Bethpage Newsgram (6/6/25) by Litmor Publishing

SERVING BETHPAGE, OLD BETHPAGE, AND PLAINVIEW

BHS student earns natl. writing honor

Bethpage High School junior Caryn Cho has been selected for a 2025 Achievement Award in Writing by the National Council of Teachers of English. She is pictured here with AP Seminar teacher Ms. Anne Marie Sestak (left) and Director of Literacy and English Language Arts, Ms. Valerie Filbry (right).

Bethpage High School student

Caryn Cho has been selected for a 2025 Achievement Award in Writing by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), earning a First Class distinction, the highest level of recognition in the program.

Established in 1957, the NCTE Achievement Awards in Writing is a school-based program designed to encourage high school students to develop their writing skills and celebrate literary talent. Only juniors are eligi-

ble to be nominated, and participation is open to schools across all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, Canada and American schools abroad.

In 2025, 680 students were nominated for the award. U.S. nominees represented 41 states and Washington, D.C., while international nominees came from China, Guatemala, Jordan, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan and Thailand. Each student’s submission was reviewed by two to three inde-

Photo courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

pendent judges, who assessed the writing holistically based on content, purpose, audience, tone, word choice, organization, development and style.

Bethpage High School proudly congratulates Caryn on this outstanding achievement and celebrates her dedication to the craft of writing. Her First Class distinction places her among the most talented young writers in the nation and is a testament to her hard work, creativity and skill.

DA, town partner to fight senior scammers

In a concerted effort to safeguard senior citizens from increasingly prevalent scams, Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly and the Town of Oyster Bay are partnering to host an educational seminar on Monday, June 9, at 1:30 p.m. at the Hicksville Community Center, 28 W. Carl Street, Hicksville. The initiative aims to equip seniors and their caregivers with the knowl-

edge and tools necessary to recognize, report, and combat fraudulent schemes.

Senior citizens, often targeted due to their limited familiarity with modern technology and scam tactics, face heightened risks of manipulation. Factors such as loneliness and medication-related vulnerabilities can exacerbate their susceptibility.

The seminars will cover a range of topics including:

Prostitution

arrests lead to ICE detentions

Nassau County Police arrested two Flushing women for alleged prostitution on Friday, May 30. The women were issued tickets but were then taken into custody by US Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. According to Nassau County detectives, an investigation was conducted at Sweet Spa located in the rear basement of 113A Broadway, Hicksville. According to police, the investigation revealed that prostitution and illegal massages were being conducted

at this location. Tao Zhao, 44, and Na Cao, 35, were placed under arrest without incident. According to police, further investigation determined both defendants are in the United States illegally and are subject to removal proceedings.

Tao Zhao and Na Cao are charged with Prostitution and Unauthorized Practice of a Profession. They were both released on Appearance Tickets and taken into custody by US Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

PAGE 14

Central Blvd. students give back on Thoughtful Thursday

For this month’s Thoughtful Thursday initiative, Central Boulevard students handmade adoption certificates to be donated to local animal rescues.

Central Boulevard Elementary School continued its “Thoughtful Thursday” initiative this month with a heartwarming activity centered on animal rescue awareness. Students across all grade levels learned about the importance of adopting animals from rescue shelters rather than buying them from pet stores.

To support this lesson, students created handmade adoption certificates to be donated to local animal rescues. Younger students colored and decorated pre-designed certificates, while older students had the option to personalize or illustrate their own. The project not only encouraged creativity but also reinforced the importance of compassion and community service.

Thoughtful Thursday takes place on the third Thursday of each month and is a cornerstone of Central Boulevard

Photo courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

School’s commitment to character education. Each month features a new theme that inspires students and staff to spread kindness and give back, both within the school and throughout the larger community. Past projects have included making Valentine’s Day cards for veterans and crafting festive New Year’s placemats for local senior citizens.

On these special days, the school is awash in color as students and staff proudly wear shirts bearing the “Thoughtful Thursday” slogan - a visible sign of their shared mission to make a difference.

Through this monthly tradition, Central Boulevard School continues to foster empathy, generosity, and community spirit in its students—one thoughtful act at a time.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Yes, we wrote To the Editor:

When the school board president quietly stepped aside and chose not to seek re-election - on the very last day, with only one person filing just hours before the deadline, after losing the year before - many in our community felt something deeper than surprise.

They felt unseen.

But Jericho did not stay silent.

We stood up. We spoke out.

And we wrote in.

In a powerful act of civic courage, parents, neighbors, and friends came together - not with anger, but with purpose. Not to divide, but to rebuild trust. And from that movement rose Kenny Jin: a father, a husband, a listener, and a voice for transparency and inclusion.

But this moment didn’t happen in

us.

Through that process, I found my voice - and, with it, a deeper sense of purpose. What began as concern evolved into a clarity of vision. Over time, I became not just a messenger, but part of a broader movement toward responsible, informed civic engagement.

As awareness grew, so did unity. Voices rose. Concerns were clarified. Connections were made.

And in that shared space, something powerful took root: the belief that we could do better.

And we did.

On May 20, 2025, Jericho made history when Kenny Jin won as a write-in candidate - an extraordinary outcome driven by engaged citizens who chose participation over apathy, and hope over silence.

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Jericho showed what’s possible when we listen to one another, when we stay informed, and when we act together with courage and conviction.

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Bethpage celebrates team captains at board meeting

At the May 27 Bethpage Board of

At the May 27 Bethpage Board of Education meeting, the district proudly honored the student-athletes who served as team captains for Bethpage High School during the 2024–25 school year. This cherished annual tradition is a heartfelt sendoff to a remarkable group of lead -

ers whose dedication, teamwork and sportsmanship helped shape another successful year of Golden Eagles athletics.

Following a warm welcome from Athletic Director John Franchi, each captain was invited on stage to introduce themselves, share the sport they

led, and talk about their future plans. It was especially exciting to hear about the colleges and programs the senior athletes will be heading to next year - a moment that filled the room with pride and applause.

Captains from across all seasons — fall, winter, and spring - were rec -

ognized, representing 26 sports programs and countless hours of hard work and dedication. Their leadership has left a lasting impression on their teammates and the Bethpage athletic community.

Photo courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

Upcoming Events at the Jericho Public Library

Thursday, June 5

1:00 p.m.: HYBRID: The Passionate Reader: “Tell Me Everything” by Elizabeth Strout - While defending a lonely, isolated man accused of killing his mother, town lawyer Bob Burgess falls into a deep and abiding friendship with acclaimed writer, Lucy Barton, and together they meet the iconic Olive Kitteridge and spend afternoons in Olive’s apartment, telling each other stories, which imbues their lives with meaning.

4:00 p.m.: Art Workshop with Art Teacher Amy (Grades 1–6) - Follow along with Art Teacher Amy as she leads you through creating your own masterpiece in the style of great artists

Saturday, June 7

9:30 a.m.: Defensive Driving with It Is Well Driving School - Completion of this program entitles you to a NYS insurance discount and point reduction. Bring your NY State Driver License and a pen to class. Temperature fluctuates... bring a sweater or jacket! Bring your lunch. Coffee and tea will be available. Cost: $30.00 ~ In-person registration ONLY. Make your check payable to “It Is Well Driving School” Check must be submitted when signing up. No refunds unless class is cancelled.

Sunday, June 8

2:00 p.m.: The Day Trippers: A Beatles Cover Band - The Day Trippers are a Beatles tribute band that will be performing the Fab Four’s greatest hits from 1962 to 1970. During the performance they will point out what made the songs they play special. You

will experience how the Beatles songs changed, from wonderful simple love songs to more complex material with many different themes and subject matters as the 1960s decade went on.Tickets are required. Non-ticket holders will be seated as space allows.

Monday, June 9

10:30 a.m.: Sensational Playtime (Ages 18 Months to 3 Years) - This is a play-based program for Early Childhood designed with occupational therapy objectives in mind. It will focus on developmental motor and social skills to foster the emerging skills for this age group.

2:00 p.m.: VIRTUAL: Profiles with Dr. William Thierfelder: Writing With Pride - This program explores the work of six writers whose writing explores the nature and scope of the LGBTQ+ experience: James Baldwin (“Giovanni’s Room”), Audre Lorde (“Sister Outsider”), Larry Kramer (“The Normal Heart”), Armistead Maupin (“Tales of the City”), Ruby Mae Brown (“Rubyfruit Jungle”), and George M. Johnson (“All Boys Aren’t Blue”).

6:30 p.m.: Teens Community Service: Summer Reading BannerEarn community service credit for helping us out with our Summer Reading preparation! In this 2-part event, art instructor Ms. Leslie will assist and supply everything you need to paint on a banner that will then be displayed in the Children's Room during Summer Reading!

Tuesday, June 10

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.

10:00 a.m.: Stepping Stones to Milestones (Ages 24–36 Months)Come join Miss Renee and Miss Amy for an adventure in Language, Learning and FUN! Creative activities will focus on helping your child as they venture down the path toward age appropriate milestones.

11:00 a.m.: VIRTUAL: Guided Meditation for Self-Healing with Patricia Anderson - Join Pat for one or all of the meditation sessions to bring harmony and balance into your life. Learn the beautiful practice of Jin Shin Jyutsu to help your body heal and keep you relaxed.

11:00 a.m.: Stepping Stones to Milestones (Ages 18–23 Months)Come join Miss Renee and Miss Amy for an adventure in Language, Learning and FUN! Creative activities will focus on helping your child as they venture down the path toward age appropriate milestones.

7:00 p.m.: Introduction to Generative AI with Michael Bartolomeo - This program is an overview of generative AI technologies like ChatGPT with example prompts geared towards improving workplace and personal productivity.

