Bethpage Newsgram (10/25/19)

SCHOOL SPIRIT AT HHS

seats. See pages 18-19.

Triple Chamber networking night

BY RIKKI N. MASSAND

Members and officials from the Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce, Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce and Hicksville Chamber of Commerce got together on Tuesday, October 15 for a business networking night at People’s United Bank at 404 South Oyster Bay Road, the Hicksville branch.

Alan Goldberg, president of Water Solutions of Long Island,

is a director and a board member for both the Syosset Woodbury Chamber and the Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber. Goldberg chairs the POBOC Networking Committee and the Membership Committee for Syosset-Woodbury.

He was an integral organizer and promotions liaison for the success of the 2019 Syosset Street Fair, held September 15 along Jackson Avenue. Last Tuesday Goldberg welcomed 45 business professionals and independent merchants to

the People’s United Bank.

“In this instance we were glad to be able to bring together three Chambers of Commerce. I welcome you all and ask you to listen to each other’s introductions, identify people gathered here who may be good business prospects and partners. A lot of time people consider networking to be just socializing -- it’s not. It is about getting to know other business-

See page 7

Town of OB opens shellfish hatchery to clean up bay

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilwoman Michele Johnson and Councilman Steve Labriola joined with the North Oyster Bay Baymen’s Association (NOBBA) to officially open a new shellfish hatchery in Oyster Bay.  This initiative was launched with the goal of populating Oyster Bay Harbor with two million additional clams and oysters which will generate both economic benefits for the shellfish industry and environmental benefits that include improved water quality as each shellfish filters gallons of water per day. The Town and NOBBA have partnered on clam and oyster seeding of the harbor for decades in an effort to improve the water quality, resulting in Oyster Bay Harbor boasting some of the cleanest water on Long Island.

Supervisor Saladino stated, “From cleaning up the Grumman-Navy Plume to enhancing recycling initiatives, my administration has advanced environmental priorities that benefit our residents and local communities.  This new shellfish hatchery will improve the water quality in our bay and deliver economic benefits of an improved shellfish industry by boosting the number of certified clamming areas that support more clammers and baymen.”

The Town Department of Environmental Resources acquired a prefabricated 950 square-foot building to house specialized upwelling tanks and algae tanks that allow the growing of clams and oysters from seed.  The project is funded, in part, by Town resources from the Bay Management Fund - an account that is financed by a percentage of the license fees collected by the issuance of commercial shellfish licenses.  The Town is currently amending its existing New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Shellfish Permits.  Establishment of this new shellfish hatchery will qualify the Town of Oyster Bay to pursue grants offered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to conduct a feasibility study that would determine what improvements to an existing shellfish hatchery would be beneficial to a water body, then qualifying the Town to obtain additional funding for the recommended hatchery improvements.

“I am proud to lead this environmental initiative that will

See page 7

Hicksville High School celebrated its 2019 Pep Rally on October 11th. Above, the High School Band's percussionists played as the students filled the stadium

Outstanding Businessperson of the Year

The Levittown Chamber of Commerce has announced that Kathi Donnelly was selected by Levittown Chamber members as its 2019 Outstanding Businessperson of the Year.

Kathi is a licensed insurance agent for Liberty Mutual Insurance with her office in Uniondale. She sits on the Board of Directors for the Levittown Chamber of Commerce.

Kathi has been a resident of the Levittown community for the past 21 years with her husband Rich and their two children, Christopher and

Victoria. Kathi has volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House, Mary Brenan Inn Soup Kitchen and the Island Trees School to Career Partnership Program. She has been a board member of the Levittown Chamber of Commerce since 2014 where she has served on the fall festival committee as well as on the scholarship committee.

Kathi was honored at the NCCC Outstanding Businessperson of the Year Awards & Legislative Breakfast today at the Crest Hollow Country Club.

Drug arrest in Plainview overdose

Nassau County Police arrested an Amityville man on October 16 for alleged drug possession.

According to Narcotics/Vice Squad Detectives, as part of Operation Natalie, Nassau County’s War Against Opioids, detectives were investigating a fatal overdose from Plainview. The investigation led to the vicinity of Pamela Court,w where they arrested the defendant, Shaquille Ricks, 25.  Police say Ricks was found in possession of acetaminophen, hydrocodone and marijuana.

Ricks was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree and Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree.

Hicksville School District is now on Twitter

Developing a comprehensive Communications Plan is one of the Hicksville Board of Education’s goals for the current school year. One component of the plan is to increase the district’s outreach to our community by creating a cohesive social media presence.  The district has announced that it and each of its nine schools is now on Twitter. Parents, students and community members are invited to join Twitter and to “follow” the district and schools. Twitter is also available for mobile devices, so our latest news and announcements can be accessed directly from your phone.

Here is a list of user names  to “search” and “follow” on Twitter: District - @HPSSuperintend1;

@HicksvillePS; @ HPS-ENL Burns Avenue Elementary@BurnsHps

Dutch Lane Elementary@HDutchlane

East Street Elementary@EastHps

Fork Lane Elementary@ForkHps

Lee Avenue Elementary@hps_lee

Old Country Road Elementary@HpsOCR

Woodland Elementary@WoodlandHPS

Hicksville Middle School@APHMS1

Hicksville High School@hps_hhspride

Shaquille Ricks

Levittown man arrested for business burglaries

Nassau County Police have arrested a Levittown man for allegedly burglarizing commercial properties in August and September.

According to police, Paul Danielowich, 47, broke in to Hicksville Beer and Soda, 8 West Village Green in Hicksville, on August 29 and again on September 10. They say he also broke into an empty building at 12 West Village Green on September 2.

Police say Danielowich would bur-

glarize an adjacent vacant building before gaining entry into his target location through a shared wall. Once inside, police said, he removed currency, lottery tickets and cigarettes.

Police say that when arrested, Danielowich was in possession of substances that they believed to be cocaine and heroin.

He has been charged with burglary, attempted burglary and criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Bus trip to Wind Creek Casino

The Mercy Medical Center Council of Leagues will host a trip to Wind Creek Bethlehem (formerly Sands) Casino on Tuesday, November 26.

The bus will leave from 999 South Oyster Bay Road (on the street with the dead end) at 8:30 a.m. and return at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Cost is $43 per person, which includes the driver's tip. Give back: $35 slot play. For reservations, please call Barbara at 516-935-5576 or Karen at 516-937-5527. Please make checks payable to "Mercy Leagues".

The first to pay is the first on the bus.

Are you a professional?

Our Professional Guide is sure to bring results. Call 294-8900 for rates and information.

Community Fair at St. Bernard's Church

Hempstead Town Councilman Dennis Dunne (right) attended the St. Bernards Church Community Fair on September 21, in the church parking lot. Also attending were Levittown VFW Post Commander Matthew J. DeGregorio and Senior Vice Commander Peter Stabinski, as well as Nassau County Legislator John Ferretti and Deputy County Clerk Kate Murray.

Renowned speaker shares inspirational story with Hicksville students

“Emily” Francis (seated, front and center) held an informal Q & A with English language learners at Hicksville High School.

Elementary, middle and high school students in the Hicksville School District welcomed a special visitor as part of their recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15). Teacher, author, speaker and overall changemaker Astrid “Emily” Francis visited with English language learners at Old Country Road School and Hicksville Middle and High Schools to share her experiences of coming to America from Guatemala, assimilating to the culture, learning the language and carving out a successful career.

When she’s not teaching English as a second language at Concord High School in North Carolina, Francis makes her way to schools and other institutions throughout the country to share her story of perseverance and, as she puts it, “inspire students to dream more, learn more, do more and become more!”

“My experience as an English language learner inspired me to become an ESL teacher,” said Francis. “I have a deep understanding of the challenges my students must overcome in order to find suc-

NYU Winthrop Hospital

Foot and Ankle Issues: An Orthopedic Approach

Come learn about common conditions of the ankle such as sprains, fractures, and arthritis and the treatment options available.

Megan Chapter, DO Orthopedic Surgeon

7 pm

Thursday, November 9

NYU Winthrop’s Research & Academic Center 101 Mineola Blvd Mineola, NY 11501

Francis delivers a lesson of confidence to young English language learners at Old Country Road Elementary School.

cess.”

Francis herself overcame poverty, intermittent schooling early on, a dubious journey to the U.S. which included near deportation at customs and then overcoming the language barrier to build a successful career and a nurture a loving family. She tailored her Hicksville presentation to the different grade-level audiences, which included an informal Q&A with high school

students.

In addition to connecting with students in Hicksville and around the country, Francis has appeared on “Ellen” and has been featured in People. She has also served as a professional development facilitator and in 2016 was named “Teacher of the Year” by the Cabarrus County Board of Education.

Photos courtesy of the Hicksville School District

Admission is free, but seating is limited. Please call (516) 663-3916 for reservations.

Astrid

Astrid “Emily”

Memory Care Like No Other

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia takes both heart and science – knowing what expert approaches to take, and providing such care with compassion. This is what we do every day at The Bristal at Lake Success. Our community is dedicated 100% to state-of-the-art memory care, built upon a solid foundation of success caring for seniors at our family of assisted living communities across the tri-state area. We’ve also developed an alliance with Northwell Health’s Feinstein Institute, initiating opportunities for advancements in dementia care. Altogether, this means peace of mind for you, proven memory care for your loved one, and the freedom to share and embrace every moment. Come visit a truly extraordinary community where memory care is everything: The Bristal at Lake Success.

Triple Chamber networking night at People’s Bank

From page 1

people and form relationships. There are so many products and services represented that we encourage more local business relationships to form and prosper. This is what we hope to accomplish,” Goldberg announced.

He turned to “Mike & Mike” for the perfect example. Hicksville Chamber president Mike Ruvolo is a business owner/president of Minuteman Press at 191 S. Broadway. Goldberg said for example, customers and businesses can coordinate so that everyone benefits, as a director with the Syosset-Woodbury Chamber, Mike Palazzolo, is owner of Island Signs & Graphics at 235-O Robbins Lane.

“They should talk because Minuteman Press does not do large signage but Island Signs & Graphics does, so no one would have to say no to a client who walks in or calls and asks to have something specific done -- each of you are connected. You can partner with another local business. In the room we also have people specializing in property title insurance and our real estate people tonight should network with them. Plenty of our attorneys here can refer back and forth,” Alan Goldberg said.

At the October 15 gathering Barbara Mars, administrator for the Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber, provided a sign-in table with flyers on upcoming events and Chamber information. Several brochures, event flyers and business cards were displayed for convenience and access. Mars was also collecting funds for 50/50 raffle tickets as the POBOC sponsors a local family’s charity, The Garrett Kassler Memorial Fund. People’s United Bank also sponsored a $100 gift card giveaway for participants on October 15.

People’s United Expanding

Patricia Hoffman, People’s United Bank vice president and customer experience manager for the Long Island region, greeted all Chamber members last Tuesday evening. Hoffman works out of the corporate offices of People’s United Bank at 100 Motor Parkway in Hauppauge. She spoke about expansions of branch locations and its 20 in-store People’s United Bank counters/sections of Stop N’ Shop

supermarkets, including the one at 8101 Jericho Turnpike in Woodbury which itself is a Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce member. People’s United has grown to over 400 branch locations with 69 branches on Long Island. She introduced John Henry, who works in the Melville People’s United Bank branch, the Hicksville/Plainview Branch Manager Shree Dwivedi and Hicksville/Plainview branch Sales & Service Supervisor Aditi Pathak.

