Bethpage Newsgram (9/30/22)

H ONORED

Jack O'Lantern Blaze to return to Old Bethpage Village

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, a 28-day immersive, family friend ly Halloween experience will return to Long Island on September 30 through November 6. The event will be set at Long Island’s historic 19th century village at the beloved Old Bethpage Village Restoration. For tickets and event dates, visit www.pumpkinblaze.org. Advance ticket purchases are required.

Historic Hudson Valley, which develops and produces the event, is a not-for-profit education organization that owns and operates National Historic Landmarks in New York’s Sleepy Hollow region. Proceeds from ticket purchases will support the education and preservation of Old Bethpage Village Restoration and Historic Hudson Valley.

“I want to thank Historic Hudson Valley for bringing its highly successful Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze to Nassau County again this year,” said Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. “This will be the third time Long Islanders will be able to enjoy this breathtaking, magical exhibit, the largest of its kind and an event that draws tens of thousands of residents from across Long Island.”

A tremendous artistic production, noted Creative Director Michael Natiello, will lead a 25-person production team to produce Blaze: Long Island. Lead carver Carol Hough, who resides in Massapequa, and artistic carver Rocco N. Lanzilotta of Westbury will guide and direct Blaze: Long Island’s 15 artisans, who hand-carve 7,000 jack o’lanterns which will be displayed in elaborate pumpkin sculptures throughout

Gas station burglary

A gas station located at 220 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview, was bur glarized between Friday, September 23, and Saturday, September 24.

According to Nassau County detectives, an unknown person entered the premises and removed an unknown amount of US cur rency, cigarette cartons and lottery tickets. The subject fled in an unknown direction.

Detectives request anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS or call 911. All callers will remain anonymous.

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Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino (center, back row) recently joined with Hicksville’s William M. Gouse Jr. VFW Post No. 3211 to honor the Hicksville Fire Department’s Ambulance Corp. volunteers. Honorees included EMS Coordinator Captain Roger Koopman, Lieutenant Alex is Mullally, EMT Suyin Jakobsen, EMT Catherine O’Halloran, EMT Penney Miyan and EMT Kri sia Romano.“I’m so proud to honor the exceptional members of the Hicksville Fire Department’s EMS for their exemplary service, bravery, and commitment to protecting the lives of the residents in this incredible community,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Thank you for going above and beyond the call of duty, and thank you for being part of the select few who choose to run towards an emergency, instead of away.”

Fall Oyster Bay Harbor Cleanup

The Town of Oyster Bay invites residents to participate in the Fall Oyster Bay Harbor & Beach Cleanup, scheduled for Saturday, October 1, at the Town’s north shore beach es. The event, held rain or shine, is co-sponsored by the Town of Oyster Bay, the North Oyster Bay Baymen’s Association (NOBBA) and Friends of the Bay. Volunteers — including indi viduals, groups, families and friends — should meet at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park (off Larrabee Avenue in Oyster Bay) near the waterfront gazebo beginning at 9 a.m. Community Service Certificates are available upon request for students seeking to fulfill volunteer requirements.

“This great environmental cleanup initiative features volunteers and Town employees rolling up their sleeves and working side-by-side to remove litter and debris from the beaches and shore line areas along Oyster Bay Harbor,” Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino said. “We invite residents of all ages to pitch in and help make a dif ference in our community! This year’s event will also feature new fun for the family, as a new scavenger hunt will be

featured for kids.”

Volunteers are invited to participate in the cleanup, which will run from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The central meet ing place will be Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park launching ramps and waterfront gazebo off of Larrabee Avenue, Oyster Bay. Additional loca tions for the clean-up include Theodore Roosevelt Beach in Oyster Bay, Stehli Beach in Bayville and Centre Island Beach in Bayville. Typically, in years past, harbor and beach clean-up events have resulted in about forty thousand pounds of debris collected by volunteers.

Town Councilwoman Laura Maier stated, “Each year, countless amounts of paper, food, plastics and other trash are discarded on beaches or dumped overboard from recreational and com mercial vessels. Allowing this litter to remain on our shorelines will only lead to increasingly worse damage for the environment.”

Individuals and groups who are interested in registering for this envi ronmental cleanup should contact the Town’s Department of Environmental Resources at (516) 677-5943 or visit www. oysterbaytown.com.

Bowlers needed

Bowlers are needed for the Mercy League Ladies’ Bowling Team. The team plays on Fridays at 9:45 a.m. at Syosset Lanes.

$15 per week for three games,

includes shoes and ball, and end-of-sea son luncheon.

For details, please call Dolores Sartor at 516-931-4106

Come out and have some fun!

Town plans blood donation drive

In recognition of World Blood Donor Day and in an effort to help hospitals facing a nationwide blood shortage, the Town of Oyster Bay invites resi dents to attend a Blood Collection Drive on Thursday, October 6, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hicksville Athletic Center, located at 167 S. Broadway in Hicksville.

Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino stat ed, “Blood supplies have seriously dwin dled as a result of fewer donors during the pandemic. Supplies are critically needed for local hospitals to meet the demand and continue saving lives. Please consider par ticipating in this blood drive to help bol ster 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 donat ed blood within the last 56 days. Anyone who received a tattoo within the past 12 months is ineligible to donate. It is recom mended 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 compliments of Councilwoman Laura Maier.

Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh 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 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 the Town’s Public Information Office at (516) 624-6380. To make an appointment to donate at this Blood Drive, sign up today at https://bit. ly/3qu80fl

Math

Long Island’s premier car show expe rience will take place on Sunday, October 2, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at TOBAY Beach (rain date on October 9). The Supervisor’s TOBAY Beach Classic will be co-sponsored by Car Show Long Island and will feature hundreds of automobiles, trucks, military vehicles, and emergency service vehicles.

A live concert performed by The Mystic will take place during the day, followed by trophy presentations. The event is free for spectators.

Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino stated, “Whether you’re a proud classic car owner or you want to see the best cars in the region, Car Show Long Island is the place to be! This free family-fun event is a perfect way to spend the day, all with the beautiful backdrop of TOBAY Beach. Spectators can check out cool cars, ven dors, exhibits and enjoy live music while surrounded by Long Island’s best classic, muscle, antique and exotic cars.”

Car Show Long Island’s 2022 TOBAY Beach Fall Classic features some of the hottest and most classic cars in the tri-

state region. While enjoying live music performed by The Mystic and great eats from the Food Truck Corral, thousands of spectators are expected throughout the day to get up close and personal with Long Island’s best classic, muscle, antique and exotic cars. Trophies will be awarded in each class, and children will have a say when deeming which rides are their favor ites in the SUNation Kids’ Choice Award.

Car Show Long Island’s 2022 TOBAY Beach Fall Classic is made possible through the following presenting sponsors: Bethpage Federal Credit Union, MSG Networks and Signarama of Huntington.

Classic Car enthusiasts and spectators can also grab a bite to eat from the food truck corral, and can also check out numer ous vendors and displays. Car owners can pre-register their vehicles by at www. carshowli.com for $15 per car or register the day-of for $25 per car. The event is free to spectators. For more information or to become a sponsor or vendor at the event, call (516) 797-4121 or e-mail carshowli@oyster bay-ny.gov.

JHS student shines in competition

Jericho High School student Agastya Mittal recently competed at the International History Olympiad, in Princeton, NJ and won the Championship Trophy and Gold Medal in the International History Bowl World Championships.

The International History Olympiad is hosted by International Academic Competitions, an international organiza tion spanning dozens of countries glob ally. There were competitors from 20+ US states and multiple countries such as Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, Iraq, Singapore, Ecuador, Poland, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Thailand, Switzerland, Canada, and the Philippines. I competed against 52 other competitors at the Junior Varsity level who came from all over the world to com pete in the world championship.

Additionally, Agastya won four indi vidual and team events:

• Championship Trophy and Gold Medal - International History Bowl World Championships (Team event)

• Gold Medal - South Asian History Exam. (Individual)

• Silver Medal - Hexathlon Team Competition (Team Event)

Agastya Mittal and his teammates cel ebrate.

• Bronze Medal - Sports History Bee (Individual)

• Bronze Medal- New York City History Exam (Individual)

Property tax exemption workshops scheduled

Nassau County Legislator Arnold Drucker

Nassau County Legislators Arnold Drucker (D-Plainview) and Josh Lafazan (D-Woodbury), in in conjunction with the Nassau County Department of Assessment, announces the 2022 series of Property Tax Exemption Workshops for local residents.

During the workshops, Department of Assessment staff will assist residents with filing for veteran, senior citizen, Cold War veteran, volunteer firefighter and ambu lance worker, limited-income disability and/or home improvement exemptions. Enhanced STAR applications will also be processed for homeowners already enrolled in the STAR program prior to Jan. 2, 2015.

All workshops are from 1 – 2:30 p.m.

Participants should bring copies of their 2021 federal and state income tax returns and other required documen tation with them to workshops; for a complete list, visit https://www.nassau countyny.gov/3575/Exemption-Forms or call the Nassau County Department of Assessment at 516-571-1500.

Upcoming local workshops include:

• Monday, October 3: Syosset Public Library, 225 S. Oyster Bay Road, Syosset

• Thursday, October 6: Hicksville Public Library, 169 Jerusalem Ave., Hicksville

• Thursday, October 20: Plainview Jewish Center, 95 Floral Drive, Plainview

Free Halloween-themed movie nights

The Town of Oyster Bay will be offering two special Halloween-themed movie nights at Town parks. Movie nights include fun pre-movie activi ties and are held outdoors, weather permitting. Residents and families are encouraged to bring chairs and blan kets for their viewing comfort.

“What better way to kick off the fall season than a fun Halloween-themed movie night at your local Town park,” said Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “We hope all res idents and their families join us at these not so spooky and fun movie nights.”

Movie Schedule

• Friday, September 30: “The Addams Family 2” at Ellsworth W. Allen Park, 45 Motor Avenue in Farmingdale. The event includes games, free popcorn, inflatables and more.

• Saturday, October 8: “The Nightmare Before Christmas” at SyossetWoodbury Community Park, 7900 Jericho Turnpike in Woodbury. The event includes games, free popcorn, inflatables and more.

Movies begin at sundown with pre-movie activities beginning at 4:30 p.m. Movies are subject to change and will be held weather permitting. Call (516) 797-7925 for updated information.

Nassau County Legislator Josh Lafazan

Bethpage senior receives perfect score on AP exam

Senior Athanasia Panagos from Bethpage High School accomplished an impressive feat for any student. She received a perfect score on the college-level Advanced Placement Research Exam in the spring of 2022. Panagos earned the maximum AP score of a 5 and was one of only 306 students in the world to earn every point possible on the exam.

Her AP Research project was entitled “The Fluidity of Inherent Human Behavior and the Effects of Environmental Factors on Altruism and Greed.” The purpose of her study was to “determine whether human behavior is inherently or predis posed to greed or altruism, as well as if human nature is influenced by its environment.”

Upon learning of Panagos’ out

standing achievement, her AP Research teachers Kristen Garvey and Nicole Dulaney were thrilled.

