Burns Ave. School Mini Marathon
Burns Avenue Elementary School students in Hicksville were “burning calories” during their mini marathon on Nov. 15. Held around the school’s back field, the activity had students moving and hearts pumping just in time for Thanksgiving. Students, staff and some family members joined in the fun while others cheered from the sidelines around the makeshift run route. Photo courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools
Arrest in commercial burglary
The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that the it's massive ‘Cruise-Thru’ Toys for Tots Collection Drive will take place at John Burns Park in Massapequa on Saturday, December 7, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. In partnership with the United States Marine Corps and Optimum, the Town is collecting toys to help families and those less fortunate throughout the community during the upcoming holiday season. In addition to the ‘Cruise-Thru’, collection boxes are located at Town facilities through December 13.
and help bring a smile to a child’s face this holiday season. Additionally, the event will feature a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a holiday drop box where children can drop their letters to Santa off at. Letters dropped off with a legible name and return address will be answered by Santa before the holiday.
“Toys for Tots sends a message of hope to less fortunate children who otherwise wouldn’t be receiving presents this holiday season. I urge residents, who can, to donate new unwrapped toys to any of our drop-off locations,” said Town Councilman Tom Hand. “By making a donation, you can help ease the financial burden of our families in need this holiday season.”
Toys for Tots collection boxes are located at the following locations:
• Oyster Bay Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay;
Idrizi is charged with Burglary 3rd Degree, Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree and Petit Larceny.
Nassau County Police arrested a Queens man for a commercial burglary which took place on November 29th. According to police, officers responded to Walgreens, at 210 South Broadway, for a commercial burglary. According to police, a man broke the front window of the store, entered the store and removed various merchandise from the shelves. He fled on foot in an unknown direction. After an investigation, police arrested Ali Idrizi, 30, in the parking lot of the Hicksville train station.
Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino said, “The Toys for Tots Drive has long been a huge success under the leadership of the U.S. Marine Corps, especially here in the Town of Oyster Bay, as just last year we collected close to 35,000 toys for Long Island children. I encourage all of our residents who are able to donate to this amazing cause, as the Toys for Tots Drive helps ensure that disadvantaged children within our community do not have to go the holiday season without something to bring them happiness.”
• Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa;
• Ice Skating Center at Bethpage Community Park, 1001 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage.
For more information, please call (516) 797-4121; or visit www.oysterbaytown. com. The Bethpage Newsgram is published every Friday by Litmor Publishing Corp. Periodical Postage paid at Hicksville, N.Y. 11801 Telephone 931-0012 - USPS 3467-68. Postmaster: Send Address Change to: The Bethpage Newsgram, 821 Franklin Ave., Suite 208, Garden City, N.Y. 11530 • Meg Norris Publisher
The ‘Cruise Thru Holiday Toy Drive’ will provide residents an excellent way to contribute directly to the cause
Food drive supports church pantry
Ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, New York State Senator Steve Rhoads teamed up with Pastor Iwy and the Hicksville United Methodist Church for a Thanksgiving Food Drive at Stop & Shop in Hicksville. Senator Rhoads thanks everyone in the community who generously donated food for this drive. With their help, Senator Rhoads was able to stock the entire food pantry at Hicksville United Methodist Church that will serve those in need in the local community this holiday season.
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A Kosher Taste of Long Island
and
Leader
Nassau County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker (D - Plainview) joined the Jewish Community Relations Council - Long Island (JCRC-LI) at their annual Kosher Taste of Long Island - a culinary celebration of Jewish culture and cuisine held at Temple Beth Sholom in Roslyn Heights on Tuesday, Nov. 19.
Deputy Minority Leader Drucker joined guests in sampling Long Island’s best Glatt kosher food, wine and spirits from top restaurants, markets, bakeries, caterers and more – all while socializing and supporting
JCRC-LI’s efforts to strengthen community relations.
“JCRC-LI is an outstanding partner in vital efforts to build greater understanding between Long Islanders from different ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds, and their leadership in combatting the persistent scourge of antisemitism is more essential than ever,” Deputy Minority Leader Drucker said. “I am tremendously proud to support JCRC-LI’s mission and look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to build a stronger and more unified and tolerant society.”
Jericho home damaged by fire
A Jericho home was extensively damaged by fire on Monday, November 25, at 10:28 p.m.
According to Nassau County Police, all occupants exited the Maytime Court home without injuries. The Jericho Fire Department responded with numerous other fire departments to extinguish the flames. There were no other injuries reported.
Deputy Minority
Drucker (right) with JCRC-LI Executive Director Mindy Perlmutter
Advisory Board Chairperson Stuart MordfinPhoto courtesy Office of Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker
POB Business Department
honored by teachers’ association
Members of the POBJFKHS Business Department were honored with the Department of the Year Award by the Business Teachers Association of New York State.
Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School’s (POBJFKHS) Business Department was honored with the Department of the Year Award by the Business Teachers Association of New York State (BTANYS). This award recognizes teaching departments that provide outstanding business education to their students.
The Business Teachers Association of New York State (BTANYS) supports and advocates for business educators by providing networking and professional development opportunities, with a focus on enhancing students’ readiness for college, careers, and civic life.
At POBJFKHS, the Business Department offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes:
• Business Management and Entrepreneurship and Business Law, both of which provide state Career and Technical Education diploma endorsements.
• W!SE Financial Literacy and Microsoft Office Specialist courses, offering industry-recognized credentials.
• 10 college-level courses, including a real estate class that
enables students to earn their New York State Sales License while still in high school.
• A work-based learning pro gram that provides real-world expe rience through internships and job opportunities.
These programs are complemented by extracurricular activities such as DECA, Moot Court, the Wall Street Investors Club, and the Business Honor Society, offering students additional avenues for growth and leadership.
