Hicksville High School recently announced its “Top Ten” Class of 2020 academic achievers based on the students’ six-semester weighted GPAs. Congratulations to: back row (left to right) Christopher Chan, Viveka Jain, Sejal Gupta, Jack Immanuel, and Alaha Nasari with Principal Ray Williams; middle (left to right) Natalie Yuge, Sarah Choi, and Katarina Kobetitsch; and front: Dhanush Sivasankaran (left) and Noel John (right).
Nassau County Police are investigating the robbery of a driver who was making a delivery to Stop and Shop on Saturday, November 2nd at 7:05 am.
Nassau County Police have arrested a Hicksville man who allegedly tried to push his 82-yearold mother down a flight of stairs in an attempt to kill her.
According to county detectives, an 82-yearold victim entered her residence that she shares with her son, defendant Anil Khandpur, 39. Police say the son grabbed the victim, dragged her to the top of the basement stairs and attempted to throw her down.
The woman was able to kick herself free but was again assaulted by the defendant, who allegedly bit her on the cheek, causing a laceration and substantial pain.
placed under arrest without incident.
Anil Khandpur is charged with Attempted Murder 2nd Degree, three counts of Criminal Contempt 1st Degree, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing, Unlawful Imprisonment 1st Degree, Criminal Mischief 4th Degree, three counts of Assault 2nd Degree, Aggravated Criminal Contempt and Aggravated Family Offense.
According to police, a 35-year-old male driver was stopped and sitting in his truck waiting to make a delivery at the rear of Stop and Shop located at 530 West Old Country Road. The victim was approached by an unknown man who displayed a black handgun and ordered him out of truck and empty his pockets. The subject was handed two cell phones from the victim and then fled on foot east on Duffy Avenue.
The woman then barricaded herself in a bedroom for several hours. Upon exiting the bedroom, police say Anil Khandpur assaulted her, punching her multiple times in the head, causing substantial pain.
The robber is being described as male, black, thin build, black hooded clothing, ski mask.
According to police, the woman was able to flee the residence and call 911. Upon police arrival, Anil Khandpur was
On Saturday, November 16, the Irish Family History Forum will present: Maureen Taylor, who will give a webinar on “Identifying and Dating Family Photographs.”
Maureen Taylor, aka the Photo Detective, is an internationally renowned expert in historic photo identification, preservation, and genealogical research. First, participants will see her webinar on identifying and dating family photos, and then via Skype Maureen will analyze a few old photos and answer any questions.
The schedule for the day will be:
10:00 a.m.: Kathleen McGee: Tips on Researching Irish Civil Registration
10:30 a.m.: Refreshment Break : Meet and socialize with other members.
Ask the Experts: This is an opportunity to meet one-on-one with an experienced genealogist to ask a basic genealogy question.
11:00 a.m.: Featured Speaker: Maureen Taylor
The Irish Family History Forum (IFHF) is a Long Island based Genealogy Organization with members throughout New York, and in over twenty other states and countries.
The meeting will take place at the Bethpage Public Library, 47 Powell Ave., Bethpage. Meetings are free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.
For more information contact Pat at programs@ifhf.org. Website: www. ifhf.org
Left to right, back to front: Christine Sweeney – Sterling National Bank; Robert L. Ryan, Esquire; Jon Probstein, Esquire & president of the Levittown Chamber of Commerce; William J. Powell – William J. Powell Associates; Kevin Reilly –New York Life Insurance Co.; Martin Davis & Rebecca Stalek – Club Pilates East Meadow; William Dergosits - Century 21 American Homes; Kathi Donnelly – Liberty Mutual; Donna Callegari – Bethpage Federal Credit Union; Joan Lynch – Long Island Center for Independent Living; Don Patane - Main Street Financial Group
The Levittown Chamber of Commerce Officers and Board of Directors recently welcomed new members Kevin Reilly, William Dergosits, Rebecca Stalek & Martin Davis.
Kevin Reilly is an Associate Partner at New York Life Insurance Company (NYLIC), which is among the largest mutual life insurance companies in the United States, and one of the largest life insurers in the world. William Dergosits is a NYS Licensed Salesperson for Century 21 American Homes located in
Hicksville.
Club Pilates East Meadow recently opened in the Stew Leonard’s shopping center in East Meadow. Rebecca Stalek & Martin Davis are co-owners of Club Pilates East Meadow, offering more than just low-impact, full-body workouts.
Please visit levittownchamber.com for membership information as well as a list of upcoming meetings and events. The Chamber’s next meeting is on Wednesday, November 20. All are welcome to attend.
First place winner: Home of Anne Marie and Chris Savini of Roxbury Lane
They're creepy and they're kooky Mysterious and spooky They're altogether – fantastical!
While it’s not the Addams Family home we’re judging, Levittown has its own array of fantastically decorated homes for Halloween.
Every year, Levittown Community Council for its Halloween Horror House
Second place winner: home of Billy and Evelyn Mouzakitis of Blacksmith Road
contest selects several winners in the community of elaborately decorated homes that are nominated and judged.
The first place winners for this year are Anne Marie and Chris Savini of Roxbury Lane. Second place went to Billy and Evelyn Mouzakitis of Blacksmith Road and third place to Lore and Angelo Cataldo of Skimmer Lane.
Third place winner: home of Lore and Angelo Cataldo on Skimmer Lane
Skeletons, one in a coffin, wave and welcome visitors to the Roxbury Lane home. This joint project by the Savinis is, according to the couple, a work in progress with more coffins projected for the future.
A bevy of macabre creatures line the festively lit driveway and property of the Mouzakitis home on Blacksmith Road, an endeavor of both Billy and Evelyn.
Are you a professional?
Our Professional Guide is sure to bring results. Call 516-294-8900 for rates and information.
Skimmer Lane features a growing selection of clowns and ghouls organized and arranged by Lore with Angelo positioning the invading skeletons on the second floor.
Contest winners will be recognized at the Council’s WinterFest that will take place on February 15, 2020 at Levittown Hall.
Date Saturday, November 16, 2019
Time 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Address 231 Jackson Avenue, Syosset, NY 11791
Open to the Syosset community Breakfast with a focus on Pancakes
Silent auction
Donation is appreciated
• WHERE EVERY DAY MEANS MORE ® •
Each year on Veterans Day, our communities pay special tribute to those who served in the armed forces. Their fierce camaraderie is contagious and their experiences inspiring. The Bristal salutes the many men and women among our ranks who dedicated themselves to the cause of freedom. Our thanks should be felt and heard, especially at this time of year.
LONG ISLAND: East Meadow | East Northport | Garden City | Holtsville | Jericho
Lake Grove | Lake Success* | Lynbrook | Massapequa | North Hills
North Woodmere | Sayville | West Babylon | Westbury
* A Memory Care Only Community
NEW JERSEY: Englewood | Somerset | Wayne | Woodcliff Lake
WESTCHESTER: Armonk | White Plains
Licensed by the State Department of Health. Eligible for Most Long Term Care Policies. Quality Communities by Engel Burman.
Hempstead Town Councilman Dennis Dunne (right) attended the Levittown Chamber of Commerce Fall Festival held in St. Bernards Church 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.
Trainville Hobby Depot will host a Model Train Show on Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hicksville Community Center, located at 28 West Carl Street in Hicksville. The Model Train Show includes operating model layouts coordinated by Trainville Hobby Depot. Donations are being accepted at the exhibit to support The Safe Center LI.
The Safe Center LI is a resource center for the victims of domestic or dating abuse, child abuse, and rape and sexual assault.
Admission in to the exhibit is $5.00, children ages 4-11 years are $3.00 and entry for children under that age of 4 is free. For further information, please visit www.trainville.com or call (516) 433-4444.
One of the District’s and the Board of Education’s goals for the 2019-2020 school year is to develop a comprehensive Communications Plan for the district. In order to create a plan that is specifically designed for the Hicksville community, we are asking our residents to complete a survey about how our current communications program is working. The responses will serve to inform the Board of Education and Communications Advisory Committee as to what our schools
and school district can do to better meet our community's communications needs.
All responses to the survey are anonymous. Please take the survey only once. There are 34 questions that should take about 10 minutes to answer. The survey will close at 2 p.m. on Friday, December 6.
To access the survey, please visit the district website: https://www. hicksvillepublicschools.org/ or any of the schools’ opening web pages.
Hempstead Town Councilman Dennis Dunne (fourth right) and Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin (right) congratulated the Levittown Kiwanis Club on 70 years of dedicated community service during the organization’s Annual Pancake Breakfast on October 27, 2019 at the Levittown Memorial Education Center. Also attending were members of the Levittown Kiwanis Club, including Steve Dalton and Michael Pappas, Deputy County Clerk Kate Murray, Nassau County Legislator John Ferretti and New York State Assemblyman John Mikulin.
Life changes when a loved one is diagnosed with an incurable disease. Guest speaker Mark Gudesblatt, MD, a physician specializing in Parkinson’s, will help us all understand the disease - from the 10 warning signs and new treatment options to medications and alternative medicine. Also learn more about Village Green senior living resources available to residents and families.
Saturday, November 16 at 11 a.m.
Meeting Rooms 1 & 2 1 Bluegrass Lane | Levittown, NY 11756
RSVP by November 14 to (516) 271-2500.
