Bethpage Newsgram (3/28/25) by Litmor Publishing

SERVING BETHPAGE, OLD BETHPAGE, AND PLAINVIEW

MACARTHUR HS HOMECOMING

Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray greeted members of the MacArthur High School Cheerleaders during the Challenger League Homecoming event on March 13th.

Nominations sought for Hall of Fame

The Hicksville Public School District is currently accepting nominations for the 2025 Hicksville High School Hall of Fame. Established in 1985, the Hall of Fame honors graduates who have made significant achievements in their careers or communities, serving as role models for the Class of 2025 and all current students.

The district is seeking individuals who have not only

excelled professionally but have also made substantial contributions to their communities.

Those wishing to nominate a candidate should submit the nominee's name, address, phone number, graduation year, profession, community involvement and any honors or achievements. Nominators should also describe what makes the candidate exceptional and include their own name, address and

phone number.

Nominees must be available to attend the Hicksville High School graduation on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 5 p.m.

All nominations must be submitted by May 15, 2025, and mailed to: Ms. Sabaa Daly, Assistant Principal, Hicksville High School, 180 Division Avenue, Hicksville, NY 11801-4800

The Bethpage Newsgram is published every Friday by Litmor Publishing Corp. Periodical Postage paid at Hicksville, N.Y. 11801 Telephone 931-0012 - USPS 3467-68. Postmaster: Send Address Change to: The Bethpage Newsgram, 821 Franklin Ave., Suite 208, Garden City, N.Y. 11530 • Meg Norris Publisher

Hicksville school board honors exceptional kids

The Hicksville Board of Education held its regular meeting on March 19, where Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton began his report by recognizing several exceptional students for their outstanding accomplishments in academics, athletics and the arts.

Dr. Fulton began by presenting a certificate and a framed newspaper clipping to Hicksville High School student Haley Gonzales in recognition of her achievement as the first-ever female New York State Wrestling Champion in Section VIII and Long Island history. Competing in the 120 lb weight class, Gonzales captured the gold medal in a dramatic, come-from-behind victory. This remarkable achievement adds to her impressive list of accolades, which includes being named Nassau County Champion and National Champion earlier this year. She completed a remarkable trifecta in 2024–2025. Additionally, the superintendent recognized Coach Richard Carroll, who reached a milestone of 170 career wins, making him the winningest coach in Hicksville High School history.

Next, Dr. Fulton celebrated John Ryan Chaplin for being selected to participate in the 2025 National Association for Music Education’s All-Eastern Music Ensemble. This prestigious group features the top high school musicians from across the northeastern United States, who will perform at the NAfME Annual Conference in Hartford, Connecticut, this April. Chaplin’s musical talents have earned him repeated selections to the NYSSMA All-State ensembles in both 2023 and 2024.

The superintendent’s report continued by acknowledging the accomplishments of five student artists selected for this year’s “Long Island’s Best: Young Artists at The Heckscher Museum” exhibition. This prestigious juried competition allows high school students in grades 9–12 to display their artwork in a museum setting, with only a select few submissions chosen for display each year. This year, Hicksville High School had the highest representation of any school on Long Island, with five pieces selected from over 450 submissions. The following students were recognized for their exceptional artwork:

• Joseph Lee – Honorable Mention

• Ava Ortellado

• Crisbel Verdugo Ortiz

• Xaria Talavera – 2nd Place, Judith Sposato Memorial Prize

• Neha Tuladhar – Lisa Hock Mack Memorial Award

Essay contest in honor of late county legislator Judy Jacobs

In honor of Women’s History Month and the legacy of the late Nassau County Legislator and former Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs, Nassau County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker (D - Plainview) is proud to announce the fifth annual Judy Jacobs Essay Contest for LD 16’s fifth- through eighth-grade students.

Students who enter this year’s contest will be responding to the question: “What role can education play in empowering girls to become leaders?” The theme is especially fitting as Judy Jacobs began her career as a public school teacher before being elected to the newly-formed Nassau County Legislature in 1995, where she served with distinction until her untimely death in 2016.

“Throughout her life, Judy Jacobs carried a passion for enriching the lives and minds of young people close to her heart, and one of her greatest joys was when her worlds of government and education intersected,” Deputy Minority Leader Drucker said. “I am proud to say that our celebration of Judy Jacobs - a fierce and fearless trailblazer who served Legislative District 16 with tremendous distinction – is now in its fifth year, and I look forward to seeing how

community’s young leaders are embracing education to help them achieve their dreams!”

The deadline for submissions is Friday, April 14. Contest winners will be announced during an event set for 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 24 at the Jericho Public Library.

Official Contest Rules:

• All students in grades 5 to 8 may participate

• Students must reside within Legislative District 16 which covers Plainview, Old Bethpage, Jericho, Syosset, Woodbury, Hicksville, Old Westbury, and Roslyn Heights.

• Submissions should be a minimum of 250 words but not exceed 500 words

• All submissions MUST be accompanied by a completed Participation Agreement

Visit http://www.nassaucountyny. gov/LD16 for the full contest rules, instructions for submitting entries, and to complete the student participation agreement. Please contact Deputy Minority Leader Drucker’s office at 516-571-6216 or Adrucker@nassaucountyny.gov with questions.

Mercy Hospital League Military Bridge

The Mercy Hospital League will present a Military Bridge on Sunday, April 6, between 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the Bethpage Community Center. Knowledge of bridge is not necessary. This is a fun game which can be learned quickly a you play along.

Admission is $10 which includes coffee, tea, and desserts.

Cash prizes will be offered:

$100 - First Place Team; $60 - Second Place Team; $40 - Third Place Team

There will also be raffles, a 50/50 and a Lottery Board available.

The Bethpage Community Center is located at 103 Grumman Road W., Bethpage. Upon arrival please check in at front door. All are welcome. For questions, please call Roseann at 516-320-5567.

POB student named Coca-Cola finalist

Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School (POBJFKHS) student Parshwa Shah has been named a finalist for the 2025 Coca-Cola Scholars Program. This prestigious program recognizes students for their leadership, service, and commitment to making a meaningful impact in their schools and communities. Parshwa was selected as a finalist from a pool of over 105,000 applicants nationwide, and he is 1 of just 11 students from New York state to achieve this honor.

Parshwa is passionate about research and engineering solutions to societal challenges. He has developed cost-effective medical devices for individuals with communication impairments, positively impacting his community and beyond. At POBJFKHS, he is the founder of the Hackathon Club and serves as an executive member of the school’s international FIRST Robotics team, where he inspires his peers in STEM through outreach initiatives. During school vacations, he volunteers for a non-profit organization in India that

promotes social equity and addresses educational and medical challenges. This year, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation will award $20,000 college scholarships to 150 students.

Town offers internships for college students

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced the return of internship opportunities for college students who are looking to gain meaningful work experience. The Town will offer an internship program for the 2025 summer season.

“Internships give students an advantage over other job seekers when it comes to work readiness, and I am proud that the Town will once again provide that opportunity for our residents,” Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino said. “This internship program provides an invaluable opportunity for students to receive mentorship and supervision from experienced government professionals.”

This program compensates students at a competitive rate of $18 an hour, and students will work 19.5 hours per week. The program will operate May 29 through August 6. Internships

are available in the following Town Departments: Comptroller, General Services, Environmental Resources, Inter-Governmental Affairs, Planning & Development, Public Information, Public Safety, Public Works/ Engineering, Town Attorney and Town Clerk. Interns will gain worksite specific knowledge, learn departmental procedures, assist with general office duties and reports, develop an understanding of worksite specific projects and apply the knowledge gained to benefit the Town of Oyster Bay.

College students interested in internship opportunities must apply by April 4. Applicants must submit a resume with their application, available at oysterbaytown.com/internship. Completed applications and resumes should be submitted to personnel@oysterbay-ny.gov. For more information, please call (516) 624-6425.

Our Service Directory is sure to bring results. Call 516-294-8900 for rates and information.

