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area, a place where you can cook your own meal, do your laundry.” “Typically there are also opportunities to meet and socialize with other travelers, as I found in Quito, Ecuador, where I was invited to a communal dinner.
To find a tour, Frommer recommends: travelstride.com and tourradar.com, which are marketplace sites for tours. You put in dates and where you want to go and then can compare prices, highlights, what is offered.
Travel insurance is recommended when you are taking a long-distance, expensive tour and want protection against cancellation (but read the fine print); but what you may well want when traveling abroad is medical insurance, covering evacuation if necessary. (Medicare isn’t applicable abroad.)
You can search for the policy that works best for your purpose at: Squaremouth.com insuremytrip.com travelinsurance.com
“Put in details and it generates a list. Inevitably the best is not the most expensive but in the middle cost range. No travel insurance company is always the best.” Also, she advises, “Never buy insurance through the travel provider.”
Every year, the Frommers offer their recommendations for where to go in the coming year. The hallmarks of the list have become finding the less crowded destinations worth a visit. (See the full article frommers.com/bestplaces2025)
Crete in Greece: it is one of the least crowded of the Greek islands because it is the largest- twice size of Rhode Island, while most travelers go to Mykonos or Santorini. “Santorini got 3 million visitors in 2024 – it was so hairy on the roads, the government asked the Santorini citizens to stay off the roads at certain hours
BY CHARLYN FARGO
because of the traffic jams with tour buses.” But Crete is the land of “Zorba the Greek”. “It is the most Greek of Greek islands, once part of the Venetian Empire, it looks like Venice and has incredible ancient ruins from when it was the center of the Minoan civilization – think Minator and Labyrinth.”
Looking to do an African safari? A safari in Zambia, famous for Victoria Falls , one of tallest in world, is as much as 25% less costly than Tanzania or Kenya. “They have all the animals - giraffes, elephants, hippos, lions - and also have a progressive system where the rangers who stop poaching are women. It is also one of the safest countries in Africa. Support them.”
Greenland is top of mind lately. “Bizarrely, Greenland just expanded its airport, so for the first time, can accommodate large jets. For the first time, you can go to this ice-covered nation direct from New York in the time it takes to go to Iceland. 80% of Greenland is covered by ice – you can do heli-skiing, snowshoeing, glacier cruises, see polar bears. “Go before it’s too crowded. It’s a great adventure destination.”
The Caribbean country of Barbuda (part of Antigua and Barbuda) is an undeveloped, beautiful, pristine island (because it never had a big airport) that made the news 40 years ago when Princess Diana visited thinking she could escape the paparazzi. ..Barbuda is finally getting an international airport and Robert De Niro is building a resort on Barbuda, she said. “See it while it is in its more pristine state.”
Bath and Hampshire, England are “going crazy” this year over the 250th birthday of novelist Jane Austin (“Pride and Prejudice”, “Sense & Sensibility”) – there are Empire-style costumes you can rent, special exhibits. Bath also has one of England’s most important
Roman ruins.
Tucson, Arizona is turning 250 years old this year, as well, and mounting celebrations all year long. Also, Tucson is the only city in the United States that is part of the Dark Sky program. On the edge of the city, Saguaro National Park, there is a free observatory you can go at night to look at stars with astronomers. Tucson is also the place for foodies, with a 4000-year old culinary tradition. “The United Nations named it the only culinary UNESCO World Heritage site in the US. There are all kinds of food celebrations for the 250th
“My father said, ‘Don’t just go to dead sites.’ If I had never traveled, I would never have understood that all people, no matter how exotic their appearance, have basically the same concerns, the same desires. Don’t just go to see things, but meet people.”
To meet people when you travel:
The International Greeter Association connects you to people who love their home communities and give free tours. You can go to Tokyo and find a greeter to take you around Tokyo for a day, teach you how to use subway, show you a neighborhood, free.”
Find other free tours led by locals through the International Greeter Association, a worldwide nonprofit organization offering private free walks with locals through some 400 cities in 60 countries. https://internationalgreeter.org). Also, GetYourGuide.com.
Airbnb/experiences provides links to little companies with people with experiences to share. Frommer related taking her 15-year old daughter on a tour of Paris consignment stores with a fashion expert. “We have been to Paris many times but saw things never had.”
TravelingSpoon.com and EatWith. com link travelers to culinary experiences with local people, the best local cooks
Ultra-processed foods seem to be the new thing to avoid, but in reality, the label may not correctly classify some foods.
This system of categorizing food as unprocessed, processed culinary ingredients, processed foods and ultra-processed foods came from a group of Brazilian researchers. They designed a system to categorize foods according to the degree of processing they undergo.
The problem is, processing seems to be a bad thing, right? Not really. Even oil, butter, vinegar, sugar and salt have to be processed, so they’re labeled “processed culinary ingredients.” Those categorized as processed foods include cheese, fresh breads, canned or frozen vegetables and fruits, canned fish, smoked or cured meats, bacon, salted nuts, beer and wine.
Many would argue that some of those foods (especially beer, wine, bread and cheese) aren’t really all that bad. Many times, processing is used mainly for preservation.
Then we have the ultra-processed category. This group includes soft drinks, packaged snacks, frozen or packaged foods, and even plant-based meat, dairy and protein powders. (Yep, almond milk and Impossible burgers fall into this category).
The researchers found that a group of 20 adults consumed more calories from a diet high in ultra-processed foods versus unprocessed foods when allowed to eat as much as they wanted. (My personal thought is that 20 adults are hardly enough to call it a study.)
It’s thought that somehow ultra-processed foods don’t fit into “clean” eating,
in different communities, home cooks. Frommer described such an experience with an “Italian nona,” whose grandson translated as she prepared the meal in her kitchen. “We all gathered for a meal. It cost as much as a high end restaurant, but it was our most memorable meal in Italy that time.”
Travelers are increasingly concerned about sustainability and traveling responsibly, so the benefits of their visit (providing economic foundation to sustain people living in their community, maintaining culture and heritage and sites) do not outweigh the negatives of overtourism.
Tour operators, like Intrepid Travel (intrepidtravel.com) are taking this into account in designing itineraries so they are more hub-and-spoke and less travel by bus or airline; several, like G Adventures (gadventures.com) are conscious to purchase local products and hire locals, as well as contribute a portion of the tour price to benefit the community; Seacology (seacology.org), takes you to places threatened by ocean rise then donate money back to community.
“At its best, travel should challenge our preconceptions and most cherished views, cause us to rethink our assumptions, shake us a bit, make us broader minded and more understanding,” Frommer said.
Her father, Arthur Frommer, “changed this industry in powerful ways, democratized travel. He was one of the first to say average people should travel, not just the wealthy, elite. Travel afforded the opportunity to expand your life, expand your mind, and do it in a way that pushes the cause of world peace. He truly believed that when we get to know other countries, wonder at the beauty of them, we won’t attack or invade, and our hearts will break when things go wrong there.”
© 2025 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com
but in reality, it may be a flawed perception -- and one that isn’t practical. There are many days I can’t make every meal from scratch, and rely on processed foods, such as cereal for breakfast, instant brown rice with a stir-fry or frozen roasted vegetables as a side dish. A scoop of protein powder added to a smoothie can be healthy for an older adult needing to increase their protein.
The bottom line is we need a better system to classify food rather than how processed it is -- or isn’t. It’s the nutritional value of a food -- and how it’s included in a meal pattern -- that matters.
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 2025 CREATORS.COM
BY CLAIRE LYNCH
“Top of the mornin’ to you!” That’s what my nephew Paul said to all of the relatives in my house as St. Patrick’s Day was drawing closer. Paul was 5 years old and he didn’t know what it meant but it sounded good. One day I asked him where he’d heard that expression and he told me that his kindergarten teacher had read the kids at school a book about St. Patrick and the holiday on March 17.
Paul and his young classmates learned that “top of the mornin’” is a typical Irish greeting. A friendly one, it’s something you might say to greet someone in a lighthearted way. It’s not really how people in Ireland speak to each other these days but it’s one of those sayings that has stuck.
They also discovered that St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and St. Brigid is the female patron saint. The color green is associated with St. Patrick because Ireland’s nickname is the “Emerald Isle” and because there is a green stripe in the Irish flag.
The shamrock is a popular Irish symbol but it isn’t the symbol of Ireland. As early as the medieval period, the harp had represented the nation. By 1534 King Henry VIII was using the harp on coins. Later, the harp was used on Irish flags and Irish coats of arms. When Ireland became an independent country in 1921, it adopted the harp as the national symbol.
St. Patrick was born in the year 387 AD in Britain. His birth name was Maewyn Succat. His father was a deacon and his grandfather was a priest, but he wasn’t very religious growing up.
