Sergeant Anthony J. Wevers and family will receive a new roof for Veterans Day, courtesy of a local company.
A local Levittown military family will receive a new roof from Unified Window Systems, Inc., an Owens Corning™ Roofing Platinum Prefe-rred Contractor, as a part of Owens Corning’s national Roof Deployment Project.
As a way to show gratitude to the soldiers who tirelessly serve our country and the families who support them, Owens Corning™ Roofing and their network of independent Platinum Preferred Contractors, along with support from the Owens Corning Foundation, are donating roofing materials and labor to build brand new roofs for military families around the country. The next stop on the list is Levittown on November 10th to install a new roof for Sergeant Anthony J. Wevers, a member of the 42nd Infantry Division Band for the last 16 years.
“Owens Corning is truly proud to give back to Sergeant Wevers, his fami-
ly and the military community through the Roof Deployment Project,” said Bill Mabry, Contractor Network Leader, Owens Corning Roofing and Asphalt.
“Many military families face added stress having a loved one away from home and Owens Corning’s and our network of Platinum Preferred Contractors are stepping up to help these families.”
In his 16 years of service, Sergeant Wevers was part of the Division that deployed and proudly served in Operation Iraqi Freedom III (OIF III).
“Sergeant Wevers is an inspiration to us all and we’re excited to honor him and his family the best way we know how – by installing a free, new roof,” said Steven J. DiMare, CEO of Unified Window Systems, Inc. “There’s a great history here in Levittown with the military community and we’re proud to be here today supporting one of our local veterans right in time for Veteran’s Day.”
Community meeting planned on downtown revitalization
The Oyster Bay Town Board will be holding a special community meeting to discuss ways to revitalize the downtown area of Hicksville on Thursday, November 17th.
Action on revitalization is already underway, with the recent start of a $121 million project to renovate and modernize the Long Island Rail Road station. The Town of Oyster Bay is now considering rezoning of the downtown area.
As a follow up to an “Action Plan” that
was developed by the Chamber of Commerce and Community Council, the town has engaged community leaders and local organizations to obtain initial input on a preliminary zoning concept. As a result of these discussions, a refined zoning concept has been drafted, which the town is prepared to present to the public.
The public is invited to participate at the November 17th meeting, which will
See page 10
Candidates discuss issues at Plainview - OB Middle School
BY GARY SIMEONE
The general public got a chance to ask pertinent questions to five electoral candidates at the ‘Meet The Candidates’ night at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School on Thursday. The event was put together by the Plainview-Old Bethpage Board of Education and PTA Council and was moderated by Board President, Jodi Campagna.
New York State Senator of the 5th Senate District, Carl Marcellino, was in
attendance as well as his opponent in the race, James Gaughran. Democrat Arnie Drucker, of Plainview, was seated on the forum as well as his opponent, Louis Imbroto. Both candidates are seeking the vacant legislative seat left behind when county Legislator Judy Jacobs died. Republican, Jeff Vitale, who is running against State Assemblyman, Charles Lavine, was also in attendance.
Questions for the candidates involved
See page 10
Arrest for DWI with child in car
Nassau County Police arrested a Garden City Park woman for allegedly driving while intoxicated in Levittown on Friday, October 28, at 8:20 p.m.
According to officers, while driving eastbound on Hempstead Turnpike near the intersection of Shelter Lane, Christine Vitrano, 38, of 136 Central Avenue became involved in an auto accident with another vehicle traveling in the same direction.
According to Second Precinct Police Officers, upon their arrival they conducted an investigation and determined that Vitrano had operated her vehicle in an intoxicated condition. Also in the car at the time of the accident was her 8 year old son.
The defendant was placed under arrest and the 8 year old was released to a family member at the scene. There were no reported injuries.
CDA plans Swing Dance
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court Queen of Angels no. 869 will present a “Swing Dance” on November 19th at the Msgr. Tarrant Hall in the St. Ignatius School on East Nicholai Street, Hicksville.
Live music will be provided provided by The Paul Effman Jazz Band.
This will be Paul Effman and his Jazz Band’s 3rd time playing for the CDA Swing Dance! They play throughout the diocese and various venues on Long Island and can’t wait to come back! Carol Fraser has extensive training in classical and modern dances. She has taught and competed all over the world and holds numerous titles, including, US Open Swing Dance Champion, American Lindy Hop Champion, and
North American Dance Champion.
Doors open at 7 p.m. There will be a free dance lesson between 7:30 – 8:30 pm
The band will play between 8:30 –11:30 pm
Tickets: $25 per person—includes a free dance lesson by Carol Fraser of the Long Island Swing Syndicate and dancing to the live band. The Long Island Swing Syndicate will also be performing LIVE!
Snacks and hors d’oeuvres will be provided, but you should bring your own beverages, ice, and mixers. There will be raffles and a 50-50.
Pay at the door—table reservations accepted. The hall is handicap accessible.
For more information contact Katie at: 516-932-0391 or kk02cray@gmail.com
THE POLICE BLOTTER
Incidents that have occurred recently in the local area include:
At 12 p.m. on October 10, a chainsaw was stolen from a shed on Boxwood Lane in Hicksville
n
Between 2 and 4 p.m. on October 10, a victim has reported that unknown subject damaged the windshield of her vehicle on Acre Lane in Hicksville.
n
At 3:45 p.m. on October 10, a 30-yearold man from Whitestone was charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana on October 10 at 3:45 p.m.
n
At the intersection of Cruiksjhank Avenue and Greenwich Street in Hempstead, a 29-year-old woman from Hempstead was arrested and was charged with Driving While Intoxicated at 4:40 a.m. on October 11.
n
Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Kent Place in West Hempstead, the rear passenger window of a victim’s vehicle was damaged on October 11.
n
On October 12 at 9:15 p.m., a 29-year-old man from North Merrick was arrested at the corner of 2nd Street and Roslyn Road in Mineola. He was charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana.
n
At 4:40 a.m. on October 12, a 32-year-
old man from Douglaston was arrested and was charged with Driving While Intoxicated on the Long Island Expressway at Exit 35 in North Hills.
n Personal property was stolen from a vehicle on Central Avenue in Westbury. The items were taken between 10 p.m. on October 12 and 7 a.m. the next morning.
n
At Target in Levittown, a 38-year-old man from Long Beach was arrested and charged with Shoplifting at 12:15 p.m. on October 13.
n
Personal property was stolen from a vehicle on Dartmouth Drive in Hicksville between 10:30 p.m. on October 13 and 5:30 p.m. the following day.
n
At Victoria’s Secret in Hicksville, a 33-year-old man from Jamaica was arrested and charged with Shoplifting at 7 p.m. on October 15.
n
At 9 p.m. on October 16, assorted personal property was stolen from a vehicle on Elm Street in Westbury.
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On October 19, between 8-9 a.m., a campaign sign was stolen from front of a property on Shelter Lane in Levittown.
Compiled by Kate and Meg Meyer
MacArthur HS presents
‘The Addams Family’
The Levittown School District invites the community to a performance of MacArthur High School’s dramatic production of “The Addam’s Family.” Performances will be held in
the school auditorium on Nov. 17-19, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $10 at the door.
There is also a free senior citizen performance on Nov. 16 at 1 p.m.
Grandparents:
Battling to beat childhood cancer
Hempstead Town Supervisor Anthony J. Santino (left) attends the Battling to Beat Childhood Cancers Fundraiser sponsored by the Levittown Athletic Club held at Azalea Road Park located in Levittown. Pictured (L-R) are Supervisor Santino, Fundraiser Co-Chair Dino Mastropiero of Seaford, LAC President Alex Weinberg, Fundraiser Co-Chair Rich Matarazzo, St. Jude Team Leader Anneka Meyer and Assemblyman Thomas McKevitt.
ACLD’S Bethpage campus gets upgrades
The ALD (Adults and Children with Learning/Developmental Disabilities) campus in Bethpage has a brand new look thanks to the generous volunteer work of a manufacturing company in Melville. Leviton Manufacturing, a Melville-based provider of electrical wiring devices, devoted a full day beautifying the Bethpage headquarters.
On August 16th, over 40 volunteers from the manufacturing company fanned out on the Bethpage campus to paint stop sign posts to improve the campus navigation and visibility, assembled planters in front of residential housing, planted annuals and perennials and spread mulch to protect their newly planted flower beds.
“This was something we were going to have to do on our own eventually,” said Howard Simon, ACLD Assistant Director of Community Development. “This team of volunteers from Leviton helped us tremendously in saving time and this was a really big lift for us.”
ACLD connected with Leviton through LIVE (Long Island Volunteer Enterprise) website, a joint initiative spearheaded by the United Way of Long Island and the Long Island Volunteer Center.
Ed Moore Advertising-01 Black plus three
“We want our campus to be a place people want to spend time and the volunteers from Leviton helped us make the place look better and more inviting,” said Simon.
The volunteer work did not stop there as just recently Leviton helped ACLD with their ‘RewearABLE’ green recy cling program by running a clothing drive in their office. The company col lected 1,468 pounds of unwanted clothing and garments for ACLD members as of last Tuesday and Wednesday.
“This is not only good for the envi ronment by keeping used clothing out of landfills but also helps us because this clothing supports sustainable employment for the people who turn to us for support.”
Fran Ruderman, Vice President of Human Resources for Leviton, said that the company is passionate about com munity involvement.
““Leviton has a strong focus on com munity involvement,” said Ruderman.
“Beyond that, we recognize that employ ee volunteering has measurable signifi cance far beyond spending a day paint ing, mulching, planting, building, and working with those in need. It’s about team camaraderie and engagement, too.”
Division Avenue HS is cooking
Joanne Galterio’s family and consumer science classes at Division Avenue High School in Levittown hosted David Allen, a student-chef from Johnson & Wales University. Allen, not only spoke about the educational and career-based opportunities offered by the university, but demonstrated how to prepare a one-pot Mexican pasta dish. The students not only enjoyed his presentation, but thought the entrée was delicious and a dish they would like to prepare. Photo from the Levittown School District.
Mammography van coming to Levittown
“I’m pleased to announce I will be partnering with the Nassau University Medical Center Cancer Screening Program to bring the Mammography Van to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, located at 3434 Hempstead Turnpike, Levittown, on November 3, from 8:45 am to 12:00 noon,” said Senator Kemp Hannon. “The goal is to reach women who might not otherwise have a mammogram.”
Because the screening can only accommodate 12 people, priority will be given to women who:
• Reside in the Sixth Senatorial District
• Are over 40 who have never had a mammogram or are due for annual screening
• Have no health insurance.
Women must be at least 40 years or older and should not be pregnant or nursing. Women with breast implants or problems with their breasts should contact their physicians or Nassau University Medical Center’s Breast Imaging Center at 572-3300.
“Breast cancer screening is the key to early detection,” said Hannon. “It is the most effective way to reduce mortality from the disease and is the only method so far proven to reduce deaths due to breast cancer.”
Appointments will be given on a first-come, first-served basis, and priority will be given to those meeting the above qualifications. Please contact Senator Hannon’s Community Office at 516-739-1700 for information and to make an appointment.