Parshwa Shah

Grand opening JFK HS earns highest honor for AP access

Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh and Town Clerk Rich LaMarca joined the Syosset-Woodbury Chamber of Commerce to welcome The Granola Bar to its new home on Jericho Turnpike in Woodbury. The Granola Bar is a restaurant and café offering a variety of brunch and lunch favorites, and of course their signature granola. The Granola Bar also features a full bar and event space for private parties. Founders Dana Noorily and Julie Mountain cut the ceremonial red ribbon to celebrate the grand opening of their eighth location, and first on Long Island.

Get results!

Place an ad in our Classifieds for reasonable rates and prompt results. Call our Garden City office at 516-294-8900 for more information.

Plainview-Old Bethpage John F.

The AP School Honor Roll acknowledges high schools across the nation for expanding access to AP courses while maintaining strong academic performance. POBJFKHS is one of only 17 schools on Long Island to earn the Platinum honor for 2024. Additionally, POBJFKHS received the AP Access Award, a special recognition granted to just 57 schools on Long Island for their effective strategies in providing AP opportunities to underrepresented student populations.

“At POBJFKHS, we celebrate the cooperative efforts of our students and faculty to ensure that all students have access to high-quality curriculum and instruction,” said Principal Dr. Heather Dvorak. “This recognition from the College Board reaffirms our efforts to prepare students for college readiness and success long after

Meadowbrook Dentistry

Transforming

For more information about the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District, please visit the District’s website at www.pobschools.org. Exciting activities happening throughout the District and programs celebrating student achievement can also be found on the District’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.

Hicksville hosts virtual Read Across America event

The Hicksville Congress of Teachers recently organized its annual Read Across America virtual event. Led by Hicksville High School librarian Christine Anderson, the event took place in the high school library and via Google Meet, where teachers, district administrators and Board of Education members read children's books to students across the district's seven elementary schools.

This year, over 111 classes participated in the event, with 32 guest readers joining throughout the day. Special guests included Hicksville Board of Education Secretary Linda Imbriale, Trustees Irene Carlomusto and Erin Guida, and Assistant Principals Saaba Daly and Lauren DuBeau along with many high school teachers. The volunteers read from a variety of picture books, including selections in both English and Spanish, to engage bilingual students at the elementary level.

Congress

Newcombe-Lypen,

Hicksville teacher Annie Ankele enjoyed participating in the reading event.

Hicksville Board of Education Secretary Linda Imbriale and Trustee Irene Carlomusto were guest readers for this year’s virtual Read Across America celebration.

Hicksville Board of Education Trustee Erin Guida read to Hicksville elementary students as part of this year’s virtual reading event.

Hicksville

of Teachers coordinated their annual Read Across America Virtual Event (left to right): English teacher

Diane

High School librarian Christine Anderson and English teacher Dena Civello.

Photos courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools

BHS inducts inaugural members to social studies honor society

On Mar. 20, Bethpage High School students were inducted into the school’s first-ever chapter of the Social Studies National Honor Society, Rho Kappa. This momentous occasion marked a significant milestone in the school's commitment to recognizing excellence in social studies.

The ceremony was led by Ms. Charly Hirch-Beckman, Assistant Principal of Bethpage High School in the Bethpage High School auditorium. Erica Indenbaum, chair of the social studies department, welcomed the inductees and acknowledged the Rho Kappa officers before introducing the keynote speaker, Mr. Rob Verdi. A dedicated social studies teacher at Bethpage High School and a U.S. Army veteran, Mr. Verdi delivered an inspiring address centered on the theme of service.

Drawing from his personal experience of enlisting in the Army at the age of 29 following the tragic events of 9-11, while already a tenured teacher at Bethpage, Mr. Verdi urged students to embrace a life of service. He emphasized the profound impact of giving back to the community and supporting those in need, stating, “The more you do, the better your life gets.”

Following Mr. Verdi’s speech, the Rho Kappa officers conducted a symbolic candle-lighting ceremony, with each of the four candles representing

The keynote speaker was Mr. Rob Verdi. A dedicated social studies teacher at Bethpage High School and a U.S. Army veteran, Mr. Verdi delivered an inspiring address centered on the theme of service.

the core values of the society: truth, knowledge, wisdom and service. The inductees then took the official oath of induction and received their certificates of membership, solidifying their place in this prestigious organization.

Photos courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

Rho Kappa inductees take the official oath.

Students listen intently to Mr. Verdi’s address.

Bethpage High School’s inaugural members of the Social Studies National Honor Society, Rho Kappa.

Ms. Charly Hirsch-Beckman and Ms. Erica Indenbaum led the ceremony.

The Rho Kappa officers conducted a symbolic candle-lighting ceremony, with each of the four candles representing the core values of the society: truth, knowledge, wisdom and service.

POB Flag Football stars honored by NY Jets

Flag football players Julia Kesselman (left) and Rachel Ganz represent POB Schools at the second annual high school girls flag football media day hosted by the Jets.

Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School (POBJFKHS) star flag football players Rachel Ganz and Julia Kesselman, along with coaches Alec Abramowitz and Christine Ho, attended the second annual high school girls flag football media day hosted by the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in February.

The event brought together 38 teams from New York and New Jersey, featuring player interviews, media sessions, and insights from USA National team members. The flag football Hawks, twotime champions entering their fourth

season, have achieved back-to-back undefeated seasons and boast a 38-game winning streak, including last year’s Division I state championship victory.

“This is such a cool experience,” senior receiver Rachel Ganz told Newsday during the event. “I’m so grateful to be here and stand among so many other great teams. Everyone on our team knows it’s an expectation for us to win a championship again this year. The pressure comes from us, and we’re ready to work harder to achieve it.”

The players spoke to reporters during the event. They attended with coaches Alec Abramowitz (pictured) and Christine Ho.

Islanders visit Dutch Lane School

Dutch Lane Elementary students in Hicksville recently had a visit from the New York Islanders for a special school assembly. The Islanders School Assembly stresses the importance of making smart decisions, eating healthy, staying active as well as treating others with respect. During the interactive visit, team mascot Sparky and members of the Islander Community Relations team shared with students why being committed to making smart decisions is important in school and life.

NY Islanders

Street Hockey Clinic

In partnership with the New York Islanders, the Town of Oyster Bay invites boys and girls interested in learning hockey to a special Street Hockey Clinic at Marjorie Post Park in Massapequa. This 6-week program will introduce children aged Pre-K through fifth grade to the game of hockey in a non-competitive and instructional clinic.

Town Councilman Tom Hand stated, “We’re pleased to partner with the New York Islanders to offer this incredible program to boys and girls of all skill levels. This unique clinic is the perfect opportunity to develop skills in stickhan-

dling and shooting, build confidence, and have fun on and off the rink!” The program begins April 9 and meets on Wednesdays at the following times by age:

• Pre-K – K: 5:30 p.m.– 6:15 p.m.

• 1st & 2nd Grade: 6:15 p.m.–7:15 p.m.

• 3rd- 5th Grade: 7:15 p.m.–8:15 p.m.

Registration fee is $165 per child. To register and for more information, please visit www.newyorkislanders. com/streethockey.

Photo courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools

NASSAU COUNTY

FORECLOSURE NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS CWABS, INC. ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-1, Plaintiff against UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW TO THE ESTATE OF MARIE MCGAHEN

A/K/A MARIE T. MCGAHEN, AND IF THEY BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, CLAIMING, OR WHO MAY CLAIM TO HAVE AN INTEREST IN, OR GENERALLY OR SPECIFIC LIEN UPON THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THIS ACTION; SUCH UNKNOWN PERSONS BEING HEREIN GENERALLY DESCRIBED AND INTENDED TO BE INCLUDED IN THE FOLLOWING DESIGNATION, NAMELY:

THE WIFE, WIDOW, HUSBAND, WIDOWER, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNEES OF SUCH DECEASED, ANY AND ALL PERSON DERIVING AN INTEREST IN OR LIEN UPON, OR TITLE TO SAID REAL PROPERTY BY, THROUGH OR UNDER THEM, OR EITHER OF THEM, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE WIVES, WIDOWS, HUSBANDS, WIDOWERS, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNS, ALL OF WHO AND WHOSE NAMES, EXCEPT AS STATED, ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Leopold & Associates, PLLC, 80 Business Park Drive, Suite 110, Armonk, NY 10504.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered October 8, 2019, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM.

