Issuu

Friday, August 14, 2026

Vol. 86, No. 33

SERVING BETHPAGE, OLD BETHPAGE, AND PLAINVIEW

Citizen preparedness program at Bethpage Library

Backpacks filled with emergency supplies were distributed by New York State Senator Steve Rhoads with the assistance of the New York National Guard. New York State Senator Steve Rhoads teamed up with Nassau County Legislator Rose Walker and the Bethpage Public Library to host a Citizens Preparedness Program designed to help local residents better prepare for emergencies and unexpected situations. As part of the program, 150 emergency preparedness backpacks filled with essential supplies and safety information were distributed to par-

ticipants. The backpacks provide residents with practical resources they can use to help protect themselves and their families during an emergency. The program also provided residents with important information and guidance on emergency preparedness, emphasizing the importance of having a plan, knowing what resources are available, and being prepared before an emergency occurs.

“Being prepared can make all the difference when an emergency strikes,” said Senator Steve Rhoads. “Our goal is to make sure families have both the knowledge and the resources they need to respond quickly and effectively. I thank Legislator Rose Walker and the Bethpage Public Library for partnering with us to help make our community safer and better prepared.”

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

Town plans LI Sound Exploration Day

In cooperation with the Long Island Sound Partnership, the Town of Oyster Bay will be hosting the Long Island Sound Exploration Day. The event will take place on Saturday, August 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in front of The Waterfront Center located at 1 West End Avenue, Oyster Bay. This ‘Celebration of Long Island Sound,’ also held in partnership with The Waterfront Center, New York Sea Grant, and NYSDEC, will host a schedule of events including a beach cleanup, boat rides, kayak tours, and bird walks, as well as all day activities such as fishing lessons, arts & crafts, science games, and more. Town Supervisor Joseph Sal-

adino stated, “Join us August 15th at the Long Island Sound Exploration Day for free family fun, hands-on science activities, and the opportunity to discover the beauty of our local waters. We are grateful to our partner, the Long Island Sound Partnership, for helping inspire the next generation of environmentalists.” To register and to see the complete event schedule, please visit www.oysterbaytown.com/ lisoundday2026. Free parking will be available at Beekman Beach. Boat trips and kayak tours will be first come, first serve. For more information, please contact Jimena Perez at jbp255@cornell.edu.

WWII grenade found in basement Nassau County Police responded to a Bethpage home when a resident discovered a possible explosive device while cleaning out her basement. According to police, at 10:53 am on Wednesday, August 5th a 60 year-old woman called police

to report finding the device. Arson Bomb Squad Detectives deemed the item to potentially be a WWII style grenade and secured the item prior to removing it. The device was removed to a safe location and destroyed.

Syosset Library Artist of the Month PAGE 4 Registration for town ice hockey PAGE 3

Friday, August 14, 2026

“Music Under the Stars” Northwest Civic Assn. summer concert series holds picnic

The Town of Oyster Bay invites residents to summer fun at the Town’s free “Music Under the Stars” concert series, as well as free “Movies by Moonlight” continue into August at local Town parks. Concert Information: 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, call (516) 797-7925, visit the Town’s website at www.oysterbaytown.com/summer or Facebook page @TownofOysterBay. Movie Information: Residents are welcome to bring blankets and chairs

when attending these family-friendly movies. Seating and pre-movie activities will begin at 6:30 p.m. including inflatables and games. All movies begin at sundown and are subject to change. They will be held weather permitting. For additional information, please call (516) 797-7925 or visit the Town’s website www.oysterbaytown.com/summer or Facebook page @TownofOysterBay.

August Schedule

Saturday, August 15

John J. Burns Town Park, Massapequa. Yellow Brick Joel: The Tribute Concert Featuring David Clark as Billy Joel & Bill Connors as Elton John

Mercy Women’s Bowling League The Mercy Women’s Bowling League is looking for individual women bowlers or teams of four to join its friendly noncash league. $17 per week for three games, including shoes and ball. End of season lun-

cheon included. The League begins Friday, September 11. The league meets on Fridays at 10:00 a.m. at Syosset Lanes. If interested, please call Dolores Sartor at (516) 931-4106.

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Nassau County Legislator Viviana L. Russell (D – Westbury) joined the Northwest Civic Association of Hicksville at Cantiague Park on Saturday, July 25 for their annual community barbecue and picnic. There, more than 100 people enjoyed a barbecue with perfect summer weather that helped to raise funds for the Civic Association’s annual Secret Santa program. “There are many ways that organizations like the Northwest Civic Association of Hicksville improve quality of life in addition to organizing and advocacy – events like their annual barbecue foster camaraderie in the communities they serve and support charitable endeavors,” Legislator Russell said. “Thank you to everyone for welcoming me to this wonderful summer tradition – I look forward to joining you at many more events in the years to come!” Photo by Chris Portuondodesmith

Catholic Daughters plan theater trip Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Queen of Angels #869 Hicksville invite you on a bus trip to see “Joshua” live on stage at the Sight & Sound Theater, Lancaster PA on Tuesday November 17. The bus separts at 7:30 a.m. It will arrive back to Long Island at approximately 9 pm. You are welcome to bring coffee and snacks for the ride. The bus will make one quick stop each way during this trip. Please arrive by

7:15 a.m. to board the bus. Parking at 999 South Oyster Bay Rd (dead end street), Bethpage. Cost is $200 per person (minimum of 40 people) includes a buffet lunch at Dienner’s Country Restaurant. Please make checks payable to CDA #869. The first to pay is the first on the bus. For reservations call Barbara at (516) 935-5576. Payment is due by October 10.

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niques of skating, stickhandling and shooting, participants will make new friends and create lifelong memories.” Registration is easy—simply visit www.oysterbaytown.com/ sports to sign up. Registration opens Wednesday, August 26, for residents at 9:00 a.m., and Friday, August 28, at 9:00 a.m. for non-residents. All registrants must provide a copy of their birth certificate, proof of residency, and payment for registration. All participants must provide their own equipment and should have some skating ability. For more information, call the rink at (516) 433-7465, x 8234 or visit www.oysterbaytown. com/hockey.

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that registration for the Town’s Fall and Winter Youth Ice Hockey Program will begin soon for boys and girls ages 8U- 16U. This program includes a training camp, full house league game schedule, and playoffs. Clinics spanning 10 weeks in duration will also be available for registration including all girls’ clinics, 6U clinics, and adult learn to play clinics. Programs will begin on September 27, 2026. “This recreational and instruction program is designed to give players a great way to learn the correct fundamentals of one of America’s most popular sports,” said Town Councilman Lou Imbroto. “In addition to receiving instruction on the proper tech-

The Town of Oyster Bay invites residents to attend the Town’s 4th Annual Children’s Snapper Derby to be featured at the famed Bluefish Tournament on Sunday, September 20, at Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay. “This fun family event is open to youngsters ages 14 and under with fun prizes and awards for winners, as well as giveaways for all participants,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “This fun event provides a great opportunity to introduce children to the wonderful recreational sport of fishing.” The Snapper Derby will take place between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., during the Town’s Bluefish Tournament, at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park by the fishing pier. There is a $15 registration entry fee. Participants are invited to bring their own equipment, including poles and

bait, as supplies are limited. Children will be placed into two age groups, ages 7 and under, and 8–14. Winners will be based on number of snappers caught catch and release only - with awards and prizes being given out for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for each age group. Family fun activities will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. “We are thrilled to bring this fun event to Theodore Roosevelt Park and invite all children who enjoy fishing to sign up and participate,” said Town Clerk Rich LaMarca. “There will be free refreshments, shirts and raffles for all participants, as well as awards and prizes for top winners.” Registration is available online at www.oysterbaytown.com/sports as of July 28. For more information on registration, residents can contact the Town’s Recreation Office at (516) 797-7945.