Hoffman also presented on the “Small Business Spotlight” available as a mini-display for any Chamber of Commerce members and bank customers, set up inside each People’s United location. She says this bank initiative is about supporting the local communities and “us supporting each other.”

“We have a table at every branch, from traditional branches like here in Hicksville to any in-store branches at Stop N’ Shop -- think of how many shoppers are passing by. We work with you to create a table which spotlights your business. If you have any literature, brochures, pictures or samples our branch teams will work with you to create a catchy display. As people come in or stop by our branches they will gain familiarity and pick up your business card or brochure -- we enjoy contributing this free marketing to promote your local business. Regardless we invite our businesses and Chambers in to network and we remain very community-focused,” Hoffman said.

A year ago, People’s United Bank became corporate sponsor of the Quinnipiac University multipurpose arena, now called People’s United Center at the York Hill campus in Hamden, Connecticut. The venue is a 185,000-square-foot facility; it was previously named the TD Banknorth Sports Center. The venue debuted in January of 2007 and was the first building in Quinnipiac University’s $360 million project to develop its 250-acre York Hill campus, minutes south of the main university campus. People’s United Center holds crowd capacities of 3,570 for Quinnipiac basketball and 3,386 for hockey, home arena for men’s and women’s teams in each sport.

People's United Bank Long Island Region Vice President and Customer Experience Manager Patricia Hoffman explains the "Small Business Showcase" potential for Chamber members and customers to promote their products and services in area branches.

Multi-Chamber Meeting Promotes Good Causes

The three Chambers of Commerce learned of two November events last week: chief among them is the Tuesday, November 19 Multi-Chamber “Salute to Veterans” Cocktail Reception. It will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at the American Airpower Museum on the former site of Republic Aviation at Republic Airport in East Farmingdale.

The cost of sponsorship is $150 and the Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce is currently seeking sponsors as well as promotion of ticket sales. For more information contact Jo Wider at (516) 286-7800

or inbox@farmingdalenychamber.org or Kim Poulos Leiberz at (516) 420-0013 or kim@kgidesigngroup.cpm

On Wednesday, November 6 the Fifth Annual Taste of Hope Gala will take place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Heritage Club of Bethpage, 99 Quaker Meeting House Road. At the October networking event Linda Masotto, development coordinator for Central Nassau Guidance & Counseling Services at 950 South Oyster Bay Road introduced Gala information and general fundraising opportunities of the local nonprofit, which serves more than 7,000 children, adults and families affected by mental health and/or substance abuse disorders.

Town opens shellfish hatchery to clean up bay

From page 1

preserve the quality, resiliency, and natural beauty of our local waterways for generations to come,” Councilwoman Johnson said. “I thank the North Oyster Bay Baymen’s Association for partnering with the Town on such an important initiative. Protecting our natural assets is a top priority and by restoring and reseeding our shellfish populations, we not only strengthen the local economy, but also ensure we are working to keep

our waters clean.”

“We are so fortunate to have dedicated and industrious partners in our efforts to maintain the water quality of our beautiful harbor,” Councilman Labriola added. “These programs help raise awareness of the importance of stewardship of our local waters, and they help bolster the local economy. It really exemplifies how communities benefit when government works with local organizations to do what’s best for our quality of life.”

The Town of Oyster Bay completed a Clam Density Study this past fall to obtain additional analysis on the health and population of shellfish in the Oyster Bay Harbor.  Last analyzed in 2013, this study will provide a baseline to help determine the effectiveness of the new shellfish hatchery and other seeding projects.  The Town and NOBBA currently maintain a FLUPSY (Floating UPwelling SYtem) in the harbor to grow clams and established “grow-out” areas to allow the clams to mature prior to

final seeding.  Additionally, the Town of Oyster Bay purchases two million seed clams annually for placement in the bay.  Once successful, the Town will expand its clam and oyster seeding operation from the hatchery to the south shore where the Town already works in partnership with other municipalities, the DEC, Cornell Cooperative, Stonybrook University and the New York Department of State to improve water quality in the Great South Bay.

Spirit and pride reign at Bethpage homecoming

Bethpage pride was on full display on Oct. 12 for Bethpage High School’s annual homecoming celebration. The festivities kicked off with a parade up Stewart Avenue, featuring the marching band, high school and middle school cheerleaders, kickline, class floats, PAL youth leagues and homecoming king and queen Johnny Thomaidis and Heather Nunez.

As the parade reached the high school, the four floats pulled into the front circle. Keeping alive a Bethpage tradition, the four classes performed unique skits to the delight of all in attendance. The Frightening Freshmen and the Spooky Sophomores presented Halloween-themed sketches, while the

Justice League Juniors and the Senior Endgame drew inspiration from superheroes.

Shortly after, the stands at the football field quickly filled up with students and community members donning their blue and gold for the Golden Eagles matchup against the North Shore Vikings. The halftime show featured the school’s marching band with a rousing performance of music from Van Halen, including “Dance the Night Away” and “Running with the Devil.” They were accompanied by the school’s color guard and kickline team. Halftime also included performances by the cheerleaders and kickline.

The Bethpage Golden Eagles took the field for their homecoming game against North Shore on Oct. 12.

Johnny Thomaidis and Heather Nunez were crowned the homecoming king and queen.

The senior class performed its superhero-themed skit following the parade.

Kevin Mouton scored the first touchdown of the game for the Golden Eagles.

Photo courtesy of the Bethpage School District

The cheerleaders energized the crowd throughout the game.

Hicksville Parent Center: A resource for parents

Parents are welcome to attend the Hicksville Community Parent Center to spend quality time with their children. Here, a parent and her two sons enjoy a cupcake decorating workshop.

Are you a Hicksville parent looking for a great community resource that’s free? Parents, please join us at the district's Parent Center to spend quality time with your child(ren) while participating in a wide variety of fun and educational activities. There’s Mom and Me, Arts & Crafts, Fun with Music, seasonal festivities and more. Children ages 2 years and up are invited when accompanied by a parent. The Center is located in Hicksville Public

School’s District office, 200 Division Avenue, Hicksville (516) 733-2379, and is open Tuesdays from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.–5:15 p.m.; Wednesdays from 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; and Thursdays, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.–5:15 p.m.

To view a schedule of the Center’s calendar, please visit the school district’s website: https://www.hicksvillepublicschools.org/parents/parent_center/parent_center_calendar

Toys for Tots collection begins

The Town of Oyster Bay has kicked-off this year’s “Toys for Tots” Collection Drive, which will run through December 12, in an effort to collect new, unwrapped toys to be used as gifts for children throughout the community.

“Under the direction of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, the Toys for Tots Drive follows a mission to help ensure that disadvantaged children within our community do not have to go the holiday season without something to bring them happiness,” Town Councilman Thomwas Hand said.

“By helping those in need experience the wonderful embrace of the holiday season, contributor’s will get to play an active role in bringing happiness to one of our nation’s most valuable resources for the future, our children,” Town Councilman

Anthony Macagnone said.

For those who wish to donate to “Toys for Tots”, collection boxes can be found in the following Town facilities:

• Oyster Bay Town Hall North (54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay);

• Town Hall South (977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa);

• Department of Public Works Facility (150 Miller Place, Syosset);

• The Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center (at Bethpage Community Park - 1001 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage);

• Syosset-Woodbury Community Park Community Center (Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury).

For more information, please contact the Councilmembers, Co-chairs of the Collection Drive, at (516) 624-6619 or (516) 624-6305; or visit www.oysterbaytown.com.

Bridget Pfeifer sang the national anthem before the Golden Eagles took on the North Shore Vikings.

The marching band performed music of Van Halen at halftime.

Sixth-graders make spooky escape

Sixth-grade students at John F. Kennedy Middle School attempted to unlock their next code during the a “spooky” digital escape room exercise.

As part of its 21st Century Scholars program, John F. Kennedy Middle School in the Bethpage Union Free School District hosted a digital escape room for sixth-grade students. To tie in with the upcoming Halloween holiday, it was titled “Haunted House Goes Dark – Digital

Escape Room” where students had to use hints, clues and new knowledge to crack codes in order to advance to a new level and new adventure. The activity offered a unique and spooky twist on the traditional escape room tactics.

Photos courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

Town offers preschool programs for 3, 4-year-olds

Town of Oyster Bay residents who are interested in enrolling their children in a pre-school program are invited to attend an open house at one of the Town’s two preschools, located in Syosset-Woodbury and Marjorie Post Parks. Town Councilman Steve Labriola invites parents to the facilities to learn about the popular program available to three- and four-year-olds in the Town of Oyster Bay.

“As the father of two children, I know how important the early years of a child’s life can be in their development for the future,” said Councilman Labriola. “The Town’s Pre-School Program offers a positive environment for each student to help and encourage their love of learning. Teachers focus on making learning and the social

Students at John F. Kennedy Middle School participated in a digital escape room, where they used communication and critical-thinking skills to advance to new levels.

Sixth-graders from John F. Kennedy Middle School in Bethpage displayed their certificates for successfully completing the “Haunted House Goes Dark – Digital Escape Room.”

Family Fall & Halloween Festival

experience of the Pre-School Program fun for all children in an effort to make the first years of their education all the more enjoyable.”

Open Houses at Town Pre-School facilities are scheduled as follows:

• Syosset-Woodbury Community Park , 7800 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury: Wednesday, November 6, from 6 p.m to 8 p.m.

• Marjorie Post Community Park, 451 Unqua Road, Massapequa: Thursday, November 14, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information on the Town of Oyster Bay Pre-School Program, contact the Department of Community & Youth Services at (516) 797-7900.

Town of Oyster Bay’s Family Fall & Halloween Festival will be held on Saturday, October 26th, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Marjorie R. Post Community Park, located at 451 Unqua Road in Massapequa.

“This festival is a great opportunity for residents to celebrate Halloween and the fall season with activities that are fun for residents of all ages,” stated Town of Oyster Bay Joseph Supervisor Saladino. “From picking pumpkins to our popular Halloween hayride and inflatables, families are sure to enjoy all that the festival has to offer.”

The Family Fall & Halloween Festival will feature a ‘U-Pick’ pumpkin patch for children to pick their own pumpkins (while supplies last), bring a decorated pumpkin contest, Halloween games and giveaways, a hay maze, hay ride, inflatables, photo opportunities and refreshments.  Costumes for those attending are encouraged!

The Family Fall & Halloween Festival will be held rain or shine.  For more information, please call the Town’s Department of Community and Youth Services at (516) 797-7925 or visit www. oysterbaytown.com.

Attention students!

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

Feeling Like a Foreigner in My Hometown: Global Scavenger Hunt Ends

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES

The Global Scavenger Hunt teams arrive in New York City for the last leg of the Global Scavenger Hunt, a mystery tour that has taken us to 10 countries in 23 days.

