SERVING BETHPAGE, OLD BETHPAGE, AND PLAINVIEW
School Board, community partners honored
Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton, Hicksville Board of Education trustee Sunita Manjrekar, Kiwanis Director Diane Brousseau, Kiwanis President Dr. Edward Saueracker, Hicksville Family Partnership specialist Maritza Quintero and Hicksville Supervisor of Guidance Services Effie Rafaelides.
Photos courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools
Assembly brings together fire & ice
BY GARY SIMEONE
It was quite a day for students at the Lee Avenue Elementary School, as they got to witness live interactive science experiments. The students in grades K-5 spent the day at the ‘Mad Science’ assembly, watching smoke rise
from dry ice and a ball of fire being extinguished inside a glass jar.
Elizabeth DeJesus, a 4th grade teacher at Lee Avenue. said the students enjoyed the interesting and interactive nature of the program and that they were able to learn new science terms and
vocabulary words.
“Here in Hicksville and in Lee Avenue Elementary, we focus a-lot on science including the mysteries of how things work in our natural world and environment,” said DeJesus. “We do a lot of experiments with the kids
See page 6
At the Oct. 22 Hicksville Board of Education meeting, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton recognized members of the board for their continued dedication and commitment to the district and community in honor of Board of Education Recognition Week. To begin the celebration, Dr. Fulton acknowledged ex officio student board member Christina D’Costa for her service and representation of the student body. Student representatives from each of the district’s seven elementary schools then presented certificates and tokens of appreciation to each board member. Representing their schools were: Sarah Cueva Martinez (Burns Avenue), Mayar Altaee (Dutch Lane), Logan DiFronzo (East Street),
Jayden Bruckner (Fork Lane), Japnaam Kaur (Lee Avenue), Robert Lang (Old Country Road) and Ryleigh O’Neil (Woodland).
Adding their voices of gratitude were Angad Singh and Andi Skaee from Hicksville Middle School, along with Sebastian Kulesza and Kayla Mancuso from Hicksville High School. Each student shared heartfelt remarks, expressing sincere thanks for the board’s leadership and unwavering dedication to the success of Hicksville’s students.
Following the recognitions, Dr. Fulton honored several outstanding community partners whose ongoing efforts continue to make a profound difference in the
Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton, Hicksville Board of Education trustee Sunita Manjrekar, Children’s Hope India President Dr. Dina Pahlajani, Children’s Hope India executive board member Moneesha Sani and Hicksville Supervisor of Guidance Services Effie Rafaelides.
Hicksville’s 2025 All-State Musicians
Hicksville High School NYSSMA All-State musicians (left to right) Lauren Mason, Jillian Galea, Aerie Lim, Diella Chung, Kaylee Lin and Emma Dang.
Hicksville High School has announced its exceptional student musicians who have been selected to perform at the 2025 NYSSMA All-State Festival. This prestigious statewide event, to be held in December in Rochester, New York, recognizes students for their outstanding talent, dedication and musical excellence.
The following students earned selection to this year’s festival:
• Emma Dang– All-State Orchestra (violin)
• Jillian Galea– All-State Choir (soprano)
• Aerie Lim– All-State Orchestra (violin)
• Lauren Mason– All-State Orchestra (flute)
Each of the above students demonstrated remarkable skill and artistry. Junior Emma Dang impressed evaluators by performing two solos, earning a perfect
score of 100 on violin and an outstanding 98 on jazz piano. Fellow juniors Jillian Galea and Aerie Lim each earned perfect scores of 100, Jillian for her Soprano II solo and Aerie for her flawless violin performance, showcasing their exceptional talent, dedication and passion for music.
Senior Lauren Mason showcased her versatility and musical mastery, receiving perfect scores of 100 on both her flute and piccolo performances.
In addition, several Hicksville students were named All-State alternates for their exceptional auditions:
• Diella Chung– All-State Orchestra (violin)
• Lauren Mason– All-State Band (piccolo)
• Emma Dang– All-State Jazz Band (piano)
• Kaylee Lin– All-State Orchestra (cello)
a professional?
Levittown Chamber Spotlight on Business
BY DON PATANE, LEVITTOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Levittown Chamber of Commerce introduces you to Robert L. Ryan, Jr (a/k/a “Bob”) who has been a Board member of the Chamber for over 10 years. He was honored as Levittown Chamber of Commerce’s Small Businessperson of the Year at the Nassau Council of Chambers 2025 Small Businessperson of the Year & Legislative Breakfast on October 31st.
Ryan is active on a number of Chamber Committees including the Scholarship Committee which awards money for college or trade school to a graduating senior from each of the three local Levittown Public High Schools.
Ryan has lived in Levittown for 38 years. He was very happily married to Debbie Ryan until she passed away in 2020. Their son & daughter, who went to Levittown schools, have graduated college, obtained masters degrees and are supporting themselves. Robert is a high school math teacher in Ohio. Kelly is a women’s lacrosse coach at a Division I college in PA.
A practicing attorney since 1985, Ryan now specializes in real estate transactions and personal injury litigation. In Syosset high school, Ryan became interested in the law while taking a Business Law class. One of his professors at Nassau Community College and another one at C.W. Post College were practicing attorneys who inspired Ryan to become an attorney. His first job as a lawyer was in civil litigation firm. Within 5 years he left to start his own firm, Ryan & Henderson. He managed the firm and helped it grow over 25 years to about 20 employees. For the bulk of his career, Ryan was a trial attorney. Now, he is “of counsel” and self-employed at the law firm where he first started; and, enjoying the benefits that come along with that arrangement. He only answers to myself.
Ryan says he currently has a personal mission statement: To live life responsibly; to do what makes him happy which means to spend time with family; watch his kids continue to thrive in careers they love; support them emotionally and try to be a good role model for them. The next stage of his life will involve retirement and volunteer work.
Ryan’s business goals include: mentoring young attorneys where his office
is located and keeping in touch with attorneys who used to work for him that are now out on their own; and, growing his practice by being selective when taking on new clients.
What makes Ryan’s law practice different from others is – his attention to details and he makes himself accessible to his clients – they all get his personal cell phone number and email – Ryan is reachable evenings and weekends and he really care about what he does for them. Ryan knows very few attorneys who give their clients the access that he gives them.
When he has the opportunity, Ryan likes to spend time fishing; playing guitar with his classic rock band, Alter Ego (who by the way won the Battle of the Bands at the Good Sam Hospital Charity Jam for pediatrics); taking sports photography; watching live music performed; traveling to watch local professional sports team play in other cities; watching his daughter coach her college lacrosse team; and he still reads at least one newspaper every day.
Ryan can be reached at: Phone: 516-857-1181; Email: rryan@mmlaw.com; Facebook: Bob Ryan; LinkedIn: Robert Ryan of Counsel to Mulholland Minion.
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Photo courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools
Robert L. Ryan, Jr.
Bethpage HS seniors visit 9/11 Memorial
On Nov. 6, Bethpage High School seniors visited the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York City, thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Gary Sinise Foundation.