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Friday, August 14, 2026

Registration for Town Children’s Snapper Derby returns to TOB ice hockey program

Friday, August 14, 2026

BRUCE A. BLAKEMAN NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE

FREE SUMMER CONCERTS

Syosset Public Library Artist of the Month

with CAFFEINE ACADEMY

DJ DENNIS THE MENACE JUST JOE

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21ST 7:00PM

EISENHOWER PARK

FREE ADMISSION | Clear Bags Only | No Chairs | Parking Field #6 Weather permitting, call 516-572-0200 for up-to-date information.

Before or after the show, stop by The Union in Eisenhower Park for great food, drinks, and a perfect summer night out.

PARKS ADMINISTRATION

516-572-0200

For more information:

nassaucountyny.gov/parks

Stained glass, iris. Local artist Kelly Schulte-Smith, Syosset Library’s August Artist of the Month, has a major passion: working with glass to create original stained glass panels and fused glass art. “Expressing myself creatively has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It feels wonderful to build and make objects from the ground up,” Ms. Schulte-Smith says. “As an artist, I enjoy the challenge of making something new and finding solutions to combine techniques with the chosen medium to produce the final piece.” She finds that glass offers endless design possibilities. “I'm always looking to try something new with this wonderful

luminescent medium.” Selections of Ms. Schulte-Smith’s work will be on view in the Syosset Library Gallery through August. Ms. Schulte-Smith also presents popular glass-fusing and quilling (the art of shaping and manipulating paper) programs at the library. Visit the on-line calendar from the library home page or call for upcoming offerings. Syosset Library is located at 225 South Oyster Bay Road in Syosset. For more information about programs, services, and hours, call 516-921-7161, or visit the library or the website at www. syossetlibrary.org.

See what's happening at your library!

From classes to lectures and concerts to movie screenings, there's never a dull day at your local library! Check this paper each week for fun and informative all-ages activities, all for free or cheap!

Friday, August 14

4:00 p.m.: Lego Buddies (Grades K–4) Build a Lego creation with the help of teen volunteers. Teens will assist kids in creating Lego structures that display their creativity and ingenuity.

Saturday, August 15

1:00 p.m.: Dental Hygiene Day with The Smile Hub (Ages 5–12) Enjoy this fun, interactive program for children that includes a story time, a demonstration on proper brushing and flossing techniques, hands-on activities and games, and take-home dental hygiene resources. The Smile Hub is a youth-led non-profit organization dedicated to improving oral health. 2:00 p.m.: Foreign Film Saturday: “Panda Plan” Action-comedy starring Jackie Chan as himself, who teams up with his agent and a panda caretaker to protect a beloved giant panda from an international criminal syndicate. 1 hour, 40 minutes. Presented in English and Chinese with English subtitles.

Monday, August 17

10:30 a.m.: Every Monday Mabel Storytime and Craft (Ages 3–5 years) After enjoying the Caldecott Honor Book“ Every Monday Mabel” by Jashar Awan, children will dive into a hands-on craft inspired by the story! 2:00 p.m.: Hybrid Art Lecture: Superlatives in Art History with Mary Maguire Actors have the Emmys. singers

have the Grammys. This lecture celebrates the “award winners” of art history -- the Most Famous, Most Expensive, Most Beautiful, Most Romantic, and Most Stolen paintings ever created. Then we’ll flip the script to explore the Saddest, Smallest, Most Confusing, and Most Controversial works. These selections are entirely subjective, and your suggestions for additions in any category are warmly welcomed. 6:30 p.m.: Stained Glass Spoon Rest with Kelly Schulte-Smith Join us in this fun and exciting class as we make a stained glass spoon rest. $5.00 per person; non refundable.

Tuesday, August 18

9:30am 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. 10:00 a.m.: Fossil Finders Storytime (Grades K–2) Explore the world of dinosaurs! Learn about fossils, listen to a fun dinosaur story, pretend to be a fossil hunter, and make your own fossil to take home! 11:00 a.m.: VIRTUAL: Guided Meditation with Patricia Anderson Join Pat for one or all of the meditation sessions to bring harmony and balance into your life. Learn the beau-

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tiful practice of Jin Shin Jyutsu to help your body heal and keep you relaxed. 6:00 p.m.: Teens: Grow Native: Create Your Own Seed Starter Kit Come join us to gain an understanding of what native plants are, why biodiversity is important for ecosystems, and how they can actively contribute by growing and caring for native plants at home. This workshop emphasizes hands-on learning, collaboration, and real-world environmental impact.

Wednesday, August 19

2:00 p.m.: HYBRID: Alberto Giacometti and the Ancient Egyptian Art with Professor Thomas Germano This lecture explores the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Summer 2026 exhibition of Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti (1901–1966), featuring works displayed alongside the Temple of Dendur. Professor Thomas Germano will examine Giacometti’s lifelong fascination with ancient Egyptian art, its influence on his iconic sculptures, and how the exhibition places his life and work within the broader context of 20th-century art. 7:00 p.m.: Art Workshop with the Village Artist (Grades 1–6) Learn art skills using different mediums and materials. No prior art experience needed!

Thursday, August 20

7:00 p.m.: Sensory Storytime: Dinosaur Explorers (Ages 2–5) A Time for Kids, Inc. presents a unique dinosaur themed multi-sensory storytime to engage children’s senses as they sing, read, tap and move about the room. Activities include music, movement, sensory/ discovery bins, gross motor activities and storytelling.

7:00 p.m.: Movie: “Toy Story 3” (Rated G. 1 hr., 43 min) To infinity... and the library! Join us in August for the first four Toy Story movies and enjoy a fun-filled adventure with Woody, Buzz, and all their friends. Attend any screening to enter the raffle for a chance to win movie theater tickets for a family of four! One raffle winner will be selected from all entries on August 27.

Friday, August 21

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! 2:00 p.m.: VIRTUAL: Great Performers: “Sweeter Girl” Lana Turner with Marc Courtade Explore the life and career of Lana Turner, from her rise as MGM's iconic “Sweater Girl” to acclaimed roles in “The Postman Always Rings Twice”, “Peyton Place”, and “Imitation of Life”. This presentation also examines her headline-making personal life and enduring Hollywood legacy. 2:00 p.m.: Friday Flix: “Project Hail Mary” Science teacher Ryland Grace wakes up on a spaceship light year from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction... but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.

Summer “Movies by Moonlight” at town parks The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that free “Movies by Moonlight” will be offered in local parks on Thursday evenings this summer, beginning July 9. Residents are welcome to bring blankets and chairs when attending these family-friendly movies. “Residents and families looking for a fun night need look no further than their backyards this summer as the Town is ready with a summer to remember,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “We’re thrilled to once again show family-friendly films at our parks, on-stage performances,

inflatables, games and more.” Seating and pre-movie activities will begin at 6:30 p.m. including inflatables and games. All movies begin at sundown and are subject to change. They will be held weather permitting. For additional information, please call (516) 797-7925 or visit the Town’s website www.oysterbaytown. com/summer or Facebook page @ TownofOysterBay.

