SERVING BETHPAGE, OLD BETHPAGE, AND PLAINVIEW
CREATIVE MINDS Plainview Water District seeks $25.8 million bond
Students from Gardiners Avenue School learned about the power of having a positive mindset during an interactive assembly recently. See page 8.
Arrest in assaults at Broadway Deli
Nassau County Police arrested a homeless man in alleged assaults at the Broadway Deli in Hicksville on Tuesday, November 12 at 10:30 p.m.
According to detectives, Cristofer Angel, 29, approached three male victims and asked for money. They say an argument ensued inside the deli and continued outside, where Angel allegedly slashed two of the victims with a sharp object in the face. The victims, aged 38 and 45, were transported to a local hospital.
Angel is charged with assault and criminal possession of a weapon.
BY GARY SIMEONE
A hearing was held on Tuesday at the Oyster Bay Town Hall to discuss a $25.8 million bond that the Plainview Water District is seeking from the state for what they call “needed infrastructure projects.” The projects are to treat contaminants in the water and to protect the long-term water quality in the district.
In a recent Facebook post on the district’s page, they said that numerous pilot studies have been conducted to test the water supply and to look at the best methods to eradicate the suspected carcinogen 1,4-dioxane. 1,4-Dioxane has made news in recent years as a possible toxic substance that has infiltrated the water supply on Long Island and is linked to an increase in kidney and liver damage from long-term exposure.
“The District has completed numerous pilot studies which were partially funded through state grants to ensure a proven method for removing 1,4-dioxane from drinking water,” read the statement on the district's Facebook page. “Funding through this bond allows the District to do what is necessary for the long-term protection of our community's water quality. ”
Plainview is one of many Long Island water districts who have filed petitions with the state in recent years, seeking restitution from the damage caused by this suspected carcinogen.
Other districts have gone as far as filing lawsuits accusing companies of deliberately making and selling products containing 1,4-dioxane to consumers despite knowing that it was toxic. The manmade chemical has proven to be ubiquitous, and has been found in a range of household products including
cosmetics, detergents, shampoos, hair dyes and paint varnishes.
The intergovernmental agency International Agency for Research on Cancer identified 1,4-Dioxane as a possible cancer causing agent, and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) classified the chemical as cancer-causing after longterm exposure.
In a statement on the EPA’s website, www.epa.gov, it said that the contaminant doesn’t break down naturally in the environment and that people can be exposed through sources such as residential tap water. Some of the health affects listed from exposure to 1,4-dioxane include eye and nose irritation to severe kidney or liver damage depending on how much of the chemical is ingested and for how long.
On its Facebook page, the Plainview Water District said it has taken action in the fight to clean up the chemical in the drinking water supply. Actions include “piloting advanced treatments to remove it through AOP or advanced oxidation processes, which involves introducing a hydrogen peroxide additive into the water well along with a combination of ultraviolet rays.”
The district has received money in litigation processes against companies who have sold products containing 1,4-dioxane and is currently applying for $3 million a year in state funding.
“In total, the Plainview Water District has been awarded more than five million dollars in grant funding for water treatment projects, which includes treatment pilots for the removal of 1,4-dioxane but does not include money for ongoing operations maintenance testing and upgrades,” the district said.
Photo courtesy of the Levittown Publi Schools
Cristofer Angel
Santa's mailboxes arrive in town offices
The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that children can send their ‘holiday wish list’ directly to Old St. Nick at the North Pole through a special network of Santa’s Mailboxes which arrived in Town facilities from the North Pole. Mailboxes will accept letters now through Monday, December 16.
The Town of Oyster Bay will forward letters to Santa at the North Pole. Letters received by Monday, December 16 with a legible name and return address will be answered by Santa before the holiday. No postage is necessary.
Colorful red mailboxes will be acces-
sible daily during regular business hours at the following locations:
• Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay
• Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa
• Hicksville Athletic Center, 167 S. Broadway, Hicksville
• Ice Skating Center, 1001 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage
For more information about Santa’s Mailboxes, please call (516) 624-6380 weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. or visit the www.oysterbaytown.com.
Kindergarten registration
If you have a child/children residing in the Levittown Public Schools born on or before December 1, 2015, they will be eligible for kindergarten for the 20202021 school year.
Please contact Arlene Mege at 516434-7058, Central Registration, at Levittown Memorial Education Center to place your name on the list to receive a kindergarten package for registration. All packages will be mailed out at the beginning of January in 2020. For more information, please visit the district’s website at levittownschools.com.
Gift wrapping for charity
The Glen Cove-Hicksville-Syosset Chapter of the Mercy League will be holding its annual Christmas holiday gift wrapping program.
From Thursday, December 12 to Tuesday, December 24 bring your gifts to Broadway Commons Mall to have them expertly wrapped by Mercy League volunteers. Proceeds of the wrapping service will support enrichment activities and equipment at Mercy Medical Center.
The service will be available from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Christmas Eve til 4 p.m.). Prices will range from $2 to $5 depending on size of package and options chosen. Oversized packages will be priced accordingly. A large selection of gift wrap, decorative bags, ribbons and bows will be available.
For more information, please contact Pat at 681-6690 or Anna at 390-0200.
Holiday tree lighting
On Monday, December 2, the Levittown Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Holiday Tree Lighting from 6 to 8 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, Shelter Lane and Hempstead Turnpike (near the Levittown Library).
Admission is free, but participants are asked to bring donations of food and toiletries for local pantries.
To introduce the holiday season, local bands and dance studios will perform. It is hoped that Santa may even put in an appearance at the event. In the event of inclement weather, the entertainment will move into the main room of the Levittown Public Library.
Brain Fun and Function
Come learn how aging affects coordination, agility, and brain function. Participants will learn how to “train” the brain and will be tasked to complete a series of games and interactive activities that will challenge the mind.
Robin Simms-Gibson, RN
1:15 pm program
Wednesday, December 11
Mineola Community Center 155 Washington Ave., Mineola
Admission is free, but seating is limited. Please call (516) 663-3916 for reservations.
Ho Ho Ho Holiday Run registration opens
There is simply no better way for runners and their families to celebrate the holiday season than being part of the fun at the Steel Equities/Gold Coast Studios Ho Ho Ho 5 Kilometer Run on Saturday morning, December 21. This is the 32nd annual running of the event.
The 5 Kilometer Run will start and finish at the John F. Kennedy Middle School, located at 500 Broadway in Bethpage
Santa Claus will be making his annual visit to serve as the official starter, and hordes of reindeer, elves and other denizens of the holiday season are expected to be at the Middle School to join in the fun.
There will once again be special prizes for the best holiday costume and for the first “centipede” to cross the finish line. Runners and walkers are most definitely encouraged to run/walk in costumes appropriate to the season
There will be a FREE 1/4-mile Fun Run for the youngsters on the grounds of the Middle School before the 5K main event.
Each registrant will receive a special commemorative sweatshirt appropriate to the season. Announcing will be by Terry Bisogno, “the Voice of Long Island Running,”
and race photography will be courtesy of Ed Grenzig of Long Island Race Photos.
The host Greater Long Island Running Club will once again hold a GIANT post-race door prize drawing that will be highlighted the the grand prize of a flat screen high definition TV and a second prize of a top-of-theline digital camera. Everyone who is entered in the Run has an equal chance to win a prize.
The entry fee to the 5K Run is $25; day-of-race $30, There is a 50% discount for ages 16 and under if you preregister.
A large portion of the net proceeds will, as always, be turned over to The Opening Word, an education program hosted by the Dominican Sisters to provide poor uneducated immigrant women with the tools that they need to become productive members of American society.
Everyone is encouraged to bring a new toy to the event for donation to the John Theissen Children’s Foundation for distribution to Long Island children in need.
You can register online or download a hard copy application at glirc. org. For more information, contact Mike or Sue at the GLIRC office at (516) 349-7646.
Festive finishers in the 2018 edition of the Run
Over 1,500 turkeys donated at Bethpage Turkey Drive
BY GARY SIMEONE
It was nonstop drop off service at the eleventh annual Bethpage Turkey Drive, which took place last Friday at Bethpage Federal Credit Union. Over 1,500 turkeys were delivered throughout the day in the cold, rainy weather which did not dampen anyone’s mood.
“People have been coming in droves despite the weather, to deliver these turkeys to benefit the Island Harvest Food Bank and to make sure Long Islanders are not food-insecure during the holidays,” said Randi Shubin Dresner, President and CEO of Island Harvest. “We are expecting well over 1,500 turkeys which would surpass our total from last year.”