On Nov. 6, 119 Bethpage High School seniors embarked on a powerful educational journey to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York City, thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Gary Sinise Foundation. The trip, organized by social studies teacher Mr. Rob Verdi, offered students a profound opportunity to connect with one of the most significant events in modern American history.
The day-long experience included guided tours of the memorial and museum, where students explored exhibits documenting the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and the far-reaching aftermath that continues to shape our world today. The educational program featured a series of presentations designed to help young people understand not only what happened that day, but also the courage and sacrifice that followed.
A highlight of the visit came when students heard directly from a military veteran and a first responder who shared their personal experiences from that tragic day and its aftermath. The interactive question-and-answer session allowed students to engage meaningfully with these heroes, asking questions and gaining firsthand perspectives that no textbook could provide.
The Gary Sinise Foundation, established by acclaimed actor Gary Sinise, has made it their mission to honor and serve U.S. military veterans, first responders, their families and the families of fallen heroes. The nonprofit organization demonstrates its commitment through various programs, including building specially adapted smart homes
Town
Photo courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District
for severely wounded service members, providing financial assistance and mental wellness support and organizing meaningful educational trips like the one Bethpage students experienced.
By sponsoring this visit, the foundation ensured that a new generation could learn about 9/11’s impact and understand the ongoing dedication of those who serve and protect our communities.
For Mr. Verdi, organizing this trip held special significance. He was teaching at Bethpage High School on Sept. 11, 2001, and witnessed firsthand how the attacks affected his students, colleagues and community. The profound impact of that day compelled him to serve his country in a direct way – he joined the Army Reserve in response to the tragic events.
Mr. Verdi’s decision to serve led him to active-duty deployment overseas, where he served in Kuwait and Iraq, eventually working as a prison guard. His personal journey from classroom teacher to soldier and back to educator gives him a unique perspective on the importance of helping students understand 9/11’s lasting legacy.
Educational experiences like this one serve a vital purpose: they ensure that students who were born after Sept. 11, 2001, develop a deep understanding of the day that changed America. By visiting the memorial, hearing from those who lived through it, and learning about the courage displayed by first responders and service members, these seniors gained insights that will stay with them throughout their lives.
Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti (right) assisted Silvio Bronco of Floral Park as he participated in the Town of Hempstead Stop Throwing Out Pollutants (S.T.O.P.) Program on October 19, 2025 at North Woodmere Park. This program allows residents to dispose of harmful pollutants – such as antifreeze, drain cleaners and pesticides – in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.
Rotary Club collects pajamas for children in need
The Hicksville-Jericho Rotary Club in collaboration with the EJ’s PJ sand Ridgewood Savings Bank is holding a new pajama collection for children of all ages. The pajamas in newborn to adult sizes are being collected through December 5, 2025.
“I want to thank Ridgewood Savings Bank and one of their Branch Banking Officers for recognizing the usefulness oof this project.” said Robert Mancino, Rotary Club President. “He championed the request to have Ridgewood Savings Bank support the drive in all their branches. This expanded the reach of the drive to over 50 locations throughout Long Island.”
EJ’s PJs started with one mission in mind – to give pajamas to children and teens of all ages who need the items the most – and that mission has not changed since 2011 when Patricia Poggi and her sons started the drive.
Numerous donation sites have been set up in all the Ridgewood Savings Bank Branches in the metropolitan area and various businesses on Long Island. Below is a list of the locations in Nassau County:
• Ridgewood Savings Bank, 220 W. Old Country Road, Hicksville NY, 11801
• Ridgewood Savings Bank, 1125 Old Country Road, Plainview NY 11803
• Horseability, 223 Store Hill Rd., Old Westbury NY 11568
• AG Steakhouse, 1177 Corporate Dr., Westbury NY 11590
• Junkluggers, 12A Commercial St., Hicksville NY 11801
• Xtraire, 105 Bloomingdale Rd. Hicksville NY 11801
• R & R Dental, 754 South Broadway, Hicksville NY 11801
• Freeport Rec Center, 130 East Merrick Rd., Freeport NY 11520
• Hicksville Chiropractic, 161 Levittown Pkwy Hicksville NY 11801
• Hicksville Water District, 4 Dean St. Hicksville NY 11801
• Metro PT in Jericho, 312 North Broadway, Jericho NY 11753
• Patricia’s of Hicksville, 1040 South Broadway, Hicksville NY 11801
• Independent Order of Oddfellows Lodge #125, 226 East Meadow Ave., East Meadow NY 11554
For more information about the collection, please contact the Hicksville-Jericho Rotary Club at HicksvilleJerichoRotaaryClub@gmail. com .
For more information about EJ’s PJs, visit https://ejspjs.org/ Hicksville-Jericho Rotary is the first Rotary Club in Hicksville founded in 1951. Rotary brings together a global network of community leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. It connects 1.4 million members from more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in almost every country in the world. Their service improves lives both locally and internationally, from helping those in need in their own communities to working toward a poliofree world.
The Hicksville-Jericho Rotary Club meets on Thursdays at Patricia’s of Hicksville. Visit Rotary.org for more information on how to join Rotary or contact Donna Rivera-Downey at 516-532-4566
Levittown seniors advocate at school board
General Douglas MacArthur High School senior Ethan Baloyo and Division Avenue High School senior Sara Loiacono are serving as student liaisons to the Levittown Board of Education.
Two Levittown seniors are representing their respective high schools as they report the latest student happenings to trustees at the monthly board of education meeting.
Division Avenue High School senior Sara Loiacono and General Douglas MacArthur High School senior Ethan Baloyo are serving as this year’s student liaisons to the board of education, acting as a voice and advocate for their peers. Sara serves as president of the Division Avenue Key Club and SADD
Public Schools
Club, is a member of the Chamber Choir and led a philanthropic pursuit to raise over $28,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Ethan is a dedicated student athlete, serving as a threeyear varsity captain for the cross country and track and field teams, where he is the defending Conference Champion in the 1600 and an All-County runner in the 5K. Ethan is also president of the MacArthur Business Honor Society and Key Club.
Summit Lane second graders filled with courage
Second graders at Summit Lane Elementary School in the Levittown School District shared stories of bravery after reading the children’s book, “Courage.” As a class, Mrs. Greene’s second graders read “Courage” by Bernard Waber, which explores various acts of courage and celebrates the moments, big and small, that bring out the hero in each of us. After finishing the story, students thought of a moment where they were courageous and shared it with their peers.
Photo courtesy Levittown
Mrs. Greene’s second grade class at Summit Lane Elementary School shared acts of bravery after reading “Courage.” Photo courtesy Levittown Public Schools
Recent Real Estate Sales in Syosset and Jericho
44 Maple Run Drive #44, Jericho
18 Birchwood Park Drive, Syosset
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School Board, community partners honored at meeting
From page 1
lives of Hicksville students and families.
Dr. Fulton and the board recognized Children’s Hope India, including President Dr. Dina Pahlajani, Executive Board Member Moneesha Sani, Ms. Sunita Manjrekar, the entire board and their dedicated student volunteers. For many years, Children’s Hope India has worked closely with Hicksville Public Schools to distribute essential resources such as food, clothing and substantial gift cards to families in need. Their generosity has also
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allowed hundreds of elementary and middle school students to attend the Young People’s Day Camp tuition-free, providing valuable opportunities for growth, learning and summer enrichment.