Wednesday, June 11

10:30 a.m.: Songs for Baby’s Day

(Ages Birth to 30 Months) - Come and enjoy this literacy building, fun, and educational musical storytime!

4:00 p.m.: Afterschool Adventures in Art: Art and Friendship (Grades 1–6) - Discover the work of famous pop artist Keith Haring, who used his art to show friendship and to help others. Then create your own colorful art inspired by his.

Thursday, June 12

10:30 a.m.: Giggles and Grooves with Rebecca (Ages 1–5) - Join Ms. Rebecca from Giggles and Grooves for a morning of singing, dancing, and playing! In this class, children will listen to the guitar and explore different instruments, movement toys, puppets, parachute and bubbles. Let's make music together!

7:00 p.m.: Books Before Bedtime (Ages 4–8) - Listen to a read a loud and then watch a short film all before bedtime!

Friday, June 13

2:00 p.m.: VIRTUAL: Great Performers: Gene Hackman: An Actor, Not a Star with Marc CourtadeGene Hackman had a career that spanned over 60 years. He received two Academy Awards, one a Best Actor, one as Best Supporting Actor, and had three other nominations. From his early career on stage and television, he said he was trained to be an actor, not a star. His best roles continued to be playing ordinary people even as his fame increased. His performances remind us of the quality a great actor can bring to films.

This Week at the Syosset Public Library

Tuesday, June 10, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Mobile Office for Congressman Thomas Suozzi (IN-PERSON)

Come and meet with a member of Congressman Tom Suozzi’s staff who will be able to assist you. They can help in obtaining a passport, resolving issues with Social Security, Medicare, VA benefits and more.

Thursday, June 12, from 1:30 -3:30 p.m.

Seniors of Syosset Drop-In (IN-PERSON)

Funded through New York State Office for the Aging, Seniors of Syosset is a Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community program (NNORC-SOS). The program will offer social work support, community health nursing, and subsidized transportation to local medical appointments, free bus transportation for shopping, as

well as other activities and services. Whether you are a senior in need of support, someone who wants to volunteer helping the community, or just someone who wants to learn more, we hope you will drop-in and get involved.

Thursday, June 12, at 2:00 p.m.

The Addams Family Meets the Munsters (IN-PERSON)

Presenter: Larry Wolff

A nostalgic and fun afternoon awaits you as you relive two the most offbeat and funny series ever to appear on major network television. Learn about the creation, background, and making of both “The Addams Family” and “The Munsters,” then watch some short clips of both shows. No registration needed.

Thursday, June 12, at 7:00 p.m.

Writing Workshop: How to Create a Compelling Villain (VIRTUAL)

Presenter: Erin Coughlin, award-

nominated writer and producer and author of “Pop and Fizz’s Double Feature Movie Night Guide”

Learn how to create a unique, complex and scene stealing villain! Get the tips and tricks that you need to make your antagonist engaging and enduring to your readers or viewers. Discover tricks used by popular storytellers that will improve your antagonist. Participate in writing exercises and prompts guaranteed to improve your villain and entire story. Writers of all levels, genres and mediums welcome! Registration needed. Register at syossetlibrary.org.

Friday, June 13, 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 within 24 hours of class. Register at syossetlibrary.org. The Zoom link will be sent out once you register.

Friday, June 13, at 5:30 p.m.

Let’s Go Birding Together (OFFSITE)

Celebrate Pride Month at the Sanctuary! Join us for our annual Let’s Go Birding Together bird walk in partnership with the Syosset Public Library. We’ll be looking out for thrushes, orioles, woodpeckers, and even hummingbirds along our trails and gardens! This event will take place at The Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center, 134 Cove Rd, Oyster Bay, NY 11771. Registration needed. Register at syossetlibrary.org.

BRUCE A. BLAKEMAN NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE presents

INTERNATIONAL NIGHTS AT HARRY CHAPIN LAKESIDE THEATRE

Sunday, June 8, 3:30pm Israeli American Night

Sunday, June 22, 6:00pm Indian American Night

Wednesday, June 25, 7:00pm Greek American Night

Sunday, June 29, 6:00pm African American Night

Monday, June 30, 7:00pm Ukrainian American Night

Sunday, July 6, 6:00pm Creole American Night

Monday, July 7, 7:00pm German American Night

Friday, July 11, 7:00pm Bangladeshi American Night

Sunday, July 20, 6:00pm Chinese American Night

Sunday, July 27, 6:00pm Colombian American Night

Monday, July 28, 7:00pm Italian American Night

Monday, August 4, 7:00pm Irish American Night

Sunday, August 17, 5-9pm Pakistani American Night

Sunday, August 24, 6:00pm Korean American Night

Sunday, August 31, 6:00pm Turkish American Night

Sunday, September 7, 6:00pm Latino American Night

EISENHOWER PARK

FREE ADMISSION | Bring Blankets or Chairs | Parking Field #6 Weather permitting, call 516-572-0200 for up-to-date information.

Bethpage schools celebrate 2025 tenure recipients

The ceremony took place in the Bethpage High School courtyard, where family, friends and colleagues gathered to recognize the achievements and dedication of this year’s honorees.

On May 27, the Bethpage Union Free School District celebrated an important milestone for a distinguished group of educators and administrators: the awarding of tenure. The ceremony took place in the Bethpage High School courtyard, where family, friends and colleagues gathered to recognize the achievements and dedication of this year’s honorees.

Led by Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Mr. Kevin Fullerton, the event honored the individuals who have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to excellence in education.

Superintendent of Schools Mr. David Schneider offered heartfelt remarks, praising the honorees for their passion, perseverance and impact on students throughout the district.

Each tenure recipient was presented with a commemorative pin by their building principal as a symbol of their dedication and contributions. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed light refreshments and the opportunity to connect with one another in celebration.

The 2025 Bethpage UFSD tenure honorees are:

Administrators

• Valerie Filbry – Director of ELA & Literacy

• Chris Pollatos – Director of Science

• Dominique Siebert – Principal, Central Boulevard Elementary School Bethpage High School

• Christie Cino-Schoendorf –

Ms. Dominique Siebert, principal of Central Boulevard School, was both a tenure honoree and a presenter, proudly awarding pins to her fellow CBS honorees.

Science

• Brooke Quezada – Special Education

• Anthony Regateiro – Special Education

John F. Kennedy Middle School

• Kelly LaRosa – Special Education

• Mercedes O’Brien – Teaching Assistant

Central Boulevard Elementary School

• Margaret Lettieri – School Psychologist

• Ashley Scotto – Library Media Specialist

• Nicole Turano – Elementary Teacher

• Darlene Happel – Teaching Assistant

Ms. Ashley Scotto, library specialist at CBS, was among the honorees.

• Diane Fierro – Teaching Assistant

• Darlene Flaherty – Teaching Assistant

• Jennifer Galeotafiore –Teaching Assistant

• Dawn Spero – Teaching Assistant

Charles Campagne Elementary School

• Kayleigh Duca – Music

• Amanda Gherardi – Elementary Teacher

• Adrienne Sodano – Literacy

Kramer Lane Elementary School

• Amanda Tepedino – Elementary Teacher

Photos courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

Superintendent David Schneider with JFK principal Ms. Erin Hayes, CCS principal Ms. Julianne Inghilterra, CBS principal Ms. Dominique Siebert, Kramer Lane principal Ms. Kerri McCarthy and BHS principal Mr. Nicholas Jantz.

Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Mr. Kevin Fullerton led the event.

Among the honorees was Ms. Kayleigh Duca, music teacher at CCS.

St. Francis Heart Center’s renowned cardiovascular team is now partnering with NewYork-Presbyterian.

For Catholic Health and NewYork-Presbyterian with doctors from Columbia and Weill Cornell Medicine, clinical collaboration means that advanced and comprehensive cardiac care is now the norm for every patient across Long Island. Together, we’re expanding St. Francis Heart Center’s advanced heart failure, congenital heart disease and pediatric cardiology programs, while partnering with NewYork-Presbyterian’s leading heart transplant program. So, for anything your heart may need, you can find it right here.

To learn more, visit chsli.org/heart

Free summer concert series at parks, beaches

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced the return of “Music Under the Stars” – a free summer concert series – which kicks off on Tuesday, July 1, and features a wide variety of genres ranging from country to rock. All concerts begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted below. For comfort, residents may bring blankets, chairs and coolers. Performances are subject to change and will be held weather permitting. For additional information, please call (516) 797-7925, visit the Town’s website at www.oysterbaytown.com/summer or Facebook page @TownofOysterBay.

Summer Concert Series:

Tuesday, July 1: Ellsworth W. Allen Town Park, Farmingdale - The Allmost Brothers Band Tribute to the Allman Brothers Band

Wednesday, July 2: Ellsworth W. Allen Town Park, Farmingdale - DDXS Tribute to Duran Duran and INXS

Saturday, July 5: John J. Burns Town Park, Massapequa - New York Bee Gees Tribute Show Playing the Bee Gees Greatest Hits

Tuesday, July 8: Start Time

7:30 p.m.: John J. Burns Town Park, Massapequa - Salute to America

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY CORPORATION

Notice of Formation of Mashawears Media LLC. Art. of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/09/2025.