She said that with every turkey donated, a family is guaranteed a holiday meal on Long Island.
“We have over 100 volunteers on site who are employees of Bethpage Federal Credit Union, as well as from companies like PSE&G, and H2M architects & engineers. We are getting turkeys donated from a lot of local businesses as well as the Girl Scouts of the USA, who earn a merit badge if they deliver 250 turkeys.”
Despite the rainy weather, there was a festive atmosphere in the air, as volunteers danced to music provided by a
live DJ and there was a dancing turkey to put smiles on people’s faces.
“This our eleventh season and we are very excited about hosting this great event again,” said Rob Suarez, Assistant Vice President of Community Development for Bethpage Federal Credit. “What’s great about pairing up with community organizations like Island Harvest, is that it builds awareness for families who are in need and we want to do our part in enriching the lives of community members who are less fortunate.”
The first Bethpage Turkey Drive was put together in 2009. Since than, more than 31,000 turkeys have been collected and over 116,000 pounds of food have been hauled on a truck bound for those who are facing hardships during the holidays.
“Bethpage Federal Credit Union has established itself as a valued partner in our mission to end hunger and reduce food waste on Long Island,” said Dresner.
In addition to the annual turkey drive, Bethpage FCU helps support several of Island Harvest anti-hunger initiatives, such as the Kids Weekend Backpack Program and through personal donations of food and funds.
KOHL’S CARES KEEPING KIDS HEALTHY
Every day we make lots of choices and decisions that can impact our health. Some decisions involve what we eat, where we eat, what we drink, how we get to school or work and how we spend our free time. With overweight and obesity affecting so many of our youth today, parents and caregivers need tools to help establish good habits that can have a lasting impact on their family’s health.
kohlshealthykidsny.com
Volunteers at the Bethpage Federal Credit Union annual Turkey Drive.
Sparking a positive mindset at Gardiner's Avenue School
Gardiners Avenue students from the Levittown Public Schools learned the importance of having a positive mindset when faced with challenges during the interactive assembly NED’s Mindset Mission on Oct. 28. The assembly was a culmination to Levittown Education Against Destructive Decisions Week.
Performer Shanika Robinson captivated students as she took them on a journey to help a cartoon boy named NED find his mindset. Students learned that NED’s name is an acronym for never give up, encourage others and do your best. These three important
lessons were reinforced as students followed NED’s adventure.
Using puppetry, yo-yo and magic tricks, Robinson visually told NED’s story as he climbed to the top of Mount Everest, uncovered inner treasures on an island and learned about the brain while fixing a spaceship. Students were reminded of the power of “yet” and letting go of the phrase “I know” so they can grow. At the end of the assembly, students volunteered to share what they learned and received a yo-yo just like in the show.
Performer Shanika Robinson taught Gardiners Avenue students about growth mindset.
Gardiners Avenue kindergartners met performer Shanika Robinson (middle) after watching the assembly NED’s Mindset Mission.
Gardiners Avenue students participated in the assembly NED’s Mindset Mission with performer Shanika Robinson (left).
Photos courtesy of the Levittown Public Schools
Plainview Water District to begin treating water for 1,4 dioxane
The Plainview Water District recently broke ground on a stateof-the-art treatment facility located at the District’s headquarters. The upgrades to this existing treatment facility have been specifically designed to remove volatile organic compounds (VOC) from up to four million gallons of drinking water per day. This facility has also been designed to incorporate an Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) system, which is needed to remove 1,4-dioxane. The District anticipates the plant will be up and running mid 2020.
“This is a big milestone for the Plainview Water District and the entire Plainview-Old Bethpage community,” said Marc Laykind, chairman of the Board of Commissioners. “We work tirelessly to provide high-quality drinking water to our residents and the construction of this facility will aide our mission for decades to come.”
With more than $2.6 million received in grant funding for this VOC project, plus additional reserve funds being used, the Plainview Water District has fast tracked plans to build a $7.6 million Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filtration system. Soon after the GAC system is installed, the District plans to begin
the installation of an AOP system. The installation of this technology will allow the District to optimize the use of two existing wells located at the site.
“Months of planning to improve the resiliency of our water system have come to fruition,” said Commissioner Andrew Bader. “The support from New York State and its willingness to invest in our community is significant. We appreciate the attention being paid to improving drinking water throughout Long Island.”
The GAC system is designed to remove VOCs that are being detected in the groundwater at the plant’s two production wells. Several years ago, routine water quality sampling detected an elevation of VOCs at one of the two wells and the District immediately took it out of service. The new facility will pump raw groundwater through four, 12-foot diameter GAC vessels that each hold 20,000 pounds of granular activated carbon to remove the target compounds. After GAC treatment, the water is chlorinated for disinfection and adjusted for pH prior to being delivered to residents’ taps. Use of GAC is also an integral part of the process for removing 1,4-dioxane.
Marc Laykind, chairman of the Plainview Water District Board of Commissioners, with Commissioners Amanda Field and Andrew Bader
Woodland students go to the dogs– in a good way
Terrier mix Josie gets to know Woodland students as they read to her with owner Richard along for the fun.
This fall, Woodland Elementary School in Hicksville kicked off what they anticipate will be a regular ritual, with students chomping at the bit to read to some cuddly new canine buddies. The school is conducting its first-ever Read to the Dogs program.
Through Bideawee, therapy dogs and their owners are visiting the school on a monthly basis to give students the opportunity to read to a non-judgmental, receptive and loving audience. The practice of reading to dogs has long been considered an effective means to get children excited about reading, while also building their self-confidence and helping struggling readers practice and improve their literacy skills.
According to Principal Beth Swanson, Woodland’s program is tied into the school’s our character education initiative: students who demon-
strate exceptional character traits above and beyond what is expected of them in school are identified and have their names placed into a raffle. “Every month, right before the dogs visit, we pull names from the raffle and selected students get to read to the pups,” said Swanson. “The children love it! It’s been a huge success!”
The selected students have an opportunity to read some of their favorite books and stories to the dogs. Some even attempt to make the dogs feel right at home by choosing non-fiction books about dogs, or fiction books that have dogs as a main character.
Each visiting dog’s owner is present to ensure that students safely engage their dogs. Special thanks to Bideawee, the owners and their dogs for making these visits to Woodland possible.
Photos courtesy of the Hicksville School District
Drop off Toys for Tots at Plainview Water District
The Plainview Water District is teaming up with local charities once again to bring the holiday spirit to the Plainview-Old Bethpage community. As it has done in years past, the Plainview Water District has once again will be an official drop-off location for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
“This time of year is all about spreading kindness and we are honored to contribute to that spirit”, said Plainview Water District Chairman Marc B. Laykind. “A small gift can go a long way
for a child who would otherwise feel left out during the holidays. Last year was one of our best turnouts, but we’re confident our community can help us set a new benchmark.”
New and unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at the Plainview Water District’s main office, located at 10 Manetto Hill Road in Plainview by Thursday, December 12, 2019. Last year, more than 100 toys were donated, and with the help of the community, the Plainview Water District hopes to surpass last year’s success.
At tention students!
Graduated from school? Have an outstanding GPA? Made the honor roll or Dean’s List? Scored an internship or study abroad opportunity? We invite you to send details of any of these things and more, along with your name and contact info, to editor@gcnews.com for a chance to be seen in our paper!
Havanese pooch Joey with owner Marcia enjoyed having Woodland students read to them, and the feeling seemed to be mutual.
Yellow lab Bailey and owner Gladys have fun with Woodland students as they read to dogs. Some children even read books about dogs.
Gift of Travel: Take Advantage of Black
Friday, CyberMonday, Holiday Specials to Give the Gift that Keeps Giving
BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM
The gift of travel is the gift of together, of time, of memory, of life-changing, life-enhancing experience, of new perspectives and new awareness – of self, of others, of our place in the world and time itself.
Travel destinations and providers get into the holiday spirit with Black Friday, Cyber Monday and special deals and make it easy to package The Gift of Travel.
Hotels in national parks are in such high demand they rarely offer discounts...but they do during Black Friday and Cyber Monday! Xanterra Travel Collection’s annual Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale features up to 40 percent off hotels in Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Zion and Yellowstone. Also on sale: tickets on the historic Grand Canyon Railway, luxury hotels (The Broadmoor and Sea Island), Windstar Cruises, VBT Bicycling Vacations and Country Walkers. Details: www.xanterra. com/Thankful.