Premises known as 14 Foxwood Rd, Old Bethpage, NY 11804. District 019 Sec 47

Block 145 Lot 0018. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Old Bethpage, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $989,045.15 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 12280/2009. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District's Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held "Rain or Shine."

George Esernio, Esq., Referee File # 6996300

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY CORPORATION

Notice of Formation of XOXROBINXOX LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/05/2025. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Robin Sohn : 156 Woodmere Blvd S, Woodmere, NY, 11598. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

NASSAU COUNTY

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY CORPORATION

Notice of Formation of Total Sports and Performance Baseball, LLC. Arts of Org filed with SSNY: 03/21/2025. Office: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC for process and shall mail copy of process to LLC: 181 N Delaware Avenue, Massapequa, NY, 11758. Purpose: any lawful act.

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF SALE

U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, AS SUCCESSORIN-INTEREST TO U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF BEAR STEARNS ASSET BACKED SECURITIES I TRUST 2006HE7, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006HE7, Plaintiff, AGAINST MELANIE ARTOGLOU AKA MELANIE A. ARTOGLOU AKA MELANIE ARNAIZ, et al.

Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on September 26, 2019.

I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM premises known as 364 Central Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714.

Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Nassau County, and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing.

All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Bethpage, in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 46, Block 113 and Lot 474.

Approximate amount of judgment $1,172,822.52 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #012141/2014.

Lisa Segal Poczik, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLP - Attorneys for Plaintiff - 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747

Summer program assistants needed

The Town of Oyster Bay has openings available for tennis assistants in the Adult and Youth Tennis Programs, being held this summer at local Town parks.

“This fun summer job is ideal for a tennis-loving community member looking to build their resume while helping local youngsters or adults improve their game,” said Town Councilman Lou Imbroto. “Town tennis assistants have a lot of fun while receiving hands-on experience and making a difference in the lives of others.”

Tennis assistants for the Adult Program must be 18 or older and have at least 2 years of experience participating on a tennis team. Applicants should also be available to work from May through September and be able to take direction from the head coach to facilitate drills.

Tennis assistants for the Youth Program must be 16 or older and have 1–2 years’ experience on a tennis team. The Youth Tennis Program runs from June 30 through August 14 (including any necessary makeups).

For more information, prospective applicants should contact the Town of Oyster Bay Department of Parks, Recreation Division, at (516) 797-7945.

Levittown Chamber Spotlight on Business

SUBMITTED BY DON PATANE

The Levittown Chamber would like you to meet Les Rumel , a longtime member and a Past President who served the Chamber in 2007.

Rumel has had a varied career from working as a regional manager for a shirt company to retiring from Bank of America as a reverse Mortgage officer. Although retired, Rumel is an active member of the Levittown Lions Club.

As a Lion, Rumel was able to raise funds from the community to purchase a Welch Allen vision Screener for the Club and he held a fundraiser celebrating his 80th birthday to purchase a five year warranty for the devise. Rumel does vision screening for children mostly in nursery schools In the last 3 years he have screened 583 children and found that 75 were in need of professional attention. In his younger days

,he delivered corneas for the Lions Eye bank. In addition to all this he collects eyeglasses from the collection boxes in the local libraries and businesses.

Rumel is passionate about the Lions Eye Screening saying “I do it for the children because it’s important that any eye issues are discovered early in life so they can be corrected before things get worse."

Rumel was recently honored at the Levittown School Recognition Dinner for his work with the Levittown Lions Club.

Rumel moved to Levittown in 1951. Played on Levittown’s first Little League team and was a member of the Levittown Teen Canteen located in the North Village Green in the mid 1950’s. He married his childhood sweetheart, Lillian, in 1961and recently celebrated their 63rd anniversary. He purchased his home in Levittown in

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1963 and has two children, Laura and Michael and four grandchildren.

In 2007 as President of the Levittown Chamber of Commerce he became the third officer of a corporation formed due to a grant from the state thru Senator Kemp to improve parts of Levittown. With money still in the Corporation in 2019 and the two other officers having passed away, Rumel reached out to local officials that he wanted to replace the gazebo in Veterans Memorial Park in Levittown that was knocked down by vandals a few years earlier. The new Veterans Memorial Gazebo was build in February 2019, which was the beginning of the Gazebo Gang which has since added many displays in Veterans Memorial Park.

Lastly, anyone wishing to contact Les Rumel about Lions and Children Vision screening, please email him at lionsoflevittown@gmail.com

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

Email submissions: editor@gcnews.com

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

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

Les Rumel

AmaWaterways’ Vietnam-Cambodia Mekong Cruise:

The Cambodian Mekong and Siem Reap

GERI BAIN

My 30-year-old-daughter and I are on a week-long AmaWaterways Mekong River cruise. Our journey starts with two pre-cruise days based at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza exploring Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam before setting out on AmaWaterways’ five-star, 64-cabin AmaDara. We have completed the Vietnam portion of our cruise, featured in Part 1, and have crossed the border into Cambodia. Here, in Part 2 of our three-part series, we share highlights from our cruise through Cambodia and our stay in Siem Reap.

On day three of our AmaWaterways Mekong River cruise, we wake up to find our ship docked in Phnom Penh, where we will spend the next two nights. During our time in Vietnam, we anchored mid-river and tendered ashore; we are excited that for the next two nights we are docked right in town near a lively riverside park and can walk or take a tuk tuk (motorized rickshaw-style taxi) to the market, temples and other sites when we are not touring.

The Royal Palace complex, our first destination in Cambodia, takes our breath away with its gilded storybook Khmer architecture. Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy and this complex is the official royal residence as well as a key religious and educational center. Finn, our guide, explains the religious icons and the meaning woven into the architecture. For example, Nagas, which often take the form of multi-headed semi-divine snakes, are used to form balustrades and climb the steep, slanted roofs

AmaWaterways’ Mekong River cruise takes us deep into the cultures of southern Vietnam and Cambodia. (Photo: Courtesy of AmaWaterways)

of buildings, symbolically connecting earth and the heavens. We learn more at our next stop, the National Museum, where Finn shares important Hindu and Buddhist stories behind the sculptures and bas reliefs on display.

In the afternoon, we tour Sleng S21 Detention Center, now a Genocide Museum, where AmaWaterways has arranged for us to meet with one of only seven men known to have survived this torture camp. He has written a book about the horrors he’s seen. Our next stop, as it was for many S21 prisoners, is the infamous Choeung Ek Killing Fields, an extermination camp where the inhumanity is even more startling. Here, mass graves labeled with the number of men, women and children they contain and the skull-filled memorial tower among the shocking things we witness there.

Most of us were aware of the Khmer Rouge genocide, but the scale

and cruelty are unfathomable. It’s believed that at least 1.5 million Cambodians—about a fourth of the population—were murdered from 1975 to 1979 and many more died under the harsh conditions of forced labor camps. It is amazing to realize that most Cambodians alive today either lived through the genocide themselves or have relatives who survived (or perished) during that terror-filled period.

Our moods lift that evening at a pre-dinner performance by a local Khmer dance troupe, whose stylized hand gestures and movements tell classical and folkloric stories. The positive spirit carries into our next day at the Oudong monastery. As we enter its impressive prayer hall, awash in brilliant religious paintings, a giant Buddha statue seems to look down benevolently at us. We seat ourselves on the temple floor. Buddhist monks walk in and sit cross-legged facing our group. Before

bestowing a blessing on us, one of the monks, in perfect English, answers our questions and tells us about their lives and the importance of blessings in Cambodian life, where more than 93 percent of the population is Buddhist. During the 15-minute blessing ceremony, their chanting resounds hypnotically through the grand temple, drawing to a close with a gentle scattering of lotus flowers.

Over the next few days, we get a sense of rural and religious life on visits to a number of temples and small villages. Highlights include an ox-cart ride to a small temple, a visit to a school where we pair off with students to practice their English and a stop at “Silk Island” where we are shown the painstaking process of weaving silk fabric, from mulberry trees and silk worms to cocoons. We watch cocoons being “reeled” into thread that is dyed, set into hand looms and woven into iridescent scarfs, ties, and other products.