When he was 16 years old Patrick was attacked and kidnapped by Irish pirates who had broken into his family’s villa. Sold into slavery in Ireland, Patrick
used the next few years to renew his religious faith.
He wrote in his Confession, “After I arrived in Ireland, I tended sheep every day, and I prayed frequently during the day.” After six years Patrick heard a voice telling him to return home. He escaped and walked 200 miles to a port where he found a ship preparing to leave for England.
“I said I needed to set sail with them, but the captain was not at all pleased. He replied unpleasantly and angrily: ‘Don’t you dare try to come with us.’” The captain changed his mind, however.
“I began to pray while I was going; and before I even finished the prayer, I heard one of them shout aloud at me: ‘Come quickly - those men are calling you!’ I turned back right away, and they began to say to me: ‘Come - we’ll trust you. Prove you’re our friend in any way you wish.’”
Eventually Patrick made it back home to Britain, became a cleric in continental Europe and then headed back to Ireland as a missionary. He preached the Gospel and he took the name “Patricius” aka “Patrick.” The name “Patrick” means “father of his people.”
Once Patrick arrived in Slane, Ireland, on March 25, 433, he worked as a missionary among the Celtic pagans mostly in the remote parts of Ireland where Christianity had never been preached.
Paul was excited about St. Patrick’s Day because when he, his parents and sister, Lucy, 7, visited my place I was in the kitchen with a large mixing bowl in front of me starting to make some Irish soda bread. I was also finalizing the menu for our holiday meal.
Corned beef brisket and cabbage plus boiled potatoes, carrots, onions, pepper corns, one bay leaf and water all in one
large pot is good and I knew that it was easy to make. My mother gave me a recipe for corned beef and cabbage and she’d gotten it from her mother years before. Cooking it on low and stirring the ingredients occasionally, I knew it would take a few hours for it to finish cooking.
Boiling it on the stovetop is the most popular way to cook corned beef but it can be baked instead. I prefer to boil it in liquid because it helps ensure this tougher cut of meat is tender. Not only is a plate of corned beef and cabbage delicious but the next day a corned beef sandwich makes a great lunch.
Pointing out the potted shamrock plant I had on the kitchen counter, Paul recognized it and said his teacher had also shown them some shamrocks. “It’s all part of St. Patrick’s Day and I’m glad the holiday is almost here,” Paul said enthusiastically.
His mother and I told Paul and Lucy that this year’s 264th New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan on March 17. Irish native Michael A. Benn is the grand marshal.
Born in Limerick City in 1948, Michael Benn attended the Christian Brothers School before emigrating to the U.S. with his family in 1962. A U.S. Army veteran, Benn then worked in the
construction industry, spending time in Local 30 I.U.O.E. Operating Engineers and Local 608 Carpenters Union before he retired.
Michael Benn is the longtime chairman of the Queens County St. Patrick’s Parade Committee in the Rockaways.
Ireland has plenty of folklore but it’s believed that we Americans came up with the idea that green makes you invisible to leprechauns. According to the tradition, if you are not wearing green and therefore visible to the leprechauns, a leprechaun may come along and play some tricks on you.
They’d heard that leprechauns must tell the truth but only if you look the leprechaun in the eye. Few people know that if caught and asked, the leprechaun can grant three wishes.
Paul and Lucy didn’t want any leprechauns chasing them so I distracted them by giving the kids some green hats and necklaces I had for St. Patrick’s Day and they paraded around in my house saying “Top of the mornin’” and singing “When Irish eyes are smiling.” It sure was fun having the kids around for the holiday.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to one and all!!
BY JEFF RUGG
Q: After two years of trying to grow a vegetable garden, I am almost ready to give up. You know -- three strikes and you are out. I have been doing some reading and am now more confused than ever, but it appears that the soil is the problem. The garden is in full sun, and I use a drip hose to keep it watered. There are so many things I could buy and add to the soil. What do you think?
A: You are right; there are a lot of products out there that may or may not be useful. Some are unnecessary or even harmful. A soil test may help. Talk to your local university extension office to see where
they recommend you send a sample.
In the meantime, remember, as I say in my book: Soil is not dirt. Plants need four things to grow: air, sunlight, water and soil. Dirt is unwanted debris. Soil is a combination of air, water, chemicals, minerals, living organisms and organic matter arranged in a stable structure. Soil is partly solid, partly liquid and partly air. The ideal Goldilocks “thrive range” soil depends on what you are trying to grow. An ideal soil for a cactus is different from an ideal soil for a waterlily. The cactus soil will have a very high pore space volume and low water retention. The waterlily soil will have all of the pores filled with water.
The ideal garden soil for most vegetables and many annual flowers is about 50% solid material (45% mineral and 5% organic matter), up to 1% living organisms and the rest pore space. The pores will vary in water and air content depending on rain and irrigation. How often do plants use water? The answer is pretty much all the time. Chemicals in the soil move into the plant with the water. Water evaporating off the leaves cools the plant and helps move the chemicals around in the plant. The reason we don’t have to water plants constantly is that the soil acts like a sponge. Like a damp sponge, soil holds water in the small pores and allows air circulation
in the large pores.
Most suburban and urban topsoils are too thin and too compacted. Imagine a small sponge being squeezed: It will not hold much water or air. Plants that are growing in these kinds of soils are often growing in the survive range and not the thrive range of good soil conditions. They will grow some and produce some fruit but not at the level they would if the soil were better. It is hard to give the plants the proper amount of water if the soil sponge isn’t big enough to hold water and the pores that should be filled with air are filled with water, drowning the roots.
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BY TOM MARGENAU
Before I begin today’s column, which questions some of President Donald Trump’s planned staff reductions at the Social Security Administration, let me confess that at the end of the column, I point out that I might be dead wrong! So, let’s begin.
Imagine that you owned a successful business that was gaining 10,000 new customers each day, with all the market projections saying that trend would continue for many more years. Would you be hiring new staff and opening new outlets to keep up with the demand? Or would you be cutting back on employees, reducing office hours and closing facilities?
If you were in the private sector, I guarantee you would be doing the former. But in the wacky world of government funding and operations, the latter is the norm.
Take as an example my former employer: the Social Security Administration. In each of the last 10 years, around 10,000 people a day have been retiring and signing up for Social Security benefits. That is expected to continue for another dozen years or more. In other words, SSA workloads are booming!
What has been our government leader’s response to that? Budget cutbacks and staffing cuts. During Trump’s first term, he ordered a 15% across-the-board cut in government staffing, including the SSA. And now, Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency are mandating another huge reduction in staff.
If you think that these cuts are merely reversing all the growth in government that happened during years when Democrats were in power, well, you are simply wrong. Let’s use the SSA as an example. Throughout the 2000s, no matter which political party was in power, the agency’s operating budget dropped by about 20% while workloads continued to increase dramatically.
And if you also think that the SSA, just like any other government agency, has a bloated administrative budget that could stand some trimming, well, think again. Out of every dollar collected in Social Security taxes, less than one penny goes toward running the agency that maintains earnings records for almost every worker in this country and pays monthly benefits to about 69 million Americans. I think it would be darn near impossible to find one single successful business in the private sector that works with a 1% overhead.
When I started working for the SSA in the early 1970s, I was one of about 82,000 relatively happy and proud employees working for one of the best-run agencies in all of government. The SSA consistently won awards for public service and administrative responsibility. I liked the phrase one of my co-workers always used: “The SSA is an honorable institution engaged in a noble public purpose.”
Local Social Security offices were well-
run, clean and efficient. I worked in several of those offices in small towns and medium-sized cities across the country. They were pleasant places to work and pleasant places to visit. I enjoyed the time I had to sit down with the people who came in who were filing for any of the various kinds of Social Security benefits. I was able to take the time to not only explain all the (often complicated) Social Security rules that applied to them but also to simply chat and ask them how their day was going. I always kept in the back of my mind that even though this was just an everyday job for me, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the customer. I tried -- and maybe more importantly, I was given the opportunity -- to make sure it was as pleasant as possible.
Unfortunately, now it’s a different world and a different SSA. Those 82,000 employees I worked with in the ‘70s and ‘80s have been trimmed down to about 60,000. The Trump/Musk cuts are planned to reduce SSA staffing to 50,000. Of course, the catchphrase for staff reductions is “work smarter, not harder.” Well, catchphrases can only go so far.
With reduced staff and resources, it’s all about numbers, efficiency and time management. Walking in off the street to visit a pleasant local Social Security office to maybe ask some Social Security questions and possibly file for benefits while having a little chat with a happy employee has become a pipe dream. Now you must call the SSA’s toll-free number and wait on hold for a long time (some readers have told me for two hours or more) to make an appointment. Then, you will probably wait weeks or even a month or more for that appointment. And sadly, the SSA rep you finally get to talk to has neither the training nor the time that I had and probably does not have the esprit de corps that I had either.