Whole countries are on sale: Ireland is promoting special offers of its partners including Great Value Vacations, The Irish Tourism Group, Brendan Vacations, CIE Tours, Railtours IIreland, Tenon Tours, Authentic Vacations and Insight.
More than 20 hotels, resorts and
Taking in the view at sunset of the Piton Mountains from the Passion Flower terrace. Anse Chastanet and its sister resort, Jade Mountain, on St. Lucia have been recertified by Travelife, the sustainable tourism certification system. More than 20 hotels, resorts and villas in Saint Lucia are offering significant Cyber Monday booking specials. © Laini Miranda/ goingplacesfarandnear.com
villas in Saint Lucia are offering significant Cyber Monday booking specials (up to 60% off!) on luxury resorts, family-friendly accom-
ed-time specials are available for booking starting on Cyber Monday November 29, 2019
modations, private villas, hotels overlooking the iconic Piton mountains, beachfront accommodations, and more. Most of these limit-
GOING PLACES NEAR AND FAR
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GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....
Gift of Travel: Take Advantage of Black Friday, CyberMonday, Holiday Specials to Give the Gift that Keeps Giving
and several are offering these deals to “early birds” who wish to book before then. Visit www.stlucia.org/specials/ cyber-monday-specials for details.
Perillo Tours, Access Culinary Trips (AccessCulinaryTrips.com), Outward Bound and resorts like Woodstock Inn & Resort in Vermont, as well as chains like Hilton all have special timely offers.
Even themeparks like LegoLand California Resort is discounting its various pass offerings starting at 12 a.m. Friday, Nov. 29 through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 2, exclusively through its website.
Basically, anything that you have been thinking about, fantasizing about, anything on your bucket list, check out the company’s website to see whether there are holiday specials.
Many tour operators, including Insight Vacations, Luxury Gold and other sister companies of The Travel Corporation (ttc.com) are offering enticing discounts for early bookings and many travel entities – hotels and resorts, cruiselines, tour companies, spas (Spafinder.com), ski resorts (think about gifting ski passes like EpicPass, Ikon or Liftopia) and cruiselines – have gift card programs and are offering special discounts for the holidays.. Some have
gift registries where multiple gift-givers can contribute.
Liftopia’s annual Cyber Monday sale runs Nov. 26 at 5 pm PT through Dec. 3 at 9 pm PT. Give the gift of ski this holiday, or simply use this opportunity to snag the best deals of the season by purchasing lift tickets online and in advance. Purchase a Liftopia Gift Card and get a bonus credit up to 25% (spend $100-$199, get a $15 bonus gift card; spend $200-$299, get a $40 bonus gift card; spend $300 or more, get a $75 bonus gift card). More details or to purchase at www.liftopia. com.
Many of the grandest Historic Hotels of America members, each one distinct with a deep connection to place, offer gift cards – like Wentworth by the Sea, NH; Omni Grove Park Inn, Mission Inn & Spa (the list goes on and on) – just inquire. To see members, visit historichotels.org and its European counterpart, Historic Hotels of Europe, www.historichotelsofeurope.com.
Sebasco, a fabulous resort on the mid-Maine coast that manages to be rustic and luxurious at the same time is offering a deal where if you purchase a $150 Sebasco Gift Card by December 13, you get a $25 gift card for free or for a $500 gift card, a $100 bonus gift card free (sebasco.com, 877-636-0085).
Here’s a really interesting one: Glamping Hub (glampinghub.com) is offering its second annual Black FridayCyber Monday sale – an interesting way to experience this online booking platform for 35,000 unique outdoor accommodations in over 27 different categories (safari tents, tree houses, cabins, tipis, villas, domes) in over 120 countries. For every gift card purchased on Glamping Hub’s Gift Card Portal, 20% will be added
to the gift card. This deal will be live on the website from 11/28-12/4,and gift cards have a one-year validity, Travel Deals Black Friday 2019 / Cyber Monday Deals (https://glampinghub.com/special/black-friday-cyber-monday-traveldeals/).
These are just examples. The key here is that if there is a destination, a cruise, a resort you want to “gift” to your loved one, just ask if a program is available. Check expiration dates and how the gift card can be used.
Trips That Make a Difference
Often, just showing up is a way of sustaining, revitalizing communities with tourism supplanting obsolete extractive and exploitive economic pursuits – a way of giving back. Many travel programs and tour companies are now designed to sustain the environment and heritage of local communities, hire locally, donate a portion of the tour costs to benefit local communities (building schools, creating water projects) and even are organized around opportunities for travelers to participate in local life or projects.
The Travel Corporation’s 42 different brands (Including Trafalgar, Uniworld, InsightVacations, Luxury Gold, Contiki, African Travel, Inc., Lion World Travel, Brendan Vacations and Red Carnation Hotels) are designed this way and also support the Treadright Foundation. TTL’s philanthropy dedicated to preserving and protecting the planet, people and wildlife, supports 55 projects in 280 communities in 26 countries (www.ttc.com). In addition, some of the tour programs work in conjunction with We.org, which builds schools, promotes sustainable agriculture, brings pure water to com-
munities, to offer programs in which travelers can immerse themselves into that community. (www.TreadRight.org/ trips/)
Pure Adventures (pure-adventures. com), a boutique biking and hiking tour operator offering private, custom, independent and guided travel in Europe, Asia, South and North America, as a member of the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund, contributes a portion of the trip fee to support conservation efforts around the world. (Check out this year’s projects, http://adventuretravelconservationfund.org/grant-winners/)
Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT), which is part of Boston-based Grand Circle Corporation’s family of travel companies, supports the nonprofit Grand Circle Foundation established in 1992 by owners Alan and Harriet Lewis to support communities in which Grand Circle works and travels, including some 300 humanitarian, cultural, and educational endeavors worldwide, among them, 100 schools in 50 countries. The Foundation is an entity of the Lewis Family Foundation, which has pledged or donated more than $169 million since 1981 (www.oattravel.com).
Off Season Adventures (offseasonadventures.com, 619-971-0823), a Hoboken-NJ based tour company which organizes programs to support local communities.
There is a whole category of “sustainable travel” companies and projects
GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....
that not only structure their travel programs with social responsibility in mind, but leverage the power of travel and tourism to improve the lives of people and their environment. Many are represented by Center for Responsible Travel (responsibletravel.org), Global Sustainable Tourism Council (gstcouncil.org), Earthcheck (earthcheck. org), the Rainforest Alliance (www. rainforest-alliance.org) and Sustainable Travel International (sustainabletravel. org).
Voluntourism
The very act of traveling benefits communities by spurring an economy that sustains culture, heritage, the environment, community, and forges a mutual understanding that can translate into foreign policy.
But for those who want to go even beyond to improve conditions for people, there is a category of travel, Voluntourism, that organizes travel to a destination to volunteer for good purpose – whether it is participating in scientific research, working to save a species from extinction or save the planet, or helping disadvantaged communities, or rebuilding after some disaster, as in Puerto Rico. andBeyond has launched philanthropic-focused itineraries in Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa to give guests a first-hand look at its core ethos of caring for the land, wildlife, and people. The activities range from
adopting an elephant at the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Kenya to participating in local school conservation lessons in Tanzania to visiting the Grootbos Green Futures College in Cape Town, an organization that provides educational training to unemployed young adults in the city (www.andBeyond.com)
Earthwatch Expeditions enable you to join scientists in the field as they research urgent environmental issues, in places that would otherwise be closed to visitors. Expeditions address wildlife and ecosystems, climate change,
WRITER’S CORNER
archaeology and culture, and ocean health, for example, researching lions and their prey in Kenya, re-wilding the Scottish Highlands and studying orcas in Iceland. (800-776-0188, 978-461-0081, www. earthwatch.org),
Habitat for Humanity’s Habitat for Humanity Global Village offers opportunities to help in disaster recovery or build or improve housing, schools, clinics, and other essential structures in 40 countries (www.habitat.org)
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Is life after retirement just as I imagined?
BY CLAIRE LYNCH
I retired from my full-time job two years ago and in that time I’ve discovered a lot about the hobbies and interests I like - and the ones I don’t.