One of my favorite excursions is to Angkor Ban, a small agricultural village where people live in wooden homes raised on stilts, and we are guests of a friendly local couple who show us around their home and talk about their children and grandchildren. Leading us along its dirt roads, Finn points out the offerings families place at the small gilded ancestor shrines set on posts in their front yards, the oxen, tethered or fenced near many of the homes, and the daytime activities, many of which take place in the shady under stories of the stilted houses.

Our last stop is Kampong Cham We dock next to a riverside park

Continued on next page

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

The Cambodian Mekong and Siem Reap

Continued from previous page

where we see locals picnicking, exercising to music in small groups, and socializing. We are sad that our cruise is coming to an end. One of the things we love about AmaWaterways is that we tour in small “families” and our guides— one for each country—travel on board with us. The continuity helps fosters a deeper understanding of the culture as our guides build on their narratives. It also creates a familial feeling with them and our fellow travelers. Many of us exchange addresses. Marveling at how much we have seen and done, it’s hard to believe we have only been cruising for a week. We leave the AmaDara with a sense of life in the Mekong region that we could never have fathomed on our own.

AmaWaterways transports us by bus to Siem Reap, where we check into the Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor, a cultural icon that blends French Art Deco architecture with Khmer (Cambodian) art and design. It also showcases ancient Khmer art as well as contemporary Khmer art curated by gallery owner Nat Di Maggio, who offers guided art tours for hotel guests. Other hotel activities include daily monk blessings, morning yoga, and botanical, history, garden and other tours. (www.raffles. com/siem-reap)

Across the street is one of the royal residences of the King Norodom Sihamonia. We stroll through the public Royal Gardens and stop to listen to the prayers at a popular shrine where people come with candles, incense sticks, lotus flowers and other offerings. We return to the hotel in time for afternoon tea—or in my case, the condensed-milk sweetened Cambodian coffee I have come to love—and then head around the corner to the Angkor National Museum which presents a cultural history of the Khmer civilization that proudly con-

At the Oudong monastery, we chat with two monks who answer questions about their rigorous routine and why they chose to be monks. @GeriBain

veys how far-reaching and advanced the Khmer Empire once was.

That evening we indulge in a memorable tasting menu of Cambodian specialties, including corn cake with coconut sauce and snow fish with sweet and sour sauce, at the hotel’s gourmet restaurant,1932. The restaurant takes its name from the year the Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor opened to satisfy the burgeoning interest in Angkor Wat, just a few miles away. After dinner, we walk to the lively nightlife area, a chic modern area of bars, restaurants and sidewalk cafe-style eateries.

We set our alarm for 4 a.m. so we can watch the sun rise over Angkor Wat, a long-standing tradition. Seeing the reddish hues sweeping over the temples and reflected in the huge surrounding moat is well worth early wake-up and we enjoy the generous backpack breakfast Raffles sends with us. We’ve arranged for a private tour, which allows us to go at our own pace and tour several nearby temples, including Banteay Srei. We’re

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amazed at how well preserved it is - its exquisitely detailed 10th century carvings seem untouched by time.

The 800-year-old Ta Prohm Temple, a.k.a “Tomb Raider Temple” feels especially wonderful—not because the site starred in the the 2001 film starring Angelina Jolie—but because climbing around it gives me the feeling that we are explorers discovering something for the first time. Here, tree roots are spreading over and digging into the stone buildings, and I can imagine how archaeologists felt when they first began discovering the many temples in this region.

Before leaving Cambodia, we spend a morning at the Kulen Elephant Forest, where elephants that once worked under cruel conditions at Angkor Wat are protected and lovingly cared for. We notice torn ears and other evidence of their hard past; now they seem happy to be among people. Their handlers show us how to make treats that they eat from our hands and then we stroll with these

Spring Cleaning Your Diet

BY CHARLYN FARGO

Living in the Midwest with its range of seasons, I have the annual task of switching my closet from the current sweaters and turtlenecks (surprisingly, black and gray) to the lighter, brighter T-shirts and skirts.

It’s also a great time to spring clean your diet by rethinking old eating habits, making healthy food swaps and rethinking food choices.

Start by cutting back on alcohol, added sugars, salt and refined grains (think cakes and cookies). Then you can add more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and probiotics.

With our closet, we often want to add a new spring outfit. With our spring diet, think about trying a new fruit or vegetable. Try the new kiwi berry (no fuzz, super sweet, like a big grape) or some roasted chickpeas (Bombay spice or lightly salted). Both are fun and healthy. For healthy fats, try avocados, nuts, eggs, salmon, tuna, olive oil or dark chocolate. Start your spring clean with a healthy breakfast. A good breakfast fuels your day, and studies show that eating breakfast can help prevent weight gain. A 2017 study in Spain found people who skipped breakfast had more fatty buildup in their arteries, an early sign of heart disease. If weight loss is one of your spring

gentle giants through the forest, watching them interact with each other. We stop at along the way and allow them to sniff us with their trunks as we pet their rough, thick skin and feed them a treat. These elephants, that have been through truly horrific times, seem to harbor no grudges and to be striding resiliently into the future, much like the people of the region. My short voyage through Vietnam and Cambodia has not been a sightseeing trip; it has been a timeless journey into resilient cultures that will live within me forever.

Next, we fly back to Vietnam and spend three days exploring Hanoi, which you can read about in our next installment.

The basics:

In 2025, AmaWaterways offers oneweek Mekong River trips, except during May, June, and July, traveling between Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and Siem Reap, Cambodia. Prices start at around $2,320 and include transfers between the ship and Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap and all sightseeing, wi-fi, meals, and on-board programs. Airfare (discounted fares are available), visa fees, bar drinks (alcoholic beverages with meals are included), port charges (about $210 per person) and suggested tips ($80 per person for the crew) and $20-$25 for the cruise manager are extra. AmaWaterways also offers a choice of all-inclusive pre- and post-cruise options. The most comprehensive is eight nights, including Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap/ Angkor Wat, Hanoi, and Ha Long Bay, priced at $2,779 per person. (AmaWaterways.com)

Next: Museum Hopping and Shopping in Hanoi

goals, pull back on portions. Use a smaller plate, share a dinner or save half for tomorrow’s lunch. Mindful eating -- taking more time to chew and explore tastes and textures -- can help with weight loss.

Add another bottle of water to your spring routine as well. Water is vital to all organ systems. Swap it in for a soda, jazz it up with lemon or lime or add some fresh mint.

Spring is also a great time to clean out the fridge and pantry. Clean it out with an eye for health. Ditch the chips and try those roasted chickpeas (6 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein per serving).

Continued on page 5

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

What’s fantastic about Springtime!

As the months pass, as the cold temperatures and brisk winds of winter slip away, I am once again pleasantly reminded about what’s great about spring. Here is my list of a few things that makes it a favorite:

Sounds of Spring Mornings

On spring mornings I wake to the sound of silence and to the sound of a small bird outside my bedroom window singing his song. Long before the others in my house wake up I hear those birds singing softly and it reminds me of so many times, 40+ years ago, that school would be closed for summer vacation and my time would be my own. Before the heat of July and August, before hearing the clanking of our fans or the constant whirring sound of air conditioning, I’d hear that sweet sound of the birds. Once spring arrived my sisters and I and our friends would count down the days until summer vacation. We looked forward to doing so many things. We were students at St. Agnes Elementary School in Rockville Centre so we’d get up early, eat breakfast and dress in our forest green uniforms then catch the yellow school bus for the ride to school. Once the school year was over the eight weeks until Labor Day meant the chance to rest and recreate. Every so often my mom would say it’s time to go food shopping so we’d dress in T-shirts and shorts, get in the car and do that together. On warmer days we’d head to the pool for hours of swimming. Or we’d get in the car and go swimming at Point Lookout. Whatever we did we knew those would be leisurely days. It’s a different bird that sings outside my window now. Picturing it as a cardinal, a bluejay or a bluebird, I know its familiar song and I look forward to waking up each day to its melody. When sunset comes it quiets down and rests but the next day it’s ready once again to sing its song. I am an early riser and when the rest of the house is still quiet I wake up and hear the bird. I imagine it sitting

on the branch of the tree outside my window and every so often I stand up and walk quietly to the window, thrust it open for some fresh air, to see it in person and not just imagine it. My cat also likes looking out the window. Bette Davis seems to know it’s spring when she jumps onto the windowsill to watch whatever is outside and to listen to the songs of the birds. She’s content being inside and hearing their trills. I imagine the colors of the birds’ feathers are bright and beautiful but I discovered a long time ago that even a tiny sparrow has a beautiful song to sing.