“It is such an honor for Athanasia to be recognized as one of the top 306 AP Research papers, especial ly because there were 26,958 papers submitted globally,” said Garvey. “Athanasia was very passionate about her topic from the beginning of the year, and I am so proud of her and that her hard work paid off.”

Dulaney added that it was extreme ly rewarding watching Athanasia develop a valuable skillset by design ing and implementing an original research project.

“I am confident she will continue to utilize these skills in both college and her career, and I look forward to her future success,” she said.

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Bethpage High School senior Athanasia Panagos (second from left) earned a perfect score on the AP Research Exam. Pictured with AP Research teachers Kristen Garvey (left) and Nicole Dulaney (second from right) and Director of Science K–12 and Data Protection Officer Chris Pollatos (right). Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

Northside Elementary students name their new ducks

Two feathered friends are new members of the Northside Elementary School family in the Levittown Public School District this year. The ducks, Tater and Tot, who live in the school’s courtyard, were named by students on Sept. 16.

Tater and Tot offer the oppor tunity for students to learn about the lives of animals, including their daily needs and the responsibility of taking care of them. Visits to Tater

and Tot in the courtyard are also great moments to relax and men tally de-stress. The courtyard also features a greenhouse, where vege tables are grown and students learn about sustainable living.

Tater and Tot will be the sub ject of various lessons and visits throughout the year, but they are both already big members of the community.

GRIMALDI’S

BACK TO

September 6 through November 13 for lunch and dinner.

1) One 18” Pizza with Choice of Spinach and Artichoke Dip OR Grimaldi’s Mixed Salad and Complimentary 2-Liter Bottle of Soda ($2.50 Charge to Substitute Different Salad) $36 plus tax

2 ) One 18” Pizza, One Order of Penne alla Vodka, Choice of Spinach and Artichoke Dip OR Grimaldi’s Mixed Salad and Complimentary 2-Liter Bottle of Soda ($2.50 Charge to Substitute Different Salad) $48 plus tax

3) Two 18” Pizzas with Choice of Spinach and Artichoke Dip OR Grimaldi’s Mixed Salad and Complimentary 2-Liter Bottle of Soda ($2.50 Charge to Substitute Different Salad) $55 plus tax

Additional items may be purchased at regular menu price. Toppings available for aditional cost. May not be combined with any other coupon, discount, offer, or Groupon. Prices do not include tax or gratuity. Available for take-out only. No substitutions.

FRI–SAT: 11:30AM

Tater and Tot live in the school’s courtyard and enjoy visits from students through out the day.

From left: Cameron Duggan, Ronald Novotny and Lillian Dunn visited the school’s ducks, named Tater and Tot.

Photos courtesy of Levittown Public Schools

Water district to hold Drug Takeback Day

The Plainview Water District (PWD) is hosting its fifth annual Pharmaceutical Take Back Day on Saturday, October 22, between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at 10 Manetto Hill Road. During this event, res idents are encouraged to stop by to safely and properly dispose of any unwanted or expired medications. As a part of the PWD’s Preserve Plainview initiative, this annual drive-thru event ensures the proper dispos al of pharmaceuticals and prevents them from making their way into the aquifer which is our community’s sole-source of drinking water.

“We encourage the Plainview-Old Bethpage community to participate in this event to dispose of their expired or unused medications in a safe and convenient way,” said PWD Chairman Marc Laykind. “As a community, it is our collective respon sibility to protect our drinking water and

continue to make all efforts to protect our shared environment. POB residents con tinue to impress us with their participation each year and we look forward to making this year the most successful yet.”

Normally, if someone flushes medica tions down the toilet or throws them in the garbage, there is a likelihood that the medications’ contents will ultimately make their way into the community waterways and water supply. If there is an elevated presence of toxins from pharmaceuticals in the groundwater, the District will have no choice but to invest in expensive treat ment systems to remove any contaminants before they reach customers’ homes.

“As part of the Plainview-Old Bethpage community, we each have a responsibility to protect our environment from any poten tially harmful substances for the simple fact that the activities we engage in on the

surface will eventually impact our future water quality,” said PWD Commissioner Andrew Bader. “Pharmaceutical Take Back Day provides our community with an easy way to contribute to protecting our environment by ensuring unused medica tions don’t end up in the wrong hands or in the wrong places.”

This year, Pharmaceutical Take Back Day, which is held in partnership with the Nassau County Police Department, will take place on October 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. All residents with unused or expired medications are encouraged to drop them off at the District’s headquar ters—10 Manetto Hill Road—and may do so anonymously without having to leave their vehicles.

“Pharmaceutical Take Back Day con tinues to be an effective event each and every year thanks to the members of the

Plainview-Old Bethpage community,” said PWD Commissioner Amanda Field. “Coming together each year to collect near ly 300 pounds of unwanted medication, is simply a testament to the members of the POB community’s dedication to helping Preserve Plainview.”

For additional information about the Plainview Water District’s Pharmaceutical Take Back Day or other District initiatives, please call (516) 931-6469 or visit the Plainview Water District website at www.plainviewwater. org. Residents can also sign up to receive information by submitting their email address through the District’s homepage or following them on Facebook in order to stay up-to-date with District activities and initiatives.

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POB schools welcome students back to school

The skies were clear and bright amid the cool late summer weather on September 2 as the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District wel comed students back for the 2022–2023 school year. Across the District, teach ers and staff greeted the new and return ing students fresh from their summer breaks and ready to learn.

“It is always a delight to see the excitement on our students’ faces as they come back to the classroom for the first time after summer and con tinue their educational careers,” said

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary O’Meara. “School is such a special place, and I look forward to seeing our students forge lifelong bonds and learn lifelong lessons over the next nine months.”

This year, the District adopted the theme “Every Student Matters, Every Moment Counts” to reflect just how precious the time that each individual student spends in the classroom is. The theme represents the District’s ongoing commitment to reach every student— no matter their needs.

Students at Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School were excited for the start of classes.

Dr. O’Meara chatted with POB Middle School students before the opening bell.

Staff led their students to their classrooms at POB Middle School.

Students at Stratford Road Elementary School were ready to go for the first day of school. With them was Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary O’Meara.

JFK Middle School’s library gets modern makeover

Students at John F. Kennedy Middle School in the Bethpage Union Free School District were excited to enter the school’s new library on Sept. 23. The day marked the grand opening for the new and improved library which was renovated during the summer months to fit the 21st century learner.

Library media specialist Michelle Phillips and teachers assistant Georgia Paraskakis decorated the space and warmly welcomed students into the library during their lunch periods to explore. Students were able to play games, make their own book marks, try out the new makerspace additions and sign a grand opening board to mark the special occasion.

The new library features different flexible seating options, new tables

and flooring, ample storage, bookcas es filled with books of different genres and a full makerspace which was previously the school’s computer lab. The makerspace is an area dedicated to arts and crafts, STEM activities, board games and more. The circula tion desk was also relocated to face the library’s entrance.

“The newly renovated library at JFK is warm, inviting and beauti ful,” said JFK Middle School princi pal Kevin Fullerton. “I love seeing the smiling faces and excitement of our students visiting the library. It is such a wonderful place to not only read and learn but to explore, create and have fun in a fantastic environ ment.”

John F. Kennedy Middle School’s library media specialist Michelle Phillips (left) and teachers assistant Georgia Paraskakis (right) welcomed students to the school’s new library.

Sixth grader Jason Como tried out some of the items in the library’s makerspace.

JFK Middle School’s new library was officially opened on Sept. 23.

JFK Middle School principal Kevin Fullerton (back left) and students explored the new school library during its grand opening on Sept. 23.

Students signed a board at the grand opening of JFK Middle School’s new library.

Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

Jack O'Lantern Blaze Hicksville student selected as Scholar-Artist in music

the event.

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“This year’s event features more exhibits and new special effects, which we are all very excited about,” said Waddell Stillman, president, Historic Hudson Valley. “I want to thank Nassau County for welcoming us back and for giving us the opportunity to entertain Long Islanders like never before! I also want to thank the many hard-working artisans, production team members and community volunteers, who are work ing day and night to bring this thrilling Halloween event to life.”

Over 400 community volunteers, including Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troops from Plainedge, Levittown, and West Islip, as well as Bethpage High School and Plainedge High School stu dents, will also participate in the event as the Official Lighters of the 7,000 handcarved jack o’lanterns.

An immersive, family-friendly event, set to an original soundtrack and syn chronized lighting, Blaze: Long Island includes more than 25 elaborate themed exhibits. New this year is:

• The Long Island Hall of Fame - fea turing pumpkin portraits of local Long Island icons Billy Joel, Joan Jett, Sue Bird, Dr. J and more

• A galloping, animated Headless Horseman—featuring an advanced chase scene of the Horseman flying down the hill

• An elaborate Pumpkin Portal - a 32-foot immersive light experience

• The Old Bethpage Village Resto ration’s New York Mutuals Baseball Players—a Halloween tribute to this beloved 19th-century baseball team

• The Deep Sea Divers—featuring pumpkin deep sea divers, a humpback whale, turtles, a shark and a squid

• Classic Hollywood Monsters— old-school Hollywood icons haunting a house

• And much more!

Other exhibits include the Pumkin Planetarium, and a magnificent Long Island Lighthouse, which pays homage to Long Island’s Montauk Light.

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is presented in partnership with Bruce A. Blakeman, Nassau County Executive and with support provided by Nation al Grid and Four Points by Sheraton. Blaze: Long Island has limited capacity and all admissions are by advance pur chase timed ticket or FLEX anytime ticket. No tickets are sold on site. Online tickets start at $32 for adults and $24 for children 3–17 and are free for children 2 and under.

Hicksville High School student Bran don Baade was recently named a Schol ar-Artist as part of the Long Island Arts Alliance program in conjunction with Newsday. Baade was one of only 40 high school seniors named top on Long Island in the areas of music, the ater, dance, visual and media arts. The Hicksville senior was selected in the music category for this year’s class of 2023 Scholar-Artist recognition.

Student Scholar-Artist profiles will be featured in Newsday throughout the month of May 2023. Additionally, there will be an awards ceremony later in the spring to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s class of Scholar-Artists.

The Long Island Arts Alliance developed the Scholar-Artist Awards program to present outstanding high school-age artists to the public in month ly profiles that will appear in Newsday and on Newsday.com. Selections are made from a pool of students nominated by Long Island’s public-school districts, and from independent and parochial schools.

Hicksville senior Brandon Baade

named as a class of 2023 Scholar-Artist through the Long Island Arts Alliance.

Photo courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools

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1) New money only. APY effective September 24, 2022. Annual percentage yield assumes principal and interest remain on deposit for a full year at current rate. Minimum deposit balance of $1,000 is required. Funds cannot be transferred from an existing Flushing Bank account. Premature withdrawals may be subject to bank and IRS penalties. Rates and offer are subject to change without notice.

2) A Flushing Bank Complete Checking account with a $5,000 minimum balance is required to receive the advertised rate. Certain fees, minimum balance requirements and restrictions may apply. Fees may reduce earnings on these accounts. A checking account is not required for IRA accounts.

