Bethpage Newsgram (3/6/26)

Diner owner feeds hospital workers during blizzard

Members of the nursing staff traded in their stethoscopes for tongs and switched roles to help keep the staff fueled up for their long shifts.Photo courtesy Catholic Health’s St. Joseph Hospital

During one of the largest blizzards on record this week, a Bethpage business owner stepped up to the plate (literally) to support local health care workers.

On Monday morning, the president of St. Joseph Hospital, Joseph Manopella, contacted the hospital’s neighbor, Gus Tsiorvas, owner of the Embassy Diner in Bethpage, with a request to provide breakfast

for 80 hospital employees who were working through the storm. Without hesitation, Gus prepared and delivered a full breakfast spread — including pancakes, French toast, eggs, hash, sausage, bacon, and potatoes — ensuring frontline staff had a hot meal during a long and challenging shift.

In an extraordinary act of generosity, Gus refused to accept payment. “Proof that

great neighbors never waffle in a time of need (pun intended).”

His kindness allowed hospital staff to remain focused on caring for patients during dangerous weather conditions, and it serves as a powerful example of local businesses supporting those who care for our community. The diner is located across the street from the hospital.

Town plans extra safety patrols due to Iran attack

With the FBI’s counterterrorism and intelligence teams on high alert as U.S. operations against Iran continue, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino has announced intensified public safety patrols around houses of worship and government buildings. After collaboration with the Nassau County Police Department, we can assure residents there is no specific threat to our area, however, everyone must work together to keep our communities safe and be vigilant in protecting neighborhoods.

“Oyster Bay Public Safety Officers will intensify patrols around temples, synagogues, churches and government buildings,” said Supervisor Sal-

adino.  “While at the present time there is no known threat to our community, the Department of Public Safety will work around the clock to ensure the safety of our citizens. Remember, if you see something suspicious, say something. Dial 911.” See Something, Say Something!  The Town offered a reminder to residents that they can help law enforcement by serving as an extra set of eyes and ears.  Do not assume a package, bag or box was left somewhere by accident.  If you see an unattended package, at or outside of a church, temple, synagogue, train station, mall or high traffic area – or if you see anything suspicious, report it.

Polar Plunge returns

The Town of Oyster Bay invites residents to ‘Get a Thrill from the Chill’ at the annual Polar Plunge benefitting Special Olympics New York on Saturday, March 28, at TOBAY Beach.

“Many of our residents head to TOBAY Beach for summer fun, but this event provides an enjoyable and charitable reason to spend a great day at the beach much sooner,” said

Supervisor Saladino. “Participants will have an opportunity to prove their mettle and their compassion by wading into the chilly waters of TOBAY Beach to raise funds for the athletes of Special Olympics New York.” The event kicks off with winter festival fun and registration starting at 9:00 a.m., with the plunge beginning at 11 a.m. Requested donation is $25 per See page 8

Hicksville students enjoy “Ultimate Human Board Game”

Lee Avenue Elementary students had fun participating in a special school assembly featuring the Ultimate Human Board Game. Photos courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools

Students at Lee Avenue Elementary School in Hicksville experienced a fun morning of excitement, teamwork and friendly competition during a special school assembly featuring the Ultimate Human Board Game, an interactive program designed to engage, motivate and inspire audiences.

Lots of cheers filled the school’s gymnasium as students became part of a life size game board made up of three vibrant, color-coded sides: green, blue and red. The massive 16-square board represented a variety of activities that encouraged participation from every student involved.

The entire group was divided into three teams, each working together toward a common goal. The game

kicked off when a team rolled oversized dice and landed on a square, revealing an exciting challenge where all three teams competed for points. From start to finish, the fast-paced format ensured that everyone was engaged, energized and fully involved.

“This team-building assembly had everyone participating,” said Principal Christopher Uccellini. “It was fun to see students supporting one another, showing great sportsmanship, and working together with such enthusiasm.”

The program emphasized collaboration, positive competition, communication and mutual respect, values that extend well beyond the assembly and into everyday school life.

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Charles Campagne School students get a taste of f lamenco

Students at CCS got a vibrant introduction to Spanish culture this past week when Maria Loreta from Sol y Sombra Spanish Dance Company visited the school to lead a flamenco workshop.

Students at Charles Campagne School recently got a vibrant introduction to Spanish culture when Maria Loreta from Sol y Sombra Spanish Dance Company visited the school to lead a flamenco workshop.

During the session, students had a hands-on opportunity to explore the foundational techniques of this passionate art form – from the rhythmic clicking of castanets and intricate footwork to palmas (rhythmic hand clapping) and braceo (the expressive arm and hand movements that give flamenco its signature grace). The session also included some short choreography that students learned together, bringing all the elements to life.

Beyond the movement itself, Maria Loreta connected the techniques to the rich cultural history behind flamenco, tracing the diverse influences that came together to shape the art form and tying it to the broader context of Spanish language and culture.

The workshop was a natural fit for CCS's Foundational Language Early Start (FLES) program led by Katie Barba and Allison Gunning, which emphasizes experiential learning and cultural exploration to deepen students' language study. For FLES students, the workshop was a meaningful extension of their language study, connecting classroom learning to the culture behind it.

After being taught the foundational techniques of flamenco, students learned a short piece of choreography.

One-Stop Passport Weekend at Town Hall

To help residents looking to obtain new passports, Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca announced that his office will offer a special one-stop Passport Weekend on Saturday, March 7, and Sunday, March 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at both Town Hall North in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South in Massapequa. Residents are required to book appointments in advance.

“Residents looking to apply for a new passport are invited to visit Town Hall during Passport Weekend to receive assistance,” said Town Clerk LaMarca. “We can help you with organizing your documents, obtaining a photo and submitting the documents for approval.”

Requirements for applying for a passport include:

• One 2x2 color photograph with a clear view of the applicant’s face against a plain white or light colored background. Photos will also be available for $10 at both Town Halls North and South during Passport Weekend.

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship – Previously issued undamaged U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or

Certification of Birth, Naturalization Certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship.

¨• Proof of Identity –Naturalization Certificate, Valid Driver’s License (cannot have been issued or renewed in the last six months), Current Government ID (city, state or federal), Current Military ID (military and dependents).

• This service does NOT apply to Adult Renewals unless your Passport is expired for 5+ years.

Town Clerk LaMarca has offices located at Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road in Massapequa.  Passport appointments are available Monday through Friday, from 9:30am to 3:30pm, and during this special Passport Weekend.  For appointments in Oyster Bay, please call (516) 624-6324.  For appointments in Massapequa, please call (516) 797-7962.

For information on passport requirements and processing times, as well as instructions for passport renewals, visit www.travel.state.gov.

School of Distinction

Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti (eighth left), Councilman Dennis Dunne (seventh left), and Town Clerk Kate Murray (sixth left) presented a commemorative sign to Wisdom Lane Middle School in recognition of the educational institution being named a 2025 School of Distinction by the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE). Also attending were Principal John Avena; Assistant Principal Craig Arvelo-Shaw; Superintendent of Schools Todd Winch; Mike Pappas of the Levittown Board of Education; teachers and staff; and Nassau County Legislators Tom McKevitt and Kayla Knight.