In addition, the organization has contributed thousands of dollars to the WINGS Alternative High School program, supplying healthy snacks and drinks that support students’ well-being and academic success. Ms. Manjrekar, who also serves on the district’s Advisory Board, continues to collaborate with district leaders to ensure programs are child-centered and responsive to student needs. Through their collective efforts, Children’s Hope India remains a steadfast partner in enhancing the educational experience of Hicksville students.
The district also recognized the Kiwanis Club of Hicksville and the Kiwanis Foundation of Hicksville, Inc., under the leadership of President Dr. Edward Saueracker, for their longstanding commitment to service. Hicksville Kiwanis has consistently provided vital support to families in need through donations of food, clothing and gift cards, as well as academic enrichment and community engagement opportunities. The organization’s initiatives include an extensive High School Scholarship Program awarding $9,000–$11,000 annually, the Youth Awards Breakfast for most improved eighth graders, and sponsorship of the Hicksville High School Key Club.
The Kiwanis also participates in the districtwide Thanksgiving food drive in partnership
with the PTA and Children’s Hope India, funds eye examinations and glasses for students in need, and assists with travel costs for conferences and competitions.
The organization’s recent “Crazy 8s” Anniversary Banquet and Basket Auction served as a major fundraiser to continue these programs, illustrating the group’s dedication to uplifting Hicksville families and strengthening community bonds.
Additionally, Dr. Fulton extended his gratitude to several additional community supporters who helped ensure a successful start to the 2025–2026 school year. Their generosity provided students with essential resources and a strong sense of community connection.
Special thanks were given to:
• Horizon Healthcare staffing representatives Victoria Barodin (Hicksville High School alumna and payroll coordinator) and Ashley Clarke (scheduling specialist).
• Harry Malhotra, president of theNew York South Asian Chamber of Commerce and executive director of the South Asian Advisory Board.
• Niti Shah, community ambassador for Hicksville Family Partnership Program and Hicksville community leader.
• Hicksville Boys and Girls Club, DirectorTom Bruno.
• TheHicksville Council of PTAs, including Kim Raspanti, Marilyn Kneski, Carolina Molina, and Erin Guida.
Hicksville Board of Education Vice President Linda Imbriale, Dutch Lane student Mayar Altaee and Dutch Lane Principal Janine Rossi.
Photos courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools
Hicksville Board of Education President Annette Beiner, Lee Avenue student Japnaam Kaur and Lee Avenue Principal Christopher Uccellini.
Mad Science assembly brings together fire & ice
From page 1
and that’s why they were extra excited about this program.”
Vivaan Phutela, a 4th grader at Lee Avenu, said the best part of the assembly was when the instructor lit a piece of fire paper inside of a glass jar.
“She rolled it into a ball of paper and lit it on fire and placed the piece of paper in the glass,” said Phutela. “She also let us touch the smoke from dry ice that was part of the experiments.”
Other students of the school also shared their feelings on the program including Brandon Rooney, who really liked the gas potion that made him burp.
"The fire and ice assembly let students go up in front of the school and have a squirt of burp gas. I really liked it because they threw bubbles at us too,” said Rooney. “They called it elephant toothpaste. It was made out of soap and dry ice".
Agam Multani, another stu-
dent, said the burping potion and the air pressure tight container were his two favorite parts of the program.
"It was a pretty fun assembly,” said Multani. “I got to go up in front of the school and got to do two things. I got to test out the burping potion and I also got to tell the scientist that when you hold the container where air was coming out of and close it with your thumb, the pressure would build up. She did the experiment and the cap fell off of the container. It
was fun to watch and experience.”
Aloka Suraj, a 3rd grader, summed up the day best, saying, "The scientist got to show us some really cool things and some things we haven't learned about yet in science. In our school we learn a lot about science but it’s always nice to learn something new.”
DeJesus said Lee Avenue usually hosts four major assemblies per school year to keep the students engaged and to keep learning fun and new.
Halloween Fun in the Makerspace
Hicksville Middle School students enjoyed getting creative in the school’s Makerspace during a recent lunch period, decorating Halloween-themed crafts alongside classmates and Assistant Principal Vinh Nguyen-Horan. Additional lunchtime craft activities and games are planned in the coming months, led by members of the school’s leadership team. Photo courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools
Levittown Businessperson of the Year
Town Supervisor John Ferretti (third left) and Town Clerk Kate Murray
congratulated Robert Ryan, Jr., Esq. of the Levittown Chamber of Commerce as he was named Small Businessperson of the Year during the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce 40th Annual Businessperson of the Year and Legislative Breakfast. The event was held on October 31 at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. Also attending were Frank Camarano, President of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce, and other friends and neighbors.
Hempstead
(fourth right)
November 14, 2025
Best Time of Year to Lock In Savings on International Tours
Major international tour operators are offering their biggest savings of the year, expanding Black Friday/ Cyber Monday sales to weeks. Here is a sampling of vacation deals:
Inspiring Vacations, a Melbourne, Australia-based tour company is offering weekly flash sales through November providing 50% off the companion’s rate and $100 per person savings on Solo Journeys. Use code BUDDY50 to save 50% or BUDDY30 to save 30% on select deals. Book online, inspiringvacations.com or phone 24/7 888-356-2021.
G Adventures: Through November 30, save up to 30% on 600+ adventures across every continent on the planet, with travel by April 30,2026. Or save 10% on select trips departing May 1 through August 31, 2026. Shop the travel deals at https:// www.gadventures.com/travel-deals/ black-friday-sale/. (https://www.gadventures.com/, 1 888 800 4100 24/7)
Contiki, one of the world’s leading travel brands for 18-35-year-olds, unveils its biggest Black Friday Sale ever, offering 50% off up to $800 on 150 itineraries worldwide and limited-time “drops” featuring select trips and departure dates at 50% off From Nov.12–Dec. 4, save $800 on global Contiki trips, including $500 off Japan Unrivalled, $300 off Ireland and Scotland or $400 off Victoria Falls and Bostwana. During the sale, Contiki is also offering limited-time drops featuring select trips and departure dates, including in-demand itineraries such as Albania Beaches and
Peaks and Portugal Highlights, available at 50 percent off.
Global guided vacation company, Trafalgar, is offering buy one, get one 50% off on six new trips every week during the sale period. Additional savings of up to 15% off are available on top itineraries including on the new river cruise itinerary, Best of the Rhine and Amsterdam, as well as Treasures of Thailand, Best of Devon and Cornwall among others. Sale runs Nov. 3-Dec. 4.