Hurry! Admission is FREE, but seating is limited. Please enter through the entrance on Bluegrass Lane to access the meeting rooms on the lower level.
A light lunch will be served.
Hempstead Town Councilman Dennis Dunne congratulated members of the Island Trees High School Cheerleading Team on their 2018-2019 Nassau County Co-Ed Championship during the school’s Homecoming Celebration on October 26, 2019. Also attending were Island Trees Superintendent of Schools Dr. Charles Murphy, Island Trees High School Principal Nicholas Grande, Athletic Director Sean Burns, Island Trees Board of Education President Michael Rich and Trustees Amy Martin, Vinny Papandrea and William Fitzgerald, Deputy County Clerk Kate Murray and New York State Assemblyman John Mikulin.
Katya Witthuhn making chocolates at her new Hicksville business.
BY GARY SIMEONE
For Glen Head resident Katya Witthuhn, chocolate is not just a food to her, it’s a passion. She recently opened up a chocolate wholesale and catering business called Bluebird Chocolates in September in a small kitchen in Hicksville.
“The thing with chocolate is there are so many wonderful flavors and there are so many things you can use it for,” said Witthuhn, who recently gave birth to her first child. “Pretty much everyone loves chocolate and it can be presented at multiple occasions like weddings, birthday parties, corporate events and bar and bat mitzvahs.”
Witthuhn said she opened up her business on the second floor of a two-story building off of Route 107, last month, after giving up a job in insurance in the city.
“After my daughter was born last year, I was looking into changing my career,” said Witthuhn. “I wanted to do something I was interested in, something I was passionate about. I thought hey, I’ve always had a love affair with desserts and chocolate, why not look into something along those lines.”
She attended a pastry school in Manhattan, under the tutelage of head pastry chef Michael Laiskonis. Laiskonis was in charge of the chocolate laboratory at the Institute of Culinary
Education.
Witthuhn said she thought she would be interested in wedding cakes when she first entered the school, but Laiskonis’ enthusiasm for chocolate inspired her.
“His absolute passion for chocolate really inspired me. I fell in love with it and ended up working as a chocolatier on the Lower East Side.”
After that venture, she decided she wanted to be closer to home and nearer to her newborn daughter.
She ended up opening a 600-squarefoot kitchen and office area across the street from a driving school and a teachers union office.
Her business is primarily wholesale, selling to online clients and taking customer orders for an array of chocolate items.
She also sells her products to Southdown Coffee in Oyster Bay, Vines & Branches in Rockville Centre and Hitch Handmade Market in Babylon.
On November 22, she will have a pop-up at the Cold Spring Harbor Wine Shoppe, where there will be wines and chocolates to sample as well as boxes to purchase.
“Since opening in early September, I have met a lot of interesting and wonderful people in the food industry on Long Island,” said Witthuhn. “I am so glad I made this change in my career and followed my heart in something I was passionate about.”
The Division Avenue High School marching band in the Levittown Public Schools recently took home fifth place in the Small School 2 category at the annual New York State Field Band Conference Championships at the Carrier Dome at Syracuse University. Their original score and performance of “In My Reflection” earned them a score of 82.1.
The marching band, which consists of students from Jonas E. Salk Middle School, Wisdom Lane Middle School, General Douglas MacArthur High School and Division Avenue High School, competed against students from across New York State and were evaluated on their musical and visual presentation. With the guidance of Band Director Michael Bastone, the students began practicing their original performance during the summer.
“They are among the top competitive bands on Long Island and statewide and we are so proud to have them as part of the Levittown Community,” said Levittown Curriculum Associate for Music Vincent D’Ulisse. “It takes the combination of all four of our secondary schools to build the success of this longstanding organization.”
The Division Avenue High School marching band performed their
Band Conference Championships,
Lee Road third-graders visited the Wantagh Fire Department’s smokehouse during Fire Prevention Month.
Fourth-grader Ashley Michaleski evacuated the smokehouse with the help of ex-captain Walter Weidtman (left) from the Wantagh Fire Department.
In honor of Fire Prevention Month, students at Lee Road Elementary School in the Levittown Public Schools received a visit from the Wantagh Fire Department on Oct. 29. The firefighters shared fire safety and prevention tips with students and allowed third- and fourth-graders to visit their smokehouse outside.
During the presentations, Lee Road students learned how to stop, drop and roll and the importance of having an exit plan in the event of an emergency. The firefighters also spoke about smoke detectors and showed the younger students what a firefighter in bunker gear looks like. Ex-captain John Licata walked around the gymnasium in his gear so students could get an up-close look and better understanding. This was
to ease any fear that a child might have if a firefighter needs to rescue them.
Third- and fourth-grade classes gathered outside the school building where they were separated into small groups. One by one, the groups entered one of two rooms in the Wantagh Fire Department’s smokehouse. The students learned about what to do when smoke fills the air and with the help of Wantagh firefighters and parent volunteers, each student practiced evacuating out of the windows of the smokehouse. The visit enabled students to develop an appreciation for the men and women who serve the community, while also making them fully aware of fire safety issues and what to do in a real emergency.
The Future Islanders Learn to Play Program for boys and girls ages 5-8 will begin on December 3, at the Town of Oyster Bay’s outdoor rinks in Marjorie R. Post Community Park and at SyossetWoodbury Community Park.
“The New York Islanders, the National Hockey League, the National Hockey League Players Association and the Town of Oyster Bay have teamed up once again this year to provide an exciting opportunity for the youth in our community with the ‘Future Islanders Learn to Play Program’,” Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino said. “Local children are invited to join this amazing experience as it offers a unique opportunity to develop basic skating and hockey skills under the guidance of experienced former NHL players.”
The ‘Future Islanders Learn to Play Program’ includes eight on-ice train-
ing sessions led by the Town of Oyster Bay coaching staff with appearances by Islanders alumni Arron Asham and Radek Martinek. Asham, a forward, played for 15 seasons and six different teams in the National Hockey League, and Martinek, a defenseman, played for 12 seasons and 486 games in the National Hockey League. The program fee is $200. All registrants will receive a CCM equipment package that includes a jersey, helmet, shoulder pads, gloves, skates, sticks, elbow pads, pants, socks, shin pads and an equipment bag.
Individuals interested in registering for the ‘Future Islanders Learn to Play Program’ can sign up at www.learntoplay.nhl.com/islanders. For additional information, please contact Jocelyne Cummings at Jocelyne.Cummings@ NewYorkIslanders.com or call (516) 5016764.
The Town of Oyster Bay will be offering a new full day offering for the Town of Oyster Bay Summer Recreation Program for the 2020 summer season. What does this mean exactly?
The Summer Recreation program will be offering an extended stay through the lunch hour at two of its locations: Marjorie Post Park in Massapequa and Syosset-Woodbury Community Park in Woodbury. The full day hours will operate from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Previously, parents were required to pick up children at lunchtime.
“The Town Board and I are happy to offer this additional convenience to families,” said Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “Details for the expanded program are still being
worked out, but it’s important to relay this information now as families begin to make their summer arrangements. Please stay tuned for more information coming your way this winter.”
The Town’s Summer Recreation program is separated into the following age categories: early childhood (Ages 4,5 and 6); juniors (7-8); intermediate (9-10); and seniors (11-12) and offers a full day of enriching and healthy activities for the Town’s young people.
For more information about the Town of Oyster Bay Summer Recreation Program, please contact Jackie Devlin at (516) 797-4125, extension 1 or e-mail jdevlin@oysterbay-ny.gov. Information is also available at www.oysterbaytown. com/parks. Let us help you promote your local business We'll personally create a customized ad campaign and run it in our papers to help boost your clientele!
November 8, 2019
BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM
Here’s a little appreciated secret: holiday festivities start well before Christmas Day – there are holiday markets, lighting, special events all begin as early as Thanksgiving and go through December.
Here are some of the myriad places where you will be immersed in the holiday spirit:
Sail into Europe’s Holiday Markets, Festivities Aboard CroisiEurope Cruises
CroisiEurope Cruises, one of Europe’s largest cruise lines and a leader in affordable cruising, is offering a selection of holiday itineraries. Whether it’s a traditional European Christmas market or a Christmas or New Year’s Eve experience, CroisiEurope has plenty of options to choose from. Prices for these holiday cruises start at just $512 per person and vary depending on cruise length, destination, and cabin booked.
Highlights of CroisiEurope Cruises’ 2019 holiday season programs include:
Christmas Markets Cruises:
• Christmas In Alsace and show at the Royal Palace: Explore Strasbourg, follow the Potters Trail, and enjoy all the Christmas markets the city has to offer. Prices for this 4-day trip begin at $644 per person.
• Taking in 3 countries: The Danube and its Traditions: Stroll through Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest while sipping on mulled wine and eating local cuisine. Prices for this 5-day trip begin at $1,170 per person.
Christmas Cruises:
• Christmas on the Elbe: Spend the holiday cruising along the Elbe while exploring beautiful cities like Berlin, Magdeburg,
and Dresden. Prices for this 7-day trip begin at $2,360 per person.
• Rhineland Christmas: Discover new traditions through Strasbourg and Colmar, and attend a Christmas Eve mass in Breisach. Prices for this 3-day trip begin at $696 per person.