Regal Eagle Rampage returns for eighth year

robotics team, the Regal Eagles, work on their robots in the pit area

Bethpage High School once again opened its doors to the robotics community on March 1, hosting the Eighth Annual Regal Eagle Rampage – a daylong invitational event that drew 20 FIRST Robotics Competition teams from across the region. Sponsored by Optimum, the gathering gave teams, including Bethpage's own Regal Eagles, dedicated time to fine-tune their machines in a pressure-free environment before the regional competition season heats up.

Over the course of the day, students worked on 23 robots, running calibration sessions and practice matches on a full-scale wooden replica of the official FIRST Robotics Competition field. The hands-on atmosphere was electric (no

pun intended!), with student engineers troubleshooting, adjusting and pushing their designs to the limit under simulated competition conditions.

But the Rampage has always been about more than just the high school teams. Representatives from JFK Middle School, Central Boulevard School, Charles Campagne School and Kramer Lane Elementary brought their FIRST Lego League Challenge robots and presentation boards, setting up displays that gave younger students a front-row seat to what competitive robotics looks like at the next level. For many of them, it was a first glimpse at the path ahead.

The day also featured the Women in STEMinar, held in the school's STEM

lab, where students and guests gathered for discussions and presentations centered on the contributions and opportunities for women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics – a highlight that has become a meaningful part of the event's identity.

This year's FIRST Robotics challenge, "Rebuilt," tasked two competing alliances with scoring fuel into their alliance hub, navigating field obstacles including bumps and trenches, and racing to climb a tower before time expired. Bonus rewards incentivized teams to hit scoring thresholds and execute endgame climbs, adding an extra layer of strategy to every match.

The Regal Eagles – made up of students in grades nine through 12 – rep-

resent the best of Bethpage's STEM culture. The team emphasizes engineering, marketing, outreach, computer-aided design and robot design, with mentors Leon LaSpina, Eric Kay, and Andrew Choi guiding students through each stage of the build and competition season. The program's focus extends beyond robotics: students come away with problem-solving instincts, leadership experience and a foundation for careers in STEM and beyond.

The Eighth Annual Regal Eagle Rampage was, by every measure, a success – a reminder of what's possible when students, educators and community partners come together around a shared passion for innovation.

Businesses invited to join wellness fair

Do you have a health and wellness business? The Town of Oyster Bay invites local businesses to participate in an upcoming Health & Wellness Fair being held in conjunction with the 2026 Empire State Ride Long Island, taking place on the streets of Oyster Bay on Saturday, June 13.

“The Empire State Ride is Long

Island’s largest charitable cycling fundraiser to benefit cancer research, and this year the event will feature a Health & Wellness Fair on the streets of Oyster Bay,” said Town Councilman Andrew Monteleone. “This great event draws thousands of residents to our historic Town, providing visitors with the opportunity to take part in interactive

wellness stations, demonstrations and discussions. Interested vendors are encouraged to sign up to participate in this year’s event.”

Event coordinators, including the Town of Oyster Bay, Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce and Empire State Ride Long Island, are inviting potential vendors who believe

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their company would benefit from participating in the program to reach out today.

For additional information, or to request an application, interested businesses can contact the Town of Oyster Bay Special Events Division at (516) 797-4127 or email kludwig2@oysterbay-ny.gov.

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

Twenty teams participated in the Regal Eagle Rampage, with 23 robots tested in the practice sessions.

Bethpage’s

between matches.

Photos courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

THERE REALLY IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME.

At NYU Langone, we’re doing all we can to make sure our patients receive the best care during and after their hospital stay, so they can go home and stay home. Shorter hospital stays reduce your risk of infection, medication side effects, and complications. Plus, you can get back to the things you love most: your own bed, family dinners, and life as usual.

But getting you home is only half the story. Our low readmission rates mean you won’t have to come back days or weeks later for the same issue. Because when it comes to hospital stays, nobody wants a sequel. Just another reason we’re ranked #1 for quality care in the U.S.

NASSAU

COUNTY NOTICE OF MEETING

LEGAL

NOTICE NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF BETHPAGE PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Board of Trustees of the Bethpage Public Library hereby gives notice that a Special District Meeting of the qualified voters of the Bethpage Union Free School District will be held at the Bethpage Public Library, 47 Powell Avenue, Bethpage, New York, on Monday, the 13th day of April, 2026 from 2:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. prevailing time, for the purpose of voting by paper ballots upon the following propositions:

1. To adopt the Annual Budget of the Bethpage Public Library for the fiscal year 20262027 and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property of the Bethpage Union Free School District; and

2. To elect one (1) member of the Board of Trustees, who will serve a term commencing on July 1, 2026, and expiring on June 30, 2031, which is currently encumbered by Gregory Cusumano.

A petition shall be required to nominate such candidate to the office of Library Trustee. Petitions shall be directed to the District Clerk at the Bethpage Union Free School District Administration Offices Cherry Avenue and Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, New York, and shall be signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the District. Vacancies on the Board of Trustees are not considered separate specific offices; candidates run at large. Nominating petitions shall not describe any specific vacancy upon the Board for which the candidate is nominated. Petitions shall be available at the Office of the District Clerk at the School District Administrative Offices, Cherry Avenue and Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, New York. In the event that any such nominee shall withdraw his or her candidacy prior to the election, such person shall not be considered a candidate unless a new petition nominating such person in the same manner and with the same limitations applicable to other candidates is filed with the District Clerk. Each petition shall be filed in the office of the District Clerk between the hours of 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (excluding Saturdays and Sundays), through Friday, March 13, 2026, and not later than March 13, 2026.

REGISTRATION

FURTHER NOTICE IS GIVEN that pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law, personal registration of voters is necessary and no person shall be entitled to vote at said Special District Meeting of April 13, 2026 unless such person has personally registered.

Each person may register for the said Special Meeting by appearing personally before the Board of Registration of the School District on April 1, 2026, as hereinafter stated. The Board of Registration will meet for the purpose of personal voter registration and the preparation of a register of the qualified voters of said School District, on April 1, 2026 between the hours of 4:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. at the School District Administrative Offices during which time and at which place members of the Board of Registration shall place upon the School District Register the names of all qualified voters personally appearing before them, provided they are known to be or proven to the satisfaction of such Board of Registration that they are entitled to vote at the above specified Library Special District Meeting.

Such register, upon its completion, will be filed in the Office of the District Clerk at the School District Administrative Offices, Cherry Avenue and Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, New York, and will remain on file at such office and will be open for inspection between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. on each of the five (5) days prior to the meeting or election for which it was prepared, except Saturday and Sunday. Voters may register for voting at subsequent Library special district meetings on the day of the April 13, 2026 Special District Meeting. All persons who have voted at any Special or Annual Meeting or Election or at any general election within four (4) years prior to the preparation of the register, or who are registered to vote at any general election, pursuant to Section 5-210 of the Election Law of the State of New York need not re-register to vote at the Special District Meeting of April 13, 2026.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, the voters may register with the Clerk of said School District at her office in the Bethpage Union Free School District Administrative Offices, Cherry Avenue and Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, New York, between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 3:30 P.M. when school is in session at any day prior to April 1, 2026 to add any additional names to the Register to be used at the aforesaid election, at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such Register provided that at such meeting with the Clerk of said School District he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of the Clerk of said School District to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such election for which the Register is prepared. The Register so prepared pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law will be filed in the Office of the District Clerk, at her office in the School District Administrative Offices, Cherry Avenue and Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, New York, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District between 9:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. on each of the five (5) days prior to the day set for the election, except Saturday and Sunday, and at the polling place(s) on the day of the vote.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the school district. An application for registration as a military voter can be requested from the Board of Education at the