(Let me quickly note here that you, as a potential SSA customer, can “work smarter, not harder” by using the agency’s website to conduct much of your Social Security business.)
Other SSA workloads are also suffering. For example, the disability story is a pretty bleak tale. It takes the SSA six to eight months to process a claim for disability benefits. About 65% of those first-time claims are denied, meaning hundreds of thousands of people appeal their claims to a Social Security judge. The average wait time for that hearing is about 15 months. Those numbers keep getting worse as the SSA’s budget and workforce are continually reduced.
Having said all that, let me now reverse course. Maybe I’m wrong! Maybe these are just the musings of an old codger (I’m 75) pining for the “good old days” that just aren’t anymore. Maybe Trump and Musk are not out to do permanent damage to the SSA. Maybe, as a recent agency press release pointed out, they are merely shifting resources from administrative
positions to field office positions. Maybe a leaner and more targeted workforce is the way to go. Who knows -- maybe artificial intelligence bots will do a better job of consoling an old woman who just lost her husband of 50 years while helping her file for widow’s benefits than I ever did.
I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. But gosh, I sure do miss those good old days!
If you have a Social Security question,
Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Security -Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Security.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon. com or other book outlets. Or you can send him an email at thomas.margenau@comcast.net.
COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM
Indian purchasers and investors, who are laser focused on their customary practices and principles, will rely heavily on Vastu Shastra for their decision making. This ancient practice is the counterpart of Feng Shui. It is an ancient Hindu architectural science basing the direction of the home and position and arrangement and placement of the rooms and make sure that is a positive energy flow. Indian purchasers will emphasize and highlight the exact direction the home faces. Those that face north, east and northeast are most favorable in the search for that most desirable home. Principles of Vastu take into account the sun’s rays, earth movement and geomagnetic forces, with fire, water, earth and sky as important elements. Design and construction of buildings are based on Vastu so that harmony is created where people who live and work.
Consultations are considered with an astrologer to pick an optimum propitious purchase and closing and movein dates and times based on zodiac signs is a typical practice. This is accomplished with the family involved in every step of the decision making process due to the collectivist nature of Indian culture. The extended family e.g., parents, siblings and sometimes even in-laws plays a major role when homes are visited to come to a final decision when buying.
Many Indian purchasers search out homes that will have a dedicated room to perform their religious ceremony. Once their closing takes place they will bless the space and eliminate any negative vibes. This will enable the family to practice their rituals knowing that the space has a positive karma environment. The “puja room” becomes
Continued from page 3
Just about every type of soil can be improved with just one product: organic matter. As mentioned above, it doesn’t take much organic matter to make a difference. Sandy soils that drain too fast because they have too many large pores are
an extremely significant and consequential room designed in their home for their special services being performed.
BY PHILIP A. RAICES
A multitude of homes in India are constructed in the configuration of a rectangle or square with an open courtyard in the middle, that is open to the sky. Kitchens face southeast with the viewpoint and conviction that the gods rule in the east. Winds come from the northeast, so doors and windows should be structured accordingly. A pie-shaped lot with the front yard at the tip and the backyard at the larger portion of the lot would be attractive to an Indian buyer because the lot is likened to the shape of a cow, with the tip as its head. The cow is sacred to Indians.
Most Indian buyers have it all figured out in advance and know what they are searching for in a home. They have already done their homework, the neighborhood and the school they want their children to attend. They can also be very aggressive in their negotiations, and when their offer is accepted, they may think they have overpaid and want to counter or want something more in return. This may appear to be a bit of an over reach, but one must learn about those idiosyncrasies and be able to handle their concerns with “kid gloves” to get to the final closing. it’s just their normal nature to negotiate, like everyone seems to do in today’s’ market. They feel better if they get something more in return. Sometimes paying for the cleaning or extra work that needs to be done can often appease the buyer.
The following is what matters most
to Home Buyers in India:-
• Location of the Property
• Price of the Property
• Negotiation or Discount at the time of buying
• Rate of interest of Home loans
• Semi furnished or Raw House
• No seepage in the House
• Presentation of the Property
• Builder Reputation and delivered projects track record
• Most Important Property Dealer or Broker involved in the deal.
Be patient with Indian buyers because, sometimes it may be challenging to connect with them in the beginning. They may not always return phone calls in an expeditious manner; but being patient will be to your benefit. Sometimes one will need to follow up with them multiple times. Some Indians feel they are important to their job or position in business, so they will not always interrupt their work day by returning an agent’s phone call. Remember, patience is a virtue and practicing this and by providing the required effort, being disciplined, a “never give up attitude.” Providing the necessary time to build rapport leading to a strong relationships, a solid bond and a long lasting connection that will be created, benefiting you with future referrals, lucrative earnings, success and a great sense of satisfaction, P.S. Last week, I was remiss in not wishing all our clients an enjoyable, healthy, happy Ramadan
Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace
Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 43+ years experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned 3 significant designations: (What I consider a Master’s degree in real estate) expert in consulting and completing international transactions, 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 You can now search at your leisure for properties at: WWW.Li-RealEstate.com
helped because the organic matter adds a lot of spongelike small pores and nutrients that are lacking. Compacted soils benefit from being loosened up with the compost. Soils lacking in nutrients benefit as the compost breaks down into nutrients plants can use. High pH soils benefit as the compost is most often acidic. Compost and organic matter come
in several different kinds of bags and in bulk. When I am trying to improve soil, I like using several different kinds and mixing them all together to get the biggest benefits from each one. Cover the existing soil with at least 2 inches of compost and mix it into the top 6-8 inches of soil. In the long run, don’t rototill the soil, as that hurts more than it helps.
For a lot more information on garden soil, check out the videos in “Chapter 2 Plants and the Environment” on the Greener View YouTube channel. Email questions to Jeff Rugg at info@ greenerview.com. T.
COPYRIGHT 2025 JEFF RUGG DISTRIBUTED BY CREATORS.COM
BY MARY HUNT
Little things mean a lot -- like the two words “batteries included.” Just knowing they’re in there somewhere means less hassle and one less thing to buy. But face it. The initial powering-up of a battery-operated device is a minor concern. It’s the cost of keeping it going for years to come that should be considered.
The commercials are compelling, but can they be trusted? Does a copper top really make a difference? Is Energizer the heavy artillery of battery power? Is heavy-duty superior to alkaline? Are elcheapo, generic batteries evidence that you get what you pay for? Is heavy-duty superior to alkaline?
ALKALINE VERSUS HEAVY-DUTY
Consumers Union, which publishes Consumer Reports Magazine, concluded hat when it comes to single-use batteries, the alkaline and lithium varieties are by far the best performers. Even the most expensive heavy-duty battery cannot compete with the cheapest alkaline or lithium.
So, the conclusion is clear: Buy alka-
line, which is cheaper than lithium, and buy according to price, not by brand. Go for the store or generic brands, and when you find them on sale, stock up.
Retailers such as Costco, Target and Walmart don’t own their own battery factories. They contract with the biggies such as Rayovac, Eveready and Duracell. Private-label batteries are typically the exact same product as the national brands; only the label and the price are different.
Alkaline batteries have a life of about five years. However, they lose power slightly when not in use. That is why you should always look for the latest “best if used by” date code.
STORING BATTERIES
It’s not exactly a myth that storing batteries in the refrigerator will preserve their energy, but it’s close. Tests indicate chilled batteries have only a slight, if any, increase in life expectancy over batteries stored at room temperature -- no more than 10%.
RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES
Even the best rechargeable NiCad bat-
teries do not perform as long on a single charge as the same number of single-use alkaline. However, for power-hungry items such as CD players, games and other items that get lots of use, rechargeables make a lot of sense because they can be recharged hundreds of times.
Rechargeable NiCads are not recommended for low-drain devices or passive applications such as smoke detectors and alarm clocks.
Rechargeable alkaline batteries, which are less expensive than NiCads, lose significant capacity with each recharge and have a life expectancy of only about 25 recharges.
Safety tip: Experts say we should install fresh batteries in smoke detectors and security systems every six months. But don’t throw the old batteries out. They likely have lots of life remaining, especially if they are alkaline, and will work well in your remote control, pager, toys and flashlights.
All batteries should be recycled to keep them out of the landfills. Home Depot stores have collection bins. Or check with
your county government about other collection facilities in your area.
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 2025 CREATORS.COM
BY MARY HUNT
Next to your rent or mortgage payment, food is probably your biggest expense. Don’t believe me? For the next 30 days, track every nickel you spend to feed your face, then tell me it doesn’t add up to one boatload of cash-ola.