“As the coordinator of the business department, I am immensely proud and thrilled that we have been named the NYS Business Department of the Year,” said District Social Studies Chairperson and Business Department Coordinator Maria Carnesi. “This honor reflects the hard work, dedica tion, and innovation of an incredible team of educators, whose commitment to providing outstanding educational experiences for our students truly sets them apart. It is a wonderful recogni tion of their collective efforts and fuels POB’s excitement to continue raising the bar in business education.”
Town ice skating rinks open for season
The Town of Oyster Bay’s outdoor ice skating rinks at Marjorie R. Post and Syosset-Woodbury Community Parks have officially opened for the season as of Friday, November 29, and remain open through Sunday, February 23.
“Ice skating is a fun activity for residents of all ages to enjoy, and the Town's outdoor ice rinks provide the perfect setting to relax, unwind, and take in the wonderful winter atmosphere,” said Councilman Lou Imbroto. “Our outdoor ice rink facilities are the perfect antidote to combating cabin fever during the winter months, and are the ideal way to help make coping with the cold fun and enjoyable!”
Public Skating Sessions are available
4 p.m.–6 p.m., and 7 p.m.–9 p.m., and Sunday, November 26, from 1 p.m.–3 p.m. and 4 p.m.–6 p.m.
For residents wishing to take advantage of ice skating but do not wish to be outdoors, the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center is open year-round and is located at 1001 Stewart Ave. in Bethpage. Indoor skating is open to the public seven days a week, with special extended hours on most holidays and school breaks. For a full list of hours, visit the Town’s website at www.oysterbaytown.com/ice
For information on schedules, fees and rink programs, call (516) 797-7990 for the Marjorie Post Park Outdoor Rink or (516) 677-5990 for the Syosset-Woodbury Park Outdoor Rink. All information is available on the Town's website at
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BHS Masquers’ Guild presents “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940”
From Nov. 22-24, Bethpage High School’s Masquers’ Guild presented their fall production of “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” by John Bishop. This hilarious and suspenseful comedy, inspired by 1940s mystery movies like “The Cat and the Canary”, delivered a night of plot twists, quirky characters, and farcical fun, making it an unforgettable whodunit experience.
Set in December 1940, the story unfolded in a mysterious mansion
where intrigue began with an eerie twist: Elsa Von Grossenknueten’s maid, Helsa, was murdered by a masked figure. Unaware of the crime, Elsa and a detective, Michelle Kelly, set the stage for suspense. As guests arrived for a backer’s audition for a new musical, the group quickly realized they shared a sinister connection: their previous collaboration, “Manhattan Holiday”, had been overshadowed by the unsolved murders of three women by the infa-
mous “Stage Door Slasher.”
The eccentric cast of characters included an Irish tenor, a flamboyant director, a charming young performer and a nervous comedian, all brought to life by the talented students of the Masquers’ Guild. The production kept the audience on their toes with secret passageways, a power outage, coded notebooks, and escalating mayhem, culminating in an unexpected and laughout-loud revelation of the Stage Door
Slasher’s identity.
This production was a testament to the hard work and dedication of Bethpage students, both on stage and behind the scenes. Under the direction of Mr. Zachary Levy, the Masquers’ Guild put in countless hours to bring this classic comedy to life, delighting audiences and showcasing the remarkable talent of Bethpage High School.
Elsa Von Grossenknueten (played by Amanda Schneider), hosts a cast of eccentric characters at her mansion, including an Irish tenor, played by Ashdon Chadwick.
Haley Flaherty and Katherine McHugh play ingenue Nikki Crandall and director Kendra de la Maize.
The cast of “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” at Bethpage High School put in hours of work to bring this comedy to life.
Amber Nargentino plays Bernice Roth, the drunken lyricist.
Photos courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District
Levittown band performs at NYS conference
Legislator honors Manetto Hill JC rabbi
The Levittown School District’s marching band team, including middle schoolers and high schoolers from eighth to 12th grade, gave a fierce performance at a statewide conference championship, placing them second among all Long Island competitors.
The Blue Dragons competitive marching band – which includes students from Wisdom Lane and Jonas E. Salk Middle Schools, and Division
Avenue and General Douglas MacArthur High Schools – competed at the New York State Field Band Conference Championship at the JMA Dome in Syracuse on Oct. 27. After a very successful and tight season, the band placed seventh in the state and second on Long Island in the Large School 2 Division with an impressive score of 86.175. Their 2024 show was titled “The Lost Boy: A Neverland Tale.”
Town to accept letters to Santa
The Town of Oyster 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 16th with a legible name and return address will be answered by Santa before the holiday. No postage is necessary.
Colorful red mailboxes will be accessible during regular business hours
(9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.) at the following locations:
• Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay
• Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa
• Ice Skating Center, 1001 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage
For more information about Santa’s Mailboxes, call (516) 624-6380 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com
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County Legislature
Plainview) .
Nassau County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker (D – Plainview) joined more than 170 congregants, community and family members at the Manetto Hill Jewish Center on Sunday, Nov. 17, for a special brunch celebrating the renewed contract for Rabbi Neil Schuman, the length of which underscores his tremendous impact, inspiration and spiritual leadership to the Temple, its congregants and the surrounding community over the past 10 years.
“This contract solidifies the unique
and steadfast commitment Manetto Hill Jewish Center, its congregants, and Rabbi Neil have in each other, and soundly puts this Synagogue on a firm and bright path for success and enrichment for the next 10 years,” Deputy Minority Leader Drucker said. “This truly unique circumstance illustrates the strength of the bond they have built and their shared passion for serving and growing their shared faith community, and it was a pleasure to join Russ Blatt and the entire Manetto Hill community to celebrate this remarkable milestone.”
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The districtwide Levittown marching band team competed against other teams across the state at the New York State Field Band Conference Championship on Oct. 27.