3) The Customer Value Program bonus is limited to one (1) account credit per new Complete Checking customer. New money only. Existing checking account customers are not eligible. A new checking account is defined as any new checking account that does not have any authorized signatures in common with any other existing Flushing Bank checking account(s). An existing checking customer is defined as anyone who currently has or has had a Flushing Bank checking account within the last 24 months. New money is defined as money not currently on deposit with Flushing Bank. The Customer Value Program bonus will be based on the three-month average account balance of the first three (3) full calendar months after the month of account opening. The Customer Value Program bonus will be posted to the account on or about the end of the subsequent month following the account’s three (3) month anniversary. A 1099 will be issued in the amount of the account bonus. The new Complete Checking account must remain open, active, and in good standing for six months. The bonus will be forfeited if the account is closed prior to six months. Other fees and restrictions may apply. The minimum three-month average balance to qualify for the Customer Value Program is $10,000. A minimum deposit of $25 is required to open the Complete Checking account. The offer is subject to change or termination without prior notice at any time. Speak with a branch representative for details.

September 30, 2022

Fall for New York

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

Historic Hudson Valley is back with premier fall events:

Blaze: The Hudson Valley’s most electrifying fall happening: Meander through an 18th-century landscape and discover a breathtak ing display of more than 7,000 illumi nated jack o’ lanterns—all designed and hand-carved on site by its team of artisans. New for 2022, watch our ani mated “Jack” Smith Shop in action and keep an eye out for glowing bees. Complete with synchronized lighting and an original soundtrack. Select nights, September 16 – November 20. Advance timed-tickets tickets only. No tickets sold on site. Van Cortlandt Manor, 525 S Riverside, Croton-onHudson, NY 10520

Explore “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”: At this family-friendly hap pening, visitors can tour Washington Irving’s house—decorated for the season—watch an original shadow puppet short film, and enjoy games on the lawn. A special exhibit high lights how the  Legend has lived in the imagination of popular culture through the centuries since its publication. Fridays – Sundays, plus Columbus Day + Halloween, September 16-November 13. Advance tickets required. No tickets will be sold on site.  Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, 3 W Sunnyside Lane, Irvington, NY 10533.

Irving’s ‘Legend’ returns reimag ined this fall. Performed for the first time ever outdoors under the stars at Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, master storyteller Jonathan Kruk will cast a spell with dramatic per formances of the classic tale. Live music and an appearance from the

Headless Horseman himself make this a spooky spectacular experience for all ages. This experience is out doors and requires walking.  Fridays – Sundays, plus Columbus Day + Halloween, September 30 – October 3. Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, 3 W Sunnyside Lane, Irvington, NY 10533.

Blaze at Old Bethpage Village Restoration: Historic Hudson Valley is again bringing “The Great Jack o’ Lantern Pumpkin Blaze” to Long Island. Walk the immersive pumpkin trail on the grounds of Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 19th-century village. See more than 7,000 handcarved jack o’lanterns, all carved by its team of artisans. Find your favor ite legendary local icon in our Hall of Fame, gaze in wonder at the Pumpkin Planetarium, see larger-than-life sea creatures and watch your head as an animated Headless Horseman rides into the night. Enjoy an all-original soundtrack and synchronized light ing, which complement the experi ence. Browse the expanded shop with exclusive souvenirs and local finds. Select nights September 30 through November 6 at Old Bethpage Village

Look closely and you will see The Headless Horseman himself in jack o’lanterns at The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor, Croton-onHudson and at Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Long Island. © Karen Rubin/goingplaces farandnear.com

Restoration. Timed ticket entry only, https://pumpkinblaze.org/blazelong-island.html. Old Bethpage Vil lage Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage, New York, 11804, oldbethpagevillagerestoration@ nassaucountyny.gov, 516-572-8409, https://www.oldbethpagevillageres toration.org/

Historic Hudson Valley, 639 Bedford Road, Pocantico Hills, NY 10591, 914.366.6900, hudsonvalley.org.

I Love NY’s Launches Fall Foliage Report, Hosts Path Through History Weekend Oct 8

The start of New York State’s 2022 fall foliage and travel season signals the return of I LOVE NY’s Fall Foliage Reports and a new I LOVE NY broadcast and digital marketing  campaign to showcase popular fall activities and attractions. I LOVE NY is also collaborating with the state’s network of heritage tourism destinations on this year’s Path Through History Weekend, scheduled for October 8-10, which will feature special events and activations at the state’s rich history and historic sites.

Fall is one of New York’s most

GOING PLACES NEAR AND FAR

popular travel seasons, attracting visitors from around the world who support local businesses while exploring the unique and diverse communities across the state. To help travelers and foliage enthusiasts plan a fall getaway, I LOVE NY’s weekly foliage reports are issued every Wednesday, beginning September 14. They are compiled using the on-location field observations from I LOVE NY’s team of more than 85 volunteer leaf spotters throughout the state’s 11 vacation regions. The spotters track color changes in their area, detailing the prevalent leaf colors, approximate percentage of change, and how much color change has progressed relative to peak conditions.

The reports also include an interactive foliage map, available on the I LOVE NY website, that tracks weekly changes and progression across the state throughout the season. The map includes recommended foliage viewing locations in each of the state’s vacation regions, plus examples of peak foliage in a given area, and information about popular local and regional attractions.

New this year, the interactive foliage map will include an option to filter attractions by category, including food & drink, and arts & culture.

Additionally, I LOVE NY will be hosting a Path Through History weekend on October 8 to 10 to showcase some of the state’s historic and heritage travel sites. The Path Through History initiative uses 14 themes to organize more than 700 sites, attractions and locations throughout the state. The Path Through History website includes maps, a user-friendly list of locations organized by theme and

region, and an itinerary builder to help plan your trip. More information on the 2022 Path Through History Weekend is available at https://www.iloveny.com/ things-to-do/path-through-history/ path-through-history-weekend/

Thanks in part to its size and location, New York State traditionally has one of the longest and most colorful foliage seasons in the country. On any weekend from late September through mid-November, part of the state is likely experiencing peak foliage. Fall foliage reports and the interactive map are available at www.iloveny.com/foliage, or toll-free at 800-CALL-NYS (800-225-5697).

For help planning your New York State vacation, visit www.iloveny.com

Orange County Introduces Taste the Craft Beverage Trail Pass

ORANGE COUNTY, N.Y.  –Orange County Tourism & Film has introduced its Taste the Craft Beverage Trail, making it easier and more rewarding to visit the county’s many craft breweries, wineries, distilleries and cideries.

Orange County has created a Trail Pass that takes just a minute to sign up for and makes it easy to see the par ticipating Taste the Craft locales – 24 so far. Participants receive discounts from local establishment, plus a chance to win a free, limited-edition Orange County, N.Y. Taste the Craft T-shirt when they check in at five craft-bever age locations. Participants (must be 21 to register) can go at their own pace. The five visits do not have to be made on the same day but can be accumulated over time.

Learn about the craft beverage trail and locations here: https://orangetour

BY CHARLYN FARGO

September was National Whole Grains month, a time to celebrate the nutrition that eating whole grains -- over refined grains -- has to offer.

But what exactly is a whole grain? A whole grain contains three parts: the bran, the germ and the endosperm (re fined grains only contain the endosperm). The bran and germ help keep your body healthy, your skin glowing and your hair shiny. Including whole grains as part of a healthy diet can help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, constipation and some cancers.

Here are some examples of wholegrain foods: barley, quinoa, oats, brown rice, amaranth and teff, as well as whole grain pastas, breads and cereals. When reading food labels, look for the words “whole grain” in the ingredient list. Don’t be fooled by colors. Being brown doesn’t make bread whole-wheat, and a white bread may not be made with just refined

Fall for New York

ism.org/explore/craft-beverage/

Sign up for the pass here: https:// orangetourism.org/craft-beverage-trailpass/

Simply sign up (you need to be 21) and the pass will be delivered to your mobile device; no app downloads are required. Show any deals to participat ing partners to redeem, or just check in via GPS at the location to accumulate visits toward winning your prize.

Along the trail, participants will dis cover how the devotion to craft and the famously rich soil of the Black Dirt region combine to make Orange County a special place for craft beverages. They are a blend of tradition and innovation; the fertile agricultural region is ideal for practicing  terroir, or capturing the bounty and essence of the local region in a glass.

A comprehensive listing of area attractions, lodging, and events can be found at  www.OrangeTourism.org. Additionally, a 56-page travel guide is available for digital download at https:// orangetourism.org/travel-guide/.

Lake Placid Historic Hotel

Reopens as Grand Adirondack, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

LAKE PLACID, NY–  Situated on a coveted site on Lake Placid’s Main Street, the historic Hotel North Woods reopened on August 31, 2022, after a major renovation to unveil a fresh look under a new name:  Grand Adirondack Hotel, Lake Placid, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel Conceptualized and managed by the team at Wright Investments and part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Tribute Portfolio – a growing global family of characterful hotels – Grand Adirondack Hotel embodies the spirit of Lake Placid

incorporating the natural environment that surrounds the town.

Fully reimagined, the hotel’s elevated design, culinary offerings, and thoughtful programming immerse guests in the charming destination, combining the whimsy and romanticism of the great outdoors with the laid-back luxury of the Adirondack’s historical Great Camps tradition.

Originally opened as Hotel Marcy in 1927, the redesigned 92-room hotel takes cues from its former identity, juxtaposing past with present. The property’s history and natural surroundings are reflected in the captivating design details, including an inviting lobby, intriguing food and beverage concepts, well-appointed guest rooms, and a vibrant rooftop bar with stunning views of Mirror Lake, Whiteface Mountain, the High Peaks, and five Olympic venues.

“In 2014, we hiked and flyfished and fell in love with the stunning natural beauty of the area,” said Larry Wright Jr., President and CEO of Wright Investments. “Being nearly 100 years old, the hotel has amazing historic significance for the Adirondacks and Lake Placid community and we are humbled to be part of it. The Grand Adirondack Hotel is a welcoming place for locals, travelers and our guests who are seeking a sense of relaxation and adventure.  We envision the property to be much more than a hotel – it’s a living room for everyone and the most exciting place to be in the six million acres of the Park.”

Grand Adirondack Hotel also features several new dining options including Marcy, a brasserie-style restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, spotlighting locally sourced and

NUTRITION NEWS

Whole Grains to Your Health

white flour.

Finding whole-grain bread takes some label-reading skills. A bread that’s labeled “whole wheat” must be made with 100% whole-wheat flour, which is guaranteed to have fiber and be a whole grain. However, bread labels that advertise “seven grain” or “multigrain” are not necessarily wholegrain products. Check the ingredients to make sure whole-wheat flour or some other grain is listed as the first ingredient. Choose loaves made mostly with wholewheat or another whole-grain flour.

While you may know adding more whole grains to family meals is a smart move, getting your family to suddenly love brown rice over white rice can be challenging. Start by partnering whole grains with vegetables, like a stir-fry over brown rice or a whole-wheat pita stuffed with chicken salad. You can add oatmeal to a meatloaf or toss cooked quinoa into a salad.

Here are some ideas to get started from

the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics:

--Start with breakfast. Choose a fi ber-rich, whole-grain breakfast cereal, oatmeal or whole-wheat toast.