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: 998C Old Country Rd. #259, Plainview, NY 11803. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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Honoring Veterans & Armed Forces featuring Decadia followed by Grucci Fireworks

Wednesday, July 9: John J. Burns

Town Park, Massapequa - Any Way You Want It Journey Tribute

Saturday, July 12: SyossetWoodbury Community Park, WoodburyThree American Troubadours

Celebrating James Taylor, Carly Simon & Carole King

Tuesday, July 15: John J. Burns Town Park, Massapequa - Arrival From Sweden: The Music of ABBA

Wednesday, July 16: John J. Burns Town Park, Massapequa - Mike DelGuidice

Saturday, July 19: Start time

6:00 p.m. John J. Burns Town Park, Massapequa - Country Fest: Tennessee Whiskey Tribute to Chris Stapleton with the Ultimate Eric Church ExperienceFamily-friendly activities, photo opportunities, line dancing, inflatables, food trucks and so much more

Tuesday, July 22: John J. Burns

Town Park, Massapequa - The New York Tenors featuring Andy Cooney, Daniel Rodriguez and Christopher Macchio

Wednesday, July 23: Harry Tappen Beach, Glenwood Landing - StevieMac:

A Fleetwood Mac & Stevie Nicks Experience

Saturday, July 26: Ellsworth W. Allen Town Park, Farmingdale - Disco Unlimited — The hottest disco show and dance band on the East Coast.

Tuesday, July 29: John J. Burns

Town Park, Massapequa - Are You Ready For It? A Taylor Experience — Taylor Swift Tribute

Wednesday, July 30: Ellsworth W. Allen Town Park, FarmingdaleDean Karahalis and the Concert Pops of Long Island Celebrating Broadway’s Anniversary Milestones 2025

Saturday, August 2: John J. Burns Town Park, Massapequa - The Beat Goes On: Cher Tribute featuring Lisa McClowry

Tuesday, August 5: John J. Burns Town Park, Massapequa - Tribute to Beatles, Zeppelin and Doors by Magical Mystery Doors

Wednesday, August 6: PlainviewOld Bethpage Community Park, Plainview - The Main Event: A tribute to the legendary Barbra Streisand starring Jill Gioia.

Saturday, August 9: Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park & Beach, Oyster Bay - Dr. K’s Motown Revue: America’s #1 authentic Motown Revue Band

Tuesday, August 12: John J. Burns Town Park, Massapequa - The Doo Wop Project: America’s Premiere Doo Wop Group

Wednesday, August 13: SyossetWoodbury Community Park, WoodburyHalf Step Playing the music of the Grateful Dead

Saturday, August 16: John J. Burns Town Park, Massapequa - Dalton presents the Zac(h)s: Celebrating the Music of Zac Brown Band and Zach Bryan

Objects or purposes:

LEGAL NOTICES

NASSAU COUNTY PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE

The bond resolution, a summary of which is published herewith, has been adopted on May 27, 2025, and the validity of the obligations authorized by such bond resolution may be hereafter contested only if such obligations were authorized for an object or purpose for which the BETHPAGE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, in the County of Nassau, New York, is not authorized to expend money or if the provisions of law which should have been complied with as of the date of publication of this Notice were not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty days after the publication of this Notice, or such obligations were authorized in violation of the provisions of the constitution.

Elena Becker District Clerk

BOND RESOLUTION OF THE BETHPAGE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, NEW YORK, ADOPTED MAY 27, 2025, AUTHORIZING THE CONSTRUCTION OF ALTERATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO DISTRICT BUILDINGS AND/OR SITES THEREOF; STATING THE ESTIMATED TOTAL COST THEREOF IS NOT TO EXCEED $24,000,000; APPROPRIATING SAID AMOUNT THEREFOR INCLUDING THE EXPENDITURE OF $12,000,000 OF CAPITAL RESERVE FUNDS ON HAND; AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $12,000,000 SERIAL BONDS OF SAID DISTRICT TO FINANCE THE BALANCE OF SAID APPROPRIATION.

construction of additions and/or alterations and improvements to District buildings and/or sites

Amount of obligations to be issued not to exceed $12,000,000 Period of probable usefulness: thirty (30) years

A complete copy of the bond resolution summarized above shall be available for public inspection during normal business hours at the office of the District Clerk, Bethpage Union Free School District, Cherry Avenue, Bethpage, New York.

Dated: May 27, 2025 Bethpage, New York

DA, town partner to fight senior scammers

From page 1

• Common scam tactics and how to identify them

• Steps to take if you suspect a scam

• Practical strategies for safeguarding personal information

• Resources for reporting fraudulent activities

“Protecting our seniors is a top priority,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “By working with District Attorney

Donnelly, we are taking proactive steps to ensure that our elderly community members are informed and empowered against deceitful tactics.”

District Attorney Donnelly stated, “My office is dedicated to combating fraud using all the tools at our disposal, and community engagement is vital to keeping Nassau County safe. Through these educational seminars, seniors will learn how to spot the warning signs of a scam and, most impor-

tantly, protect themselves and their finances. Working together with leaders like Supervisor Saladino, we can fight back against senior scams across our county and blunt their impact on our most vulnerable residents.”

Residents are encouraged to attend these seminars to gain valuable insights and share the information with family and friends.

Free workshops for seniors

The Town of Oyster Bay is partnering with Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips to host Free Senior Workshops designed to provide valuable resources and information to the Town’s senior community. The topics covered at these workshops will include possible unclaimed funds, senior discounts, emergency preparedness, and self-defense tips.

Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino stated, “I’m proud to join with County Comptroller Elaine Phillips to offer this informative program to resi-

dents. These workshops will go over a wide variety of topics and resources our seniors should be made aware of and take advantage of. By supporting and educating our seniors, we strengthen the fabric of our entire community.”

Workshops will be offered:

• Wednesday, June 11, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Oyster Bay Community Center- 59 Church Street, Oyster Bay, NY 11771

• Tuesday, June 17, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Hicksville Community Center28 W. Carl Street, Hicksville,

NY 11801

County Comptroller Elaine Phillips stated, “The health and safety of our senior residents is of the utmost importance. Whether you’re looking to enhance your personal safety or understand how to better utilize available senior resources, this workshop is designed to help you live more confidently and securely every day.”

For more information, please contact Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips’ Office at (516) 571-2386.

Town plans blood drive on June 17

With hospitals facing a nationwide blood shortage, the Town of Oyster Bay invites residents to attend a Blood Collection Drive on Tuesday, June 17, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hicksville Athletic Center, located at 167 S. Broadway in Hicksville.

Town Councilman Lou Imbroto stated, “Blood supplies are critically needed for local hospitals to meet the demand and continue saving lives. Please consider participating in this blood drive to help bolster our blood banks and ensure as many people as possible can be helped. Together, we can give the gift of life though a simple blood donation.”

Appointments are preferred for the Town’s Blood Drive. To qualify as a donor, a person

must be between the ages of 17 and 75 years old (16 with parental permission and 76 or older with a doctor’s note), weigh at least 110 pounds and not have donated blood within the last 56 days. Anyone who received a tattoo within the past three months is ineligible to donate. It is recommended that donors eat well (low fat) and drink fluids in the days before the Blood Drive. Additionally, all donors will receive a voucher for a free Blizzard at Dairy Queen.

Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino added, “It’s quick, easy, and safe to donate a single pint of blood which can save up to three lives. Donating blood at the Hicksville Athletic Center, is an incredible way for all of us to pitch in and give

NASSAU COUNTY BID NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE

BETHPAGE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT BETHPAGE, NEW YORK 11714

BID # 011-2526

Kitchen Equipment

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that sealed bids will be received by the Board of Education of the Bethpage Union Free School District, Town of Oyster Bay, Bethpage, New York.BID # 011-2526 for Kitchen Equipment. Bids will be publicly opened and read on June 23, 2025 at 11:00 AM in the Administration Building, 10 Cherry Avenue, Bethpage, New York.

Sealed bids are to be addressed to the attention of Scott Harrington, Assistant Superintendent for Business, Bethpage Union Free School District, Administration Building, 10 Cherry Avenue, Bethpage, New York, 11714.

The Board reserves the right to reject any and all bids which in its discretion are not in the best interest of the school district, and to waive any informality as to non-material errors or omissions in the submissions.

Bid specifications and all applicable terms and conditions may be obtained via email by contacting Sara Minieri at Sminieri@Bethpage.ws. Contact the Bethpage Business Office with any questions regarding this bid at 516-644-

back, to help ease the burden of our Healthcare Heroes as they continue to provide lifesaving efforts.”

For additional information regarding the Town’s Blood Drive, contact (516) 624-6380. To make an appointment to donate at this Blood Drive, sign up today at www.oysterbaytown.com/ blooddrive

About to hit a milestone?

Share your life accomplishments with your neighbors! Put your engagement, wedding, or baby announcement in the paper, (and it's free of charge for subscribers!) Email editor@gcnews.com

NASSAU COUNTY BID NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID BETHPAGE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT BETHPAGE, NEW YORK 11714

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE sealed bids will be received by the Board of Education of the Bethpage Union Free School District, Town of Oyster Bay, Bethpage, New York BID # 010-2526 for ATHLETIC and CUSTODIAL UNIFORMS and SUPPLES. Bids will be publicly opened and read on June 16, 2025 at 11:00 AM in the Administration Building, 10 Cherry Avenue, Bethpage, New York.

Travel Industry Responds to Travelers’ Desire for Wellness

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

Travel has so many benefits – on a macro level, travel is the greatest invention humanity has devised for promoting peace, prosperity, progress and understanding by bringing different people together. On a micro level, travel is a life-enhancing, oftentimes life-changing experience that promotes personal health and well-being. Wellness travel is a major and growing segment of the wellness industry writ large, and the travel industry.

“The global wellness tourism market represents a small but rapidly increasing share of tourism trips. Compared to other leisure travelers, wellness tourists tend to spend significantly more, while exploring diverse destinations, activities and services. Governments, wellness businesses and local organizations can implement thoughtful wellness

tourism strategies to benefit both the destinations and their surrounding communities,” GWI research fellow Tonia Callender writes. “Now is an especially opportune time, as wellness tourists are increasingly interested in nature, curative waters, outdoor exercise, local healthy cuisines, and indigenous healing arts. Protecting all of these assets strengthens a destination’s appeal for wellness tourism.”