Photo courtesy of Levittown Public Schools
Rabbi Neil Schuman (left) of Manetto Hill Jewish Center received a citation from Nassau
Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker (D –
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LEGAL NOTICES
NASSAU COUNTY LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that a license, number “Pending”, for beer, wine and cider, has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, wine and cider, at retail in a restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 100 N. Broadway, Hicksville, New York 11801, Nassau County, for on premise consumption. BROADWAY EATS INC., d/b/a Wild Fig, 100 N. Broadway, Hicksville, New York 11801.
BENITEZ, ET AL.,
Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 11, 2019, an Order for Extension of Time to Conduct Foreclosure Sale duly entered on November 27, 2019 and an Order for Extension of Time to Conduct Foreclosure Sale duly entered on December 18, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 7, 2025at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 141 West Avenue, Hicksville, NY 11801. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 45, Block 46 and Lot 289. Approximate amount of judgment is $907,661.64 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #005314/2015. Barton Slavin, Esq., Referee Greenspoon Marder, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105, Attorneys for Plaintiff
NASSAU COUNTY
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Notice of Formation of 100 SOUTH 31ST LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/21/2024. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to 100 SOUTH 31ST LLC: P.O. BOX 0271, HICKSVILLE, NY 11802-0271. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
NASSAU COUNTY
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Notice of Formation of 153 NORTH 27TH LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/06/2024. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to 153 NORTH 27TH LLC: P.O. BOX 0271, HICKSVILLE, NY 11802-0271. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
NASSAU COUNTY
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Notice of Formation of 96 SOUTH 29TH LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/21/2024. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to 96 SOUTH 29TH LLC: P,O. BOX 0271, HICKSVILLE, NY 11802-0271. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
NASSAU COUNTY
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Notice of Formation of 292 PARKWAY LLC . Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/21/2024. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to 292 PARKWAY LLC: P.O. BOX 0271, HICKSVILLE, NY 11802-0271. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
NASSAU COUNTY
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Notice of Formation of 53 SOUTH 23RD LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/21/2024. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to 53 SOUTH 23RD LLC: P.O. BOX 0271, HICKSVILLE, NY 11802-0271. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
NASSAU COUNTY
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Notice of Formation of 34 EAST BOOKER LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/06/2024. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to 34 EAST BOOKER LLC: P.O. BOX 0271, HICKSVILLE, NY 11802-0271. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
NASSAU COUNTY
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Notice of Formation of 5 SOUTH 28TH LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/21/2024. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to 5 SOUTH 28TH LLC: P.O. BOX 0271, HICKSVILLE, NY 11802-0271. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
NASSAU COUNTY
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Notice of Formation of 57 SOUTH 23RD LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/21/2024. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to 57 SOUTH 23RD LLC : P.O. BOX 0271, HICKSVILLE, NY 11802-0271. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
One-stop Passport Weekend at Town Hall
To help residents looking to obtain new passports, Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca announced that his office will offer a special onestop Passport Weekend on Saturday, December 7, and Sunday, December 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at both Town Hall North in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South in Massapequa.
"Residents looking to apply for a new passport are invited to visit Town Hall during Passport Weekend to receive assistance," said Town Clerk LaMarca.
Requirements for applying for a passport include:
• One 2x2 color photograph with a clear view of the applicant's face against a plain white or light colored background. Photos will also be available for $10 at both Town Halls North and South during Passport Weekend.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship - Previously issued undamaged U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, Naturalization Certif-
icate, or Certificate of Citizenship.
• Proof of Identity - Naturalization Certificate, Valid Driver's License (cannot have been issued or renewed in the last six months), Current Government ID (city, state or federal), Current Military ID (military and dependents).
• This service does NOT apply to Adult Renewals unless your Passport is expired for 5+ years.
Town Clerk LaMarca has offices located at Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road in Massapequa. Passport appointments are available Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and during this special Passport Weekend. For appointments in Oyster Bay, please call (516) 624-6324. For appointments in Massapequa, please call (516) 797-7962.
For information on passport requirements and processing times, as well as instructions for passport renewals, visit www.travel.state.gov.
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NASSAU COUNTY
NOTICE OF FORMATION
Notice of Formation of Carty Pharm LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/18/2024. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Megan Carty: 2 Wander Lane Wantagh, NY 11793. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Club hockey team combines fun and competition on the ice
BY GARY SIMEONE
There are three local school districts that have combined to makeup one of the teams in the HS Hockey League of Nassau County (NY Islanders HS Hockey League.) Levittown, East Meadow and most recently the Hicksville School District, have merged together to form one of the club teams known as the Ice Falcons.
Tom Columbia, general manager of the Ice Falcons, said that the club team is not school sponsored, but that the players put in their all every game and practice.
“We are a not-for-profit club team run by volunteers and we are not funded by the school districts due to the high budget for ice hockey,” said Columbia. “These kids are athletes who compete just as hard as kids on other school sports teams. All three of our teams from the varsity, jv and middle school level, are off to good starts this season in their respective leagues.”
There are currently 38 kids from both the Levittown and Hicksville districts that play in three different teams in the league. They play on the middle school, jv and varsity level and range in age from ten to seventeen years old.
The teams compete against other school districts from Nassau County
including teams from BellmoreMerrick, Wantagh/Seaford/Plainedge, Farmingdale and Cold Spring Harbor.
Columbia said that there are two divisions (East/West) at the middle school and JV level and the varsity division is based on how teams finished in the standings in previous seasons.
“The varsity level is based on how teams ended up finishing in prior years,” said Columbia. “There are the top eight teams who are placed in Division one and bottom ten teams who are placed in the lower division. This way teams at this level will get to play each other twice during the season and there is better competition for all the teams involved.”
Brandon Dalton, a Hicksville High School senior, has been playing on the varsity team since he was a freshman.