Free taxi rides on Election Day
All Island Transportation, All Island Yellow Cab, Glen Belle Taxi, Ollie’s Taxi & Airport Service, and Taxi Latino are pleased to offer free local transportation on Election Day, Tuesday, November 8,
to all physically challenged and senior citizens to and from the polls, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
In Bethpage please call 516-931-2900. In Levittown, please call 516-735-1111.
Are you a professional?
Our Professional Guide is sure to bring results. Call 294-8935 for rates and information.
Re-Elect Assemblyman
MICHAEL MONTESANO
We Can Depend On Assemblyman Mike Montesano
✯ As a Police Officer, Mike Kept Us Safe
✯ As an Attorney, He Was There When We Were In A Jam
✯ As a School Board Member, Montesano Put Our Children First
MICHAEL
As Assemblyman, Mike Montesano Has Been VERY Dependable
✔ Passed Historic Income Tax Relief
✔ Made The Property Tax Cap Permanent
✔ Passed Women’s Equality Laws
✔ Enacted Common Core Reforms
✔ Secured $166 Million To Fight Heroin
✔ Voted to Strip Pensions From Crooked Politicians
✔ Delivered Record School Aid
✔ Endorsed by Newsday
MONTESANO Dean Hart?
You Can’t Get Much More Despicable.
Police Calls, Arrests, Orders of Protections & Allegations of Millions Stole From His Mom
It’s So Bad, Prominent Democrats Are Ditching Democrat Dean Hart. (Newsday 10/4 ) Police Were Called On Hart – After Verbal Tirade Against His Mother & Perceived Threats
Hart’s Wife Pleads Guilty After Violent Altercation With His Wheel-Chair-Bound –Mother (Newsday 9/29)
Conned His Sick Mom Out Of $4.5 Million, Says Her Lawyer (Newsday 9/29)
Hart’s Mother Obtained An Order Of Protection Against Him – For Her Safety (Newsday 9/29)
We Can’t Choose Our Family, But We Can Choose Our Assemblyman.
Dean
THE OCLI PLAINVIEW EYE TEAM
• Graduate of Jefferson Medical College, fellowship-trained
laser cataract, and corneal surgery from The Eye Institute of West Florida
• Laser Cataract Surgery
• LASIK Surgery
• Corneal Transplantation Surgery – DSAEK
• Keratoconus Treatment Options
• Ocular Allergy Testing
THE VIEW FROM HERE
The November Choice
BY BOB MORGAN, JR.
I have been following presidential elections since 1960, when as a kid I was quite interested in the contest between John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon. Nevertheless, I have never seen a race like this.
And that's not a good thing. While I can't say that there have been many elections where I felt sorry that one of the candidates had to lose, this year has been a particularly unappealing competition. There are compelling reasons not to favor the election of either Donald J. Trump or Hillary Rodham Clinton, but that is the selection on the ballot.
So what to do?
Whitewater land deals in Arkansas, to her apparent cooperation with attempts to defame women involved with her husband, to questions about the explanation for the Benghazi attacks to the latest major controversy -- her decision as Secretary of State to house sensitive emails on her home computer. Not surprisingly, most voters do not regard Ms. Clinton as honest and trustworthy.
At the outset, I reject the idea of casting some sort of protest ballot, by voting for a no hope (and not well qualified) candidate like Gary Johnson or by leaving the presidential ballot line blank or by writing in the name of some person that I admire. With due respect to a number of people I know who are doing some variation of this, I believe that this is an abdication of responsibility. The results of this election are too important to leave it to other voters willing to make a choice between the only two people who realistically can possibly be elected.
The one thing you can say about Hillary Clinton is that, at least in a technical sense, she is qualified to be president. She has a variety of relevant experience, from First Lady of Arkansas and the United States, United States Senator, Secretary of State and twice a presidential candidate. In the course of her long career, she certainly has acquired the policy knowledge needed to function effectively in the Oval Office and she actually lived in the White House, so she knows what is involved in the job of President.
Unfortunately, however, experience and policy knowledge are not the end of the analysis when it comes to Ms. Clinton. She has long been a controversial figure, from her secretive efforts heading her husband's health care reform team, to questions regarding the
So what of Donald Trump? He has fashioned a successful and lucrative career in construction and entertainment. As a political leader, his populist message has obviously struck a chord among millions of disaffected voters who feel abandoned by traditional politicians. But, there are obvious potential problems with a Trump presidency. Many of his proposals, like building a border wall and having Mexico pay for it or eliminating all Muslim immigration are unrealistic, if not potentially dangerous. (Not surprisingly, Mr. Trump has dialed back his emphasis on these proposals.) He seems to have lost sight of the benefits of a global economy. His personal life has been less than exemplary, his temperament mercurial and thin skinned.
For me, I guess it comes down to a referendum on the past eight years. If you vote for Hillary Clinton, you are pretty much resigned to four more years of the Obama Administration, years of very limited economic growth and heavy regulation, tremendous increases in the national debt, a health plan in crisis, a feckless foreign policy, and, amazingly enough, less rather than more social and racial harmony. And you are giving control of the Supreme Court to the left for the next 20 or 30 years.
Will things be better than now with Donald Trump? On the Supreme Court, yes. On everything else, perhaps yes, perhaps no, and I fully understand why some people regard him as a very risky choice. But it’s Mr. Trump or Hillary Clinton on offer, and sometimes you cast your vote based on your hopes rather than your fears.
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ATTENTION SCHOOL & CAMP DIRECTORS
Community meeting planned on downtown revitalization
From page 1
be held at Hicksville High School Cafeteria A.
At this meeting, Town representatives will provide a brief overview of the proposal and zoning changes in downtown Hicksville. A question and answer period will follow. All comments and suggestions are welcome and will be taken into account in developing a final zoning proposal which will be submitted to the Town Board for deliberation.
Candidates discuss issues at Plainview - OB Middle School
From page 1
a variety of topics including how to keep young people from leaving Long Island, issues with Common Core standards and what new ideas they would bring to the table if elected.
With the recent indictment of County Legislator, Ed Mangano and Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor, John Venditto on corruption charges, corruption in government was a hot button issue on the panel.
Gaughran, a former legislator in Suffolk County, said we need to look at banning or severely limiting outside income for politicians.
“Too many of our politicians are using public office for their personal benefit and using campaign funds for personal purposes. This needs to stop. We need to sponsor legislation and have a real tough mandate in place to prevent this from happening.”
Imbroto, a Plainview resident and an attorney for Nassau University Medical Center, said transparency in government and full disclosure is the key.
“We need a new face in office who is going to bring in fresh ideas and get the job done honestly,” said Imbroto. “Not somebody who is already entrenched in the system and might owe political favors.”
Senator Marcellino said that once he found out Mangano, his wife Linda and Supervisor Venditto had been charged with a federal crime, he and his colleagues in Mineola asked that they step down from office.
“We were on the steps of the Legislative building the very next day after this happened and publicly asked that they step aside,” said Marcellino. “That’s how it should be, move on and continue on in government.”
Another question asked of the candidates was how to stem the tide of young people moving from the Island in search of a more affordable life.
Imbroto said this issue was one of the main reasons he was running for office.
“Being a young man myself living here, I look at three things we need to consider; property taxes, housing and jobs for young people. We need to do something to keep our property taxes low, look at building attainable housing
such as transit oriented developments and invest in our infrastructure to keep young people from moving to more affordable areas out of state.”
The candidates were also asked about their opinion of the current Common Core standards and if any revision was needed.
Vitale, a Sea Cliff resident, said that Common Core is that teachers are teaching to a test instead of trying to get the most out of kids creativity.
“Teacher evaluations need to be based on more than following the Common Core standards,” said Vitale. “We need to look at their whole portfolio, graduation rates, is education leading to gainful employment, etc.”
He said that ample funding should also be provided for organizations like BOCES, “which will helps kids gain helpful skills for the job market.”
Each candidate was also asked where do they think their advocacy is needed most specifically in the Plainview- Old Bethpage area.
Imbroto said that quality of life issues are a big priority in his campaign.
“I thought it was a travesty when they cut all those trees down on South Oyster Bay Road. People live on Long Island because of the beautiful, green open spaces and I will fight to ensure that every new project doesn’t change or damage our environment.”
Vitale said that the current heroin epidemic is something that he feels strongly about.
“If elected I will make sure that the criminals selling this stuff get the stiffest possible punishment allowed by law and that people suffering from heroin addiction get the help they need.”
Drucker said that he will fight to see that our parks, musical venues and outdoor recreational areas are preserved and that the necessary funding is in place to preserve them.
“I will make sure our County budget is managed properly and we continue the influx of money into our community for our critical infrastructure, maintenance and grant funding amidst the giant $100 million deficits we are facing.”
The polls will be open for Election Day on Tuesday, November 8th.
MacArthur High School Homecoming
Hempstead Town Supervisor Anthony J. Santino (left) congratulates the Homecoming King and Queen during the General MacArthur High School Annual Homecoming held at the school located in Levittown. Pictured (L-R) are Supervisor Santino
School updates discussed at Board meeting
BY GARY SIMEONE
The second Bethpage school district board meeting of the school year was held at the Administration building last Tuesday and topics included new school district updates and the High School’s national scholastic ranking.
School Superintendent, Terrence Clark gave his report, saying that he and Assistant Superintendent for Instruction & Technology, Dave Schneider, visited each building and classroom over the summer and everything looked in good shape.
He also reported on the HVAC units in three school buildings; John F. Kennedy Middle School, Charles
Campagne Elementary School and Kramer Lane Elementary School.
“The HVAC in the three buildings are operational and the HVAC units in Central Boulevard should be operational soon,” said Clark.
He also said a lot of concrete site work was completed over the summer and everything looks great and that three new flagpoles were installed in all of the Elementary Schools.
National Ranking:
Bethpage High School is ranked 305 out of 26,000 High School’s in the United States according to Superintendent Clark, which he credits to the hard work of the Board of Education as well
as district staff.
“Our SAT scores have been climbing for several years,” said Clark. “In 2006 our scores were below the state and national average. In 2012 our critical reading score was 490 and now in 2016 it is 522. We are now ahead of the state and the national average.”
He said that the overall writing and mathematics scores have also gone up.
“Our trajectory continues to go up, where the national average has flat lined. “
Students attend Hofstra debate
Six students from the High School attended the first 2016 Presidential debate, which was held at Hofstra on
Monday, September 26th. The day before the debate the students were allowed to tour the debate stage and participate in many exciting workshops.
Altice USA Careers invited a select group of students from both Bethpage and Lawrence High School’s to tour the Mack Center at Hofstra and learn more about C-SPAN’s bus coverage of the 2016 campaign. Altice USA is a leading telecommunications, media and entertainment company.
The next Board of Education meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 29th at 7:30 p.m.
Lung cancer awareness day at Winthrop University Hospital
Did you know that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States? Yet, screening and new treatments can reduce related mortality.