Bethpage Administration building and must be returned to the Office of the District Clerk at 10 Cherry Avenue, Bethpage NY 11714, or by contacting the District Clerk at (516) 644-4002. The application for registration must be received in the office of the clerk no later than 5:00 P.M. on March 18, 2026. In the request for an application for registration, the military voter is permitted to designate his/her preference for receiving the application for registration by mail, facsimile transmission, or electronic mail.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are qualified voters of the district may submit an application for a military ballot by requesting an application from the District Clerk at 10 Cherry Avenue, Bethpage NY 11714, or by contacting the District Clerk at (516) 644-4002 and returning the application in person or by mail to the Office of the District Clerk at 10 Cherry Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714, no later than 5:00 P.M. on March 18, 2026. In the request for an application for a military ballot, the military voter is permitted to designate his/her preference for receiving the application for a military ballot and the military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission, or electronic mail. All qualified military voters’ ballot applications and military ballots must be returned by mail or in person. Ballots for military voters shall be distributed to qualified military voters no later than March 19, 2026. Military ballots must be received by the District Clerk either (1) before the close of the polls, on Monday, April 13, 2026, and must show a cancellation mark of the United States postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or must show a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States Government; or (2) not later than 5:00 pm on the day of the election and be signed and dated by the military voter and one witness, with a date ascertained to be not later than the day before the election.

A list of all persons to whom military voters’ ballots have been issued shall be available during regular office hours at the Office of the Clerk of the Bethpage Union Free School District on each of the five days prior to the day set for the Special District Meeting, except Sunday, and on April 13, 2026, at the polling place during the Special District Meeting. Any qualified voter then present in the polling place may object to the voting of the ballot upon appropriate grounds by making his or her challenge and the reasons therefore known to the Inspector of Election before the close of the polls.

FURTHER NOTICE IS GIVEN, that in accordance with Education Law Section 2018-a and 2018-f, applications for absentee ballots and early mail voter ballots for the Special District Meeting may be applied for at the Office of the Clerk of the Bethpage Union Free School District. Such applications must be received by the Board of Registration no earlier than Monday, March 16, 2026 and at least seven (7) days prior to the Special District Meeting, on Monday, April 6, 2026, if the absentee ballot or email mail voter ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the Special District Meeting, if the absentee ballot or early mail voter ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. The Board of Registration shall make a list of all persons to whom absentee voters ballots have been issued and a list of all persons to whom early mail voter ballots have been issued, and have such lists available during regular office hours on each of the five days prior to the day set for the Special District Meeting, except Sunday, and on April 13, 2026, at the polling place during the Special District Meeting. Any qualified voter then present in the polling place may object to the voting of the ballots upon appropriate grounds by making his or her challenge and the reasons therefore known to the Inspector of Election before the close of the polls. No absentee voter ballot or early mail voter ballot shall be canvassed unless it is received not later than 5:00 P.M. on the day of the Special District Meeting.

Dated: Bethpage, New York February 9, 2026

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

BETHPAGE PUBLIC LIBRARY Gregory Cusumano, President AVISO LEGAL AVISO DE REUNIÓN ESPECIAL

SOBRE LA BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE BETHPAGE

El Consejo de Síndicos de la Biblioteca Pública de Bethpage informa que se celebrará una reunión especial del distrito de los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Libre y Unión de Bethpage en la Biblioteca Pública de Bethpage, 47 Powell Avenue, Bethpage, Nueva York, el lunes 13 de abril de 2026, de las 2:00 P.M. a las 8:00 P.M., hora local, con el propósito de votar mediante boletas electorales sobre las siguientes proposiciones:

1. Aprobar el presupuesto anual de la Biblioteca Pública de Bethpage para el año fiscal 2026-2027 y autorizar la parte necesaria del mismo que se recaudará mediante impuestos sobre los bienes sujetos a impuestos del Distrito Escolar Libre y Unión de Bethpage; y

2. Elegir a un (1) miembro del Consejo de Síndicos, que ocupará un cargo que comenzará el 1 de julio de 2026 y vencerá el 30 de junio de 2031, que actualmente está ocupado por Gregory Cusumano.

Se requerirá una petición para nominar a dicho candidato al cargo de Síndico de la Biblioteca. Las peticiones se dirigirán al Secretario del Distrito en las Oficinas de Administración del Distrito Escolar Libre y Unión de Bethpage, Cherry Avenue y Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, Nueva York, y deberán estar firmadas por al menos veinticinco (25) votantes calificados del Distrito. Las vacantes en el Consejo de Síndicos no se consideran cargos específicos separados; los candidatos se presentan en general. Las peticiones de nominación no describirán ninguna vacante específica en el Consejo para la que se nomine al candidato. Las peticiones estarán disponibles en la Oficina del

Secretario del Distrito en las Oficinas Administrativas del Distrito Escolar, Cherry Avenue y Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, Nueva York. En caso de que cualquier candidato retire su candidatura antes de la elección, dicha persona no será considerada candidata a menos que se presente una nueva petición nominando a dicha persona de la misma forma y con las mismas limitaciones aplicables a otros candidatos ante el Secretario del Distrito. Cada petición deberá presentarse en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 5:00 p. m. (excluyendo sábados y domingos), hasta el viernes 13 de marzo de 2026, y no más tarde del 13 de marzo de 2026.

INSCRIPCIÓN

SE AVISA ADEMÁS que, de conformidad con la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación, es necesaria la inscripción personal de los votantes y que ninguna persona tendrá derecho a votar en la mencionada Reunión Especial del Distrito del 13 de abril de 2026 a menos que dicha persona se haya inscrito personalmente.

Cada persona puede inscribirse para la mencionada Reunión Especial presentándose personalmente ante la Junta de Registro del Distrito Escolar el 1 de abril de 2026, tal como se indica a continuación. La Junta de Registro se reunirá con el propósito de la inscripción personal de votantes y la preparación de un registro de los votantes calificados de dicho Distrito Escolar, el 1 de abril de 2026, entre las 4:00 p. m. y las 8:00 p. m. en las Oficinas Administrativas del Distrito Escolar, durante el cual tiempo y en el cual lugar los miembros de la Junta de Registro colocarán en el Registro del Distrito Escolar los nombres de todos los votantes calificados que se presenten personalmente ante ellos, siempre que se sepa o se pruebe a satisfacción de dicha Junta de Registro que tienen derecho a votar en la mencionada Reunión Especial del Distrito Escolar de la Biblioteca.

Dicho registro, una vez completado, se archivará en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito en las Oficinas Administrativas del Distrito Escolar, Cherry Avenue y Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, Nueva York, y permanecerá archivado en dicha oficina y estará abierto para su inspección entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 3:00 p. m. en cada uno de los cinco (5) días anteriores a la reunión o elección para la que se preparó, excepto los sábados y domingos. Los votantes pueden inscribirse para votar en las reuniones especiales subsiguientes del distrito de la biblioteca el día de la reunión especial del distrito del 13 de abril de 2026. Todas las personas que hayan votado en cualquier reunión o elección especial o anual o en cualquier elección general dentro de los cuatro (4) años anteriores a la preparación del registro, o que estén registradas para votar en cualquier elección general, de conformidad con la Sección 5-210 de la Ley Electoral del Estado de Nueva York, no necesitan volver a registrarse para votar en la reunión especial del distrito del 13 de abril de 2026.