Summer Movies:

Thursday, August 13 - SyossetWoodbury Community Park, Woodbury “Hoppers”

Friday, August 14, 2026

Upcoming Events at the Jericho Public Library

6 Friday, August 14, 2026

Homeowners’ Cleanup Days

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced the Town’s S.T.O.P. (Stop Throwing Out Pollutants) and Homeowners Cleanup Days for this summer, with dates scheduled for weekends in July and August. Residents can drop off materials at the Old Bethpage Solid Waste Disposal Complex, located at 101 Bethpage-Sweet Hollow Road in Old Bethpage.

“With the start of spring, many residents begin to clean out their yards and may have large amounts of yard waste and other non-hazardous debris to dispose,” said Councilman Tom Hand. “Residents can bring items such as used tires, fence posts, clean broken concrete or yard waste to our Homeowners Cleanup.”

Homeowners Cleanup Day

Saturday, August 22, from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.: provides residents an opportunity to destroy unwanted documents in a safe and secure manner. Residents only, no businesses, can bring up to four bankers’ boxes of paper to the shredding program. The Town’s S.T.O.P. and Homeowners programs are open to residents within the Town’s Solid Waste Disposal District. Proof of residency is required. For more information, including a full list of what is accepted at these programs, visit www.oysterbaytown.com/cleanup or call (516) 677-5848.

Saturday, August 22, from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.: collects non-hazardous waste only, including: air conditioners; all e-waste; campers; boats and boat trailers (proof of ownership required - oil, gas, other fluids and batteries removed); clean, broken concrete; large metal items; propane tanks and propane torches; tires; and yard waste.

L E G A L

N O T I C E S

Free Paper Shredding Services

This Week at the Syosset Public Library Mary Tyler Moore (In-Person)

Thursday, August 13, at 2:00 p.m. Mary Tyler Moore's characters challenged gender stereotypes and norms. She is credited with helping to define a new vision of American womanhood. Moore remains a beloved performer, a true legend of television. No registration needed. Presenter, Marc Courtade, Retired Arts Director.

Writing Workshop: Memoir Writing (Virtual)

Thursday August 13, at 7:00 p.m. Learn how to develop and strengthen your very own unique, page turning memoir. Find out how to create a purposeful, memorable story that resonates with your target audience. Registration needed. Register at syossetlibrary. org. Presenter, Erin Coughlin, award-nominated writer and producer, and author of Pop and Fizz’s Double Feature Movie Night Guide.

Simply Stronger with Balance (Virtual)

Friday, August 14, at 10:00 a.m. Hand-held weights, resistance bands and balls will help improve strength, flexibility, and coordination. Includes a balance segment to enhance posture, core strength, and proper alignment of muscle groups. Exercises can be performed sitting or standing. Equipment recommended but not required. Registration needed. Register at syossetlibrary.org. The Zoom link will be sent out once you register. Instructor, Mindy Vasta.

Movie at the Library (In-Person)

Friday, August 14, at 2:00 p.m. Join us for a movie at the library. Check our website for the movie that will be shown. Go to syossetlibrary.org.

Card & Board Games (In-Person)

Monday, Aug. 17, from 1 – 3:30 p.m. Bring a game to play with your friends for the afternoon. Play canasta, Mah Jongg (must have table covering), or a board game. Rooms will be set up with tables and chairs. You will need to bring your own game and playing partners. No registration needed.

Michelangelo (In-Person)

Thursday, August 20, at 2:00 p.m. Explore the life and work of the leading sculptor of the Italian Renaissance, Michelangelo. Artwork to be examined includes the Pieta, the David, the Sistine Chapel frescoes and more. Presenter, Jay Schuck, art historian.

Free waterfront festival, concert The Town of Oyster Bay has announced a Free Waterfront Festival and Outdoor Concert will take place on Sunday, September 13th at TOBAY Beach Marina. This family-fun day will feature marine and outdoor exhibits, a children’s snapper derby, police boat demonstrations, food conces-

L E G A L

sions and a free concert featuring Captain Cool Band with yacht rockin’ hits. The festival will run from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. “The Town is thrilled to offer a free day of family-fun and live music at TOBAY Beach. Bring your family to Waterfront Festival for a great outdoor con-

cert, educational exhibits and foods and drinks as the summer ends,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “This free festival also provides a great opportunity to introduce children to recreational sport of fishing, as all equipment will be provided along with professional assistance and guidance.”

The rain date is scheduled for Sunday, September 20th. For more information about the Waterfront Festival and Free Concert, call (516) 797-4121 or visit www.oysterbaytown. com.

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It’s time to give three cheers for the tiny pollinators that make a big difference! Long Island Children’s Museum (LICM) is celebrating National Honeybee Day on Saturday, August 15, from 11 am to 2 pm. Families are invited to enjoy a hive of hands-on activities that explore the fascinating world of honeybees through creativity, discovery, and, of course, a little taste of honey. Included with Museum admission, LICM encourages children and their grownups to discover why bees are some of nature’s hardest workers. Visitors can: • Taste the sweet side of science during Sweet as Can Bee Honey Tasting in the Cafeteria, where they’ll sample a variety of delicious honey, including LICM’s own! • Meet a real beekeeper in The Hive Studio inside Feasts for Beasts. Beekeeper and LICM Exhibit Technician Mark Rogan will share the tools of the trade, explain how honeybee colonies work, and help visitors spot the queen inside the Museum’s observation hive. • Create a colorful Busy Bee Hat in the Community Gallery before buzzing off to explore the rest of the Museum. All activities are drop-in and included with Museum admission while supplies last. The celebration also highlights one of LICM’s most unique residents: its live honeybee colony. Housed between large

Friday, August 14, 2026

LICM Honey Hoopla 2026

Buzz over to LICM for a sweet day of bee-themed discovery on August 15th panes of plexiglass in the Museum’s Feasts for Beasts gallery and connected to the outdoors through a protected tube, the hive allows visitors to safely watch honeybees build honeycomb,

care for their queen, and work together as a colony. Special red lighting helps visitors observe the hive with minimal disruption to the bees’ natural behavior. Museum admission is $20 for adults

and children ages 1 and older, $18 for seniors, and free for Museum members and children under 1 year old. For more information, visit www. licm.org or call 516-224-5800.

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Biking Missouri’s Katy Trail Following Lewis & Clark, Daniel Boone & the Westward Expansion BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM Day 4 on Wilderness Voyageur’s six-day Katy Trail bike tour is another vigorous ride, 47.8 miles from the Missouri state capital, Jefferson City, to Hermann (elevation plus 772 ft, down 821 ft). Starting out, though, we go back up that hill that provided such a dramatic view of the Capital Building the day before, back to the bridge over the river, and down the winding ramp, to the spur that brings us back onto the Katy Trail exactly where we turned off the day before, Now we are back in Missouri’s farm land and a landscape that seems unchanged in 100 years. We ride passed fields of corn and soy, with the Manitou Bluffs in the distance beyond the plain. What is so impressive all along the Katy Trail is Missouri Pride – it is evident in the meticulously planned rest stops and restored train depots, the historic notes at each one, the placards and markers and stories all along the trail that trigger our imagination as we ride. That pride is especially clear here at Tebbets, our first rest stop. Tebbets is where there is the volunteer-run Turner Trail Shelter, the only bike hostel centrally located on the Katy’s 240 miles (the key hangs on a light pole), which was a home donated by its owner. We ride along highway Route 93 for a short distance (not really scary, actually, there is a wide shoulder), and over the bridge into the town of Hermann. We stay at the Hermann Crown Suites – which sounds like a modern chain hotel but is actually a charming historic hotel. It is a fun place – there