--Choose whole grains over refined items when selecting breads, buns, bagels, tortillas, pastas and other grain products.

--Experiment with different grains such as buckwheat, bulgur, millet, qui noa, sorghum, whole rye or barley. To save time, cook extra bulgur or barley and freeze half to heat and serve later as a quick side dish.

--Enjoy whole grains as a snack, like popcorn or whole-wheat or rye crackers

RECIPE

Here’s a make-ahead, whole-grain recipe for those busy school days. It’s from the Academy of Nutrition and Di etetics.

APPLE CINNAMON BAKED OATMEAL

Servings: 9

1 1/2 cups fat-free milk or soy milk

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

farm-procured ingredients. Marcy Bar features small plates, craft beers, and cocktails with live music. Seasonally, guests can enjoy the view from Cloud Splitter, the highest rooftop bar in Adirondacks. Private dining is available for family gatherings, corporate meetings, and special occasions.

The hotel provides the perfect home base to explore all the Adirondacks has to offer. The Adirondack Park, created in 1892 by the State of New York, is larger than several states in New England and bigger than Yosemite, Yellowstone, Glacier, Grand Canyon, and the Great Smokies National Parks combined. It features over 2,000 miles of marked hiking trails, 15 miles of mountain bike trials, 6 million acres of mountains, 3,000 freshwater lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds teaming with aquatic life for yearround fishing, canoeing, and kayaking excursions, Ausable Chasm, five winter Olympic venues (that visitors can enjoy) and skiing at Whiteface Mountain.

Grand Adirondack Hotel, Lake Placid, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, participates in Marriott Bonvoy – the award-winning travel program from Marriott International – allowing members to earn and redeem points for their stay at the new hotel and at other hotels and resorts across Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of brands.

Grand Adirondack Hotel, 2520 Main St., Lake Placid, New York 12946,  www. GrandAdirondack.com, 518-523-1818, info@grandadirondack.com

© 2022 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved.

1/2 cup egg substitute or egg whites

1 tablespoon melted trans-fat-free margarine

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

BY THOMAS BRENNAN

I was always calling for someone, “Hello Mrs. Clark, can Peter come out and play?”

“Hold on,” the house coated Mrs. Clark would say while looking back into the apartment, “Let me see.”

The purpose of the call was never social; I was rarely there to be invit ed in. We wanted to be out, out into the street with the other kids. Mine was a small block, Butler Place, nes tled between Sterling Place and Plaza Street, on the very edge of St. Teresa’s far western border In Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. Across the street placed me in St. Joseph’s territory, which was on distant Pacific Street. St. Augustine’s parish was also nearby.

We were well aware that Brooklyn merited its well-deserved title as “The City of Churches.”

Four was considered a quorum. With four kids you could get in a madeup game of stickball until others came on the scene and then the real game began with innings and scorekeeping. Unsupervised street games with the resultant sound of children’s carefree shouts of glee were the signature trade marks of our era of unrestrained play. None of us thought it would ever end.

But at this early stage of our lives we kids were the spectators so we sat on the curb or on the wide running board that acted as a doorstep of a car and watched the older guys play stickball, the king of street games, admiring how far the big guys could hit the Spaldeen. We had nicknames for all of them, but as much as we enjoyed watching them we held the coveted thought that one day, however distant in the future it might seem, one day, the street would be ours and then it would be our turn at bat.

Yet, we did have a covert role to play in their game as quite often we would hear the quick burst of a police siren signaling the entrance of a police car that swooped up the block with their hope of grabbing the stickball bat and the Spaldeen ending the game for the

day. A Spaldeen cost fifteen cents and therefore was not easily replaced as we lived an economy where pennies mattered.

In addition, a stickball bat had to be hunted for, a keen safari like backyard search for a bat selected from those mops that women hung from a rusty hook on the side of their window that often could be accessed from the fire-es cape. We hoped the tidy housewife would think a gust of wind took the mop. The mop head would be sawed off and the thin, tapered, sturdy bat could last for years. We were good at stealth.

I looked up and noticed the attentive Mrs. Pine, the local self-appointed block warden, on her top floor look out perch, whose phone we thought had but one purpose, to call the 80th precinct at whose behest the desk sergeant seemed always receptive.

“Doesn’t she ever go out?” I thought, even as I knew that elderly single ladies like Mrs. Pine were rarely seen outside of the comfort of their secluded apart ment. They ordered food from one of the local delis on Underhill Avenue that was later delivered by a teenager in a trundled cart right to her door. I won dered about how easily they could feel disturbed by the sounds of kids playing a game and we all held the thought that we never wanted to be like that when we grew up.

At the first sight of the patrol car we were on our feet, poised to show our mettle as one of the big kids threw the ball (“me, me, pick me,”) with a quick toss. I always hoped to be the chosen one in this well-practiced evolution, and then, after catching the Spaldeen, we were off, heading down the cellar steps to our lair, to the familiar backyards, a layout within which we were intimately familiar. The stickball bat was rolled under a car or the curb line and then the older guys milled about like they were having an improvised huddle of sorts.

Without a word spoken we kids raced back to the end of the building line, peeking out along the cracked back yard concrete looking to see if there would be pursuit. We wanted to see

them before they saw us. We consid ered that one day an eager new patrol man, someone who was young and fast, and who, like us, had grown up with the backyards, would emerge from the top of the backyard stair on the run, and that would be a problem. No one want ed to be caught and suffer the humili ation of being dragged back out to the street by his neck in front of everyone, on display, clearly a kid who couldn’t carry out his mission.

The situation resembles that of a swimmer out by the third barrel in Coney Island being brought back to shore by a lifeguard, a kid who now sees a crowd forming, and in a snit of embar rassment then pushes the lifeguard away, a lifeguard a few minutes ago that he was glad to see, but now with all the onlookers, he only feels shame.

We figured it was still worth the risk of capture as the chances of being caught were slim because we could get out of a backyard by another route almost as quickly as we got in. We all loved a backyard chase, sure of our skills and determined to elude capture.

The problem was that no one had money. Collecting nickels or even pennies for the fifteen-cent price of a Spaldeen was not a welcomed task. A number of times I saw the older kids lift up the lid of a corner sewer cover that, once pried opened, stayed up as if on a secure hinge in the three-quarter position leaving a wider opening, but still it was a tight fit. Lifting the heavy cover took considerable hefting. Then one of the tall skinnier guys, actually it was always the same kid, would be lowered down with two of his friends holding each of his legs until he shouted up in a tense voice once he was at the water level that he could now reach the Spaldeen, still floating on top of the dark, fetid, heavy-looking water. The two guys holding would lean into the hole themselves, shifting their grip to hold the kid closer to his ankles with the others shouting words of encourage ment. “That’s it, Timmy, you’re almost there!”

He was pulled back up with much

greater speed than he was lowered down. I was impressed that he never seemed bothered by the dank smell or the taut inner sense of being so confined, coupled with the very real vulnerable fear of falling into the dark water, something that never happened. But more than that, I respected his atti tude; he never appeared reluctant to put himself in such a precarious situation. I viewed him as an odd kind of daring sewer specialist.

I can’t say that I remember when that first season arrived signaling that it was our turn to take over the street and lay out the bases, or if I even recognized that we were now the older guys, that the playing field of the tarred street was finally ours. It would be a fond thought to recall. With that development, we had also assumed an allegiance to the system itself, to the unstated but clearly recognized rules of the street world that then prevailed. It was a fealty that could result in a conflict with the patrol car that would sometimes rush down the block to interrupt the game to lay claim to both the bat and the Spaldeen.

There may have been a point in time that officially ended street games and inaugurated a new era when organized play supervised by caring parents and helpful school officials would begin, leaving our world of street games as a memory of times gone by. Nevertheless, I don’t think there ever was such a recognized single moment when such a transition occurred, as other, more dynamic developments were taking place at the same time. In fact, I suspect the passing of street games as a normal part of youthful experience, much like the passing of other activities that were once taken for granted, was noticed only well after the last kid took the final swing at bat.

What we all underestimated was our acceptance of the structure of an unstated fealty to the rules of the game and our role in it. There seemed to be a place for everyone, and we grew up with a sense of belonging to something bigger than ourselves, a place where no one was left out.

Delayed Retirement Credits Explained

BY TOM MARGENAU

People who delay starting their So cial Security beyond their full retire ment age get a bonus equal to two-thirds of 1% added to their Social Security checks for each month they wait to be gin benefits. If your full retirement age is 66, that comes out to a 32% bonus if you wait until age 70 to file for benefits. If your full retirement age is 67, it ends up being an extra 24% if you wait until 70. If your retirement age is between 66 and 67, your age 70 bonus will be be tween 24% and 32%. (There is no bonus added after age 70.)

The rules regarding this bonus (the actual Social Security term is “delayed retirement credits,” or DRCs) cause lots of confusion with many seniors. Today’s questions come from folks who are hav ing trouble understanding this issue.

And please pay particular attention to question No. 2 and its answer. Recent ly, many readers have been asking me questions like that one. But first I want to answer a question that gives some ba sic information about DRCs.

Q: I was born in 1954, so my full retirement age is 66. I am about to turn 68 years old. I was planning to wait until age 70 to apply for my So cial Security, but some family finan cial issues are causing me to rethink that plan. I was expecting to get a 32% bonus by waiting until age 70. Am I going to lose all of that by filing now?

A: It isn’t an “all or nothing” situa tion. You will lose some of your antic ipated bonus, but not all of it. As I ex plained at the beginning of this column, you get a delayed retirement credit equal to two-thirds of 1% for each month you delay taking benefits after age 66. So, if you file at age 68, you will get 24 months’ worth of credits, or about 16%, added to your full retirement rate.

Q: I turned 69 in March 2022 and that is when I applied for my Social Security. I was expecting to get a 24% bonus added to my Social Secu rity checks, but it was slightly less than that. When I called the Social Security people to ask why, they couldn’t explain it to me. They said it might be a “computer glitch.” Do you know what is going on?

A: It’s not a computer glitch, but just a bit of an anomaly in the way these de layed retirement credits are doled out. If you apply for your benefits at age 70, then you will get all the delayed retire ment credits added to your benefit rate at that time. But it’s a different story if you apply for your benefits before age 70, and that’s because the rules say you cannot get delayed retirement credits for a year until that year is over with. You said you were 69 in March of this year. If I am doing the math properly, that means you turned 66 (your full re

tirement age) in March 2019. So, when you applied for your benefits in March 2022, they added in all the credits you were due for 2019, 2020 and 2021. But they can’t give you the delayed retire ment credits for 2022 until next year, so sometime in 2023, you will get a little boost in your Social Security check to add in the credits you are due for those first couple of months this year.

Q: My plan was to wait until 70 to start my Social Security. I turned 70 in August, but when I filed in early August, they told me I had the op tion of taking six months’ worth of retroactive benefits. The offer of an almost $18,000 back pay check was very tempting, so I took it. But now I’ve learned I didn’t get the promised 32% bonus. My ongoing benefit is less than that. What happened?