To learn more, please join WinthropUniversity Hospital’s leading experts in the field of lung cancer for a free Lung Cancer Awareness Day educational program on Saturday, November 5, 2016, from 9 AM to 11:30 AM. The seminar will be held in the Winthrop
Research & Academic Center, located at 101 Mineola Blvd, at the corner of Second Street in Mineola. Attendees will learn about new treatments such as stereotactic radiotherapy, robotic surgery, precision targeted medical therapies, and mobilization of the body’s own immunologic defenses.
Winthrop speakers include physicians from the interdisciplinary Lung Cancer Program: Todd Carpenter, MD, Attending Physician, Division
of Radiation Oncology; Corinne Liu, MD, Attending Physician, Department of Radiology and Co-Director of the Lung Cancer Screening Program; Jeffrey Schneider, MD, Chief, Medical Oncology & Hematology and Director of the Lung Cancer Screen Program; Elena Selbs, MD, Attending Physician, Department of Pathology; Peter Siegler, MD, Attending Physician, Department of Pulmonology and Laurence Spier, MD, Attending Physician, Department
of Thoracic Surgery. A question and answer period will be included in the program.
Literature and educational materials will be provided; light refreshments will be served. This event was generously sponsored by the Phoebe Lynn Lewis Fund. The program is free, but seating is limited. For more information or to reserve a seat, please call Alisa Braithwaite at (516) 663-4658.
Bethpage resident appears on game show
BY GARY SIMEONE
While visiting her family in Philadelphia earlier this year, Bethpage resident, Jamie Varghese, was browsing local websites on game shows when she came across an auditioning call for the show, ‘Family Feud.’ She sent a text message to her family members about the idea and they all decided to submit a casting tape to the show.
“It was me and my sister, Julie (Abraham) and my three cousins who decided to send in the tape of us introducing ourselves,” said Varghese, a financial analyst on Long Island. “We didn’t think much of it at the time and we certainly didn’t expect to get called in for an audition.”
But to their surprise they did get called back by the producers of the show.
Her sister and cousins, Dhanya Varghese, Danny Varghese and Jesu Philip were invited to the Philadelphia Convention Center for an audition.
“We were invited back and there were like 800 other people there auditioning at the Convention Center. There was a lot of competition,” said Varghese.
A few months after that audition the family received another callback to come to Atlanta for a final taping. That taping took place at the end of May.
“It was totally a once in a lifetime
experience. I’ve watched this show growing and it was pretty surreal to be on the other side.”
She said that she always wondered why contestants on the show stumbled with easy questions and that she and her family used to yell out the answers to the TV. After being on the show she now understands why answering the
questions is so difficult.
“There is a lot of pressure because a live audience is watching you and you are under those hot lights the whole time,” said Varghese. “Your answers are also timed so that really adds to the pressure. Being on the show was an eyeopener for us to step out of our comfort zone and it really built up our
confidence.”
She said that at first she was intimidated to meet the host of the show, Steve Harvey, but that he turned out to be a really likeable guy.
“He is just like you see on TV. He is a super nice, down to earth, funny guy.”
Jesu Philip, Jamie Varghese, Julie Abraham, host Steve Harvey, Dhanya Varghese, Danny Varghese
Vail Resorts Look to 2016-17 Season With $100M in Improvements, Acquisition of Whistler Blackcomb
BY KAREN RUBIN, ERIC LEIBERMAN, DAVE E LEIBERMAN
Each year, Vail Resorts has something sensational to announce and this year is no different: the company, already the largest collection of major mountain resorts, is acquiring the iconic Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia. That would give Vail Resorts the largest resort in North America as well as the largest ski resort in the United States, Park City, Utah, which Vail merged with Canyons.
“Whistler Blackcomb is one of the most iconic mountain resorts in the world with an incredible history, passionate employees and a strong community. With our combined experience and expertise, together we will build upon the guest experience at Whistler Blackcomb while preserving the unique brand and character of the resort as an iconic Canadian destination for guests around the world,” said Rob Katz, chairman and chief executive officer of Vail Resorts. “We are delighted to add such a renowned resort to Vail Resorts and look forward to expanding our relationships in the Sea-to-Sky community, British Columbia and Canada.”
Whistler Blackcomb, the largest resort in North America with 8,100 acres, is famous for hosting major alpine skiing events like the 2010 Vancouver winter Olympics, and for its Peak 2 Peak Gondola, the longest (2.7 miles) and highest lift in the world.
“As the number one ranked and most visited resort in North America, Whistler Blackcomb has enjoyed tremendous success by delivering an exceptional mountain experience for our passionate and loyal
guests — both locally and from around the world. That’s going to continue as we work with our new colleagues at Vail Resorts as well as our employees, local businesses, community and government stakeholders to make Whistler Blackcomb better than ever,”
Dave Brownlie, Whistler Blackcomb’s chief executive officer said. “We will also continue our discussions with the Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations, on whose traditional lands we operate, See page D2
GOING PLACES NEAR AND FAR
GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....
Vail Resorts Look to 2016-17 Season With $100M in Improvements, Acquisition of Whistler Blackcomb
Continued from page D1
regarding a business partnership that will benefit our communities, our province and our company for decades to come. Our board of directors has also been monitoring the unique challenges facing the broader ski industry due to the unpredictability of year-toyear regional weather patterns. Whistler Blackcomb, with its unprecedented acreage of high alpine terrain and Glacier bowls, is well positioned, but by no means immune to these challenges. Partnering with the geographically diversified Vail Resorts and extending its successful Epic Pass products to Whistler Blackcomb are customer-focused ways of securing the long-term future of our resort, our industry and our community.”
Whistler Blackcomb won’t be fully integrated into Vail Resorts’ EpicPass until next year (though passholders will get five lift tickets), but through acquisitions and collaborations, EpicPass already gives its passholders global reach, with unlimited and unrestricted access to Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado; Park City in Utah; Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood at Lake Tahoe, Afton Alps near Minneapolis, Mt. Brighton near Detroit, Wilmot Mountain near Chicago and the 2017 Perisher season in Australia. New for the 2016-2017 season, Epic Pass holders can ski for a specified number of days in some of Europe’s most iconic resorts in Austria, France, Switzerland and Italy (Europe is Epic details at EuropeIsEpic.com). The Epic Pass pays for itself in just over four days, while also saving more than 45 percent versus tickets purchased at a resort lift ticket window. The Epic
pass also provides other discounts, including 20% off lodging, even off already discounted specials. Multiple pass options are on sale now at EpicPass.com.
Vail Resorts continues to raise the bar for skiers and riders investing $100 million in the guest experience for the upcoming winter across its resorts, bringing its five-year investment total to more than $500 million. The most significant improvements include a new restaurant on Peak 7 at Breckenridge, an upgraded high-speed chairlift accessing Vail’s Back Bowls, significant renovations to the guest rooms of The Pines Lodge, a RockResort, at Beaver Creek, and $13 million to completely re-imagine the guest experience at Wilmot Mountain, located near Chicago.
222“Guests expect a premium experience when they visit one of our resorts, including the highest levels of guest service as well as the cutting edge in lifts, restaurants, lodging and other elements of their vacation,” said Kirsten Lynch, chief marketing officer of Vail Resorts. “This year’s resort improvement plan reflects our goal to continue to deliver an Experience of a Lifetime for all of our guests.”
Here is a summary of new developments: EpicMix Time expands to Park City and Lake Tahoe to provide crowd-sourced lift line wait times to guests – EpicMix™ Time – an expansion of the award-winning ski and snowboard app, EpicMix – will debut at Park City in Utah, and Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood at Lake Tahoe during the 2016-17 season, allowing guests to access real-time lift line wait times enabling them to better navigate the mountain and make the most out of their ski and ride experience. EpicMix Time uses proprietary technology to calculate and display up-to-the-minute chairlift and gondola line wait times. This innovative application
of crowd-sourcing technology debuted last year at the Company’s four Colorado resorts.
Heavenly Mountain Resort, Lake Tahoe
Vail Resorts is assuming management of Zalanta Resort at the Village, a new luxury condominium property, South Lake Tahoe’s first whole-ownership luxury condominium development in more than 30 years, just steps away from the Heavenly Mountain Gondola, shops, dining, and in close proximity to showrooms, casinos, beaches and world-class golf. The first phase of the project – slated for completion in late-January 2017 – will include 30 luxury whole ownership residences, year-round heated outdoor swimming pool and hot tubs, a fire pit, fitness center and complimentary access for owners and guests to Lake Tahoe’s semi-private Lakeshore Beach. The development will also include more than 19,000-squarefeet of retail space, which may include a 6,500-squarefoot restaurant.
Northstar
California
Our favorite activities are back at Northstar California: Tost, a 2 pm ritual of a champagne (or apple cider) toast on the mountain, and this year, select dates will feature live music; Mountain Table Dinner series, featuring a mountaintop gourmet meal paired with wines from a local winery on the mountain in the Zephyr Lodge with stunning panoramic views of the sunset behind the Sierra Nevada’s Pacific Crest. Luxury is a key theme at Northstar California, and the resort is introducing customizable Platinum Access program, new ultimate luxury winter vacation experiences for a day, weekend or the entire season. Amenities include pass access to exclusive lift lines, Primo mountain-guided exploration, a highly elegant daily on-snow celebratory Champagne event, readilyavailable stowed equipment within Northstar’s ski valet, and a member’s lounge offering intimate, and elevated après-ski relaxation.
Park City, Utah
Vail Resorts’ EpicMix Time, the ski and snowboard app, is debuting at Park City Mountain, allowing guests to access real-time lift line wait times, better navigate the mountain across 7,300 acres of skiable terrain.
Guests will reap the benefits of Vail Resorts’ $50 million investment in the merger of Park City Mountain Resort with Canyons, including a new eight-passenger Quicksilver Gondola connection, new restaurant (Miners Camp) and new King Con Express six-person chairlift and Motherlode Express fourperson chairlift. The resort, now the largest in the US, offers over 300 trails, 41 lifts, 8 terrain parks, one super pipe and one mini-pipe. “The mountain is as big as you want to make it.”
Special features: Night skiing at Park City base area, free Mining Tour with a mountain host; sleigh rides in the evening, an alpine coaster at Park City base, ice skating rink, snowshoeing, music in the base area, a robust après-ski scene on Main Street (you can ski in/out to Main Street and take a free bus back).
Events are big in Park City: Snowbound Celebration, a 16-day festival with musical acts, entertainers, torchlight parade, visit from Santa; Spring Gruv Celebration, a 16-day fest in March with free concerts and Pond Skimming Contest.
Vail Mountain Sun Up Express, Vail Mountain’s ninth new chairlift in the last 10 years, isl debutting this winter, replacing the Sun Up Lift with a four-passenger, high-speed chairlift. The new express chairlift increases capacity by 65 percent and cuts the average ride time from eight minutes to four minutes. The new lift becomes a primary lift on the Back Bowls of Vail Mountain, serving intermediate and advanced
GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....
terrain. This means that 19 of Vail’s 22 chairlifts, and all of its core lifts, are high speed. “If you haven’t skied Vail in 10 years, it will be a completely different experience.”
In other news, The Arrabelle at Vail Square, a RockResort just steps from The Eagle Bahn Gondola, has gotten a refresh (www.arrabelle. rockresorts.com).