Global tour operator Friendly Planet Travel is offering up to $2,000 in savings on tour packages to 70+ itineraries, including the Incredible South Africa with Rovos Luxury Train & Victoria Falls, the Patagonian Explorer by Land & Sea, the Discover Ultimate New Zealand. Each package includes airfare, ground transportation & transfers, first-class
and deluxe accommodations, guided touring, English-speaking local guides, curated local experience, select meals, 24/7 support,. Book Nov. 28-Dec. 5, 2025, for travel in 2026 and 2027. Additionally, guests who book online from November 28 to 30th receive an extra $50 off booking bonus discount.
Celtic travel expert Brendan Vacations is offering savings of up to $1,400 pp on its most popular guided tours in Ireland and Scotland. booked Nov. 3-Dec. 4, including Best of Ireland and Castles and Manors and premium itineraries Britain and Ireland Discovery and Irish Elegance New Small Group Tour itineraries offer savings of up to $1,000 pp Save up to $600 pp on private driver, luxury self-drive, self-drive and rail vacations for travel in 2026.
CIE Tours is offering up
to 15% off guided vacations across all destinations with no blackout dates. Book Nov. 3-Dec. 2 to save up to $2,000 per couple on tours to Ireland, Scotland, England, Spain and Italy. Early Access deals (Nov. 3–17) feature 24 itineraries; from Nov. 18–Dec. 2, savings include 22 additional trips. Perillo Tours, celebrating 80 years as a leading U.S. tour operator to Italy, is offering $500 savings per couple on select Italy escorted tours, $750 per couple on select Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, and Hawaii tours, and $500 per couple on customized journeys to Italy through Perillo Custom Vacations. Book Nov. 28–Dec. 5 for travel throughout 2026 Book by phone (1-800-431-1515) or online using code “BLACKFRI25” for group tours or “IVBLACKFRI25” for custom vacations.
Unforgettable Travel, known for creating tailor-made luxury journeys that combine innovative experiences with highly personalized service, is offering $1,000 off any private custom trips to Africa or Asia. Book Nov. 28-Dec.18.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, a luxury all-inclusive river cruise line sailing in Europe, Egypt, South America and Asia, is bringing back its popular 12 Days of Christmas Event with daily surprising savings ranging from 50% off popular cruises to free trip extensions, and waived solo traveler supplements A new offer is unveiled each weekday for 12 days beginning Nov. 28. Visit Uniworld.com/12days
© 2025 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com
BY DENNIS MAMMANA
Week of November 16-22, 2025
Nearly two and a half centuries ago, in December of 1781, musical composer and amateur astronomer William Herschel was scanning his telescope through the skies over England when he came upon a tiny bluish-green dot that did not appear on his star charts.
He soon realized it wasn’t a star but rather a planet -- the first ever to be discovered. To cajole some money out of King George III, he suggested naming the new world in his honor: Georgium Sidus (“George’s Star”). Saner heads prevailed, however, and astronomers agreed that the new planet’s name should match the classical origins of other planetary names. They decided to name it after Ouranos (OOH-rah-nohs), the mythological father of the Titans and grandfather of Jupiter. And so it was named Uranus.
Today, Uranus is, without a doubt, the most mispronounced planet in the English language, always getting a giggle out of kids (and even adults). Of course, you can say it any way you’d like, but if you’d like not to appear foolish, use its correct pronunciation: YOU-rah-nuhs.
On Friday, Nov. 21, Uranus will officially lie at opposition -- the point in the sky where it appears opposite the
Finding the Seventh Planet
sun. This distant world is typically visible only with binoculars or a small telescope, but at these times it enters the realm of naked-eye visibility for stargazers with excellent vision and a clear, dark sky far from city lights. This week will be a great time to search for this elusive planet.
In addition to needing good vision and a dark sky, finding Uranus requires some patience, but it’s as difficult as you might imagine. Right now, you can find it roughly in the direction of the Pleiades, or Seven Sisters, a tiny cluster of stars low in the eastern sky after dark. To find it, aim binoculars toward the Pleiades, and place the cluster on the upper left side of the field of view. Uranus will appear on the lower right.
It will look like a star but may appear slightly brighter than the faint stars around it, and it may show a subtle blue-green tint. Use the pattern of stars in the accompanying illustration to identify Uranus among the stars.
Once you’ve found it and can identify the stars around it, put the binoculars down and try searching for it with your eyes alone. If you’ve got a very dark sky and good vision, you may be surprised by how easy is! If you spot it, you may wonder why ancient skywatchers hadn’t found it millennia ago.
While it’s true that these stargazers had no binoculars to help them along,
they did have extremely dark skies with no city lights. And many were meticulous and obsessive about their celestial observations -- especially the ancient Chinese.
Why they failed to find this planet among the starry sky is anyone’s guess. Perhaps someone did spot it but never recorded the discovery. Perhaps their
LOST IN SUBURBIA
Quoth the Raven, ‘Caw’
records have been lost over time.
In any case, this week’s a great time for modern stargazers to do what the ancients never did ... track down and observe this elusive and distant planet in our nighttime sky.
Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com.
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BY TRACY BECKERMAN
One of the things I do actually love about the suburbs is the quiet. Of course, the quiet mostly happens in short spurts between clamorous bouts of home construction, lawnmowers, garbage trucks and barking dogs. But when I do get it, it’s glorious.
So, naturally, as I was having one of those brief late-afternoon quiet moments on my deck, a bird suddenly landed on my deck railing and started yelling at me. It wasn’t a nice little bird tweet like the helpful birdies in a Disney movie. It was a large bird “caw,” like something from the movie “The Birds,” a sound that precedes the bird(s) pecking someone to death.
“Caw, caw, caw,” he cawed at me.
“Shoo, shoo,” I shooed back at him. Unfortunately, he neither stopped
cawing nor shooed. In fact, he seemed very insistent and cawed more aggressively than before.
I wondered if maybe this was turf war and he thought I was in his space. I thought maybe if I danced on the deck, snapped my fingers and sang the rumble song from “West Side Story,” he might take the hint. But no dice.
So I decided maybe I needed to be firmer.
“Caw, caw, caw,” said the big black bird.
“Be gone,” I said dramatically, channeling my inner Gandalf. “There will be no cawing here today.”
“Caw,” said the bird.
At this point, I started to grow a little concerned. What if the bird was in trouble and was cawing at me to get me to help him? Maybe, like Lassie, he was trying to tell me that Timmy fell
into the well, even though I didn’t know anyone named Timmy, and there were no wells anywhere near my property. Or perhaps he was warning me of an impending zombie apocalypse. I heard that sometimes animals are aware of things like earthquakes and zombie apocalypses before they happen. Just to be safe, I checked my weather app on my phone but didn’t see forecasts for either of those things.
The bird started to fly but landed a few feet away and started cawing again. Then he flew a few feet farther away again.
“Caw, caw,” he said.
I decided he definitely wanted me to follow him. I got up and started to walk across the deck. The bird flew over to a nearby tree on my property, and I followed. Now I was sure he had a problem. Maybe one of his little baby birdies fell out of the nest. Or maybe there was
something threatening on or near the tree. I circled the tree and then looked around the area but found nothing. I returned to the tree and stood under the bird.
“There’s nothing here,” I yelled to him. “I think you’re good. Be safe, little large bird. Have a good bird life.”