The Global Wellness Summit’s (GWS’s) The Future of Wellness: 2025 Trends predicts major shifts impacting the travel industry and wellness travelers..

Trend: Slow Travel

One of the leading trends identified that I am obsessed with is slow travel. I have just returned from a perfect example: BoatBikeTours’ sailing and biking trip to Netherlands’ islands, which offers an ideal pace for personal reflection, for visual interest, for a boost of endorphins, the opportunity to stop and take a photo or engage

with someone you meet, even to ask directions, to go through villages and towns and ride back roads where you can appreciate how people live that you would never see otherwise – in other words, engagement. Slow travel provides all the wellness benefits of the travel experience.

At the Global Wellness Summit, they dubbed this trend “Wellness on the Line” and focused on how cruise and rail travel fit into the desire for “slow travel” (but I would add biking, hiking, walking and pilgrimage tours offer much the same benefits).

Train travel fits the ideal of slow travel – both in pacing that promotes mindfulness (even the rhythm of wheels rolling on the track and the gentle rocking as you watch the landscape roll by, and being eco-friendly.

Belmond, the luxury travel company that is part of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE and owns or manages 45 luxury hotels and spas, restaurant, train and river cruise properties, operates some of

the most famous trains in the world including the Venice-Simplon Orient Express, the Royal Scotsman. Its new Britannic Explorer, UK’s first luxury sleeper train, has a first-of-its-kind wellness suite onboard, where as you travel to Wales, the Lake District, Cornwall, you can enjoy treatments based on circadian rhythms, with different treatments depending upon the time of day.

Nicola Herbert, Belmond’s global director of wellness strategies (its tagline is “Discover a new pace of travel”, described the company’s global strategy for Belmond hotels, trains, cruises, safari camps, focus on wellbeing and why trains and wellness are such a good mix: “Guests on a Belmond train feel like they are stepping into a cocoon, a bubble, moving away from reality. There is a natural tendency to disconnect. The common theme: it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey; embrace the journey.” June 6, 2025

Road Scholar: Adventure is Key Factor in Happiness and Health for Older Adults

Non-Profit Leader in Educational Travel Establishes June 8th as Annual National Observance, ‘Age Adventurously Day,’ in Celebration of 50th Anniversary Road Scholar, the not-for-profit world leader in educational travel for older adults, released a new report indicating that adventure is a key contributor to the happiness and health of aging adults. Based on a survey of 300 adults aged 50 to 98, Road Scholar’s findings reveal that 94% of older adults who embrace adventurous activities – whether through travel, lifelong learning or stepping outside their comfort zones – report higher levels of wellbeing.

In addition to the report, the organization has announced a new nation-

al observance on its 50th anniversary June 8th, “Age Adventurously Day,” kicking off with a contest offering one lucky winner a travel voucher, among other prizes.

Road Scholar’s Age Adventurously Report offers compelling insights into the connection between aging, adventure and wellbeing. Compared to previous generations, today’s older adults are more adventurous than ever before.

Here’s a look at a few standout findings: Educational Experiences Spark Interest in Distant Destinations and Frequent Travel: Older adults who engage in educational travel are

Continued on next page

Adventuring in Vietnam. A study by the non-profit Road Scholar finds that adventure is a key contributor to the happiness and health of aging adults. The leader in educational travel has declared June 8th “Age Adventurously Day, to motivate older adults to break free of their routines and seek out new experiences, and is offering prizes for participating More information at roadscholar.org.. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com.

GOING PLACES NEAR AND FAR

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

Travel Industry Responds to Travelers’ Desire for Wellness

Continued from previous page

Trains and boats have a naturally slow pace, their movement, and even sound, lull the body as you also see incredible natural landscapes floating by.

“We provide amazingly curated aesthetic space where guests use their creativity to achieve wellness – guests find a sketch book gifted in the cabin, communing across a chess board. Passengers have permission to reconnect with relaxation. Traveling with companion or fellow passengers, discovering destination – bonding experience – create friendships for life on these journeys.”

You can find a plethora of wellness experiences at Belmond properties at a dedicated site, https://www.belmond. com/experiences/wellbeing

(A company specializing in rail journeys is Railbookers.com,888-8293040)

Wellness is transforming cruising. We saw it in the 1980s, when cruiselines introduced luxurious spas and healthy dining on board, but what they are doing now is “integrated wellness” with onboard programming –a nutritionist lecture on “nutrigenomics,” a three-day cellular detox, fitness classes that focus on mobility, balance, posture; yoga meditation; and activities like stargazing at night, classes to learn computer skills, art, or learning the tango – as well as onshore activities and excursions.

Viking Cruises is one line that has embraced this in a big way. “There are so many facets from the architecture of ship reflecting its Nordic heritage, an onboard snow grotto with snowballs scented with lavender, to excursions to thermal lagoons and nature walks; Shore excursions also provide opportunities for these enhanced experiences, like a workshop on Aloe Vera in Cape Verde; a guided medicinal plant walk

through the jungle in Mexico, said Suzie Ellis, GWI’s CEO.

Blue World Voyages, launching in 2026, is promising to be the epitome of active lifestyle cruising. A ship designed in yacht style it is dedicated to sport and wellness. It is striving to be the ‘healthiest ship at sea, with an- entire deck designed around sports and fitness, the world’s largest functional training facility at sea, a state of the art golf school, and the largest luxury spa per passenger at sea.

Trend: Analog Wellness

At the heart of many of the wellness trends is a rejection of the digital, overly techno, virtual world in favor of a return to the simplicity and authenticity of the analog, spawning a trend to “analog travel”– old-school, old-fashioned, basic creative pursuits and opportunities for in-person social interaction and communication.

“The online and social media world has gone too far,” said GWI’s Beth McGroarty. People are resenting the manipulation, the intrusive marketing, the evil algorithms, the lies. People are sick of ‘brain robbing,’ polarization, and the time-suck from life spent in front of screens. People are getting aggressive about logging off in life and in travel. More travelers are seeking out destinations and experiences where the phone is locked up or properties that do not have wifi (think “White Lotus”). More hotels and resorts and destinations are channeling this zeitgeist, introducing retro, pre industrial programming, tactile experiences like embroidery, clay modeling– analog experiences that restore what the digital world stolen.”

Analog experiences are as varied as blacksmithing and birdwatching, or the use of “retro tech” like old-school film cameras, dumb phones (that can only be used for emergencies), typewriters,

paper maps and old-fashioned alarm clocks. The common denominator is going “unplugged.”

Vinyl listening is now the rage, she said (and as if to prove the point, Newsday reported, “Vinyl bars in NYC to explore ” https://www.newsday.com/ travel/vinyl-bars-nyc-g4cu5v7v)

There are deep listening sauna sessions, where you settle in for a group audio meditation – take complete vinyl album from classic artist; and “social reading”; wellness resorts and retreats are offering art as wellness therapy, arts and crafts, painting, ceramics, writing, knitting workshops. embroidery, clay modeling.

“It’s not just going retro, but back to pre-Industrial pursuits.”

At the Viceroy at Ombria Algarve in Portugal, for example, guests can sign up to be a “Shepherd for a Day” learning traditional sheep herding practices from a local shepherd and drive the flock home; also “Hive to Honey” and “Traditional Pottery Workshop” with a local artisan (Viceroy at Ombria Algarve, www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com)

‎On a restored 17th century farm resort, you can do blacksmithing, milk cows, leatherworking, carpentry, wheat milling.

Tourism boards are jumping in. Japan’s tourism Board has created a road map for travelers to find traditions like paper crafting, copper and gold smithing.

Nightlife is also going analog, with super social clubs, spaces where people craft, read, listen to music, play games; reading parties where an hour of reading is set to live music in beautiful settings.

People are also giving up booze and seeking a nightlife beyond eating and drinking: a rise in night experiences and wellness experiences like stargazing and night kayaking (also a reaction to glob-

Road Scholar: Adventure is Key Factor in Happiness and Health for Older Adults

Continued from previous page

more likely to explore distant destinations and travel more often compared to their peers. Thirty-two percent of participants surveyed reported that the majority of their travel is international. Road Scholar participants also tend to travel more frequently with 45% of those polled taking 4-8 trips annually, compared to 26% of those not involved with the organization.

Adventure Adds to Health and Happiness: Nearly 100% of older adults surveyed agreed that being adventurous contributes to their health, happiness and wellbeing. In fact, Road Scholar participants above the age of 50 who actively embrace new experiences indicated feeling just as happy as they were in their 20s, 30s or 40s – scoring an average of 3.2 on a 5-point scale

ranking happiness from «not happier» to «extremely happier.»

Adventurousness Across Generations: When asked if their generation was more adventurous in older adulthood than their parents’ generation, 75% of Gen Xers agreed and 89% of Boomers and Silent Gen concurred – showing that older adults have evolved to be more adventurous.

Celebrate Age Adventurously Day Road Scholar has declared June 8th as Age Adventurously Day. This now-approved annual observance, certified by the National Day Archives, aims to motivate older adults to break free of their routines, seek out fresh opportunities, and redefine what it means to age.

On June 8th each calendar year, Age Adventurously Day will serve as a reminder to individuals that aging does

al warming which is making daytime activities oppressively, even dangerously hot).

Trend: Social Saunas

Saunas have been around for thousands of years, but saunas are enjoying an incredible renaissance and renewal, a trend which GWI calls “Sauna Reimagined.”