The Buzz About Bumble Bees

Bees in a colony work with each other to gather food. Some flowers have more pollen and nectar than others. When a good flower patch is found, bees recruit other bees from their colony to the patch. Using special dances inside the hive, bees communicate their flower location. One bee dances while other bees watch to learn the directions to a specific flower patch. The dancing bee smells like the flower patch, and also gives the watching bees a taste of the nectar she gathered. Smell and taste help other bees find the correct flower patch. The “waggle dance” tells the watching bees three things about a flower patch’s location: the distance and the direction away from the hive plus the quality of the nectar-rich flower patch. Once a bee finds a good flower, she collects resources and returns to the hive, and dances to tell other members of her colony where to find the flower so they can go and collect more resources from it. The dance is an excellent choreography - the bees’ goal is to find the most pollen and nectar in the least amount of time possible. People want to conserve bumble bees because they are essential pollinators. Tomato plants, peppers and cranberries all benefit from buzz pollination. It helps the environment when there are more bumble bees around.

Going to a Ballgame

If you’re in the stands, nothing beats the fun of belting out the song that everyone knows, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” The song was written in 1908 by Jack Norworth, a 29-year-old who hadn’t attended a baseball game. It was first performed at a baseball game in 1934 and then again later that year at a Major League Baseball game. It was in 1946 that tradition of singing this baseball song in the seventh inning first took place. The band struck up the song during a game while fans stood for the seventh-inning stretch. The song was described by Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Caray as “a song that reflects the charisma of baseball” and now we all connect it with America’s national pastime.

These days you can hear “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” being sung at every MLB ballgame. While many teams played “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh inning stretch, very few people sang it. That changed thanks to announcer Harry Caray who spent 15 years with the Chicago Cubs. And, if you guessed Chicago Cubs, that would make sense,

but the answer is the Chicago White Sox, when Harry Caray was that team’s play-by-play announcer. It was after Bill Veeck bought the team and he was known for his publicity stunts. Veeck is the person who put ivy in the outfield at Wrigley Field. Early in the 1976 season Veeck heard Harry Caray singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” along with the organist during commercials. He could only be heard by people in the booth, but Veeck had an engineer secretly hook up a public address microphone in Caray’s booth, and the next night Caray heard himself singing to everybody in the stadium. Caray wasn’t happy about it, but Veeck told him that for years he’d wanted crowds to sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” and Caray’s participation did the trick. Caray argued that he didn’t have a good singing voice. Veeck said that was true which made everyone in the stadium feel they could sing at least as well or better. He told Caray, “If you had a good singing voice, you would intimidate them and they wouldn’t join in.” People join in because it’s such a fun, catchy song.

BY TOM MARGENAU

The GPO Repeal Backlash Has Begun

I predicted this was going to happen. The public outcry over the repeal of the Government Pension Offset law has begun. I am hearing from more and more people (mostly women) who want to know why retired teachers, firefighters, police officers and other public employees are getting Social Security spousal and survivor benefits that they can’t get. Here is a typical recent email.

Q: My sister and I are both retired teachers. I taught in a private school in Colorado, where I paid into Social Security. My sister taught in Dallas, where she paid into the Texas Teachers Retirement program and not Social Security. So I get a Social Security retirement benefit and she gets a Texas teacher’s pension. Surprisingly, they are both about the same amount. We each get about $3,000 per month. We’re also both widows. Until recently, neither of us could get widows benefits because our own retirement pensions prevented us from getting anything from our husband’s Social Security. But apparently a new law was recently passed called the Social Security Fairness Act that allows my sister to get full Social Security widows benefits. However, I still can’t. How in the world is that fair?

A: It’s not fair. I’ve been preaching that the misnamed Social Security Fairness Act is a bad law. And as a result, I’ve been receiving angry and even hateful emails from retired public employees around the country. I want them to listen to your story. (In today’s column, I will be dealing only with the repeal of the Government Pension Offset, not the repeal of the related Windfall Elimination Provision.)

First, here is some background to help you understand what GPO was all about. Throughout the history of Social Security, the law has always said that a Social Security retirement benefit offsets any spousal or widows benefits a person might be due.

Here are a couple quick examples. Mary is getting $3,000 in her own Social Security retirement benefit. Her deceased husband Frank was getting $2,800. Mary can’t get widows benefits because her own Social Security benefit is higher than her potential widows benefit.

Or we could change that example a bit and say that Frank was getting a $4,200 retirement benefit before he died. In this scenario, Mary will keep getting her own $3,000 Social Security check, but she will get an extra $1,200 in widows benefits to take her up to Frank’s $4,200 level.

Again, that Social Security benefit offset has been in place ever since the beginning of the program in the 1930s. But

by the mid-1970s, Congress noted a glitch in that law. The retirement benefits paid to public employees who worked at jobs that were not covered by Social Security but who had spouses who did work and pay into Social Security, were not subject to any offset. In other words, in our example above, if Mary was a retired teacher in Texas who was getting $3,000 in a Texas teacher’s retirement pension, she would have been able to get that pension AND have received full Social Security widows benefits on Frank’s record. (Either $2,800 monthly in the first example or $4,200 in the second.) There would have been no offset.

Congress correctly said that was unfair. So in the 1970s, they passed the Government Pension Offset law that essentially said that a public employee retirement pension would offset any spousal benefits due just as Social Security retirement pensions had always done. You would think that everyone would recognize the fairness of that. But that is not what happened. Public employees went into a rage thinking that they were being cheated out of spousal and widows benefits from Social Security that everyone else could get. They totally misunderstood the point that Social Security retirement benefits had always offset and spousal or widows benefits due. The GPO law was simply treating their public retirement pensions in the same way that Social Security retirement pensions had always been treated.

Anyway, public employee unions and advocacy groups spent the next 40 years lobbying Congress to repeal the GPO law. Bills to repeal GPO were introduced in every Congress. And every year, those bills were defeated. Why? Because the GPO law made sense -- it made sure that all working Americans were treated fairly.

But then we got into the politically wacky 21st century where there seemed to be constant partisan battles in Congress over budgets and continuing resolutions and government shutdowns and all other forms of fiscal chicanery. Amid all that mess, it became easier for GPO repeal advocates to get their bills into the hopper of an otherwise distracted Congress. And each year, they seemed to get closer and closer to having their way. Finally, in December 2024, literally almost at the last minute of the last day of Congress, they tacked on the totally misnamed “Social Security Fairness Act” into a mix of other bills, and it became law.

So now we are right back where we were 40 years ago. Public employees can get spousal and widows benefits that no one else can get.

But back to the teacher who sent the email I quoted at the beginning of the column. With the repeal of GPO, her sister, the teacher from Texas, will now be able to get her teacher’s retirement pension

AND full widows benefits from Social Security. But the letter writer, the private school teacher from Colorado, will never be able to get widows benefits. If anybody thinks that is fair, then please explain it to me.

Here is one more even weirder

and less fair part of the Social Security Fairness Act. As I mentioned many times in this column, as an old federal retiree, I collect a civil service retirement pension -- not Social Security.

Continued on next page

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

REAL ESTATE WATCH

Will education, entrepreneurial spirit spur homeownership?