Connie Burkhardt (left) & Dan Burkhardt with Tammy Leigh, manager of the museum at the Treloar Mercantile building, which the Burkhardt’s donated to Katy Trail State Park, a demonstration of Missouri Pride we feel all along the 240-mile trail © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com is live music in its patio area in the evening, or if it is raining, in their 1837 Cellar Bar – and we are treated to a welcome drink (or ice cream, which I prefer). Built in 1836 as the “New Fatherland” for German settlers. Hermann’s historic district has many marvelous buildings to explore. They date back to early 19th century, but the vibe is 1940s/1950s from the signs, the products. Dinner is on our own and there are lots of places to choose from, returning to the hotel for the live music on its back patio. Day 5 is 38 miles from Hermann to Augusta, almost entirely flat. We ride back on I-93 and back over the bridge to where we had left the Katy Trail. The first support stop is 18.5 miles (versus 12 miles which is more typical) at the Treloar Mercantile build-

ing, built circa 1896, which served as the dry goods store and post office until it closed in 1933. Dan and Connie Burkhardt, who created a foundation to preserve land and historic structures along the Katy Trail (katylandtrust.org), bought the building in 2018 and donated it to Missouri State Parks in 2024. There is a marvelous historic exhibition inside. Four miles further is the Peers Store, the “Magnificent Missouri” outpost, with a mission to conserve and increase appreciation of the Katy Trail (magnificentmissouri.org). A highlight today, is taking a bit of a detour to visit where Daniel Boone and his wife were buried (though their bones were supposedly moved back to Kentucky). We ride through Marthasville (named for Martha Washington) and end today’s ride at Augusta where we

G O I N G P L A C E S N E A R A N D F A R

are shuttled into the charming town of Washington. We walk off the delicious lunch we have at John G’s Beir Deck to where we overnight, Elijah McClean’s, a wonderful inn attached to a mansion. We pass by the Meerschaum’s Corn Cob Pipe factory, the only corncob pipe factory still operating in the world, our guide, James tells us. After settling into my hotel room, I walk back to Main Street and come upon a community concert at the Farmer’s Market, held weekly on Thursdays, 5-8 pm (for future Katy Trail riders). Our last dinner together is a fabulous one, at Mangia Bella, the fine dining restaurant at Elijah Mclean’s, On Day 6, our last day, is the shortest, easiest ride. We gather at the end of the trail, at St. Charles, for a delicious farewell lunch at Hendricks BBQ, before being shuttled back to the St. Charles hotels where people parked, or to the airport. Wilderness Voyageurs consistently provides sensational support – before the trip (with planning and packing lists, questionnaires) and most especially, during the ride, and book the absolutely best lodgings and restaurants. The guides are excellent and if necessary, can fix a bike or pick you up in the van should the distance or the elevation be uncomfortable. The Ride with GPS frees you to “ride your ride.” All of this makes what you pay for a guided bike tour well worth it.. Wilderness Voyageurs, Ohiopyle, PA, 15470, 800-272-4141, wilderness-voyageurs.com. ____________________________________ © 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear. com,

Discovery Friday, August 14, 2026

S T A R G A Z E R S

The Little Planet That Couldn’t BY DENNIS MAMMANA Week of Aug. 16-22, 2026 It was 20 years ago that our solar system lost a planet. Well, it didn’t really go anywhere, but Pluto is no longer a planet because it’s been reclassified. I’m sure you figured out in school that scientists love to classify things. Rocks, clouds, plants and, yes, even stars and planets. So why did they feel the need to reclassify Pluto? Because Pluto doesn’t seem to fit the pattern of the rest of the major worlds of our solar system. First, it’s a world not even 1,500 miles across; in other words, if we could bring it to Earth, it would fit inside of Mexico. Its orbit is tipped about 17 degrees to the orbits of all the other planets and is so elongated that every 240 years it crosses the orbit of Neptune. In addition, Pluto is an icy world with only five known moons, yet it exists in the realm of the gassy, ringed giants, around which hundreds of moons orbit. This is one strange world, so on Aug. 24, 2006, when the International Astronomical Union reclassified it as a “dwarf planet” -- one of five currently known -- some folks became quite upset. I hear people say all the time,

“Pluto was a planet when I was in school, and by God, it’s still a planet!” But that’s not how science works. As we learn more about nature, we find characteristics and patterns that don’t match up with our previous notions. Sometimes when that happens, we must change the way we think. It’s all good science, and it happens more frequently than you might imagine. Ages ago, anyone on the high seas would have considered whales as fish. Though whales were known to have characteristics different from fish, it wasn’t until 1758 that the 10th edition of Carl Linnaeus’ “System Naturae” officially branded them as mammals. I’d be willing to bet that if the internet had existed back then, folks would have been screaming for Linnaeus’ hide, and proclaiming, “Whales were fish when I went to school, and by God, they’re still fish!” But here we are, three centuries later, and no one’s upset any longer. No, Pluto just doesn’t fit the patterns of all the other planets, so for that reason, it seems to me, Pluto cannot legitimately be categorized as a planet. So if Pluto’s not a planet, what is it? A moon of one of the outer planets that broke free? A monster comet? A weird missing link? Good questions, all. Unfortunately, we just don’t know.

On Aug. 24, 2006, Pluto was reclassified as a “dwarf planet.” It was in 1930 that Clyde Tombaugh found Pluto, and some of his ashes were carried onboard the New Horizons spacecraft as it sped past and explored this distant world in 2015. Those who are more sentimental than scientific believe that this reclassification is an insult to the man who was so very proud of being the discoverer of the last

planet of our solar system. I knew Clyde, and I’m pretty sure this wouldn’t bother him one bit. In fact, I suspect he would be even more honored to be the discoverer of the first of an entirely new class of worlds! Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com. COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM

L O S T I N S U B U R B I A

The Fine Line Between Goo and Slime BY TRACY BECKERMAN I was talking to a friend one night when I abruptly ended the conversation. “I’m sorry, I have to go,” I said. “Otherwise I’ll miss the 8:16.” “Oh, are you catching a train?” she asked me. “No,” I replied. “An alien.” The truth was, we had a quandary. Well, it wasn’t really that much of a quandary. It was more like an event. A very long, slow and slimy event. It started one day when I was outside pruning my plants. I looked down and noticed a path of slime across my back patio. I hosed it down, but when I returned to the patio the next day, a new line of slime was there. The slime reappeared for several days running, and it was always in the same place, starting at one end of the patio and ending at the other. Since I’m not all that familiar with things that make small, narrow lines of slime, I was curious to find out what was behind it. “I think it might be very small, slimy

aliens,” I said to my husband. “No doubt,” he said. “I’m sure the first thing aliens would want to do after landing on our planet is take a tour of our back patio.” “Go ahead and laugh, but I’m going on a scientific fact-finding mission to solve the mystery of the slime line.” “What if they really are aliens and you get abducted?” he said. “It’s a risk I’m willing to take,” I replied. “That’s fine,” he said. “But can you pick up the dry cleaning before you get abducted by the aliens?” The next night at 7 p.m., I went outside and saw no sign of aliens or anything else making slime. I returned at 7:30 p.m. and then 8 p.m., but there was still no slime. But when I went out to my patio at 8:30 p.m., I caught the culprit slime-handed. It was, in fact, a slug, and a pretty large one at that. It was the usual sluggy orange color with two feelers on the top of its head. There was nothing really remarkable about it at all, other than the fact that it seemed to come

back every night. The next night I went out at 8 p.m. again and waited. Sure enough, the slug arrived at 8:16 to do his thing. And the next night. And the next. Naturally I wondered where he was going and why he did it at the same exact time every night, but the bigger question was how he got back to the other side of the yard by 8:16 the next night. I finally decided to stake out the slug to the end of his trip. I waited with a flashlight until the slug had made its way nearly to the end of the patio. But before he could finish his journey, a bird swooped out of the sky and scooped it up with his beak. However, the slug must have tasted nasty because the bird flew back across the patio and spit the slug back out on the other side. Mystery solved. So the same bird picks up the same slug every night at the same time?” my husband asked me. Apparently,” I replied. “I guess the bird doesn’t like the taste of slugs,” he said. I shrugged. “Or maybe the taste of

slimy little aliens.” Tracy Beckerman is the author of the Amazon Bestseller, “Barking at the Moon: A Story of Life, Love, and Kibble,” available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble online! You can visit her at www. tracybeckerman.com. COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM

Crossword Answers

Practical steps to afford a home in Nassau, Suffolk and Queens BY PHILIP A. RAICES For many Long Islanders and Queens residents, the dream of homeownership can seem more challenging than ever. Rising home prices, elevated mortgage interest rates, increasing insurance premiums, property taxes, and maintenance costs have caused many first-time buyers to wonder whether owning a home is still within reach. The encouraging news is that homeownership remains achievable—but today’s buyers need a well-thoughtout strategy, financial discipline, and a willingness to explore every available opportunity. Whether you’re purchasing a single-family home, condominium, cooperative apartment, or a residence within a homeowners association (HOA), preparation is the key to success. Here are the practical steps buyers can take to make homeownership more affordable.

Step 1: Know Exactly What You Can Comfortably Afford

Many buyers make the mistake of shopping based on the maximum amount a lender approves rather than what comfortably fits their monthly budget. A lender may approve you for a mortgage payment that stretches your finances, but homeownership involves much more than principal and interest. Buyers should also account for: • Property taxes • Homeowners insurance • Flood insurance (where applicable) • HOA or condominium common charges • Co-op maintenance fees • Utilities • Repairs and maintenance • Emergency savings A comfortable monthly payment is far more valuable than purchasing the most expensive property possible.

Step 2: Improve Your Credit Before Shopping

Your credit score directly influences your mortgage interest rate. A borrower with excellent credit may save hundreds of dollars every month compared to someone with only average credit. Before applying for a mortgage: • Pay all bills on time. • Reduce credit card balances below 30% of available credit. • Avoid opening unnecessary credit accounts. • Review your credit reports for errors. • Avoid financing automobiles or large purchases before closing.

Even improving your score by 20 to 40 points may qualify you for a better interest rate.

Step 3: Save More Than the Down Payment

Many buyers believe the down payment is their only major expense. In reality, buyers should prepare for: • Closing costs • Home inspection • Attorney fees • Appraisal • Moving expenses • Immediate repairs • Furniture and appliances • Utility deposits Creating a reserve fund before purchasing provides valuable peace of mind after moving into your new home.

Step 4: Consider Condominiums and Co-ops

Many first-time buyers immediately search for single-family homes, even though condominiums and cooperative apartments often provide a more affordable entry into homeownership. Condominiums Condos generally offer: • Lower purchase prices • Exterior maintenance handled by the association • Amenities such as pools, fitness centers, and clubhouses • Greater financing flexibility than co-ops Monthly common charges should always be included when calculating affordability. Cooperative Apartments Queens and parts of Nassau County offer many attractive co-op opportunities. Although co-ops have stricter approval requirements, they frequently provide: • Lower purchase prices • Reduced property maintenance responsibilities • Stable communities • Excellent locations near transportation Buyers should carefully review the building’s financial statements and reserve funds before making an offer.

Step 5: Understand HOA Fees

Many buyers focus exclusively on mortgage payments while overlooking HOA fees. Homeowners association fees may cover:

• • • • • •

Landscaping Snow removal Roof replacement Exterior maintenance Clubhouses Security

Step 6: First-Time Homebuyer Programs

Many buyers fail to realize that New York offers valuable assistance programs. Depending upon income and qualifications, buyers may benefit from: • Down payment assistance • Closing cost grants • Low-interest mortgage programs • Fixed-rate financing • Educational homeownership counseling These programs can significantly reduce the upfront costs of purchasing a home.

Step 7: Expand Your Geographic Search

Many buyers limit themselves to one or two neighborhoods. Expanding your search by just a few miles may reveal substantial savings while maintaining access to quality schools, transportation, shopping, and employment centers. Communities throughout western Suffolk, central Nassau, eastern Queens, and emerging neighborhoods continue to offer excellent long-term value.

Step 8: Buy a Home With Good “Bones”

Not every home needs to be fully renovated. Homes needing cosmetic improvements often sell below comparable move-in-ready properties. Simple improvements such as: • Painting • Flooring • Landscaping • Lighting • Kitchen hardware • Bathroom updates Buying potential instead of perfection often produces the greatest longterm equity.

Step 9: Work With Experienced Professionals

Purchasing a home involves far more than finding a property online. An experienced real estate professional can help buyers: • Identify overpriced listings • Negotiate effectively • Understand local market trends • Locate off-market opportunities

• Evaluate neighborhood appreciation potential • Coordinate inspections and financing Likewise, knowledgeable mortgage professionals can identify financing programs that many buyers never discover on their own.

Step 10: Budget Beyond the Purchase

A wise homeowner plans for future expenses. Set aside funds each month for: • Roof replacement • Heating and cooling systems • Appliances • Plumbing repairs • Landscaping • Unexpected emergencies Owning a home is both a financial investment and an ongoing responsibility. Building a maintenance reserve helps prevent small repairs from becoming financial burdens.

The Bottom Line

Despite today’s higher home prices and borrowing costs, homeownership in Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens remains attainable for buyers who prepare thoughtfully and make informed decisions. Success isn’t simply about finding the least expensive property— it’s about purchasing the right property with a payment that fits comfortably within your financial plan. Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate. 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). Continued on page 5

Friday, August 14, 2026 Discovery

R E A L E S T A T E W A T C H

Discovery Friday, Friday, August 14, 2026

S O C I A L S E C U R I T Y A N D Y O U

There Is a Reason for the Rules BY TOM MARGENAU People often complain to me about Social Security rules that they think are unnecessary. But there is almost always a good reason for the rules. I’ve saved up some emails from readers that explain what I am talking about. Q. I am 62 years old and not working -- although I did work for about 30 years. My 61-year-old husband just died. We were married for 35 years. I tried to file for widow’s benefits online and learned I can’t do it that way. I have to make an appointment. This makes no sense. It looked like claims for all other Social Security benefits can be filed online. So why not widow’s benefits? A: It used to be easier to file for widow’s benefits, including online applications. But then a government watchdog agency did a study and learned that many widows were losing out on benefits they were due because the online process didn’t sufficiently explain their options. In your case, for example, you could file for reduced widow’s benefits now, and then at age 67, switch to full retirement benefits. Or you could wait until 70 and get a 28% delayed retirement bonus added to your monthly retirement checks. Another option you would have is to file for reduced retirement benefits now, and switch to full widow’s benefits when you reach full retirement age. So during an in-person interview, the Social Security rep would explain these options to you. Which option you pick depends on the money amounts involved. There are exceptions to the in-person interview requirement. For example, if you are over your full retirement age and were getting spousal benefits on your husband’s record before he died, you will be simply converted to widow’s benefits once you notify the Social Security Administration of the death. Q. My 91-year-old mother recently moved in with us. I tried to change her address in the SSA’s records, but they won’t let me. Why not? A: It has to do with privacy laws. Those laws say you can’t have access to someone else’s Social Security records -- even your own mother’s. I know you are just trying to help her. But the law is very strict about this. If your mother is mentally incapable of handling her own Social Security affairs, then you can file to be what the SSA calls her “representative payee.” Once you have that designation, you can handle all of your mom’s Social Security matters, including filing a change of address. However, if your mom is still mentally competent, then you are just going to have to figure out some way for her to