Bill Chalmers, the ringmaster and Chief Experience Officer of this around-the-world mystery tour, has designed the rules, challenges and scavenges to get us out of our comfort zone and immerse us in a culture, fine-tune our skills as world travelers, and most significantly, “trust in the kindness of strangers.”

Back in New York, he is delighted all 10 teams circumnavigated the world “in one piece” without dramatic incident, in this, the 15th annual Global Scavenger Hunt competition.

There is one more challenge in New York (an easy urban Par 1), and even though, based on points and placement, the winners of the 15thannual, 2019 edition of the Global Scavenger Hunt have been determined, still the teams go out and give it their all. The four teams still in contention must complete at least one of the scavenges in New York, and complete their time sheet and hand in by the 4 pm deadline.

Examples of the scavenges: take

in New York City

for

goingplacesfarandnear.com

in a Yankees game or a Broadway show (actually difficult because of the deadline of 4 pm); have one of each of following: a New York

GOING PLACES NEAR AND

old-fashion Manhattan; locate five pieces from five of the nations you

See page D2

or an

bagel, a New York hot dog, a New York deli sandwich, a slice of New York pizza, New York cheesecake, a New York egg cream,

Hunting

an object from Morocco, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art © Karen Rubin/

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

Feeling Like a Foreigner in My Hometown: Global Scavenger Hunt Ends in New York City

Continued from page D1

just visited in the Met; visit Strawberry Fields, pay John Lennon tribute; do one scavenge in each of the five boroughs of New York City.

A native New Yorker, this is really my turf, though there is the oddest sensation of feeling like I am in a foreign place, reminding myself of what is familiar and not having to think twice about things like language, currency, drinking water from the tap, eating raw vegetable, the street grid).

In fact, that is the genius of the way the Global Scavenger Hunt is designed – we are supposed to feel off-balance, disoriented because that’s when you focus most, the experiences are more intense, you are out of your comfort zone and need to rely on the kindness of strangers, as opposed to the style of travel where you stay long enough to become familiar, comfortable in a place so it (and you) no longer feels foreign.

I elect to take up the challenge of going to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to seek out objects from five of the countries we visited (Canada, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, Abu Dhabi, Jordan, Greece, Morocco, Gibraltar, Portugal, Spain). Greece will be easy, of course, but Morocco and Jordan (Petra), Vietnam and Myanmar (Burma) are trickier. It is Chalmers’ way of making us experience things on a different level, and for me, it brings together so much of what we’ve seen, learned and experienced along the way. I have a context in which to appreciate the artifacts, dare I say a personal connection.

I first join a docent-led Highlights Tour, knowing from past experience that these always lead me to parts of the museum I am unfamiliar with, and enlighten me about aspects of art and culture with the in-depth discussion of the pieces the docents select to discuss.

The docent, Alan, begins in the Greco-Roman exhibit with a stunning marble sculpture of the Three Graces, showing how this theme – essentially copied from the Greek bronzes (which no longer exist because the bronze was valuable and melted down for military use) – was repeated over the eons, into the Renaissance and even beyond. Greece. One down.

Obviously, finding an object from Greece would be easy, and I hope to find objects from Vietnam, Myanmar (Burma), and Thailand in the Asia wing where there is a massive collection of Buddhist art (it proves just a tad more difficult, but I succeed).

Morocco and Jordan (Petra) prove trickier than I expected, but bring me to an astonishing, landmark exhib-

it, “The World Between Empires: Art and Identity in the Ancient Middle East,” with an extraordinary focus on the territories and trading networks of the Middle East that were contested between the Roman and Parthian Empires (ca. 100 BC and AD 250) “yet across the region life was not defined by these two superpowers alone. Local cultural and religious traditions flourished and sculptures, wall paintings, jewelry and other objects reveal how ancient identities were expressed through art.”

This is a goldmine for my hunt. Featuring 190 works from museums in the Middle East, Europe and the United States, the exhibition follows the great incense and silk routes that connected cities in southwestern Arabia, Nabataea, Judea, Syria and Mesopotamia, that made the region a center of global trade along with spreading ideas, spurring innovations (such as in water control), and spawning art and culture. It is a treasure trove for my scavenger hunt.

It is the most incredible feeling to come upon the objects from Petra, having visited the site (was it only 10 days ago?) and having a context for seeing these isolated objects on display. I recall seeing their counterparts in the newly opened Archaeological Museum at Petra.

The World between Empires

The landmark exhibition The World between Empires: Art and Identity

An object from Burma (Myanmar), at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

in the Ancient Middle East (unfortunately it is only on view through June 23, 2019), focuses on the remarkable cultural, religious and commercial exchange that took place in cities including Petra, Baalbek, Palmyra and Hatra between 100 B.C. and A.D. 250. “During this transformative period, the Middle East was the center of global commerce and the meeting point of two powerful empires—Parthian Iran in the east and Rome in the west—that struggled for regional control.”

Among the highlights is a Nabataean religious shrine, reconstructed from architectural elements in collections in the United States and Jordan; the unique Magdala Stone, discovered in a first-century synagogue at Migdal (ancient Magdala) with imagery that refers to the Temple in Jerusalem; and wall paintings from a church in DuraEuropos that are the earliest securely dated images of Jesus.

The Greek sun god Helios, from Petra, 1st C BC – 1st C AD, found at Qint al-Bint temple in Petra, visited on the Global Scavenger Hunt © Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com

Sculptures from Baalbek illuminate religious traditions at one of the greatest sanctuaries in the ancient Middle East, and funerary portraits from Palmyra bring visitors face to face with ancient people. The exhibition also examines important contemporary issues—above all, the deliberate destruction and looting of sites including Palmyra, DuraEuropos, and Hatra.

“The compelling works of art in this exhibition offer a view into how people in the ancient Middle East sought to define themselves during a time of tremendous religious, creative, and political activity, revealing aspects of their lives and communities that resonate

Hunting for an object from Morocco, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art © Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com

some two millennia later,” stated Max Hollein, Director, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, in a video that accompanies the exhibit.  “Further, in focusing on an area of the world that has been deeply affected by recent conflicts and the destruction of sites, monuments, and objects, this show also engages with complex questions about the preservation of cultural heritage.”

The exhibition evokes a journey along ancient trade routes, beginning in the southwestern Arabian kingdoms that grew rich from the caravan trade in frankincense and myrrh harvested there and used throughout the ancient world. Camel caravans crossed the desert to the Nabataean kingdom, with its spectacular capital city of Petra, which I have just visited, walking through very much as the caravan travelers would have.

From here, goods traveled west to the Mediterranean and north and east through regions including Judaea and the Phoenician coast and across the Syrian desert, where the oasis city of Palmyra controlled trade routes that connected the Mediterranean world to Mesopotamia and Iran and ultimately China. In Mesopotamia, merchants transported cargoes down the Tigris and Euphrates rivers to the Persian Gulf, where they joined maritime trade routes to India. These connections transcended the borders of empires, forming networks that linked cities and individuals over vast distances.

“Across the entire region, diverse local political and religious identi-

ties were expressed in art. Artifacts from Judaea give a powerful sense of ancient Jewish identity during a critical period of struggle with Roman rule. Architectural sculptures from the colossal sanctuary at Baalbek and statuettes of its deities reveal the intertwined nature of Roman and ancient Middle Eastern religious practices. Funerary portraits from Palmyra represent the elite of an important hub of global trade. Wall paintings and sculptures from Dura-Europos on the River Euphrates illustrate the striking religious diversity of a settlement at the imperial frontier. And in Mesopotamia, texts from the last Babylonian cuneiform libraries show how ancient temple institutions waned and finally disappeared during this transformative period.”

From my visits in Athens and Petra, particularly, I appreciate this synergy between trade, migration, environmental sustainability and technology (in Petra’s Archaeology Museum, you learn how the ability to control water supply was key to the city’s development) and the links to economic prosperity and political power, and the rise of art, culture, and community. (I recall the notes from the National Archaeology Museum in Athens that made this very point.)

It is rare (if ever) for the Metropolitan Museum to venture into the political, but a key topic within the exhibition is the impact of recent armed conflicts in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen on archaeological sites, monuments, and museums, including deliberate destruction and looting. Some of the most iconic sites affected—Palmyra, Hatra, and DuraEuropos—are featured in the exhibition, which discusses this damage and raises questions regarding current and future responses to the destruction of heritage. Should the sites be restored or will they now only exist “on paper”? How much money and resources should go to restoring or excavation when villages and homes for people to live in also need to be rebuilt?

There is a fascinating, if frantic, presentation of three archaeologist/ historians speaking about what the destruction by ISIS and Islamic funda-

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

And the World’s Greatest Travelers of 2019: Lawyers Without Borders, Rainey Booth and Zoe Littlepage of Houston, who have competed in the Global Scavenger Hunt 12 times, and win it for their 6th time. “You embody the spirit of the event, to go out of your comfort zone.” © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

mentalists of Palmyra, Eura-Europos and Hatra – what it means to destroy a people’s heritage, their cultural identity. “It may seem frivolous to focus on [archaeological sites] when people are enslaved, killed…but to wipe out, destroy culture is a way of destroying people.”

Happening upon this exhibit made the travel experiences we had to these extraordinary places all the more precious.

It is a humbling experience, to be sure, to go to the origins of the great civilizations, fast forward to today. How did they become great? How did they fall? Greatness is not inevitable or forever.  Empires rise and fall. Rulers use religion, art and monuments to establish their credibility and credentials to rule; successors blot out the culture and re-write history.

I peek out from the American Café windows to Central Park and see sun and the early spring blossoms on the trees, and dash out to walk through my other favorite New York City place. There is nothing more beautiful than

New York City in the spring – brides are out in force taking photos; there are musicians and entertainers. There is a festive atmosphere as I walk through the park toward the Palace Hotel in time for our 4:30 pm meeting.

15th Annual Global Scavenger Hunt Winners Crowned

And now, drumroll please, Chalmers announces the winner of the 2019 Global Scavenger Hunt: “Only one team wins. The competition was fierce.”

In third place is Order & Chaos, Sal  Iaquinta & Vivian Reyes, doctors from San Francisco.

In second place, Lazy Monday, Eric & Kathryn Verwillow, computer networking and think tank professional of Palo Alto, California “I am in awe of how hard working, beginning to end –embracing the spirit,” Chalmers says.

And the World’s Greatest Travelers of 2019: Lawyers Without Borders, Rainey Booth and Zoe Littlepage of Houston, who have competed in the Global Scavenger Hunt 12 times, and win it for their 6th time. “You embody the spirit of the event, to go out of your

comfort zone.” (You can follow Zoe’s blog of her experience to get a sense of how strenuous, outrageous, and determined the team was in accumulating their points:  https://zoeandraineygreatescape.blogspot.com/2019/05/gsh-2019)

We celebrate at a final bon voyage dinner.

The Global Scavenger Hunt is the brainchild of Bill and Pamela Chalmers, who in addition to forging understanding and bonds among travelers and the people in the destinations visited, use the program to raise money for the GreatEscape Foundation and promote voluntourism - one of the scavenges in Yangon, Myanmar is to volunteer at an orphanage or school; past GSH travelers visited and helped out at Tibetan refugee camps in Nepal, orphanages in Laos, hospitals in Cambodia, homeless schools in India, hospices in Manila, disabled facilities in Sri Lanka, Ethiopian schools, the slums of Nairobi.