Every dollar you don’t spend on food is a dollar you get to keep for something else -- like knocking down that student loan or padding your savings account. That dollar has already been taxed, and you don’t have to wait for it to appear in some future paycheck. It’s yours, right here, right now.
So how do you keep more of those dollars in your pocket? Here’s a snappy collection of grocery-shopping tricks that may not be new but have surely been forgotten by most of us.
1. DON’T SHOP HUNGRY
One study found that hungry shoppers spend up to 60% more -- and not just on food. You’d be better off grabbing a donut from the bakery section to curb your hunger before you shop. Just don’t forget to pay for it!
2. SHOP WITH A LIST
Stick to it as much as humanly possible, but be flexible enough to swap items if a better deal pops up.
3. PLAN YOUR LIST BASED ON SALES
Check your store’s weekly ad (flyer or website) and build your meal plan around what’s on sale.
4. GO FOR THE LOSS LEADERS
These are the deeply discounted items designed to lure you into the store. When they’re that cheap, stock up!
5. TIME YOUR TRIP WISELY
Avoid shopping at the beginning of the month and right before holidays. Stores tend to raise prices when they know the crowds -- especially seniors and other who get monthly checks -- are coming.
6. KNOW YOUR PRICES
Keep a written record of the regular price per unit for items you buy most often. That way, you’ll know whether a sale is actually a bargain or just clever marketing.
7. BUY IN SEASON
Fruits and veggies are at their best quality -- and lowest price -- when they’re in season.
8. SHOP WITH CASH
Bring only what you’ve budgeted for this trip. If you stumble across a fabulous bargain and don’t have enough, you can always go back. Shopping with cash keeps you from overspending -- studies show that when you use plastic, you spend 30% more. That’s a financial leak worth plugging!
9. TRACK YOUR SPENDING AS YOU SHOP
Use your phone or a pocket calculator to keep a running total of what’s in your cart. No surprises at checkout!
10. STICK TO TWO OR THREE STORES
Rotating between your cheapest local stores lets you grab different loss leaders and real bargains.
11. SHOP AT LARGER STORES
Bigger stores often have lower prices thanks to volume discounts.
12. FIND A BAKERY OUTLET
These discount stores can have amazing deals -- if you have the willpower to
resist impulse buys.
13. CHECK OUT SALVAGE STORES
Dented cans and mislabels can mean major savings. Just inspect items carefully.
14. BUY IN BULK (BUT NOT TOO MUCH)
If you can’t use it before it goes bad, it’s not a bargain.
15. DON’T OVERFILL YOUR STORAGE
A year’s worth of toilet paper is great -- if you have the space for it.
16. DO THE MATH ON COUPONS
A sale price without a coupon is often cheaper than the regular price with one.
17. BE SELECTIVE WITH COUPONS AND SALES
Only buy it if you actually need it, not just because it’s on sale.
18. ALWAYS CHECK EXPIRATION DATES
Grab the freshest option whenever possible.
19. CONSIDER STORE BRANDS
Most of the time, they’re identical to the name brands -- just with a lower price tag.
20. SHOP SOLO
Distractions (kids, spouses, friends) can cost you.
21. MAKE FRIENDS IN THE STORE
Your regular presence could mean early markdowns from the produce, bakery or meat department.
22. LOOK HIGH AND LOW
Expensive brands are placed at eye level on purpose. Check the top and bottom shelves for better deals.
23. SKIP NONFOOD ITEMS AT THE GROCERY STORE
Cleaning supplies, paper goods and greeting cards are usually cheaper elsewhere.
24. AVOID INDIVIDUAL-SIZE PACKAGES
Buy the bigger size and divide portions at home.
25. AVOID CONVENIENCE FOODS
Pre-cut fruit, shredded cheese and premixed seasoning blends cost way more than their whole counterparts.
26. WAIT FOR SALES
A national brand on sale is usually cheaper than a store brand at regular price.
27. LEARN YOUR STORE’S SALE CYCLES
Most grocery stores operate on a 12week sale cycle. If you notice a pattern, buy enough during the sale to last until the next one.
FINAL THOUGHT
Stick to these tips, eat out less, and I promise you’ll see big savings in no time. Your grocery bill might just shrink faster than a cheap T-shirt in hot water!
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 2025 CREATORS.COM
BY DENNIS MAMMANA
Week of March 16-22, 2025
You may recall marveling at the Red Planet Mars when I wrote about it in December. It reached its closest to Earth in mid-January when it lay only 60 million miles from us and shone as a bright orange “star” in the night sky.
If you’ve been paying attention to this planet over the past few months, you will have noticed that it has become noticeably fainter. And if you’ve been watching it with a small telescope, you have certainly noticed that the planet now appears 30% smaller. These differences have occurred because Mars and Earth have separated considerably as they’ve orbited the sun. Today Mars is nearly twice as far from Earth as it was in January, and about three times fainter.
The one similarity to its appearance back then is that it still appears in the direction of the stars of Gemini, the twins, and now forms a fairly tight triangle with “twin stars” Castor and Pollux high overhead after dark. Keep an eye on Mars over the next few weeks and you’ll notice how it appears to drift eastward among these stars, the result of its orbital motion and that of the Earth.
To get an even better idea of how Mars moves among the stars, you can sketch its position, or even take a photograph of the area, from week to week.
Simply fix your gaze (or that of your camera) on the “twin stars” of Gemini, and you’ll be able to record the movement of Mars very clearly over time.
By mid-April, the Red Planet will have left the stars of Gemini and will enter the constellation of Cancer, and will appear nearly three times fainter and, with a telescope, some 27% smaller than it does this week.
Keep watch longer and you’ll see that by May, Mars will pass quite close to the Beehive star cluster at the center of the constellation Cancer. You can spot this cluster as a faint smudge of light on any clear, dark springtime night if you’re far from city lights and have no moonlight. But on the evening of May 4, Mars will appear just to the north of the Beehive, and this should be a great time to view both with a small, low-powered telescope. Even with bright moonlight that week, a telescope will reveal the stars of the cluster.
The show doesn’t just occur on that night, however. As Mars orbits the sun, we can see its movement against the more distant stars if we’re patient. On the evenings of May 3, 4 and 5, it will appear to drift by the cluster. Even through binoculars, Mars’ tiny orange disk will produce a lovely sight against the dozens of shimmering stars that form the Beehive.
This of course is an optical illusion caused by the two appearing along the same line of sight. In reality, the Beehive is 577 lightyears (about 3,394 trillion miles) away, while Mars will then be some 26 million times closer (“only” about 137 million miles from us).
BY TRACY BECKERMAN
Back in my early days of suburbia, I received one or two catalogs in the mail, and that was about it. However, catalogs, I soon learned, are like rabbits: They tend to multiply if left unattended. At first I looked forward to the occasional Pottery Barn and WilliamsSonoma catalogs. Not that I was buying, because we were young and house poor. But like a man with a girly magazine, I liked to look at the pictures and dream about what I didn’t have at home. Soon enough, though, more catalogs started pouring in. Initially it was just home decor-themed catalogs, which made sense since I had a home. But then I started getting catalogs for obscure things I had absolutely no possible interest in, such as hunting gear, Amish clothing and pet diapers for elderly, incontinent dogs. Somehow I had gotten
Spend some time under the stars this spring and enjoy watching this remarkable journey of Mars! Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com. COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM
Mars becomes noticeably fainter as it orbits away from the Earth.
on the mailing list for everything from surgical scrubs to Harley-Davidson clothes, which would be great if I was a doctor who rode a cool hog, rather than a stay-at-home mom who drives a lame-o SUV. Sure, the catalogs were pretty and colorful and inviting, and made me almost want to call right in and order a plain and simple Amish lady’s bonnet. But the catalogs had started crowding out my regular mail and soon reached such a volume that the mailman simply left them stacked next to the post. I was afraid the neighbors were going to think I had some kind of catalog addiction, do an intervention and enroll me in a mail-order 12-step program. The day I received a catalog for the Avocado of the Month Club, I decided the time had come to cut off the catalogs cold turkey. I had no choice. I don’t even really like guacamole.
Now, I knew I got a lot of catalogs, but since they never came all at once, I really had no idea how many there were. For a month I collected all my catalogs and piled them up in a heap in my kitchen. By the time I reached 50, I figured I could either wallpaper my family room with them or take some action. Getting catalogs, it seemed, was easy. Stopping getting catalogs ... not so much. From my monster pile o’ catalogs, I went through each one and wrote down their mailing address. Then I typed a lovely, gracious cease-anddesist-or-I-will-sue-you-and-the-Amishbuggy-you-rode-in-on letter. I printed out 50 copies, cut out my mailing label on each catalog, stuck it to the letter, then mailed them all out.