contact the SSA to change her address. Q: I’m trying to help my aging father with his Social Security affairs. I have been appointed his power of attorney. But the Social Security people say this isn’t good enough. That makes no sense. A: Well, it will make sense when you hear my explanation. As I pointed out in the answer to the prior question, it all comes down to those privacy laws. Only your dad can have access to his Social Security records -- unless he is judged to be mentally incompetent. And if he is, then you have to file to be his “representative payee.” The reason that power of attorney status doesn’t work is that you can get that designation for a variety of reasons. For example, your dad may be totally mentally capable, but he just needs your help dealing with various legal obligations. That and other reasons are why “power of attorney” is not good enough for Social Security matters. Q. I’m getting ready to file for Social Security. I’ve been told I need to provide my birth certificate. Why? I’ve got a driver’s license and military discharge papers and passport and other government documents, all of which show my date of birth. If it’s good enough for other government agencies, including other federal agencies, why isn’t it good enough for Social Security? A: It’s because those other agencies are usually only marginally interested in your date of birth, but the Social Security Administration is keenly interested. Why? Because your date of birth is a key factor -- actually it is the most important factor -- in determining your eligibility for, and the amount of, your Social Security benefits. Because it is so vital, it is crucial that the SSA have access to your birth certificate. For even more on this issue, check out the answer to the next question. Q. I am about to file for Social Security. I was born in England but have lived in the U.S. since childhood. Although not impossible, it will be difficult for me to get my birth certificate. I have lots of other records that have my birth date on them, including even old school records. But the Social Security people want me to get my birth certificate. Why? A: I’ll start out with the same point I made in the prior answer. Your date of birth is the most crucial element to your Social Security claim. And the issue of which records can be used to prove your date of birth has been studied over and over again by the SSA. And every study I’ve ever seen comes down to this fact: the oldest record of your birth is the best record of your birth. So obviously a record made around the day of your birth (a birth certificate) is going to be at the

top of the list. Of course, there are a few cases where a birth certificate for a person was simply never recorded, or was destroyed in a fire, or for whatever reason is just not available. In those cases, the SSA still falls back on that “the oldest record is the best record” maxim. For example, they might use a religious record of birth -- if the person was baptized at an early age. Or early school or government census records also can be used. But in your

case, since your birth certificate exists, you are going to have to try to get it.

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Security -- Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Security.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon.com or other book outlets. Or you can send him an email at thomas.margenau@comcast.net. COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM

C R O S S W O R D P U Z Z L E

Answers on page 2

It may be one pretty word after another BY CLAIRE LYNCH Every so often I read a survey about different topics and what I read recently was about the most beautiful word in English. It turns out there were three top runners: diaphanous, ethereal and mellifluous. After a lot of discussion the winner turned out to be “diaphanous” because it sounded so pretty or as they said the word flows smoothly with soft, airy syllables. I found it a little hard to believe but when a survey is published it’s published and that’s final. Turns out it was coordinated by Babbel and the Poetry Society of America. Diaphanous is something light, delicate and translucent such as thin, elegant fabric. The second word chosen is “ethereal” which is a perfectly good word that means something extremely delicate and light, seeming otherworldly or too perfect for this world. An example of the word in a sentence is, “Her ethereal voice sounded as if it belonged to a choir of angels.” The third word “mellifluous” is a pretty word that means a voice or a sound that is sweetly flowing, melodic and pleasant to listen to. Some would say that “the actor has a mellifluous voice that is soothing.” The runner-up to those three words was “halcyon” which means happy, prosperous and calm. I’ve heard it said that the halcyon days in the movie industry were in the 1930s - 1950s when it was the Golden Age of Hollywood. There’s nothing wrong with this word

except that it’s a bit old-fashioned and you don’t hear it used so much anymore. I was familiar with three of the four words - with ethereal, mellifluous and halcyon - but not with diaphanous. My guess is that most people wouldn’t know what the word diaphanous means or how to use it in everyday conversation. Plus it’s not easy to spell. The other three words sound a bit complex and kind of mysterious but the fact is they are perfectly good words in the English language. I don’t want to offend the experts who chose the top three most beautiful words in English this year but the fact is people just don’t use them very often. I realize that the English language is comprised of basic words and longer multi-syllabic words and sometimes you can break them down to their roots and figure out their meaning but in talking with everyday people I like to use basic words. That way everybody is getting the meaning of the vocabulary words and not getting confused by the complicated ones like diaphanous. As an English major I’ve spent many years dealing with words - using them in sentences as well as in conversations and speeches - and I’ve searched my memory but I can’t think of one time in my life when I’ve used the word diaphanous either when conversing with someone or in a written text. On another note, each year new words are added to the dictionary and recent words include things such as “delulu” which is shorthand for delusional and “bingo card” which in slang

isn’t a reference to the game bingo and its 25 little squares. The phrase “not on my bingo card” is used to describe a completely unexpected or bizarre event such as when someone says, “I was out driving and a sudden blizzard wasn’t on my bingo card.” “Lithe” is another runner-up word that used to be used by people a lot more often. I don’t hear it in conversation or see it on the written page much anymore. It means that someone is graceful and supple such as, “The ballet dancer moved across the stage with a lithe and effortless grace.” Whenever I watch “Dancing with the Stars” on TV I’m amazed at how well the professional dancers and the guest dancers dance to the music whether the guest dancers are celebrities we recognize or not. So many dancers seem to burst with energy and glide across the stage. Their moves definitely look lithe although that’s not a word I normally would use to describe them. I also came across the word “clout” which once again doesn’t have the same connotation that we thought it meant say 40 years ago. Today in slang clout means gaining notoriety especially on social media. Gaining followers is the name of the game on various social media platforms and what lengths will some creators go to in order to boost their own visibility? They are often called “clout chasers.” It is said that back in the olden days the phrase “cellar door” was praised for its aesthetic sound rather than its meaning. Cellar doors are those

heavy-duty doors used to access storm shelters during severe weather such as the tornado in Kansas during “The Wizard of Oz.” It’s also where many people typically store their tools and shelve their canned vegetables. Linguists as a group appreciate it for its rolling consonants and open vowels, hence the way “cellar door” rolls off the tongue. Serendipity also has a way of rolling off the tongue and so does effervescent. Some linguistics professors that I have known strike me as very particular when it comes to words and usage. They realize that the rules of grammar and English that we are taught in school and how people actually speak when among friends and relatives are often very different. It’s a matter of the time and place - and what’s appropriate to the circumstances. Back in the day my grandmother who was an elementary schoolteacher used to talk about diction and we kids would ask, “What’s that?” Then she would start talking about elocution and we would run into another room. As young kids we didn’t want to hear about proper English. No, thank you. When I read the survey of the most beautiful words in the English language I laughed and thought that this may have been a case of “stranger than fiction” except the words aren’t fiction at all. They are very real, live words some people bandy about - wittingly and unwittingly.