Over the years a defining factor for the majority of purchasers was location, location and the school district. This was understandable, especially if you already had or planed on having children in the future. Today’s’ high prices of homes, condos and coops dictate who has the wherewithal to afford to move to a highly rated school system. Moreover, the availability and diversification of special education programs is another asset to consider when choosing a town. This is a dilemma for many who want the best education for their children, but may be limited due to the high interest rates and prices as well as their defined budgets and qualifications to be approved for a mortgage. Paying high rents as opposed to buying, to be in better schools is a trade-off in reducing your future wealth, but temporarily, may be worth it in exchange for a better learning environment and opportunities for your kids. Unfortunately, those with higher paying jobs or lucrative businesses have an advantage and are in a more beneficial position to purchase and choose better school systems.

The price of education has escalated over the last decade to an unpredictable average level of $36,523+ per student in 2025, for the 11 school districts in the Town of North Hempstead, up an estimated $1000 plus from the previous year as stated. Since approximately

SOCIAL SECURITY AND YOU

Continued from previous page

(Feds hired since 1984 do pay into Social Security and will retire with Social Security benefits.) Even though I get a comfortable civil service pension, with the repeal of the GPO, I am now able to collect a dependent husband’s benefit on my wife’s Social Security account. Anybody with a Social Security retirement pension the same size as my civil service benefit would never be able to do that. So why can I? And for that matter, why can millions of retired teachers, firefighters and police officers do the same? No one has ever been able to give me a good answer to these questions either.

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.

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

65% of your real estate taxes are related to your school taxes, there appears to be no end in sight. It appears that the majority of school budgets in the higher valued property locations always seem to pass as education is still a priority for those particular voters and their families as the most important and worthwhile facet and commodity and of greatest value of a top notch community.

I need to change direction for a moment to provide some explanation. My personal and professional opinion, if you are currently residing in a school system that needs improvement, there is only one path that you must take as a homeowner. It should be of utmost priority for you to be as involved as possible in your schools and the programs it offers that will be the greatest benefit to your children’s education. There is power in numbers and the more proactive in participating in all meetings with school administrators; the greater the opportunity that changes will occur.

To start, this can be accomplished at home, by setting ground rules at an early age as to what you expect of your children as far as doing their

daily homework, studying and most important after school activities to keep them healthier, building strong character qualities and teamwork. Sacrificing some of their free time and becoming disciplined will assist them in their future development, endeavors and advancement later on in life. Consistent conditioning and guidance will reap the rewards in their future paths to success. Increasing the scholastic scores in math, science and English will raise the statistics and profile of that school. Hopefully this will also lead to better grades, going on to higher education and a successful career and/ or business. You as a parent are the most critical, crucial and influential component in order to advance them, being competitive leading to a successful outcome.

College may not be as important today for that segment of the population who have above average IQs, entrepreneurial skills and creative cutting edge ideas, as did Bill Gates, who started Microsoft and, Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook (now Meta), as they dropped out of Harvard University to begin their global changing companies, redefining the world of PCs and social networking. Steve

NUTRITION NEWS

Jobs opted to drop out of Reed College to begin his journey in creating Apple Computer. Even Sergey Bren dropped out of his PHD program to start Google with partner Larry Page. However, Michael Dell, Dell Computers started his company in his dorm at the University of Texas. Come back next week for Part 2.

Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate,l = located at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. For a free 15-minute consultation, value analysis of your home, or to answer any of your questions or concerns he can be reached by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@TurnKeyRealEstate.Com and you can search properties at your leisure and convenience at: https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com bit.ly/4bXWVu6 (facebook.com) bit.ly/4inVqaR (X.com) bit.ly/4bVSwrs (linkedIn) bit.ly/4inVK9z (Instagram) bit.ly/4bQH14x (YouTube)

Spring Cleaning Your Diet

Continued from page 2

And since it’s spring, heat up the grill and cook at home instead of going out. It will save you calories, sodium and money -- and you’ll be ready to enjoy the spring weather.

Q and A

Q: Should I wash my greens even if they are in packages that say they are “prewashed”?

A: The Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention say prewashed leafy greens in packages that say “ready-to-eat,” “triple washed” or “no washing necessary” do not need to be washed again. For all other greens, washing is important. Remove any torn or bruised leaves and the outer leaves of cabbages and lettuce heads and rinse the remaining greens under running water, rubbing them gently to help get rid of dirt and germs. The CDC does not recommend soaking, as that may allow germs from one leaf to spread to other

leaves. And the CDC does not recommend using produce wash, soap or any other chemicals on foods.

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.

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of March 30 - April 5, 2025

Check Out a Ringless Saturn

Saturn is everyone’s favorite planet, it seems. Through a telescope those glorious rings make that world appear so three-dimensional that it’s not uncommon for folks to accuse me of inserting a slide into the eyepiece. “It just can’t be real,” they proclaim.

But it is real. The ring system of Saturn is one of the great marvels of our solar system that even a small, low-powered telescope can show, along with Saturn’s largest and brightest moon, Titan. Of course, a more powerful telescope will show not only the planet’s rings but also a break within them known as the Cassini Division.

Astronomers have known about the rings of Saturn for nearly four centuries, and for most of that time, scientists debated their true nature. Today we know that, even though the rings appear solid, they’re made of countless chunks of ice that whirl around the planet at tens of thousands of miles per hour. And the size of the rings (a diameter of about 170,000 miles) is hard to comprehend. In other words, if brought to Earth this structure would fill most of the void between the Earth and the moon, yet the rings are less than a mile thick!

If you’ve never experienced this amazing sight, I’m afraid you’ll have a bit of a wait. That’s because these rings change their orientation as Saturn orbits the sun. At their widest, the rings girdle the Saturnian equator at a 26.7-degree angle to Earth. They appear “open” when Saturn is in the parts of its orbit that correspond to its summer or winter -- when its poles are tilted toward the sun and Earth.

As Saturn approaches its spring and fall positions, however, these remarkably thin rings “close down” and become quite difficult to see from Earth. When turned completely edge-on to us, they leave only a tiny, faint and nearly featureless yellowish-white disk.

Right now is one of those times. We crossed Saturn’s ring plane on March 23; at that time, however, the planet was much too close to the sun to get a good view. Our best view of Saturn appearing without rings will begin in April when it begins to emerge from the sun’s glare. And if you’ve never seen Saturn without rings, it’s well worth the effort to do so!

We’ve seen Saturn in our evening sky for the past

view quite thrilling, since the ring may appear only as a thin dark line crossing the planet’s disk or may even cast its shadow onto the Saturnian cloud tops. After this month, our next good edge-on view of Saturn won’t come until 2038-39.

By this time next year, the rings will be opening a bit more and will continue doing so until they reach their widest and brightest again in 2032.

Saturn will appear in the predawn sky in April, though its rings will barely be visible.

few months, but now it’s crossing behind the sun and is lost in our star’s glare. It will emerge into the predawn sky during April, but no matter what size telescope you use, you may find the view of a ringless Saturn disappointing. Or you may find this surreal

LOST IN SUBURBIA

And it’s these stunningly beautiful views that make Saturn everyone’s favorite planet!

Nothing Comes Between Me and My Lava Cake

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

When it comes to desserts, there are three kinds of people: sugary-dessert people, fruit-dessert people and no-dessert people. I’m a sugary-dessert person, and like most sugary-dessert people, I don’t get the other kinds of dessert people at all. I can almost understand no-dessert people. But fruit-dessert people? Fruit as a dessert seems like a completely wasted opportunity. If a molten chocolate lava cake is on the menu, why would you possibly order fruit unless, perhaps, you were a pirate with scurvy and needed the vitamin C?

I had all this in mind when my husband and I finished dinner with one of his clients and the client’s wife. The dinner was perfectly nice. The conversation was lovely. But when it came time to order the desserts, my husband and I got a sugary dessert because, hello, lava

cake (!), while the husband got fruit, and the wife got nothing.

“Just coffee for me,” she said to the server. And then to me, “I’m trying to cut out sugar.”

I nodded respectfully at her choice to be a no-dessert person.

When my cake arrived, I went to dig in. But before I could get my fork into the cake, the no-dessert lady reached over with her fork, took a giant swipe of my cake and then plunged it into her mouth. No “Do you mind if I ...” or “May I have a taste?” She just went in with fork blazing and cakejacked my cake. I was floored.