Before I go into that, let me just say that after spending decades working, after catching commuter trains and being sure that my subway tokens were handy or my Metro card was properly loaded and sticking to my work schedule no matter what, it’s quite a relief to just take a deep breath and enjoy doing what I want to do.
Still, as much as people dream about retiring and getting off the merry-goround, nothing can quite prepare you for retirement. When you wake up one day and actually have a whole block of free time available, it’s an eye opener. And when the boss doesn’t ask about a report that was due yesterday, that’s a relief.
It occurred to me that two dates in particular would be etched in my mind forever. One was the day I started working full-time in Rockville Centre after my college graduation which was January 24, 1977. The second all-important date was the day I retired, November 29, 2017. Each date was momentous in its own way.
I like being able to spend some leisurely time with family and friends and not have to watch the clock. I like wearing a watch but knowing that I don’t have to. Things seem to have a way of getting done whether I’m watching the clock or not.
Over the span of four decades I saw a lot of changes in the work place. The ushering in of first, electric typewriters then computers, cell phones, fax machines, voice mail service, smart phones, etc., all helped expedite the way my colleagues and I did our jobs. The technology made life easier. I no longer had to type a business letter and toss it in the wastebasket when I’d made a typo then start all over again.
I don’t want all of the technology that’s available to us to take the place of meeting face to face. What’s good about retirement is that my family and I can get in the car any time and drive to meet friends and relatives we may not have seen for a while. Even with the advent of Skyping, that wonderful invention that allows people’s voices and faces to connect over transmission lines, there is no substitute at all for getting together, kicking back and sharing some stories.
Sure I read a lot of articles about preparing financially for retirement and
for being sure that I had various different interests to fill my time - because going from being very busy to not so busy at all can be a tough thing. I read the professionals’ articles and did my homework and prepared as much as I possibly could.
Whether I counted down the years or fervently wished for it, sooner or later retirement was bound to happen. Still, after having my retirement party with co-workers and friends, and packing up my things, I gave a final farewell to my office friends and headed out the door one last time. Getting up early, putting in a full eight-hour day then going home to cook some dinner had come to an end. Retirement meant that after many, many years a more leisurely lifestyle had arrived.
I could sleep in a bit - although I really am a morning person and old habits die hard - and could lounge around in my pajamas longer than I ever would before.
I could linger over my first and second cups of coffee then go shopping, meet friends for lunch or take some spontaneous trips to see old friends.
As other friends and relatives heard about my new status as a retiree they asked what I was doing with myself all day. Usually the question was put as,
“What are you doing with all of your free time?” People had no qualms about asking me that. It struck me as a rather personal question to be asking someone but no one hesitated at all. Their curiosity was piqued.
I guess the idea of working all of one’s life then having a whole block of time open up seems strange to those people who still work. When I asked several of these people what they would do if they were retired, I got a whole lot of answers.
“Spend all my time at the beach,” one person said. My friend, Rick, replied that he would play poker with his buddies as often as he could but then stopped short and laughed when he realized that he probably wouldn’t play poker eight hours a day.
My friend, Tara, said she’s already an expert shopper for clothes so having all that extra time to pursue her favorite hobby would be a dream come true. Even if most of the time it was just window shopping for clothes - which includes looking at all of the latest styles - she would be happy.
While chatting I told these people
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Off Season Adventures organizes trips in such a way as to help local communities.
BY TOM MARGENAU
I am going to give you a series of names. I would give any reader a hundred bucks if he or she could tell me who these people are and what they all have in common. Here are the names: Stanford Ross. William Driver. John Svahn. Martha McSteen. Dorcas Hardy. Gwendolyn King. Shirley Chater. Kenneth Apfel. Michael Astrue.
So, who are they? They are nine of the past 29 commissioners of Social Security. The commissioner of Social Security is the top spot within the Social Security Administration. He or she is responsible for running one of the largest agencies in the federal government. This includes maintaining Social Security numbers and earnings records for nearly every working American and paying retirement, disability and survivor benefits to about 62 million people every month.
Yet, almost no one knows who these people are. Most folks can probably name the FBI director or the head of the CIA. But SSA is one of the many federal agencies whose top dog might as well be named Underdog. Who heads the Veterans Administration? Who is the commissioner of the IRS? Who runs the Federal Highway Administration? How about the Bureau of Labor Statistics? The heads of these and so many other federal agencies are almost always nameless political appointees. And therein lies a story I’d like to tell.
For part of my career with the SSA, I worked for several Social Security commissioners. Usually in the role of a speechwriter. Sometimes as an agency press officer (well, OK, deputy press officer). By no means was I a major player on any commissioner’s staff. But, as I used to say, “At least I was in the room.” In other words, if the commissioner had a meeting with his or her top staff, I might be sitting in a chair in the corner -- usually taking notes.
So I got to know a lot about the inner workings of the agency. I learned what the head of a big agency like the SSA really does. One of the commissioners I worked for (I won’t name names) was President Ronald Reagan’s pick to head Social Security. And one time, soon after she was appointed, she told me that Reagan told her this: “You really have only one job. Make sure those damn checks go out on time every month!”
But let’s be honest about that. The issuance of Social Security checks is pretty institutionalized. It’s built into the nature of the bureaucracy. Social Security checks have gone out on time every month for about 80 years now. Donald Duck could be the commissioner of Social Security, and the checks still would go out like clockwork each month. After all, commissioners come and go. It’s the dedicated civil servants who have been with the agency for decades who really keep the place humming along and make sure those
Name That Commissioner
checks always go out in a timely manner.
So what the commissioner really does -- what the head of any large organization really does -- is set the tone for how services will be provided and how staff will be allocated to provide those services.
And he or she also sets goals. And for so many years, one of the top goals of every commissioner who ran the SSA, whether appointed by a Democratic or Republican president, was to improve the processing of Social Security disability claims.
And why was that? Because a disability program is a mess to run. Think about it. What do you have to do to get retirement benefits? You prove you’re old enough, you sign a couple of forms, and the checks start rolling in. Same thing for survivors benefits. You show the SSA a death certificate, fill out a form or two, and your claim is complete. But the disability program is a whole other kettle of fish. And a big, stinky kettle it is! Retirement and survivors benefits are very objective. But disability is VERY subjective. Consider this: How disabled must a person be to qualify for disability benefits? People have been struggling to answer that question for 63 years now. (The Social Security disability program began in 1956.)
To prove how subjective disability is, all you have to do is look at the SSA’s appeals workload. There are a handful of people who appeal a retirement or survivor claim, but there are tens of thousands of pending appeals of disability claims. An entire cottage industry of lawyers and disability consultants has sprung up to help people get a disability claim approved.
But the SSA’s newest commissioner might be setting a different tone, with more emphasis on core services. Let’s talk about that. His name is Andrew Saul. President Donald Trump appointed him several months ago.
Before I go on, I must make a point. A long time ago, a chief of staff for one of the Social Security commissioners told me this: “Tom, when a Democrat is president, you will get a good commissioner of Social Security. When a Republican is president, you will get an ineffective commissioner of Social Security.” This seemingly biased analysis carried a bit of weight with me because the chief of staff who told me this was a Republican political appointee!
His reasoning went like this. For years, Social Security has been known as a favorite of the Democratic Party. So if a Democrat is president, and you are a potential Democratic political appointee, you would be pleased and honored to be named the commissioner of Social Security. Some of the best and brightest people available got the job. On the other hand, if a Republican is president, and you are a potential Republican political appointee, almost the last job you want is to be the head of Social Security. More desirable jobs were filled by the top people, and SSA got someone from near the bottom of the Republican
political appointee barrel. (And again, remember, these sentiments were those of a Republican politico.)
Because of that, I was VERY skeptical when I heard that Trump nominated Andrew Saul as head of the SSA. Plus, this guy comes into the job with some political baggage. Many Democrats opposed his appointment because he was previously associated with some right-wing groups that advocated cuts in Social Security benefits.
Despite all that, I must admit I was impressed with some of his initial actions as the SSA commissioner. I don’t have the space to cover them here. But I encourage my readers to go to the SSA official website. On the home page, you will see an
“open letter to the public from Commissioner Saul.” Take a few minutes to read it. It sounds to me like he is going to concentrate on meaningful things like cutting wait times at the SSA’s 800 number and improving service at local Social Security offices.
So read his letter, and see what you think. Gosh, I sure hope he means what he says and doesn’t turn into just another in the long line of bottom-of-the-barrel, ineffective Republican political appointees to Social Security.