R E A L E S T A T E W A T C H

Practical steps to afford a home in Nassau, Suffolk and Queens Continued from page 3

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 dig-

ital value analysis of what your home might sell for in today’s market without any obligation or “strings” attached call him at (516) 647-4289 or email: Phil@ TurnKeyRealEstate.com

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Antique & Vintage Items Jewelry-Crystal-Silver Furniture-Mirrors-Tabletop Artwork-Lamps Consign, Shop or Visit the Yellow House 109 Eleventh Street Garden City 516-746-8900 Mon-Fri 10-4 (Wed to 6pm) Saturday 12-4 (entrance & parking in back) Consignments by appointment atstewartexchange@tgchs.org All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical Society

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MARKETPLACE INVITED SALES BY TRACY JORDAN Transform your space, maximize your value: Are you looking to add value to your property and enhance its appeal? Look no further! At Invited Sales, we offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet your needs: Personal Property Appraisals and Evaluations: Get expert insights into the true value of your personal property. Estate and Tag Sales: Simplify the process of selling estate items with our professional online and in-person tag sale services. Home Updates: From carpet removal to one-day floor refinishing and contractor services, we handle it all to refresh your home effortlessly. Staging Services: Elevate your space with our curated selection of furniture, accessories, lighting, and decorative items for a stunning transformation. Explore our captivating before and after photos showcasing homes where we’ve added significant value, making them stand out in the market: Visit: InvitedSales.com today to discover how we can help you achieve your property goals! Please Call: 516-279-6378 Or Text Tracy Jordan: 516-567-2960

WANTED TO BUY LOOKING TO BUY! Estates, Oriental items, Gold, Silver, Costume Jewelry, Dishes, Flatware, Watches, Clothing, Old Photos, Coins, Stamps, Records, Sports Cards, Pokemon Cards, Comics and Art. Immediate Cash Paid Call George 917-775-3048

AUTOMOTIVE AUTOS WANTED ***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highest$ Ca$h Paid$ All Years / Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199 Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS 516-297-2277

Call 294.8900 AUTOMOTIVE AUTOS WANTED DONATE YOUR CAR TODAY Donate your car running or not. Support Patriotic Hearts for our Veterans and their Families! Free, fast pickup. May be tax deductible. Se habla Espanol. Call now: 844-415-1229 GET A BREAK ON YOUR TAXES! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind today at 1-855484-3467 WE BUY 8,000 CARS A WEEK Sell your old, busted or junk car with no hoops, haggles or headaches. Sell your car to Peddle. Easy three step process. Instant offer. Free pickup. Fast payment. Call 1-855-403-3374

SERVICES AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER? STORM DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-833-880-7679 BARNES GALLERY Custom Picture Framing Two Nassau Blvd Garden City, NY 516-538-4503 Tuesday-Saturday 10-5 CONSUMER CELLULAR — the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844-919-1682

SERVICES END YOUR TAX WORRIES TODAY Let us make your tax problem our priority. Scared, stuck with high tax amounts? Our A+ tax professionals can help. Call for a FREE consultation. Call Priority Tax now 1-877-663-7719 JACK’S CUSTOM FRAMING We can frame anything! Quality Care & Workmanship Thousands of frames to choose from!! Over 30 years in business! 92 Covert Ave, Stewart Manor 516-775-9495

ATTORNEY STEPHANIE A. D’ANGELO, ESQ. Elder Law, Wills & Trusts Asset Preservation, Estate Planning, Probate & Estate Administration/Litigation 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530 516-222-1122 www.dangelolawassociates. com

HOME IMPROVEMENTS AQUATEC LAWN SPRINKLERS SYSTEM TURN ONS Backflow Device Tests Free Estimates Installation Service/Repairs Joe Barbato 516-775-1199 BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-833-807-0159

Our Service Directory will get you business from all across Long Island! Call 294-8900 for rates & info.

SERVICES HOME IMPROVEMENT

SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

HEALTH SERVICES

CJM CONTRACTING INC. Chris Mullins Specializing in General Contracting, Including Churches and Cathedrals ALL RENOVATIONS EXPERT LEAK REPAIRS Bathrooms, Kitchens, Basements, Carpentry, Roofing, Masonry, Brickwork, Pointing, Waterproofing, Power Washing FREE ESTIMATES LICENSED & INSURED SMALL JOBS WELCOME 516-428-5777

PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES with Briggs & StrattonPowerProtect(TM) standby generators—the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty—7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Briggs & Stratton 1-888-605-1496

FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC Dr. Ann Marie D’Angelo PMHCNS-BC Doctor of Nursing Practice Advanced Practice Nurse Care Manager Assistance with Aging at Home /Care Coordintion Nursing Home & Assisted Living Placement PRI / Screens / Mini Mental Status Exams Medicaid Eligibility and Apllications 516-248-9323 w w w. f a m i l yc a r e c o n n e c tions.com 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530

DO YOU KNOW WHAT’S IN YOUR WATER? Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-247-5728 MADE IN THE SHADE CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Draperies Top Brands at Discount Prices! Family owned & operated www.madeintheshadensli. com 516-426-2890 MASONRY All types of stonework Pavers, Retaining Walls, Belgium Block Patios, Foundations, Seal coating, Concrete and Asphalt driveways, Sidewalks, Steps. Free Estimates Fully Licensed & Insured #H2219010000 Boceski Masonry Louie 516-850-4886 PAULIE THE ROOFER STOPPING LEAKS IS MY SPECIALTY! Slate & Tile Specialists All types of Roofing Local References Licensed & Insured 516-621-3869

PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES TODAY with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5 year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-877-5161160 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. SAFE STEP North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive Lifetime warranty. Top of the line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step: 1-855-916-5473 STRONG-ARM CONTRACTING D E M O L I T I O N — Kitchens, Bathrooms, Basements, Decks, Sheds, etc. JUNK REMOVAL—Furniture, Appliances, Carpeting WE CAN RIP OUT, REMOVE OR TAKE APART ANYTHING OR EVERYTHING IN YOUR HOME OR ON YOUR PROPERTY. Residential & Commercial Call: 516-538-1125 WELLINGTON MASONRY & CONTRACTING EXPERTS Driveways, Blacktop, Patios, Stoops, Concrete, Pavers, Brick Work, Retaining Walls, Stone Work, Sidewalks & Curbs. Financing Available wellingtonmasonry.com Call: Andrew: 516-659-1003 Frank: 516-316-5560

Call 294.8900 Surprise guests with this treat at your next backyard barbecue

Grilled Bananas Stuffed with Marshmallows and Chocolate Squares

PAINTING & PAPERHANGING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING Plastering, Taping, Sheetrock Skim Cutting, Old Wood Refinish, Staining, Wallpaper Removal & Hanging, Paint Removal, Power Washing, Wood Replacement JOHN MIGLIACCIO Licensed & Insured #80422100000 Call John anytime: 516-901-9398 (Cell) 516-483-3669 (Office)

SERVICES AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-833-323-0160 PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-833-549-0598 Have zip code of property ready when calling!

Getting the news shouldn’t mean breaking the bank. With a year-long home subscription, a weekly delivery of our paper to your front door costs less than a dollar per week. Call 516-294-8900 today to start saving!