A: By opting for the six-month retro active check, you were using February 2022 (six months before August) as your Social Security starting date. So, instead of getting the 32% bonus you would have received had you waited until age 70 to file, you got a 28% bonus because you technically filed at age 69 and six months. So, the bad news is you’re get ting 4% less from here on out, but the good news is you got that $18,000 back pay check.

Q: I started my Social Security benefits when I was 70. I am getting $2,970 per month. My wife is 66 and never worked outside the home, so she is supposed to get half of my So cial Security, or $1,485. But she is getting about $300 less than that. What is going on?

A: This is one of the Social Security provisions I’ve never understood. So, I can explain it to people, but I can’t give the rationale behind the rule. What that rule says is that a wife does not share in the delayed retirement bonus added to a retiree’s Social Security check. Her rate is based on your full retirement age ben efit, not on the bonus-augmented Social Security rate you are actually getting.

Using my little desktop calculator, I’m guessing your full retirement age benefit rate is about $2,250. And half of that is $1,125, and I’ll bet that is what your wife is correctly getting from your Social Security account.

That’s the bad news. But pay atten tion to the answer to the next question for a bit of good news.

Q: I’m trying to do some estate planning for my wife. I took my So cial Security at age 70. I am now 81 years old. I am getting $3,100 per month. My wife is 79. She gets her own Social Security check of $2,100 per month. If I die, what will she start getting from Social Security?

A: The “good news” I mentioned in my answer to the prior question is that the benefit rate payable to a widow in cludes the delayed retirement bonus.

(Why a widow shares in the bonus but a wife doesn’t is something I can’t ex plain.) So, if you were to die tomorrow, your wife would start getting $3,100 per month. Or to be more precise, she would keep getting her $2,100 retire ment check, and then she would get an extra $1,000 on your account to take her total benefits up to your current $3,100 level.

If you have a Social Security ques tion, Tom Margenau has a book with all the answers. It’s called “Social Secu rity: Simple and Smart.” You can find the book at www.creators.com/books, or look for it on Amazon or other book outlets.

COPYRIGHT 2022 CREATORS.COM

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Here is a little history as to why people were forced to do short sales and the reasons behind it all. About 18 years ago, most subprime mortgag es began their slide to an “underwa ter” position, meaning their value was greater than the market value of the financed home! That is what is meant by “underwater.”

The percentage of new lower-qual ity subprime mortgages rose from the historical 8% or lower range to approx imately 20% from 2004 to 2006, with much higher ratios in some parts of the U.S. A high percentage of these sub prime mortgages, over 90% in 2006 for example, were adjustable-rate mort gages. These two changes were part of a broader trend of lowered lending standards and higher-risk mortgage products.

Further, U.S. households had become increasingly indebted, with the ratio of debt to disposable personal income rising from 77% in 1990 to 127% at the end of 2007, much of this increase mortgage-related. My professional and expert opinion is that Alan Greenspan, who was the Fed Chair, from August 11, 1987-January 31, 2006, had caused much disruption, due to allowing so many to enter the mortgage market, with variable rate mortgages, provid ing those, who I believe, couldn’t real ly afford to purchase a home. This type of loan had never existed in the past. Greenspan, along with President George Bush and Wall St, benefited greatly, by packaging these loans into multi-million to Billion dollar CDO’s (Collateralized Debt Obligations) or mortgage-backed securities and sold them off to whoever wanted to pur chase, whether investors or even entire countries; thinking that the U.S. econ omy, at the time, was doing well and bulletproof. Janet Yellen, one of the newly elected Fed Governors, played a crucial and critical role in convincing Alan Greenspan that some inflation was good for the economy, as she put it, “a bit of lubrication was good for increasing economic growth; and that was a decision that would haunt Alan Greenspan’s tenure as Fed Chair until he was replaced, by Ben S.Benanke on Feb 1, 2006, lasting until Jan 31, 2014. However, Greenspan realized too

The Story Behind Short Sales

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

late, the unfortunate error of his decision, and when in December 1996, he came out with the terminology of “irra tional exuberance” in the financial markets; but no one was even listening or even cared, because things were fly ing along and everything appeared in excellent shape, with low unem ployment and great interest rates. However, the bubble was growing, unchecked! As I said earlier, allowing those who could least afford a mort gage to enter the market, just so they could taste and enjoy the “American Dream” even though they didn’t realize that it would only be for a short term until the bubble popped. It was one of the greatest financial errors that were ever made. Greenspan pushed interest rates much higher at the beginning of his tenure when inflation exceeded 5% due to strong growth and low-in terest rates after the great recession of 1988; which then caused a recession. Afterward, the economy expanded into the longest peacetime expansion in our nation’s history.

The methods to approve a short sale for a homeowner whose mortgage is under water and is unable to pay on time, are as follows; the owner has to provide all the necessary and required documentation, to show the need to allow the short sale. They will also do a credit check and also ask for all their assets and liabilities to prove the tenuous position they are in, to approve their “short sale.” If approved by the lender, then, the owner will be allowed to place their home on the market with a knowledgeable experi enced brokerage. When offers come in, and even though they may be less than the mortgage amount that is owed, the bank will generally forgive the differ ence between the agreed price and the existing mortgage. Then the contract with the method of payment is sent off to the bank holding the mortgage for the short sale approval; whereby the bank will either approve or deny acceptance of the offer. Once approved the closing will be set up. The time

could be a few weeks to as many as a few months to complete the short sale. It is more complicated than a regular real estate sale and a broker should have expertise and knowledge in how to start and complete the sale. Generally speak ing, a short sale is more to the homeowner’s advan tage than a foreclosure. In a few instances, if mort gage payments continue to be on time during a short sale, the seller could essentially apply for a new mortgage for their next home. More importantly, the IRS also has extended the forgive ness of that money saved between the sale price and the mortgage, and for now, is not reportable income, as it used to be a few years ago when you had to report the savings on your short sale as income. However, nobody could afford to pay the income taxes on the savings, so Congress passed a law, that the savings were no longer subject to income taxes, because if you couldn’t afford your mortgage payments, you could not afford to pay the income taxes either.

Foreclosure is more serious and has a very huge impact on one’s credit for at least a two-year period, whereby I have experienced a situation where we were able to attain a mortgage for a couple, whose income and credit were re-established. However, today it could take longer to secure a new mortgage if foreclosure had taken place; but every situation is different, so the lender will do their research and verify each situ ation and decide the merits and detri ments of the borrower’s recent income and credit and debt to income ratio. Credit is more severely impacted not only by foreclosure but by the last resort of action, bankruptcy, which would be the last avenue to pursue. If your debts are so much greater than one’s overall income and savings, this will enable you to start fresh all over again. Today, the general rule is one must have a plan within an 18-month period and determine whether to do a Chapter 7, 11 or 13. You can Google what those different forms of bank ruptcies are; however, exceptions can

prevail to the time limitations, and advise one to seek legal advice from a Bankruptcy attorney, who specializes in this type of law. Lastly, although variable rate mortgages are current ly less costly and are another option to consider today, be very careful in deciding to opt for them and be as sure as possible of your financial situation.

Continue to Donate to the Ukrainian Crisis and save a life or 2: https://usaforiom.org/iomsukraine-response/

Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 40 years experience in the Real Estate indus try and has earned designations as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (G.R.I.) and also as a Certified International Property Specialist (C.I.P.S.) and in 2022 has earned his National Association of Realtors “Green Industry designation for eco-friendly construction. He will provide you with “free” regular updates of sold and new homes in your town via the Multiple Listing Service of Long Island (MLSLI) or go to http://WWW. Li-RealEstate.Com and you can “do it yourself (DYI) and search on your own. For a “FREE” `15 minute consultation, as well 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. He can also provide a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality, and our Seller’s and Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider when Selling, investing or Purchasing your Home.

You can email or snail mail (reg ular mail) him with your request or ideas, suggestions or interview you for a specific topic and a Q & A for a future column with your name, email and cell number. He will email or call you back and respond to your request ASAP as long as he has your complete name, cell, email and/or full home or business address. Again, for a “FREE” 15 minute consultation, he can also be reached by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@ TurnKeyRealEstate.Com to answer any of your questions and concerns in sell ing, investing, purchasing, or leasing residential or commercial property.

2 cups rolled oats (not instant)

1 teaspoon baking powder

11/2 cups chopped apples

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a small bowl mix the milk, brown sugar,

egg substitute or egg whites, margarine and cinnamon. In a larger bowl, combine the oats and the baking powder. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the oats; add the apples and stir to combine. Spoon the mixture into a 8-by-8-inch pan coated with cooking spray and bake for 30 to 40

minutes, until top is firm and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Serves 9; serving size: 1 square.

Per serving: 160 calories; 4 grams pro tein; 30 grams carbohydrate; 3 grams fat; 3 grams fiber; 18 grams sugars; 80 milli grams sodium.

Charlyn Fargo is a registered dieti tian with SIU Med School in Springfield, Illinois. For comments or questions, con tact her at charfarg@aol.com or follow her on Twitter @NutritionRD.

COPYRIGHT 2022 CREATORS

The Moon and the Gas Giants

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of October 2-8, 2022

The most prominent “star” on the celestial stage this week will be the moon.

It will reach its first quarter phase on the evening of Sunday, Oct. 2, when you will see it due south at sunset. Its 2,200-mile-diameter orb will be sunlit from the west, which, as you might expect, is where the sun lies just below the horizon.

This is a great time to aim binoculars or a small telescope at the moon. If you do, check out the darker areas on the lunar surface. These are regions known as “mare” or “seas” and are huge plains of solidified magma that welled up from deep within the moon after violent impacts during its early evolution.

You will also notice many craters and mountain ranges along the termi nator -- the boundary between light and dark. They appear quite dramatic in this region where sunlight shines on the lunar surface from a low angle and cre ates long, stark shadows, much like it does here on Earth at sunrise or sunset.

Over the next few nights, watch as the moon changes its position as its orbital motion carries it eastward through our sky. The terminator will also drift east ward across the lunar surface until the moon reaches its full phase on Sunday, Oct. 9. It’s on that night that the moon rises in the east just about sunset.

During its orbit, the moon will appear to pass some bright stars and planets. Of course, this is only an optical illusion; despite how it appears to our tiny ter restrial eyes, the moon is hundreds or thousands of times closer to us than the planets, and many millions of times closer than even the nearest of stars.

On the evening of Oct. 4, look for the moon to lie just to the west of the bright planet Saturn. The following night you will see it just below Saturn, and by the 6th the moon will have drifted far enough eastward that it will appear to be leaving Saturn behind.

But don’t end your observations

there. The moon will continue its east ward journey and will pass by the bril liant planet Jupiter in much the same way on Oct. 7 and Oct. 8.

As long as you’ve got your telescope out, why not turn it toward the planets as well?

Aimed at the brilliant planet Jupiter, which has a diameter 11 times that of the Earth, a backyard telescope will show the planet’s clouds as tan and white bands that stretch across its equatorial diameter. Among the most exciting of Jupiter’s sights is its family of moons, four of which (Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto) can be seen

dancing around their parent planet from night to night.

Pointed toward Saturn, even a low-powered telescope will show the planet’s spectacular ring and its largest moon, Titan. If sky conditions are good, you might even spot some tan cloud bands in Saturn’s atmosphere, as well as the Cassini Division -- a thin black division in the ring system itself.