New Year’s Cruises:
• New Year’s in Venice: Ring in the New Year by exploring all
that Venice has to offer. Travel by boat to surrounding islands like Burano and Murano for a deeper dive in Venetian history. Prices for this 5-day trip begin at $1,963 per person
• New Year’s on the Wild Rhine: Cruise the Rhine and make unforgettable memories exploring the Romanesque and Gothic styles of Breisach and Strasbourg. Prices for this
See page D2
Continued from page D1
3-day trip begin at $736 per person.
• CroisiEurope’s 2020 catalog of European and global cruises are now available to book. Among the highlights:
• *New* Canals of Venice to Renaissance infused Mantua
• The Glacier Express through France, Germany, and Switzerland
• River Sava and Tisza Cruise: Hungary, Serbia, and Croatia
• Paris and Normandy on the Seine Visit http://www.croisieuroperiver cruises.com to browse all cruise itineraries, departure dates, and prices.
USTOA Tour Operators Offer Potpourri of Last-Minute Trips for the 2019 Holiday Season
Whether travelers are looking to visit Christmas markets in Europe to celebrate the season or take a beach vacation to Costa Rica to escape the holidays, the tour operators of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) offer a wide variety of itineraries for end-of-the-year getaways, no matter the reason.
Trips for the 2019 holiday season still have availability, including a romantic New Year’s Eve spent under the Eiffel Tower, a cycling escape through Southeast Asia, and a Rhine River cruise through snow-capped mountains and castles.
Here are examples of just some of the holiday trips offered, more can be found at https://ustoa.tripwing.com
• Christmas Markets of Germany,
Switzerland & Austria – EF Go Ahead Tours celebrates the holiday season in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria by visiting the swiss mountains and Bavarian forest, drinking German beer and Austrian wine, and visiting the Christmas markets of Munich over 12 days. Departures are available on select dates in November and December 2020 and 2021. (www.goaheadtours.com)
• Holiday Markets Cruise: The Festive Rhine River – AHI International’s seven-day Rhine River cruise takes place on a firstclass river ship surrounded by snow-dusted hills and clifftop castles, stopping at the Old World holiday markets in France, Germany, and Switzerland. Departures are available November 27 – December 5, 2019 starting at $2,295. (ahi.aniinternational.com)
• New Year’s in Paris
– Go-Today takes travelers to Paris to celebrate New Year’s Eve with the Eiffel Tower as the backdrop. The six-day trip is filled with the city’s famed jazz clubs, champagne, and walks along the Seine. Departure is available December 25, 2019 starting at $949 per person. (www.go-today.com)
• Christmas Markets of Austria & Bavaria – Insight Vacations offers an eight-day journey through the Bavarian Alps to listen to music in Salzburg, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Innsbruck,
and view local handicrafts and festive treats in the Christmas Markets. Departures are available November 24 – December 10, 2019 starting at $1,850 per person. (www. insightvacations.com)
To escape, here are a couple of outgoing adventures for families, friends, and solo travelers looking for a great getaway from the festivities:
• Borneo: Hike, Bike, & Kayak
– Intrepid Travel showcases rainforests, mountains, and beaches on a nine-day adventure through Borneo Island in Southeast Asia. Built for active travelers, the itinerary is filled with hiking, biking, and kayaking. Departures are available November 18 and December 30 starting at $1,798 per person. (www.intrepidtravel.com)
• Highlights of Botswana
– Goway Travel offers an eightday safari through Botswana for travelers looking to escape in the new year, with accommodations in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Chobe National Park The trip includes Daily departures are available beginning January 5, 2020 starting at $4,385 per person. (www. goway.com)
• Costa Rica: Jungles & Rainforests – Tauck presents an eight-day journey for families looking to adventure together during the holidays, with zip lining, jungle river-rafting, wildlife walks, a pineapple farm tour, and a chocolate-making demonstration. Departures are available December 18 and 24, 2019 starting at $3,868 per person. (www.tauck.com)
• Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort – GoGo Vacations offers a golf adventure package at the Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort, located just north of Cancun and surrounded by sandy beaches, with 65,000 square feet of swimming pools for families and a world-famous golf course and spa. Departures available through December 31, 2019 starting at $849 per person. (www.gogowwv.com)
For more information on USTOA, visit www.ustoa.com, call 212-599-6599, or email information@ustoa.com.
Representing nearly $19 billion in revenue, the member companies of U.S. Tour Operators Association provide tours, packages and custom arrangements that allow 9.8 million travelers annually unparalleled access, insider knowledge, peace-of-mind, value and freedom to enjoy destinations and experiences across the entire globe. Each member company has met the travel industry’s highest standards, including participation in the USTOA’s Travelers Assistance Program, which protects consumer payments up to $1 million if the company goes out of business. As a voice for the tour operator industry for more than 40 years, USTOA also provides education and assistance for consumers and travel agents.
Immersed in Festivities Around the Globe
Spend the last vacation days of the year hearing Christmas carols in England’s first cathedral, wandering through Nantucket’s famous holiday display, or overlooking a volcano in Costa Rica,. Here are some top picks for
December 6-9, the 47th annual Christmas Stroll transforms
tucket into
with
where to spend cheerful December days.
Canterbury, United Kingdom
After strolling through London’s street markets and racing around the ice skating rinks, revelers can board the Belmond British Pullman for a festive daytrip filled with Christmas carols at England’s first cathedral in the city of Canterbury. The roundtrip journey departs from London Victoria Station on December 17 and includes a Bellini brunch on the way out of London, a performance by the Canterbury Carolers in the famous crypt and an indulgent four-course dinner on the return. For those who can’t make a December 17th journey, Belmond British Pullman offers 16 holidaythemed trips through the festive season to spread holiday cheer.
Sicily, Italy
Sicily has always been a favorite destination for travelers looking for an endless summer. Though the weather will be more temperate, Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, the first luxury hotel in Taormina, will extend summer’s carefree vibe by remaining open through January 5, 2020. The thinner crowds of winter offer an opportunity to explore Sicily’s museums and landmarks, including the Casa Cuseni Museum and the 4th century Amphitheater. For a festive excursion, embark to the inland
city of Caltagirone, home to the largest nativity scene in Italy with over 300 figures spread across a 3,000 square foot site.
Said to be the birthplace of ski tourism, Switzerland is home to Europe’s largest glaciers and has the greatest concentration of peaks at 13,000 feet or higher. Within a two-hour drive of world-class ski destinations including Andermatt and Klosters, the iconic Eden au Lac hotel in Zurich will open this December under the La Réserve brand following a top-tobottom, two-year renovation by Philippe Starck. The 100-plus year-old landmark building is being carefully restored with many of the historic design elements remaining intact. Three-quarters of the property’s 40 rooms and suites will boast a lake view. Just a five-minute walk from the city center, the fourstory building will be the only luxury property on Lake Zurich.
Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
When it opens on December 20, 2019, Nayara Tented Camp in Costa Rica will be one of the first luxury camps in Central America. Located in the Arenal Volcano National Park, the year-round camp will immerse guests within the surrounding rainforest,
CroisiEurope, a leader in European river cruising, is offering many holiday itineraries; the cruise company is also taking bookings for 2020.
as the 29 accommodations have been built at a higher altitude on the hillside to provide unobstructed views of the volcano. Each of the 29 air-conditioned tents generously span 1,496 square feet. For multigenerational families traveling this holiday season, groups can opt for a set of two identical tents that connect with a covered passageway.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
From December 6-9, the 47th annual Christmas Stroll transforms downtown Nantucket into a winter wonderland with hundreds of seven-foot Christmas trees lining the streets and three full days of holiday merriment. Highlights from the weekend include costumed See page D5
BY CLAIRE LYNCH
I saw two movies recently and recommend both for some family entertainment. Both came out in 2019 and I happen to like watching very current movies.
“The Art of Racing in the Rain” is a drama based on the book written by Garth Stein. It’s about a Golden Retriever named Enzo whose voice is narrated by Kevin Costner.
Enzo has a great bond with his owner, Denny Swift, who is played by Milo Ventimiglia. Denny is an aspiring Formula One race car driver and Enzo frequently rides along with Denny. Let’s just say that Enzo shares his thoughts about the life experiences which prepare him to protect his family in their times of greatest need.
Denny understands that the techniques needed on the racetrack can also be used to successfully navigate everyday life. Besides his career, Denny has three loves of his life which are his beautiful wife, their young daughter and his best friend, Enzo.
When not racing cars, he teaches other people how to race. Denny works as a customer representative in a Seattle BMW dealership. Denny adopts Enzo as a puppy - he looked at several
puppies and got the pick of the litter - and names him after racing legend Enzo Ferrari.
Like most dogs Enzo remains Denny’s most loyal companion. “Call it fate, call it luck,” Enzo says. “All I know is that I was always meant to be his dog ... I felt like I truly belonged.”
Enzo spends most of his time watching race car driving and learning from TV, absorbing what he can about Denny’s greatest passion and then relating it to life. He watches as Denny dates then marries Eve who initially says that she is “not much of a dog person.” Enzo watches, too, as their daughter, Zoe, is born and brought home. When Eve starts to get sick with cancer only Enzo can detect it with his acute sense of smell.