As I was about to head back to the deck, I heard someone start up a chainsaw next door. Then a lawnmower roared to life.
And then, just for good measure ... The bird pooped on my back.
Tracy Beckerman is the author of the Amazon Bestseller, “Barking at the Moon: A Story of Life, Love, and Kibble,” available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble online! You can visit her at www. tracybeckerman.com.
COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM
On Friday, Nov. 21, Uranus will lie at opposition -- directly opposite the sun -making it visible in a clear night sky.
BY CLAIRE LYNCH
When good books make great movies
What do “The Jungle Book,” “The Ugly Duckling” and “The Wizard of Oz” all have in common? All three books were written more than 100 years ago. “The Jungle Book,” written by the English journalist Rudyard Kipling, was published in 1894, “The Ugly Duckling,” was written by the Danish author Hans Christian Andersen in 1845, and “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” written by L. Frank Baum, was published in 1900. It is definitely an American story.
The movie version of “The Wizard of Oz” first came out in theatres in the U.S. in 1939 and has been enormously popular. Judy Garland was 16 years old when she played Dorothy Gale in “The Wizard of Oz.” The film made Judy Garland an instant success and she became famous for singing “Over the Rainbow.”
In writing “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” Baum wanted to entertain and delight children. He aimed to create a modernized fairy tale that captured the wonder and joy of traditional stories while leaving out the more sinister elements of the stories. A good example of that is “Little Red Riding Hood” a fairy tale that is entertaining but which certainly has a storyline that can be frightening to kids.
“The Ugly Duckling” is a favorite of my 6-year-old niece, Maddy. When I asked her why, she said that the story had its sad parts but it had a happy ending so she was glad about that.
Then Maddy recounted the storyline for me: The Ugly Duckling was born in
BY CHARLYN FARGO
‘Tis the season for family, festivity and food -- lots of food. Temptations are everywhere, and parties and travel disrupt daily routines. What’s more, it starts before Halloween and goes past the New Year.
How do you stick to your healthy eating goals when everyone around you seems to be splurging? Here are five tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that can help.
No. 1: Holiday-proof your plan. We may not be able to control what food we’re served, and we’re going to see other people eating tempting treats. Have a plan:
--If you have diabetes, eat close to your usual times to keep your blood sugar steady. If your meal is served later than normal, eat a small snack at your usual mealtime and eat a little less when dinner is served. That strategy also works if you’re trying to lose weight.
--Invited to a party? Offer to bring a healthy dish along.
a barnyard with other ducklings but he didn’t fit in with them so he set out to find a place he could call home. He went from one place to another but things didn’t work out for one reason or another. He came upon a farm he liked but the farmer’s cat chased him so he moved on.
In the springtime the Ugly Duckling returned to a lake he had visited before and when he saw his reflection in the water he realized that he had become a beautiful swan. When he joined the swans and they accepted him, he stayed and was happy because he had become part of a family.
Maddy said that she had seen the animated short film which runs for 8 minutes 59 seconds but she said she was very familiar with the story because she’d read the book before seeing the film. It’s got a good moral to the story.
Maddy’s brother, Ben, who’s 7, said his favorite movie is “The Jungle Book.” Ben saw the 1967 animated version of the film and it’s one of his favorites. It tells the story of Mowgli, a young boy who gets lost in the Indian jungle and is raised by wolves.
Mowgli learns the ways of the jungle and becomes part of the wolves’ family. He faces danger from Shere Khan, a tiger who is vicious and sees Mowgli as a threat and wants to kill him. Mowgli becomes close to Baloo, a wise bear, and Bagheera, a black panther, who help him navigate the jungle and learn the “laws of the jungle.”
Although he lived with humans in the village, Mowgli chooses to return
to the jungle where he finds acceptance and belonging with his wolf family. Ben said he likes “The Jungle Book” because it has a lot of action and he also likes the ending of the movie.
Maddy and Ben’s cousin, Joey, who is 8, happened to be at the house when we were talking about good books and movies and he said that he likes “Tarzan.” His dad told him that the author, Edgar Rice Burroughs, published his first Tarzan story in a magazine in 1912. The story was printed in the magazine called “The All-Story” before being released as a novel in June 1914.
Burroughs then developed the characters and several Tarzan books followed. So did several Tarzan movies. Joey said he really enjoyed watching “Tarzan and the Great River” which came out in 1967. In this adventure movie Mike Henry stars as Tarzan, Jan Murray is Capt. Sam Bishop and Manuel Padilla, Jr. is Pepe.
Joey called Tarzan #1 in his book. Maddy, Ben and I laughed at how Joey put it and then he said why he likes Tarzan so much. “It’s a great movie,” Joey told us. “It has underwater footage in South America and shows lots of crocodiles swimming around. Most of all Tarzan is a hero in my book. He’s strong, he has courage and he lived in nature.” We agreed that Tarzan is pretty cool and thanked Joey for reminding us of that.
After talking about many of our favorite movies, Maddy, Ben, Joey and I paused. When I said that “The Bare
Holiday Strategies
--If you want to have a sweet treat, cut back on other carbs (like potatoes and bread) during the meal.
--Don’t skip meals to save up for a feast. You’ll be more likely to overeat.
--If you slip up, get right back to healthy eating with your next meal.
--Choose pumpkin pie instead of pecan to cut calories and sugar by one-third.
--Keep moving. You may need to break physical activity into smaller chunks to fit it in. Taking a walk for 10 minutes, three times a day, adds up to 30 minutes of exercise.
No. 2. Outsmart the buffet. When faced with a spread of delicious holiday food, make healthy choices easier.
--Have a small plate of the foods you like best and then move away from the buffet table.
--Start with vegetables to take the edge off your appetite.
--Eat slowly. It takes at least 20 minutes for your brain to realize you’re full.
--Avoid or limit alcohol. If you do have an alcoholic drink, have it with food.
Necessities” is a fun, peppy song, they agreed. The three kids were about to launch into singing that song but I offered them some cups of hot chocolate and freshly-baked cookies and they all liked that.
While eating our cookies and sipping our hot chocolate I explained that Rudyard Kipling, the author of “The Jungle Book,” was born in India and lived there until age six because his parents had moved there because of his father’s work.
Then they moved back to England so Kipling and his younger sister could attend school and get an English education but Kipling always said he had fond memories of his time in India. He wrote several stories with Mowgli as the main character.
They were interested in hearing about Kipling’s life but after putting their cups and plates in the sink they were still stuck on singing a fun song called “The Bare Necessities” from “The Jungle Book.” Some of the lyrics go:
“ … Look for the bare necessities
The simple bare necessities
Forget about your worries and your strife
I mean the bare necessities
That’s why a bear can rest at ease
With just the bare necessities of life …”
Before the kids left we agreed that the next time we meet we’ll play a movie - either one of our favorites or one none of us have seen before.
No. 3: Fit in favorites. No food is on the “I can’t have it” list. Choose the dishes you really love and can’t get any other time of year, like Aunt Shirley’s Italian cream cake. Slow down and savor a small serving, and make sure to count it in your meal plan.