Perhaps the best part of it all is that you can watch this celestial show even from under the bright lights of a large city!

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennis mammana.com.

COPYRIGHT 2022 CREATORS.COM

The moon’s 2,200-mile-diam eter orb will be sunlit from the west, which, as you might expect, is where the sun lies just below the horizon.

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

“When will you be here?” I texted a friend I was meeting for lunch.

“What do you mean?” My mom tex ted back. “We’re not coming up until Christmas.”

I immediately realized I had mistak enly texted the wrong person.

“Sorry, Mom,” I texted. “Wrong number. NM.”

I was about to move on when she texted me back, “What’s NM?”

“Never mind,” I texted back.

“No, really,” she replied. “I want to know.”

“Never mind,” I repeated.

“Why won’t you tell me?!?” she replied.

“I told you,” I texted her. “Never mind.”

“TRACY,” she shouted at me in all caps. “WHAT IS NM?”

“NM means ‘NEVER MIND,’” I

LOST IN SUBURBIA

Never Say Never... mind

shouted back.

“Oh,” she texted back. “Do you want to talk to your dad?”

“I can’t talk to him. This is a text,” I reminded her. “Anyway, G2G.”

“What’s G2G?”

“Got to go,” I texted her.

“Wait. Before you go, tell me what G2G is,” she demanded.

“I told you -- Got to go!”

“Forget it,” she replied. Even over text I could tell she was annoyed. “I’ll look it up.”

“Mom, G2G means ‘Got to go,’” I texted her.

“Oh,” she texted back.

I sighed audibly, which of course she couldn’t hear because we were texting. But I was hoping she was getting my exasperation telepathically.

Most of the time when I’ve texted my mom, her texts have been a mishmash of out-of-context autocorrects and a shorthand that she made up herself. My

mother likes to think she invented text shorthand. I guess I should first give her credit for getting on the texting band wagon in the first place. Not too many 83-year-olds that I know of have been as quick to adopt new technology as my mom. However, there were so many times I had no idea what she was saying that I had to pick up the phone and call her for clarification to make sure she wasn’t actually planning to have some children for dinner (chicken) or go visit her cousin in prison (Princeton). Then there was the time I told her over text that I broke my thumb.

“LOL,” she responded.

“What’s so funny about me breaking my thumb?” I texted back.

“Nothing! That’s terrible,” she said.

“Then why did you laugh?”

“I didn’t laugh,” she responded.

“You said LOL,” I texted.

“Yes.” She replied. “I was sending you ‘lots of love.’”

“Mom, ‘LOL’ means ‘laugh out loud,’” I told her.

“Oh. Well, when I use it, it means ‘lots of love.’”

“So, you’re basically just making up your own text shorthand?” I replied.

“I guess so,” she texted back.

“OK, well, G2G. TTYL.” I typed.

“What’s TTYL?” she asked.

“Talk to you later,” I texted back.

“That’s fine, but tell me what TTYL is before you go,” she demanded.

I took a deep breath.

“TTYL means TALK TO YOU LATER!” I shouted over text.

There was a pause. And then she texted back.

“Oh. NM.”

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.

MARKETPLACE

A.T. STEWART EXCHANGE CONSIGNMENT SHOP

516-746-8900

Antiques-FurnitureJewelry-Silver-Mir rors-Lamps-Artwork

Come to Consign & Stay to Shop Visit.... Our Shop

109 Eleventh St. Garden City Mon-Fri 10-4 (Wed till 6) Saturday 12-4

Shop Our Online Store ATStewartExchange.org

Items to Consign?

Email photos (with sizing info) to: store@atstewartexchange.org

All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical Society

Like us on Facebook & Instagram

INVITED ESTATE SALES BY TRACY JORDAN is doing VIRTUAL TAG SALES and ONLINE AUCTIONS now!

Sell the contents of an entire house or sell just a few things! You can host your own sale on invitedsales.com and Facebook and Instagram or we can do it for you. We can photograph, advertise and handle the win ning pickups for you within a week! Don’t worry about your closing date, we can get your house ready on time! We are a one stop service for all your needs when you are moving or selling a property! Selling, donating, discarding and clean ing out services can be done to meet your time frame with minimal stress. Contact info@invitedsales.com for more information or call 516279-6378 to schedule a consul tation or receive more infor mation.

Visit us at www.invitedsales. com for a listing of our upcom ing Virtual Tag Sales and Weekly Auctions!

WANTED TO BUY

LOOKING TO BUY!

Estates, Oriental items, Gold, Silver, Costume Jewelry, Dish es, Flatware, Watches, Cloth ing, Old Photos, Coins, Stamps, Records, Toys, Action Figures, Comics, Art and Furniture. Immediate Cash Paid Call George 917-775-3048 or 718-386-1104

TOP CASH PAID: ESTATE CONTENTS ALL OBJECTS OF ART JEWELRY, ETC. Please call 718-598-3045 or 516-270-2128 www.antiqueassets.com

MARKETPLACE

TAG SALE

GARDEN CITY INVITED ESTATE SALES

BY TRACY JORDAN

Wednesday, October 5, 2022 9:30 a.m. 64 Meadow Street Garden City, NY 11530

Public sale selling furniture, TVs, holiday, decorative, household, clothing, accesso ries, outdoor items and more... Visit www.invitedsales.com for pictures & details!!

AUTOMOTIVE

AUTO FOR SALE

1994 TOYOTA CAMRY V6 LE

Original owner. 183K. Sunroof, Gold Package. Green. New front struts, radiator. Very Re liable.

$700. Call: 516-483-0005

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

DONATE YOUR CAR TO BREAST CANCER RE COVERY! Tax Deduction Receipt Given Upon Pick-Up, Free Towing. 501C Charity. 631-988-9043 breastcancerresearchrecov ery.org

DRIVE OUT BREAST CAN CER:

Donate a car today! The ben efits of donating your car or boat: Fast Free Pickup 24hr response Tax deduction Easy to do! Call 24/7: 855-905-4755

WHEELS FOR WISHES

benefitting Make-A-Wish Northeast New York. Your Car Donations Matter NOW More Than Ever! Free Vehicle Pick Up ANYWHERE. We Accept Most Vehicles Running or Not. 100% Tax Deductible. Minimal To No Human Contact. Call: 877-798-9474

Car Donation Foundation d/b/a Wheels For Wishes. www.wheelsforwishes.org

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

OFFICE SPACE

SUBLET 1ST FLOOR MED ICAL OFFICE in Prime area of Great Neck. Fully equipped. Ready to go. Very fair rental fee.

Email Susan: susanrita1@msn.com

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY FOR RENT

GREENPORT

North Fork Commercial / Re tail. Prime main street village location. Captain’s house. Orig inal floors and architectural details. Excellent exposure.

Owner 516-241-8135

SERVICES

ARE YOU BEHIND 10K OR MORE on your taxes? Stop wage and bank levies, liens and audits, unfiled tax returns, payroll issues, and resolve tax debt FAST. Call 888-869-5361 (Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm PST)

BEST SATELLITE TV with 2 Year Price Guarantee! $59.99 /mo with 190 channels and 3 months free premium movie channels! Free next day instal lation!

CALL 888-508-5313

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

COMPUTERS

TDS COMPUTER SERVICE Mac and Windows Repairs / Data Recovery/Virus Removal /Network Support/IT Security 516-944-5193

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

AQUATEC LAWN SPRINKLERS

SPRING TURN ONS

Backflow Device Tests

Free Estimates Installation Service/Repairs Joe Barbato 516-775-1199

Getting married?

SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Afford able prices No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 866-393-3636

CHIMNEY KING ENT. INC.

FREE ESTIMATES

Stainless steel liners cleaning & repair specialists. Masonry specialist. FULLY licensed & insured. NYC NASSAU SUFFOLK 516-766-1666 or 631-225-2600 Since 1982 chimneykinginc.com

ELIMINATE GUTTER

CLEANING FOREVER! Leaf Filter, the most advanced de bris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter es timate today. 15% off and 0% financing for those who quali fy. PLUS Senior & Military Dis counts. Call 1-877-763-2379

FOAM INSULATION SOLU TION

Update your home insulation for FREE! Save Money on your energy costs. Certified Partner of National Grid

Ask about the Total Home Care Program Rebates Call 917-870-7373

FREE ESTIMATES

Extensions, Kitchens, Baths, Basements, Carpentry Work, Porticos, Siding, Dormers, Stone, New Construction & Conversions, Mason Work, Stone. Insured. Please Call 516-581-9146

HANDYMAN≠ Careful & Reliable Serving GARDEN CITY and surrounding area since 2003 Repairs & Installations of all types

Carpentry, Moldings, Lighting and More 35-yr Nassau Resident References Lic#170101

Phone/Text Friendly Frank:516-238-2112

Email: Frankcav@opton line.net

LITO REMODELING & CONSTRUCTION

Retaining Walls, Concrete Work, Brick Work, Founda tions, Sidewalks, Bathrooms, Floor Tiles, Stoops, Blacktop Retouching, Blacktop Paint ing. Demolition. Licensed & Insured. Call 516-376-9365 or 516-435-7007 Please leave message

SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

MADE IN THE SHADE CUSTOM WINDOW TREAT MENTS

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, Bel gium Block Patios, Founda tions, Seal coating, Concrete and Asphalt driveways, Side walks, Steps. Free Estimates Fully Licensed & Insured #H2219010000 Boceski Masonry Louie 516-850-4886

NEVER PAY FOR COVERED HOME REPAIRS AGAIN! Complete Care Home War ranty COVERS ALL MAJOR SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES. 30 DAY RISK FREE. $200.00 OFF + 2 FREE MONTHS! 866-440-6501

PAULIE THE ROOFER STOPPING LEAKS IS MY SPECIALTY! Slate & Tile Specialists All types of Roofing Local References Licensed & Insured 516-621-3869

THE GENERAC PWRcell

A solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, pre pare for power outages and power your home. Full instal lation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Re quest a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-888-871-0194

WIREMAN/CABLEMAN

Flat TVs mounted, Phone, TVs & Computer wiring installed & serviced, camera & stereos, HDTV Antennas FREE TV www.davewireman.com 516-433-WIRE (9473 631-667-WIRE (9473) or TEXT 516-353-1118

HEALTH SERVICES

FAMILY CARE CONNEC TIONS, 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 Liv ing Placement

PRI / Screens / Mini Mental Status Exams Medicaid Eligibility and Aplli cations 516-248-9323 www.familycareconnec tions.com 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530

Friday,

SERVICES

PAINTING & PAPERHANGING

MICHELANGELO

PAINTING & WALLPAPER

Interior, Exterior, Plaster / Spackle, Light Carpentry, Decorative Moldings & Power Washing.

Call: 516-328-7499

PARTY HELP

LADIES & GENTLEMEN

RELAX & ENJOY

Your Next Party! Catering and Experienced Professional Services for Assisting with Preparation, Serving and Clean Up Before, During and After Your Party Bartenders Available. Call Kate at 516-248-1545

INSTRUCTION

MUSIC TEACHERS: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Violin, All.