“The thing I love about this league is that it is so competitive from top to bottom,” said Dalton. “All of the coaches are so knowledgeable about the sport and I’ve formed a strong bond with them over the years. I’ve also bonded with my teammates and we are all close with each other both on and off the ice.”
Dalton has scored sixty goals in his four-year career with the Ice Falcons thus far. He will be looking to add more goals this season, which runs from
November until mid February.
Jayden Cruz, a freshman at Hicksville High School, said that his first year competing at the varsity level has been a blast.
“I’ve been interested and involved in the sport since I was younger and making the varsity team was a great accomplishment for me,” said Cruz. “I love the physical and mental aspect of the game and the fast-pace at which it’s played. Since joining the varsity, the coaches have worked with me and made
me a more disciplined player.”
The team practices every Monday night at Cantiague Park for their upcoming games.
The Ice Falcons currently hold a 5-2 record in their division. They will be looking to add to their win total when they play Plainview-Old Bethpage/ Island Trees in an away game on Friday December 6th.
To find out more about the Ice Falcons club hockey team, you can visit the website, icefalcons.com.
or visit FlushingBank.com
Brendan Dalton
Jayden Cruz
Cheeriest Winter Holiday Season Driveable Destinations
BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM
Some places really exude the storybook, magical, wonderland vibe of the winter holiday season, filling everyone with good cheer and lifelong memories.
Holiday Escape to Newport
Historically considered a summer playground, Newport, Rhode Island transforms into a magical winter wonderland each holiday season. For 54 years, the city has celebrated Christmas in Newport with festive light displays, charming holiday markets, seasonal feasts and visits from Santa Claus.
Holidays at the Newport Mansions:
The Breakers: “Sparkling Lights at The Breakers” dazzles with a half-mile stroll through an outdoor path of glittering lights and colorful displays as holiday music fills the evening air. The 13-acre landscape of this Gilded Age landmark is decorated with illuminated features, including a new 60-foot lighted tunnel and a display that suggests water fountains.
Admission to Sparkling Lights at The Breakers requires a special ticket with a specific date and entry time, and includes interior access to The Breakers during the same visit (www.newportmansions.org/events/ sparkling-lights-at-the-breakers-2024).
Also: The Newport Contemporary Ballet Presents: Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff presents the timeless story of The Nutcracker; see the decorations at Marble House and The Elms, while Chateau-sur-Mer is open for the first time in 25 years, for the first two weeks of the season.
Visit www.newportmansions. org/events/holidays-at-the-newportmansions-2024
Wrap yourself in history at The Hotel Viking, a member of Historic Hotels of America, nestled in the Historic Hill district on famed Bellevue Avenue, which opened in 1926 to accommodate the haute monde (https://www.historichotels.org/ us/hotels-resorts/the-hotel-viking/).
Another great choice is the Vanderbilt Newport, once the mansion home of Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt (https:// aubergeresorts.com/vanderbilt/stay/)
See: https://www.discovernewport. org/events/christmas-in-newport/
‘Only in DC’ Experiences in the Nation’s Capital From European-style markets, hotels and restaurants in the holiday spirit, to the presidential inauguration and highly anticipated return of the giant pandas, Washington, DC offers one-of-a-kind experiences for every traveler.
Dazzling Displays:
Pathway of Peace, Dec. 5-Jan. 1, 2025, free to enter, is surrounded by trees decorated with handmade ornaments from 58 U.S. states and territories.
National Menorah Lighting, Dec. 25-Jan. 2, 2025,Hannukah begins with the lighting ceremony of the world’s largest menorah on the White House Ellipse.
ZooLights, Nov. 22-Jan. 4, 2025: Environmentally friendly LED lights and dozens of glowing animal lanterns transform Smithsonian’s National Zoo into a winter wonderland.
Frosted at Franklin Park 2024: Illumination, Nov. 22-Dec. 21: Wander through a breathtaking, free display of thousands of tiny festive bright lights, bringing a shimmery cool front to Franklin Park.
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, Dec. 3-Jan. 1, 2025: A 54-year tradition on the West Lawn, this year’s tree comes from Alaska’s national forests.
National Christmas Tree and
Season’s Greenings at the U.S. Botanic Garden, Nov. 28-Jan. 5, 2025:
GOING PLACES NEAR AND FAR
Model trains in the gated outdoor gardens, festive lights throughout the Garden and poinsettias, holiday decor and DC landmarks made from plants inside the Conservatory.
Seasonal Events:
A Christmas Carol, Nov. 21-Dec. 31: Acclaimed actor Craig Wallace reprises the role of Ebenezer Scrooge for Ford’s Theatre’s annual production of the Charles Dickens classic, a lasting holiday tradition.
The Washington Ballet presents The Nutcracker, Nov. 30-Dec. 29: This DC-themed production at the Warner Theatre features dancing cherry blossoms, local landmarks and figures like Betsy Ross, Harriet Tubman and George Washington.
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show, Dec. 13-22: Celebrating 30 years, the world’s first holiday show highlighting the African American tradition of stepping returns to Arena Stage.
A Candelight Christmas, Dec. 15-22: Join the Washington Chorus in celebrating the 15th anniversary of its annual concert, ringing in the holiday season with joy, spirit and unity at the Kennedy Center.
New this year, an ice-skating rink is built inside the majestic National Building Museum, dubbed the Holiday Skate Spectacular.
Festive hotels:
The historic Willard Inter continental famously transforms into a magical holiday wonderland complete with nightly caroling (and was this year’s winner of Historic Hotels of America’s best city center historic hotel). The chic Riggs Hotel collaborates with celebrated fashion designers for its bejeweled tree; Christopher John Rogers and Farrow & Ball have the honours this year. The Waldorf Astoria and Conrad Washington, December 6, 2024
Continued on next page
GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....