Grilling enthusiasts know there’s no limits when it comes to foods that can be improved when cooked over an open flame. The unique flavor profile of foods cooked on the grill is impossible to match, and that’s perhaps one reason why grilling devotees are willing to try their hand at grilling anything. Perhaps no food is less associated with grilling than a banana. But this recipe for

“Grilled Bananas Stuffed With Marshmallows and Chocolate Squares” from Lines+Angles is proof that all foods can be given a new and flavorful life when cooked over an open flame. Come your next backyard barbecue, surprise guests when it comes time to serve dessert with this flavorful and indulgent treat. Makes 4 servings

4 unpeeled ripe bananas 2 milk chocolate candy bars (Hershey's recommended)

1⁄2 cup miniature marshmallows

1) Set the grill up for direct grilling and preheat to medium heat. 2) Slit each banana lengthwise through the peel, making sure not to cut all the way through. Open the peel and banana wider to form a pocket. 3) Unwrap the candy bars and

separate the chocolate squares. Stuff each banana with marshmallows, followed by chocolate squares. 4) Grill for 5 to 8 minutes, or until marshmallows and chocolate are melted. Serve and enjoy.

Friday, August 14, 2026

CLASSIFIEDS

Friday, August 14, 2026

CLASSIFIEDS

Call 294.8900

Friday, August 14, 2026

SERVICE DIRECTORY GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Call 294.8900

MASONRY

CUSTOM FRAMING

Family Owned & Operated | Fully Insuredd

CJM Contracting Inc.

Specializing in General Contracting, Including Churches & Cathedrals ALL RENOVATIONS, EXPERT LEAK REPAIRS Bathrooms • Kitchens • Basements • Carpentry Roofing • Flat Shingle • Attics • Masonry Stoops • Brickwork • Waterproofing • Pointing Windows • Power Washing • Painting FREE ESTIMATES • LICENSED & INSURED • SMALL JOBS WELCOME

CHRIS MULLINS (516) 428-5777

LIC. #H18C602000 Liability, Disability & W/C INS.

WINDOW TREATMENTS

*CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS TOP BRANDS AT DISCOUNT PRICES* WE BRING THE SHOWROOM TO YOU FREE CONSULTATION

516-426-2890

WWW.MADEINTHESHADENSLI.COM

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED MASONRY

MASONRY & CONTRACTING EXPERTS Family Owned & Operated Since 1992 Serving All of Nassau County, Suffolk County, and NYC

Our Professional Services

• Driveways • Blacktop • Patios • Stoops • Concrete

• Pavers • Brick Work • Retaining Walls • Stone Work • Sidewalks & Curbs

Financing Available • Monthly Payment Options • 60-Second Pre-Qualification • Doesn’t Affect Credit Score

Call Andrew: (516) 659-1003 Call Frank: (516) 316-5560

wellingtonmasonry.com NYC License #213379 • Nassau County #204667 Suffolk County #HI-73174

Two Nassau Blvd Garden City, N.Y.

Contracting LLC

516-538-4503

www.barnesgalleryframing.com barnesgallery@yahoo.com Hours: Tues - Sat 10 am - 5 pm

MASONRY • PAVING • CONCRETE 516.850.4886 WWW.BOCESKI.COM PAINTING/POWER WASHING

Do You Have a Service To Advertise? Litmor Publications publishes the ads of service providers in our Classifieds, Professional Guide and Service Directory. A 6-week agreement brings your specialty or service to the attention of the community. Let us begin listing you in our next Issue.

For More Info and Rates, Call Nancy 516.294.8900

Advertising in the Professional Guide is only open to N.Y.S. Licensed Professionals. CUSTOM FRAMING

JACK’S CUSTOM FRAMING Over 30 Years in Business We can frame anything! Quality Care & Workmanship Thousands of frames to choose from

516-775-9495 92 Covert Ave., Stewart Manor HOURS: Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 @jacks_custom_framing jackmccullough@me.com

PAINTING & WALLPAPER est. 1978

Interior and Exterior • Plaster/Spackle Light Carpentry • Decorative Moldings Power Washing 516-385-3132 New Hyde Park

www.MpaintingCo.com

516-328-7499 Licensed & Insured

PAINTING/POWER WASHING

Sweeney Custom Painting and CARPENTRY

• INTERIOR / EXTERIOR • B. Moore Paints • Power Washing • Dustless Sanding Vacuum System • Taping • Spackling • Plaster Removed • New Drywall

516-884-4016 Lic# H0454870000

DEMOLITION AND JUNK REMOVAL

DEMOLITION OF Kitchens - Bathrooms - Basements - Garages - Decks - Sheds Fences - Awnings - Pools - Patios - Playsets Gazebos - Concrete Stoops - Patios - Walkways Gutter Cleaning - Power Washing Yard Cleanups - Small Tree Removal - Land Clearing JUNK REMOVAL Furniture - Appliances - Carpeting Any or All Household Items Construction Debris-Garbage Entire Contents of Home or Office Complete Cleanouts of Home, Office Storefront, Basement, Attic, Garage, Shed $25 Off With This Ad

WE CAN RIP OUT, REMOVE OR TAKE APART ANYTHING OR EVERYTHING IN YOUR HOME OR ON YOUR PROPERTY WE CLEAN IT UP AND TAKE IT AWAY

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Family Owned in Business Since 1999

FREE ESTIMATES

LICENSED & INSURED

516-538-1125

220 South Service Road, Roslyn Heights, NY 11557

Call 294.8900 LAWN SPRINKLERS

ROOFING

• System Turn-Ons • Backflow Device Tests • Free Estimates • Installation • Service/Repairs

CARPENTRY

Sweeney Custom Carpentry and PAINTING

New Doors Crown Molding Old Plaster Removed Window Molding New Drywall Installed Base Molding Picture Frame Molding Rotted Wood Replaced

Joe Barbato (516) 775-1199

516-884-4016 Lic# H0454870000

JUNK CAR BUYERS

NO KEYS! NO TITLE! NO PROBLEM!

WE BUY JUNK CARS & TRUCKS

FREE SAME DAY REMOVAL • 7-DAY / 24 HOUR • FREE PICK-UP CALL OR TEXT NOW

(516) 497-8898 TOP $$ PAID FOR YOUR CAR OR TRUCK

WWW.JUNKCARBUCKS.COM

PROFESSIONAL GUIDE

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Stay informed about your community with a weekly subscription to our newspaper. With current events, announcements, restaurant reviews, puzzles, and much more, there’s always something for everybody to enjoy! The Garden City News • Bethpage Newsgram Jericho-Syosset News Journal • Syosset Advance The Mid-Island Times & Levittown Times Floral Park Villager

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Professional Services Guide

HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT

Family Care Connections, LLC

• Nurse Geriatric Care Manager • Assistance with Aging at Home • Assisted Living & Nursing Home Placement • Elder Care Consulting & Counseling • Medicaid Application & Consulting Services • Real Estate & Housing Options for Aging

Nassau (516) 248- 9323

Queens (718) 470- 6300

Dr. Ann Marie D’AngeIo, DNP, PMHCNS Dr. Frank G. D’Angelo, JD, Ph.D, M.Div

901 Stewart Ave., Ste. 230 • Garden City, NY 11530 www.FamilyCareConnections.com

ATTORNEY

D’Angelo Law Associates, PC Stephanie A. D’Angelo, Esq.

Your Trusts & Estates Attorney • Wills & Trusts • Estate Administration • Estate Planning • Asset Protection • Elder Law • Probate • Real Estate Nassau (516) 222-1122

Queens (718) 776-7475

901 Stewart Ave., Ste 230 • Garden City, NY 11530 www.DangeloLawAssociates.com

Call 516-294-8900 and let us begin listing you in our Professional Guide. Deadline is Monday, 12 Noon.

11 Friday, August 14, 2026

SERVICE DIRECTORY

T:9.83" Friday, August 14, 2026

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