Y, ADEMÁS, POR LA PRESENTE SE HACE EL SIGUIENTE ANUNCIO: los votantes podrán inscribirse con el Secretario de dicho Distrito Escolar en su oficina en las Oficinas Administrativas del Distrito Escolar Libre y Unificado de Bethpage, Cherry Avenue y Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, Nueva York, entre las 8:30 a. m. y las 3:30 p. m. cuando la escuela esté en sesión, en cualquier día anterior al 1 de abril de 2026, para agregar cualquier nombre adicional al Registro que se utilizará en la mencionada elección, momento en el que cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre sea incluido en dicho Registro, siempre que en dicha reunión con el Secretario de dicho Distrito Escolar se conozca o se pruebe, de forma satisfactoria para el Secretario de dicho Distrito Escolar, que dicha persona tiene o tendrá derecho a votar en dicha elección para la que se preparó el Registro. El Registro preparado de conformidad con la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación se archivará en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, en su oficina en las Oficinas Administrativas del Distrito Escolar, Cherry Avenue y Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, Nueva York, y estará abierto para su inspección por cualquier votante calificado del Distrito entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 3:00 p. m. en cada uno de los cinco (5) días anteriores al día fijado para la elección, excepto los sábados y domingos, y en el lugar o lugares de votación el día de la votación.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE AVISA ADEMÁS, que los votantes militares que actualmente no estén registrados pueden solicitar registrarse como votantes calificados del distrito escolar. Se puede solicitar una solicitud de registro como votante militar a la Junta de Educación en el edificio de Administración de Bethpage y debe devolverse a la Oficina

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

KEF Consulting LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 11/30/25. Off. loc.: Nassau Co. SSNY desig. as agt. upon whom proc. may be served. SSNY shall mail proc. to: 44 Algonquin Av, Massapequa, NY 11758. Purp.: any lawful.

del Secretario del Distrito en 10 Cherry Avenue, Bethpage NY 11714, o poniéndose en contacto con el Secretario del Distrito al (516) 644-4002. La solicitud de registro debe recibirse en la oficina del secretario a más tardar el 18 de marzo de 2026 a las 5:00 p. m. En la solicitud de una solicitud de registro, al votante militar se le permite designar su preferencia para recibir la solicitud de registro por correo, transmisión por fax o correo electrónico.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE AVISA ADEMÁS, que los votantes militares que sean votantes calificados del distrito pueden enviar una solicitud de papeleta electoral militar solicitando una solicitud al Secretario del Distrito en 10 Cherry Avenue, Bethpage NY 11714, o poniéndose en contacto con el Secretario del Distrito al (516) 6444002 y devolviendo la solicitud en persona o por correo a la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito en 10 Cherry Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714, a más tardar el 18 de marzo de 2026 a las 5:00 p. m. En la solicitud de una papeleta electoral militar, el votante militar puede indicar su preferencia para recibir la solicitud de la papeleta militar y la papeleta electoral por correo postal, transmisión por fax o correo electrónico. Todas las solicitudes de papeletas electorales de votantes militares calificados, así como las papeletas electorales militares, deben devolverse por correo postal o en persona. Los votos para los votantes militares se distribuirán a los votantes militares calificados a más tardar el 19 de marzo de 2026. Los votos militares deben ser recibidos por el Secretario del Distrito ya sea (1) antes del cierre de las urnas, el lunes 13 de abril de 2026, y deben mostrar una marca de cancelación del servicio postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o deben mostrar un aval fechado de recibo por parte de otra agencia del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o (2) a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del día de la elección y estar firmados y fechados por el votante militar y un testigo, con una fecha que se determine no posterior al día anterior a la elección.

Una lista de todas las personas a quienes se les han emitido los votos de los votantes militares estará disponible durante el horario de oficina regular en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar Libre de Bethpage en cada uno de los cinco días anteriores al día establecido para la Reunión Especial del Distrito, excepto el domingo, y el 13 de abril de 2026, en el lugar de votación durante la Reunión Especial del Distrito. Cualquier votante calificado presente en el lugar de votación puede objetar la votación del voto por motivos apropiados presentando su desafío y las razones del mismo al Inspector de Elecciones antes del cierre de las urnas.

ASIMISMO, SE NOTIFICA que, de conformidad con las secciones 2018-a y 2018-f de la Ley de Educación, las solicitudes de boletas de voto en ausencia y de papeletas de voto anticipado por correo para la Reunión Especial del Distrito pueden solicitarse en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar Bethpage Union Free. Dichas solicitudes deben ser recibidas por la Junta de Registro no antes del lunes 16 de marzo de 2026 y al menos siete (7) días antes de la Reunión Especial del Distrito, el lunes 6 de abril de 2026, si la boleta para votantes ausentes o la boleta para votantes por correo electrónico se va a enviar por correo al votante, o el día antes de la Reunión Especial del Distrito, si la boleta para votantes ausentes o la boleta para votantes por correo anticipado se va a entregar personalmente al votante. La Junta de Registro elaborará una lista de todas las personas a quienes se les han emitido boletas para votantes ausentes y una lista de todas las personas a quienes se les han emitido boletas para votantes por correo anticipado, y tendrá dichas listas disponibles durante el horario de oficina regular en cada uno de los cinco días anteriores al día establecido para la Reunión Especial del Distrito, excepto el domingo, y el 13 de abril de 2026, en el lugar de votación durante la Reunión Especial del Distrito. Cualquier votante calificado presente en el lugar de votación puede objetar la votación de las boletas por motivos apropiados presentando su desafío y las razones de este ante el Inspector de Elecciones antes del cierre de las urnas. Ninguna boleta para votantes ausentes o boleta para votantes por correo anticipado se contará a menos que se reciba a más tardar a las 5:00 P.M. del día de la Reunión Especial del Distrito.

Fecha: Bethpage, Nueva York 9 de febrero de 2026

POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE FIDEICOMISARIOS BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE BETHPAGE Gregory Cusumano, Presidente

Advertise your business or service in the main pages of our papers, in our

Robotics team sparks STEM curiosity

Members of Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School’s storied robotics team, the POBots, recently visited fourth-grade students at Old Bethpage Elementary School for a hands-on lesson in electrical circuits. High school mentors guided young students in creating working circuits using simple materials such as Play-Doh, batteries, wires, and lightbulbs. This visit is a key component of the POBots' "STEM is FUN!" outreach program, which aims to spark early interest in science and technology. This community service is a major component of the team's mission and comes in addition to its more than

25-year legacy of success in the annual FIRST Robotics competition circuits. Beyond trophies, the POBots routinely organize STEM-focused projects throughout the Plainview community. These efforts include hosting the District's annual Engineering Awareness Night, leading beach cleanups, participating in charity walks, and mentoring younger students to build a sustainable STEM pipeline. For these efforts, the team was honored with a Community Impact Award by Optimum earlier in the 2025-2026 school year.

The students assembled circuits using simple materials such as wire, Play-Doh and batteries.

The visit was a way to get the District’s younger students interested in STEM.

Polar Plunge returns to TOBAY Beach

From page 1

participant. Plungers who raise $150 receive a commemorative Polar Plunge sweatshirt.