“From new urban saunas in New York and Chicago, to rustic waterfront saunas in Oslo or Brighton, to saunas with immersive art installations in Tokyo, today’s saunas represent a reinvention of an age-old tradition—and an increasingly younger, hipper crowd is taking notice, the GWI reports. “These younger consumers, craving real-life connections beyond bars and clubs, are flocking to social saunas, which can feature DJs, drag queens or full-blown concerts. Where saunas were once a sad, dark, lonely box in a basement, today they’re lively, social, cultural and entertainment hubs, often with fantastic views and in incredible locations, and people just can’t get enough.”

Saunas are increasingly paired with other forms of entertainment (“saunatainment”, which resonates with a younger demographic. In London, sauna festivals and pop-ups combine music, dance workshops, bands and DJs with sauna rituals, cold plunges and hot tubs, even comedy, while in Norway, Deep Listening sessions at Farris Bad bring people together to hear a favorite classic album while in the sauna.

“People used to think of sauna as sad, dark, lonely box in a basement that smelled like sweat. Today, they are lively social hubs with fantastic views in incredible locations.”

The Future of Wellness 2025 Trends report is available from the Global Wellness Institute, https:// globalwellnessinstitute.org/.

not mean the end of adventure, but rather a new beginning full of opportunities. The day invites everyone within the Road Scholar community and beyond to embrace the spirit of adventure, stepping beyond the ordinary, trying something they’ve always wanted to do, and making aging an adventure.

To kick off the inaugural Age Adventurously Day, Road Scholar is hosting a special contest. Participants are invited to share their plans for the day or submit stories and photos of their adventures at www.ageadventurously. org. One winner will receive a $1,500 travel voucher for a Road Scholar program, along with other prizes. Entries will be accepted through June 13, with the winner selected at random.

For more information, visit roadscholar.org.

All about book clubs, ukuleles and guitars

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

Participating in a book club is a great way to get to know people in my community. We discuss current events and all sorts of things plus many people arrive a few minutes early and stay afterwards. I’ve tried a few different book clubs with various formats and I like the one that’s moderated by a library staff member. She emails people ahead of time and keeps the meeting moving along. We have 60 minutes to cover everything and give everyone a chance to comment on the book and that works. It’s a perfect amount of time.

It doesn’t take much of a prompt to get people talking about that month’s book selection but a good way to analyze a book is to talk about the characters, the plot and the themes. We inevitably get into the symbolism and imagery in the book which is either fiction or non-fiction.

Analyzing the point of view in a novel is always interesting so at some point we ask whose point of view was the clearest and the most sympathetic. A good example of this is “Someone Knows” by Lisa Scottoline. It came out in 2019 and we discussed this recently at my book club. Scottoline doesn’t usually use different points of view but it works well in this story.

There were many twists and turns in this book about disappointment, heartbreak and redemption. It was an emotionally packed story and eventually relationships were restored. Some people find it’s confusing to have different points of view but others feel it’s a great way of revealing the inner thoughts of the characters to the reader.

Similar to the way our English teachers showed us how to analyze books in high school we ask if we liked the writer, if we’ve read other books by the same writer and what other exciting books are coming down the pike? What’s next on our reading list?

My book club has between 30-35 people so we wear name tags - which always makes me laugh and reminds me of classes and groups I belonged to years ago - and it’s a good way to learn each

have things in common besides books - and sometimes we don’t.

My guess is that many people think book clubs for retirees are rather routine if not boring types of clubs but the fact is book clubs can be pretty amusing at times. Case in point. I went to the book club meeting at my public library and Joy, who has been a regular for years, spoke about how talented so many of the authors and other creative people are.

Joy said that she’s impressed by geniuses who can create things in a way that looks effortless to us. “Isaac Asimov is a good example and so is Georgia O’Keeffe but they must have had a gene that predisposed them to being able to exceed in a certain area,” she said. “I’m envious.”

Joy went on to say how one of her granddaughters is gifted with the flute and just got accepted at the Juilliard School in NYC. “I’ve always liked music so I decided to get a ukulele and try it but I didn’t get too far with that,” Joy said. “When I sang and played the

make it work. That acoustic guitar was a beauty but I gave it to my nephew because sometimes on weekends he’ll sing and play guitar at a coffee house.”

My fellow book club members and I laughed at Joy’s descriptions of wanting to be really great at something creative and we weren’t laughing at her - we were laughing right along with her.

ukulele, it sounded like a cat calling out to be let in. So I gave that ukulele to another granddaughter who is 12 years old and said good luck.

“Then I looked into the different types of acoustic guitars and got one of them. The same thing happened - I could strum okay but when it came time to making music it just didn’t work. Or I should say ‘operator error’ - I didn’t

We’d had our phases and tried our own things whether it was some culinary surprises for family and friends or painting or making some pottery and things turned out okay but not really fantastic. Nothing to write home about. So we moved onto other things and accepted the fact that we weren’t musical geniuses, artistic geniuses, etc. Such is life.

I realize that Joy went off topic briefly as she described her different musical forays but we liked what she said. Other people tell stories, too, and go off track a bit but not too much so that’s fine.

All in all I’m happy with my book club because the books we discuss are on a variety of topics so there is something for everyone. Each December we figure out a list of 12 books for the following year. People make suggestions then we pare down the list until we decide on 12 good ones.

What’s great about this book club is the people aren’t bookworms per se. Sure they might call themselves bookworms because they’re happy reading a good book at home but they’re extroverted to some extent because each month they pick up their car keys and head to the book club. Joining other people to discuss the book of the month is a fun thing. And we never know what tributaries our discussions will take.

At the end of each meeting we’ll say if that particular book is a favorite oneor not so favorite - and tell why. Did the ending work or did it fall flat?

We’ll say if we liked that author or not. Some people like reading Mary Higgins Clark and Danielle Steele yet others enjoy reading science fiction books such as “Network Effect” by Martha Wells and “The Expanse” series by James S. A. Corey. I prefer general fiction but it’s nice to hear people talk about liking science fiction.

In my opinion, it’s the storyline that makes a book great.

Myths About Divorced Women and Social Security

BY TOM MARGENAU

I guess not all marriages are made in heaven! I say that because of the surprising number of questions I get from divorced women about Social Security. Or from divorced men asking questions about benefits potentially due to their exwives. I’ve gone over this topic in more than a few past columns. But the frequency of questions I continually get about this issue tells me it’s time to review. This time, I will do it in the form of presenting the top 8 myths about divorced women and Social Security.

And as I usually do when it comes to these gender-specific topics, let me point out that divorced men are potentially due the same benefits as divorced women. But because 95% of the benefits currently paid to divorcees go to women, I am addressing them today. However, if you are a divorced man who made less money than your ex did, meaning she has a higher Social Security benefit than you, then simply reverse genders as you read the rest of this column.

Before I get to the myths, let me go over the basics. If you were married to a man for at least 10 years before getting divorced, and if you are not currently married, and if you are not due higher benefits on your own Social Security record, there is a good chance you are due Social Security benefits on your ex-husband’s record. You can get those benefits beginning at age 62 if your ex is still alive and as early as age 60 if your ex is deceased. However, those benefits might not be payable if you are under your full retirement age and working. There is an earning penalty that applies to all Social Security beneficiaries under FRA, whether they are getting benefits as a retiree or as a spouse or widow of a retiree. In a nutshell, the law says that if you are making over $23,400 per year, one dollar in benefits is held back for each two dollars you exceed that threshold. The threshold eases up a bit in the year you turn FRA and completely goes away once you reach that magic age. Those are the basics. Now here are the myths.

Myth 1: If I file for benefits as a divorced spouse, it will take benefits away from my ex.

This isn’t true. Anything paid to you as a divorced spouse is just an add-on benefit that doesn’t take a nickel away from your ex’s Social Security checks.

Myth 2: My ex-husband has remarried, so that cuts off any potential benefits to me as the ex.

Not true. Assuming you meet all the other eligibility requirements, you would still be eligible for divorced spouse benefits. But if you remarry, it’s a different story. As long as you are married to husband number two, you can’t get benefits from number one. But if your marriage to number two ends, you can go back and claim benefits from number one.

Myth 3: If I get benefits as a divorced spouse, it could reduce payments to my ex-husband’s current spouse.

Once again, not true. As pointed out above, any money paid to you as an exspouse is essentially just an add-on benefit. It doesn’t take anything away from your ex-husband, nor would it take anything away from his current spouse.

Myth 4: I must wait for my ex-husband to file for benefits before I can make a claim against his record.

You don’t have to wait. Your husband must be eligible for Social Security benefits (usually meaning he’s got to be at least 62 years old), but he does not have to be actually receiving Social Security benefits. (Note that the rules are different for a woman still married to her husband. She can’t file for spousal benefits until her husband files.)

Myth 5: My divorce decree includes a clause that nullifies my eligibility for benefits on my ex-husband’s Social Security account.

Frequently, a husband insists on adding a line or two to the divorce papers that essentially says this: “My wife cannot make a claim against my Social Security benefits.” The soon-to-be ex-wife signs the papers because, at the time, Social Security is the furthest thing from her mind. However, as she gets older, she thinks she made a big mistake. But she didn’t. That Social Security exclusion clause isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on. It has no legal standing. Federal law always trumps anything a lawyer might scribble into a divorce decree.

Myth 6: I need permission from the ex before I can file for his Social Security.

No permission is necessary. If you meet the eligibility criteria for divorced spouse benefits, federal law says you are due those benefits. Your ex-husband has no say in the matter, and his permission isn’t necessary.

Myth 7: What I am due from my ex’s Social Security is based only on the earnings he made while we were married.

Any benefits paid to a wife (whether married or divorced) are always based on the husband’s entire work history.

Myth 8: If I can’t get anything from my ex while he is alive, I also can’t get anything when he dies.