“The foundation is one of main reasons we do the event,” Chalmers says at our final meeting before going out for a celebration dinner. The foundation has raised money to build 12 schools (1 each in Niger, Haiti, Ecuador, India & Ethiopia; 2 each in Sri Lanka & Sierra Leone, and 3 in Kenya), helped build the Tamensa Medical Clinic in Niger for migrating Tuareg nomads which serves as a midwives & nurse training center too. “We know that we saved lives and bettered the lives of hundreds. We have helped over 2400 families in more than 60 countries (mostly women entrepreneurs) with our interest and fee free micro-loans (96% of which have gone to women with a 99% repayment).”

Through the event this and last year, the foundation will build 2 more co-ed elementary schools , in Ethiopia and Haiti.

2020 Global Scavenger Hunt Set for April 17-May 9

Chalmers has just set the dates for the 23-day 2020 Global Scavenger Hunt: April 17-May 9, 2020. Entry applications are now being accepted.

Eager  Indiana Jones -types of adventurers and curious travelers

See page D3

What’s sinister & oh, so eerily spooky on Halloween?

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

The following is a work of fiction... or is it???

The night before Halloween Robbie Bennett was lying in bed thinking of what the holiday would be like. He looked forward to Halloween all year long and probably was more excited about it even than Christmas. He thought about his costume - the one his mother had gotten him two

weeks ago - and he knew it would be great. It fit him perfectly. How did he spell relief?

He would look good and be comfortable in it, too. No more wearing costumes that he couldn’t see out of, like the dragon costume his mother had made for him when he was five years old, or that he couldn’t move around in easily, like the knight in shining armor costume he had worn two years ago or like the pumpkin costume that was

definitely awkward that he wore trick or treating when he was four years old.

That bright orange pumpkin with its tall green stem certainly stuck out and got him a lot of compliments, but it really wasn’t him. It wasn’t his idea of the perfect Halloween costume, not in his opinion, anyway.

He was eight years old now and he wanted to pick something that he wanted to be. A power ranger was right up his alley. It was fun, it was excit-

ing, it was cool. The blue two-piece costume had a muscle torso and arms, an attached belt and a character headpiece. He could see fine out of it. It was comfortable, too.

As Robbie lay in bed that night thinking of the fun time he would have trick or treating with his friends from the

See page D5

Clearing Up More Myths and Misunderstandings

BY TOM MARGENAU

I pointed out in last week’s column that there are hundreds of myths and rumors being spread -- mostly on the internet -- about Social Security. Half of them deal with the politics and financing of Social Security. I covered some of those in recent columns. But there are also a multitude of myths about Social Security programs and how they work. Last week, I dealt with myths surrounding Social Security retirement benefits. This week, I’ll take on the rumors that people hear about dependent and survivor benefits.

Myth: As a wife, I will get half of my husband’s Social Security.

The 50% spousal rate applies only to those women who wait until their full retirement age to claim benefits. But benefits are reduced roughly one-half of 1% for each month they are taken before full retirement age. At 62, the earliest age you can claim spousal benefits, you’d get about one-third of your husband’s benefit, but only to the extent it exceeds what you are due on your own record.

Myth: I can take reduced benefits on my spouse’s record at 62 and later switch to full benefits on my own Social Security account.

With one exception, which I’ll get to in a minute, you can’t do that. There is a rule that says all Social Security claims are open-ended. In other words, when you file for one kind of Social Security benefit, you must file for any and all other benefits you are due at the same time.

To explain further, let’s follow an example. Sue is 62. Her husband, Hank, is 68 and already getting his Social Security. Sue thinks that she can file for half of Hank’s Social Security at 62 and then at 66, switch to 100% of her own benefit. Again, she can’t. She must file for her own Social Security benefit first. At the same time, they will look to Hank’s record to see if she can get any additional spousal benefits from him. But it’s not likely. As a 62-year-old spouse, she is due about 35% (not 50%) of Hank’s Social Security. And if Sue has worked any decent amount of time, her own Social Security benefit will exceed what she is due from Hank’s record.

But it would be a different story if Hank were dead. And that leads to the exception I mentioned earlier. Widows do have the option of taking reduced benefits on one record and later switching to full benefits on the other record. For example, if Hank were no longer with us, Sue could file for widow’s benefits at 62 and get about 82% of Hank’s benefit. Then at 66, she could switch to 100% of her own Social Security or wait until 70 and get 132%.

Myth: Once I make a choice, I can’t switch from one benefit to another.

Yes, you can. It happens all the time. Some readers may be confused because I just said that you can’t take spousal benefits and later switch to your own. But now we are talking about the opposite side of that coin. It is a fairly common practice for people to start out taking their own retirement benefits and later switch to benefits from a spouse.

Let’s go back to Sue and Hank and change their circumstances just a bit. When Sue turns 62, she files for her own retirement benefits. But this time, let’s say Hank is also 62 and wants to wait until he is 66 to file for his Social Security. When he does that, assuming his benefit rate is significantly higher than Sue’s benefit check, she can file for some additional spousal benefits on Hank’s account.

Myth: The government robs the families of deceased Social Security beneficiaries by taking back the last Social Security check.

Three Social Security rules come into play here. The first rule says that Social Security benefits are always paid a month behind. For example, the October Social Security benefit is paid in November. The second rule says that Social Security benefits are never prorated. The third rule says you must be alive the entire month to get a Social Security benefit for that month.

Let’s follow an example. Sam dies on Oct. 27. Sam’s family must return the check that comes in November (the payment for October). They gripe about that rule, claiming that Sam was alive for most of the month of October, so the family should get most, if not all, of the proceeds of that last check.

What they don’t consider is that the lack of proration of Social Security checks can oftentimes work in the favor of the beneficiary or a surviving spouse. For example, let’s say that Sam started his benefits at 66 and his birthday is July 30. Because Social Security benefits are not prorated, Sam would have received a Social Security check for the entire month of July even though he was 66 for only a couple of days of the month. And if Sam left a widow, she would get a widow’s benefit for the whole month of October even though Sam died on Oct. 27, meaning she was widowed for only four days of the month.

Myth: When my husband dies, I will get all of his Social Security.

That’s generally true if you are 66 or older when your husband dies. But the widow’s rate is reduced if taken earlier. For example, at age 60 (the earliest most women can claim widow’s benefits), the rate is about 71%.

And there is another little twist to this story. It is best explained with a simple example. Sam took his Social Security at 62. He is getting a reduced retirement benefit equal to 75% of his

$1,000 per month full retirement rate. So Sam is getting $750. His wife, Sadie, who never worked outside the home, is getting spousal benefits equal to about 35% of Sam’s full benefit, or $350 monthly. Sam dies at age 89. Sadie is 87. Although Sam was getting the 75% rate, there is a law that says a widow over age 66 can-

not get less than 82.5% of her husband’s full rate. So instead of a widow’s benefit of $750, Sadie will start getting $825 off Sam’s account.

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has the answer. Contact him at thomas.margenau@comcast.net.

COPYRIGHT 2019 CREATORS.COM

What’s sinister & oh, so eerily spooky on Halloween?

C ontinued from page D3

neighborhood, he noticed something moving just off to the side of his bed. It was a claw sticking out, a single claw and he couldn’t imagine where it was coming from.

He was afraid to look and see what it was and he was afraid not to. What if it moved out and up onto his bed? What if it got him?

All he could think was that it was some evil thing. It was an evil presence right there in his room and he didn’t like it one bit.

He wondered if this was some terrible Halloween trick that maybe his older brother, Tommy, who was 10, was playing.

If so, he would get even with him. He would think of some good trick to play on Tommy when he was least expecting it.

As he thought of all of the possibilities, Robbie lay in bed and tried waiting it out. The next time he looked down at the side of his bed there was a paw sticking out. One single paw.

After several minutes Robbie hopped out of bed and knelt down to see that it was his black cat, Sinister, looking out at him. Robbie breathed a sigh of relief. At least that made sense.

Robbie knew that Sinister liked to climb on top of a Tupperware storage container that was under his bed and was about five inches from the bottom of his box spring. It was a tight fit.

How that 14-lb. cat fit in that space was beyond him, and Robbie shook his head at Sinister who was now standing on the floor next to his bed. All he saw were the cat’s green eyes staring back at him and he reached down and playfully gave his cat a pet on the head.

Robbie knew that Sinister fit right in with the Bennetts and that occasionally he liked to play tricks on the various family members.

Like the time Sinister jumped on Robbie’s father’s head when he was reaching to get something out of the refrigerator.

Like the other time that Sinister hid around a corner when he heard Robbie coming and jumped out to scare him. Yikes. Sinister was comfortable in their home, very comfortable, indeed.

That was all fine and dandy but what a cat, he thought. Sinister was scaring the living daylights out of him.

He didn’t need that on Halloween. For that holiday he had to be rested up. He had to be relaxed not all wound up like an alarm clock.

Many times Sinister jumped up on Robbie’s bed, cuddled up at his feet and they slept all night. On this particular Halloween it was a bright, sunny day. Robbie woke up early, early for him, at 8 a.m., excited because Halloween Day had finally arrived.

It was a Sunday and he had made plans to meet up with his friends, Danny, Johnny and Mark. Danny was nine, Johnny was 10 and Mark was 11. Robbie’s mom said that the four boys should stick together as a group. He promised her that they would so she felt reassured and said that she didn’t have to go with them.

Robbie knew that his sister, Milly, was going trick or treating but she was nine and she was going with a group of her friends and one girl’s mother. She was on her own.

Eating his breakfast hurriedly, a crunchy bowl of Fruit Loops, Robbie hoped that the time would pass quickly. After lunch he rode his bicycle outside for a while then he went inside and played some music.

Later he told his mom and dad where he was going before running out the door to go trick or treating with his friends.

His mom said to be sure that Sinister was still inside the house. She didn’t want that black cat of theirs outside on a holiday like Halloween. Robbie said okay, checked on Sinister, who was sleeping contentedly on a windowsill and off he went.

The three other boys were standing on the corner ahead of him so Robbie quickly caught up. They decided to go trick or treating house to house, up and down each block, and see how far they would get.

At the first house they rang the doorbell and when old Mr. Jones opened the door he invited the four boys inside for some donuts and cold cider. They said okay, headed for the dining room and there was Mrs. Jones standing there smiling and waiting for the visitors.

She also had a tray full of candy apples on sticks off on a side table. It was a sweet and crunch snack on a stick that looked pretty appealing.

Mrs. Jones was ready to give them some homemade donuts that were still

warm from the oven and had white powdery sugar all over them. Robbie sank his teeth into a donut which melted in his mouth. He washed it down with some cold cider then used a napkin – as he was taught – to wipe his lips.

The six of them talked for a while then the boys headed out. When Robbie rang the doorbell at the second house, they waited for a minute then a tall, thin, bony woman dressed from head to toe in a skeleton costume answered the door. Shocked, the four boys jumped back and almost fell off the stoop.