Enzo barks to bring help when someone is in danger and even though it took Enzo time to get used to having Eve around, his love for each member of the family is unconditional.
Eventually Enzo plays a key role in Denny’s child-custody battle with his in-laws since Eve died. He imparts his observations about the human condition in the mantra “that which you manifest is before you.” Enzo helps Denny throughout the ups and downs of his life. He’s a smart dog and he’s more
than willing to be of assistance.
Enzo astutely says, “The best drivers don’t dwell on the future or the past. The best drivers focus only on the present.”
Some people may wonder what “racing in the rain” actually means. It’s a clever metaphor for life. As we watch Denny go through the rough patches in his life it is clear that being able to navigate through the ups and downs that life often throws our way is also an art form. Denny has to learn to understand himself, the conditions, the possibilities and even the small movements that could change everything.
Like Denny all of us have to be there, in the moment, always being focused. Reaching the finish line with your racecar intact either on the racetrack itself or, metaphorically, in life takes a certain finesse.
The story goes on but I won’t give away the ending so …
It turns out that audiences liked “The Art of Racing in the Rain” a lot better than the critics did according to various movie sites but I guess that’s because the film happens to be just a bit sentimental. That’s because it’s about our companion animals.
Still, any movie that centers around a family’s love for its dog is a movie I like.
Think “Turner & Hooch,” “Benji,” “My Dog Skip,” “Old Yeller” and “Sounder.” Even “Sleepless in Seattle” had a dog in the film. Brinkley in “Sleepless in Seattle” was often by Tom Hanks’ side and he also was a Golden Retriever. Who doesn’t love a good dog movie? Those films all have a way of staying with us. Lassie on TV also was an enduring family favorite.
The second movie my family and I saw was “Little.” Marsai Martin stars in this comedy and she is the executive producer of “Little.” It’s based on an idea the young actress pitched.
Martin first pitched the concept of making a movie named “Little” four years ago when she was 10. Martin and her dad, Joshua Martin, pitched the idea to Kenya Barris, the creator of Martin’s breakout show “Black-ish,” an ABC sitcom, who then brought in Girls Trip producer Will Packer.
“Little” tells the story of a woman who surprisingly enough gets the chance to relive the carefree life of her younger self when the pressures of adulthood become too much to bear.
Marsai Martin has said that she got
See page D5
BY TOM MARGENAU
Every single day, I get emails from people who will say something like this: “My wife and I are getting SSI.” Or this: “We have some questions about our SSI checks.” Or this: “If I die, will my wife get any of my SSI?”
I know from experience these folks think that SSI stands for Social Security Income. Or maybe Social Security Insurance. But it does not. SSI is the abbreviation for Supplemental Security Income. It is a federal welfare program that pays a small monthly stipend to poor people who are either over age 65 or younger than that but disabled. The program just happens to be managed by the Social Security Administration, which leads to all kinds of confusion.
Some people think that SSI is just some kind of supplemental Social Security benefit. It is not. It is a completely separate program. Others complain that SSI (i.e., welfare) benefits are paid for by Social Security taxes. They are not. SSI payments are funded by general tax revenues. And as I pointed out at the beginning of this column, still others think that SSI means Social Security Income or Social Security Insurance.
So why is there all this confusion? Well, there is a tale to tell. And remember, this story is coming from a retired SSA employee. To start the narrative, we have to go back to the early 1970s. Prior to that time, the Social Security Administration was chugging nicely along as a rather quiet and friendly federal agency. It had a reputation for good and efficient service. It was known as a great place to work. The programs we administered (primarily retirement, disability and survivor benefits) could have some complicated rules and regulations to deal with, but they were still rather straightforward and easy to manage.
Then, in 1973, President Richard Nixon and Congress were looking for an agency to run a new federal welfare program they had just created. Before this legislation passed, welfare benefits for the elderly poor and indigent people with disabilities of any age were a hodge-podge mess. Each state, and sometimes each county, had its own welfare program and its own welfare rules. There were all kinds of inequities in this system. An elderly widow with little money and few resources might be denied benefits in one town, but just down the road over the county line, some guy who was in much better financial shape might qualify for a sizeable monthly cash payment.
Because there were tens of thousands of examples of these kinds of inconsistencies, enough pressure was put on Congress and the Nixon Administration to do something. And what they decided to do was to get rid of all the state and local welfare programs and create one
large federal program with standardized eligibility rules that applied to everyone in the country. The program then, as today, is designed to supplement a person’s income up to certain levels depending on a person’s living situation. Today, for example, if you’re living in a home that you own or rent, your monthly income -- be it from Social Security or veterans benefits or any other source -- can be supplemented up to about $770. (Some states add on to the federal SSI payment, so the amount may be higher where you live.)
Following the creation of the program, two big issues had to be dealt with. The first was a name. They came up with Supplemental Security Income. Not a bad name. After all, the program did just what its name implied: It supplemented someone’s income to give them some small degree of financial security.
But that name became a problem once they took on the second issue they had to deal with: who would manage the program. Congress and the White House chose the Social Security Administration for some logical reasons. SSA had experience in running large federal programs; there was a lot of overlap in their clientele (many poorer Social Security beneficiaries would qualify for SSI); SSA had a vast network of field offices around the country. So the agency was allowed to recruit thousands of new employees, and this strange new program was dumped in our laps.
Many old-time SSA employees resented the change. Our quiet agency that had been managing the clean and relatively simple Social Security program would now also be running a welfare program. And welfare programs are notoriously messy to administer. And, let’s be honest: Some of their clients can be a bit untidy as well. For example, I remember one of my first interviews after SSA took on the SSI program. I was working out of a small Social Security office in a rural Midwestern town. My customer was a woman applying for widow’s benefits. When she sat down at my desk, she complained mightily, saying, “I can’t believe I was forced to sit next to a smelly drunken bum in the waiting room!” That tipsy gentleman was in the office to sign up for the new SSI program. I tried to be as politically correct as I could and pointed out that he had just as much of a right as she did to be in our government office. Still, she wasn’t convinced and said, “Well, I just don’t like what is happening to Social Security.”
And I’ve got to be honest. I didn’t like what was happening to Social Security, either. The program itself certainly didn’t change. But the atmosphere did. There were even rumors among SSA staffers that this was all a plot hatched by Nixon to destroy people’s respect for the Social Security program and to erode their confidence in the Social Security Administra-
tion. That was going a bit too far. After all, you will recall that in the 1970s, Nixon had much bigger things to worry about. Something called Watergate!
Even though I’ve long since retired, I must admit I rue the day SSA took on the SSI program. It caused confusion back then. And if my emails are any indication, it still does today. Also, I believe the morale of SSA employees isn’t what it once was, and I think service has declined.
But, as they say, it is what it is. So let me remind my readers one more time what SSI is. It is a federal welfare program that just happens to be managed
by the Social Security Administration. It has nothing to do with Social Security other than the fact that Social Security offices run the program. It is also important to note that SSI payments come out of general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes. And finally, remember this: If you are getting a Social Security check, you are NOT getting SSI.
If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has the answer. Contact him at thomas.margenau@comcast.net.
COPYRIGHT 2019 CREATORS.COM
C ontinued from page D3
the idea for doing this film when she saw the 1988 movie, “Big.” In that movie after a wish 12-year-old Josh Baskin turns into a 30-year-old man overnight. He heads to New York City and gets a low-level job at MacMillen Toy Company but then after being an adult he wants to return to being a boy again.
When interviewed by npr.org in April 2019, Marsai Martin explained, “That movie ‘Big’ was kind of when it started to get into my head, and just saying to myself: ‘What if we do this in a modern perspective?’ And, ‘Maybe what if we do a female-empowerment, all-black-women cast?’ So, I started talking about that with my parents, and then that’s kind of how it got started.”
She noted, “Well a lot of people tell me I kind of remind them of Gabrielle Union or of Taraji P. Henson. Well, remember that movie ‘Big’? I want to do a movie called ‘Little.’” And Kenya Barris said, “I’m going to stop you right there. Nothing more needed to be said.”
Marsai Martin added that it wasn’t difficult to play an adult stuck in a teenager’s body. “The character was kind of made for me,” she said.
“Big” also just happened to be her mother’s favorite movie when she was growing up.
These days Marsai Martin is the youngest executive producer in Hollywood. She told Jimmy Kimmel in an interview in March 2019 that while she’s the boss of her parents in the office, they are her bosses everywhere else. “As soon as we’re done in the office
and we get home, it’s like, ‘Do your homework,’” she said.
The storyline of “Little”: Jordan Sanders who is played by Regina Hall is a very ambitious tech mogul who torments her very patient assistant, April Williams who is played by Issa Rae, and the rest of her employees on a daily basis.
The adult Jordan faces an unexpected threat to her personal life and career when she magically transforms into a 13-year-old version of herself right before a very important event which is a critically important presentation at work. Marsai Martin plays Little Jordan Sanders.
Jordan will now need to rely on April more than ever if April is willing to stop treating Jordan like a 13-yearold child who has an attitude problem.
After a rude encounter with Jordan, a practicing magician child named Stevie wishes for Jordan to be a kid again so that she can be brought down a notch. The wish comes true the next morning when Jordan becomes 13. It’s déjà vu all over again.