If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has the answer. Contact him at thomas.margenau@comcast.net.
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CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Is life after retirement just as I imagined?
C ontinued from page D3
that while I enjoy going to the beach - to walk, to jog, to collect seashells and to swim - I doubted that most of my free time would be spent there. I looked skeptically at my friend, Rick, because even though I like indulging in a good competitive game or two of poker, I had to agree that it’s hard for anyone to spend all day long playing that game.
I had to admire Tara for always being so stylishly dressed but clothes shopping and following the latest fashion trends just isn’t my thing. I’m more of a practical person. I dress for the occasion and for the weather but beyond that …. an outfit is an outfit and I never have dressed to impress.
Right before retiring I made up my mind that I would a) become fluent in Spanish and b) learn to play bridge. I had a solid, basic knowledge of Spanish but I didn’t want my conversational Spanish to always be so stilted. I have on occasion pulled out my Spanish CDs, pressed the “play” button and given them a whirl.
A lot of my working Spanish has come back to me but I want to keep forging ahead so that eventually it will become effortless. That’s always been my dream. I think that Romance language is a beautiful language.
My goal to learn bridge so far hasn’t really progressed. My sister, Michelle, enjoys going from house to house playing bridge with other women and seeing her plus several friends who have
been bitten by the “bridge bug” is a little intimidating to me.
Some people seem to get awfully serious when they sit down to play bridge whether there is one table of bridge or four tables at a time and this seriousness strikes me as taking all the fun out of it. As they concentrate, their faces change and before my eyes the friendly people I once knew seem overly focuses on a game that is based on contracts.
I don’t want to bid, play, or be the leader and play any card. I don’t want to always follow suit although I certainly see why that’s important. I don’t want North to win a trick by trumping aka ruffing with the three of diamonds. It’s not my thing.
If I’m going to deal with North, South, East and West I’d rather play Mahjongg, click some tiles, and deal with the Dots, Bams, Craks and more.
Instead I’ve started some marathon games of Rummikub with several friends. Sometimes I host them then they host them and we all take turns. We are a much rowdier bunch and we have fun. We bring snacks or prepare snacks like fresh bowls of piping hot popcorn and enjoy drinking sodas with slices of lemon or lime attached to the sides of the glasses.
If someone makes a joke and bursts out laughing no one glares at them to be quiet. It’s a much lighter atmosphere yet playing Rummikub well takes a certain degree of skill. It requires strategy and creativity plus the ability to meld
the tiles and maximize the use of the jokers.
After I’ve had my fill of playing Rummikub and whatever other board games we like I head home. There I watch my favorite TV shows - and watch the one reality TV show that I allot myself - because those are, after all, some of the perks of retirement.
During the warmer months I met my friend, Lisa, a few blocks over at a park to play a couple of games of Backgammon. Sitting across from each other in the concrete chairs, we placed the board on the concrete table and got our checkers ready.
The first time we met we rolled a die to see who went first. She went first once and I went once then it turned out that she won a game and I won a game. Other games of Backgammon were pretty similar. It was fun playing the games and it was good to see Lisa, to chat and to relax outside in the fresh air.
One day while on a Backgammon break I phoned my friend, Jeffrey, who worked as an electrician for 40 years and retired over a year ago. Jeff told me all about the vegetable garden he planted in the back yard of his Huntington home. He and his wife had always grown tomatoes out back but he has a large back yard and had told me many times that he always dreamed of expanding his garden to grow cucumbers, string beans and radishes as well as the tomatoes.
Sure enough last spring Jeff planted
GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....
the seeds and in the summer his hard work paid off. He plucked the ripe vegetables out of his garden, rinsed them off and his family enjoyed eating them for dinner.
He and his wife canned the extra vegetables and gave them to friends and family. Since one by one my contemporaries were retiring I was happy to hear about people who were making some of their dreams come true.
Jeff is happy gardening but my friends and I like going to the movies in the afternoon. For those of us who usually worked 9-5 jobs, it’s such a novelty. We also like stopping by our favorite specialty coffee shop. Depending on the season and the weather, a hot cappuccino or a frozen coffee always hits the spot. I skip the donuts and just take the drink and my waistline thanks me for that.
Getting together with friends and relatives who moved out of town several years ago has been good because for a while there, when I was working full-time, it was hard to meet up with people. I thought that I would always be keeping in touch via Skype and that technology isn’t exactly touchy feely. Today I’ve got lots of options - flying from one state to another to visit people, taking the train, or getting in the car and just going. Life after retirement is exactly as I imagined it would be. I’ve been meeting new people and having adventures that I never imagined I would have.
Gift of Travel: Take Advantage of Black Friday, CyberMonday, Holiday Specials to Give the Gift that Keeps Giving
Continued from page D3
Sierra Club arranges around 90 affordable volunteer trips each year through its Sierra Club Volunteer Vacations to engage in hands-on conservation work like building and maintaining trails, removing invasive plants and assisting on archaeological digs. For example: park maintenance in Hells Canyon, Idaho (with transportation by jet-boat up the Snake River Canyon), forestry service at the New York Botanical Garden (a 50-acre urban old-growth forest) and native-bird habitat restoration on the Big Island of Hawaii (with hiking in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park). (https://content.sierraclub.org/outings/ volunteer-vacations)
Adventure Life incorporates voluntourism into some of its trips. For example, on its trip to Ecuador’s Cotopaxi Volcano, travelers lend a hand with reforestation efforts, painting interpretive
signs and performing trail maintenance; a trip to Costa Rica’s Pacuare Reserve for whitewater rafting also includes two nights with biologists for research at an important nesting ground for leatherback turtles; a cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula enables travelers to take part in citizen science projects aboard the ship (www.adventure-life.com).
Village Experience expanded upon its fair-trade retail shop (which supports local craftsmen) to create an ambitious program that brings travelers into their villages, creating another stream of revenue (www.experiencethevillage.com).
Other entities offering voluntourism opportunities: Biosphere Expeditions (800-407-5761, www.biosphereexpeditions.org), Globeaware (www. globeaware.org/volunteer-vacations); Global Volunteers (https:// globalvolunteers.org/volunteer-worldwide/, 800-487-1074); American Hiking Society (americanhiking.org/volun-
teer-vacations); Projects Abroad (www. projects-abroad.org).
But don’t expect that because you are volunteering your services the trips are cheap, sometimes you pay for the privilege of doing good and your fees help support the mission.
On the other hand, during the holiday season, many of the operators offer substantial discounts for early bookings.
For example, Lindblad ExpeditionsNational Geographic has a new Alaska Family Offer, where with discounts for up to two children 22 and under traveling with two full paying adults on select 2020 Alaska departures: save 50% departing in May and August and save 25% departing in June and July. Also, there is Free Air for Adults from Seattle to Alaska for booking select 2020 Alaska departures by Dec. 31, 2019.
There is a whole category of experiential trips that not only enrich and inspire and make the world a better place,
but support important institutions like National Geographic, the Smithsonian
See page D6
Gift of Travel: Take Advantage of Black Friday, CyberMonday, Holiday Specials to Give the Gift that Keeps Giving
C ontinued from page D5
(which also offer student and family programs); Outward Bound, Road Scholar, Sierra Club (sierraclub.org), just a few examples.
Through the National Geographic Global Explorers Program, kids and teens learn to develop the skills and curiosity of an explorer while working alongside our certified field instructors -observing the behavior of blue-footed boobies, painting watercolors using glacier ice, or filling a field journal with wildlife sketches of all kinds (www. nationalgeographic.com/expeditions).
Traveling with National Geographic helps further the work of its scientists, explorers, and educators around the world (natgeo.com/giveback).
Indulge a fantasy: in addition to photography safaris, there are travel programs to indulge all sorts of fantasy: become a Broadway star at Broadway Fantasy Camp (www.braodwayfancamp); a rock-and-roll star at Rock n’ Roll Fantasy Camp in Las Vegas (www. rockcamp.com); or Baseball Fantasy Camp (Twenty four major league baseball teams offer annual fantasy camps, see: www.lineupforms.com/choosingthe-right-fantasy-baseball-camp.html)
Gifts for the Traveler
Still wedded to the idea of a material gift? There are umptium possibilities for the travel-bound, especially where some special-interest or activity that requires special gear or equipment is involved like skiing, biking, hiking, scuba diving or safariing is involved.