Kathryn Brickell Music www.music-instruction.com Call 800-285-5732

TExt 516-729-1961

CLEANING

HOUSE CLEANING

I will clean your house and price perfect for all budgets. Let’s make your house shiny and fabulous. Reliable and trustworthy. Years of experience. Excellent references.

Free Estimates Call: 516-943-7124

NATHALIA’S CLEANING SERVICE

Apartments, offices, residen tial, construction cleaning and deep cleans!

Free estimates! Experienced and references available!

Call or text Nathalia 516-500-5315

SERVICES

A & J MOVING & STORAGE:

Established 1971. Long Island and New York State special ists. Residential, Commercial, Piano & Organ experts. Boxes available. Free estimates. www.ajmoving.com 516-741-2657 114 Jericho Tpk, Mineola NYDOT# 10405

DISH TV $64.99 for 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free In stallation, Smart HD DVR In cluded, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo expires 1/21/23

Call 1-866-595-6967

SERVICES SERVICES

LEAK REPAIRS Plumbing Repairs

Bathrooms, Showers, Kitchens 24 HOUR SERVICE Call 516-668-5624

SERVICES SERVICES

MAGNUM SECURITY SYS

TEMS, INC.

Serving Garden City for 40 years.

Let Magnum Upgrade Your Ex isting Security System. Burglar & Fire Alarms Cellular Radio 3G Upgrades Remote Access Call: 516-486-5484

PASSION FOR SENIORS

Certified HHA’s, Companions & Homemakers. 24 hour care available. Also Nassau Loca tions. Trained in Dementia and Alzheimer’s care. Call 718-850-3400

LAST HOPE ANIMAL RESCUE THRIFT SHOP

274 NEW YORK AVE, HUNTINGTON, NY 11743 (north of 25A)

REGULAR DAYS & HOURS WILL BE THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY, 10AM - 3PM

The Last Hope Thrift Shop is a Treasure Trove. We have home decor- new & vintage, holiday decorations, small appliances, pet products, toys, unique one-of-a-kind finds, plus new clothing with tags or in good condition and accessories, handbags and jewelry (silver, gold, costume and vintage) and much more. If you love the thrill of the hunt, please come down, get some great buys, and support our cause.

Your Thrift Shop purchases and donations can be magically turned into veterinary care, pet spay/neuters, pet supplies, transport fees and everything needed to care for our homeless dogs and cats.

More VOLUNTEERS Needed so we can be open more days.

Email joannascheps@aol.com for additional information.

Donations accepted at the Thrift Store when it is OPEN, or at Last Hope in Wantagh, if labeled “Thrift Shop”.

Please do not leave donations outside.

We cannot take books other than animal or pet books, VCR tapes, picture frames, full sets of dishes or glasses.

Chicken is a versatile protein that can take center stage on any table. There are scores of ways to prepare chicken, and this recipe for “Pollo Harissa” is seasoned with a fiery,

Serves 4

1 whole roasting chicken, rinsed

1 lemon, cut into 4 pieces

6 cloves garlic

spicy mix that is truly aromatic.

Enjoy it, courtesy of “España: Ex ploring the Flavors of Spain” (Gibbs Smith) by James Campbell Caruso.

Harissa (see below)

Salt 2 cups couscous

3 cups chicken stock

1. Heat the oven to 375 F. Fill chicken cavity with lemon pieces and garlic.

2. Rub the chicken generously with harissa. Sprinkle with salt.

3. Put the couscous and chicken stock in an oven-safe baking dish. Place the dressed chicken on top. Bake covered for 45 minutes.

4. Remove the cover and bake for another 15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through. Serve with a tossed mix of cucumber, cilantro, lemon juice, and oil.

Harissa

1 tablespoon coriander seed

1 tablespoon caraway seed

1 teaspoon cumin seed

4 large cloves garlic, unpeeled

4 large red bell peppers

1⁄2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon sugar

2 tablespoons crushed New Mexico red chiles

Salt and pepper to taste

1. Stir coriander, caraway and cumin in a small skillet over medium-high heat until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a food processor.

2. Cook garlic in the same skillet, covered, over medium-low heat until tender, about 10 minutes, turning occasionally.

3. Let garlic cool, then peel it and add to processor.

4. Char bell peppers over a gas flame or in a broiler until blackened on all sides.

5. Enclose in a paper bag; let stand 10 minutes.

6. Peel, seed, and coarsely chop peppers.

7. Add peppers, oil, sugar, and crushed red pepper to processor. Puree. Season with salt and pepper.

About to hit a milestone?

Share your life accomplishments with your neighbors!

Put your engagement, wedding, or baby announcement in the paper.

It's free of charge for subscribers!

Email editor@gcnews.com

Last Hope Part of the Chewy.com Rescue Program

If you haven’t tried Chewy.com yet for your pet food and supply purchases, this is a great time to check them out. Last Hope is now part of their rescue program.

For each new customer that makes a purchase, Last Hope will receive a $20 donation. Visit the Last Hope page at https://www.chewy.com/rp/5941 for more info.

NASSAU COUNTY

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE OF SALE, SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Easton Capital Corp. v. Lubana Brothers Trucking, Inc., Manjeet Singh, Preeti Sareen, United States of America. Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly filed on January 20, 2022, I the undersigned referee will sell at public auction at the at the CCP (Calendar Control Part Courtroom) in the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on Tuesday October 25, 2022 at 2:30 p.m., the premises known as: 5 Miller Circle, Hicksville, New York 11801. Said Premises known as Section 12, Block 322, Lot 3 on the tax maps of Nassau County. Approximate amount of Judgment: $643,287.82 plus interest, legal fees and costs. Premises will be sold subject to the provisions of the filed judgment under Index No. 608849/2017.

Michael B. Mirotzik, Esq., referee. Kevin P. Finn, Attorney for Plaintiff, 400 Post Ave Suite 305, Westbury, NY 11590

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Notice of Formation of Jackie's Cleaning Services, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2022-08-03. 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 Christina Calzadillas: 27 Catalina Ct Manvel TX 77578. Purpose: Any lawful purpose

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Notice of Formation of Paper Angels LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State on 6/16/22. Office location: Nassau County. NY Sec. of State designated agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served, and shall mail process to 27 Ballad Ln, Hicksville, NY 11801, the principal business location. Purpose: any lawful activity.

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff, v.

BASHIR GAWHARY A/K/A BASIR GAWHARY, HELEN MOHMAND, Defendant.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT

In pursuance of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the Office of the County Clerk of Nassau County on October 26, 2018, I, Jeffrey Fox, Esq. the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on October 24, 2022 at The North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501, County of Nassau, State of New York, at 2:00 PM the premises described as follows:

4 Hicks Circle

Hicksville, NY 11801

SBL#: 12-305-2

ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND situate in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau, State of New York.

The premises are sold subject to the provisions of the filed judgment, Index No. 004324 in the amount of $457,551.34 plus interest and costs.

Foreclosure Auctions will be held Rain or Shine.  If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the foreclosure auction.

Richard S. Mullen

Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP

Plaintiff's Attorney

500 Bausch & Lomb Place

Rochester, NY 14604 Tel.: 855-227-5072

Notice of Formation of MILES & AIKO LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2022-08-29. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to LEGALINC CORPORATE SERVICES INC.: 1967 Wehrle Drive, Suite 1 #086 Buffalo NY 14221. Purpose: Any lawful purpose

NOTICE OF FORMATION of limited liability company (LLC). Name: Ciao Mila LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/18/2022. Office location: Nassau Co. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and address SSNY shall mail a copy of process is C/o Markotsis & Lieberman, P.C., 115B Broadway, Suite 2, Hicksville, NY 11801. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

NASSAU COUNTY

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF THE RESIDENTIAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES TRUST VI-A, Plaintiff, vs. VIJAY DADLANI, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 25, 2007, an Order duly entered on March 14, 2018, and an Order Appointing Successor Referee and Amending Case Caption duly entered on July 27, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps at the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on November 2, 2022 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 3165 Dorset Lane, Levittown, NY 11756. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in Hicksville, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 51, Block 261 and Lot 8. Approximate amount of judgment is $416,333.25 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #011816/2006. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Ralph Madalena, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff, Firm File No. 190887-2

NOTICE OF FORMATION of limited liability company (LLC). Name: Ciao Mila LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/18/2022. Office location: Nassau Co. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and address SSNY shall mail a copy of process is C/o Markotsis & Lieberman, P.C., 115B Broadway, Suite 2, Hicksville, NY 11801. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

NASSAU COUNTY

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf. vs. RICHARD J. LACOLA AND MILLIE S. LACOLA, if they be living, if they be dead, their respective heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successors in interest, and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through RICHARD J. LACOLA AND MILLIE S. LACOLA, if they be dead, whether by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, including any right, title or interest in and to the real property described in the complaint herein, all of who and whose names and places of residence are unknown to the plaintiff; et al, Defts. Index #608419/2021. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered July 21, 2022, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on November 2, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. prem. k/a District 17, Section 46, Block 368, Lot 11. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale and the right of the United States of America to redeem within 120 days from the date of sale as provided by law.

Foreclosure auction will be held “rain or shine.” If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the sale.

MARK

RICCIARDI, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY. #99790

QUICKEN LOANS INC

Plaintiff, Against

LAWRENCE COSTA, STEPHANIE COSTA, ANDREW COSTA, JARED COSTA, LOREN COSTA, BRENDA COSTA, et al.,

Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 10/18/2017, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction rain or shine, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 11/2/2022 at 2:00 PM , premises known as 5 Washington Avenue Hicksville, New York 11801 and described as follows;

ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Hicksville, Town of Oyster bay, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 12 Block 321 Lot 6. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $348,971.62 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 15-004170. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction.

Ralph Madalena, Esq., Referee. McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC, Suite 205, 10 Midland Ave, Port Chester, NY 10573 Dated: 9-1-2022 File Number: 15-312598 PCO

NASSAU COUNTY LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NASSAU

newspaper 8900, and search Publishing to find each issue.

LEGAL NOTICES

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, CASCADE FUNDING MORTGAGE TRUST 2017-1, Plaintiff, vs. MIRNA BENITEZ, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 11, 2019 and an Order for Extension of Time to Conduct Foreclosure Sale duly entered on November 27, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on November 1, 2022 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 141 West Avenue, Hicksville, NY 11801. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 45, Block 46 and Lot 289. Approximate amount of judgment is $907,661.64 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #5314/2015. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Barton Slavin, Esq., Referee Greenspoon Marder, 590 Madison Avenue, Suite 1800,

Back to School Bash marks start of year

Students and families from throughout the Bethpage Union Free School District gathered for an evening of fun during the Bethpage PTA Council’s annual Back-to-School Bash on Sept. 16. Held outside under the lights of Bethpage High School’s athletic complex, PTAs from the different schools were stationed at tents where

they sold Bethpage apparel and other fun items.

Attendees also enjoyed deli cious food from different food trucks. The event was a great way to kick off the Bethpage Union Free School District’s 2022-2023 school year.

Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

516 294 8900,

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Notice of Formation of Vestic Group, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2022-09-21. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Vestic Group, LLC: 734 Franklin Ave Suite 775 Garden City NY 11530. Purpose: Any lawful purpose

Bethpage students came together during the Back-to-School Bash on Sept. 16.

Bethpage community members enjoyed the food trucks during the Back-to-School Bash.

19 Friday, September 30, 2022 Students and their loved ones participated in karaoke at one of the booths.

LEGAL NOTICES

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF SALE

REFEREE'S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NASSAU

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWMBS, INC., CHL MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH TRUST 200611, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 200611, Plaintiff - against - DAVID PIGOTT A/K/A DAVID J. PIGOTT, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on September 24, 2019. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 "Rain or Shine" on the 27th day of October, 2022 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Bethpage, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Premises known as 134 Windhorst Avenue a/k/a 134 North Windhorst Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714. (Section: 49, Block: 007, Lot: 534 & 536)

Approximate amount of lien 457,457.05 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 605930/2018. Jennifer B. Ettenger, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170

Tel. 347/286-7409

For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832

Dated: September 12, 2022

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale

Paying for newspapers can be

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK - COUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF BANC OF AMERICA FUNDING CORPORATION 2009-FT1 TRUST, MORTGAGE PASSS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2009-FT1,

V.

PATRICIA MORRONE, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated December 14, 2018, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein U.S. BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF BANC OF AMERICA FUNDING CORPORATION 2009-FT1 TRUST, MORTGAGE PASSS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2009-FT1 is the Plaintiff and PATRICIA MORRONE, ET AL. are the Defendant(s).  I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on October 25, 2022 at 2:30PM, premises known as 29 MEADE AVENUE, BETHPAGE, NY 11714:  Section 46, Block 25, Lot 49:

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE, OR PARCEL OF LAND WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THERON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT BETHPAGE, TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 010598/2014. Gerard M. Bambrick, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

Foodie Week

Oct. 16–23

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that Foodie Week — a unique opportunity for dining establishments to showcase their world-class culinary hotspots — will take place from October 16 to October 23. This week-long event will highlight the finest culinary creations local chefs, bakers, and artisans have to offer.

“This unique opportunity offers local dining establishments a chance to showcase their worldclass culinary hotspots, and high lights the finest culinary creations local chefs, bakers and artisans have to offer. It also provides a fun outing for foodies and families to enjoy the best of the best at local eateries,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “Restaurants are vital to our downtowns and crucial to our local economy. Let’s do our part by supporting them at a time when they need it the most.”

Consistent with well-known New York City standards for simi lar restaurant promotions, a Long Island Food Critic panel will curate all participating restaurants and will evaluate them based on the same set of criteria to help ensure that restaurants are of a similar caliber. While there is no charge for dining establishments located in the Town of Oyster Bay to par ticipate, restaurateurs must apply online at www.FoodieWeek.com. A full list of participating venues and events will also be listed on the website.

Supervisor Saladino also announced that the Town of Oyster Bay will continue its efforts in helping the restaurant industry get back on its feet by expanding outdoor dining through 2023. This expanded outdoor dining initia tive will greatly assist the food ser vice industry at a time in which they need it the most. A recent study indicated that 51 percent of adults have said they are not dining out at restaurants as often as they would like, an increase of six percentage points from before the pandemic.

Visit www.FoodieWeek.com for more information.

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LEGAL NOTICES

NASSAU COUNTY PUBLIC NOTICE

Invitation to Bidders

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Bethpage Union Free School District

PUBLIC NOTICE: is hereby given for separate sealed bids for: New Athletic Field House at Bethpage High School Bids will be received by the School District, on Friday, October 14, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. prevailing time in the District Administration Building, 10 Cherry Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714, and at said time and place publicly opened and read aloud.

The Contract Documents may be examined at the Office of the Architect, BBS Architects, Landscape Architects and Engineers, P.C., 244 East Main Street, Patchogue New York, (631-475-0349); however, the Contract Documents may only be obtained thru the Office of REV, 28 Church Street, Unit 7, Warwick, New York 10990 (877-272-0216) beginning on Friday, September 23, 2022.

Complete digital sets of Contract Documents shall be obtained online (with a free user account) as a download for a nonrefundable fee of Forty-Nine ($49.00) Dollars at the following websites: www.bbsprojects.com or www.usinglesspaper.com under ‘public projects’. Optionally, in lieu of digital copies, hard copies may be obtained directly from REV upon a deposit of One Hundred ($100.00) Dollars for each complete set. Checks for deposits shall be made payable to the BETHPAGE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT and may be uncertified. All bid addenda will be transmitted to registered plan holders via email and will be available at the above referenced websites. Any bidder requiring documents to be shipped shall make arrangements with the printer and pay for all packaging and shipping costs. Plan holders who have obtained hard copies of the bid documents will need to make the determination if hard copies of the addenda are required for their use and coordinate directly with the printer for hard copies of addenda to be issued. There will be no charge for registered plan holders to obtain hard copies of the bid addenda. The bid deposit for hard copies will be returned upon receipt of plans and specifications, in good condition, within thirty days after bid date, except for the lowest responsible bidder, whose check will be forfeited upon the award of the contract.

The Contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, or the proposals will be rejected within 45 days of the date of opening proposals. Bids shall be subject, however, to the discretionary right reserved by the School District to waive any informalities in, accept or reject any alternatives, reject any proposals and to advertise for new proposals, if in its opinion the best interest of the School District will thereby be promoted.

Bidder may not withdraw its bid until forty-five (45) days after the bid opening, except in accordance with General Municipal Law Section 103(11).

By Order of the

The Board OF Education

Bethpage Union Free School District

Dated: September 9, 2022

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Four POB students named Natl. Merit Semifinalists

Seniors at Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School (POBJFKHS) had another strong showing at the National Merit Scholarship Competition for the 2022-2023 school year. Ryan Flood, Sophia Gu, Ethan Hsu and Daniel Zhang have been named com petition semifinalists, while

19 other students were named Commended Students in the prestigious contest.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation seeks to identify academically tal ented students throughout the United States. Of the roughly 1.5 million students who apply for the program each year, the

four POBJFKHS students were among only 16,000 selected to become semifinalists. They are now in the running to become recipients of the roughly 7,500 National Merit Scholarships awarded annually. The scholar ships are worth a total of more than $31 million.

In addition to the four semifinalists, 19 POBJFKHS students were named Commended Students in the contest. They are pictured with their guidance counselors.

From left: Principal James Murray, , Guidance Counselor Cristina Rivas-Laline, Daniel Zhang, Sophia Gu, Ryan Flood, Ethan Hsu, Guidance Counselor Sarah Egosi, and Director of Guidance Laurie Lynn.

Central Boulevard students celebrate Thoughtful Thursday

Students at Central Boulevard Elementary School wrote their goals down for Thoughtful Thursday.

Students throughout Central Boulevard Elementary School in the Bethpage Union Free School District marked the first Thoughtful Thursday of the 2022–23 school year on Sept. 22. The school community celebrates Thoughtful Thursday on a monthly

basis by participating in a special les son, activity or program that allows them to reflect on themselves or engage in an act of kindness.

This month, Central Boulevard students focused on the statements “thoughtful people think of their

future” and “you are the driver of your own bus.” Each student created their own bus and drew a photo of an aca demic or social goal that they have for themselves. In addition, the students drew a photo of a goal that they have for themselves within the community such

as volunteering more.

Each student colored their bus and had their creations displayed outside of their classroom for the whole school community to see.

22 F riday, September 30, 2022 Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

Second grader Camellia Daly from Central Boulevard Elementary School showed off her completed bus.

Central Boulevard second grader Wesley Lasen began coloring his bus.

Central Boulevard fifth graders Amy Banegas (left) and Jaxson Pace wrote down their future goals.

POB schools welcome new teachers

Hicksville students selected for NYSSMA All-State

The Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District welcomed its new teach ers for the 2022–2023 school year during a series of introductory orientation ses sions on August 24 and 25. The educa tors were primed on various aspects of the District, including the education al technology tools at their disposal, the ins-and-outs of District policy, and many other topics.

Day one of orientation saw intro ductory speeches and presentations by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary O’Meara, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Dr. Vincent Mulieri and Assistant Superintendent for Student Services and Safety Christopher Donarummo. They went over topics such as emergency safe ty procedures, sexual harassment and compliance training, and the Dignity for All Students Act, as well as tools such

as teacher Chromebooks and Infinite Campus.

The introductions continued on day two with speeches by Dr. O’Meara; Debbie Bernstein, the Board of Education president; and Nina Melzer, president of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Congress of Teachers. Various depart ment heads then reviewed policies such as annual teacher reviews, profession al development, curriculum standards, Google tools, school business operations and special education before Dr. Mulieri gave his closing remarks.

“I am looking forward to seeing all of the ways this fresh batch of edu cators will enrich our students’ lives in the classroom,” Dr. Mulieri said.

“We always strive to bring on the most dynamic and enterprising staff in the field, and we hope that these new teach ers find success in our District.”

Hicksville students (left to right) Nisarg Shah, Samantha Mason and Brandon Baade were selected to this year’s NYSSMA All-State. Photo courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools

Hicksville High School students

Brandon Baade, Samantha Mason and Nisarg Shah have been selected to perform at NYSSMA All-State. Baade and Mason were selected for Symphonic Band, while Shah was

selected as an alternate for Jazz Ensemble.

This year’s NYSSMA All-State Conference and concerts will be held in Rochester, New York from December 2–4.

Great Pumpkin Dunkin’ to support CP Association

In support of the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County (CP Nassau), the town of Oyster Bay invites residents to the 1st annual “Great Pumpkin Dunkin’” on Sunday, October 2. In previous years, this highly antic ipated benefit has been known as a “Polar Bear Plunge,” taking place in the winter months, but has been rede signed into a fun fall activity for all. The event will be held at Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay, with fes tivities to kick off at 12:00 p.m., and the plunge, or “dunkin,’” into the waters of Oyster Bay Harbor to follow at 1:00 p.m.

“This fun, new twist on CP Nassau’s classic plunge provides an opportunity to support a worthwhile charity as we usher in the beautiful fall season. I’m pleased to lend the Town’s assistance, both in terms of logistics and providing our beautiful venue, to help ensure its success,” said Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino, who serves as Honorary Chairman of the event. “The ‘Great Pumpkin Dunkin’’

is a terrific way to spend an afternoon and help those in need. While the water may be cold, the cause will warm your heart!”

Residents in attendance can look forward to soup, coffee, tea, hot dogs, music and raffles as well as mums and pumpkins for purchase. An indoor assembly area will also be available for the event, which will be held rain or shine. The day’s proceedings will benefit the more than 1,500 children and adults with disabilities who partic ipate in programs and receive services through the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County, which has been assisting individuals with disabilities since 1948.

Participants can organize their fund raising efforts by visiting www.cpnas sau.org/events. For information about participation as a swimmer or a spon sor, please contact Pat Quinn of the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County at (516) 378-2000 x 355 or visit www.cpnassau.org.

Dr. Vincent Mulieri, assistant superintendent for human resources, gave a series of presentations to the new teachers on District policies.

The Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District’s new teachers for the 20222023 school year.