All of the money raised through the Polar Plunge helps provide year-round sports training and competition as

well as leadership, health and inclusion programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities in your community.

“This polar plunge is sure to create lasting memories for all participants while supporting a very worthwhile cause,” added

Get Results!

Pre-register yourself, family and team today at www.PolarPlungeNY.org/TOBAY. For more information, call Rebecca Hoffmann at (631) 458-1579 or e-mail rhoffmann@nyso.org.

Councilman Imbroto. “Special Olympics New York changes lives through the joy of sports and the Town of Oyster Bay is proud to partner with this outstanding organization to help make this event a success. Please join with me in braving the chilly waters for a great reason.”

Members of the POBJFKHS robotics team visited fourth graders at Old Bethpage Elementary School for a hands-on lesson on electrical circuits.

Travelers are Prioritizing Meaningful, Wellness, Active, Adventure Experiences

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE

GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

More than ever, travelers are prioritizing meaningful, wellness-focused, experiences, active adventures, and authentic connections with offthe-beaten-path destinations and communities. This is the finding of Backroads, a global trailblazer in active travel since 1979, in its Top Adventure Travel Trends for 2026.

Indeed, adventure travel is now one of the fastest-growing segments in tourism, with global adventure travel projected to surpass $2 trillion by 2032, according to the Adventure Travel Trade Association. At the same time, wellness-driven trips are accelerating worldwide as travelers seek meaningful, restorative, experience-rich vacations over passive leisure, a finding confirmed by the Global Wellness Institute.

Backroads’ Top Adventure Travel Trends for 2026

Women and Solo Travelers on the Rise: Across travel, adventures designed for women are surging as friends, family and solo travelers seek connection, immersive confidenceboosting experiences and a sense of community. Backroads bookings reflect this shift, with demand for its  Women’s Adventures projected to grow 100% in 2026. The  solo travel market is expected to grow 14% over the next five years, with women over 50 a major driver of this momentum. What’s Trending? Backroads England’s Cotswolds, Peru, Canadian Rockies Trips.

Family Togetherness Across the Globe:  Prioritizing real-world experiences over screen time, modern families are seeking active vacations that spark connection and create lasting memories. What’s Trending? Backroads Trips for Families with Kids & Teens, Teens &

20s and 20s & Beyond:  Brittany & Nor mandy, Croatia and Iceland

Young Professionals Seeking Adventure:  Millennial and Gen X travelers are fueling strong growth in adventure travel, driven by a clear desire for active exploration balanced with comfort, camaraderie and iconic destinations. This cohort is also poised to benefit from an unprecedented $27 trillion wealth transfer by 2045, expanding opportunities to prioritize meaningful, experience-driven travel. What’s Trending? Backroads 30s & 40s Trips:  Peru Lodge-to-Lodge Trekking, Dolomites Hut-to-Hut Hiking and Santorini & Crete MultiAdventure.

Nostalgia for Human-Powered Travel: From acoustic (non-electricassist) biking for traditional cyclists eager to cover the miles using their own muscle power to hiking epic mountains, travelers are slowing down and rediscovering the rewards of moving with their own strength. By staying longer in one region or embracing human-powered adventure in small groups, guests are able to dive deeper into local culture and landscapes. What’s Trending? Backroads Unplugged non-electric-assist) Bike Tours in  Croatia, Portugal’s Algarve, Tuscany and  Nova Scotia;  Argentina and Chile’s Patagonia Hiking & Walking Tours.

Biking in Cambodia hits multiple trends, satisfying the wanderlust for active, culturally rich adventures that are also especially welcoming for women traveling solo © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Frontier Islands: Rugged Archipelagos as the New Darling: Moving beyond classic island escapes, travelers are gravitating toward rugged, culture-rich archipelagos, places defined by dramatic cliffs, volcanic ridges, fishing villages and wide-open trails. These “frontier islands” appeal to active travelers seeking big scenery, epic hiking, cooler climates and a sense of remoteness that traditional beach islands can’t deliver. What’s Trending? Backroads Canary Islands, Cyprus, Denmark Islands, Lofoten Islands and  Portugal’s Azores Trips.

Trip Stacking, On and OffSeason: Travelers are increasingly “stacking” their journeys by booking back-to-back trips or even three-stop itineraries to maximize a single longhaul flight. This reflects a growing shift toward sustainable, efficient travel, where guests make the most of every mile and every moment away. Off-season exploration is also on the rise, with more travelers heading out earlier in spring, later in fall and throughout the winter for a fresh take on familiar places. What’s Trending? Backroads Norway,  Japan and  Spain Trips.

Active Culinary Travel Takes Off: Blending outdoor activity with regional food and wine experiences is a travel style that continues to

grow as travelers seek culturally rich, experiential trips. From cooking classes and local farmers market visits to stays at Relais & Châteaux properties, Backroads Active Culinary Trips that unite adventure, flavor and luxury are gaining momentum across key regions. What’s Trending? Backroads Basque Country, Tuscany and Provence Trips.

Slee ing in Huts & Mountain Lodges Is In: Travelers are increasingly choosing mountain lodges and huts and historic hideaways, especially in off-thebeaten-path destinations. Bookings for these laid-back, comfortable stays are surpassing expectations and up more than 170% since 2024, as guests seek accommodations that capture the essence of a place and seamlessly blend activity, discovery, relaxation, sustainability and wellness. Find these authentic stays on many Backroads trips including  Hut-to-Hut and  Lodgeto-Lodge  offerings. What’s Trending?  Backroads Dolomites Hut-to-Hut,  French & Italian Alps Lodge-to-Lodge and  Pyrenees Lodgeto-Lodge Trips.

Learn more about Backroads at www. backroads.com or call 800-462-2848.

More active/adventure tour companies: Active Adventures (activeadventures.com); Austin Adventures (austinadventures.com); Butterfield & Robinson (butterfield.com); Duvine Cycling + Adventure co.(duvine.com); EF Go Ahead Tours (goaheadtours. com); Exodus Adventure Travels (exodustravels.com); Explorateur Journeys (explorateurjourneys. com); G Adventures (gadventures. com); Inspiring Vacations (inspiringvacations.com); Intrepid Travel (intrepidtravel.com); Lindblad Expeditions (expeditions.com); Nat Geo Expeditions (nationalgeographihc.com); Overseas Adventure Travel (oattravel.com); Pure Adventures (pure-adventures.com); Sierra Club (outings.sierraclub.org); Wilderness Travel (wildernesstravel.com); Wild Frontiers (wildfrontierstravel.com). March 6, 2026

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of March 8-14, 2026

Meet Betelgeuse: A True Superstar

If you hear the word “superstar,” what immediately comes to mind? Perhaps names like Tom Hanks, Taylor Swift or LeBron James? That’s certainly understandable; they are all undisputed superstars who attract the attention of paparazzi and fans alike.

If you’re an astronomer, however, you may answer this question differently. For example, when I hear the word “superstar,” I think of UY Scuti, WOH G64 or RSGC1-F01. Yes, these are superstars, but not quite how people may think. These are some of the largest stars known in our galaxy and, for that reason, are quite intriguing to us celestial paparazzi.

Regular readers of this column know that our sun is also a star. It appears big and bright in our daytime sky because not only is it rather close (about 93 million miles away), it’s also pretty large (nearly a million miles across). It sounds huge, but our star is rather small on a cosmic scale, and believe it or not, there are stars out there that would dwarf our sun and make it look tiny. These are the true superstars!