You can purchase some needed gear while also supporting the cause. For
example, go to Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s trail shop for all-new Great American Rail-Trail jerseys, gift memberships and trail guidebooks and help realize the dream of an a nation connected by rail trails (railstotrails.org).
Going traditional among our favorite suppliers: REI, www.rei.com/s/holiday-gifts-for-travelers, 800-426-4840; Eastern Mountain Sports, 888-463-6367, ems. com; LL Bean, 888-610-2326, llbean.com; Sun & Ski, 866-786-3869, sunandski.com; Tennis Express, TennisExpress.com; Bass Pro Shops, www.basspro.com. And of course, luggage (I love my Olympia USA 22 in. Green 8-Pocket Rolling Duffel for $25 purchased through homedepot.com if you can believe it; another great site is Luggageonline.com, 888-9584424).
Cameras are big on the list for travelers, with size and functionality among the key criteria. Some of the new smaller, mirrorless cameras have as much functionality as the larger digital SLR and use interchangeable lenses but tend to be fairly costly (in the $1000 range). What I look for when purchasing a camera for travel: decent digital zoom, ISO range, image stabilization, video capability, battery life, how fast the camera focuses and shoots and WiFi capability.
For something like a safari, you would need a good DSLR with great lenses to cover the various focal lengths, but for, say, a biking or hiking trip, that is, what can I wear around my neck, shoot with one hand while riding a bicycle that gives excellent quality images, image stabilization, decent zoom lens, auto focus, is fast and responsive on/ off/shoot, and is reasonably priced. I have found the Panasonic Lumix DMC
ZS70 to be ideal for this kind of travel (offered at $100 off, $298, at B&H), Panasonic Lumix DMC AZ100 (now on sale at B&H; B&H consistently has best inventory, prices, and holiday specials, plus excellent customer service, delivery and return policies, www.bhphotovideo. com, 800.606.6969, 212.444.6615).
The experts at this year’s PhotoPlus Expo also recommended: Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III (24.2 megapixel; 3x zoom, 24-072mm, ISO 100-25600); Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II (20.1 megapixel, 5x zoom, 24-120mm f 1.8 lens, Canon PowerShot G1X Mark III (24.2 megapixel, 3x zoom, 24-72 mm); Nikon Z 50,s Nikon’s first DX-format mirrorless camera. 20.9 megapixels, ISO 100-51200, which uses interchangeable lenses; Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III OM-D E-M5 Mark III with M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm II lens features dust-proof, splash-proof, freeze-proof construction in a compact and lightweight body.
Drones and GoPro-style cameras are also great gifts, as well as new accessories (like attachable lenses) that enhance the excellent photo capability of smartphones to give them more of the functionality of a camera.
Consider getting your traveler a waterproof camera for those adventures into the rainforest, snorkeling, whitewater rafting and such.
Or more spectacularly, what about a photo safari or a trip led by a master photographer, such as offered by Photo Safaris (www.photosafaris.com/ Destinations/Find-a-Trip); National Geographic (www.nationalgeographic.com); Photo Workshop Adventures (www.photoworkshopadventures.com);
and Nomad Photo Expeditions (www. nomadphotoexpeditions.com).
Lindblad Travel has photography tours with National Geographic photographers and with the B&H Photo Locker on many of its ships, you can even test-drive the latest gear. (expeditions.com/why-us/expedition-photography)
Give a Gift, Support the Institution Gift giving can support important institutions at the same time. Many of the great museums and institutions of the world offer some of the most interesting, innovative and creative items in their gift shops and you can support their endeavor by shopping online or through catalogs: the Metropolitan Museum of Art (metmuseum.org), the American Museum of Natural History (www.amnh.org), the Art Institute of Chicago (855-301-9612), Smithsonian (Smithsonianmag.com). The Nassau County Museum of Art and New-York Historical Society usually have special items oriented around major exhibitions (www.nyhistory.org), to list just a few. Zoos and aquariums and special attractions are fantastic to shop at, especially for kids: The Palm Beach Zoo (www.palmbeachzoo.org), for example, has eco-friendly items. There are also Adopt-an-Animal programs. The Bronx Zoo has similar programs and an online store (www.bronxzoostore.com). And you don’t have to visit the Kennedy Space Center, to get space-related items (www.thespaceshop.com), though visiting offers incomparable experiences. You might also consider gifting special experiences, like Zookeeper for a Day or an Overnight Campout at a Museum.
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has announced a new Alaska Family Offer that makes traveling next summer a lot more economical for families.
Xanterra Travel Collection is putting its Grand Canyon hotels on sale for the holidays. Scores of travel companies have special Black Friday, CyberMonday and holiday deals underway, for a great opportunity to give the Gift of Travel, the gift that keeps giving.
Another gift idea is to purchase family memberships in these entities, which gives a sense of “ownership” and encourages multiple or multi-day visits as well as giving access to benefits. Just call or go online to your favorite museum, zoo, aquarium, preserve, historic site or attraction. Often the memberships give you broad access like the Smithsonian Institution, Sierra Club (they produce a catalog of trips), National Trust for Historic Preservation (savingplaces. org)and its sister organization Historic Hotels of America (www.historichotels. org), Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Parks & Trail NY, National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA).
Also, National Trust for Historic Preservation offers Great Experiences & Tours, (nationaltrusttours.com) which has just introduced a new program to make history fun for families: Distinctive Destinations. From grand homes to artists’ studios to working farms, these places across America can add memorable moments to your off-the-beaten-path
road trip, create new opportunities for your next vacation, or even be your new favorite gift shop (https://savingplaces. org/distinctive-destinations). They even have created an online list of holiday experiences at its collection of historic holiday sites. (https://savingplaces.org/ collections/distinctive-destinations-historic-holidays).
© 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
REAL ESTATE WATCH
Do you know when the best times to sell (and buy) are?
I hope all my readers here and abroad, who celebrate Thanksgiving have had a wonderful, enjoyable and relaxing day; except for those who have young children and/or grandchildren that hopefully they didn’t wear you out. But I hope you have enjoyed all your family and friends on the day that we give thanks for all that we have, through the current turmoil here and abroad, and to have kept all our troops as safe as possible while away from their loved ones.
Back to business of educating my sellers, investors, purchasers, renters and lessees of residential and commercial properties.
This is a superb time to consider selling whatever type of property you may possess, because from my thirty-eight years in the business, the most serious and qualified purchasers are out there not and throughout the winter months.
The number one reason is that interest rates are at a fifty year low. My parents bought a home in Great Neck in 1956 and rates were around 6.04% from what I could read on their original commitment letter. So now that the rates are almost half that amount it’s an amazing moment in time to get your income, credit and debt to income well positioned to search out your starter, upgraded or dream home. Besides interest rates being so, so low and not only are there possibly some motivated
BY PHILIP A. RAICES
sellers who want to get out before any major snow fall or experience those dreadful heating bills, as gas and oil prices have increased this year; there are some extremely serious and very much qualified purchasers that are out there, looking for homes, investment properties, as well as rentals of residential and commercial properties.
Just because we are getting into the winter months doesn’t stop the qualified consumer from searching high and low for that specific “place to call home” or valuable investment or even a basic rental. It wasn’t that long ago that the rule of thumb was for people to stop looking for the winter and come back during the warmer spring and summer months.
That entire paradigm has been radically changed, especially since our housing inventory is still at less than six months; when historically six to seven months has been normal barometer. In 2008 our market succumbed to the subprime loan crisis and we sold our poisonous CDO’s (collateralized debt obligations) to other countries and Iceland almost went bankrupt from those toxic and deadly deals! Canada was one of the few countries that was
smart enough to avoid our Wall Street scams and their devious ways that were also provided by mortgage brokers and even some of our Realtors!
The market will still be strong for the next five years, as I mentioned in a column a few weeks ago based on five sources, the main one being Core Logic, who is a fairly accurate company, and who all predicted 2.9-4+% increases in the values of homes. There are always exceptions to rule of predictions, nothing is guaranteed but birth, taxes (if you are earning any serious money) and death, the rest is always negotiable. There are two PhD professors who (for the life of me I have forgotten their names and Siri as well as Alexa and the internet have not helped me find their names), who have been excellent prognosticators of our economy, who, I read somewhere that they too see the market continuing. I would appreciate it if maybe one of my readers will call me and will let me know their names, if I don’t find them first. The buyers are out there, but the sellers seem to very slowly putting their homes on the market.