Warily, I watched the mail get delivered each day. As the mailman staggered under the weight of my catalogs, I
began to wonder if my letters had ended up in some catalog slush pile. I thought it pretty ironic that in trying to end the junk mail, I may have ended up becoming junk mail myself.
Then, slowly but surely, I noticed a definite decrease in the number of catalogs I was receiving. Day by day, the pile got smaller and smaller, until one afternoon, I opened up the mailbox and found only bills. Smiling with smug satisfaction, I went in the house and logged onto my email. I had 30 incoming messages.
They were all online catalogs.
Tracy Beckerman is the author of the Amazon Bestseller, “Barking at the Moon: A Story of Life, Love, and Kibble,” available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble online! You can visit her at www. tracybeckerman.com.
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NOVENA TO THE BLESSED MOTHER
Oh Most Beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven. Oh, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity.
Oh Star of the Sea, help me herein and show me here you are my Mother.
Oh Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power.
Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee (say three times).
Holy Mary I place this cause in your hands (say three times).
Amen.
This prayer is never known to fail and is to be said for 3 consecutive days.
In Gratitude (E.H.)
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901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530
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Makes 6 servings
St. Patrick’s Day is known for revelry. A festive atmosphere prevails each March 17, and people from all walks of life and genealogical backgrounds take part in festivities that have become celebrations of Irish culture.
8 cups lamb or beef stock; divided
1 cup pearl barley
3 lb. lamb shoulder, cubed
Salt, to taste
Cuisine is a big part of Irish culture, even if it’s not the first thing people think of when pondering the Emerald Isle. This St. Patrick’s Day, cel-
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons oil
1⁄2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
4 stalks of celery, washed, trimmed and chopped
2 large yellow onions, peeled and chopped
1) In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, bring 3 cups of stock to a boil; add barley. Reduce heat to low and gently simmer for 20 minutes. Set aside.
2) Meanwhile, pat the meat dry with paper towels. Season the meat with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a 6-quart Dutch oven. Brown the meat on all sides over medium-high heat. Using a slotted spoon, remove the meat from the pot. Sprinkle flour over the meat, shaking off any excess; set aside.
3) Add the celery, onions, gar-
ebrants can bring a touch of Irish cuisine to their celebrations by preparing the following recipe for “Irish Guinness Stew with Lamb” courtesy of Lines+Angles.
3 cloves of garlic, minced
3 large carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
12 fluid ounces Guinness stout
1 bunch fresh parsley
1 bunch fresh thyme
1 bunch fresh rosemary
3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 teaspoons cornstarch
4 teaspoons water
lic and carrots to the pot and saute until onions are soft and translucent. Add Guinness and deglaze the pot, scraping up all the caramelized bits on the bottom and sides of the pan.
4) Chop the leaves of the parsley, reserving the stems. Tie the parsley stems and several sprigs of thyme and rosemary into a bundle; drop the bundle into the pot. Chop the remaining thyme and rosemary; set chopped herbs aside.
5) Return the meat to the pot. Add the potatoes, barley and enough stock to cover the meat
and vegetables. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to very low and simmer for 2 to 3 hours, or until meat is fork tender. Stir occasionally, adding remaining stock as necessary.
6) Check seasoning; adjust to taste. Stir in chopped parsley, thyme and rosemary. Mix cornstarch in water and stir. Add to stew, stirring to incorporate. Cook over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes or until stew thickens. Ladle into bowls. Serve with crusty bread and of course more Guinness if desired.
If you haven’t tried Chewy.com yet for your pet food and supply purchases, this is a great time to check them out. Last Hope is part of their rescue program. For each new customer that makes a purchase, Last Hope will receive a $20 donation. Go to Last Hope’s Chewy page at https://www.chewy. com/g/last-hope-animal-rescue_b100553681 for info on Last Hope and to shop for items and necessities on the shelter’s wish list.
BY TONY SENA
The New York Islanders return home this Friday from a three game road trip out west. They play two very important and crucial home games against the Edmonton Oilers and the current Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers. The Islanders desperately need to win both of these games to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Islanders are hoping to gain one of the wildcard positions but they need to build up some points quickly and gain on some of their rivals in the standings. It's a very tight race and the Islanders are battling with seven other teams in the Eastern Conference for the two wildcard spots.
The Islanders play this Friday night on March 14th at the UBS arena against the Edmonton Oilers at 7:30pm and again on Sunday March 16th against the Florida panthers at 7:30pm. The Oilers probably have the most exciting player to watch in the NHL with Connor McDavid. Let's get out there on Friday night and Sunday night and cheer for our Islanders as they make their push for the playoffs this season. Let's Go Islanders!!
The Recreation Adult Programs in the Field House begin on Wednesday, October 16 according to the following schedule:
Mondays - Mens’ Basketbal l 7:30–10 p.m.
Wednesdays - Mens’ Basketball -
7:30–10 p.m.
Thursdays - Adult Volleyball 7:30 – 10 p.m.
These programs are open to residents of the Inc. Village of Garden City who have graduated high school OR adults who can show proof of graduating Garden City high school (diploma, student ID card). A picture ID is required to sign in to any program. For further information, please contact the Recreation Office at 465-4075.
A fee schedule will be place for any resident adult interested in participating in Adult Activities in St. Paul’s Fieldhouse. The fee schedule is as follows:
10 Play Pass – good for any Fieldhouse sport for 10 visits, $50
5 Play Pass – good for any Fieldhouse sport for 5 visits, $25
A participant may also “pay as you go” but payment will only be accepted by check or credit card only, NO CASH ACCEPTED. “Pay as you go” prices will be $6. Passes may be purchased at the fieldhouse when arriving for your sport.
Please note - A resident participant may bring in 1 non- resident guest. This rule will be strictly enforced. These guest must arrive and leave with the resident. There are no passes for nonresidents. The daily fee for the non-resident guest is $8.
To purchase one of the passes, please fill out the attached application and mail to or visit the Recreation Office at 108 Rockaway Ave. You will also be able to purchase a pass from our St. Paul’s staff. All payments must be made by either a check made payable to the “Inc. Village of Garden City” or credit card only, no cash will be accepted.
Pickleball will begin again in St. Paul’s Fieldhouse on Tuesday, September 17th. This program is open to Garden City residents only, Tuesdays through Fridays, 9:30 to noon.
Each session will consist of open play with everyone attending round robining in to play. If you attend the first session you must pay again to stay for the second session. There will be no reserving of courts for individual play. A monitor
will be available for any person wishing to learn the game. The fee schedule to attend is as follows:
10 Play Pass – good for any Fieldhouse sport for 10 visits, $50
5 Play Pass – good for any Fieldhouse sport for 5 visits, $25
A participant may also “pay as you go”. “Pay as you go” prices will be $6.
To purchase one of the passes, please visit the Recreation Office at 108 Rockaway Ave. You will also be able to purchase a pass from our St. Paul’s staff at the time of attendance. Check or credit card payment is preferred.
GC Rec is announcing a Pickleball program for the kids from March 4 through May 1. It will be 90 minutes of play on all four courts in the field house with a basic intro to the game and rules. We will provide the equipment, and the cost is $100 for 8 sessions. We will need a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 24 sign ups to run the program per day.
Mondays: 1 p.m.–8 p.m.
Tuesdays: 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and 5 p.m.–9 p.m.
Wednesdays: 9 a.m.–12 p.m.; 1 p.m.–
4 p.m. and 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
Thursdays: 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and
1 p.m.–8 p.m.
Fridays: 9 a.m.–12 p.m.; 2 p.m.–4 p.m. and 5 p.m.–8 p.m.
Saturdays: 1 p.m.–5 p.m.
*Walk at your own risk. Hours are subject to change. Please do not open the windows on the track.
Tickets must be purchased by 3/20/25 or we cannot book the trip!
Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays @ Yankee Stadium on July 31st: $90 gets you ticket, food, soft drinks, & ride to game. There are only 40 spots available for 4th–8th graders. We will leave from St. Paul’s parking lot at 10am. We will return at the end of the game. Pleas sign up at the Recreation Office at 108 Rockaway Avenue. Cash or checks(made out to the Village of Garden City) only. These tickets will go quickly, sign up as soon as possible!!
www.FutureFashionStars.com
Color Illustration - Flat Sketching Silhouette / Shape / Proportion
Sustainability - Trend Spotting DesignUpcycling - Styling & More! Look Book Photoshoot & Fashion Show on the last
day of camp!! Keep the designs you create. All apparel and upcycle materials provided.