They knew that Mrs. Wagner lived there but her black and white skeleton costume not only was realistic but it was lit up with a couple of strands of electric Christmas lights.

Wow, were they surprised! Mrs. Wagner really got them good! They weren’t expecting their neighbor to pull a trick on them but she really turned the tables and did just that.

After everyone settled down they laughed at themselves and they took some deep breaths. Then she put lots of candy bars and other treats into their Halloween bags so they were happy.

When they got outside and onto the sidewalk each boy said, “Man, she really scared me!” They continued on and kept going from house to house. Some people weren’t home at certain houses but most of the homes had someone there to greet them with a “Happy Halloween!”

On the next block they rang the doorbell of Mrs. Wright and she greeted them then stood in the doorway because she wanted to tell a few jokes before the boys left.

They moved on to the next house not knowing if any tricks were going to be played on them but the rest of their trick or treating was fairly normal.

Robbie and his three friends had a good time that Halloween so after all of their trick or treating they said goodbye then headed off in different directions. When Robbie got home the front door shut behind him with a loud bang then he headed for the kitchen where he figured that his parents and sister would be.

Sure enough they were sitting around the kitchen table enjoying some mugs full of hot apple cider. Every so often they would dip their cinnamon stick into their drink and stir it around carefully. Robbie, who was cold from

being out trick or treating, wanted a mug of that. He poured some of the hot cider, grabbed a cinnamon stick and sat down, joining their little group.

He told them about his escapades with Danny, Johnny and Mark – and about how Mrs. Wagner had greeted the Halloween trick or treaters that afternoon. “I didn’t expect my neighbor to be pulling any tricks on us,” Robbie said seriously.

They howled with laughter and both of his parents had to admit that they had never thought about doing that. Dressing up in a skeleton costume then lighting it up with Christmas lights was pretty clever.

Then they stopped to think and added that they had never turned the tables on any trick or treaters or tricked them in any way. “It was very clever,” Robbie’s dad said, “but it could also scare the daylights out of someone.”

Speaking of scaring the daylights out of someone, Robbie recounted how Sinister had scared him the night before. “Was that cat psychic?” Robbie asked. “Did he know that it was Halloween Eve? All I could see what a claw slowly coming out. Yikes!”

His mom, dad and Milly got a good laugh out of that story, too. Robbie listened as Milly told them all about where she had gone and what she did with her friends. They all listened closely and enjoyed hearing about the day’s events.

Then the doorbell rang and his dad jumped up to greet the next batch of visitors. As he walked to the front door he shouted over his shoulder to his wife and children, “I’d better watch out. I don’t know what’s going to happen. These trick or treaters might be sinister!”

This is pure fiction – or is it? What’s your favorite Halloween story?

Feeling Like a Foreigner in My Hometown: Global Scavenger Hunt Ends in New York City

C ontinued from page D5

wanting to test their travel IQ against other travelers in an extraordinary around-the-world travel adventure competition that crowns  The World’s Greatest Travelers, can apply at  GlobalScavengerHunt.com.

The 2020 event will pit savvy international travelers against each other by taking them on  A Blind Date with the World, visiting ten secret destinations without any prior preparation, and then have them unravel a constant blitz of highly authentic, participato-

ry and challenging culturally-oriented scavenges along the way, like: meditating with monks, training elephants, taking flamenco lessons, cooking local dishes with local chefs, searching out Lost Cities, cracking sacred temple mysteries, joining in local celebrations, and learning local languages enough to decipher their scavenger hunt clues.  Trusting strangers in strange lands will be their focus as they circle the globe for three weeks. Over the past 15 years, the event has touched foot in 85 countries.

The title of  The World’s Greatest

Travelers and free trip around the world to defend their titles in the 2021 event await the travelers worthy enough to win the 16th edition of the world travel championship.     Event participation is open but limited; the $25,000 per team entry fee includes all international airfare, First Class hotels, 40% of meals, and special event travel gear. All travelers are interviewed for suitability and single travelers are welcome to apply. For additional information visit  GlobalScavengerHunt.com, or contact GreatEscape Adventures Inc. at

Halloween is Happening in Sleepy Hollow:

310-281-7809.

© 2019 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com,  www.huffingtonpost.com/author/karenrubin & travelwritersmagazine.com/ TravelFeaturesSyndicate/ Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar. wordpress.com & moralcompasstravel. info. Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Tweet @ TravelFeatures. ‘Like’ us at facebook. com/NewsPhotoFeatures

New Musical Experience Joins

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL

FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

SLEEPY HOLLOW, NY — Halloween season in Sleepy Hollow Country, a legendary time that draws hundreds of thousands to the area, now features more frightful fun than ever before! Historic Hudson Valley’s fall events, the largest in the tri-state area, kicked off Friday, Sept. 20, and take place on selected evenings through Saturday, Nov. 30. Historic Hudson Valley expects to draw more than 250,000 visitors to Sleepy Hollow Country this fall.

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze®, widely acclaimed as one of the country’s best fall extravaganza, is celebrating its fifteenth year and will run for a record 49 select evenings from late September through Thanksgiving weekend. This all-ages friendly walk-through experience lights up the wooded pathways, orchards, and gardens of historic Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y., where a small team of artists hand-carve more than 7,000 jacks and elaborate pumpkin sculptures. Visitors will love seeing Blaze favorites, such as a giant spider web and mammoth sea serpent, and be awed by more pumpkin power than ever before! New additions include a Museum of Pumpkin Art and the Sleepy Hollow Bridge.

Horseman’s Hollow takes visitors back in time to a cursed Sleepy Hollow, an 18th-century village driven mad by the Headless Horseman. Professional actors, award-winning feature-film makeup artists, and state-of-the-art special effects make the Horseman’s Hollow experience all too real. This 16-night haunted attraction at Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., is recommended for ages 10 and up.

Also at Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow is  The Unsilent Picture.  This theatrical experience features a black

Horseman’s Hollow, Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze

and white film starring Tony Awardwinning actor Bill Irwin and will screen with a special effects Foley artist and original score. This event runs for 17 select dates in October and November and is recommended for ages 10 and up and contains scenes of drinking alcohol, smoking and snuff tobacco use, implied violence, and mature themes.

Brand new for 2019 is The Sleepy Hollow Experience,  an interactive musical theater production at Washington Irving’s Sunnyside. This critically-acclaimed show, created and produced by Brian Clowdus, features live, professional musicians and singers who perform the scenes in various locations around the estate and engage with audience members.  The Sleepy Hollow Experience  is suitable for all ages. The event runs for 19 evenings at Washington Irving’s home, Sunnyside, in Tarrytown.

Home of the ‘Legend’ is a daytime experience at Washington Irving’s Sunnyside. Visitors can tour the author’s home, embark on a literary-themed scavenger hunt, hear storytellers spin spooky tales, and take part in historic games and Halloweenthemed art activities. Home of the ‘Legend’ is an all-ages event.

At Irving’s ‘Legend,’ master storytellers Jonathan Kruk and Jim Keyes, accompanied by live music, bring to life  The Legend of Sleepy Hollow during afternoon and evening performances at Sleepy Hollow’s circa-1685 Old Dutch Church. Irving’s ‘Legend’ runs for 17 select dates and is recommended for ages 10 and up.

All events are held rain or shine. Proceeds support Historic Hudson Valley, the Tarrytown-based private, non-profit educational organization that owns and operates the historic sites that host these events.

Pre-Purchase Timed Tickets

These events have limited capacity

and sell out. All admissions are by advance purchase timed ticket.

Blaze dates are September 20-22; 26-29; October 3-31; November 1-3; 8-10; 15-17; 22-23; 29-30. Online tickets start at $23 for adults and $17 for children 3-17, and free for children 2 and under and Historic Hudson Valley members.

Horseman’s Hollow dates are October 4-6; 11-13; 18-20; 25-27; 31; November 1- 3.

Online tickets are $22 ($28 on Saturdays). Fast Track, a $15 per ticket upgrade, lets visitors skip the line in their time slot. Historic Hudson Valley members receive a $5 per ticket discount.

The Sleepy Hollow Experience dates are October 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 25-27, 31; Nov 1-3. Performances times are at 6:30pm and 8:30pm. On November 3, performance times are at 5:30pm and 7:30pm. Online tickets start at $45 for adults and $25 for children. Historic Hudson Valley members receive a 10% per ticket discount.

Home of the ‘Legend’ dates are September 28-29; October 5-6; 12-14; 19-20; 26-27; November 2- 3. Online tickets are $16 for adults, $12 for seniors, $8 for children 3-17, and free for those 2 and under and Historic Hudson Valley

The Unsilent Picture  dates are October 4-6; 11-14; 18-20; 25-27; 31; November 1- 3. Online tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children. Historic Hudson Valley members receive a $5 per ticket discount.

Back for a spine-tingling tenth year, Horseman’s Hollow, takes inspiration from The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, transforming historic Philipsburg Manor into 18th-century village driven mad by the Headless Horseman. A crew of award-winning makeup and costume designers and a 40-member-strong cast create an immersive, interactive, pleasantly terrifying experience, with state-of-the-spooky-art special effects. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

members.

Irving’s ‘Legend’ dates are October 4-6; 11-14; 18-20; 25-27; 31; November 1-3.

Seating is very limited and there are three performances on weekday evenings and six performances on weekends. Online tickets are $28 for adults, $22 for children under 18. Historic Hudson Valley members receive a $5 per ticket discount.

Buy tickets online at http://www. hudsonvalley.org or by calling 914-3666900 ($2 per ticket surcharge for phone orders and for tickets purchased onsite, if available).

Historic Hudson Valley, Westchester County’s largest cultural organization, educates and entertains more than 325,000 visitors a year through school programs, tours of five National Historic Landmarks, and large-scale events like this roster of Halloween themed experiences, which have earned a national reputation as among the best in the country. For information and tickets, visit www.hudsonvalley.org, 914-3666900.

REAL ESTATE WATCH

Preparing your home and landscape for winter

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

The leaves will start to fall in a few weeks and yes, raking and blowing time will begin once again. The drudgery of doing this every year is just one of the chores one must be resigned to doing when owning a home; unless you have or hire a gardener. However, it’s excellent exercise if you are one to move about on a regular basis.

Just like shoveling snow (or using a snow blower), one must be in good physical condition. So don’t all of a sudden be brave and do strenuous activities, if you haven’t performed them in a long time, because the end result could be an unexpected heart attack or other physical issues. Don’t jeopardize your health, it’s not worth it! Having your property tidy and neat says a lot to buyers and you don’t get a second chance at a first impression. Soon it will also be time to think about cleaning and putting away or covering your outdoor furniture as well as storing hoses etc. Also, change the oil in your snow blower and starting it up, just to make sure it is operational and if not, it’s good time to get it fixed before that first snow day when the rush is on in repair shops.