No. 4: Keep Moving. We all have a lot on our plates this time of year, and physical activity can get crowded out, even forgotten. However, being active is a secret holiday weapon. It can help make up for eating more than usual and reduce stress during this most stressful time of year. Take a walk after a holiday meal.
No. 5: Get plenty of sleep. Going out more and staying out later often means cutting back on sleep. When we are sleep deprived, we tend to eat more and prefer high-fat, high-sugar food. Aim for seven to eight hours per night to guard against mindless eating.
Most of all, remember what the season is about: celebrating and connecting with the people you care about. When you focus more on the fun, it’s easier to
focus less on the food.
Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois, and the current president of the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. . COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM
BY TOM MARGENAU
An Antidote to Maximizing Mania
I’ve written about my now deceased friend, Don Winters, before. But I can tell from my emails that it’s time to share his story again.
Every single day, I get emails from readers who seem to be absolutely obsessed with the idea of “maximizing” their Social Security benefits. And frequently, those emails are almost dripping with anxiety and sometimes almost torment. It’s like these folks are just worrying themselves sick that they might be missing out on a few bucks in potential Social Security benefits.
And what I’ve learned over the years is that most people worrying about this are not between a rock and a hard place -- Social Security speaking. Instead, they are between a pillow and a soft place. In other words, they really can’t go wrong no matter which Social Security decision they make. And the difference of a relatively small amount of money between their various Social Security options is not going to make or break them.
Having said that, I do understand the desire to get as much as possible out of the Social Security system. I mean, who wouldn’t like more money, right? Well, maybe not everybody. And that’s where Don comes in. His story goes back to the early days of my career working for the Social Security Administration. It was around that time that I met Don -- who said that he was getting too much money!
Let’s go back to 1973. I was working in a little Social Security branch office in a small farming community in central Illinois. Congress had recently passed the Supplemental Security Income program. As I’ve explained many times in this column, SSI is not a Social Security benefit and is not funded by Social Security taxes. It is a federal welfare program for low-income elderly and disabled people that just happens to be managed by the Social Security Administration.
So anyway, as SSI was being rolled out, SSA employees were sent on a mission to help as many people as possible to apply for the benefits of the new program. But those “benefits” weren’t really all that impressive. At the time, the SSI program could supplement someone’s income up to $160 per month. In other words, if a person was getting a $120 monthly Social Security check and had no other income, he or she could get an additional $40 from the new SSI program.
(Gosh, it may seem to some of my younger readers that I am writing about the Depression era. I even find it hard to believe that in my lifetime, people were living on $160 per month, or even less!)
Well, speaking of even less, one of the folks I came across in our efforts to find people potentially eligible for SSI benefits was Don, an old man living all alone in a two-room house in a modest neighborhood of our little town. Don was about 70 years old. He was single and living on an $80 per month Social Security check. That was his only income in the world! His little house, which he had inherited from his
mother, was paid for, and with the help of food stamps and some assistance from a local government agency with his utility bills, Don managed to get by on that small amount of monthly income.
When he came into the office to see me with a letter we had sent him about the new program, I explained that an SSI check would double his monthly income. Instead of receiving just $80 per month from Social Security, he would get an additional $80 per month from SSI. His monthly income would go up to a whopping $160! But surprisingly, Don was reluctant to sign up. He explained that he was getting by just fine without the extra help. What convinced him to apply for SSI was the bonus of automatic eligibility for Medicaid benefits. (Medicaid is the federal health insurance program for poor people, as opposed to Medicare, which is usually tied to Social Security eligibility and is available to both rich and poor Americans.)
So anyway, Don applied for the new program, and within a few weeks, his monthly SSI checks started to roll in. After he got his first check, I went to his home to visit him. He proudly showed me the used TV he bought with his first SSI check. He said he was sure glad I talked him into signing up for SSI benefits. The next check came in, and I learned that Don bought a toaster oven.
Fast forward about three monthswhen one day, Don parked his bike next to the big picture windows that fronted our little Social Security branch office and walked in. I noticed his bike was festooned with a new basket and bell, and he even added some of those colorful “streamers” you see attached to the handlebar grips of kids’ bikes. (One of the ways Don got by on such a small amount of income was by walking or riding his bike most places he went. He hadn’t owned a car in years.)
He came up to my desk looking a bit sheepish and said, “Tom, I want you to take me off this gosh darn SSI program.” When I asked why, he told me he just didn’t need all that money! I tried to point out that $160 per month really wasn’t all that much money.
But to Don, it was. He said, “Tom, look at my bike. I bought that bell and those silly streamers because I had the extra cash. I look like a damn fool riding around town now.” And then he went on: “And that stupid TV. I used to sit around at night and read. Now I’m glued to that darn contraption, and I waste my time watching ‘Love Boat’ and ‘Laugh In!”
I told Don that he could take the extra money each month and give it away to friends or charities. And I reminded him of the potential benefits of the Medicaid program. He thought about it for a couple of minutes and finally said, “I just don’t want it. I’ve gotten along just fine for years now on my Social Security checks and Medicare. I simply don’t need SSI and Medicaid. And if I start giving the money away, I’ll probably make enemies of those I don’t give it to!”
I had to do a bit of digging through our rule books because I had no idea how to
take someone off the SSI program. But I found the instructions, located the right form needed to withdraw his application, and helped Don fill it out. He signed it and walked out the door a satisfied man. As he got on his bike, I saw him pull the streamers off the handlebar grips and throw them in a trash can.
Later that evening, I stopped by Don’s place. I just wanted to make sure that he really wanted to stop his SSI checks before I submitted his withdrawal form. But as I walked onto the porch of his modest little house, I could see through a window that the TV was gone. Don was sitting in a chair reading. I didn’t even bother knocking on the door to ask him about his decision. I knew he was happy!
Now, I’m not recommending that my readers give up most of their earthly goods and live a simple life. But I am suggesting that there might be other things in life besides a maximized Social Security check that could make you happy.
If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Security -Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Security.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon. com or other book outlets. Or you can send him an email at thomas.margenau@comcast.net.
COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Your Credit Score: The Hidden Key to Unlocking Your Next Home
If you’ve been thinking about buying a home — whether it’s your first, your next, or an investment property — there’s one number that can quietly make or break your plans: your credit score.
It’s not as exciting as scrolling through listings or touring open houses, but when it comes to real estate, credit is the foundation everything else is built on. Your score affects what kind of loan you qualify for, how much you’ll pay in interest, and even how sellers view you as a buyer.
So, let’s take a closer look at why credit matters so much — especially in markets like Long Island — and what you can do right now to get it working in your favor.
What Your Credit Score Really Says About You
Think of your credit score as your financial reputation. It tells lenders, “Here’s how reliable I’ve been when borrowing money.”
Credit scores usually range from 300 to 850, and most mortgage lenders use something called the FICO model. Here’s a quick breakdown of what affects it:
• Payment history (35%) – Do you pay your bills on time?
• Amounts owed (30%) – How much of your available credit are you using?
• Length of credit history (15%) –How long have your accounts been open?
• New credit (10%) – Have you opened a lot of new accounts recently?