“Ummmm,” she swooned. “This is yummy.”

“I wouldn’t know,” I said under my breath. “I haven’t tried it.”

I glanced at my husband, who had his fork up in midair, ready to have his

taste. He took one look at me and lowered his fork.

“Oh, honey,” said the no-dessert lady, who was rapidly becoming someone-else’s-dessert lady to her husband. “This is so good. You have to try it!”

With that she plunged her fork into my cake a second time and then fed her husband my cake off her fork.

“Oh yeah, that’s good lava cake,” he replied, licking his lips.

I went to say something, but I honestly was at a loss for words. I was astounded that someone would actually have the audacity to pilfer my dessert not one but two times, and before I’d even had any. I wondered if I had a look about me that said, “Sure, go ahead, take my cake.”

The bigger issue, though, was not that she had shoplifted my cake twice but that I really couldn’t say anything

about it. This was the wife of my husband’s client. She might be a cake-napper, but she was still a cake-napping wife of a client.

Fortunately, before I could say something, the client’s wife excused herself to go the bathroom, and the client stepped out to make a call. Impulsively, I reached out, picked up the saltshaker and dumped a generous amount of salt in her coffee.

My husband stared at me, appalled. “What are you doing?!?” he hissed. I shrugged. “I’m giving her her just desserts.”

Tracy Beckerman is the author of the Amazon Bestseller, “Barking at the Moon: A Story of Life, Love, and Kibble,” available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble online! You can visit her at www. tracybeckerman.com.

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Oh Most Beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven. Oh, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity.

Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me here you are my Mother.

Oh Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power.

Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee (say three times).

Holy Mary I place this cause in your hands (say three times). Amen.

This prayer is never known to fail and is to be said for 3 consecutive days.

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GARAGE SALE

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Saturday, March 29 10am to 3pm 99 Ninth St Garden City, NY 11530 Furniture, Waterford, Tiffany glassware, fine china, silver plate, framed prints, art, household items.

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FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC

Dr. Ann Marie D’Angelo

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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. Love to write?

Email submissions: editor@gcnews.com

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

• Articles must be between 1,500 – 3,000 words.

• Each writer will be reimbursed a stipend of $25.⁰⁰

CLASSIFIEDS Call 294.8900

Homemade pasta makes for flavorful comfort food

Herb Ravioli

Makes 4 servings

Pasta is enjoyed across the globe. Whether it’s the main course of a meal or served up as a side dish, pasta will seemingly always have a place on the dinner table.

Pasta may not be the first

For the dough:

14 ounces flour; for pasta

2 egg yolks

For the filling:

7 ounces baking potatoes

1 slice stale white bread

3 1⁄2 tablespoons soft butter

1 bunch finely chopped chives

1 bunch finely chopped parsley

In addition:

Flour for the work surface

1 egg white

1) Combine the flour, egg yolks, eggs, oil, salt, and 2 to 3 tablespoons cold water and quickly knead to a pliable dough. Form into a ball, cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 1 hour.

2) For the filling, peel and quarter the potatoes and cook in boiling, salted water for 20 minutes.

3) Finely dice the bread. Heat 1 tablespoon butter and fry the

thing people think of when pondering comfort food, but certain dishes, including ravioli, certainly meet the comfort food criteria. Such is the case with this recipe for “Herb Ravioli” courtesy of Lines+Angles.

2 eggs

1 pinch salt

1 tablespoon olive oil

Sprig chervil

4 ounces crème fraîche

1 finely chopped shallot Salt Pepper

4 1⁄2 ounces bacon

1 bunch chives

Chervil or parsley, to garnish

diced bread until golden brown to make croutons. Let cool, then reserve 1 tablespoon of the croutons for serving.

4) Drain and mash the potatoes, let cool slightly, then mix with the rest of the butter, salt, pepper, herbs, croutons, and crème fraîche.

5) Divide the pasta dough in half and roll out thinly into 2 sheets. Put teaspoonfuls of the

filling on one of the sheets of pasta, leaving about 2 inches between them.

6) Brush the dough around the filling with egg white. Lay the second sheet of pasta dough on top and press together between the heaps of filling.

7) Cut out the ravioli with a pastry wheel.

8) Drop the ravioli into boiling, salted water and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, then take out and keep warm.

9) Dice the bacon and fry until crisp and brown. Wash the

chives, shake dry and snip. Serve the ravioli onto warmed plates, scatter with bacon, chives and croutons and serve garnished with chervil or parsley.

Student Artists Reception

Hicksville students enjoy lunchtime Book Bites

Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray greeted Sariah Evans of Levittown during the Wisdom Lane Middle School Student Artists Reception on March 13 at the Levittown Public Library.

This Week at the Syosset Public Library

Friday, March 28, at 10:00 a.m.

Simply Stronger with Balance (VIRTUAL)

Instructor: Mindy Vasta

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

Friday, March 28, at 1:00 p.m.

Friday Movie at the Library (IN-PERSON)

Join us for an afternoon movie at the library. Check our website for the movie that will be shown. Go to syossetlibrary. org.

Saturday, March 29, from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Driver’s Safety Class (IN-PERSON)

For drivers of all ages. Completion entitles you to a NYS insurance discount and to a point reduction. In-person registration ONLY. Fee: $33, check payable to “Empire Safety Council” Includes a 30-minute break for lunch.

Tuesday, April 1, at 2:00 p.m.

Title Swap Tuesdays (IN-PERSON)

Excited to hear about our favorite books? Join the Readers’ Services librarians for a fun, lively in-person presentation of all the books we can’t stop talking about.

Leave with a list of great reads. No registration needed.

Wednesday, April 2, at 10:00 a.m.

Chinese Discussion (IN-PERSON)

Welcome everyone! Whether you're a seasoned reader or a new friend, join us for a discussion and explore the library together! Conducted in Chinese. No registration required. The discussion will be led by librarian Yin Li.

Thursday, April 3, at 2:00 p.m.

What is “Chevron Deference” and Why It is Gone? (IN-PERSON)

Presenter: James Coll, adjunct professor of American and Constitutional history, Nassau Community College, and retired NYPD detective

Our courts often rely on precedent established by previous cases to determine legal disputes. In this lecture, we will analyze a recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court overturning an important previous ruling on the books for four decades concerning the reach of federal agency power. No registration needed.

Thursday, April 3, at 7:00 p.m.

Writing Workshop: How to Build Suspense and Conflict (VIRTUAL)

Presenter: Erin Coughlin

Create a page -turning mystery that leaves your audience hooked on your mystery till the very last page or screenplay scene. Participate in writing exercises and prompts that will get you there. Registration needed. Register at syossetlibrary.org. See what’s happening at your

library!

Check this paper each week for fun and informative all-ages activities, like classes, lectures, concerts, movie screenings, and more, all for free or cheap!

Upcoming Events at the Jericho Public Library

Friday, March 28

10:30 a.m.: Hearing Screenings by Adelphi University

Students and faculty from Adelphi University will perform the hearing screenings for those who suspect they have hearing loss. Screening results are given immediately and appropriate recommendations are made by a licensed audiologist.

4:00 p.m.: Meet the Animals with The Wildlife Center (Grades 1 to 5)

Have an opportunity to learn about local wildlife, their natural history, amazing adaptations, and how they make their homes on our island. In this program you will meet opossums, the only marsupials in North America.

Saturday, March 29

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.

Tuesday, April 1

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.

Wednesday, April 2

6:30 p.m.: Felted Easter Eggs with The Pom Pom Queen Felted Easter eggs are like little wooly wonders, made by squishing and sticking animal fibers together into a cozy, tough fabric. Join in on the fun as you master the basics of felting and whip up some fabulously festive Easter eggs!

Sunday, April 6

2:00 p.m.: Melodies of Harmony: A Journey Through Chinese Music performed by Ba Ban Music Society of New York Chinese music, with its profound cultural roots, seamlessly bridges ceremonies, emotions, and the natural world. We invite you to join esteemed musicians Yimin Miao and Zhou Yi as they present an exquisite performance featuring the ancient dizi (bamboo flutes), pipa (silkstring lutes) Chinese gongs and drums through captivating melodies inspired by the Silk Road and Yangtze River. This performance offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in stories from distant horizons.