However, to satisfy demand we desperately need more of you sellers to step up to the plate and put your homes on the market, only and only if you
have had it with the winters, high heating bills and the weekly and monthly upkeep and upgrades of your homes to keep them current. Moving down south or out west or to some exotic location like Costa Rica, Nicaragua etc. that will afford a real nice lifestyle with all that money you will earn that you can take with you. All I am asking you is to give it some serious thought and then we can get more of those “searchers of homes” into one!
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.
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INVITED ESTATE SALES BY TRACY JORDAN
Looking to sell items from your home?
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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
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
DONATE YOUR CAR to Wheels For Wishes, benefitting Make-a-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call 631317-2014 Today!
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REAL ESTATE FOR RENT
APARTMENT FOR RENT
APARTMENT FOR RENT
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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
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.
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REAL ESTATE WANTED
HOMES WANTED
GARDEN CITY
Young G.C. couple looking for a home to purchase in Garden City Pre-approved Close at your convenience. NO BROKERS PLEASE Call or Text: 516-729-2359
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STEPHANIE A. D’ANGELO, ESQ. Elder Law, Wills & Trusts Asset Preservation, Estate Planning, Probate & Estate Administration/Litigation 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530 516-222-1122 www.dangelolawassociates.com
COMPUTERS
COMPUTER ISSUES? FREE DIAGNOSIS by GEEKS ON SITE! Virus removal, data recovery! 24/7 Emergency Service, in home repair/on line solutions. $20 off any service! 844-892-3990
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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
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Available to clean Homes, Offices, Apartments, etc. Excellent LOCAL references. Contact Erika or Dunia 516-808-2940
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Love to write?
We are looking for articles on local topics, opinions, ideas, nice places to visit on Long Island, and even fiction. In our Discover magazine section, we will try to feature one new article and writer each week. Each writer will be reimbursed a stipend of $25.00, and articles should be between 1,500 and 3,000 words. If you want to be published and be part of an issue of Discovery, you may submit your article to: editor@gcnews.com
SHOPPING FOR SUPPORT
Clipping pet item coupons for Last Hope is a great and easy way to give your support. Every coupon we receive helps to defray our costs, particularly for dog and cat food. They can either be dropped off at our adoption center at 3300 Beltagh Avenue in Wantagh, or mailed to Last Hope, PO Box 7025, Wantagh 11793. Please share our need with your friends and family. Thank you! Visit http://lasthopeanimalrescue.org to read about Last Hope’s programs and to see the fabulous array of fantastic felines eagerly awaiting adoption into their forever homes!
Last Hope Part of the Chewy.com Rescue Program
If you haven’t tried Chewy.com yet for your pet food and supply purchases, this is a great time to check them out. Last Hope is now part of their rescue program. For each new customer that makes a purchase, Last Hope will receive a $20 donation. Click on the ad below or go directly to the Last Hope page at https:// www.chewy.com/rp/5941
ASK CARRIE
5 Ways to Make Giving a Family Affair This Holiday Season
Dear Reader: It seems we hear the word “gratitude” a lot these days. In spite of being faced with all kinds of challenges, the idea of being grateful for what you have -- whether it’s family, friends, financial security or just a beautiful moment -- appears to be a common theme. I like that concept, and I like the idea of using it as a way to focus on how we can help others -- in effect, how we can to share our own good fortune
To me, giving is an important part of everyone’s financial lives, and I think it’s something we should introduce our kids to at an early age. As you teach your kids how to manage their money and save a certain percentage for their future goals, it’s a natural extension to encourage them to earmark some of their money for a charitable cause.
So with Thanksgiving just ahead and Giving Tuesday coming right after, I want to share some ideas on how to introduce your kids to the importance of philanthropy and get the whole
family involved in giving this season:
1) Talk to Your Family About the Causes You Support and Why
As with so much in financial education, your kids can learn about giving by your example. So start by talking to your kids about the organizations you support. Discuss with them how you make giving choices. Do you support some national causes? What local charities are on your list? How do you decide how much to give? How often do you make contributions?
2) Let the Kids Research and Choose an Organization to Support
Have your kids make a list of what’s most important to them, whether it’s something like the environment, animal adoption, homelessness or hunger. Help them do some online research. Encourage them to consider local charities as well as national organizations and think about where their donations could have the greatest impact.
BY JEFF RUGG
Depending on your children’s age, you could have them look at an independent online rating service such as Charity Navigator or CharityWatch. The ideal would be to pick a family charity that you’d all agree to support together.
3) Decide on a Dollar Amount Each Family Member Can Give and Make It a Yearlong Family Project
This is a great way to reinforce basic money management skills. Have the kids consider their sources of income, whether an allowance, gifts or a job, and decide what percentage they could put toward the family charity each month. Include your own commitment.
Then decide how and where you’ll set the money aside -- ideally in an account that earns interest where you can all watch it add up. A quarterly family meeting to discuss -- and celebrate -- the growing balance can be a great motivator to keep going. You might also set a date when you’ll make your group donation to the charity you’ve all chosen.
4) Match Your Kids’ Donations to Show Your Support
As an added encouragement, consider matching your children’s donations. It doesn’t have to be dollar for dollar (after all, you’re making your own contribution), but even a small addition to their donations will show how important you think this project is -- and how proud you are of their efforts.
5) Volunteer as a Family
Giving isn’t just about money; giving your time can be just as valuable. Chances are there are numerous organizations in your own community that would welcome the gift of time. From libraries to animal shelters to food banks, volunteers are often in short supply. What a wonderful opportunity for you to work together as a family and share in an experience that can be as enriching for all of you as it is helpful to those in need.
Encouraging kids to support causes they care about is an excellent personal as well as financial lesson. It not only teaches them
to manage their money wisely but gives them a chance to reach out, connect and contribute to a more equitable, more caring world. And that’s something we all need -- not only during the holiday season but year-round!
Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz, Certified Financial Planner, is president of the Charles Schwab Foundation and author of “The Charles Schwab Guide to Finances After Fifty.” Read more at http://schwab.com/book. You can email Carrie at askcarrie@ schwab.com. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal or investment planning advice. To find out more about Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
COPYRIGHT 2019 CHARLES SCHWAB & CO. INC. (MEMBER SIPC) DISTRIBUTED BY CREATORS.COM (#1119-9SFT)
Central Boulevard School students celebrate Thoughtful Thursday
Fourth-graders in Maureen Luca’s class at Central Boulevard School in the Bethpage Union Free School District celebrated Thoughtful Thursday by decorating placemats for Meals on Wheels Recipients on
Nov. 21. Thoughtful Thursday is a monthly activity that allows students to contribute to their local community through various acts of kindness.
For November, students decorated Thanksgiving placemats with color-
Maureen Luca’s class participated in Thoughtful Thursday on Nov. 21 by creating colorful Thanksgiving placemats with positive messages for local Meals on Wheels recipients.
Fourth-grader Khloe Gabriele proudly showed off her special Thanksgiving placemat for a local Meals on Wheels recipient on Nov. 21.
ful drawings and positive messages for local Meals on Wheels recipients. The nonprofit organization provides meals for members of the community who have trouble preparing them themselves. This activity is a contin-
uation of the #ChooseKind theme for Thoughtful Thursday and the fourthgrade students were excited to be able to spread positivity with their creations.
Central Boulevard teacher Maureen Luca helped her fourth-grade students on Thoughtful Thursday to create Thanksgiving placemats for local Meals on Wheels recipients on Nov. 21.
On Nov. 21, Sianna Mandra stood in front of the positive messages she and her fourth-grade classmates wrote on colorful Thanksgiving placemats for local Meals on Wheels recipients.
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With current events, announcements, restaurant reviews, puzzles, and much more, there’s always something for everybody to enjoy!
Levittown students meet “Restart” author
Students from Jonas E. Salk Middle School and Wisdom Lane Middle School recently received a special visit from Gordon Korman, author of their summer reading book, “Restart.” The book was part of the Levittown Public Schools’ Summer Reading Extravaganza program. During the summer months, incoming sixth through eighth-graders from both schools read “Restart” and participated in activities relating to the book and reading discussion days at the Levittown Memorial Education Center.
Coordinated by Director of English Language Arts Kerin Slattery, Mr. Korman conducted three presentations for each grade level at both middle schools. He spoke about
“Restart,” along with his other books, and explained how he started writing. He also shared with students how to find story inspiration, the importance of research and more. A question and answer session was held at the end of each presentation.