She asks April for help with the company while Jordan is forced to go back to the same school she previously attended. Due to the fact that Jordan is a “minor,” April has to pose as her aunt and if Jordan doesn’t go to school then April will go to jail.
At school, Jordan is introduced to her teacher, Mr. Marshall, and she develops a crush on him. During class and while eating lunch the kids tease Jordan and she doesn’t like it one bit. Regardless
of everyone teasing her, she befriends three other outcasts, Isaac, Raina and Devon. Meanwhile, April has a hard time keeping everyone’s attention at work without Jordan’s authority.
At a restaurant, Jordan and April have dinner. They start to bond over their personal lives. Jordan starts to sing Mary J. Blige’s “I’m Goin’ Down” song which April finds embarrassing in front of everyone in the restaurant. The other people probably think that Jordan is being a bad child. Even though she is embarrassed by this, April starts to sing along with Jordan and the antics go on.
The company’s biggest client, Connor, meanwhile threatens to move to a different firm if he is not pitched a great idea for an app. Because April was unable to reach Jordan before the pitch, April tells Connor about her idea called Discover Eyes. Jordan is now angry at April for pitching her idea. That leads to a fight and April ends up quitting.
After Jordan realizes how terrible she has been, she helps the kids perform at a pep rally, earning them the respect of the other students. At this point Jordan is still a child. April finds Stevie and asks that she turn her back to normal. Stevie tries but fails. Jordan, now having changed inside, says that she will be a better friend to April.
Jordan wakes up the next morning as her adult self and returns to work with a positive attitude towards her employees. She has got a renewed sense of purpose. After several rejections, April’s pitch scores a huge client.
Jordan throws the company a big party outside to celebrate the company’s success with April’s pitch and April’s transition from Jordan’s assistant to creative executive which is what she wanted earlier.
Seeing the two actresses, the Adult Jordan and the Little Jordan, standing side by side is interesting. In one of the scenes from the movie Little Jordan pulls up to a red light in her car. The car next to her rolls down its window and smoke pours out. The guy in the car asks, “How old are you?” and Little Jordan Sanders says, “Man, I don’t even know.”
Tone Bell, who plays Issa Rae’s love interest in the film, co-worker Preston, wasn’t surprised by Marsai Martin’s success at such a young age. “I’ve known her since she started ‘Blackish,’ basically,” he said. “Even then, she was ready. She has something special. When the announcement came that she was going to be producing this movie, I thought, ‘Oh, of course, that makes sense.’”
Marsai Martin has amazing comedic timing and she plays her part as Little Jordan Sanders well. It makes me wonder what other ideas for the Big Screen this 14-year-old is working on because I bet she is chock full of creative ideas.
The stories told in “The Art of Racing in the Rain” and “Little” are very different but each movie has its own appeal. As mentioned above they are perfect for families to watch together especially on days when the weather is bad and a movie with a good story is in order.
C ontinued from page D3
carolers performing throughout the island, live performances in the middle of Main Street and festive treats for sale at local shops and boutiques. As no Christmas celebration would be complete without a visit from Santa, kids will line up outside the White Elephant for an opportunity to chat with Kris Kringle himself. The weekend-long event was created to lure shoppers from the mainland to the island before the boutiques shuttered for the season. Today, Stroll remains the quintessential New England experience. Festive attire is highly encouraged.
New York, New York
This holiday season, The Chatwal, New York will fulfill travelers’ Home Alone 2 or Big childhood dreams through a new partnership with iconic toy store brand FAO Schwarz. Families
will enjoy exclusive before-hours access to the famed toy shop when booking a minimum two-night stay in a Grand Deluxe King Room category or higher. Guaranteed to bring out the inner child in every guest, the new experience will begin with a one-hour, behind-the-scenes VIP Tour hosted by an FAO Schwarz Toy Soldier. Children and adults alike will raid the FAO Schwarz Candy Bar, craft a new tune on the famous Grand Piano and learn about the store’s 150-year-plus history in New York.
Celebrate the Holiday Season at Red Carnation’s London Hotels
During the holidays at Red Carnation Hotels’ London properties are offering themed packages.
The Egerton House Hotel: Egerton Wonderland Package: Valid Nov. 29 to Jan. 5
London wrapped in the warm embrace of the festive season is truly a treat for all the senses. What better way to experience all that it has to offer then with a stay only a short stroll away from Harrods - a shopper’s haven that happens to be the world’s most famous department store. This includes Two Victoria & Albert Museum tickets.
Musical Christmas Celebration Package: Valid Dec. 11: Take a magical city break over the festive season with a musical stay at The Egerton. After being welcomed with a glass of Champagne, enjoy a Festive Afternoon Tea before marveling at John Rutter’s Christmas Celebration at Royal Albert Hall, performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Rubens at the Palace Hotel Christmas with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Package: Valid
city break over the festive season with a musical stay at The Rubens. Enjoy
C ontinued from page D5
breakfast in the English Grill and a Festive Afternoon Tea or a three-course pre-theatre meal before marveling at a Christmas concert by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Choose from The Magic of Christmas at Cadogan Hall on Thursday Dec. 5 or Christmas Cracker at Cadogan Hall on Saturday, Dec. 14.
Festive Wonderland Package: Valid Dec. 25: Join us in the heart of London this Christmas with a festive stay at The Rubens. We are on the doorstep of the excitement of Hyde Park›s Winter Wonderland, London›s biggest Christmas market with over 100 rides and attractions. You will also be just a short tube ride away from Oxford Circus, a shopper›s paradise with a spectacular Christmas lights display. Choose from a Christmas Afternoon Tea or Christmas Day Lunch, the perfect treat to re-wind after celebrating the festivities. You›ll also experience a Christmas themed Turndown in the evening and Full English breakfast each morning. Not to mention, a cocktail in the luxurious New York Bar.
Hotel 41:
Christmas with the Royal
Philharmonic Orchestra package: Valid Dec. 5 and Dec. 14:
Enjoy English breakfast in The Executive Lounge and a Festive Afternoon Tea before marveling at a Christmas concert by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Choose from The Magic of Christmas at Cadogan Hall on Thursday 5th December, or Christmas Cracker at Cadogan Hall on Saturday Dec. 14.
Festive Wonderland package: Valid Dec. 25: This stay will include a luxurious room, welcomed with a glass of Champagne. Full English breakfast will be served daily in the Executive Lounge and a Christmas themed turndown. Also, either a Festive Afternoon Tea or Christmas Day Lunch, at the five-star Rubens at The Palace, next door.
The Milestone Hotel & Residences:
The Nutcracker package: Valid from Dec. 28 to 31: This overnight stay includes two tickets to enjoy the magical Tchaikovsky ballet The Nutcracker at The Royal Albert Hall, by the Birmingham Royal Ballet. It also includes a welcome glass of Champagne on arrival and
a performance themed Turndown.
The Montague on the Gardens Hotel:
Christmas Cracker Package: Valid Dec. 21-26 Christmas is a magical time of the year and London is the perfect place to celebrate with friends and family. From the spectacular Christmas lights on Regent Street, to the exclusive shops in Bond Street; there is a powerful sense of festive wonder about the capital at Christmas. Stay at The Montague this Christmas and enjoy all the festivities and trimmings. Located in literary Bloomsbury, just steps from the British Museum, the Montague hotel is also famous for al-fresco dining and wonderfully fun pop-ups, including an alpine themed Ski Lodge in winter.
Free Broadway Musical Performances at The Shops at Columbus Circle Begin Nov. 11
On Monday, November 11, The Shops at Columbus Circle kicks off its fourth year of Broadway Under the Stars, a five-week series of free public performances taking place this holiday season. Select cast from today’s hottest Broadway musicals will perform against the backdrop of the destination’s famous 12 massive stars. These stars, one of the largest specialty crafted exhibits of illuminated color displays in the world, are suspended from the 100-foot-high ceilings. Performances begin at 5 pm and are free to attend and open to the public, no reservations or tickets are required.
The November 11 performances, hosted by Actor George Psomas (Fiddler on the Roof, South Pacific), feature Broadway performances from the casts of Waitress, Chicago,
Oklahoma! and The Lightening Thief. Each performance takes about 20 minutes.
Future performances at “Broadway Under the Stars” include: Nov. 18: Come From Away, Rock of Ages Nov. 25: Dear Evan Hansen, The Illusionists, Frozen Dec. 2: Beetlejuice, Tootsie, Mean Girls Dec. 9 : Phantom of the Opera, WICKED Additional Broadway Under the Stars offerings include specialty cocktails from the Shops at Columbus Circle’s Restaurant and Bar Collection which includes Monday night drink specials like Center Bar’s Pomegranate Smash cocktail ($16).
This winter take on a classic smash uses one of the restaurant’s favorite winter fruits and opts for pomegranate juice over Grenadine for a modern twist. Here’s how you can make it at home: Take 2 oz High West Prairie Bourbon, 1 oz Pomegranate, ½ oz Simple,½ oz Lemon Juice. Serve in a Julep cup over crushed ice with a simple drizzle of pomegranate molasses, a couple of Pomegranate seeds and mint sprigs for garnish.
Visit www.theshopsatcolumbuscircle. com for more information and everchanging list of events and happenings.
© 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
The Milestone is one of five Red Carnation Hotels in London offering special seasonal packages.