Until recently, the largest star known was given the hopelessly poetic name of UY Scuti. At a distance of some 9,500 lightyears from Earth, UY Scuti is

what is known as a red hypergiant star, with a diameter some 1,700 times that of the sun!

All that changed recently, however, when astronomers found a gargantuan star some 2,150 times larger than our sun! It’s named Stephenson 2-18, and if you’d like to get a peek at this stellar behemoth, you’ll need more than your eyes. At a distance of some 18,900 lightyears, it appears 5,100 times fainter than we can see without a telescope.

If you have no telescope but would still like to see a celestial superstar, you’re in luck. There’s one shining in our night sky right now; it’s one of the brightest up there and is named Betelgeuse.

Betelgeuse sparkles brightly in the northeastern corner of Orion, the hunter, and you can see its orange light midway up in the southern sky after dark this week. With about 15-20 times more mass than our sun, Betelgeuse is known as a red supergiant star for good reason. While we could align 109 Earths across the face of our sun, we would need at least 700 suns to cross the face of Betelgeuse!

Indeed, this star is so immense that if it replaced our sun at the center of our planetary system, Betelgeuse would engulf the orbits of Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars, and stretch part of the way to Jupiter! Yet it appears as a simple point of light in our night

The Tale of

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

One day as my husband and I were walking through my town, I noticed a guy coming toward us walking his dog. I peered ahead and tried to figure out what breed the dog was. He didn’t look like any dog I’d ever seen before. As they got closer, I realized he didn’t even look like a dog. He actually looked like ...

A goat.

“Hey honey, is that a goat?” I asked my husband.

“Looks like a goat to me,” he said.

“Is it a pet goat?” I wondered aloud.

“Looks like a pet goat to me,” he said, and then waited a moment for the inevitable.

“I want a pet goat,” I announced.

“Of course you do,” he responded.

Now, where I live, people do not routinely walk goats down the street on a leash. Actually, where I live, people don’t routinely have goats at all. Since this is the suburbs, people are not allowed to keep livestock as pets, even

Betelgeuse, one of the largest known stars, is visible in the southern sky after dark this week

sky because of its tremendous distance from us -- some 3,100 trillion miles, or about 520 lightyears.

Betelgeuse is easily one of the largest known stars, though its size fluctuates by as much as 60% as the star shudders and pulsates on its way to an eventual supernova explosion, thou-

sands or millions of years from now. Or tonight. We just don’t know.

I hope you’ll step out under the night sky soon to meet this remarkable superstar for yourself!

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com.

COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM

the Goat With a Coat

ones that are as well behaved as this one seemed to be. As the goat got closer, I could see he was wearing some kind of coat. It was a goat in a coat. What are the odds?

“Is that a coat on the goat?” I asked my husband.

“Looks like a coat on the goat to me,” he responded.

“Why is the goat wearing a coat?” I asked.

“Maybe he’s going out to eat and jackets are required,” he said.

When the man with the goat in the coat on the leash got near us, we could see that the coat had some writing on it.

“What’s the coat say?” I asked my husband.

He squinted. “Service Goat,” he read.

I roared with laughter. Apparently the goat was not a pet. He was some kind of working goat. At this point, the guy with the goat was close enough for us to talk to him, so I waved to get his attention, but he kept on walking. I suddenly realized he couldn’t see.

“Excuse me,” I said, tapping him on the arm. “Can we ask you a question?”

“Sure,” he said, smiling. I was pretty sure we were not the first people to stop and inquire about his goat in a coat.

“I see that your goat is a service goat. What does he do for you?”

“I’m legally blind,” said the guy with the goat in the coat. “He’s a guide goat.”

“Why didn’t you get a seeing eye dog?” I asked.

“I’m allergic to almost all dogs,” he said. “No problem with goats.”

“That makes sense,” I said.

“Besides, there’s an advantage to having a goat,” explained the man with the goat in the coat. “There’s one less chore for me to do.”

“What’s that?” I asked.

“I don’t have to take out the garbage.”

“Why not?” asked my husband.

The man with the goat in the coat shrugged. “The goat eats it.”

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 2026 CREATORS.COM

LOST IN SUBURBIA

The generation gap has my head spinning

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

All of these discussions on the news and in people’s homes about the generation gap is making me ask what it’s all about. I’d sing, “What’s it all about, Alfie?” but these younger kids probably don’t remember that song.

I heard the term generation gap bandyed around a lot in the 1960s and ‘70s and it turns out that “Look” magazine editor John Poppy came up with it in a 1965 article for the magazine. He was the West Coast Editor for “Look” and he used that phrase to describe the significant differences in values, politics and lifestyles emerging between the Baby Boomer generation and their parents’ generation.

Poppy emphasized that there was a distinct social and cultural divide separating the young and the old, with “old” often referring to anyone over 30 at the time. Many people were vocal about their opinions on music, fashion, cultural tastes and more.

As a young child in the 1960s I overheard many adults having conversations about the generation gap. My parents, aunts and uncles would laugh and say that the generation gap is so irksome because each generation thinks its view is the preferable one.

Some experts say the reason for the generational conflict is that each generation feels their way is the right way and that the other generation is wrong. This can lead to a communication gap, as each side tries to convince the other that they are right.

Start talking about politics at home or in a social setting and quite often people are off to the races. Over the

BY CHARLYN FARGO

Here’s another win for the Mediterranean diet pattern. A new study finds that switching to a diet full of fresh vegetables and less processed foods could do wonders for your brain and help you lose weight. Researchers found that eating a Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, seafood and whole grains -- or even just following dietary guidelines -appears to slow the signs of accelerated brain aging that typically accompany obesity.

In the April 2023 study published in eLife, researchers imaged the brains of 102 participants who were taking part of in a larger clinical trial conducted at a workplace in Israel. Brain scans were taken once before the trial began and again after 18 months, along with tests of liver function, cholesterol levels and

years I’ve learned to watch what topics I bring up because it doesn’t take much to start a controversy. My brothers have been known to bring up controversial topics just to see what may happen. In any event, each generation wants to be explained and more than that, each generation wants to be understood.

When it comes to today’s workplace, there are often four different generations - the Baby Boomers, Generation X, the Millennials and Gen Zers. Some people include a fifth generation called the Silent Generation, those born between 1928 - 1945, so that’s quite an age gap.

When having conversations or dividing up the work responsibilities, generational conflicts can pop up for a variety of reasons. Maybe younger employees feel like they’re not given enough responsibility or older employees struggle to keep up with the new technology. Whatever the cause, it’s important to understand the psychology behind the generation gap to resolve these conflicts.

It helps to respect each other’s strengths because we were brought up in different societal contexts. I admire Gen Zers for being so comfortable with computers. Surfing the ‘Net and using their smartphones to look things up, make reservations, etc. seems effortless to them whereas it still seems a bit unusual to me.

This Baby Boomer never even heard the term digital tools or the Digital Age until I was well into adulthood. As kids we were more familiar with textbooks, marble notebooks, #2 pencils and the tablets we used were called chalkboards.

As I journeyed into the Digital Age it was bumpy at times. Surfing the ‘Net appealed to me because I saw how quickly I could look things up but using smartphones, smart boards, iPads and more - and learning how each one works plus its nuances - proved more challenging.