While the weather is still quite nice, you might consider cleaning all your outside windows, assuming you can do them from the inside, since most modern windows allow you to have them open in as opposed to the old fashion ones that you had to climb up

a ladder, sometimes to a second floor, to clean all of them from the outside, which, was very dangerous. Even cleaning out the gutters and leaders of leaves was and is another dreadful item that needs to be on your to-do list. But again, some gardeners have a unique extension to their blowers that reach up into the gutters to sufficiently clean them out and then taking your hose to thoroughly rinse them out. Not doing these two things could cause clogged gutter drains and then the water (and ice and snow) to back up into your soffits causing internal damage to your interior walls.

some painting while this excellent weather continues. Edging your flower beds one or two more times to provide a nice contour and accent around your lawn areas, will again add that little neatness and sharpness to your landscape. It’s an excellent time to plant some fall vegetation. If you are considering selling or your home is already on the market, it’s not too late to enhance the look and presentation of your property. The following are some of my top choices to light up your landscape and catch the attention of your potential purchasers:

1.)Most popular chrysanthemums

ishes, carrots rutabaga, spinach, and Swiss chard. This can set a very nice mood in and around your property. It won’t necessarily be an Arboretum but will provide points of interest to your landscape. Making your outside different and beautiful will provide that enhanced look that many buyers will be attracted to and just may help you attain a better price and sell quicker.

By the way, you still may be able to seal coat your driveway as long as temperatures are at least in the sixties and even today as I write this column it was eighty-three on my car thermometer! Most important, don’t forget to hire a chimney sweep company to thoroughly inspect and clean your chimney of any creosote and debris, (or if any brick pointing or sealing needs to be done, do it now) before using your fireplace this winter. One never knows what animals might be nesting inside your chimney!

Also, how does your siding or paint look? While you are able, maybe you need to clean your siding and/or do

2.)Balloon flower (Chinese bellflower)

3.)Sweet alyssum

4.)Celosia

5.)Heliopsis

6.)Sedum

7.)Zig-zag goldenrod

8.)Beautyberry

9.)Heather

10.)Ice pansy

11.)Also, planting those spring bulbs now will provide a gorgeous flush of color next year.

Assuming you have the room, there are also fall vegetables that can be planted, (but should be done six weeks before any hard frost), like Brussel sprouts, cabbage, kohlrabi, lettuce, rad-

Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He 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.). 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 WWW.Li-REalEstate. Com as well as a “free” value analysis of what your home might sell for in today’s market without any “strings” attached. He can also provide a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality or Our Seller’s or Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider when Selling or Purchasing your Home. Just email or snail mail(regular mail) him with your request with your name, email and cell number and he will send it out ASAP. For a consultation, he can be reached by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@TurnKeyRealEstate. Com to answer any of your questions or concerns.

ONE CALL TO 516-294-8900 AND YOUR AD WILL APPEAR IN 11 LOCAL NEWSPAPERS. CALL TODAY FOR OUR VERY LOW RATES. www.gcnews.com

Garden City News • Mid Island Times Bethpage Newsgram

• Syosset Advance • Jericho News Journal

Williston Times - Mineola Edition

New Hyde Park Herald Courier • Manhasset Times

Roslyn Times • Port Washington Times • Great Neck News

DEADLINE FOR CLASSIFIED ADS IS TUESDAY AT 1:00PM.

2 EASY WAYS TO PLACE ADS:

1) Directly on website: gcnews.com & click on “Classified Order”

2) Email Nancy@gcnews.com

Please include your name, daytime phone number, address and ad copy.

Visa and MasterCard Accepted

EMPLOYMENT

HELP WANTED

FRONT DESK HEALTH

CARE ASSISTANT P/T

Floral Park Ophthalmology

Practice seeking individual to work P/T in a team environment providing optimal patient experience in busy medical office. Experience preferred includes good communication/ phone skills, multitasking, processing of patients, utilization of office software & other office computer programs, electronic billing, insurance. Will provide training. Please email cover letter & resume to: office_mgr@drjindra.com

JOB OPPORTUNITY:

$18 50 P/H NYC $15 P/H LI $14.50 P/H UPSTATE NYH.

If you currently care for your relatives or friends who have Medicaid or Medicare, you may be eligible to start working for them as a personal assistant. No Certificates needed. 347-462-2610 or 347-565-6200

EMPLOYMENT

HELP WANTED

PART TIME MEDICAL ASST

/TECHNICIAN needed for a local Ophthalmology office. Fast paced medical practice. On the job training provided. Experience with Word & Excel would be helpful. Please email your resume and cover letter to:

Office_mgr@drjindra.com

SUBSCRIPTION SALES REPRESENTATIVE P.T.

The Blank Slate Media is seeking energetic individual with good telephone skills to sell newspaper and online subscriptions from 9am to 1pm. Some computer knowledge preferred.

Salary plus commission. To apply, please email resume and cover letter to sblank@theislandnow.com or call Steven Blank at 516-307-1045 x201

EMPLOYMENT

SITUATION WANTED

A HOME HEALTH CARE

AIDE Irish trained woman with 10 years experience and excellent checkable references available. Honest and reliable. Licensed driver with own transportation. Please call 516-383-7150

BABYSITTER

After 17 years of outstanding service from our babysitter in Garden City for our three children, she is looking for a new family to care for. If you have a young family and are looking for someone trustworthy, reliable and kind to take care of your children, we have the right person for you. Please call 516318-3497.

C.N.A. AVAILABLE

Are you looking for a CNA that is very loving and reliable to take care of your loved one? I have experience in nursing homes, can work full time & part time weekends 6 hr/12hr shifts. Call 516-688-9251 or 516-451-3824

CARETAKER/COMPANION

Kind, caring woman available to care for sick or elderly. Hard working with 18 yrs experience and excellent references. Expert in Parkinson’s, Dementia, Alzheimer’s. Driver w/ own vehicle. Contact Verona: 347-455-7564

CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT AVAILABLE

Available full time / part time.

Looking for someone to take care of your elderly parents in the comfort of your own home for peace and tranquility? 18 yrs. experience, references, driver w/ reliable vehicle. Please call 516-522-6739 or 917-244-3714

ELDER CARE: AIDE/COMPANION with 15 years experience available to care for elderly. Days, nights, weekends. Own car. Excellent references. Call 516-775-6171

CAREER TRAINING

AIRLINE CAREERS Start here. Get trained as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call AIM for free information 866296-7094

ANNOUNCEMENTS

A PLACE FOR MOM has helped over a million families find senior living. Our trusted, local advisors help find solutions to your unique needs at no cost to you. Call: 1-800-404-8852

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NOVENAS/PRAYERS

NOVENA TO THE BLESSED MOTHER

Oh Most Beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea help me and show herein you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth I humbly beseech thee from the bottom of my heart to succor me in this necessity (mention your request here). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh show me herein you are my mother. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee (three times).

Sweet Mother I place this cause in your hands (three times). Thank you for your mercy to me and mine, Amen. Please publish after your wish is granted. (MAK)

MARKETPLACE

A.T. STEWART EXCHANGE CONSIGNMENT SHOP

********************

TURN YOUR TREASURES INTO CASH!

Come to Consign/Stay to Shop!

109 Eleventh Street, Garden City 516-746-8900

Antiques-FurnitureJewelry-SilverMirrors-Lamps-ArtworkChinaCrystal-Collectibles

Tuesday-Friday 10-4 Saturday 12-4 (10% Sr. Discount Tues) All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical Society Email: store@atstewartexchange.org

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INVITED ESTATE SALES

BY TRACY JORDAN

Looking to sell items from your home?

Consider doing an Online Auction! Online Auctions reach more interested buyers than tag sales and can often sell for more than what you would make at an estate or tag sale.

Invited Estate Sales by Tracy Jordan can do both! You can sell your items online reaching potential buyers locally or globally as well as hosting a private sale from your home! Let us guide you on what items to put in auction including furniture, housewares, decorative items, jewelry, collectibles, coins, artwork and anything else you may no longer want or need. Our services can help you to maximize your selling experience whether you are selling 1 item or 500 items. We are a one stop service for all your needs when you are moving or selling a property! Selling, donating, discarding and cleaning out services can be done to meet your time frame with minimal stress.

Estate and Tag Sales

Online Auctions

Cleanout and Moving Services

Home Staging Services Appraisals

Contact for more info: info@invitedsales.com or Call: 516-279-6378 to schedule a consultation or receive more information. www.invitedsales.com

CLASSIFIEDS Call 294.8900

JOIN A WINNING TEAM!

MARKETPLACE

PIANO FOR SALE YOUNG CHANG BABY GRAND Excellent Condition Original Owner Call for details: 917-886-8426

WANTED TO BUY

LOOKING TO BUY!

Oriental items, clothing, art, old & modern furniture, estates, jewelry, silver, glassware, dishes, old photos, coins & stamps, flatware, comic books, action figures. Call George 718-386-1104 or 917-775-3048

ESTATE FOR RENT

APARTMENT FOR RENT

GARDEN CITY BORDER

APARTMENT: Huge, Bright 2BR, 2 Bath Apt $2,200.00 + Electric. Gated Parking / Garage Available, Laundry Room, Air Conditioning, Hardwood Floors, LIRR, NO BROKER FEE.

www.gcbapts.com Voice or text: 516-524-6965

STUDIO APARTMENT

NORTH NEW HYDE PARK

RARE RECORD COLLECTIONS WANTED: Autographs, memorabilia, obscure artists. All sizes / categories. House-calls, drop-offs. All About Records 396 Rockaway Ave #E Valley Stream Charles 516-945-7705 groupssound@aol.com

PETS

PET SERVICES

A GARDEN CITY ANIMAL

LOVER doesn’t want to leave your precious pooch or fantastic feline alone all day. I’m reliable, dependable and will walk and feed your pet while you work or travel. Please call Cheryl at 516-971-3242

AUTOMOTIVE

AUTOS WANTED

AUTO BUYERS! We visit you. Highest cash paid. Or donate, tax deduct + cash. DMV#1303199. Please call Luke 516-VAN-CARS OR 516-297-2277

DONATE YOUR CAR to Wheels For Wishes, benefitting Make-a-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call 631-317-2014 Today!

Newly Decorated, New Kitchen Area, Private Entrance, Own Thermostat, Air Conditioner, Includes All, Near LIJ & Northern State Parkway. Smoke Free. No Pets. $1,200/month Call: 516-270-3904

WESTERN NASSAU COUNTY

Beautiful ground floor, one bedroom apartment available in Central Western Nassau County. Private entrance, full kitchen, full bath, central air, private parking, very close to LIRR. $1,600 plus utilities. Non-smokers, no pets. Background checks required. NO BROKERS Call: 516-844-0130

OFFICE SPACE

GARDEN CITY

1565 FRANKLIN AVE

Large Windowed Offices in newly built professional suite. Conference room, reception, copier, pantry included. Ample parking available. Call 516-248-3048

VACATION RENTAL

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Two Bedroom Villa at the Westin St. John Resort. Available for the weeks of March 29 & April5, 2020. If interested, call 516-747-2559 or email: rfr7342@gmail.com

CLASSIFIEDS Call 294.8900

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

CONDO/CO-OP FOR SALE

MEADOWBROOK POINTE:

Lovely one bedroom condo (975 sq ft) 1.5 Baths. Designer upgrades throughout, quiet location, light & bright, pretty view.

Fabulous amenities: 2500sf clubhouse, gym, indoor / outdoor pools, tennis, salon and more!