(Dec. 16-18, 31); CarniVail (Feb. 25-28), and the BurtonUS Open Snowboarding championships (Feb. 27-March 4).
Visit vail.com/lodging to find the best vacation deals.
Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek, famous for luxury, takes that to an extreme with its white Glove Winter Package – travel in style with first-class airfare into Vail/ Beaver Creek’s Eagle Airport (EGE), private helicopter transportation to the base of Beaver Creek Mountain, and private car to the excusive Trappers Cabin. Nestled among aspen groves at 9,500 ft, Trappers Cabin is the ultimate in luxury, with your own gourmet chef and private Ski School Ambassador, Epic Passes, Helly Hansen gear and other lux perks (valued at $50,000, BeaverCreek.com/White Glove).
And that’s not all: Beaver Creek’s White Carpet Club , an exclusive private retreat within Beaver Creek Village, is available for the duration. It hosts spacious lockers, continental service island, on-site concierge, priority access to SaddleRidge Restaurant, preferred parking and slope-side equipment check.
White Glove First Tracks provides exclusive access to the pristine slopes at sunrise, a five-star gourmet breakfast on the mountain at Allie’s Cabin. Gusts board the Centennial Express lift at 7:30 am, enjoy a private guided tour of the mountain and relax over breakfast, all before the resort opens (select dates, reserve 866-250-1679).
Allie’s Cabin is offering special Wine Dinners on select Thursday evenings,
WRITER’S CORNER
What’s Special About Fall!
BY CLAIRE LYNCH
I’ve been south and I’ve been north and one of the things that I like about living on Long Island is the change of seasons. Going from summer to fall has its pluses. The heat and humidity of the summer are gone. The air is cooler in autumn but not freezing cold yet. I love the smell of autumn on Long Island and the sight of all the leaves changing colors. This display of beautiful colors happens only in the fall. I have always liked fall the best! Here are some other highlights of fall:
Through Cats’ Eyes
Seeing my kitten, Smokey, watching the autumn leaves as they fall in a whirlwind from trees to the ground for the very first time (she was born in February) is a real treat. Her eyes are sharp and her ears are alert, listening for any new and unusual sounds. This “shower of leaves” looks like it should be snowflakes, maybe, but that’s for
another season. She tries to catch the leaves by jumping up on the windowsill even though a pane of glass separates her from the natural outside world. She jumps and hops and reaches her paw up, grabbing for just one leaf that she can play with, but to no avail. Smokey is amazed at the sight of dancing autumn leaves. So am I! Usually the trees are full with green leaves and usually the trees don’t move unless there’s a stiff wind. I imagine what it likes to stand under this shower of yellow, orange and burnt red leaves as it cascades around me - and I bet Smokey wants to run outside and frolic in this autumnal shower. My 4-year-old nephew, Nate, says, “It’s raining leaves!” every time he sees a whirlwind of leaves cascading down in autumn and he is right. It certainly does look like it is raining leaves! It’s magical!
Squirrels Gather Acorns
With a long, cold winter approaching, in autumn squirrels gather acorns
to store. They start gathering their food for the upcoming winter in August and by fall they are fully engrossed in gathering the nuts. They bury them in the ground but many times forget where they have buried them. For squirrels to have enough food to survive the winter, they often need to set aside some for later. That’s why some people call storing up food for the winter “squirreling” food away. If another animal finds a store of food and eats it, the squirrel will still have many other stores of food and won’t go hungry. Some squirrels even get tricky with their food hiding. Scientists have learned that some squirrels bury fake acorns. To fool other animals, they dig holes but bury nothing in them. They just pretend in order to make other animals think something is buried there. (wonderopolis.org) On Long Island we have mostly eastern gray squirrels. By collecting acorns from trees, they help themselves survive the approaching winter – and
organized with celebrated wineries, accompanied by fireworks display over Beaver Creek Village. Guests arrive via open-air sleigh for a gourmet culinary experience in the cabin. New this winter and offered during select weekends, Allie’s Cabin Family Dinners.
Gourmet Snowshoe Adventures and Wine Tasting –Three versions are available, each combining wellness-promoting 90-minute guided snowshoeing tour, scenic gondola ride, See page D6
they also help the trees. Trees need to shed their nuts and do they do so either with the help of gravity – or with the help of squirrels who willingly collect them. When nuts are planted in the earth in various spots, new trees eventually grow!
Enjoying Apples in Fall
Last year a friend showed me how to bake the perfect apple dessert. Katie, a native Long Islander who is into growing her own fruits and vegetables and composting, showed this native Brooklynite how to look around my world, pluck some fruit and enjoy eating it. We happened to be in a park in September, on a beautiful crisp day, when she looked around and stopped suddenly. “Look at all of the apples,” Katie said. “They are perfect for baking!” A little perplexed, I hesitated. Then she invited me over and explained how she collects the apples that have fallen from the trees, takes them home,
In last week’s column, I tried to squeeze in as many concise answers as possible to some of the most commonly asked questions I get. But even keeping my replies short, I still ran out of room. So today, more of the most frequently asked questions and more quick and dirty ... make that quick and clean ... answers.
Q: For reasons I don’t want to see you publish in the newspaper, we are raising our 3-year-old granddaughter. I am 66, and my husband is 71. We each get our own Social Security. Because we have a court order granting us full custody of this child, can she get Social Security benefits on one or both of our accounts?
A: Probably not. Although there are exceptions, generally the law says that both of this child’s parents must be disabled or deceased before she would be able to claim benefits on Grandma’s or Grandpa’s Social Security record. Having court-ordered custody doesn’t change the law. However, if you were to adopt the child, then she might be eligible for some of your Social Security benefits.
Q: I turn 66 next month. When I called to make an appointment to file for benefits at my local Social Security office, I was told the first available appointment was in January! That’s ridiculous. What should I do?
A: I am surprised the Social Security representative you talked to didn’t offer you the option of filing your claim over the phone. You can call back and do that. Or, better yet, why not file online at socialsecurity.gov? If you have a relatively straightforward claim, in other words, if you don’t want to employ one of the complicated “maximizing” strategies discussed many times in this column, then the online process is for you. By the way, I asked one of my former colleagues who still works for the Social Security Administration why there is such a long lead time to set up an in-office appointment. She told me that the baby-boom retirement wave is turning into a tsunami. Something like 10,000 people per day are signing up for Social Security benefits!
Q: I am 85. My wife is 82. I get $1,750 per month from Social Security. My wife gets $1,220. I wonder what my wife will start getting when I die. I talked to two different Social Security reps. One told me she will get the difference between my rate and hers -- in other words, an extra $530 per month added to her own benefit. But the other rep told me she would get an extra $690 per month. Who is right?
A: I obviously don’t have all the facts about your case to be fully sure of the
answer. But if you started your Social Security when you were 62 years old, then the second (higher) quote you got was probably the right one. If you took benefits at 62, then you are getting about 75 percent of your full benefit rate. But there is a law that guarantees a widow can’t get less than 82 percent of your full rate. If you did take benefits at 62, my little desktop calculator tells me your full rate is about $2,330. And 82 percent of that is around $1,910. So your wife’s retirement benefit of $1,220 plus an additional $690 (the higher quote) would take her total benefits up to $1,910. If you did not start your Social Security at 62, then I can’t explain the discrepancy in the quotes you received, and you will have to talk to someone at your local Social Security office.
Q: I was at lunch with a friend the other day. We are both in our late 60s. When he pulled out his wallet to pay for our meal, I noticed he was carrying his Social Security card in the wallet. I asked him why. He said he was sure everyone was required to carry their Social Security card with them at all times. I told him I haven’t had my card with me in maybe 20 or 30 years. In fact, I’m not even sure I know where my card is. This friend insisted we are supposed to carry our SSN card wherever we go. Is he right?
A: Of course, your friend can carry anything he wants to in his wallet, including his Social Security card. But it certainly isn’t necessary, or even advisable, to do so. I can only think of a few situations where you may need to show someone your Social Security card. For example, if you are trying to get a job, many employers ask to see it. And you may need to show the card if you are trying to get government benefits. For example, my granddaughter recently started college, and she needed to show her card to various school and student loan officials. On a related note, I know that many senior citizens think they need to carry their Medicare card with them at all times. But you really only need that card if you are going to a doctor’s office or seeking medical treatment.
Q: I am about to turn age 65. I am still working and am covered by my employer’s health plan. I was told I will be forced to apply and pay for Medicare at 65!
A: You will not be forced to do anything. You should sign up for Medicare Part A hospital coverage because it is free. You may not need it. But it is free. So why not take it? The other main part of Medicare is Part B doctor’s coverage. It costs about $130 per month. But as long as you are working and covered by your employer’s insurance, you don’t need Part B. When you retire, you can apply for Part B and you won’t pay any late enrollment penalties.
By the way, I know it is a different story for people who have Health Savings Accounts. I’m not a Medicare expert. HSA people need to talk to a professional Medicare counselor. They are known as SHIPs in most states (State Health Insurance Advisory Program) or HICAP in others (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program). To
find the SHIP or HICAP counselor nearest you, go to medicare.gov and click on the “Find someone to talk to” link.
If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has the answer. Contact him at thomas.margenau@comcast.net. COPYRIGHT 2016 CREATORS.COM
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
What’s Special About Fall!
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washes them well, takes the cores and seeds out, then prepares them for going into the oven. She uses a recipe from the “Joy of Cooking.” Katie places the brown sugar, cinnamon, currants or chopped raisins or pecans in a small bowl and combines. She puts the apples in a baking dish and stuffs each apple with the sugar stuffing mixture. She places a dot of butter on top of the sugar. She pours the boiling water into the bottom of the baking dish and covers the dish with tin foil. After baking the apples at 375°F for 30-45 minutes, until the apples are cooked through and tender, she lets them cool slightly and adds a dash of whipped cream or ice cream. Every time I dig in, my taste buds tell me that it is fall.
Preparing for Winter
Autumn is a good time to get prepared for the upcoming winter months. My family and I take care of the lawn, rake the leaves, bundle them up and watch as they are taken away.
We also get extra food supplies in the house and store up on de-icing fluid, antifreeze and rock salt. We make sure the snow blower is in working order for when we will need it. Fall rains saturate the land and we hope there won’t be any flooding. I can’t help it, I love the sound of a heavy rain falling in October and even though I love sunny fall days, I love how a day’s rain in the fall cleanses everything and there are some gorgeous sunsets to be seen in the western sky after a day of rain. At some point we get the first frost of the season. Last year it happened on October 18. Farmers and people with outdoor plants across Long Island were warned that cold temperatures would come overnight so they either moved plants and crops inside or covered them against temperatures that had dropped into the 30s. When I went out early that day, I layered up and bundled up and put on my scarf and gloves for the first time of that season. It was brisk outside!