Garden City Recreation CenterThe Cottages, Weekly Monday–Friday, 12:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.,
July 7 – 11: Behind the Seams - Intro to Fashion
July 14 – 18: Love Story - Pastel and Pretty
July 21 – 25: Pop Star - Stage Worthy Style
July 28 – August 1: The Good Vibe Club - Sweats with Graphic Messaging & Sun Bleached Denim
AGE 8 - 11 // FEE: $395 per week
Team applications are now online at: www.gardencityrecreation.org, or stop by the Recreation office for forms: 108 rockaway avenue
• Rosters and fees are due by Tuesday, April 1
• The league will begin play the week of April 20
• Fees– $650 for 8 game season plus playoffs for eligible teams
• Space is limited and teams must meet eligibility requirements
For more info, please contact the Recreation Department at 516 465-4075
Pioneer Sports Volleyball Clinic
Volleyball Clinic: Tuesdays, March 4 to April 8, 6:30–7:30 p.m. This program is a learn and play clinic for grades 3-5 at The St. Paul’s Fieldhouse. The cost of the program is $150 per child.
Follow our new Instagram and Facebook “GardenCityRecreation” for all Recreation content! Any questions regarding programs or facilities can be directed to our new Recreation email, GCRec@gardencityny.net .
St. Paul’s Field House will be open for “Family Fun” for Village of Garden City families. This open time provides the opportunity for families to enjoy various gym activities in an indoor environment. The gym will be available for use from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on all below dates. This time is designated for family time only. No organized practices or workouts will be allowed. Although there will be staff to monitor activity, this is not a drop off program. We ask that all elementary and middle school aged children must be accompanied by an adult/guardian. For the safety of our users, sports involving paddle, stick,
USA Sports Group, a longtime partner of the Recreation and Parks Department of the Village of Garden City, will be running Summer Camps from children ages 5–12. It will be a multi-sport program with an adapted curriculum running from June through August. For more information, please go to Pulsecamps.com
Beat the winter DOLDRUMS and get some exercise while having fun!
Prime tennis court time is available: all days and all times.
Get ready for your spring and summer leagues with a contract for the remaining weeks of the indoor season.
Daily reservation times are also available!
We have Women’s League openings! Looking for 2.5 to 3.0 players for our women’s Monday doubles league: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Please call the Recreation office to book a seasonal court or for more information: 516 465-4075
For daily reservations, call the Tennis Center Office: 516 483-2525
Garden City Recreation and Parks has again partnered with the very popular “Chess Wizards” to offer after school programs for Garden City children ages 6 through 12 who want to learn the game of chess!
Chess Wizards is a fun way to have kids experience the excitement of chess. Kids will play in mini tournaments, have interactive lessons with chess pros and play cool chess variants like bug house. It is proven that chess enhances cognitive development in children, improves both verbal and mathematical skills, and increases all levels of academic performance! Playing chess stimulates the mind and helps children strengthen skills such as focusing, visualizing goals, abstract thinking, and forming concrete opinions.
Instructors (who are called “Wizards”) provide all the materials necessary for your child to participate in the class and no additional purchase is required to attend. All students will receive a trophy, puzzle folder and wizards t-shirt. Come join the fun!!!
This program is a 10-week session. Class will be held on Tuesday’s from 4 to 5 p.m. in St. Paul’s Center (108 Rockaway Avenue) beginning April 1. To register, please visit www.chesswizards.com.
Let your voice be heard!
Is there an issue in your community you want to discuss? Want to respond to something you saw in our paper?
Then write a letter to our editor and bring it to everyone’s attention! Send your letter to editor@gcnews.com and we’ll publish it for you!
A new memorial commemorates the first Nassau County Championship won by Garden City High School in 1945, reminding our community of the difficult circumstances students endured during war. The team started its season with 15 players but reduced to just 11 for the County Championship game since four players were drafted mid-season. During the war years there were no 18-year-olds on Trojans men’s sports teams. While fall teams tended to have a nearly full complement of players, spring sports rosters thinned out quickly as most seniors and some juniors left.
Coach L.N. “Skids” Sanford had some great players. The captain was William Carroll; his brother, Timmy Carrol, also was on the team and was placekicker on football. Seniors Bob Dewhirst (star shortstop) and John Molony (2B) were the keystone cops; Molony was also class treasurer. Another senior, Bill Olson, was class president, captain of the football team, played soccer and ran track, was a top student, and had a great sense of humor. Juniors Lou Koelsch (a “dynamite player”) and Dick Heines, a big Yankee fan, both previously made Varsity as sophomores; Heines also played soccer.
Two of the youngest team players were Fred Usbeck and John Dunne, the latter a future New York State Senator and future Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights.
The ace of staff was senior right hander George Cody, who pitched a no-hitter during the season; Cody also played on the basketball and football teams. The number 2 starter was 6-5 right hander Carl “Bean Pole” Braun, who had moved from Brooklyn to Garden City the year before; Braun also played soccer and basketball and went onto fame after graduation. Braun did not turn 18 until the following September 25, being the youngest of the seniors. All other seniors on the team were most likely drafted into the
miliary promptly in the months following graduation and possibly some of the juniors who turned 18 shortly after. Given that it is unsurprising that only three players from this championship team, Heines, Usbeck, and Koelsch returned for the 1946 season.
While Garden City residents have played in the MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL and the Olympics, Braun was one of the best. After graduation in 1947-1948 he pitched in the New York Yankees organization in summers and played for the New York Knicks in winters. During his first season with the Knicks, he set what was then the NBA single game scoring record with 47 points, yet he continued to play pro baseball in the summer for another year; (the other GC resident in the NBA Hall of Fame, Dave DeBusschere, also played in the MLB).
During World War 2, boys attending Garden City High School were normally required to report for military service within a few weeks after their 18th birthday. During the war the school relaxed requirements to simply graduate any student in good standing as soon as they were drafted, rather than requiring them to return to graduate after the war. Students could also enlist at 17 with their parents’ permission.
In the summer of 1944 about a dozen GCHS boys who had just completed their junior year were classified as summer graduates. When school started in September 1944, GCHS was largely full, and team pictures of the football team, for example, show a full squad. Yet as the school year progressed every few weeks the student body got smaller as males were
Members of Best Buddies enjoyed meeting new friends while laughing, bonding over games like Jenga and Scrabble, sharing stories, and completing winter-themed coloring pages.
On Jan. 31, the Garden City High School and Garden City Middle School Best Buddies chapters came together for an afternoon filled with fun, games and meaningful connections. Both schools host student-run clubs that, with the guidance of teacher advisers, promote awareness, inclusivity and positivity through peer engagement.
High school e-board members—students in leadership positions—along with Best Buddies matches took a bus
to the middle school where they participated in a variety of structured activities designed to foster social interaction and friendship. Facilitated by Mrs. Tufano, Mrs. Novack, Mrs. Moss and Mr. Kalberer, the meeting provided students from grades 6–ß12 with a relaxed and enjoyable Friday afternoon. Members enjoyed meeting new friends while laughing, bonding over games like Jenga and Scrabble, sharing stories, and completing winter-themed col-
Students in the Best Buddies chapters of Garden City High School and Garden City Middle School spent an afternoon together.
oring pages.
The two groups will continue to work together as they prepare for the Annual Best Buddies Friendship Walk in May.
Best Buddies International is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships and supports
individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities. For over 15 years, the Garden City High School and Middle School chapters have been successfully building friendships. All students at Garden City Middle School and Garden City High School are welcome to join. Photos courtesy of the Garden City School District
drafted.
After Pearl Harbor the Federal Government lowered the draft age to 18, young men were required to register. Most were called up after their birthday and we given just a week to report. After getting affairs in order and saying goodbyes, draftees were cautioned not to “ celebrate on the night before you have to leave for the Reception Center” since they would be given a battery of tests and “you’ll want to be on your toes.” They were also told to travel light: “Don’t pack a
trunk. Take along a small overnight bag with razor, toothbrush, change of underwear, extra handkerchiefs.”
During the war there were about 16 million males of miliary age. Of them, more than 12 million were in the armed forces concurrently, more than 10 million of whom were drafted; nearly all able-bodied males either enlisted or were conscripted. About 350,000 women also served the armed forces, and even some female Garden City seniors enlisted. About 45 young men from Garden City were killed in
the war.
One can guess that morale at GCHS must have been impacted as students started to disappear. Notwithstanding having a future NBA Hall of Famer as a star of the basketball team, Garden City lost to Mineola in the 1956 Nassau County Championship playoffs because three of the starters went off to war before the Championships. The 1945 yearbook notes in many graduation photos that the student has already been sent off to war before the yearbook printed. One can
get teary eyed looking at the 1945 Commencement photo with almost all women.