Cheeriest Winter Holiday Season Driveable Destinations
Continued from previous page
DC boast Instagram-worthy seasonal decorations. Rosewood Washington, DC’s The Lodge at CUT Above offers an immersive winter atmosphere, while a winter chalet pops up at Kimpton Monaco’s Dirty Habit, complete with an on-site snow cannon. The Fairmont Washington, DC Georgetown offers Nutcracker afternoon tea and the Capital Hilton offers a Nutcracker themed suite and lobby scavenger hunt.
Preparation is already underway for the 60th presidential inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025. Hotels, restaurants and attractions in neighborhoods across the city are offering thematic packages, menus, exhibits and tours. Destination DC serves as a free resource for visitors at washington. org/inauguration, offering ideas for presidential experiences, free ways to pay tribute to American history and hotel deals
And on Jan. 24, 2025, Bao Li and Qing Bao will publicly debut at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, making DC the only place to see giant pandas for free. Themed offerings are planned throughout the city. Given the immense public interest and excitement, the Zoo is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors daily. Timed entry passes are released here four weeks out. The Zoo is also famous for hosting its gorgeous ZooLights during the holidays.
Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization of the nation’s capital, provides ways to plan unforgettable and budget-friendly trips at washington.org/winter.
Philadelphia Offers Potpourri of Holiday Festivities
With scores of dazzling light displays, holiday markets, festive shows and seasonal attractions, the holidays are an especially magical time in Philadelphia.
Macy’s Christmas Light Show and Dickens Christmas Village (Macy’s, 1300 Market Street, thru Dec. 31): The Grand Court in the National Historic Landmark Wanamaker Building
has hosted the iconic Christmas Light Show since 1956. Daily displays feature thousands of twinkling lights in the shapes of snowflakes, candy canes and dancing snowmen accompanied by seasonal sounds from the famed Wanamaker Organ.
Winter at Dilworth Park (1 S. 15th Street, next to City Hall) Free events and cool attractions include: The Wintergarden open-air wonderland; Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market; Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink.
LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo (Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Avenue, select dates thru Dec. 31): Immersive display transforms the Philadelphia Zoo into a nighttime multimedia spectacle with 1 million holiday lights in 16 distinct zones, seasonal snacks, live performances, hot chocolate and adult beverages (Timed tickets are required.)
Holiday Garden Railway and Nighttime Express at Morris Arboretum & Gardens (Morris Arboretum & Gardens, 100 E. Northwestern Avenue, select dates thru Dec. 30): One of the country’s largest outdoor model train displays, mini locomotives wind their way through a 1/3 mile of loops, tunnels, bridges and Philly landmark replicas. Included with admission to Morris Arboretum. See it at night - illuminated trees and allby purchasing tickets to the Nighttime Express.
See all the holiday attractions: https:// www.visitphilly.com/holidays-in-philadelphia/
Christmas in Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley
Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley, Delaware really know how to celebrate the holidays:
Yuletide at Winterthur (5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE 19735,Nov. 23, 2024-Jan. 5, 2025) Yuletide charm
meets contemporary creativity in the historic 175-room mansion, and woodland whimsy awaits outdoors. Delight in beautifully decorated trees and marvel at a large-scale gingerbread “house” and a magical 18-room dollhouse. Purchase tickets online, Winterthur.org or call 800448-3883.
Holidays at Hagley (298 Buck Road, Wilmington, DE 19807, thru Jan. 1, 2025) Tour Eleutherian Mills and encounter the holiday decorations and traditions of multiple generations of the du Pont family (hagley.org).
Noel at Nemours Estate (1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803, Nov. 19-Dec. 29, 2024): Alfred I. duPont built “America’s Versailles” for his wife on a 3,000-acre plot in Wilmington in the early 20th century and they started opening their home at Christmas from the year they moved in. Today, the estate celebrates the holiday season with a blend of original decorations – including 19th-century German crèche – and modern design, with 17 Christmas trees, 19 wreaths, and garland throughout.
Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens (Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, Dec. 1, 2024-Jan. 15, 2025): with hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights spreading holiday cheer every night..
Brandywine Museum of Art (1 Hoffman’s Mill Rd., US Rt. 1, Chadds Ford, PA 19317) is famous for its outstanding collection of American art, especially galleries dedicated to N.C., Andrew and Jamie Wyeth, housed in a 19th-century mill overlooking the Brandywine River. During the holidays, though, the Brandywine Museum is most famous for The Brandywine Railroad, a holiday favorite since 1972, features O-gauge model trains running on 2,000 feet of track and contains 1,000 pieces.
See: https://www.visitwilmingtonde. com/things-to-do/holiday-magic-in-greater-wilmington-delaware/
How to Win the Balance Transfer Game
BY MARY HUNT
There’s nothing enjoyable about credit card debt. An outstanding balance of $5,000 at 29.99% interest means you’re paying about $1,500 a year just in interest. Imagine if that $1,500 could instead go toward repaying the balance. You’d pay it off much faster instead of stretching it out over years. And years.
If you’re carrying credit card debt, strategically using a balance transfer could help you escape the burden. However, there are risks to be aware of -- pitfalls that could worsen your situation if not handled strategically.
To succeed with a balance transfer, you
need financial discipline and maturity. If you’re ready to commit, follow this strategy:
STEP 1: FIND THE RIGHT BALANCE TRANSFER CREDIT CARD
Look for a card offering at least 15 months of 0% interest, no annual fee, and minimal or no balance transfer fees. A free website like IndexCreditCards.com can help you compare options.
STEP 2: READ THE FINE
Carefully review the terms and conditions before applying. Make sure you fully understand the introductory rate, balance transfer fees and any other important details.
Unwrap Holiday Traditions at Historic Hotels of America
A holiday stay at any one of the 300 members of Historic Hotels of America is guaranteed to capture the spirit of the season – each one encapsulates, even animates the history and heritage of its place, offering charm and tradition.