• Credit mix (10%) – Do you have a variety of credit types (like cards, auto loans, etc.)?
These factors combine to form your score — and even a few small changes can make a big difference when you’re ready to buy.
Why Credit Matters When You’re Buying a Home
Here’s where the rubber meets the road: your credit score has a direct impact on the interest rate your lender offers you.
Let’s say two buyers are purchasing homes for $600,000, both putting 20% down. One has a 760 credit score, the other a 660. The first buyer might get a rate around 6.25%, while the second might see 7.5%.
That doesn’t sound like much, but it adds up fast — it could mean paying roughly $350 more per month, or over $125,000 more over 30 years.
That’s a whole extra kitchen ren-
ovation, a few college semesters, or quite a few family vacations!
Minimum Scores for Common Loans
Different mortgage programs have different requirements. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
• Conventional loans: Usually need at least 620, but you’ll get the best rates at 740+.
BY PHILIP A. RAICES
• FHA loans: More flexible — as low as 580 (with 3.5% down), or 500 with 10% down.
• VA loans: For veterans and active-duty military — often no down payment and easier credit guidelines.
• USDA loans: Designed for rural and some suburban areas; generally need a 640+ score.
Of course, credit isn’t the only thing lenders look at — income stability, savings, and debt levels also matter — but it’s one of the biggest factors in determining your costs.
When to Start Working on Your Credit
The best time to start prepping your credit is long before you start shopping for homes. Ideally, give yourself six months to a year to tune things up.
Here’s a simple timeline:
• 12 months out: Check your free credit report at AnnualCreditReport. com. Fix any errors.
• 6 months out: Pay down credit cards below 30% of your limits and keep old accounts open.
• 3 months out: Avoid opening new credit cards or loans.
• 1 month out: Stay steady — don’t make any big purchases or credit moves before closing.
Good credit preparation not only gets you a better loan — it can make your offer stronger when you’re competing against other buyers. Sellers love preapproved buyers with solid financing.
Easy Ways to Boost Your Score
You don’t need to be perfect, but improving your score even by 20–40 points can save you real money. Try these:
1. Always pay on time. Even one late payment can hurt your score.
2. Keep balances low. Using less than 30% of your total credit limit is ideal (under 10% is even better).
3. Limit new credit applications. Each hard inquiry can lower your
score a few points temporarily.
4. Don’t close old cards. Older accounts help your score’s “age.”
5. Mix it up. Having a few different credit types shows lenders you can handle variety.
If you’re right on the edge of a better rate tier, your lender might even do a “rapid rescore,” which updates your report quickly after you pay off debts.
Good Credit = Negotiating Power
Credit doesn’t just get you a loan — it gives you leverage. Sellers (and their agents) tend to favor buyers with solid preapprovals and strong credit because they’re less likely to have financing fall through.
In today’s Long Island market, where well-priced homes can still draw multiple offers, that kind of reliability helps you stand out. A clean credit report tells sellers: This deal is going to close smoothly.
On the flip side, if your credit is weak, you might need to offer a higher price or bigger down payment to stay competitive — and even then, it could make sellers nervous.
For Real Estate Investors, It’s Even Bigger
If you’re an investor or thinking about building a portfolio, credit plays an even bigger role. Excellent credit can open doors to better rates, more flexible financing, and even short-term bridge loans for flipping or renovations. When you want to refinance, pull out equity, or buy multiple properties at once, lenders look closely at your credit as a sign of how well you manage debt. The stronger your credit, the more opportunities you’ll have to expand.
The Bottom Line
Your credit score might not be the most glamorous part of real estate, but it’s one of the most powerful. It’s the difference between paying more or less, winning or losing an offer, and feeling confident versus frustrated during the buying process.
So before you start touring homes or calling movers, take a moment to look at your credit. A few smart moves today could save you thousands — and make your next home purchase a whole lot smoother.
Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 43+ years experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned 3 significant designations:
National Association of Realtors Graduate Realtors Institute (what I consider a Master’s degree in real estate).
Certified International Property Specialist - expert in consulting and completing international transactions.
National Association of Realtors Green designation: eco-friendly low carbon footprint construction with 3-D printed foundations, Solar panels, Geothermal HVAC/Heat Pumps).
He will also provide a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality, and his Seller’s and Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider when Selling, investing or Purchasing your Home.
He will provide you with “free” regular updates of what has gone under contract (pending), been sold (closed) and those homes that have been withdrawn/ released or expired (W/R) and all new listings of homes, HOA, Townhomes, Condos, and Coops in your town or go to:
https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com and you can “do it yourself (DYI) and search at your leisure on your own. However, for a “FREE” no obligation/ no strings attached 15-minute consultation, as well as a “FREE printout or digital value analysis of what your home might sell for in today’s market without any obligation or “strings” attached call him at (516) 647-4289 or email: Phil@ TurnKeyRealEstate.com
You can now search at your leisure for properties at:
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Love to write?
We’re looking for writers in our community to compose articles on local topics, opinions, reviews, worthy places to visit on Long Island, and even pieces of fiction. We aim to feature at least one new article and writer each week in our Discovery magazine section.
Email submissions: editor@gcnews.com
• Attach article and any photos (1MB), along with your name and contact info.
• Articles must be between 1,500 – 3,000 words.
No need to skip the bread, these gluten-free rolls enhance meals
Easy Yeast Rolls
A light and airy roll can enhance any meal. However, many people have to skip the traditional rolls come the holidays or during other times of the year because of food allergies and intolerances. Those who avoid gluten because they have celiac disease or for other reasons can rest easy knowing there is a delicious option that can be whipped up in no time at all.
2 1⁄2 cups Gluten-Free AllPurpose Flour blend (see below) 2 teaspoons salt
1) In a medium mixing bowl, mix together yeast, water and sugar. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the yeast to bloom. 2) In a separate bowl, mix together flour and salt.
These “Easy Yeast Rolls” from “It Just Happens to be Gluten-Free” (Do Life Inspired Publishing) by Jen Fiore are a welcome addition to any table. Makes 12
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large egg 1 cup warm water
3) Add the yeast mixture to the dry mixture along with the egg and oil. Mix together for one minute.
4) Cover the bowl with a towel and let it rise for 30 minutes.
All-Purpose Flour Blend (Bread)
1 1⁄8 cups tapioca flour 1 1⁄8 cups potato starch
2 tablespoons cane sugar
2 1⁄4 teaspoons fast acting yeast 1 egg white (about 1 tablespoon)
5) Divide the dough evenly among the 12 spots in the muffin pan. Smooth the top and sides with a tiny bit of water on a small spatula for a nicely shaped, even-looking roll.
1 cup fine brown rice flour
1 cup fine white rice flour
3 teaspoons xanthan gum
• Each writer will be reimbursed a stipend of $25.⁰⁰ 1) In a large mixing bowl, mix very well with a whisk until all the ingredients are well blended. Store in an airtight container.