“Moon River,” That Oldie
The song, “Moon River,” is one of my favorites. It was featured in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” film which came out on October 5, 1961. I was only six at the time but I heard “Moon River” played so many times in the years following that I have of course memorized the words:
“Moon river, wider than a mile
I’m crossing you in style some day
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker
Wherever you’re goin’, I’m goin’ your way
Two drifters, off to see the world
There’s such a lot of world to see
We’re after the same rainbow’s end, waitin’ ‘round the bend
My huckleberry friend, moon river, and me …”
After a preview screening of the film, Paramount executive Martin Rackin reportedly said that he wanted the song, composed by Henry Mancini and written by Johnny Mercer, to be removed. The normally mild-mannered Katharine Hepburn protested. The song would go on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song. (vogue.com) People have sometimes asked about the meaning of the phrase “huckleberry friend.” As a child, Johnny Mercer picked huckleberries (like wild blueberries) in the summer. To him, the berries had a personal connection with a carefree boyhood, strengthened by association with Mark Twain’s character Huckleberry Finn. That song is an oldie but a goody!
Statue of Liberty
It was in the fall of 1886 that the Statue of Liberty opened. On October 28, 1886, President Grover Cleveland dedicated the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. Approximately 1 million people watched the event. The copper statue was designed by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, a French sculptor, and was built by Gustave Eiffel. It was a gift to the U.S. from the people of France. Native New Yorker Emma Lazarus wrote a sonnet called “The New Colossus” in 1883 and its first few lines are inscribed on a bronze plaque mounted inside the lower level of the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. It reads in part: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free …”
Dressing Differently
The cooler temperatures mean that I have to pack away my summer clothes and pull out my favorite autumn clothes. It seems like ages since I’ve worn my corduroys and blue jeans, my boots and suede shoes, but wearing
Vail Resorts Look to 2016-17 Season With $100M in Improvements, Acquisition of Whistler Blackcomb
followed by gourmet decadence for which Beaver Creek is renowned at the Osprey Fireside Grill. Guests can choose among Women’s Wednesday Walk & Wine, Winter Wine Excursions (Thursdays), and Fonduye + Shoe (Fridays).
The Pines Lodge, A RockResort in Beaver Creek has undergone a
significant renovation of its 60 hotel rooms, keeping the unique European charm that the ski-in hotel has always offered while introducing a modern mountain luxury theme, enhancing the guest’s experience and comfort.
Beaver Creek Signature Winter Events include the Audi Birds of Prey Men’s World Cup and EverBank America’s Winter Opening (Nov. 29-Dec. 7), and Beaver Creek Winter
Breckenridge Ski Resort will open Pioneer Crossing, a new, 490-seat restaurant just steps from Independence SuperChair on Peak 7, one of the resort’s five iconic peaks with dramatic views of Summit County. The restaurant will highlight Breckenridge’s mining history. Also Breckenridge Distrillery, offering a farm-to-table experience and new distilled flavors, is being expanded.
Classic Peak 9 village base area is getting a face lift, and is the scene for Breckenridge’s signature events which this year includes the Dew Tour (Dec. 8-11), returning for its 10th anniversary, when world-class winter athlete4s compete; Ullr Fest (Jan. 11-14), a 50-year tradition for the Breck community to pay tribute to the Norse god of snow; and 27th annual International Snow Sculpture Championships (Jan. 24-28). Take advantage of Breck Guides
Program, a European-style, in-bounds guide experience. You get to explore some of Breck’s best high-alpine terrain (more than a third of the total ski area terrain) and secret powder stashes with a private guide, and get on the mountain earlier before the public. Create your own experience by choosing the skills and terrain you’ll learn that day, from the basics of avalanche awareness, to the high alpine travel and avalanche rescue. Each participant has the option to carry his/her own pack with a beacon, shovel, and probe.
Keystone Mountain Resort Keystone Mountain Resort, one of the easiest major resorts to reach from Denver International Airport, one of the few that offers night skiing, as well as combined access to Arapahoe Basin with its lift ticket, is famous for its family-oriented programs.
Keystone’s Kids Ski Free Program Turns 5: Keystone has long been the place where kids rule, and this year the resort’s unmatched Kids Ski Free program turns 5. More than 100,000 free kids’ lift tickets have been provided to families since the program began in 2012. Every day, all season long, kids 12 and younger ski for free at Keystone with no blackout dates when parents book two or more nights in one of Keystone’s accommodation options, ranging from affordable hotel rooms to family-sized condominiums.
NEW Kidtopia Mountaintop Spectacular – Dec. 16-18, 2016: Keystone’s Kidtopia presents free activities and events on and off the
GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....
snow every day of the week starting Friday, Nov. 25. This winter Keystone presents the inaugural Kidtopia Mountaintop Spectacular, a weekend of festive on-mountain fun, including nightly firework displays, a torchlight ski parade led by Keystone’s Ski & Ride School, and a mountaintop celebration where guests can enjoy free snow tubing, snowcat photo opportunities, live music, hot cocoa and fireside stories with Santa. Kidtopia will animate the mountaintop with Bigfoot adventure walks and a ski patrol-dog meet and greet, plus a special lighting ceremony of the world’s largest Snow Fort to create an unforgettable weekend.
The Kidtopia Experience March 5-11, 2017: With the addition of the Kidtopia Mountaintop Spectacular, this winter season is bookended by two Kidtopia events as the Kidtopia Experience returns for an extended week-long celebration, with kid-centric festivities and live outdoor music.
Behind-the-Scenes Chocolate Tours with Keystone’s Very Own “Willy Wonka”: Keystone Resort’s executive pastry chef Ned Archibald welcomes guests for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into his world of decadent desserts and chocolate making. Take a break from the slopes one morning to experience tours designed for kids (and parents), and meet the man himself, tour his chef’s workshop and make delicious treats of your own to take home. No golden ticket required, these Chocolate Tours are free to attend. Offered on select dates throughout the
WRITER’S CORNER
What’s Special About Fall!
C ontinued from page D3
them again feels good. Putting fans away and doing a “fall cleaning,” I also rummage through the closet and pull out my favorite blanket. It has been tucked away since March, when I washed it, dried it and folded it neatly for safekeeping until fall. My favorite blanket is old and has been well used, but it does its job keeping me warm on those autumn nights when the temperatures fall outside but indoors it’s still too warm for the heat to come on and the radiators to start rattling away.
Football Widows, Unite!
The football season starts for real in September and throughout the fall there is college football on TV on Saturdays and the NFL on Sundays, Thursday nights, etc. I happen to be a football nut who likes watching the play by play action on the field, but I can understand why some women feel like “football widows” on Sundays when their spouses are tied to the TV watching the games – or actually going to the various football stadiums dressed in their favorite team’s colors and jerseys.
Here is a favorite quote by Jim Bishop about fall:
“Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons.”
season. Schedule TBD.
On-Mountain Family Adventures: With Keystone’s enclosed River Run Gondola, mountaintop adventures like snowcat tours, snow tubing and fondue dinners are accessible to the whole family regardless of skiing ability. The Mountaintop Snowcat Tour is a popular family activity that brings you to Keystone’s high-alpine bowls for breathtaking views of the Continental Divide and surrounding mountain ranges. Adventure Point, just steps away from the Kidtopia Snow Fort, features up to eight lanes of high-speed tubing action for kids and kids at heart. To cap off an evening of mountaintop adventure, guests can enjoy two gondola rides en route to Keystone’s North Peak, where Der Fondue Chessel offers an exciting and interactive dining experience for the whole family, complete with accordionwielding musicians in lederhosen, all at 11,640-feet elevation.
Family Private Lesson: Whether your family is new to skiing and snowboarding or you’re seasoned snow veterans, those looking to develop new skills, improve technique or explore the mountain like never before can enjoy the Keystone Ski & Ride School’s Family Private Lesson together. Taking advantage of shared on-snow time, bonding is just an added bonus to these specially designed lessons. Private
lessons can be reserved for up to six family members (or friends) of similar ability, with instructors who specialize in working with the whole family.
Keystone Resort’s more than 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, average of 300 days of sun a year, convenient lodging and variety of on- and off-snow activities all combine to provide the ideal location for winter vacations. As one of the closest ski resorts to Denver, Keystone is the ultimate family resort destination. Convenient touches like free parking, including front-row family parking, and complimentary red wagons to help parents tote gear and kiddos to and from the slopes help make a winter family visit to Keystone easy and hassle-free. (keystoneresort. com).
For more information or to book trips at any of the Vail Resorts mountains, visit snow.com.
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Employment
Help Wanted
BOOKKEEPER/ TAX PREPARER needed for Tax Office in New Hyde Park. Must know QuickBooks and be familiar with Tax Preparation. Reply to djtaxhelp@gmail.com
BOOKKEEPER: One day per month, 4-5 hours. $15 per hour. Feel comfortable with numbers. Will train. 917-705-7564
EARLY CHILDHOOD TODDLER HEAD TEACHER: Full time Port Washington, looking for candidates with toddler care experience in a childcare center who are warm, caring and attentive to each individual child’s needs Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education preferred. Please email letter ofinterest and resume to the following address: PWall@pwchildrenscenter.org or call 516-883-4864
EXPERIENCED NANNY
NEEDED for three children (ages 11, 6 and an infant) in Garden City Full-time, live out position. Must drive and have excellent references. Mon/Wed/Fri 8:30 am to 6:30 pm. Tues/Thurs 7:30 am to 6:30 pm. Please call 516-650-4060
MEDICAL ASSISTANT/RECEPTIONIST: Full time for busy pediatric practice. Experience preferred but will train. Great personality, work ethic. Fax resume 516-767-8961 or email pugliesem@prodigy.net
TEACHER’S ASSISTANT P/T at Romper Room Nursery School. Email resume romperroomschool@verizon.net or call 516-746-8606
Closed all school holidays
GRANDPARENTS - Send in your grandchildren’s photos and enter our “World’s Most Beautiful Grandchildren”contest. Just send a photo and a brief description of the child (or children) along with your name and address to:Litmor Publications,Beautiful Grandchildren Contest,81 East Barclay St., Hicksville N.Y 11801. We’ll do the rest!
Employment
Situation Wanted
AIDE AVAILABLE:
HOME HEALTH AIDE
Kind, compassionate aide working with sick, elderly and newborn care seeking FT/PT position on weekdays, weekends or overnight. 25+ years experience. References available. Call Liz 516-590-5338
CAREGIVER AVAILABLE:
Loving and hardworking Filipino woman seeking position as caregiver to elderly (preferably female). If interested call: Jean 646-249-3306. References available upon request.
CAREGIVER:
Seeking a patient, experienced care provider to care for your elderly loved one? Ifso, please contact me I would be happy to assist.