Ihave been managing homes and properties for many years and the one particular thing that gets homeowners calling me to manage their properties is when in the past when they were away and a broken pipe or two had burst, causing tremendous damage. There were many reasons for this happening because they didn’t have a solid plan in place to winterize their home or the heat was set too low or shut down.
Checking regularly, as we do, minimizes these issues with less of a worry about those types of events possibly occurring. Also, if you are a landlord and are used to collecting your rents in person, do you have someone doing this for you while you are away? Streamlining the process for landlords enables them to enjoy themselves while gone and not having to worry about those important chores.
Also, previously when it snowed they hadn’t contracted with anyone to plow; so those with bad intentions would observe over a day or two those homes that had not been plowed or walkways shoveled. One leaves themselves potentially open to being robbed and vandalized. Also, make sure your walkways and sidewalks are salted and/or sanded to minimize your liability from lawsuits from the public as well as your postman or anyone coming on your property whether home or away. Also, when is the last time you checked your homeowner’s policy and updated it?
Safety was also a concern and worry about break-ins when they were out of town. It’s an excellent idea to let one of your neighbors that you are friends with and know that you will be away and to take in your mail (if you haven’t
BY PHILIP A. RAICES
told your post office to hold it) as well as any newspapers or advertisements that might accumulate on your property, again, letting those know, that no one is home. As I mentioned in a column during the summer, there are ingenious devices you can purchase online (I have never seen them in any store anywhere) that display varied and an intermittent collage of multi-colored lights that you can put near your window to look as if a television is on; as long as you close all your curtains and blinds, so no one can look in.
Something else that really is crucial not to do while away is posting vacation photos on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other sites. This is a no, no, since many unscrupulous thieves, peruse the internet looking for such situations to rob those homes when people are either on vacation or are away for the winter. Never, ever post photos or any information about where you may be vacationing or staying, to any sites. It’s acceptable to email family and friends photos and information, but nothing should be posted to a public site for all to see.
When you return home, that is the most opportune and safer time to post all your prized vacation pictures.
When it comes to keeping your home at a safe temperature, I would suggest no lower than fifty-five degrees, to reduce the possibility of a pipe or two from freezing and bursting, causing catastrophic damage. I had gotten a listing last year, where this had happened the previous winter (that is why
they were selling). The house had to be bulldozed or completely gut renovated because the oil burner shut off and no one knew until someone opened the front door and saw a thick layer of ice throughout the downstairs! If only they had someone checking their home regularly this could have been avoided! There are also devices that you can install that will let you know when a leak is occurring and it will make a call to your plumber or your water company to let them know of the emergency. You can also install an application on your phone with the correct setup in your home to control your temperature, lights and all sorts of cutting edge things, so you, as a homeowner will have much more control over what is occurring inside and outside your home.
A nifty addition would be a surveillance system in and outside of your home that again, you can track and control through your cell anywhere in the world. When home, there are also doorbells that have cameras in them by which you can monitor who is at your door. If you still have oil, make sure you tune up your burner, by having a new oil filter installed and maybe, if needed, cleaning out the firing chamber and chimney. Also, make sure your automatic water fill (assuming you have one and you should if you don’t) for your boiler that it is working properly; otherwise your burner will shut down if your water level is too low. If your oil tank is automatically filled up regularly, great! If not make sure you are on an automatic filling
schedule based on degree days. Your oil company will know what that means and that is how they gauge when your tank will need to be re-filled. However, I have been told by the customer service reps at National Gird that they are providing rebates and/or discounts on new conversions to gas boilers, as long as you have had consistent gas service for at least two years from your water heater or stove. However, you will need a plumber to provide the installation of the unit. Lastly, if you need any professional assistance or someone to babysit your home while you are away this winter, we have flexible plans that we can offer. So feel free to reach out to me at any time so we may discuss your specific “needs and wants.”
Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 Great Neck. He has earned designations as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute and a Certified International Property Specialist. Receive regular “free” updates of sold homes in your area and a “free” Comparative Market Analysis” of what your home would sell for in today’s market or search on: WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com If you would like to receive a digital copy or a printed copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality Or “Our Seller’s Guide for “Things to Consider When Selling Your Home” just email or snail me (regular mail) with your name, email and cell number.
He can be reached by email, at:Phil@ TurnKeyRealEstate.Com, or by cell: (516) 647-4289.
8,
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
HELP WANTED
EXECUTIVE
VICE PRESIDENT
Preside over all operations in the U.S. and Latin America for a paper distribution company. Employer: Intermat Trading Corp. Located: Headquartered in Garden City, N.Y. May telecommute from any location in the Eastern U.S. Domestic/International travel and Spanish fluency required. Mail resume (no calls/emails) to: M. Tamkin, 666 Old Country Road, Suite 300, Garden City, NY 11530
EXPERIENCED
RECEPTIONIST & CLERICAL PART TIME SEASONAL POSITIONS available. Located in Franklin Square. Please call: 516-358-9455
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
SITUATION WANTED
CARE GIVER
PRIVATE CARE GIVER
Trained Experienced Nursing Assistant/Companion to care for your loved ones at home or in a health care facility. NY State certified nursing assistant with excellent references ! Call: 516-410-9943
TAX PREPARER PART
TIME
Franklin Square. Experience needed. Retirees welcome. Call 516-358-9455 Fax resume 516-358-9483
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
AFTER SCHOOL/EVENING CHILDCARE
Garden City Mom available for after school/evening childcare activities on an as needed basis. Local references available. Own transportation. Clean driving record. Call or text: 516-578-9260
Are you a professional?
Our Professional Guide is sure to bring results. Call 294-8900 for rates and information.
Real estate firm has an excellent full time opening.
The ideal candidate will provide top-level assistance for the owner of the company. They should be well-organized, comfortable scheduling meetings, taking phone calls/messages, and overall coordination. Candidate should also have Bookkeeping experience with knowledge geared towards Real Estate. EMAIL your resume to deborah.abiri@dbdrealty.com ATTN: Job Ad.
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 25 years experience available to care for sick or elderly. Days, nights, weekends. Own car. Excellent references. Call 516-775-6171
HEALTH AIDE:
Certified Aide seeking to provide private duty care to Garden City or local area resident. Available Monday through Friday, part time or full time, flexible hours, exceptional references.
Call Annmarie 917-586-7433
Do you have a service to advertise?
Our Service Directory is sure to bring results. Call 294-8900 for rates and information.
SITUATION WANTED
HOME HEALTH AIDE
Are you or your loved ones looking for a Home Health Aide? I have over 10yrs experience in private & nursing homes. Assist w/ daily activities including doctor appointments, errands. Live in or hourly.
Please call: Clarice 646-589-1555
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
TRAIN AT HOME TO DO MEDICAL BILLING
Become a Medical Office Professional online at CTI! Get trained, certified & ready to work in months! Call 855-543-6440 (M-F 8am-6pm ET)
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
FINANCE
DENIED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY?
Appeal! If you’re over 50+, filed for SSD and denied, our attorneys can help get you approved! No money out of pocket! 855478-2506
Find It Here
GET DIRECTV! ONLY $35/ month. 155 Channels & 1000s of Shows/Movies on Demand (w /SELECT All Included Package). PLUS Stream on UP to FIVE Screens Simultaneously at No Additional Cost. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918
LUNG CANCER? And Age 60+? You and your family may be entitled to significant cash award. Call 866-951-9073 for information. No risk. No money out of pocket.
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 Like us on Facebook & Instagram
CHRISTMAS SHOP OPEN
Come visit our bigger than ever Christmas Shop. We have ornaments, tabletop Christmas trees, Christmas cookware/dining, toys, Christmas decorations. Wrapping paper, bags, cards. Come early. Items will not last!! New items every day. Open Thursdays & Saturdays. 10am-4pm. Bargains & Blessings Thrift Shop147 Campbell Ave, Williston Park, NY 11596
Our Service Directory is sure to bring results. Call 294-8900 for rates and information.
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
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
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
GARDEN CITY
Designer Home Sale
Friday, November 8
10:00am 3:00pm
218 Cherry Valley Ave
Selling contents of 2 designers’ storage units...
Furniture, Fabric, Lots of Accessories. NO EARLY BIRDS! Not a garage sale!!
INVITED ESTATE SALES BY TRACY JORDAN TAG SALE STEWART MANOR
Wednesday, November 13, 2019 9:30 a.m. 192 Fernwood Terrace Vintage, mid century and traditional furniture, TONS of clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories, basement packed, garage..... Visit www.invitedsales.com for pictures & details!!
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
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!
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
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 Mineola LIRR. $1,550 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
PERSONAL CHEF
MEAL PREP and Private Dinners in home.
Can accommodate any diet/dietary restrictions. For more info please contact: 516-816-6721 chefgerardhiggins@gmail.com
SPECTRUM TRIPLE PLAY!
TV, Internet & Voice for $99.97 /mo. 100 MB per second speed. Free Primetime on Demand. Unlimited Voice. NO CONTRACTS.
Call 1-855-977-7198 or visit: http ://tripleplaytoday.com/ press
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
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
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
AMBIANCE
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
*Handyman & Remodeling
GARDEN CITY
Retired GC couple sold home and seek to purchase Ranch or Cape Cod in Garden City. Can close immediately. Move at your convenience. Principals: 516-747-1024
*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
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
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
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
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
BRIX FLEX PILATES
1:1 private sessions allowing for specialized attention as you improve overall strength, flexibility, balance and core stability.