Many working women aren’t due anything from an ex-husband while he is alive because their own Social Security benefit exceeds the divorced spousal rate. But after the ex dies, the widow’s rate can be as high as 100%. So, if you didn’t qualify for spousal benefits from your living ex-husband, there is a pretty good chance you will get widow’s benefits once he passes away.

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.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

REAL ESTATE WATCH

The benefits and detriments of the historically low interest rates

Remember when interest rates were as low as 2.5%? The fed (Jerome Powell), cut the rate on March 3 and March 15, 2020, which reduced the funds rate to a range of 0%-.25% and then on April 29, 2020, the rate was effectively “0%”.

This basically allowed banks to lend each other money overnight without any cost. This was done to keep our economy from crashing, which in turn lowered all rates across the board, most importantly, mortgage costs to historic lows.

The Fed pumped Trillions of dollars into the economy, providing relief for American families. It also purchased 500 billion in Treasury securities and 200 billion in government-guaranteed mortgage–backed securities. However, on March 23, 2020, the Fed board decided to have open-ended unlimited purchases of those securities, I assume to be on the safe side..

A total of $13 Trillion was created, $5.2 for Covid relief, + $4.5 for quantitative easing+ $3 Trillion for infrastructure. This was the main culprit causing our hyperinflation, but a necessary (or was it) evil.

Over 65+% of homeowners refinanced at the lowest rates in history. At the time this was an amazing opportunity and allowed them to save billions of dollars in interest costs. However, what was going to be the long-term effect on real estate that no one anticipated? At the time, it was understandable and appeared reasonable and smart as to the reasons behind all the reductions. as printing Trillions of dollars and pumping so much money into the economy to save the U.S. from catastrophic default.

As families and individuals who were financially capable, began voraciously buying homes to escape the crowded cities, exiting the Covid-19 threat of infection, housing inventory dwindled severely right into 2025. When supply decreases and demand increases, the costs go up, as did the prices of homes ballooning out of site; basic economics 101. It was different

this time compared to the implosion in 2008, when those who lost their jobs, businesses etc. w/1 million+ homes in foreclosure or short sale situations, things were very bleak and disastrous and housing prices collapsed. This time around it went in the opposite direction.

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

Locally, with the lack of reasonably priced buildable land, and much higher costs, and more strict zoning rules and regulations and the time it takes to secure permits, lower priced homes aren’t any longer feasible on Long Island. This has caused the exodus of so many families and individuals to leave the area to other destinations. As mentioned in last week’s column, we (NYS) are 3rd behind California and Florida in losing more people than are relocating here.

The monumental issue about why inventory is so low is 2-fold, one is that all those that refinanced don’t want to lose those historic rates and sell their homes, condos, coops, etc. and the current interest rates that are 3 times higher than what they were in 2021-2022 that enabled so many to save money. Sales are down due to this fact.

Rates should never have been allowed to be reduced to their historic lows. We became a bit spoiled, and possibly a little bit more pain might have helped in not creating the excessive inflation and demand causing higher prices. However, many on the lower end of the financial spectrum benefited. More important, it was estimated that over 17%/200 billion of the PPP and EIDL monies were disbursed to fraudulent entities, mostly abroad. There wasn’t enough more carefully devised oversight and things were not at all planned out properly for the Trillions of dollars that were rapidly provided and given out.

My belief is that this has become a major dilemma for the necessary and needed housing and has caused pric-

es to escalate beyond what any one has ever anticipated or experienced in history. There is a domino effect, which is occurring; loss of people/ lack of workers moving to other states causing harm to local businesses’ bottom line.

Although if you believe what we are told that inflation is lower, I have a cheap bridge to sell you. The costs for everyday staples from whatever tariffs have been implemented have increased, only adding insult to injury, to the affordability of daily living. We have initiated and created a rental society for future generations to come, especially for those who have large student and credit card debt. In 2025, younger and Older Babyboomers are the ones with the most available finances to purchase as Gen Xers and Older Millennials have been pushed back into 3rd and 4th place, when Millennials were number one from 2014-2021.

I am not sure how our housing situation can or will be solved going forward. Maybe government with the assistance of some caring Entrepreneurs will come up with some solutions. However, if something isn’t figured out and resolved, this will be the greatest and most detrimental and lost opportunity for a great majority to build a family’s future wealth.

As they say the rich get richer and the have not’s get poorer.

Credit to: nar.com, money.com, bls. gov

Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 43+ years experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned 3 significant designations:

National Association of Realtors Graduate Realtors Institute (what I consider a Master’s degree in real

estate).

Certified International Property Specialist - expert in consulting and completing international transactions.

National Association of Realtors Green designation: eco-friendly low carbon footprint construction with 3-D printed foundations, Solar panels, Geothermal HVAC/Heat Pumps).

He will also provide a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality, and his Seller’s and Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider when Selling, investing or Purchasing your Home.

He will provide you with “free” regular updates of what has gone under contract (pending), been sold (closed) and those homes that have been withdrawn/ released or expired (W/R) and all new listings of homes, HOA, Townhomes, Condos, and Coops in your town or go to:

https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com and you can “do it yourself (DYI) and search at your leisure on your own. However, for a “FREE” no obligation/ no strings attached 15-minute consultation, as well as a “FREE printout or digital value analysis of what your home might sell for in today’s market without any obligation or “strings” attached call him at (516) 647-4289 or email: Phil@ TurnKeyRealEstate.com

You can now search at your leisure for properties at: 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)

EVERYDAY CHEAPSKATE

How to Make Proper Iced Tea, According to My Mother-In-Law

BY: MARY HUNT

The only thing more comforting than a tall glass of iced tea on a hot day is knowing how to make that perfect iced tea yourself with confidence -- for just pennies per serving.

My mother-in-law, a proud Canadian, taught me the difference between proper iced tea and the “swill” most restaurants pour, which in her opinion was, at best, a very poor facsimile. Trust me, she knew her stuff -- including the six rules for proper iced tea:

RULE NO. 1: USE PLENTY OF TEA

The flavor of tea served cold is not as intense as when served hot. That means it must be brewed stronger, so use more tea bags. Her ratio: Use two regular-size tea bags for every three cups of water.

RULE NO. 2: DO NOT OVER-STEEP

Allowing the tea to over-steep releases the tannins in the tea, which can make it bitter. If you want it weaker, reduce the steeping time, not the number of tea bags.

RULE NO. 3: COOL FIRST

Once you remove the tea bags, allow the tea to cool before you pour it over ice, but do not put it in the refrigerator. Doing so will make your tea cloudy.

RULE NO. 4: DO NOT ADD

SUGAR TO ICE-COLD TEA

If you prefer your tea sweet, add the sugar to the hot water so it dissolves first before introducing ice. If your guests prefer to sweeten after the ice is added, provide simple syrup rather than granulated sugar.

Simple syrup: To make simple syrup, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup boiling water in a large measuring cup. Whisk until clear and the sugar is dissolved. Yield: 1 1/2 cups simple syrup.

RULE NO. 5: KEEP IT REAL

Only use real, fresh-squeezed lemon juice from fresh lemons for the best outcome.

RULE NO. 6: MAKE IT FRESH

Iced tea tastes best when it is freshly made. Make only what you will drink in two or three days, and keep it covered in the refrigerator.

PROPER ICED TEA RECIPE

-- Pan or kettle to boil the water -- Pitcher, teapot or another vessel with

move tea bags. Add sugar to taste, optional (see above). Cool on the counter. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate.

To drink: Fill a glass, mug, or jar with fresh ice. Pour cold, prepared tea over the ice. Add simple syrup, slices of fresh lemon and a sprig of mint, if desired. Enjoy! I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the matter of making tea using the strong rays of the sun to carry out the steeping and brewing process. It’s clever, that’s for sure, but it’s quite risky.

a lid in which to brew the tea -- Cold water (3 cups for every 2 regular sized tea bags) -- Tea bags

Boil cold water in a kettle or pan, according to how much tea you intend to make. As soon as it comes to a boil, turn off the burner. In the meantime, place the tea bags in the pitcher or teapot. Carefully pour the correct amount of boiling water over the tea bags. Cover. Allow to steep for 3 to 5 minutes maximum. Re-

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sun tea (tea brewed by setting it outdoors to steep in sunlight) can quickly promote the growth of bacteria. Here’s the problem: Tea steeped in a glass jar on the porch won’t get any hotter than 130 F, which is not hot enough to kill bacteria lurking in the water or on the tea leaves themselves. Water needs to be heated to 195 F for three to five minutes for that to happen. This doesn’t mean you have to abandon

Shake No More

BY CHARLYN FARGO

You probably know that extra salt isn’t healthy. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. Most of us get upwards of 3,300 milligrams per day. It’s true that most of that sodium comes from processed foods like hot

dogs, bacon, sausage, canned foods, condiments, cheese, pickles and chips.

However, a new study finds it’s not just sodium from processed foods that’s unhealthy. Using the saltshaker at the table can shorten our lives. We all have those family members who grab the saltshaker before they even taste the food set before them. It’s a habit that accounts for 6% to 20% of total salt intake, according to study authors.

In the study, published in the European Heart Journal, a total of 501,379 participants from the UK Biobank study completed a questionnaire on the frequency of adding salt to foods before they ate them. Urine samples for sodium were collected at baseline and monitored after 24 hours. The information didn’t include salt used in cooking, only adding salt at the table. Participants were followed for nine years.

your love for sun tea; just make sure you follow these rules for safe brewing.

No. 1: Use a container that has been washed well in soap and water and then rinsed or dipped into a bleach solution of 1 1/2 teaspoons liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water. If your sun tea container has a spigot, take it apart and clean it well with the bleach solution. If you can’t get it apart to clean, find another vessel for your sun tea.