Call Marva 917-302-5482
CLEANING AVAILABLE
Sparkling results from local woman with over 10yrs experience. Available 7 days a week. Licensed driver w/ own car Please call Maria 516-972-4230
CLEANING LADY AVAILABLE
Cleans, org anizes. English speaking, honest, reliable. excellent references. Own transportation. Call 516-225-8544
COMPANION/CAREGIVER:
Seeking position to assist in the care of your elderly parent(s) or relatives. Responsible college educated mature, healthy, honest woman who has the patience and skills to attend to the needs ofyour loved ones. Will help with bathing, dressing, errands, light cooking/cleaning, will also read to your loved one. Overnights when needed. Will shovel snow from front door to sidewalk and curb. Please call Mary Ruth 516-993-8764
EXPERIENCED NURSING
AIDE seeking position to take care of elderly. Full time or part time evenings or weekends. Own car and good references. Please Call Mavis 917-796-5917
Employment
Situation Wanted
EXPERIENCED POLISH
HOUSE CLEANER
Good references. Very honest, reliable, responsible and hard working. Own transportation. English speaking. Flexible days/ hours. I will do a good job. Please call 516-589-5640
HOME HEALTH AIDE
Ukrainian woman (previously Physical Therapist in Ukraine) seeking live in position ofhome health aide. Excellent cook also! Excellent references. Please call 516-294-9519
HOUSE CLEANING:
Experienced cleaning service available. Pleasant, responsible. Provides own quality clean products. Own transportation. Local references. Spanish/English speaking. Free estimates. Approximate cost: Small home
$79, Mid size $99, Large $118. Please call Diana 516-859-7084
HOUSECLEANING
Woman with 10 years experience & excellent references available to clean your home. Flexible hoursavailable 7 days. Will bring own supplies Call Mercedes 516-514-6642, elenatrejo343536@gmail.com or Gladys 516-698-6187. gladysrojas026@gmail.com
NURSING ASSISTANT/ HOME CARE ATTENDANT
Nurse’s assistant available to care for the elderly. Live in or live out. Offering compassionate home care full time or part time. Available for overnight also. Please call 347-543-5960
Business Opportunities
BUSINESS BROKERS:
$200,000+ seeking talented, ambitious individuals to train as Business Brokers. Amazing opportunity! www.SanctaFideBrokerage.com 516-365-5000 maya.worsoff@sanctafide.com
Announcements
Adoption
ADOPTION: UNPLANNED PREGNANCY? Need help? FREE assistance. Caring staff, counseling and financial help. You choose the loving, pre-approved adoptive parents. Joy 866-922-3678
www .F or everFamiliesThroughAdoption.org Habla Espanol.
Announcements
Novenas/Prayers
PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN (Never known to fail). Oh Most Beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine of Splendor ofHeaven, Blessed Mother ofthe Son ofGod, Immaculate Virgin assist me in this necessity. Oh Star ofthe Sea help me and show herein you are my Mother. Oh Mary Mother ofGod, Queen ofHeaven and Earth I beseech thee from the bottom ofmy heart to succor me this necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh show me herein you are my Mother. Oh Mary conceived without sin pray for us who have recourse to T hee (three times). Oh Holy Mary I place this cause in your hands (three times). Thank you for your mercy to me and mine. Amen. This prayer must be said for three days and after three days your request will be granted. The prayer must be published. Grateful thanks. (L.B.)
PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT Holy Spirit thou who made me see everything and showed me the way to reach my ideals. Thou who gave me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me, and thou who art in all instances of my life with me I thank thee for everything and confirm once more that I never want to be separated from you no matter how great material desire may be, I want to be with thee and my loved ones in Your perpetual glory Thank You for your love towards me and my loved ones. Pray this prayer for 3 consecutive days After 3rd day your wish will be granted no matter how difficult it may be. Promise to publish this dialogue as soon as your favor has been granted. (L.B.)
Marketplace
GARDEN CITY
HUGE MULTI FAMILY
MULTI WEEKEND SALE!
Fri & Sat 11/4 & 11/5
Fri & Sat 11/11 & 11/12 10:00am to 4:00pm 36 Wellington Rd Lots ofFurniture, Designer Clothes, Shoes, Bags, Exercise Equipment....Too Much To List!!!
Complete House Cleanouts Moving Services Home Staging Services 839 Stewart Avenue Garden City, NY 11530
516-279-6378
www.invitedsales.com
MULTI FAMILY GARAGE SALEGARDEN CITY
Saturday 11/5 9:00am-2:00pm 68 Willow Street
Men’s, women’s & children’s clothing and accessories, home & kitchen items, baby items and much more!
Wanted to Buy
ABE BUYS ANTIQUES: Silver, paintings, rugs antique cars & all contents. All Cash! 917-817-3928
CASH FOR DIABETIC TEST STRIPS Up to $40 /Box! Sealed and Unexpired. Payment made SAME DAY Highest prices paid! Call Kerri today! 800-413-3479 www.cashforyourteststrips.com
JUDIACA
Silver, Rugs, Jewelry Chinese Art, Antiques Call Mark 516-243-7095 No Saturdays Please LOOK! Old clocks and watches wanted by collector regardless ofcondition. Highest prices paid. 917-748-7225
LOOKING TO BUY! Oriental items, clothing, art, old & modern furniture, estates, jewelry, silver, glassware, dishes, old photos, coins & stamps, flatware. Call George 718-386-1104 or 917-775-3048
TOP CASH PAID: JEWELRY, Furniture, Art, etc. Please call 718-598-3045 or 516-270-2128. www.iBuyAntiquesNYC.com
DO YOU HAVE A SERVICE to advertise? Our Service Directory is sure to bring results. Call 294-8935 for rates and information.
Household items, furniture, accessories, etc Something for everyone !!
Every Tuesday: 10% Senior Citizen Discount. All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical Society 109 Eleventh Street Garden City 11530 516-746-8900 email: store@atstewartexchange.org www.gardencityhistoricalsociety. org
GARDEN CITY
Five floors ofelegant contemporary fur nishings. Fabulous large dining room, gorgeous king sized bedroom, bric a brac, costume jewelry, 3 more unique bedrooms, many sofas, chandeliers, curios, tea cart, exercise equipment & much more. PLEASE JOIN US 103 Hayes Street (off Stewart Avenue W) Friday 11/4 9:00am-3:00pm Saturday 11/5 9:00am- 12:00pm
WILLISTON PARK: Resurrection Thrift Shop shared ministry between St. Aidan’s and Resurrection housed at Resurrection. 147 Campbell Ave @ Center Street. OPEN Thursdays 9:30-1 and Saturdays 10-2. 516-746-5527. Jewelry, clothing, household items, etc. DONATIONS acce pted Monday through Thursday 9am-1pm. CHRISTMAS SHOP open November 12th through December 22nd
Yard Sale
GARDEN CITY
BIG SALE:
Fri & Sat November 4 & 5
9:00am to 3:00pm 8 Wellington Rd
Stroller, cribs, high chair, baby equipment, king and 2 twin headboards, kitchen tables, barstools, futon base, bike, clothing, bags, lamps, misc furniture, jewlery & so much more!!
Pets
Pet Services
A GARDEN CITY ANIMAL
LOVER doesn’t want to leave your precious pooch or fantastic feline alone all day. I’m reliable, dependable and will walk and feed your pet while you work or travel. Please call Cheryl at 516-505-9717
Pets
DO YOU HATE KENNELS? OR STRANGERS IN YOUR HOUSE?
HOME AWAY FROM HOME will care for your dog in my Garden City home while you are away.
Dog walking also available. Pet CPR & first Aid Certified. Numerous referrals and references. Limited availability. Book early!
Annmarie 516-775-4256
Doggie Day Care
Boarding
Dog Walking Backyard Clean-up
GC Resident 516-382-5553
Automotive
Autos Wanted
D O N A T E Y O U R C A R to Wheels For Wishes, benefitting Make-a-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call 631-317-2014 Today!
Real Estate For Rent
Apartment for Rent
GARDEN CITY BORDER
APARTMENTS: Spacious, bright 1 bedroom with dining area+ outdoor balcony, gated parking, laundry, air conditioning, hardwood floors, near LIRR. NO BROKER FEE. $1,550.00+ electric. www.gcbapts.com 516-742-1101. Available November 1st
GARDEN CITY
Large new EIK & Bath w/ walk in shower LR/DR combo, Doorman, elevator. Immed. $2,400
Renovated 4 rooms
Magnificent EIK, New Bath w/ walk in shower, wood floors, elevator, parking. $2,400
Five rooms, 2 Bed, 2 full Bath, DR OWNER PAYING BROKER’S FEE. $3,000.
Garden City Properties 516-746-1563 516-313-8504
Garage Space for Rent
PORT WASHINGTON PARKING SPACES FOR RENT: For LIRR located three blocks from train station. $175 per month. Call Marita Christiansen 516-767-5470
Real Estate For Rent
Office
Space
GREAT NECK DENTAL OFFICE: located 1 block south of LIRR. Large, modern dental office 2-3 days per week. Use of digital x-ray equipment, sterilization area, laboratory and equipment. Does not include instruments, handpieces or dental office supplies. Storage area provided. Details, please email: greatneckdds@yahoo.com
MINEOLA: Office, Meeting or Rehearsal spaces (3), varied sizes, computer and file storage. Hourly, weekly or monthly. All plus WI-FI included. Fax contact info to Sheila 516-747-2689
Real Estate For Sale
Co-Ops and Condos
PORT WASHINGTON: Mill
Pond Acres. Spacious 4 bedroom, 3 full baths. Nantucket style condo in 55+ gated community. 24 hour security. Features: Vaulted ceilings with skylights, fireplace, central air, backyard with garden and patio, garage, handicapped accessible, indoor pool, tennis and gym. By owner. By appointment only. Qualified buyers only. $1,099,000.00 Contact John at 917-435-8098. Email: jebreen18@gmail.com
Homes for Sale
GARDEN CITY ESTATES SECTION For sale by owner. Slate Roof Tudor. 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, new kitchen, new bathrooms, new windows, alarm, central ac & sprinklers. MUST SEE! $959,000. Principals only. Call 516-330-4885
Lots for Sale
WATERFRONT LAND!
5 acres $99,900unspoiled lake, next to state land, just 3hr NYC! Private wooded setting! Build, camp or invest! EZ ter ms. 888-905-8847 NewYorkLandandLakes.com
Services
HOME CARE & HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES: We provide these services: Live in or out maids, companions, home care, housekee ping. Haya’s & Rona Agency. Haya office 516-482-4400. cell 516-298-9445. Rona office 516-441-5555 cell 516-316-0111. 25 Great Neck Road, Suite 3, Great Neck, NY 11021
Services
NEW YORK MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS: Joan Atwood, Ph.D. An experienced therapist makes all the difference. Individual, couple, family therapy and anger management. 516-764-2526. jatwood@optonline.net www.NYMFT.com
Call Phil at Aspect Networking 516-830-3366 OR email: support@aspectnetworking.c om
Home Improvements
AMBIANCE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
*Handyman & Remodeling
*Kitchen Installations
*Furniture Assembly
*Finish Carpentry
*Minor Electrical & Plumbing 23year GC Resident Lic & Ins H18E2170000 Call BOB 516-741-2154
DEVLIN BUILDERS Since 1979. We do all types of improvements including HANDYMAN REPAIRS. No job too small. Bob Devlin 516-365-6685. Insured License H18C730000
LAMPS FIXED $65 In home service. Handy Howard. 646-996-7628
SKY CLEAR WINDOW and
Restorations Inc. Window Restorations, Outdated Hardware, skylights, Andersen Sashes, new storm windows, wood windows, chain/rope repairs, falling windows, fogged panes, mechanical re pairs, wood repairs, restorations, all brands Call Mr. Fagan, 32 years experience. 631-385-7975 www.skyclearwindow.com
Health & Fitness
IF YOU USED THE BLOOD THINNER XARELTO and suffered internal bleeding, hemorrhaging, required hospitalization or a loved one died while taking XARELTO between 2011 And the present, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles H. Johnson 1-800-535-5727
Services
Painting & Paperhang
JV PAINT
HANDYMAN SERVICES
Interior-Exterior Specialist Painting, Wallpapering, Plastering, Spackling, Staining, Power Washing. Nassau Lic#H3814310000 fully Insured Call John 516-741-5378
Party Help
LADIES & GENTLEMEN RELAX & ENJOY Your Next Party! Catering and Experienced Professional Services for Assisting with Preparation, Serving and Clean Up Before, During and After Your Party Bartenders Available. Call Kate at 516-248-1545
Tutoring
CHEMISTRY TUTOR: Call Jonathan, Ivy League Ph.D. AP, SAT II, Regents. I also tutor Biology, Physics, Earth & Environmental Science. itutorchem@gmail.com or 516-669-0587
COLLEGE ESSAYS: Make your application stand above the rest. Call Jonathan. 516-669-0587 or ifixessays@gmail.com, an Ivy League PhD with proven Ivy League results.