For the High School Athlete: Pilates will enhance athletic performance, improve technique and help to prevent injuries.
*Special Student pricing options available.
Call for more information: 516-721-9943
CLEANING AVAILABLE EXPERIENCED POLISH HOUSE CLEANER
Good references, ability. Very honest, reliable, responsible and hard working. Own transportation. English speaking. Flexible days and hours. Reasonable rates. I will do a good job.
Call or text 516-589-5640
CLEANING AVAILABLE POLISH WOMAN
with 20 years experience available for cleaning houses, apartments. English speaking. Own transportation. Excellent references.
Call 516-342-0815
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
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
Finally, you have a couple of months where things are going well. The bills get paid on time, and you actually have money left at the end of the month. Then, pow! Without warning, the water heater bursts, the car breaks down, and the first half of the property tax bill is past due -- and suddenly you’re broke.
How can you possibly plan or budget for life’s big-ticket items? Many people believe it just can’t be done, and they have no choice but to rely on their credit cards to cover the cost of emergencies -- whether it’s something they should have known was coming or not.
There is a way out: Anticipate these expenses. You know they’re coming, so cut the price tag on that big-ticket item into small pieces, and make it as routine as paying the phone bill.
DEFINE THE GOAL
The first and most important step is to figure out what your next big money decision will be. You may not be aware you have
any, but the truth is you have several to choose from. Do you think a big dental bill is coming your way? Is your car starting to show its age?
Let’s say, for example, your refrigerator is slowing down. At 7 years old, you’ll be lucky to get three more years out of it. Knowing this gives you something valuable: time. Time to start researching and saving. What style and size do you need? About how much will it cost? Are there options you should consider? Brands you should avoid? Look into it now.
IDENTIFY THE TERMS
If you start saving for the refrigerator right now, you’ll have about 36 months. Let’s say you determine that it’ll cost about $1,800. Divide that amount by the term of 36 months. The result is about $44. You’ll need to save $44 each month starting now so you’ll be able to replace your refrigerator in three years.
MAKE IT SMALLER
Cut your goal into pieces;
BY MARY HUNT
smaller payments are psychologically easier to handle. Instead of 36 months, divide the cost of the refrigerator by 156 weeks. With this slight change in terms, you need to save only $10.26 each week to reach your goal.
MAKE IT PREDICTABLE
View this as a new, regular bill you must pay each month -- or week. It will soon become as ordinary and predictable as your mortgage or car payment.
SET UP AN ACCOUNT
Don’t keep this stash in a drawer, or even in your regular savings account. That puts the money within easy reach and makes it too available for you to borrow for some other purpose. Create a savings account specifically for the item you want to buy instead. Check out the website SmartyPig, a fabulous online savings bank that makes saving easy and fun. Your account is free; there are no fees and no minimum requirements.
MAKE IT AUTOMATIC
Set up an automatic savings
plan to regularly transfer money to your SmartyPig from your regular household account.
VISUALIZE THE GOAL
Stay focused by finding a picture of the item. Post it where you’ll see it often, like on the fridge. This will go a long way in motivating you. Get creative, and draw a grid over the picture with a pen and ruler so you have the same number of squares as payments you’ll make. After each payment, fill in a space on the grid with a highlighter.
A LITTLE MORE NOW AND THEN
Look for new ways and frugal choices that will result in money you can put toward reaching your goal even faster. The money you saved on groceries this week? Use it as an extra payment. The loose change in a jar on your dresser? Use that, too.
ONE GOAL AT A TIME
About now you’re probably thinking about several savings goals you want to work on simultaneously. I understand
your enthusiasm, but I know from experience that it’s best to start slowly. If you have additional funds, use them to reach this goal before starting on another. In time, as you become adept with managing big money decisions, you’ll be able to handle several at once.
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
Students from Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School showing off their “Unity Chains”.
Students and staff across the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District (POBCSD) sported the color orange and held various activities Districtwide in honor of “Unity Day”—a day to raise awareness for students who have been bullied and to promote solidarity amongst students. The District’s individual schools celebrated Unity Day in their own special way, spreading orange throughout the Plainview-Old Bethpage community.
“No child should ever experience bullying,” said Dr. Lorna Lewis, Superintendent of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District. “This day reminds students about the importance of realizing the responsibility that both students and staff share to keep
each other safe and end bullying.”
Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School created “Unity Chains” out of orange construction paper to drape across hallways as a symbol of togetherness, showing that they are all linked together.
At Old Bethpage Elementary School, students educated their peers on what bullying is, and how to stand up to it by being an “Upstander,” through posters displayed throughout the building.
Stratford Road Elementary School created their very own “Kindness Tree,” a beautiful large paper tree that stands tall in the hallway, with each leaf containing kind words of encouragement for fellow classmates.
Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District’s Judy Jacobs Parkway School student body forming one giant heart to symbolize unity and love.
at Old
Elementary School showing their support for
by wearing orange and sharing smiles.
Road Elementary School’s “Kindness Tree” made by students with messages of kindness for fellow classmates.
Bethpage Hall of Fame honorees with Superintendent David Schneider
Katelyn Harold, Bethpage High School’s All-State musician, began the night with a performance of the national anthem.
The Bethpage Union Free School District held its annual Hall of Fame dinner, sponsored by the Bethpage Educational Foundation, on Oct. 26. This year’s honorees included five district alumni, two retired teachers and the Board of Education president. The hon-
Superintendent of Schools David Schneider welcomed attendees.
orees are Susan Mittermeier Brooks, Class of 1968; Linda Candela, retired high school art teacher and chairperson; Dr. Alex Carbo, Class of 1990; John De Guardi, retired high school art teacher and chairperson; Thomas Frost Jr., Class of 1996; Michael Kelly, Board of Education president; Tom Rousakis, Class of 1989 and Colonel Glenn Water, Class of 1984.
The evening began with a performance of the national anthem by Bethpage High School’s All-State musician, Katelyn Harold. It was followed by
welcome remarks by Superintendent of Schools David Schneider and Terrence Clark, Bethpage Educational Foundation member and former superintendent of schools.
Photos courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District
NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court
Nassau County FGMC IN LIEU OF TRUE CORPORATE NAME FIRST GUARANTY MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff against BRYAN HIGGINS; JESSICA HIGGINS; ALEXA HIGGINS; LAUREN HIGGINS, Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on August 3, 2018.
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 3rd day of December, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. premises described as follows: All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, Lying and being at Hicksville, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York.
Said premises known as 35 Libby Avenue, Hicksville, N.Y. 11801.
(Section: 12, Block: 291, Lot: 22). Approximate amount of lien $ 331,676.57 plus interest and costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.
Index No. 601530-18.
Kathleen Wright, Esq., Referee. Stern & Eisenberg, PC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff Woodbridge Corporate Plaza 485 B Route 1 South – Suite 330 Iselin, NJ 08830 (732) 582-6344 MIT 5849
4X 11/01,08,15,22
NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court
Nassau County
WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY FSB D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST AS TRUSTEE FOR PNPMS TRUST II, Plaintiff, vs. THEOCHARIS PHILIPPOU
A/K/A THEOCHARRIS
PHILIPPOU A/K/A HARRIS
PHILIPPOU A/K/A HARRY
PHILIPPOU A/K/A THEOCHAIRUS PHILIPPOU, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly filed on September 12, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the CCP (Calendar Control
Part Courtroom) in the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on December 10, 2019 at 11:30 a.m., premises known as 2 Prose Street, Hicksville, NY. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 11, Block 309 and Lot 33, 35. Approximate amount of judgment is $578,855.97 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 1488/2015.
Lisa Singer, Esq., Referee The Frank Law Firm P.C., 333 Glen Head Road, Suite 208, Old Brookville, NY 11545, Attorneys for Plaintiff MIT 5852 4X 11/08,15,22,29
NOTICE OF SALE
Supreme Court Nassau County NJCC-NYS COMMUNITY RESTORATION FUND LLC, Plaintiff against THERESA KEMERSON A/K/A THERESA TOSCANO, et al Defendants
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered August 30, 2019, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, New York 11501 on December 10, 2019 at 11:30 AM. Premises known as 202 Roxton Road, Plainview, New York 11803. Sec 12 Block 565 Lot 57. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Woodbury, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of N.Y.. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $562,023.91 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 002693/2015. Cash will not be accepted at the sale.
Richard L. Farley, Esq., Referee 2236-000157
Knuckles, Komosinski & Manfro, LLP, 565 Taxter Road, Suite 590, Elmsford, NY 10523
Attorney (s) for Plaintiff (s). MIT 5853
4X 11/08,15,22,29
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, Plaintiff, Against SURESH B. KATTAYAM, RADHA KATTAYAM, Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 3/5/2019, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, in the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr., Mineola, NY 11501, on 12/10/2019 at 11:30 am, premises known as 5 Cedar Street, Plainview NY 11803, and described as follows:
ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in Plainview, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, and designated on the tax maps of the Nassau County Treasurer as Section 46, Block 149 and Lot 82. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $688,989.39 plus interest and costs. The premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 2312/2017.