No. 2: Do not leave the tea to brew in the sun for longer than four hours. Prepare only the amount of tea you plan to use in one day.

No. 3: Refrigerate the tea as soon as you bring it into the house, and keep it refrigerated.

No. 4: If the tea appears to be thick or you see “ropey” strands, that’s bacteria. Discard it immediately.

No. 5: If your love for sun tea is waning about now, consider “refrigerator tea.” To make it, fill a pitcher with a quart of cold water, add four to six tea bags, and refrigerate it for at least six hours or overnight. Enjoy!

Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “DebtProof Living.”

Researchers found 18,474 premature deaths.

They also found that eating more fruits and vegetables, which are typically high in potassium, helped reduce deaths. Death rates were higher in participants with low intakes of fruits and vegetables than in those with higher intakes.

Always adding salt to foods was related to 1.5 years lower life expectancy at age 50 years in women and 2.28 years lower life expectancy in men compared with participants who never or rarely added salt to foods.

The bottom line? Even reducing sodium by a small amount can be a healthy habit. Take the saltshaker off the table and eat more fruits and vegetables.

Q and A

Q: What are truffles?

A: Considered delicacies, truffles are

the fruit of underground mushrooms that form a symbiotic relationship with the roots of certain trees, including oak, birch and hazel. Their strong smell attracts specially trained dogs and female truffle hogs used to hunt and harvest them. Their nutrient values vary among species and growing region, but edible fungi are known to contain calcium, potassium and magnesium and are a good source of digestible protein. Because they can be quite intense -- in flavor and price -- just a small amount makes a difference.

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.

When Does Nighttime Begin and End?

BY: DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of June 8-14, 2025

We astronomers have a habit of throwing around terms that we consider to be obvious, only to watch the eyes of normal people glaze over.

For example, albedo, analemma, aphelion, air mass ... and that’s just the A’s! Or we nonchalantly toss around gargantuan sizes or time scales that make novices wonder why they can’t grasp this stuff on a gut level. Spoiler alert: We astronomers can’t either. If anyone tells you they can comprehend billions of years or trillions of miles, just smile and slowly back away!

Some of the most common terms we use may seem understandable, until you realize that there’s more to them than you might realize. Take the simple word “sunset,” for example. Seems obvious, right? But what exactly does it mean?

Well, those at the U.S. Naval Observatory in charge of calculating such celestial matters define “sunset” (and “sunrise”) as the time when the upper edge of the sun’s disk appears right on an unobstructed horizon. An exact time for this is tough to determine because it depends on atmospheric conditions, your elevation, the terrain of the landscape over which you view, and more.

The terms we use for after sunset (and before sunrise) can be equally befuddling. Twilight seems perfectly straightforward; most of us understand this to mean the period after sunset when the sky darkens, or in the morning, the time before sunrise when the sky brightens.

Astronomers, though, need to be more precise and have developed several practical definitions over the years.

“Civil twilight” is said to begin in the morning -- and to end in the evening -- when the center of the sun lies six degrees below the horizon. During civil

Astronomers have precise definitions for common terms like “sunrise” and “sunset.”

twilight in the evening, the sky is beginning to darken, and you might need some light to find your way around and carry on outdoor (civil) activities. This is the time when the sky can take on quite beautiful colors.

“Nautical twilight” is defined to begin in the morning -- and to end in the evening -- when the center of the sun lies 12 degrees below the horizon. Now is when the sky takes on a uniform, deep blue color -my favorite time of evening -- and bright stars begin to appear. Landscapes are pretty tough to distinguish during this time, and sailors will notice that the horizon appears rather indistinct -- hence the term “nautical” twilight.

And, finally, “astronomical twilight” begins in the morning -- and ends in the evening -- when the center

LOST IN SUBURBIA

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

“Can you tell me what comes with the garlic chicken?” my husband asked our server.

“I can tell you,” I said. “Bad breath.”

My husband rolled his eyes at me. We were out to dinner at our usual place and decided the chef must have come into a surplus of garlic, because everything on the specials menu featured garlic. Good for garlic lovers. Not so good for the people who have to sleep with them.

I actually like garlic as much as the next person. But I try not to eat it when my husband is in town because I know that no matter how hard I try to keep my nasty breath to myself, I will invariably roll over while I’m sleeping and breathe hot, stinky garlic breath all over his neck. The last time this hap-

of the sun lies 18 degrees below the horizon. As this period begins in the morning or ends in the evening, the sun’s light contributes nothing to the sky’s brightness. In other words, it’s officially dark.

How long each of these three periods lasts depends on one’s location on Earth and the season, but we can expect each to last between 20 and 30 minutes in mid-northern latitudes.

You can calculate your sunset/sunrise times, as well as various twilight times for your location -- as well as many other kinds of astronomical data -- at the USNO website: aa.usno.navy.mil. Just click on “Data Services,” choose the link you want, and fill in the data requested.

Take Deep, Cleansing Breaths

pened, my husband said he had really bad monster dreams and woke up with a strange urge to call me “Vampira.”

My husband is usually pretty good about not sharing his garlic breath with me as well, but tonight, we seemed destined to have a full-on garlic assault. For the first time ever, I was actually hoping he would snore so I could slip breath mints into his mouth while he slept.

“If I get the garlic chicken, I promise I’ll gargle with mouthwash tonight,” he assured me.

“It won’t work,” I protested. “The garlic smell doesn’t come exclusively from your mouth. It also comes from your stomach and your pores and the hairs on your head. When you eat garlic, it’s a full-body experience.”

“Really?” he replied.

“Yes, and it’s actually not that good for you,” I informed him. “Science has

shown that eating too much garlic can lower your IQ and make you more susceptible to hoof-and-mouth disease.”

“You read this where?” he wondered aloud.

“Um, National Garligraphic magazine.”

He shook his head.

“It also makes you more attractive to naked mole rats,” I added.

“Naked mole rats?” he repeated.

“Yes.”

“They don’t usually come in the bedroom,” he said. “I think I’m safe.”

“And it can also cause the paint to peel off the walls if you breathe on them,” I continued.

“I’ll try not to talk to the walls, honey.”

Eventually the waiter came back to take our order, and my husband did in fact order the garlic chicken along with

garlic mashed potatoes and spinach sauteed in garlic and olive oil. It was the trifecta of garlic breathiness, and I knew, without a doubt, that I would be getting a hotel room that night.

“OK, fine,” I said with a sigh. “I’ll have the black bean burger.”

“Are you sure?” he asked. “You know what happens to people when they eat beans?”

“Yes,” I replied. “That’s why I’m having it.”

“I don’t understand,” he said.

“With your garlic and my beans, I’m hoping we’ll cancel each other out.”

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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Cozy up to some country cooking

Quick Chicken and Dumplin’s

Country cooking means different things to different people. For many, it is the comfort foods they grew up with. From fried chicken to mac and cheese to meatloaf, there are plenty of dishes that fall under the country cooking umbrella. But a pot of chicken and dumplings may be one of the most popular and recognizable country cooking staples.

Chicken and dumplings is flavorful, feeds a crowd and appeals to everyone from adults to children. This recipe for “Quick Chicken and Dumplin’s” from “Lord Honey Traditional Southern Recipes with a Country Bling Twist” (Pelican Publishing) by Chef Jason Smith speeds up the process of making traditional chicken and dumplings with the use of rotisserie chicken.

Serves 4

1 rotisserie chicken

1 32-ounce box chicken broth

2 cans cream of chicken soup

1⁄2 cup butter

1) Pull the chicken off the bone and cut into cubes.

2 ) In a large Dutch oven, add the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and butter. Turn to medium heat, and bring to a slow boil. Then add the pepper and chicken. Bring to a full boil.

3 ) In a mixing bowl, stir the

1⁄2 teaspoon ground white pepper Dumplin’s 2 1⁄2 cups biscuit mix

dumplin’s ingredients until combined; the dough should be the texture of drop biscuits.

4 ) When broth is boiling, drop dough into broth using a teaspoon. Make sure to use all the dough; you may have to push the dough around to find spots.

4 tablespoons, butter, melted 1⁄3 cup whole milk 1⁄3 cup chicken broth

Chopped fresh parsley

5 ) Once all of the dough is in, put on lid and reduce heat to low. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes.

6 ) Transfer chicken and dumplin’s to a serving dish, and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Tip: Never stir dumplings. Always push them; this keeps them from breaking up

BHS inducts first members into Intl. Thespian Society

The highlight of the ceremony was the formal induction of the chapter’s first members.

On May 28, Bethpage High School celebrated a milestone in its performing arts program with the first-ever induction ceremony of its new chapter of the International Thespian Society (ITS). Held in the school auditorium, the event marked the official founding of Chapter 665 and honored 21 student-performers for their outstanding dedication to theatre.

The ceremony opened with a warm welcome from Mr. Brent Chiarello, director of fine and performing arts, who spoke about the importance of the arts in education and applauded

the students for their hard work and creativity. He emphasized that the launch of an ITS chapter at Bethpage is a significant step in recognizing the talents and achievements of student artists. Mr. Zach Levy, ITS faculty advisor, followed with heartfelt remarks about the students’ commitment to the school’s theatre program, both onstage and behind the scenes.

The evening continued with reflections from the chapter’s student officersAva Mirabelli (president), Ben Maciel-Seidman (vice president) and Haley Flaherty (secretary/treasur -

The ceremony opened with a warm welcome from Mr. Brent Chiarello, director of fine and performing arts.

The evening continued with reflections from the chapter’s student officers — Ava Mirabelli (president), Ben Maciel-Seidman (vice president) and Haley Flaherty (secretary/treasurer) — seated here with faculty advisor Mr. Zach Levy.

er) - who spoke about the history and mission of the International Thespian Society. Their remarks were followed by a candle-lighting ceremony, during which each officer symbolically lit a candle representing one of the core ITS values.