$539,000

Call Nancy 516-650-2808

HOMES FOR SALE

POINT LOOKOUT

BRICK COLONIAL

Situated on 6000 sq ft lot, 1 block from ocean. Outdoor deck & patio, 3 BR, 2 1/2 Bath, Den, FP, gas heat, wood floors throughout, garage, full basement. Plenty of room for expansion or parking.

Serious inquiries only. Deal directly with owner. Call 516-361-3017

LOTS FOR SALE

MINI FARM 16 acres only

$49,900. Perfect homestead property. Raise crops/animals on this fantastic land bargain. Views/southern exposure. Excellent for orchard, 45min Albany. Financing 802-447-0779

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

OPEN HOUSE

AQUEBOGUE

NEW CONSTRUCTION!

Saturday October 26

12:00pm 2:00pm 34 Colonial Drive

Modern Ranch on acre of property with room for a pool.

3 BRs, 2.5 Baths. Open Floor Plan. HW Floors, CAC, Full Basement. Unfinished bonus room.

Visit this North Fork home this weekend!

Colony Realty

Valerie Goode 516-319-0106

MATTITUCK

Sunday October 27

1:00pm 3:00pm 1645 Bungalow Lane

Waterfront Ranch with panoramic views and boat dock!

New Kitchen, LR / Fireplace & Cathedral Ceilings, 3 BRs, 2 Baths. Full Basement, 2 Car Garage & Large Rear Deck. Landscaped 1/2 acre. $1,295,000

Colony Realty

Carll Austin 516-658-2623

OUT OF TOWN REAL ESTATE

JIM THORPE, PA

Lake House

Pleasant Valley West Club

3 Br/2 Bath, LR/fireplace. Private Lake/Beach White water rafting Near skiing & raceway

$499K Call Anthony: 516-9984697

SERVICES

MEDIA MAVEN COMMUNICATORS

Helping people utilize today’s communication technology Services Provided...... Snail mail letter writing to government, businesses, news organizations and individuals. Electronic calendar formulation and synchronization on all platforms/devices for important dates birthdays, anniversaries, payments, appointments, renewals, etc. Tutorials for downloading podcasts, audio books, music, Freegal library assets and file retention and back-up. Update Windows, WIFI and Bluetooth pairings and settings for home & auto.

Electronic equipment purchase consulting and procurement.

Over the air “free” television antenna consultation. Senior Care Life Management scheduler.

Limited local airport transportation services CDL. Contact: Philip Kirk Saleawayns@gmail.com 917-658-9012

SPECTRUM TRIPLE PLAY!

TV, Internet & Voice for $99.97 /mo. 100 MB per second speed. Free Primetime on Demand. Unlimited Voice. NO CONTRACTS.

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ATTORNEY

STEPHANIE A. D’ANGELO, ESQ.

Elder Law, Wills & Trusts

Asset Preservation, Estate Planning, Probate & Estate Administration/Litigation 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530 516-222-1122 www.dangelolawassociates.com

COMPUTERS

COMPUTER ISSUES? FREE DIAGNOSIS by GEEKS ON SITE! Virus removal, data recovery! 24/7 Emergency Service, in home repair/on line solutions. $20 off any service! 844-892-3990

SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

AMBIANCE

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

*Handyman & Remodeling

*Kitchen Installations

*Furniture Assembly

*Finish Carpentry

*Minor Electrical & Plumbing

25year GC Resident Lic & Ins H18E2170000

Call BOB 516-741-2154

AQUATEC

LAWN SPRINKLERS

Fall Drain Outs

Backflow Device Tests Free Estimates Installation Service/Repairs

Joe Barbato 516-775-1199

BATHROOM RENOVATIONS

EASY, ONE DAY updates! We specialize in safe bathing. Grab bars, no slip flooring & seated showers. Call for a free in home consultation: 888-657-9488

MADE IN THE SHADE

Custom Window Treatments

Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Draperies

Top Brands at Discount Prices! Family owned & operated www.madeintheshadensli.com 516-426-2890

MASONRY

All types of stonework

Pavers, Retaining Walls, Belgium Block Patios, Foundations, Seal coating, Concrete and Asphalt driveways, Sidewalks, Steps.

Free Estimates

Fully Licensed & Insured #H2219010000

Boceski Masonry

Louie 516-850-4886

PAULIE THE ROOFER STOPPING LEAKS IS MY SPECIALTY!

Slate & Tile Specialists

All types of Roofing

Local References

Licensed & Insured 516-621-3869

ROOF LEAKS REPAIRED

Slate Roof Repairs

Snow Guards

Copper Flashing Replacements

Asphalt Roof Repairs

Gutter Clean Outs

Nassau Lic#H1859520000

B.C. Roofing

Call:516-983-0860

SERVICES

HEALTH SERVICES

FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC

Dr. Ann Marie D’Angelo PMHCNS-BC

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Advanced Practice Nurse Care

Manager

Assistance with Aging at Home /Care Coordintion

Nursing Home & Assisted Living Placement

PRI / Screens / Mini Mental Status Exams

Medicaid Eligibility and Apllications 516-248-9323

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

PAINTING & PAPERHANGING

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR

PAINTING

Plastering, Taping, Sheetrock

Skim Cutting, Old Wood Refinish, Staining, Wallpaper Removal & Hanging, Paint Removal, Power Washing, Wood Replacement

JOHN MIGLIACCIO

Licensed & Insured #80422100000

Call John anytime: 516-901-9398 (Cell) 516-483-3669 (Office)

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

TUTORING

MATH, PHYSICS, SAT/ACT

TUTOR adjunct professor Calculus I,II. Algebra, trig, AP & Pre-Calc, IB NYS Certified, highly experienced. Call Mr. G 516-787-1026

CLASSIFIEDS Call 294.8900

SERVICES

TUTORING

MATH, SAT, ACT TUTOR: Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2 plus Trig, Pre-Calc, AP Calculus. Norm 625-3314

ENGLISH, ACT, SAT TUTOR: 25+ year experience Critical Reading, Writing, Grammar, Essays. Lynne 625-3314

CLEANING

CLEANING SERVICE: Houses, Apartments, Offices. Excellent references. Own transportation, Experienced. Call Dinora 516-435-7167

GARDEN CITY

WINDOW CLEANING HOME WINDOW CLEANING INTERIOR/EXTERIOR SERVICE BY OWNER

Fully Insured/25 yrs experience

516-764-5686 631-220-1851

HOME AND OFFICE CLEANING:

I am available to clean. I am very hardworking, honest and reliable. Please email me at: hannahgoals23@yahoo.com

HOUSE CLEANING:

Excellent service, with great references, reliable, own transportation, English speaking. Call Selma 516-690-3550

SERVICES

A & J MOVING & STORAGE:

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

DISH TV

$59.99 for 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Call 1-800-943-0838

If you haven’t tried Chewy.com

EVERYDAY CHEAPSKATE

How to Organize a Closet in 5 Easy Steps

What’s behind your closet door? Orderly rows of shoes, stacks of folded T-shirts and hanging clothes arranged by color and season? Or do you have a situation that could be declared a national disaster?

If the latter, you might ask the president for federal disaster relief funds -- or you could just get organized.

Here are simple steps to find calm in all that chaos. By the way, the same principles for organizing a clothes closet apply to linen or utility closets, too.

No. 1: Everything Out

That’s right. Remove everything from the closet -- all of it. Every last hanger, belt and shoe. This lets you see exactly the space you have to work with.

No. 2: Deep Clean

Now that you can see the light of day, give that closet a good cleaning from top to bottom. If, after thorough cleaning, the space still looks a little grungy, follow with a fresh coat of white paint.

No. 3: Separate

Most people hate this step because it means getting rid of everything you do not use or wear. But what choice do you have now that you’ve hauled it out? There’s no way you could get all of this back into the closet, so buck up, and let’s get this job done.

LABEL THREE CONTAIN-

ERS

Get three big boxes, plastic bins, garbage bags or other containers that will allow you to separate everything you took out of the closet.

KEEP

The only items you put into this bin should be ones you have worn or used at least twice in the past year. Be brutally harsh. If it doesn’t fit today, it’s not likely to fit any time soon. Get rid of it.

SELL OR DONATE

Clothes and other items that are not right for you but still have a useful life for someone else should go into this bin. What you consider ugly may

BY MARY HUNT

be perfect for someone else. What no longer fits you will fit someone else. Take those items to a consignment store, or schedule a yard sale.

Consider donating your good used items to the Salvation Army or another thrift store. Put all of these items in the garage or the back of the car, or get them out of the house in some other way.

THROW AWAY

Clothes and shoes that are worn-out, hopelessly stained, broken or in some other state of calamity go into this bin. Work quickly to ease the pain. Empty this bin often to keep the process moving.

No. 4: Organize

Divide the Keep bin by season, type and use. If possible, store out of season items in another place in your home. Next, separate your work or professional clothes from your casual attire. Now divide each pile into common wear and infrequent wear, arranging them so the items you wear most often are

the handiest.

No. 5: Equipment

At the minimum, you need a sturdy shoe rack, good hangers and shelves, in addition to your standard hanging rod.

SHOE RACK

You have lots of choices, but it all depends on the space you have to store shoes. If your closet just can’t handle shoes and clothes, you might want to consider storing your shoes in another area.

HANGERS

I can tell you from experience that when you have matching hangers throughout your closet, you’ll be more prone to hanging up your clothes and keeping things organized. Again, you have lots of choices.

SHELVES

A good shelving system that optimizes the space in your closet will make all the difference when it comes to keeping your closet organized. Investing in a few good organizational pieces will make organizing your closet -- and keeping it organized

-- a snap!

In closing, let me assure you that it’s easy for me to tell you what to do. Just do it, right? Truth be told, these steps are not as easy for me as I might have led you to believe in the title of this post. But I have done them, so I know just how cleansing the results can be, and I know the sense of peace that comes with a well-organized space. And it’s a routine I need to repeat at least twice a year to keep it that way.

Mary invites questions, comments and tips at EverydayCheapskate.com, “Ask Mary a Question.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of Debt-Proof Living, a personal finance member website and the author of the book Debt-Proof Living, Revell 2014. To find out more about Mary visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators. com.

COPYRIGHT 2019 CREATORS.COM

Six Levittown seniors earn Commended Student recognition

From left: Division Avenue High School seniors Emily Fuchs, Syed

and Ravneek

were honored as Commended Students in the National

From left: General Douglas MacArthur High School seniors Thomas McDermott, Julia Gizzo and John Hanna were honored as Commended Students in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Six outstanding seniors from the Levittown Public Schools were recently recognized as Commended Students in the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program. Syed Ahmed, Emily Fuchs and Ravneek Kaur from Division Avenue High School and Julia Gizzo, John Hanna and Thomas McDermott from General Douglas MacArthur High School are among about 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation who were honored for their exceptional academic promise.

The students placed among the top scorers of more than 1.5 million students who entered the National Merit Scholarship competition by taking the 2018 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Although they will not continue on in the competition, some Commended Students can become candidates for Special Scholarships sponsored by corporations and businesses.

of the Levittown Public Schools

Ahmed

Kaur

Merit Scholarship Program.