Tickets are required. Jericho cardholders may pick up 2 tickets per person beginning March 16. Non-residents may pick up 2 tickets per person beginning two weeks before the performance. Non-ticket holders will be seated as space allows.

Town hiring basketball coaches, refs for summer program

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that the Town is looking for experienced basketball coaches and referees for the Summer Youth Basketball Program, designed for boys and girls in 3rd through 8th grade.

“This is a great opportunity for basketball enthusiasts to have some fun over the summer while making a positive impact on the youth in our community,” said Town Councilwoman Laura Maier. “Coaches can start as young as age 16, allowing them to have a meaningful summer job while receiving hands-on experience and making a difference.”

All coaches must have a minimum of two years’ experience playing basketball and/or coaching a prior team. All referees must have at least two years’ experience

in refereeing basketball games. Coaches must be available to coach at least one game per week, as well as one practice per week. Coaches will be given the opportunity to set up practice at a time that works best for themselves and their team.

The basketball program will run Monday, June 16, through Thursday, August 13, (final two weeks are allotted for any necessary makeups) and evaluations will begin June 7. The program will run at Haypath Park in Old Bethpage, PlainviewOld Bethpage Community Park and Syosset-Woodbury Community Park. For more information, prospective applicants should contact the Town’s Department of Parks, Recreation Division, at (516) 797-7945.

Email editor@gcnews.com to put your engagement or wedding announcement in the paper Getting

BHS showcases innovative learning spaces

NASTECH members get a tour of the Bethpage High School business hub, complete with ticker, modular furniture and “mood” lighting akin to an office space.

On Mar. 20, Bethpage High School had the honor of hosting the March meeting of NASTECH (Nassau Association of School Technologists), a consortium that provides school technology leaders and staff with resources, professional development opportunities, and a platform to collaborate on common challenges. NASTECH meets monthly, rotating among different districts, allowing each host to showcase their advancements in educational technology.

As part of their hosting duties, Bethpage High School highlighted its cutting-edge learning environments and shared its vision for future educational spaces. The meeting kicked off with lunch, followed by presentations and a student panel featuring four senior ambassadors: Sarah Oh,

Student ambassadors for the NASTECH meeting included Bethpage seniors Sarah Oh, Daniella Palmeri, Rylee Petruskie, and Aaryan Rupesh. These students had a unique connection to NASTECH, having participated in a site visit six years ago as fifth graders at Kramer Lane Elementary School.

Engineering students talk to NASTECH members about some of their recent projects, which they produced using AutoCAD and a 3D printer in the STEM lab.

Daniella Palmeri, Rylee Petruskie, and Aaryan Rupesh. These students had a unique connection to NASTECH, having participated in a site visit six years ago as fifth graders at Kramer Lane Elementary School. During the panel, they reflected on their academic journeys, shared insights on topics such as artificial intelligence, social media, and cell phone policies, and engaged in a Q&A session with attendees.

Following the panel, the student ambassadors led NASTECH members on a guided tour of Bethpage’s newest innovative spaces. The tour included visits to the STEM lab and engineering room, the business hub, the athletic barn, and an esports classroom, where attendees observed a live practice session.

In addition to showcasing current spaces, Mr. Andrew Choi, Bethpage’s director of technology, provided a preview of its plans for the 2025–2026 school year. Upcoming

Athletic Director Mr. John Franchi gives a tour of Bethpage’s Athletic Barn.

Attention students!

projects include the development of an assembly classroom designed for Model UN, international relations courses, debate and public speaking, and mock trial. Another planned space is a specialized medical classroom, which will support subjects such as Biology, Careers in Medicine & Health Sciences, Forensics, Health, and Living Environment. This space will feature an examination area and an Anatomage table, an advanced tool for anatomy education.

The NASTECH meeting at Bethpage High School offered educators fresh ideas for integrating technology and innovation into their own districts. It was also a moment of pride for Bethpage, as the district demonstrated its commitment to fostering cutting-edge educational opportunities for its students.

Photos courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

Bethpage High School students readied for an esports practice session, which the NASTECH attendees were invited to watch.

Graduated from school? Have an outstanding GPA? Made the honor roll or Dean’s List? Scored an internship or study abroad opportunity? We invite you to send details of any of these things and more, along with your name and contact info, to editor@gcnews.com for a chance to be seen in our paper!

Hicksville Middle School celebrates Pi Week

Hicksville Middle School celebrated Pi Day on March 14 with a weeklong series of events, culminating in the unforgettable “Pie a Teacher or Principal” activity. This fun and spirited event brought students and staff together in a display of school unity.

In total, 21 staff members including the principal, assistant principals, teachers and even a security guard volunteered to be “pied” in the face by students.

The celebration not only highlighted Pi Day but also showcased the creativity, enthusiasm and community spirit of Hicksville Middle School.

Hicksville Middle School Principal Benjamin Tangney gets ready to participate in the Pi Day fun.

Hicksville Middle School Assistant Principal Jonathan Silkowitz took a pie in the face for a good cause.

Hicksville Middle School students ran the raffle table for the opportunity to throw a pie during this year’s Pi Day celebration.

Town seeks counselors for recreation program

The Town of Oyster Bay is seeking counselors ages 16 and older for the 2025 Summer Recreation Program. The six-week program provides a rewarding employment experience for counselors as they work with children and make a difference.

“This great summer job is ideal for residents age 16 or older who are looking to build their resume,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “Our summer recreation counselors get real-world experience while having fun, making memories, and making a difference in the lives of others.”

Applicants must be available for the duration of the program, which runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, beginning June 30 through August 8. Orientation will take place the week of June 23. Summer Recreation Program participants take part in trips, tournaments, shows and ath -

letic events, including the TOBAY Games, making being a counselor a great first job for many residents.

Employment opportunities are offered at Marjorie R. Post (Massapequa), Plainview-Old Bethpage and Syosset-Woodbury Community Parks, Ellsworth W. Allen Town Park in Farmingdale and Tappen Beach in Glenwood Landing.

“The Town has positions available for counselors, coordinators, leaders and assistant leaders at all locations, especially at our north shore facilities at Syosset-Woodbury Park and Tappen Beach,” said Councilman Monteleone. “Spots fill quickly and we encourage all interested residents to fill out an application today.”

For more information, prospective counselors should contact Town’s Department of Parks at (516) 797-7945 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com/ summerrecreation.

Scholarships for NYS 5th District students

New York State Senator Steve Rhoads is pleased to announce that the New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators is now accepting applications for two $3,000 scholarships. These scholarships are available to residents of the 5th Senate District who are current college students or high school seniors preparing to enter college.

Students can access and complete the application form by visiting: https://www.nyiacsl.org/apply-forscholarship-form.

The application deadline is March 30.

“This is an excellent scholarship opportunity for high school seniors and college students in the 5th Senate District who have worked hard, distinguished themselves from their peers, and intend to pursue higher education,” said Senator Rhoads.

“With college costs continually rising, this is a chance to lessen the financial burden that is a concern for

so many young people and their families. I encourage eligible students in my district to apply.”

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• A grade point average of 85 or higher

• Active involvement in community service and extracurricular activities

• Demonstrated financial need

• For athletic scholarships, applicants must also be involved in an organized sport(s)

The winners of the scholarships will be announced in April and will be contacted directly. Winners should plan to be in Albany on Monday, May 19, to receive their award at the Italian-American Day Celebration.

The New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators is a bipartisan organization of state Assembly and Senate members who actively promote and celebrate the state’s Italian American community.

Do you have grandchildren?

Enter our “World’s Most Beautiful Grandchildren” contest! Just send in your grandchildren’s photos and a brief description of the child (or children) along with your name and address to editor@gcnews.com

Photos courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools

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Perlmutter Cancer Center is committed to providing state-of-the-art, research-based approaches for the prevention, detection, and treatment of all types of cancers. With an expansive portfolio of clinical trials and doctors that are at the forefront of their fields, we are proud to offer the most advanced cancer care to our patients, close to home.

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