Honoring our first County Championship Baseball team helps us empathize with what those students endured. We remember them for what they did for our nation, not just for what they did on the ballfield, and this new memorial helps us remember their legacy.
The Garden City Girls Varsity Basketball team made history this season, securing their first postseason playoff victories since the 2012–2013 campaign. The team finished the season with a remarkable 20-3 record, including a perfect 14-0 mark in conference play. The Lady Trojans, led by head coach Steve Bilello and assistant coach Jade Aponte dominated Conference AA-2, finishing as undefeated champions and proving they were a powerhouse heading into the playoffs.
Their postseason journey began with a hard-fought battle against
Elmont, where they secured a 56-47 victory. Senior captain Kyle Finnell and junior Marisa Patrissi led the charge, each scoring 20 points to propel the Trojans to their first playoff win in over a decade. Sophomore Lia Costa added 7 points, sophomore Grace Brantuk contributed 5, while senior captain Breanna Santopietro and junior Kennedy Palmer each had 2 points.
In the next round, Garden City matched up against the East Meadow Jets, a team that had edged them out by just one point in a prior year's
quarterfinal playoff round. This time, the Trojans got their revenge, defeating the 2024 Long Island Champions 54-49 in a thrilling contest. Patrissi once again stepped up, leading the team with 15 points, while Brantuk added 13. Senior Ava Mullally also played a key role in the victory, scoring 11 points, including a perfect 3-for-3 performance from beyond the arc.
With the win over East Meadow, the Lady Trojans made history once again, advancing to their first-ever Nassau County AA Final and return -
ing to the county finals for the first time since 2013. Now, they turn their attention to their biggest challenge yet—the Baldwin Bruins, a perennial contender. The Bruins have a tradition-rich basketball program and have won the Nassau County Championship in 13 of the previous 15 years.
With momentum on their side, having won 20 straight contests and a season already filled with historic achievements, Garden City has shown they were ready for the next challenge. As they prepared for the
Lady Trojans during the playing national anthem of the East Meadow Semi-Final Game on 3-5-2025.
County Finals, the Lady Trojans had the chance to cement their legacy and take their place among the program ’ s greatest teams, having already etched their names into school history with their remarkable achievements.
The highly anticipated Nassau County AA Championship game took place on March 8 at Farmingdale State College. The Lady Trojans entered the matchup as underdogs against Baldwin, a team that had only lost one game all season and had dominated their playoff opponents in 2025 by an average margin of 43 points. This presented a defining moment for Garden City as they sought to dethrone the reigning powerhouse and capture their first county title in over a decade. With
both teams showcasing talent and resilience throughout the season, the championship promised to be an intense and thrilling battle.
The championship matchup lived up to expectations in a thrilling contest. Kyle Finnell led the Lady Trojans with an outstanding 26-point performance, while Marisa Patrissi and Grace Brantuk both added 9 points. Lia Costa and Ava Mullally each contributed 3 points, and Breanna Santopietro chipped in with 2. The Lady Trojans came out strong, taking an early lead before Baldwin responded with a dominant run, building a 17-point advantage. Refusing to back down, Garden City battled back in the fourth quarter, cutting Baldwin ’ s lead to just 10 points and keeping the game com -
Costa, sophomore, dribbles through two defenders before earning an assist.
petitive until the final buzzer. Junior Kaitlyn Santopietro and freshman Charlotte Kenny came in off the bench and contributed on the defensive end while giving the starters a breather. Garden City played with a resilient mindset and tenacious defense, but in the end, they fell short, losing 64-52 to Baldwin.
The team also includes juniors Kiera Ruoff, Alexa Marshall, and Ella Leonardo, freshman Angela Vorkas, and Junior Varsity call-ups Cassidy Wilde and Abby Perisa.
Ed Ramirez, Garden City athletic director, reflected on the team's performance: “ Very proud of how the team competed. They were not intimidated and believed they could win against a very good Baldwin team with a winning tradition. Our
Kaitlyn Santopietro, junior, boxes out Baldwin’s defender for a rebound.
a transition basket.
girls made them earn the championship. This group of seniors worked hard the last four years to bring the program back to this level, and I expect the underclassmen will continue working to take it further. ” Steve Bilello, head coach, shared his thoughts on the season: "We may have come up short in the championship against Baldwin, but I couldn’t be prouder of this team. They fought hard, never quit, and pushed the program in a positive direction. This was the most successful season in 13 years, and it’s all because of the culture they built together. I’m incredibly grateful to have coached this group and for the support from our parents, community, and administration."
Keegan Fitzpatrick flashes the guns and proudly displays his medal as he qualifies for the NY State Championship.
The GC Grapplers youth wrestling team is entering the final stretch of a highly successful season, marking a year of tremendous achievements under first-year head coach Stephen Jones and his staff, Jay and Kirk. With over 100 combined wins, multiple All-County and All-State honors, and the first female wrestler in
program history to record a victory, the team has set new milestones while fostering the next generation of Garden City wrestling.
This past weekend, the Grapplers competed in the Long Island Winter Championship "Warzone" tournament in Melville, with standout performances from Michael Dunn, Luca
John LoPiccolo is focused and dialed-in on his opponent, en route to a 14-3 major win!
Eli Kong and Keegan Fitzpatrick are all smiles at the
Erigo, and John LoPiccolo. Dunn delivered his best tournament performance of the season, securing a pin and a hard-fought 13-5 decision en route to a multi-victory day. The coaches were particularly proud of his efforts. LoPiccolo continued his strong season with a dominant 14-3 win, solidifying his reputation
as a rising star in the program. Meanwhile, Erigo battled through four tough matches, demonstrating resilience and showing promising signs for the future with 6 total wins on the season.
Additionally, the Grapplers concluded the “major” tournament portion of their schedule at the NYWAY
Dunn locks up with his opponent prior to his single leg takedown and ultimate pin.
between two defenders to Jack Schorr. The ball hit Schorr in stride, he beat the two flat footed defenders and whipped a shot past an outstretched keeper and GC had the insurmountable 2-0 lead and a ticket to the finals on Sunday morning.
As the final whistle blew on Saturday the boys knew they had one more test to complete their season long journey. After months of training and battle tested with 22 straight wins that included 17 shutouts the boys and their coaches were on a mission, bring the State title home to Garden City for the first time.
Once again, the Trojans faced a team in Clarnece that approached the game as many opponents have, contain the GC attack, allow time of possession to favor the Trojans but try to not allow good scoring chances. As with the previous day, the Red Devils played with only one man up front and ten behind the ball giving Garden City about an 80-20 percentage of ball control and several quality chances to get the opening goal.
for the Trojans was a through ball from Profeta that just missed connecting with Jack Costa in the box. The first half ended nil-nil.
the box and with only the keeper to beat he was taken down from behind and awarded a penalty kick in the 50th minute of play.
Garden City had numerous chances but couldn’t come up with the first goal. In the opening twenty minutes the Trojans had several dangerous corner kicks but an active Clarence keeper kept them off the scoresheet, either coming off his line to punch the ball out or being in position to grab the ball off the heads of the taller GC forwards.
John LoPiccolo is all smiles with coaches Jay and Kirk as he prepares for the Winter WarZone tournament in Melville.
Long Island Championship at Nassau Community College on February 23rd. This event brought together the top wrestlers from Nassau, Suffolk, and the Tri-State area, making it by far the toughest test of the season. Four GC Grapplers participated, including All-County finalists Eli Kong, Owen Sampson, and Nate Kong, along with Nassau County Champion Keegan Fitzpatrick.
After an inspiring half-time talk with coach Paul Cutter, he emphasized that the game was there for the taking and the boys couldn’t continue to have so many chances without pushing one in. He implored the boys to raise their intensity, bring more urgency to the field and continue doing what they’ve done all season.
Watson approached the ball and drove a strong shot towards the corner, but the Red Devil keeper guessed right and made the save. Watson didn’t give up on the ball and without hesitation struck the ball into the open net for the goal that put GC up 2-0.
Perhaps the best chance for GC came in the eighteenth minute as Woodbine shook his defender in the box and one touched a ball that just cleared the bar.
For Clarence, their one and only scoring chance of the opening half came on a counterattack in the seventeenth minute as they pushed two men up field. With a good cross to the corner of the 18 yard box, the Clarence forward fired a shot to the opposite corner of the goal that went just wide as Pupke was able to close down the shooters angle.
Eli Kong continued his aggressive, high-energy style, wrestling his way to a third-place finish in a deep bracket featuring elite competition from top clubs like VHW. His willingness to take on top-tier opponents throughout the season has made him one of the team’s most fearless competitors.