Upcoming Events at the Jericho Public Library
Friday, November 14
11:00 a.m.: Paint Workshop with Madhumita Sen - Celebrate the season of gratitude with a peaceful painting session featuring vibrant songbirds perched among golden autumn leaves. In this guided workshop, you’ll learn to use bold colors and clean lines to create a whimsical forest scene that captures the beauty of togetherness — perfect for the Thanksgiving spirit. No experience needed. All materials provided. Let your creativity take flight this Thanksgiving!
$5 per person; non- refundable.
2:00 p.m.: VIRTUAL: Great Performers: Kathy Bates with Marc Courtade - Kathy Bates is a highly regarded American actress with a career that spans over five decades. She began with stage performances, becoming one of the finest character actresses of her generation. Her breakout performance in “Misery” at age 43 in 1990 made her a major film presence and won her the Academy Award. Bates is multi-talented and versatile, and continues to attract audiences, even at an age when she was considering retirement.
4:00 p.m.: Read to a Donkey! (Grades 1–4) - Practice your reading skills by having a donkey as your audience. Share a story with a very attentive and enthusiastic listener.
Saturday, November 15
10:30 a.m.: Jump for Joy (Ages 18 Months to 5 Years) - Join us for a lively program of music and group activities for you and your child.
2:00 p.m.: Teens: Dungeons and Dragons Campaign - Join us as we play this classic role-playing game and sharpen our strategic thinking skills. This game is perfect for all skill levels! Whether you are new to the game or a seasoned player, adventure awaits!
Sunday, November 16
2:30 p.m.: Little VEX Innovators
with Infinite Robotics Inc. (Grades K–3) - This program engages kids in hands-on building and coding with VEX IQ robotics, making it perfect for curious elementary students eager to explore the world of robotics!
Monday, November 17
2:00 p.m.: Hybrid: Monet & Venice with Professor Thomas GermanoMonet and Venice at the Brooklyn Museum explores a lesser-known chapter of Monet’s late career, showcasing his luminous vision of Venice through architecture, color, and light—free of human presence. Featuring over 100 works, the exhibition is anchored by “The Doge’s Palace” and “The Grand Canal, Venice”, and includes nearly 20 Venetian paintings from global collections, alongside works by Canaletto, Manet, Sargent, and Renoir.
After Brooklyn, the show travels to San Francisco. Professor Thomas Germano will present a visual lecture on the exhibition, on view from October 11, 2025, to February 1, 2026.
Tuesday, November 18
9:30 a.m.: Adult Walking Club (Weather Permitting) - All levels, all abilities are welcome. Join us for a 45 minute walk around the neighborhood. It’s an opportunity to get some exercise, meet new people, spend time with a friend and enjoy some conversation. Meet us in front of the library. Participants must wear sneakers and bring a bottle of water.
11:00 a.m.: VIRTUAL: Guided Meditation for Self-Healing with Patricia Anderson - Join Pat for one or all of the meditation sessions to bring harmony and balance into your life. Learn the beautiful practice of Jin Shin Jyutsu to help your body heal and keep you relaxed.
2:00 p.m.: The History of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with
Stephen Nachamie - Let’s celebrate 96 years of spectacle and joy, as we take a closer look at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. We will explore the history of the Parade, the behind the scenes experience of this special live event and its connection to Broadway. Collaborating with with world renowned maestra Judith Clurman, Stephen Nachamie was the staging director for Macy’ s Emmy Award Wining Singing Christmas Tree, a special feature of the parade, from its inception in 2017. Come experience some holiday cheer before the holidays!
Wednesday, November 19th
2:30 p.m.: Mini Masters: Round and Round with Wassily Kandinsky (Ages 3 to 5 Years) - Three to five-yearolds and their caregivers will have fun exploring famous artworks and making their own art in this program designed especially to support early childhood learning.Caregiver must attend with child
6:30 p.m.: VIRTUAL: Creative Writing with Sandy Kassimir - Do you like to write but don’t know where to begin? You can write on any topic and genre. It can be a short story, poetry, fairy tale, a reflective memoir, fiction or non-fiction. There are no limitations. Through both writing and reading we hope you will will be inspired.
Thursday, November 20
10:00 a.m.: Stepping Stones to Milestones (Ages 18–28 Months) - ome join Miss Renee and Miss Amy for an adventure in Language, Learning and FUN! Creative activities will focus on helping your child as they venture down the path toward age appropriate milestones.
11:00 a.m.: Stepping Stones to Milestones (Ages 29–48 Months)Come join Miss Renee, a literary specialist, and Miss Amy, a former speech
and language pathologist, for an adventure in Language, Learning and FUN! Creative activities will focus on helping your child as they venture down the path toward age appropriate milestones.
2:00 p.m.: Useful Technology for Caregivers with Parker Jewish Institute for Healthcare and Rehabilitation - As a caregiver, technology can make your life so much easier! There are so many useful gadgets and tools out there that can help you with everything from keeping track of medication schedules to monitoring your loved ones safety. With the help of these tools, caregivers can better care for their loved ones while still maintaining their own well being. So don’t be afraid to try some of these useful technologies and see how they can benefit your loved one.
6:30 p.m.: Teens: Intro to Watercolor Art - Excited to celebrate Thanksgiving with a splash of creativity! In this teen program watercolor workshop, you’ll learn techniques from basic to advanced, with all supplies provided. Come ready to relax, create and take home a beautiful Thanksgivingthemed piece of art you’ll be proud of!
Friday, November 21
2:00 p.m.: Friday Flix: “You’ve Got Mail” - Struggling boutique bookseller Kathleen Kelly hates Joe Fox, the owner of a corporate Foxbooks chain store that just moved in across the street. When they meet online, however, they begin an intense and anonymous Internet romance, oblivious of each other’s true identity. Eventually, Joe learns that the enchanting woman he’s involved with is actually his business rival. He must now struggle to reconcile his real-life dislike for her with the cyber love he’s come to feel. Rated PG. 1 hr, 59 minutes.
Buddy Bench creates friends at Northside School
A newly installed Buddy Bench at Northside School in the Levittown School District will help create new bonds as students combat isolation.
The unveiling of the bench on Sept. 18 was during Start With Hello Week, a national event focused on creating new connections and building a sense of belonging. The Buddy Bench, installed next to the school playground, is a reminder that no one should ever feel left out. If a child is feeling lonely, they can sit on the bench and a peer will notice and either join them or invite them to play. The bench was created thanks to the advocacy of the Northside Student Council and School Climate Committee. The entire school community, including district administrators, gathered for the grand unveiling.
The Northside School’s Buddy Bench was unveiled during an event on Sept. 18, joined by Principal Dyanne Case and Superintendent of School Todd Winch.
WHAT DOES ‘HEALTH SYSTEM’ EVEN MEAN? IT MEANS A BIG DIFFERENCE FOR YOUR HEALTH.
A health system is more than a doctor. In our case, it’s 320+ locations with the exact same high standard of care. It’s integrated medical teams that achieve the best patient outcomes. It’s leading the charge in medical discoveries. It’s the lowest mortality rates in the nation. It’s being named #1 for quality care in the U.S. Our health system has the best doctors, and the best doctors are just the beginning.
health starts with a better