Then apps came along and to someone who already knew English and some Spanish, apps seemed like a whole other language. Grabbing a younger friend or relative helped expedite that learning process but it took some concerted effort.

In the workplace, we Baby Boomers tend to be fiercely competitive and Gen Z employees are a force to be reckoned with. They are a diverse group who by and large were brought up to be very independent. Both technology and social media come naturally to most of them.

They cherish their individuality and creativity and being innovative is key. Gen Zers like contributing ideas and having flexible work arrangements is definitely welcome because they want to promote their work/life balance.

I have always liked etymology, the origin of words, because most words in English come from the building blocks of other words, more often than not from other languages.

In the world of communications, so many of our English words derive from Latin. Having four older siblings who studied Latin for years in high school helped me realize that making connections with the foreign words helped me spot the derivatives. The Latin word “aqua,” for example means water so in

NUTRITION NEWS

A Younger Brain

body weight. Groups ate one of three diets -- a Mediterranean diet with lots of nuts, fish and chicken instead of red meat; a Mediterranean diet with a few added extras such as green tea; or a diet based on healthy dietary guidelines. Estimates of brain age were based on an algorithm. Participants’ activity levels at work were also considered as they received a free gym membership as part of the trial.

On average, participants lost 4.6 pounds. For every 1% of body weight lost, the participants’ brains appeared nine months younger than their chronological age. Signs of brain aging were also associated with lower levels of liver fat and improved lipid profiles. Researchers concluded that successful weight loss following lifestyle intervention might have a beneficial effect on brain aging. A study backing up their

English we use aquarium, aquatics, etc. The Latin word “fortis” means strong and powerful so in English we use the words fortress, fortitude, reinforce and more.

That all makes sense to me but many Gen Zers don’t want to hear anything about Latin roots or etymology because they’re busy using technology and social media platforms. I’m comfortable with Facebook, Facebook Messenger and YouTube - and my friend, Kathy, likes using Pinterest for recipes, crafts and creative inspiration - but when it comes to Reddit, QZone, Snapchat and TikTok, they outshine me. Thus, the generation gap when I feel like they are speaking a foreign language. Still, I overcame tech anxiety and I appreciate technology every day.

So my friends, relatives and co-workers and I sit down and enjoy lunch or dinner together because we do have a lot more in common than we may realize. I don’t want to butt heads so we have a toast, enjoy our food and discuss shared interests.

When my nephew suggests playing a game of Clue with two others I say I’ll pull out the board game from my closet but Ben, age 10, says he’ll upload it. He’s a whiz with technology and yes, Ben has given new meaning to this classic murder mystery. I’ve never played it online before or virtually and all of this electronic stuff sends my head spinning.

Still, this Baby Boomer acts cool, joins in and ends up winning her first virtual game. I’ve been dragged into the 21st century and found out it’s not so bad. In fact, I like the winning part.

findings looked at adipose tissue distribution and brain age in adults; this was published in the journal Neurolmage: Clinical in 2022.

So what constitutes a Mediterranean diet pattern? Fruits, vegetables, olive oil, nuts, pulses and fish. Here are some practical ways to incorporate it into your diet:

-- Top oatmeal or whole-grain cereal with fruit.

-- Include fruits and vegetables in smoothies.

-- Add extra vegetables to pasta and soups.

-- Roast vegetables with herbs and spices.

-- Make homemade salad dressings with olive oil and lemon juice and flavorings.

-- Saute vegetables in olive oil rather than butter.

-- Add nuts to salads, soups and stirfries.

-- Try making your own hummus for raw vegetables and whole-grain pita bread or crackers.

-- Buy frozen, unbreaded fish and cook in an air fryer.

-- Use salmon, tuna or other seafood from a can or pouch over salads or in a sandwich.

-- Try fish tacos.

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

COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM

BY TOM MARGENAU

For a couple of different reasons, a claim for Social Security disability benefits may be reviewed. One is what the Social Security Administration calls a “quality assurance review.” The other is what the agency calls a “continuing disability review.” I’ve gotten a couple of emails about this issue recently. Answering them will explain the difference between the two review processes.

Q: I applied for Social Security disability benefits about 3 months ago. I haven’t heard yet if my claim has been approved. But I just got a letter telling me that they are reviewing my case and want my cooperation. What is this all about?

A: I am sure your case has been selected for a “quality assurance review.” About one percent of all disability claims are selected for this kind of review. This review is essentially just a procedure that the SSA initiates to make sure your claim was processed correctly.

They will review all the medical evidence you provided, or that was obtained from your doctors and other health professionals, to make sure it supports whatever decision the agency’s medical examiners made about your case. Most people don’t know this, but the SSA (a federal government agency) contracts out medical decisions to state governments. In most states, the agency that does this is called the “Disability Determination Service.” These quality assurance reviews are a way of making sure that the DDSs are following all the rules and guidelines for making Social Security disability decisions.

That’s the good news. The SSA is making sure your disability claim will be adjudicated properly. The bad news is that it may slightly delay the decision-making process on your claim.

By the way, “back in the day,” meaning back when I retired from the SSA in 2005, the agency also conducted these kinds of reviews on a small sampling of retirement and survivor benefit claims. But all the research I’ve done recently online about this seems to indicate those kinds of reviews have stopped. I can only find references to quality assurance reviews of disability cases. If any readers had a recent review of a non-disability Social Security claim, I would love to hear from them.

Q: After a long process, I started getting disability benefits about a year ago. And now, out of the blue, I just got a letter from Social Security telling me they want to review my claim. I think this is harassment! It took me almost 12 months and several appeals to prove to them that I am disabled in the first place. And now they are turning around and threatening to take my money away from me! How can they do this? And can

Disability Claims Get Reviewed

you please refer me to a good lawyer so I can fight this?

A: Your situation is an example of the other kind of review I mentioned at the beginning of this column. And that is an occasional review of every disability claim.

You asked, “How can they do this?” Well, the SSA can do this because the law requires them to do it. That law says that every Social Security disability claim must be reviewed from time to time to make sure that the person getting monthly checks from the government still meets the legal definition of disability.

How often a claim gets reviewed depends on the severity of the impairment. In cases where the person’s medical condition is expected to improve, the rules say the claim must be re-examined every 6 to 18 months. Obviously, your impairment must be in that category.

In situations where medical improvement is possible, but not probable, the claim should be reviewed every three years or so.

And even in cases where medical improvement is not expected, the law still requires that the case be reviewed once every five to seven years.

The good news is that you must have a condition that shows every sign of improving and you could be on your feet and off the government dole and back in the work force in the foreseeable future. But the tone of your email tells me you don’t see it this way. You obviously think you are still disabled and deserve to continue receiving the benefits you are currently getting. So let me tell you what’s going to happen.

You’re going to have to fill out a form in which you will explain what your impairment is and how you believe it continues to keep you from returning to work. At the same time, you will be asked to provide updated medical reports. You very likely may be sent to a Social Security doctor for a medical examination. You certainly don’t need a lawyer to deal with this first round of paperwork and possible medical exams.

Then, a couple of months later, you will either learn that your disability is still considered severe enough to merit continued monthly benefits. Or you will get a letter telling you that your condition has improved to the point where you no longer qualify for disability. That letter usually says your checks will stop in three months. If the latter happens, then you will immediately want to file an appeal. And it’s at that point that you might want to start searching online for lawyers who specialize in Social Security disability cases in your area.