Sampson wrestled up in the
In the last five minutes of the half, GC continued to attack and had two good chances, both with Luca Profeta on the ball. The first was a free kick from Profeta from 25 yards out that couldn’t connect. And the second, and last chance of the half
had the Trojans going 554 minutes without giving up a goal, and it raised the angst of the many GC fans that travelled to Middletown.
Cutter’s words were quickly translated to the field as the team scored in under two minutes gone by in the half. Controlling the ball off of the tap off, GC got the ball into the box and with bodies crashing, Justin Woodbine was able to push the loose ball past an out of position keeper for the opening goal of the game. Garden City celebrated but kept their game faces on as they inched closer to their ultimate goal.
With Clarence looking to generate more offense to get back in the game, the middle of the field started to open up for GC. This played right into the Trojan game plan as the open space allowed them to control the ball with their quick passes and good touches on the ball.
The insurance goal came off the foot of Nassau County scoring leader Myles Watson as he deftly worked the ball into
86-pound division, facing stiff competition but showcasing his trademark grit and determination in two hardfought matches. Owen’s rapid rise as a star wrestler continued, establishing him as one of the top competitors in his age/weigh class. Fitzpatrick, fresh off a Nassau County title, started strong with an opening-round pin. After a tough fought second-round loss to the eventual champion (his only loss in a major tournament this year), he rebounded with three consecutive wins—without surrendering a single point—including an intense 1-0 victory over the Suffolk County Champion for “true” second. His 4-1 performance on the day earned him State Qualifier status and capped off an incredible season. Unfortunately, Nate Kong did not have any partici -
The Trojans had several more good scoring chances in the next 15 minutes as the shot total continued to climb in their favor at 23-3. Woodbine shot just wide of the post, Charlie Koester sent a free kick into the box for Jack Klein that was headed on goal and Profeta sent a couple of corner kicks into the goal area, but none connected for the important third goal.
pants in his weight class/bracket and was unable to compete. However, with his All-County status and strong showings on the Middle School circuit (winning his first Middle School match by pin), he remains one of the top lightweight wrestlers on Long Island.
Garden City didn’t allow the Red Devils any room in the final minutes of play, and they secured the first NY State title in school history. And the players and coaches were finally able to celebrate loudly having accomplished what they had started in the summer months.
All that was left was a very happy ride back to Garden City, and with a GCPD escort the team bus was able to deliver that title on 7th Street to the many parents, friends and residents on Sunday afternoon. The season was truly an historic run for the team and coaches, as they finished their perfect season with a 23-0 record.
The team extends its gratitude to Coaches Jones, Jay, and Kirk for their dedication, leadership, and commitment to youth wrestling development.
The Grapplers will wrap up their season with a well-earned pizza party following their final team practice this Thursday before heading into their last tournament, the St. Patrick’s Day WarZone at Walt Whitman High School on Saturday.
As the game entered the final fifteen minutes, Clarence began pushing more players into the attack and had a good chance that Ian Pupke closed in on and forced the shooter to go wide of the goal. But with under six minutes remaining in the game Clarence made the game interesting. Attacking down the right sideline the ball was crossed into the middle and a Red Devil player was able to avoid the GC defense and with a quick one touch shot pushed the ball passed Pupke to make the score 2-1. The goal was the first given up by GC in the playoffs, official scoring
Special mention should be made of the excellent coaching and dedication to the team from head coach Paul Cutter with assistants Luke Connolly and Mike Lind, team managers Ryan Cappello and Henry Schnell, athletic trainer Anthony Navaro and Athletic Director Ed Ramirez (GCTrojanNation).
Congratulations especially to all the seniors, many of whom have been with the team for the past two or three seasons.
Photos by Ed Rotondo
With a strong foundation, an elite group of young wrestlers, and a pipeline feeding into the Garden City Trojans middle and high school programs, the GC Grapplers have cemented their status as one of Long Island’s premier youth wrestling programs. The future is bright for Garden City Wrestling!
Five members of the Boys Winter Track team competed at the NY State Indoor Track and Field Championships this past weekend. An outstanding All State performance by DJ McDonough, Luke Webber, Connor Wellbrock, Chris Byrne and Charles Leune who raced amongst the best athletes in New York State was both impressive and inspiring.
The Boys 4x400m relay team including Chris, Luke, Charles and Connor broke the GCHS school record and placed 6th in the state amongst public schools. This win allowed them to compete in the Federation Finals, where Chris, Charles, Connor and DJ subsequently beat the record yet again and placed fourth amongst private, catholic and public schools in NY State.
DJ McDonough also competed in the 600m running his personal best, thereby breaking his own prior record and placing third in NY State amongst public schools.
Earlier this season Chris, Luke, Connor and DJ earned a qualifying time for the 4x400m relay team to compete at the New Balance National Competition held in Boston this upcoming weekend. This exceptional achievement is hard fought and earned through many days of grueling runs in the snow and ice, months of training and pushing each other to achieve more together. This discipline and dedication has prepared them to race against the most elite runners in the country representing the very best of Garden City athletics.
The Friends of Garden City Girls Lacrosse & the 2024 GCHS Varsity team
would like to thank the season sponsors and wish the 2025 team the best of luck!
Garden City Lacrosse Fans & Supporters!!!!
Kerri & Erik Anderson
The Backer Family
The Ottomanelli Family
Anthony & Christina Prisco
Anonymous Sponsor The Connolly Family Leo's Tavern
The Overbeck Family
Garden City Pizza
Gammy Murtagh
Tom & Jeannie Conway
GC Boys Lacrosse
Paul Eckna Foundation
The Pfaff Family
The Staub Family
Marguerite Gorman
Pizzeria G
The Hegarty Family
The Romeo Family
Walter & Jane Horn
John C. Murray Judy Smith
The Monaco Family
Town Meat Market
Food for Thought
Garden City Wines & Spirits
Tim & Kelly Worstell
Joan Kiernan
ReLash
The Friends of Garden City Girls Lacrosse was developed to assist the Garden City Varsity Lacrosse Program in raising funds for the program as a long term foundation. Its mission is to assist the GCHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse program and to help to continue the long tradition and love of lacrosse in the Garden City community. This fund helps to support the young women whom are representing the GCHS Varsity Lacrosse team as students, scholars, athletes and positive role models.
Any and all donations go directly to the Friends of Garden City Girls Varsity Lacrosse fund.
DONATE NOW - Inquiries, email: Friendsofgcgirlslacrosse@gmail.com
Mail Check: Friends of GC Girls Lacrosse, PO Box 173, Garden City, New York 11530
Venmo: FriendsofGCGirlsLax
Any donation over $500 will receive a free Garden City Lacrosse Flag. Thank you- GO GC!!!
Shrimp Oreganata • Shrimp Parmigiana
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1.
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christinecudahy@danielgale.com christinecudahy.danielgale.com
Experience luxury living in this fully renovated 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath Estates Colonial, where every detail has been meticulously crafted to perfection. A Bluestone walkway leads to an elegant foyer with gleaming hardwood floors, setting the tone for the exquisite finishes throughout. The stunning chef’s kitchen features top-of-the-line Thermador appliances, a spacious quartzite island, a built-in wine fridge, and a walk-in pantry, seamlessly flowing into the sun-drenched dining area and inviting living room with a gas fireplace. The 1st floor also offers a private home office, a stylish powder room, and an oversized mudroom with custom storage and laundry. Upstairs, the luxurious primary suite boasts 2 walk-in closets and a spa-like en suite bath with a double vanity, soaking tub, and glass-enclosed shower. 2 additional bedrooms share a Jack-and-Jill bath, while a 4th bedroom enjoys its own private bath, all with generous closets. A 2nd-floor laundry room and access to a spacious walk-up attic add to the home’s thoughtful design. The impressive basement offers multiple recreation areas, a home gym, a golf simulator, and a separate family living space. Step outside into an entertainer’s dream backyard, where a covered porch with a gas fireplace, built-in heaters, and a TV transforms the space into a year-round retreat. The Bluestone patio provides multiple dining areas and a built-in barbecue with a direct gas line. Additional highlights include 6-zone heating, radiant heat, brand-new mechanicals, Anderson windows, and a whole-house lighting system. Situated near 2 LIRR stations and parks, this exceptional home exudes sophistication and modern comfort. Don’t miss the opportunity to make it yours! MLS# 834097. $2,549,000.
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Matthew Minardi
Real Estate Salesperson
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516.248.6655 ext.2231, c.516.456.3091
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Real Estate Salesperson
516.248.6655 ext.2225, c. 917.575.5926
aimeeescher@danielgale.com aimeeescher.danielgale.com
Stewart Manor, NY 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath. MLS# 826839. $925,000.
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