ENGLISH TUTOR: Diane Gottlieb M.Ed., M.S.W. SAT/ACT, College Essays, AP, Regents, ELA Test Prep, Reading comprehension and writing proficiency. 917-599-8007 or email: dianegot@gmail.com LongIslandEnglishTutor.com Providing one-on-one professional support to build confidence, knowledge and skills in every student.
MATH, SAT, ACT TUTOR: Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2 plus Trig, Pre-Calc, AP Calculus. Norm 625-3314
ENGLISH, ACT, SAT TUTOR: 25+ year experience Critical Reading, Writing, Grammar, Essays. Lynne 625-3314
MATHEMATICS TUTOR: MATHEMATICS PROFESSOR with 25 years ofsuccessful, results oriented tutoring experience available for tutoring. All Mathematics subjects. Call or text 516-313-2704
MATHEMATICS TUTOR: NYS certified math teacher. Experienced and patient. All elementary and middle school grades. HS Algebra, Geometry and SAT prep. Text or call Ken 516-526-8315 or email: kmctutor79@gmail.com
Services
Tutoring
PERFECT APPLICATION: College Application Consultants. Dedicated professionals help your students maximize their chances for college admissions success. Todd Lewis, President. Sharon Janovic, Director. 1 Linden Place, Suite 410, Great Neck, NY 11021. PerfectCollegeApplication@gmail.com. 516-441-2468
SPANISH TUTOR: CERTIFIED High School Spanish Teacher. Experienced in all levels ofSpanish: Middle School/ High School/College Level/AP Spanish/IB Spanish. Experienced with all levels ofChaminade curriculum and exams. Excellent references provided upon request. Phone 516-655-8194 or email: mmiller@emufsd.us
SPANISH TUTOR: Spanish Grammar-Literature, FLACS AFLACS B, Exam Preparation/ Comps. William Cullen, M.A., Spanish, S.D.A. Chaminade HS, Fairfield University Alumnus. 516 -509-8174. wdctutor06@aol.com. References furnished upon request.
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
Certified K-6. Many years experience teaching skills/ strategies, reteaching content and suppor ting homework for the struggling student. Longtime GC resident. Call Christine 516-263-0830
STOCK MARKET INVESTORS, ATTN: Let me show the advantages ofusing stock options to participate in market volatility with less capital. Protect prof its and g ain income 516-288-2110
STOCK MARKET TUTOR: Retired banker and experienced stock market trader available for tutoring high school students on the stock market. Should have some knowledge of the market. Adults welcome. Text/call Ron Goldberg 516-567-8434
Services
Instruction
PIANO LESSONS
By Ira Baslow. Experience the joy ofplaying the piano. Private lessons in your home, free noobligation piano lesson, all levels, all styles, all ages. Beginners a specialty. 516-312-1054
www.iwantmypianolessons.c om
Cleaning
CLEANING HOMEOFFICE:
Weekly, monthly since 1979. Insured/ bonded. Trusted/ reliable. Call Olympia Cleaning 516-883-0359
SPRING INTO ACTION LET US CLEAN YOUR HOUSE WINDOWS
GARDEN CITY
WINDOW CLEANING
Home Window Cleaning Service by Owner
Free Estimates Inside & Out
Fully Insured 25 Years Experience 631-220-1851 516-764-5686
STRONG ARM CLEANING:
Residential and commercial cleaning specialist, post construction clean ups, shipping and waxing floors, move ins and move outs. Free estimates. Bonded and insured. 516-538-1125 www.strongarmcleaningny.com
Services
1-866-WE JUNK IT: All phases ofrubbish removal & demolition. Residential, commercial, construction sites, kitchens, bathrooms, clean-ups, attics, basements, floods, fires. All size dumpsters. Same day service. Fully insured. Bob Cat service www .1866w ejunkit.com 516-541-1557
A & J MOVING & STORAGE: Established 1971. Long Island and New York State specialists. Residential, Commercial, Piano & Organ experts Boxes available. Free estimates. www.ajmoving.com 516-741-2657 114 Jericho Tpk, Mineola NYDOT# 10405
COLLEGE ARTS ADMISSIONS: College Counseling in the Visual and Performing Arts Dance, Musical Theatre & Drama. Film, Instrumental & Vocal Music. Audio Recording & Production. Theatre Technology & Production. Visual & Graphic Ar ts. Resume, Essays, Repertoire Lists Michele Zimmerman. 516-353-6255 CollegeArtsAdmissions@gmail.com www.Colle geArtsAdmissions.co m
Services
COMPLETE JUNK REMOVAL
/DEMOLITION SERVICE: Strong Arm Contracting Inc. We haul anything and everything. Entire contents ofhome or office. We clean it up and take it away. Residential/Commercial. Bonded/Insured. Free estimates. 516-538-1125
DECLUTTER & ORGANIZE
YOUR HOME/OFFICE: Organize all aspects ofyour home or office. We stage. We pack & unpack. We sort, donate and toss. Free Consultation. Neat Freaks Lisa Marx & Randi Yerman. 516-319-2762. Email: neatfreaks1976@outlook.com
DON’T LET BUGS RULE
YOUR WORLD! Remove bed bugs, remove head lice. Environmentally friendly. Lice & Mites! Nontoxic Kleen Green stops pests dead. Safe for children and pets. Fast shipping! www.KleenGreen.com 800-907-9350
FC FINISHING TOUCH MA-
SONARY: pool patio, driveways, sidewalks, brickwork, Belgium block, retaining walls, patios, steps, pavers, Nicolock, Cambridge, stucco, cultured stone, stone veneer. Facebook FC Finishing Touch, web: fcfinishingtouch.com Nassau H0432180000. 516-635-4315
OLD VILLAGE TREE SER-
VICE: Owner operated since 1989. 24 hour emergency service. Licensed/insured. F ree estimates, member LI Arborist Assoc. Please call 516-466-9220
PSYCHOTHERAPY: Efrat Fridman, LCSW. Individual, couple and family therapy. effiefrid@gmail.com
2 Pinetree Lane, Old Westbury, NY 11568. 516-224-7670 or 225 West 35th Street, NY 10001 718-887-4400
BASEBALL TRAINING
WINTER WORKOUTS WITH LI DUCKS MANAGER KEVIN
BAEZ
6 weeks: Sunday 11/6 thru Sunday 12/11 10am to 12pm Action Baseball Academy 50 Nassau Terminal Rd New Hyde Park, NY
Will cover hitting, fielding, pitching and proper ways to warm up Ages 11 to 14 Fee $275. Space is limited. Call Today! 516-343-6722
to advertise? Our Service Directory is sure to bring results Call 294-8935 for rates and information.
Last Hope Animal Rescue - Free Feral Cat TNR Clinic
Last Hope is holding a Free Feral Cat TNR clinic at My Pets Vet located at 448 W Jericho Turnpike, Huntington, NY11743 on 11/6/2016.
We are holding no more than 4 spots per cat caretaker. Reserve Your Spots Now!
To reserve spaces or for more information, please contact Barbara at feralpats@yahoo.com or 516-223-6673
All cats at Last Hope Free TNR Clinics are spayed/neutered, vaccinated for rabies and feline distemper, treated for fleas and ear mites, given pain medicine and ear-tipped (to identify their altered status upon release into their colonies).
PLEASE NOTE: Arrangements should be made to allow for cats to recuperate humanely after surgery – females need a few days and males at least 1 full day. Decision not to do surgery is the veterinarian’s decision. All cats must be in traps - no carriers. All cats will be ear notched.
SHOPPING FOR SUPPORT
Clipping pet item coupons for Last Hope is a great and easy way to give your support. Every coupon we receive helps to defray our costs, particularly for dog and cat food. They can either be dropped off at our adoption center at 3300 Beltagh Avenue in Wantagh, or mailed to Last Hope, PO Box 7025, Wantagh 11793. Please share our need with your friends and family. Thank you!
Visit http://lasthopeanimalrescue.org to read about Last Hope’s programs and to see the fabulous array of fantastic felines eagerly awaiting adoption into their forever homes!
S Service D Directory
Our Service Directory is sure to bring results. Call 294-8935 for rates and information.
PROFESSIONAL GUIDE
STEAM in the Bethpage Schools
Kramer Lane girls learn about gears.
Kramer Lane Elementary School in the Bethpage Union Free School District hosted a special assembly that highlighted fun and interactive activities across all areas of STEAM education. Students in grades K-5 rotated through stations that featured 3-D printers, demonstrated how energy works, and allowed them to build creatively and collaboratively. A BOCES program, it gave students exposure to the many aspects of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, and how they are intertwined.
problems.
COLLEGE NOTES
Kirsten Jedd of Bethpage participated in the annual Siena College CURCA Summer Research Symposium. Siena’s Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (CURCA) allows students of all majors to engage in hands-on
learning thro-ugh research and other scholarship opportnities. Siena students gain an advantage due to the experience and expsure this program provides.
Kirsten’s summer research was, “Virtual Watershed.”
Sticky situations at JFK Middle School
Middle School students get ready to give presentations about spiders.
In a joint effort for Red Ribbon Week in the Bethpage Union Free School District, students from JFK Middle School visited their elementary counterparts at Kramer Lane School.
The middle schoolers helped bring awareness to the importance of making healthy choices and living a healthy lifestyle. They compared a spider’s web, which is sticky and catches insects, to situations students might find themselves in on a daily basis that make them feel like they are trapped. Together, they brainstormed “sticky” situations that students can be trapped in and how to find a positive way to get out of those situations.
Photo courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District
John Ellis Kordes Photography
Photo courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District
Northside fourth graders look beyond the naked eye
During a Levittown Outdoor Learning Center lesson, Northside fourth-grade students Sain Sufian and Lorenzo DiNapoli were excited to observe pond water specimens not readily seen without a microscope.