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. To find out

more about Tom Margenau and to read past columns and see features from other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

WATCH

The Real Cost of Power and How Homeowners are Fighting Back

In 2026, Long Island homeowners are facing a quiet but powerful financial squeeze — and it’s not coming from mortgage rates or property taxes alone.

It’s coming from the utility bill.

Electricity, heating, and cooling costs have become one of the fastest-rising expenses in homeownership across Nassau and Suffolk counties. What was once a predictable monthly cost has turned into a volatile and increasingly strategic line item in the household budget.

For many homeowners, the question is no longer whether energy costs will rise.

It’s how high — and how fast.

Long Island’s Perfect Storm

Long Island sits at the intersection of several energy pressures that make the region particularly vulnerable.

First, baseline electricity rates in New York are already among the highest in the nation. Second, much of Long Island’s housing stock was built decades ago, long before modern energy efficiency standards. Third, the region faces aggressive electrification and climate mandates that will require major infrastructure investment.

Layer in aging grid equipment, growing demand from electrification, and increasingly volatile weather patterns, and the result is what many homeowners are now experiencing: utility bill shock.

Winter cold snaps and summer heat Waves are becoming more expensive events. Older homes with poor insulation or outdated HVAC systems are especially exposed.

Why Your Electric Bill Keeps Rising

Several structural forces are driving Long Island’s energy costs higher.

Aging Infrastructure

The electric grid serving the New York metro region requires significant modernization. Storm hardening, substation upgrades, and transmission improvements are expensive — and those costs are ultimately reflected in customer bills.

Long Island’s coastal exposure makes resiliency investments even more critical.

Electrification Policies

New York State is pushing aggressively toward electrification of heating, cooking, and transportation. While the long-term environmental goals are clear, the short-term reality is increased demand on the electric system.

More demand requires more generation and more grid capacity.

Both cost money.

Extreme Weather Volatility

Weather has become a direct financial risk factor.

• Hotter summers drive AC usage

• Colder winter swings increase heating loads

• Storm events raise infrastructure costs

For homeowners in Nassau and Suffolk, the seasonal peaks are getting more expensive — not just more uncomfortable.

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

The AI and Data Center Effect

Few homeowners realize this yet, but the rapid expansion of AI and cloud computing is increasing electricity demand nationwide. New data centers require enormous power capacity, and utilities are planning major investments to keep up.

Over time, that demand pressure contributes to higher systemwide costs.

The Real Estate Impact

Energy is quietly reshaping Long Island real estate.

Today’s buyers are more sophisticated and more cost-conscious. Increasingly, they are asking:

• What are the average utility bills?

• Is the home well insulated?

• Does it have solar panels?

• What type of heating system is installed?

Homes with poor energy performance are beginning to experience what can be called utility drag — where high operating costs reduce buyer enthusiasm and perceived affordability.

Meanwhile, energy-efficient homes are gaining a competitive edge.

In some cases, they are selling faster and commanding modest premiums.

How LI Homeowners Are Fighting Back

The encouraging news is that homeowners across Nassau and Suffolk are not standing still. They are adapting — and in many cases, getting ahead of the problem.

Solar Adoption Is Accelerating

Rooftop solar continues to gain traction across Long Island, and for good reason.

Higher utility rates have improved solar payback periods. Financing options have expanded. And many homeowners are looking for predictable long-term energy costs rather than continued exposure to rate increases.

For the right home, solar is increasingly viewed as a financial hedge.

Battery Storage Is Emerging

The next wave is battery storage.

While still early in adoption, more Long Island homeowners are pairing solar with batteries to:

• Provide backup during outages

• Reduce peak electricity purchases

• Improve energy independence

Given the region’s vulnerability to storms and outages, this trend is likely to grow through the late 2020s.

Efficiency

Retrofits Are Delivering Quiet Wins

Not every solution requires major capital.

Some of the highest-return upgrades remain:

• Air sealing

• Attic insulation

• Smart thermostats

• LED lighting

• High-efficiency HVAC systems

In older Long Island homes — especially colonials, capes, and ranches built between the 1950s and 1980s — building envelope improvements often produce the fastest payback.

Smart Usage Is the New Normal

Time-of-use electricity pricing is expanding, and savvy homeowners are adjusting behavior.

Common strategies now include:

• Charging EVs overnight

• Running dishwashers late evening

• Pre-cooling homes before peak hours

• Using programmable thermostats

• This is the early stage of what may become the smart load management era of homeownership.

What LI Homeowners Should Do Now

If you own property in Nassau or Suffolk, the smartest move is proactive planning.

Start Immediately

• Get a professional energy audit

• Seal air leaks

• Install a smart thermostat

• Review your utility rate plan Plan Over the Next 12–24 Months

• Upgrade insulation where needed

• Evaluate heat pump options

• Replace aging HVAC systems

• Analyze solar economics Think Long Term

• Prepare your electrical panel for future loads

• Consider battery readiness

• Track your annual energy costs

• Treat energy as part of housing affordability because increasingly, it is.

The Bottom Line for 2026

The real cost of power on Long Island is no longer just a monthly nuisance — it is becoming a defining factor in the economics of homeownership.

Rates are under upward pressure. Infrastructure investment is accelerating. Weather volatility is increasing. And electrification is expanding demand.

None of these trends appear temporary.

But homeowners today have more tools than ever to respond — and those who act early are likely to have the advantage.

In the housing market of the late 2020s, the winners may not simply be those who bought at the right price.

They will be the homeowners who learned to control their cost of power.

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

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Soup makes an ideal appetizer

Beetroot Soup With Mixed Seeds

The right appetizer can lay the foundation for a delicious meal. Appetizers run the gamut from homemade bread to small samplings of seafood. Soup is a popular and versatile appetizer that won’t fill anyone up before the main course is served.

Home cooks can choose from any number of soups to serve as the first course at their next dinner party or family meal. The unique flavor profile of this recipe for “Beetroot Soup With Mixed Seeds” from Lines+Angles makes it an opening course.

Serves 4

For the soup:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion

1 finely chopped garlic clove

3 chopped celery stalks

1 teaspoon dried marjoram

1⁄2 teaspoon dried dill

5 cups vegetable stock; plus extra as needed

1 1⁄4 pound pickled beetroot, in juice, cooked, cubed with juice reserved

2 tablespoons yogurt, coconut or soy milk

Salt

Freshly ground black peppercorns

To serve:

4 tablespoons yogurt, coconut or soy milk

2 tablespoons chopped pistachio nuts, shelled

2 tablespoons black chia seeds

2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds

2 tablespoons golden linseeds, or linseeds

1 handful mint leaves

1) For the soup: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan set over a medium heat until hot.

2) Add the onion, garlic, celery, and a generous pinch of salt, cooking for 6 to 7 minutes until softened.

3) Stir in the dried herbs and vegetable stock. Bring to a simmer before stirring in the beetroot.

4) Simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, until the beetroot is very tender to the tip of a knife.

5) Purée with an immersion blender, adding in some of the reserved beetroot juice to thin

out the consistency to your liking; you can also thin it out with more stock or some water.

6) Return the soup to a simmer and stir in the yogurt and some salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm over a very low heat, making sure the soup does not boil.

7) To serve: When ready to serve, ladle into warm bowls and top with some yogurt.

8) Garnish with a scattering of chopped pistachios, mixed seeds and some mint leaves before serving.

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