For a close-by country Christmas on an enchanted lake, choose The Sagamore, a historic luxury resort at Bolton Landing, on Lake George, which not only is decked to the halls and affords fun holiday and winter activities, but is within a 45 minute drive to Gore Mountain (https://www. opalcollection.com/sagamore/experiences/)
Another, the historic Red Lion Inn in the charming village of Stockbridge, Massachusetts in the Berkshires (as picturesque as a Norman Rockwell painting), provides easy access to Jiminy Peak ski resort.
One of my all-time favorites is the historic Woodstock Inn and Resort, in historic and utterly charming Woodstock Vermont (“prettiest small town in America”), which also offers everything of a resort including its own recreation center with indoor swimming, spa, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and access to its own downhill ski area, Saskadena Six (formerly known as Suicide Six) (https://www. woodstockinn.com/).
Historic Hotels of America’s Best Historic Resort, Colonial Williamsburg Resorts - Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection, and Colonial Houses (1750) and Williamsburg Inn (1937) - is also the centerpiece of one of the most magical places to spend the winter holidays, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia.
To find a member, visit HistoricHotels. org/US
© 2024 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com
STEP
3: CREATE A REPAYMENT PLAN
After transferring your balance, divide the total amount owed by the number of months in the 0% introductory period. This calculation gives you the monthly payment required to eliminate the balance within the promotional timeframe. Commit to this amount.
STEP 4: AVOID USING THE NEW CARD
The new account should be dedicated solely to paying off the transferred balance. Don’t make new purchases with it. Don’t carry that card with you “just in
on page 6
Oh, those marvelous Christmas stockings!
BY CLAIRE LYNCH
It’s Christmastime and Betsy and Bill have been busily preparing for the big holiday. They have been reminding their three children about the true meaning of the day - the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, in a land far away - and they were excited about celebrating it with their extended family.
Morning Mass was first on their list then they would head home to open the presents that had been wrapped and carefully placed under the Christmas tree. The guests would arrive for appetizers and dinner at 4 p.m. and before that it would still be Betsy, Bill, Jessica, Mitch and Cheryl.
That would give them plenty of time to enjoy the tradition of digging into the stockings that hung on the mantelpiece. Those stockings were hung by the chimney with care and a roaring fire helped add to the Christmas festivities.
Each stocking had their names inscribed in script on them and Betsy had told Bill ahead of time that she wanted their kids to be excited when they dug into their Christmas stockings. And even more than that she wanted these particular gifts to be memorable.
She’d boxed and wrapped a pair of earrings for their daughter, Jessica, and carefully placed them in the toe of her stocking. Good things come in small packages. For months now Jessica, who was 12, had been asking to get her ears pierced and Betsy had put her off saying she was too young. Jessica would be so excited and surprised about the earrings. Betsy and Bill agreed that she was maturing so they thought, let’s help make her wish come true.
Their son, Mitch, 11, wanted a snazzy wrist watch and he’d pointed out one with a moon face to Bill when they’d gone shopping a few months ago. It had a moon on the face of the watch and a brown leather strap so it dressed up his outfits. Bill remembered that type of watch from years ago and he agreed that it looked pretty neat so he and Betsy got one, wrapped it up and put it in his stocking.
Their youngest daughter, Cheryl, was 4 and she kept talking about getting a playhouse for the back yard. Bill had spent some time designing and building one in the basement and by springtime that playhouse would be ready. They knew Cheryl would be so surprised. But one thing was there was no way a playhouse would fit into Cheryl’s stocking so Betsy wrote a note on a goodsized piece of paper, folded it neatly and placed it in her stocking. The stockings were filled with chocolate Santas, fruit and a toy.
Betsy and Bill agreed that the promise of her very own playhouse would be good enough for Cheryl - she’d patiently wait for it to be placed outside then call everyone for a party. With a dramatic flair Cheryl would have a grand opening of her very own playhouse.
For Bogart, their dog, getting a stocking stuffer was easy. He had plenty of favorite things: toys, dog bones and treats. Their cat, Mittens, was easy, also. She likes cat treats and Betsy knew just what to get for her.
The family had seven Christmas stockings hanging from the mantel but the gifts for Betsy and Bill didn’t fit into them. Additional notes would have to do the trick. Betsy reached into her stocking and found a gift certificate to the local spa.
Bill’s wish was for tickets to see the Broadway show “Chicago” in NYC and sure enough when he reached his hand into his stocking he came up with tickets for two. Bill was happy about that and Betsy laughed because “Chicago” is one of the longest-running shows on Broadway but Bill had never seen it. She assured him that he’d like the music - “Chicago” has got some satire
and some “Razzle Dazzle” plus “All That Jazz” which are right up Bill’s alley.
For Christmas dinner, Betsy and Bill had invited both sets of grandparents and some cousins to their house. There would be 14 altogether so Bill had set up a second table in the dining room. Christmas songs would play softly from speakers and the family would set the tables with holiday tablecloths plus their fine china and best silverware.
The guests arrived bearing presents and the mood was festive. While the adults talked in the living room the kids played with the colorfully painted nutcrackers that were scattered throughout the house. Betsy had placed them on windowsills, tabletops and on the mantel and they were irresistible.
With their unique expressions and cutely painted costumes, the kids had fun acting out make-believe games and using the nutcrackers to open the walnuts they found on the coffee table. Those nutcrackers sure were functional and amusing to play with, too.
Betsy brought a tray of hot chocolate mugs into the living room as well as a plate of Christmas cookies. They were the pfeffernusse cookies, German spice cookies that one of the grandmothers had baked the day before from scratch. The guests saw the cookies dusted with the white confectioners’ sugar and even from a distance they looked delicious.
At first everyone said they were too full to eat them but soon everyone was
enjoying the cookies and sipping their hot chocolate.
After hours of talking and telling family stories, as guests left Bill handed each person their coat. Bogart danced around excitedly and Mittens hid behind the couch.