Recording observations of living specimens found in pond water and not readily seen with the naked eye resulted in excitement and awe for Levittown fourth-grade students from Northside School, who received a science lesson from Outdoor Learning Center teacher Jessica Mills.
The students first learned about the parts of a microscope and were taught to create a wet mount slide, utilizing droplets of water drawn from the Outdoor Learning Center’s pond.
After viewing living specimens placed under a microscope, the students were instructed to record their observations and identify the organisms seen on their slides.
Levittown’s Outdoor Learning Center is located at Levittown Memorial Education Center and includes a pond, greenhouse and gardens in which students can experience science first hand. The center is also equipped with an adjacent lab to allow for preparation and follow up to outdoor activities.
Levittown teacher named an outstanding educator
The Levittown School District is pleased to announce that Kristen Stritzl, an English teacher at Division Avenue, was selected as a University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award winner. Ms. Stritzl was nominated by former student and 2016 valedictorian Jessica Vasseghi upon enrolling in the University of Chicago.
“Our students frequently tell us that they were influenced by a particular high school educator, someone who challenged them intellectually for the
first time, opened new vistas and realms of discovery, or channeled their private interests into productive paths for intellectual growths,” explained James G. Nondorf, University of Chicago vice president of enrollment.
Ms. Stritzl currently teaches English 9, Advanced Placement Literature, and the district’s new AP Capstone Program. The Levittown School District and Division Avenue High School community congratulates Ms. Stritzl on this outstanding accomplishment.
American Legion meetings
The American LegionCharles Wagner Post 421 meets on the third Monday of each month. Meetings begin at 7:30pm each meeting night at the Joseph Barry Council, Knights of
Columbus, 45 Heitz Lane, Hicksville NY. All veterans are welcome to join based on time in service. For further information, do not hesitate to visit our Post.
Place an ad in our Classifieds for reasonable rates and prompt results. Call the G.C. office today 294-8935 for more information.
Melissa Koutsis, a fourth-grader at Northside School in Levittown, observed Outdoor Learning Center pond water specimen.
Photos courtesy of the Levittown School District
Division Avenue High School teacher Kristen Stritzl is pictured with Principal John Cosica. Photo courtesy of the Levittown School District.
A Degree from Lawrence Technological University Boosts Your Earning Potential
Possible is everything
The Brookings Institution ranks Lawrence Technological University fifth among U.S. colleges and universities for boosting graduates’ earning potential. Payscale.com reports that salaries of LTU bachelor's graduates are in the top 10 percent nationally. Some 88 percent of students are employed or have selected grad school by the date of their graduation, greater than the national average.
Innovative Programs, Small Class Sizes
LTU is a private, 4,500-student university that offers more than 100 innovative programs in Colleges of Architecture and Design, Arts and Sciences, Engineering, and Management – all featuring exceptional exposure to theory and practice.
As a student, you’ll benefit from small class sizes, with classes, studios, and labs taught by faculty with current industry experience. Lawrence Tech is ranked among the nation’s best universities by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review
Located in Dynamic Suburb
The University is situated in Southfield, a dynamic suburb in Oakland County, Michigan. Hundreds of Fortune 500 and international companies are located nearby, and the region has one of the largest concentrations of engineering, architecture, and technological jobs in the world. Southeastern Michigan also offers a rich variety of recreational and cultural activities, with public transportation making most areas accessible to students.
Technology to Help You Succeed
Lawrence Tech provides the tools required to compete and succeed in a technology-driven world. You’ll be provided your own high-end laptop loaded with industry-standard software – retailing on average over $75,000 – a benefit you’ll only get at LTU. www.ltu.edu/LTuZone
Clubs and Sports
More than 60 student clubs and organizations, including fraternities, sororities, honor societies, and student chapters of professional groups, sponsor a variety of activities.
LTU features NAIA, ACHA, MCLA, NWLL, and USBC varsity and junior varsity athletics in men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, lacrosse, bowling, ice hockey, golf, tennis, volleyball, and cross country, as well as women’s softball, and men’s baseball. You can also show your Blue Devil spirit as a member of the pep band or dance team. Learn more at www.LTUAthletics.com
Tech Center holds Skills USA induction and dinner
Skills USA officers, Jeanna Miller, James Margaria, Shivani Sharma, Drew O’Mara, Jennifer Ramos and Thomas Donnery were inducted during a candlelighting ceremony. Victor Moran is not pictured. Photo courtesy of the Levittown School District. Calling all vendors. Boy Scout Troop 382 of Hicksville will present its annual Craft Fair and Flea Market on Sunday, December 4 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at St. Ignatius Loyola School, 30 East Cherry St., Hicksville. For more information please call 516*-455-4356 or 516-942-7910 or email troop382craftfair@gmail.com
The Gerald R. Claps Career and Technical Education Center held its annual SkillsUSA induction and fundraiser dinner in the Panther Room of Levittown Memorial Education Center on Oct. 27. Proceeds from the dinner provided scholarships for deserving students enrolled in the center’s automotive technology, computer animation, cosmetology, culinary arts, electrical technology, graphic arts, medi-
cal assisting/healthcare and police science/ EMT-B programs this coming spring.
SkillsUSA is a national organization, serving students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations. The program also hosts local and national competitions in which students demonstrate occupational and leadership skills.
Home of The College Whisperer™| Official
Sponsor of College Admission Success™
COLLEGE CONNECTION offers comprehensive college planning and counseling. Guidance and support in choosing a college, getting in to college, and finding the money to pay for college, all while taking the stress, the worry, the frustration and the madness out of college applications and admissions.
At COLLEGE CONNECTION, we’ve not only got your back, we’ve got your best moves forward!
From college matching to admission strategies, application
This year’s SkillsUSA officers Thomas Donnery (club adviser), James Margaria (vice president), Jeanna Miller (treasurer), Victor Moran (parliamentarian), Drew O’Mara (secretary), Jennifer Ramos (reporter) and Shivani Sharma (president) were inducted during a traditional candlelighting ceremony.
Participants were also served a delcious meal prepared and served by the culinary students, which included pasta and meatballs, salad, bread and dessert.
enhancement to essay development, there is a difference between simply applying to college and actually getting in. That difference is, COLLEGE CONNECTION!
Remember, there’s more to applying to college than filling in the blanks on Common App, and more to getting your hands on the money to pay for college than just submitting FAFSA.
So, before the applications, college admissions, and financial aid forms get to you, you need to get to us -COLLEGE CONNECTION!
COLLEGE CONNECTION
Call for a FREE telephone consultation - 516-345-8766 Visit us on the web at www.CollegeConnect.info
Fusion Academy: ARevolutionary Way to School
If you’re the only one in class, is it necessary to raise your hand? Does lecture look more like conversation in a one-to-one classroom?
It’s hard to imagine a school with classrooms that hold just one student and one teacher – but they exist! In fact, there’s one right here in Woodbury.
Fusion Academy is a private middle and high school where all classes are one-to-one: one student and one teacher per classroom. This unique education model was born over 28 years ago out of frustration with the status quo and the passionate belief in the power of positive relationships to unlock academic potential. But Fusion’s school model isn’ solely about the smallest
You may be asking how one-to-one classrooms work.
First, imagine a cozy office with soft lighting and just one desk. Every classroom is adorned with each teacher’s different subject matter and personal-interest décor.
You can’t hide in a oneto-one classroom. You aren’t competing with 40 other students to be heard. You aren’t afraid to speak up or be wrong because it’s just you and the teacher And there’ no possi
“Other schools, you’re just another number, I feel like here you’re actually a person.” - Joe, Fusion Warner Center student Previously I was enrolled in a school that robbed me of my individuality. At Fusion, the loving and motivational environment spurs me to be optimistic about the future. It provided the security that proceeded in accumulating all that was robbed from me.” - Jana
Bondurant, Fusion Houston Galleria student
Beyond the Classr
The Value of Fusion
Every student’s path is different, and we partner with them to help them achieve their goals, whatever they may be. Many of our students go on to attend a college or university, while some pursue a trade school, gap year, or another option. We have post-secondary counselors available to help, and programs and courses to support students’goals.
While other schools may be cutting their art and music programs, we have a robust roster of electives for students to explore and pursue their creativity. We also have a wellness program that includes art and music, along with physical wellness and healthy habits. Students learn healthy self-expression and how to deal effectively with stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, body image issues, and social pressures.
ported social interaction happens where have fun nights, student interest groups,
It is this equal focus on the academic, social, and emotional well-being of our students as individuals that makes Fusion work.
Connect with Us
to finish their homework before leaving for the day. No more nightly homework
Even after reading all about us, there’s nothing like seeing a Fusion campus. You are invited to take a tour, meet our team, and see how one-to-one education really works. Visit us at FusionWoodbury.com to connect with us. We can’t wait to meet you and show you this truly revolutionary way to school.
NY, 11797
Space-inspired essay wins national competition
Wisdom Lane Middle School teacher Leslie Maynard is pictured with AIAA essay competition winners Michael Vota (left) and Nikhil Keer.
Levittown School District’s Wisdom Lane Middle School eighth-grade student Nikhil Keer is the first-place national winner (seventh-grade) of an essay contest sponsored by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Space Systems Technical Committee. During the 2015-2016 competition, Nikhil wrote the winning essay discussing how either a moon base or Mars base can help us learn about the Earth and space and presented data supporting his conclusions.
In addition, Nikhil was the first-
place regional winner, with Michael Vota placing third among students from Long Island and Westchester County.
Nikhil and Michael both received cash awards and teacher Leslie Maynard received a stipend, with which she will purchase telescopes for the school’s Earth and Space Club. Nikhil’s essay will also be published in Aerospace America magazine.
The Levittown School District congratulates the students on this outstanding educational accomplishment.
Country Western Night
The Joseph Barry Knights of Columbus will hold a Country Western Night on November 5 from 7 pm - 11 pm
There will be a live band, chili, sandwiches, chicke, an open bar, dessert and coffee. $32.50 per person - Checks
payable to “Joseph Barry Knights of Columbus”
Call Brian 516-749-4368.
The Knights of Columbus meet at 45 Heitz Place, Hicksville, NY 11801
Levittown Community Council
November 28th meeting
Levittown Community Council will have its November meeting on Monday, November 28, at 7:30 PM.
On the agenda will be a program “Sleeping Peacefully.” The program will focus on sleep disturbances and what to do to overcome them. Speakers are Angela Rufo and Kristin Rivera of Plainview Hospital Northwell Health.
The meeting will take place at the Levittown Public Library, One Bluegrass Lane, Levittown, in meeting rooms 1 & 2
There is no fee to participate. Event is open to all.
For more information, please contact levittowncouncil@yahoo.com or call Co-President Pat Patane at 516-579-2831.
Cluttered?
It’s time to clean out the garage and turn that “junk” into cash - list your old power tools, machinery, and sports equipment in the Classifieds section today!
Call 294-8935 for rates and information
Photo courtesy of the Levittown School District
GOLD COAST INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
NOVEMBER 10-15, 2016
Visit goldcoastfilmfestival.org for a screening schedule and to purchase tickets.
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