Ralph Madalena, Esq., Referee. SHELDON MAY & ASSOCIATES Attorneys at Law, 255 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Dated: 10/8/2019
File Number: 32001
MNB
MIT 5854
4X 11/08,15,22,29
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
6X 10/04,11,18,25,11/01,08
NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court Nassau County
U.S. BANK TRUST N.A. AS
TRUSTEE FOR LSF11 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, V.
KRISTINE RUTIGLIANO
A/K/A KRISTINE SUAREZ RUTIGLIANO A/K/A KRISTINE SUAREZ, AS VOLUNTARY ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE ESTATE JOHN RUTIGLIANO; ET. AL.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated September 11, 2019, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein U.S. BANK TRUST N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF11 MASTER PARTICIPATION
TRUST is the Plaintiff and KRISTINE RUTIGLIANO
A/K/A KRISTINE SUAREZ A/K/A KRISTINE SUAREZ, AS VOLUNTARY ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE ESTATE JOHN RUTIGLIANO; 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 December 10, 2019 at 11:30 am, premises known as 3923 BERGER AVENUE, BETHPAGE, NY 11714: Section 46, Block 546, Lot 9: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING NEAR PLAINEDGE, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 20058/2010.
Jeffrey B. Fox, Esq. - Referee. RAS Boriskin, LLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. BN 7432 4X 11/08,15,22,29
NOTICE OF SALE
Supreme Court Nassau County FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff AGAINST PETER SUTHERLAND, ET AL., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated January 20, 2015 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Calendar Control Part (CCP) Courtroom of the Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501, on December 10, 2019 at 11:30AM, premises known as 3724 STOKES AVENUE, BETHPAGE, NY 11714. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, SECTION 46, BLOCK 412, LOT 70. Approximate amount of judgment $634,446.68 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment for Index# 14041/2013.
RALPH J. MADALENA, ESQ., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC Attorney for Plaintiff 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 BN 7433 4X 11/08,15,22,29
NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court Nassau County THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWMBS, INC., CHL MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH TRUST 2006-11, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 200611, Plaintiff against DAVID PIGOTT A/K/A DAVID J. PIGOTT, et al Defendants Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered September 24, 2019, 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 December 10, 2019 at 11:30 AM. Premises known as 134 Windhorst Avenue a/k/a 134 North Windhorst Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714. Sec 49 Block 007 Lot 534 & 536. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Bethpage, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New
York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $457,457.05 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 605930/2018.
Jennifer Ettenger, Esq., Referee IBNY132
Fein Such & Crane, LLP, 1400 Old Country Road, Suite C103, Westbury, NY 11590 Attorney (s) for Plaintiff (s). BN 7434
4X 11/08,15,22,29
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF SIGHTHOUND SOUND LLC.
Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on August 1st, 2019. Office located in Nassau County. SSNY is designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to 240 Brookville Road, Glen Head, NY 11545. Purpose: Audio/ Visual Arts.
BN 7435
6X 11/08,15,22,29,12/06,13
NOTICE OF BUDGET RESLOUTION
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE That the Town Board did heretofore adopt Resolution No. 674A-2019, finalizing the Annual Budget for 2020, for Town Funds, and special districts, for the fiscal year commencing on January 1, 2020. Revenues, as estimated from tax levies and other various sources, will equal and provide funds for the following expenditures:
General Fund (Full Town)$133,368,791.00;
General Fund (Part Town)$13,422,797.00;
Highway Fund - $57,055,783.00; Drainage District Fund -
$2,576,474.00; Fire Protection Fund -
$8,342,350.00; Lighting District Fund –
$3,875,653.00; Park Districts Fund -
$47,326,374.00; Garbage Districts Fund -
$59,504,652.00; Public Parking Fund -
$10,096,640.00; Water Districts Fund -
$230,000.00; Solid Waste Disposal District Fund - $26,408,577.00.
Pursuant to the provisions of Town Law, the salaries of the following Town Officers are hereby specified as follows:
Supervisor - $140,000.00; Town Board Members (6) - $57,500.00 each; Town Clerk $102,000.00. The Town Budget for the fiscal year 2020, as duly adopted by the Town Board, and summary of the enacted Budget with supporting information and data are available for public inspection during normal business hours, commencing November 14, 2019 at the Office of the Town Clerk in Oyster Bay.
TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, JOSEPH S. SALADINO, Town Supervisor, JAMES ALTADONNA, JR., Town Clerk.
DATED: October 29, 2019, Oyster Bay, New York. BN 7436 1X 11/08
NOTICE OF BUDGET RESLOUTION
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE That the Town Board did heretofore adopt Resolution No. 674A-2019,
finalizing the Annual Budget for 2020, for Town Funds, and special districts, for the fiscal year commencing on January 1, 2020. Revenues, as estimated from tax levies and other various sources, will equal and provide funds for the following expenditures:
General Fund (Full Town) -
$133,368,791.00; General Fund (Part Town) -
$13,422,797.00; Highway Fund - $57,055,783.00; Drainage District Fund -
$2,576,474.00; Fire Protection Fund -
$8,342,350.00; Lighting District Fund –
$3,875,653.00; Park Districts Fund -
$47,326,374.00; Garbage Districts Fund -
$59,504,652.00; Public Parking Fund -
$10,096,640.00; Water Districts Fund -
$230,000.00; Solid Waste Disposal District Fund - $26,408,577.00. Pursuant to the provisions of Town Law, the salaries of the following Town Officers are hereby specified as follows: Supervisor - $140,000.00; Town Board Members (6) - $57,500.00 each; Town Clerk $102,000.00. The Town Budget for the fiscal year 2020, as duly adopted by the Town Board, and summary of the enacted Budget with supporting information and data are available for public inspection during normal business hours, commencing November 14, 2019 at the Office of the Town Clerk in Oyster Bay.
TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, JOSEPH S. SALADINO,
Town Supervisor, JAMES ALTADONNA, JR., Town Clerk.
DATED: October 29, 2019, Oyster Bay, New York. BN 7437 1X 11/08
NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court Nassau County THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR CWABS, INC., ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-1, Plaintiff, Against
UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW TO THE ESTATE OF MARIE T MCGAHEN A/K/A MARIE T. MCGAHEN, and if they be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or generally or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of who and whose names, except as stated, are unknown
to plaintiff; FRANK TRIPODO, DOUGLAS TRIPODO, SHEILA TRIPODO as a possible HEIR AT LAW TO THE ESTATE OF MARIE MCGAEN A/K/A MARIE T. MCGAHEN, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 10/8/2019, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, in the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr., Mineola, NY 11501, on 12/10/2019 at 11:30 am, premises known as 14 Foxwood Rd, Old Bethpage, NY 11804
ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Old Bethpage, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 47 Block 145 Lot 0018
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $989,045.15 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 12280/2009
If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Index # 12280/2009
George P. Esernio, Esq., Referee. Leopold & Associates, PLLC, 80 Business Park Drive, Suite 110, Armonk, NY 10504
Dated: 10/30/2019 PB BN 7438 4X 11/08,15,22,29
Hundreds of children in the Bethpage community dressed up in costumes to attend Bethpage High School’s Safe Halloween, sponsored by the school’s PTA, on Oct. 25.
Sports teams, clubs and other organizations from the high school were invited to create themes and decorate classrooms for the trick-or-treaters to
visit. The classrooms were adorned with spooky decorations, fun activities and, of course, treats for the younger children. The district thanks the PTA, students, faculty and parents who gave time and resources to make the event a success for all those involved.
Photos courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District
The Town of Oyster Bay is currently holding 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 holi-
day 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.
Stay informed about your community with a weekly subscription to our newspapers.
With current events, announcements, restaurant reviews, puzzles, and much more, there’s always something for everybody to enjoy!
Fifth-graders Michaela Scarry, Jasleen Kaur, Madison Eseaillat and Jill Nainggolan had some fun learning about Day of the Dead during FLES class.
Fifth-graders Nick Sarkissian, Dante Clemente and Michael Suarez worked together during the Day of the Dead Scavenger Hunt.
Fifth-grade students at Northside Elementary School in the Levittown Public Schools recently learned more about the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, during Foreign Language in Elementary School class. Students engaged in a scavenger hunt and a craft as part of their lesson on the festive holiday when families remember and honor their deceased loved ones and cele -
brate life.
Each student received a scavenger hunt worksheet and roamed the hallway to find answers to their scavenger hunt questions. Colorful photographs relating to Day of the Dead and answer cards were scattered throughout the hallway for students to find. The activity helped the fifth-graders learn more about the holiday.
Northside fifth-grader Kailyn Suquisupa found an answer to one of her questions during the scavenger hunt.
The class also learned about an “ofrenda,” or a collection of objects that are placed on a ritual display during Day of the Dead. One of these objects are candles. Students colored their own candle holders with markers as they watched a video about how people celebrated the holiday in
Mexico last year. Candles are a large part of Day of the Dead as people light them to welcome spirits back to their altars. The students enjoyed learning about the Mexican culture and the significance of the holiday.
Photos courtesy of the Levittown Public Schools
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16 TH , 2019 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Portledge Lower School Ages: Kindergarten - 5th Grade Registration Required (space limited) Visit www.portledge.org/scholars