9th Annual POB Challenge at JFK High School

The Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School Business Honor Society recently held its ninth annual and largest “POB Challenge” yet. The entrepreneurial competition brought together students from all different high schools across Long Island, including Herricks, Port Washington, Great Neck, Kellenberg, Northport and Wheatly to compete in teams of three. This year, there were 30 teams, totaling 90 students.

This event helps high school business students obtain real world experience by giving them challenging tasks that involve thinking critically and using effective communication skills. Business Honor Society students explained the challenge to guests during the opening ceremony, which also included comments from guest speaker Ms. Laurie Carey, a former Microsoft employee who now owns her own businesses, Laurie Carey Consulting and the We Connect the Dots non-profit.

Students then had one hour to complete a case study that required them to create their own unique coffee shop located in Nashville, TN. This strict time frame had students thinking analytically and under time constraints, giving them a taste of how situations happen in the business world. Teams then rotated between different sessions that included leadership, lunch, and presentations.

The leadership sessions were run by POB DECA students Ben Fox, Madi Stromberg and Jeremy Leffel.

At leadership, students focused on working as a team by having each team create the tallest tower out of spaghetti and marshmallows.  This activity gave groups the chance to focus on their communication and leadership skills, which are imperative in the business world.

During the presentation session, students presented to a judge, who was a local business person and/or an entrepreneur. Out of the 30 teams that competed, six teams advanced to the final round.  The final round consisted of each team presenting a two-minute elevator speech to not only the judges, but also to their peers.  The elevator speeches made the students think quickly and efficiently. After the six teams made their elevator speeches, the judges conversed and decided who would be this year’s POB Challenge Champions.

This year, a team from Great Neck South High School came in first place, followed by a team from Herricks High School, and third place was awarded to Plainview-Old Bethpage students Dani Wicker, Melissa Israel and Bailey Germain.

“The POB Challenge 2019 was a huge success and was praised by the judges, students and teachers of all participating schools,” said Catherine Tortoso, DECA advisor/ Business Honor Society advisor at POBJFK High School. “We couldn’t be more proud of the students who represented our District.”

POB Business Honor Society Board: Catherine Tortoso (advisor), Samantha Foster, Eva Hall, Madi Stromberg, Andrew Gelfman, Brandon Bernstein, Andrew Bathija, and Jeremy Sachs

POB Teams: Lazar Knoll, Gavin Weinstock, Brandon Shapiro, Christian Lamantia, Jordana Kunis, Sammie Hesekiel, Bailey Germain, Melissa Israel, and Dani Wicker.

POB Winners: Dani Wicker, Bailey Germain and Melissa Israel

NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court

Nassau County WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST, V. LAWRENCE B. PROSONO; ET AL.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated March 28, 2018, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST is the Plaintiff and LAWRENCE B. PROSONO; ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the CALENDAR CONTROL PART (CCP) COURTROOM OF THE SUPREME COURT, FIRST FLOOR, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on November 12, 2019 at 11:30 am, premises known as 93 STIRRUP LANE, LEVITTOWN, NY 11756: Section 51, Block 381, Lot 42: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT LEVITTOWN, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK, Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment

Index # 012390/2009.

Matthew J. Zangwill, Esq.Referee.

RAS Boriskin, LLC

Attorneys for Plaintiff 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, MIT 5846 4X 10/11,18,25,11/01

NOTICE OF SALE

Supreme Court Nassau County

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff - againstALEXANDER AGUERA, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on April 13, 2018. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Calendar Control Part (CCP) Courtroom of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on the 12th day of November, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Plainview, in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York. Premises known as 15 Main Parkway, Plainview, NY 118032127.

(Section: 12, Block: 379, Lot: 15)

Approximate amount of lien $208,118.13 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 8442-2015.

Richard D. Lorge, Esq., Referee.

Davidson Fink LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

LEGAL NOTICES

28 East Main Street, Suite 1700 Rochester, NY 14614-1990

Tel. 585/760-8218

For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www. Auction.com or call (800) 2802832

Dated: August 29, 2019

MIT 5847

4X 10/11,18,25,11/01

NOTICE OF SALE

Supreme Court County of Nassau

FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff against

MIN YEONG YUN, et al Defendants

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered October 17, 2016, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at CCP (Calendar Control Part Courtroom), in the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on October 29, 2019 at 11:30 AM. Premises known as 39 Jackson Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714. Sec 46 Block 108 Lot 711-713. All that certain –plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Central Park, unincorporated area, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $379,715.12 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 011842/12. VERNY700

Ernest T. Bartol, Esq., Referee Fein Such & Crane, LLP Attorney for Plaintiff(s) 1400 Old Country Road, Suite C103, Westbury, NY 11590

BN 7426

4X 09/27,10/04,11,18

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF FIRST LIBERTY CONSULTING LLC.

Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 3/19/19. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC 8 Amby Ave Plainview, NY 11803. Purpose: any lawful act.

BN 7429

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NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court Nassau County

WELLS FARGO BANK N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR FIRST FRANKLIN MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, MORTGAGE PASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004FF7, Plaintiff against DANIEL BOVE A/K/A DANIEL R. BOVE, CAROL BOVE A/K/A CAROL D. BOVE, TINA BOVE, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on June 3, 2019.

I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in the Calendar Control Part (CCP) Courtroom of the Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. on the 12th day of November, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. premises described as follows: All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Bethpage, New York, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau, State of New

York, bounded and described as follows:

BEGINNING at a point on the Southerly side of Central Avenue (as widened) which point is distant 152.28 feet when measured along the southerly side of Central Avenue (as widened) from the corner formed by the intersection of the southerly side of Central Avenue (as widened) with the westerly side of Perry Avenue and from said point of beginning; RUNNING THENCE; along the southerly side of Central Avenue (as widened) north 76 degrees 58 minutes 30 seconds west 49.91 feet to a point;

RUNNING THENCE south 07 degrees 29 minutes 00 seconds west 89.4 feet to a point; RUNNING THENCE south 81 degrees 41 minutes 20 seconds east 49.68 to a point; RUNNING THENCE north 07 degrees 29 minutes 00 seconds east 85.3 feet to the southerly side of Central Avenue (as winded) at the point or place of beginning.

Said premises known as 535 Central Avenue, Bethpage, N.Y. 11714.

(Section: 46, Block: 590, Lot: 59). Approximate amount of lien $ 360,848.25 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 004335-15.

Lynn Botwinik, Esq., Referee. Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 10 Bank Street, Suite – 700 White Plains, N.Y. 10606 (914) 949-2574

BN 7430

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School Board honored at October meeting

From left: Board President Peggy Marenghi was presented with the Board Lifetime Achievement Award while Trustees Christina Lang and Jennifer Messina and Board Vice-President Dillon Cain were presented with the Board Achievement Award from NYSSBA. (Not pictured: Trustee James Moran)

In honor of School Board Appreciation Month, the students and staff of the Levittown Public Schools gathered to honor their Board of Education at the Oct. 16 meeting. “We honor these individuals who provide leadership and vision in support of all children,” Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Todd Winch said in his introduction. The Parent Teacher Association, as well as other local community organizations and poli -

ticians, also came to express their gratitude to the board.

Each of the district’s elementary buildings created a poster, which will decorate the Board room for the remainder of the year. Student representatives from Jonas E. Salk Middle School, Wisdom Lane Middle School and General Douglas MacArthur High School said words of thanks and presented each of the board members with small tokens of appreciation.

Wisdom Lane Middle School students thanked the board and presented them with gifts.

National Junior Honor Society members from Jonas E. Salk Middle School presented the board with gifts.

Division Avenue’s peer leaders spoke about Michael Verdi, their teacher, coach and adviser who recently passed away, and how thankful they were to the Board for having teachers like him in their lives. Each of the schools made a donation to the Verdi family in the Board’s name, totaling $1,000.

In addition, five board members received certificates from the New York State School Boards Association

for Board Member Achievement. Trustees Christina Lang, Jennifer Messina and James Moran and Board Vice-President Dillon Cain each received a certificate for Leadership Development Training. Board President Peggy Marenghi was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award and presented with a special plaque.

Photos courtesy of the Levittown Public Schools

Peer leaders from Division Avenue High School spoke about Michael Verdi, their teacher, coach and adviser who recently passed away, and how thankful they were to have them.

Hicksville shows its pride at 2019 Pep Rally

HHS Principal Ray Williams posed with the Comets mascot at HHS’s 2019 Pep Rally.

Spirits soared on Friday, October 11 as Hicksville High School students cheered on the school’s teams during the 2019 Pep Rally. “This is the first time we’ve been able to hold our Pep Rally outside on the turf field because we now have an

excellent exterior sound system and new bleachers,” said Principal Ray Williams.

Pep Rally emcee and head football coach Joel

she

the ceremony.

It was a sea of orange and black as the entire school filled the stadium seats, organized by class, to applaud as the varsity athletic teams were introduced by emcee and head football coach Joel Cardoza and physical education teacher Charlie Schweizer. Students were also treated to performances by the Comet cheerleaders, kickline and the Marching Band percussionists to raise that “Hicksville Pride” in advance of Homecoming on October 12.

The Girls Swim Team was exuberant when introduced at the 2019 Pep Rally.

The HHS Varsity Boys Volleyball Team was excited to be introduced at the 2019 Pep Rally.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the high school’s 2019 Pep Rally such a success!

Varsity Football was the final team introduced to roaring cheers at the HHS

The Lady Comet Varsity Cheerleaders helped to raise school spirit at the 2019 Pep Rally.

Cardoza high-fived HHS junior Emiley Paul after

sang a beautiful rendition of the national anthem to open

The HHS Marching Band percussionists played as the entire student body filled the stadium seats.

Pep Rally on October 11.

Each HHS team was introduced and cheered on during the October 11 Pep Rally. Here, the Girls Varsity Tennis Team was welcomed onto the field.

on October 11!

HHS Varsity Girls

is looking forward to a successful season!

With current events, announcements, restaurant reviews, puzzles, and much more, there’s always something for everybody to enjoy!

The Varsity Boys Track Team really got into the “Hicksville Pride” spirit

Volleyball

The Varsity Boys Soccer Team was a crowd favorite at the 2019 Pep Rally.

Varsity Kickline closed the Pep Rally performances on October 11 with a real crowd-pleasing routine.

The Varsity Cheerleaders welcomed the Boys Golf Team onto the field.

The Varsity Girls Track Team was all smiles and cheers as they were welcomed onto the field.

My classroom is filled with magic and fun! That's why it's easy to learn and play.

The Portledge School educational philosophy addresses a child’s personal, emotional, social, physical, and intellectual development. This integrative approach empowers students to develop self-awareness through reflection and introspection while recognizing the vital role of guidance and instruction provided by the teacher. A careful balance of support and challenge encourages students to engage with rigorous academics while developing a love of learning and appreciation for knowledge. Students are expected to be self-motivated and collaborative in the learning process, inside and outside the classroom. We aspire for students to develop the ability to think critically about themselves, what they are learning, and the world around them.

OPEN HOUSE DATES November 8TH December 5TH April 4TH Pre-Nursery - 5th