Thirty readers from each school who actively participated in the Summer Reading Extravaganza also received a special treat during his visit. Select students were invited to a luncheon with Mr. Korman. Each school’s library was decorated in honor of the author’s visit and a pizza luncheon was served. The event allowed students to further connect with their summer reading author in a smaller setting. Mr. Korman made
an effort to stop at each table to get to know the students better as they enjoyed their lunch.
“It was cool to be able to meet Gordon Korman,” said Jonas E. Salk seventh-grader Robbie Freilich. “I like his writing style and I actually just finished another one of his books, “The Unteachables” yester -
day so it’s cool that he’s here today.” Towards the end of the luncheon, Mr. Korman spoke to the group and answered any questions that they had about him and his writing career. Each student took a picture with him and received a signed picture frame to remember the special day.
Photos courtesy of the Levittown Public Schools
Author Gordon Korman spoke with students at Jonas E. Salk Middle School during a special luncheon.
Author Gordon Korman (left) spoke with students at Wisdom Lane Middle School about being an author.
Clockwise from bottom left: Jonas E. Salk sixth graders Jayson Coffman, James DeLillo, Mario Arce and William Cardone had lunch with author Gordon Korman (middle).
Wisdom Lane eighth-grader Adam Conklin (right) met author Gordon Korman.
Levittown students soar on AP exams
More than 200 students from Division Avenue and General Douglas MacArthur high school in the Levittown Public Schools were recently commended as Advanced Placement Scholars for their exceptional achievement on the college-level AP exams. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on a student’s performance on these exams. AP courses completed with a score of 3 or higher on the final exam may afford students the opportunity to earn college credit.
• 136 students were recognized as AP Scholars, given to those who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams.
• 67 students were named AP Scholars with Distinction, given to students with an average score of at least a 3.5 on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.
• 59 students were selected as AP Scholars with Honor, having an average score of at least a 3.25 on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.
• 25 students received the AP Capstone Diploma, earning a 3 or higher in both AP Seminar & AP Research and also a 3 or higher on four additional AP exams.
• 13 students from both high schools were designated National AP Scholars, granted to those who receive an average score of at least a 4 on all AP exams taken and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams.
• 11 students received the AP Seminar and Research Certificate. These students earned a 3 or higher in both AP Seminar and AP Research.
• 1 student, William Chen from MacArthur High School, received the AP International Diploma, granted to students who earn an average score of at least a 3 or higher on five or more AP exams in three or more subject areas.
Toys for Tots collection underway
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 holiday season without something to bring them happiness,” Town Councilman Thomwas Hand said.
“By helping those in need experience the wonderful embrace of the holiday season, contributor’s will get to play an active role in bringing happiness to one of our nation’s most valuable resources for the future, our children,” Town Councilman Anthony Macagnone said.
For those who wish to donate to “Toys for Tots”, collection boxes can be found in the following Town facilities:
• Oyster Bay Town Hall North (54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay);
• Town Hall South (977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa);
• Department of Public Works Facility (150 Miller Place, Syosset);
• The Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center (at Bethpage
Community Park - 1001 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage);
• Syosset-Woodbury Community Park Community Center (Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury).
For more information, please contact the Councilmembers, co-chairs of the Collection Drive, at (516) 6246619 or (516) 624-6305; or visit www. oysterbaytown.com.
General Douglas MacArthur High School’s Advanced Placement Scholars currently enrolled in the Levittown Public Schools.
Division Avenue High School's Advanced Placement Scholars currently enrolled in the Levittown Public Schools.
Summit Lane students celebrate Fall Day
Summit Lane kindergartner Cassidy Creegan put bugs on her spiderweb.
Kindergarten students from Summit Lane Elementary School in the Levittown Public Schools celebrated the fall season and Halloween during their annual Fall Day on Oct. 29. Students from the school’s three kindergarten classes joined together to form three groups. The groups rotated through the different classrooms which were filled with hands-on fall related lessons and activities.
Kindergarten teachers Anne Garcia, Sheri Podell and Kathryn Stewart ran each classroom center as students learned about different topics. Kindergartners read the poem “Five Little Pumpkins” and counted their own
five pumpkins with Mrs. Garcia. In Mrs. Podell’s classroom, students made their own apple core out of paper plates and popsicle sticks. They filled their apple core with dot stickers, added color to their apple with dot markers and then colored their own Halloween bookmark.
Students continued to get into the Halloween spirit in Mrs. Stewart’s classroom. Here, kindergarten students learned more about spiders as they sang the “Itsy Bitsy Spider.” They also colored their own paper spider and counted foam bugs to sit on their spiderwebs. The fun-filled day allowed students to make new friends and learn along the way.
Photos courtesy of the Levittown Public Schools
Town Summer Recreation full day program
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
Conversational, opinionated, wordsmith?
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.
We’re looking for writers in our community to compose articles on local topics, opinions, reviews, worthy places to visit on Long Island, and even pieces of fiction. We aim to feature at least one new article and writer each week in our Discovery magazine section.
Email submissions: editor@gcnews.com
• Attach article and any photos (1MB), along with your name and contact info.
• Articles must be between 1,500 - 3,000 words. • Each writer will be reimbursed a stipend of $25.⁰⁰
Kindergarten students (from left to right) Delaney Stewart, Skylar Lynch, Isabella DeLillo, Xena Inman and Angelina Santana with their colorful apple core projects.
Kindergarten student Gavin Martin added pumpkins to his “Five Little Pumpkins” poem.
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,
LEGAL NOTICES
Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Dated: 10/8/2019
File Number: 32001
MNB
MIT 5854
4X 11/08,15,22,29
NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court Nassau County US BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE OF THE IGLOO SERIES III TRUST, Plaintiff, -against-
VIJAY DADLANI; PRAVEENA DADLANI; LANCASTER MORTGAGE BANKERS; KAVITA DADLANI, Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated, October 18, 2007 and entered with the Nassau County Clerk on October 25, 2007, as amended by an Order duly dated March 13, 2018 and entered with the Nassau County Clerk on March 19, 2018, Lisa Siano, Esq., the Appointed Referee, will sell the premises known as 3165 Dorset Lane, Levittown, New York 117565 a/k/a 3165 Dorset Lane, Hempstead, New York 11756 at public auction at Supreme Court of Nassau County, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, New York 11501, Calendar Control Part, on December 17, 2019 at 11:30
A.M. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York known as Section: 51; Block: 261; Lot: 8 will be sold subject to the provisions of filed Judgment, Index No. 011816/2006. The approximate amount of judgment is $416,333.25 plus interest and costs.
FRIEDMAN VARTOLO LLP 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. MIT 5855 4X 11/15,22,29,12/06
NOTICE OF SALE
Supreme Court
Nassau County
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR J.P. MORGAN MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST 2006-CW2, Plaintiff AGAINST WILLIAM C. GORMAN, LIONELLA LABONI AKA LIONELLA IABONI, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated March 20, 2019 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 17, 2019 at 11:30AM, premises known as 79 WINTER LANE, HICKSVILLE, NY 11801. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, SECTION 45, BLOCK 305, LOT 2. Approximate amount of judgment $560,045.27 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment for Index# 611569/2018.
GEORGE P. ESERNIO, ESQ., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC Attorney for Plaintiff 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221
MIT 5856
4X 11/15,22,29,12/06
NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court Nassau County BAYVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC, Plaintiff, vs.
KEITH P. HICKEY A/K/A KEITH HICKEY, BARBARA A. FALKENBACK A/K/A BARBARA HICKEY, et al., Defendants
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT In pursuance of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the office of the County Clerk of Nassau County on October 4, 2019, I, Victor Levin, Esq, the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on December 17, 2019 at the Calendar Control Part (CCP) Courtroom, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, County of Nassau, State of New York, at 11:30 A.M., the premises described as follows: 15 Crown Street Hicksville, NY 11801
SBL No.: 12-299-24
ALL THAT TRACT OF PARCEL OF LAND Situate in Hicksville, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York. The premises are sold subject to the provisions of the filed judgment, Index No. 602807/2018 in the amount of $467,583.26 plus interest and costs.
Todd Z. Marks, Esq. Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP Plaintiff’s Attorney
500 Bausch & Lomb Rochester, New York 14604 Tel.: 855-227-5072 MIT 5857
4X 11/15,22,29,12/06
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
LEGAL NOTICES
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 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