Betsy and Bill had outdone themselves with the Christmas stocking stuffers this year and each one was delighted with their gifts. It would be a holiday for the books, one that everyone would remember for many years to come. Santa had been thoughtful and generous and as they waited for Mr. Sandman to come they pulled up their covers and closed their eyes contentedly. It had indeed been a good night!
This is fiction.
Merry Christmas to all! I wish you Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukkah, and a Happy and Healthy New Year!
BY TOM MARGENAU
I have always been amazed by the number of people who think Social Security is unique to the United States. Or if not truly unique, they figure that maybe a couple of those “socialist” countries such as Sweden and Denmark might have social insurance programs in place, but surely not too many other places. As someone once said to me following a speech I had given: “You know that Social Security is just one of the social experiments forced on this country by FDR and it’s doomed to failure just like so many of his other New Deal programs.”
This guy obviously was not a history major. But he mimicked views held by so many people: that Social Security is some kind of income redistribution experiment that the United States is testing. And if by some miracle it works here, maybe other nations around the world might follow suit.
Actually, just the opposite is true. Almost every country on the planet has a Social Security system in place for its citizens. And many of those countries had Social Security laws on their books long before the U.S. jumped on the social insurance bandwagon in the 1930s.
In fact, here is a list of the countries that had Social Security programs before the United States: Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Guernsey, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Uruguay.
I have in front of me a book called “Social Security Programs Throughout the World” that is produced by the U.S. Social Security Administration. It provides thumbnail sketches of the history, funding and benefits of each country’s social insurance system. There are currently about 190 countries around the globe. And 177 of them, or 93%, have Social Security programs. I always point this out to young people who fret about the future of our Social Security system. I tell them that Social Security isn’t an American experiment in socialism that will someday run its course. Instead, Social Security is a worldwide phenomenon. It is a system of rules and laws in place everywhere from Albania to Zimbabwe. It is the method that civilized people across the globe use to provide some means of financial assistance to their elderly and disabled citizens, and to the widows, widowers and children of workers who die.
Social Security: A Global View
It’s that last point that is very interesting. Most Social Security programs around the world are funded similarly to our system (with taxes paid by employees and employers) and they offer benefits remarkably similar to our own -- to retirees, to disabled people and to survivors. I’m going to use the rest of this column to highlight the similarities and differences between just a random selection of those 177 programs described in my book.
THE UNITED STATES
First Social Security laws: 1935
Funding: Workers pay 6.2% of wages matched by employers. Self-employed pay 12.4%.
Benefits: Full retirement age going up to 67 by 2027; disability at any age if 100% disabled; survivors benefits to children under age 18 and to widow(er)s at 60 or at any age if caring for minor children.
GERMANY
First Social Security laws: 1889
Funding: Workers pay 9.8% of wages matched by employers. Self-employed pay 19.6%.
Benefits: Full retirement at 67; disability benefits at any age for full or partial disabilities; survivors benefits to children until age 18 and possibly up to age 27; widow(er)s benefits for two years following death or for a longer period of time if caring for minor children.
ARGENTINA
First Social Security laws: 1904
Funding: Workers pay 11% of wages; employers pay up to 17%; self-employed pay set monthly fees based on the kind of business.
Benefits: Retirement benefits for men at 65 and for women at 60; or as early as 50 if doing “hazardous work”; disability at any age with a loss of 66% of working capacity; survivors benefits to a spouse at any age and to children under age 18.
KIRIBATI
First Social Security laws: 1976
Funding: Workers pay 5% of earnings and employers pay a matching 5%.
Benefits: Retirement benefits at 50, but payable at 45 with evidence of intention to retire permanently, or payable at any age if emigrating permanently. Disability benefits paid if physically or mentally incapable of working. Survivors benefits paid if the insured had not withdrawn funds previously.
NIGER
First Social Security laws: 1967
Funding: Worker pays 5.25% of wages matched by employer.
Benefits: Retirement at 60 or age 58 for government employees or age 55 if “prematurely aged”; disability benefits with a loss of 66% of working capacity; survivors benefits to children under 14 and to wid-
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ow(er)s if caring for a dependent child.
If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Security -Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your
Questions About Social Security.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon. com or other book outlets. Or you can send him an email at thomas.margenau@comcast.net.
COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
No matter what job or business you are involved in, there is a choice between success and failure. Serving the consumer with above average service, being candid and upfront, with expertise gained from years of learning contributing to your knowledge, consistency, perseverance, diligence and a “never give up” attitude is a very important and all encompassing task. It surely is not for those who may hate their position or job and want to escape and quit to become a self employed entrepreneur; but really does not understand the essence and scope of what is involved in becoming a stellar real estate agent or later on becoming a world class broker.
There are a multitude of variables to determine whether you have what it takes to enter the industry. There are those that may show up for their job or position on daily basis. Do their work 5 days a week, get a pay check and then go home for the weekend. That is your typical expectations for a job.
Being in middle or upper management is a different story, especially today. Many times there is no clock and you work on those projects that must be completed by a specific time schedule. Granted you may get paid more money, but there are those moments and days that stress may take a toll on you mentally as well as physically. Essentially this is part of your job profile that your boss conveys and delegates to you so he or she doesn’t have to deal with it.
You take on the responsibilities, pressure and deadlines to earn your weekly salary and wages, but your boss reaps the larger financial rewards as it always has been in the business world.
BY CHARLYN FARGO
Oh, that holiday weight gain -- does it have to happen? Too many portions, constant nibbling, high-calorie recipes and inactivity can derail us quickly. A piece of pumpkin pie has 350 calories; a cup of mashed potatoes adds another 257; a 6-ounce serving of wine is 120 calories; 1 cup of stuffing, 350; a half-cup of cranberry sauce, 220; and an 8-ounce serving of turkey can have 480 calories. Calories for a single meal can tip the scales at almost 2,000 calories.