The highlight of the ceremony was the formal induction of the chapter’s first members. Each student was called to the stage, presented with a certificate and invited to take the official ITS pledge, committing themselves to upholding the ideals of the society and continuing their growth as theatre artists. The newly induct -

Mr. Zach Levy, ITS faculty advisor, gave heartfelt remarks about the students’ commitment to the school’s theatre program, both onstage and behind the scenes.

ed members are Luke Baumbach, Julianna Botosk, Ashdon Chadwick, Haley Flaherty, Konstantina Gavalas, Kaylee Khan, Ben MacielSeidman, Stacy Martinez, Anderson Maziero, Katherine McHugh, Hailey Medrano, Ava Mirabelli, Amber Nargentino, Grace Rojas, Joanna Scharen, Amanda Schneider, Abby Scully, Jamie Soto, Matthew Tusa, Melissa Vaquerano and Allyson Yalbuzdag.

Photos courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

Chapter president Ava Mirabelli spoke about the history of the ITS.

From Despair to Hope: Conquering Peripheral Neuropathy with Westbury Acupuncture

“It’s as though I’m stepping from razor blade to razor blade.”

“It feels like my feet are under attack by fire ants.”

“Like I’m walking on wet paint with rolled up socks.”

And you’re in this kind of pain all the time.

“It’s relentless, keeping you up at night and preventing you from doing even the most mundane tasks. Things that I used to take for granted, like wearing shoes and going grocery shopping. Two of my three children were getting married last year and I wasn’t even sure I was going to be able to attend their weddings,” shares Rose W.

Rose was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy in 2015, a degenerative condition affecting almost 5% of people over the age of 55.

“My doctor sat me down and said, ‘Rose I’m so sorry to tell you this, but you have peripheral neuropathy. I’m going to prescribe you gabapentin to manage the discomfort but overall, neuropathy is untreatable.’ My first thought was, ‘we can cure cancer but you can’t stop my feet from hurting?’ It felt like a cruel joke.”

While neuropathy can be caused by a number of things

classified as idiopathic. In layman's terms, the cause is unknown. This was the case with Rose. “Basically every question I had was met with an ‘I don’t know.’ It was depressing to say the least.”

Eventually, Rose was forced to quit her job because the numbness had started to set in and prevented her from driving.

Fortunately for Rose, she came across an article in the local newspaper featuring Jae Won Kim L.Ac and his innovative approach to treating peripheral neuropathy. “At first, I thought it had to be a sham. After so many specialists told me there was no hope, here was this acupuncturist in the

begin to tell you how grateful I am that I did.”

Jae Won Kim, founder of Westbury Acupuncture, says that cases like Rose’s are incredibly common. “Almost all of my neuropathy patients have been told at one point or another that there is no hope. I like to think I specialize in offering hope.”

To quote the New York Times, “Chinese medicine proves itself where Western medicine fails.”

“Acupuncture has been treating complicated, chronic conditions like neuropathy for thousands of years,” shares Jae Won. “I start with a foundation based on this time-tested science and my clinical experience. I then tears.

If you or someone you love is suffering with chronic pain that presents as burning, tingling, or ‘pins and needles,’ or you’ve recently been diagnosed with Peripheral Neuropathy, it’s important to know that there are options. There is hope. Call (516) 500-8281 to schedule an initial consultation or visit WestburyAcupuncture.com to read more incredible success stories.

2025 Hicksville Memorial Day Parade

The Hicksville Soccer Club every year encourages the children to march in the Memorial Day Parade and to be proud for their community, their hiistory, and their heroes.

BY MICHAEL CHRISTODOULOU, RECORDING SECRETARY OF HICKSVILLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Community members across Hicksville gathered to honor and remember those who died while serving the US. The first page of the brochure distributed during the parade stated that: The Annual Parade and Memorial Day Service is organized by the Memorial Day Committee of the Hicksville Fire Department to honor our fallen comrades and our veterans. The Annual Parade and Memorial Day Service is hosted by the Hicksville Fire Department Chief Joseph DiFronzo.

Families and community members of all ages gathered early in the morning, before eight o’clock, in the parking area, near the Hicksville Fire Department and started the parade preparations.

The parade started at nine o’clock at Hicksville Fire Department, went through Broadway, Old Country Road and Jerusalem Avenue, and continued toward the Middle School Veterans’ Memorial Park.

This year, the Parade’s organizational structure included the following: (1) The Grand Marshal was the Honorary Chief Charles Di Stefano, Hicksville Fire Department - Unitred States Army National Guard; (2) The Honorary Grand Marshal was the Ex Chief Owen Magee, Hicksville Fire Department - United States Navy; (3) The Master of the Ceremonies was Thomas Basacchi, from the American Legion; (4) The Principle Speaker was the Nassau County Legislator - Rose Marie Walker; (5) The Hicksville High School Student Speakers were Cemre Keles and Gerald Pushparai.

In the Parade’s brochure, among

Children from the Holy Family School with positive attitude and happy faces are marching at the Memorial Day Parade to thank the veterans for their efforts to protect our country.

point

Among others: President of Hicksville Historical Society Richard Althaus, Honorary Chief Gary Fippinger, Nassau County Legislator Rose Marie Walker, Trustee of Hicksville Historical Society David Morrison, Recording Secretary of Hicksville Historical Society Michael Christodoulou.

others, the following groups were acknowledged: (1) Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph S. Saladino, (2) Town of Oyster Bay Commissioner of Parks Joseph Pinto, (3) Nassau County Police Department. (4) Hicksville School District.

The marching groups represented numerous Hicksville community organizations including veterans, churches and schools. Among others, the following organizations were listed to march: Hicksville Fire Department, Hicksville Water District, Hicksville High School, Hicksville Middle School, Burns Avenue School, Dutch Lane

School, East Street School, Lee Avenue School, Old Country Road School, Holy Family School, St. Ignatius Loyola Roman Catholic Church, Trinity Lutheran Church, Hicksville Historical Society, Hicksville Gardens Civic Association, NorthWest Civic Association of Hicksville, Hicksville Soccer Club, Hicksville Baseball Association.

The ceremony at the Veterans’ Memorial Park was scheduled to start 10:30 using the following events: (1) Welcoming by the Master of the Ceremonies Thomas Basacchi from the American Legion, (2) Opening Prayer by

The Hicksville Historical Society at starting

of the parade.

The Hicksville Gardens Civic Association at the starting point of the parade.

2025 Hicksville Memorial Day Parade

Reverend Jwy Patel-Yatel from Hicksville United Methodist Church, (3) Pledge of Allegiance by Gregory Faling - from American Legion, (4) National Anthem by Alyson Kingsley from Hicksville Middle School, (5) Invocation by Fr Benedict from Our Lady of Mercy.

History tells us that: There are 40 Hicksville Heroes to be remembered for sacrificing their lives for our Nation. These Hicksville Heroes served at World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, and Iraq War.

Many thanks should be credited

to the organizing committee of the Memorial Day Parade, which was as follows: Hicksville Fire Department2nd Assistant Chief Michael Murphy, Commissioner Dennis Mulligan, Captain Gregory Doerfein, Ex Chief Gerard O’Brien, Honorary Chief Gary Fippinger, Fire Fighter Michael Cimino, Nassau County Legislator - Rose Marie Walker, American Legion Post 421 - Thomas Basacchi, British War Veterans of America - Mary Norris, American Legion Post 421 - Gregory Faling. Photos courtesy of the Hicksville Historical Society/Michael Christodoulou

Girl Scouts visit Woodbury rehab facility

Members of Girl Scout Troop 1418 visited Excel at Woodbury for Rehabilitation and Nursing for a lively and interactive cardio drumming session.

Excel at Woodbury for Rehabilitation and Nursing welcomed Girl Scout Troop 1418 for a lively and interactive cardio drumming session. The event brought together approximately 10-12 Girl Scouts, ages 10–12, along with Excel residents, creating a unique opportunity for movement, engagement and intergenerational connection.

Led by Ken Shah, director of the cardiopulmonary program at Excel, who regularly organizes wellness programs for seniors at Excel and the Huntington Senior Center, the session was a fantastic blend of rhythm, energy and shared joy. cardio drumming encourages participants to

Art takes teamwork for Levittown students

Emily Huang, an 11th grader from Division Avenue, was proud to see Abigail West’s “Bearminator” concept brought to life.

Summit Lane Elementary School third graders had the unique experience of collaborating with older peers from Division Avenue High School to bring art to life in 3D form. On May 29, the high schoolers visited Summit Lane to observe their completed projects.

The project began with Summit Lane third graders, who unleashed their creativity to draw a monster. The drawings were sent to students in Division Avenue’s Ceramics 2 course, who brought the drawings

to life with painted sculptures. The collaboration continued as the creations were brought further to life by young writers in the Monsters in Literature course, who used the visual inspiration to craft an engaging tale. At Summit Lane, high schoolers in both classes visited third graders to reflect on their successful collaborative effort. The event, months in the making, was a fantastic way to bring interaction between some of Levittown’s oldest and youngest peers.

combine movement and music using exercise balls and drumsticks – an accessible and fun way to promote health and well-being for people of all ages.

Residents and Scouts drummed together in a lively atmosphere, forming bonds through music and movement.

“Seeing the smiles on both the residents' and the girls' faces was truly heartwarming,” said Ken Shah, director of the cardiopulmonary program at Excel. “This kind of event reinforces our commitment to meaningful community engagement and wellness for our seniors.”

The event brought an engaging discussion between 10th grader Analiah Delacruz and third grader Ariana Zena.

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