I’ve put together some tips to help you ditch the weight-gain worries with some strategies for holiday eating and smart swaps.
No. 1: Don’t skip breakfast before the big meal. It may seem like a smart thing to “save” breakfast calories, but research has
Failing is a choice
BY PHILIP A. RAICES
Real estate is very similar but now you are your own boss, being in business for yourself, but not by yourself, assuming you have the necessary support and back up.
One must have the necessary drive and all the other attributes and more described earlier. Can one learn these most important concepts? The answer is yes! However, you must gain some passion about wanting to excel and be the best you can be. Persistence with a “never give up” attitude is 90% of the battle. Gaining the required and necessary knowledge over time to become the expert is surely possible; but do you have what it takes?
way in establishing and separating yourself from the typical salesperson who may only be interested in getting your signature for your listing. More important is that it takes time to build that initial spark, leading to some rapport and a hopefully long term relationship in building a successful and profitable business.
Benjamin Franklin was always heard saying, “By failing to prepare, then you are preparing to fail. However, my 6 P’s are: “proper, planning, prevents piss poor performance.”
Real estate is a well defined business handling consumer’s search for the most valuable asset on average that most will purchase over their lifetime. Moreover, selling homes, condos and coops also requires kid gloves in understanding the needs and wants of the homeowner as to what is required to begin a positive relationship. Consummating a deal and getting to the closing table with the least amount of stress and glitches makes way for a happy ending.
Listening is another factor in becoming educated in questioning the homeowner as to why, when, what, how and where, in wanting or needing to sell. Is it to upsize, downsize, health or marital issue, being near their children or something else?
Being a consultant in probing the important information will go a long
There is always a little and sometimes a lot of pain in the path to success. Most people want to stay in their comfort zones, where stress seems to be much less. But when you’re not earning enough money in your job or get laid off and need to find another vehicle to increase your income to pay all those bills that are mounting up, stress is always evident and constant.
My belief is that real estate is one of the best and most advantageous methods in making this happen. However, one must understand and come to the realization in order to perform your business properly and successfully. In the beginning you will need to get out of your supposed “normal comfort zone” and step into the “uncomfortable zone.” This is where you learn and earn in the long run.
Failure comes very easily when you don’t follow tried and true concepts and proper guidance and coaching, practicing each and every day until it becomes rote. In the end hiring a real estate broker with many years in the business and success will assist you in keeping and taking with you as much of your hard earned and invested dollars as possible.
NUTRITION NEWS
Tipping the Scales
shown that it’s likely to backfire and cause you to overeat later in the day. Choose a healthy, fiber-rich breakfast like oatmeal topped with blueberries or an egg-in-a-cup with plenty of veggies that you can pop in the microwave for a minute.
No. 2: If you’re going to graze before the big meal, choose more fruits and veggies and fewer cheese balls. You’re going to eat later, so this is the time to choose carefully and practice mindful eating.
No. 3: For the main meal, slow down. It can take roughly 20 minutes for digestive hormones to let the brain know that the stomach is full. Give your body time to register how much you’ve eaten.
No. 4: Swap the pecan pie for pumpkin and save calories and sugar. Choose white meat over dark and remove the skin; go for the whole-wheat dinner roll to boost fiber. You can also flavor the sweet potatoes
with apple juice and cinnamon or whip the mashed potatoes with skim milk and roasted garlic.
No. 5: A typical Christmas meal is going to include plenty of starchy dishes, which can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar as carbohydrates are converted into glucose. You can slow that process down by including non-starchy dishes such as green beans, roasted vegetables and salads. Fiber slows down digestion, which keeps blood sugar from spiking.
No. 6: Limit alcohol -- have a glass of water in between. Alcohol stimulates the part of the brain that regulates hunger, which can cause you to feel hungry when you normally wouldn’t. It can also decrease blood sugar levels temporarily. Many alcoholic drinks are higher in calories with little nutritional value, so sip in moderation.
Philip A. Raices is the owner/ Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 42+ years experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned designations as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (G.R.I.) and also as a Certified International Property Specialist (C.I.P.S.) and has earned his National Association of Realtors “Green Industry designation for eco-friendly low carbon footprint construction with 3-D printed foundations, Solar panels, Geo-thermal HVAC/Heat Pumps).
He will also provide a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality, and his Seller’s and Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider when Selling, investing or Purchasing your Home.
He will provide you with “free” regular updates of what has gone under contract (pending), been sold (closed) and those homes that have been withdrawn/ released or expired (W/R) and all new listings of homes, HOA, Townhomes, Condos, and Coops in your town or go to https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com and you can “do it yourself (DYI) and search on your own. For a “FREE” no obligation 15 minute consultation, as well as a “FREE printout or digital value analysis of what your home might sell for in today’s market without any obligation or “strings” attached call him at (516) 647-4289.
Q and A
Q: Do I really need to use a meat thermometer when I’m cooking at home?
A: A home cook needs a thermometer as much as a restaurant chef does. You’re cooking for people you love, and you don’t want to make them sick from undercooked food. Using a thermometer is the best way to determine whether a piece of meat is done. Be sure and insert the tip of the thermometer into the thickest part, steering clear of bone. It’s best to take the temperature at two different places. Chicken (and poultry) should be cooked to 165 degrees F; ground beef (and whole cuts of meat like pork chops) to 155 F and fish to 145 F.
Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois, and the current president of the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. . COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM
EVERYDAY CHEAPSKATE
How to Win the Balance Transfer Game
Continued from page 2
case of emergency.” As long as you have the card available, you will experience emergencies. Count on it.
STEP 5: CLOSE THE ORIGINAL ACCOUNT
Once the balance is transferred, close the original account. This step prevents you from falling into the trap of using the old account and accumulating new debt on an old account. While closing an account may temporarily lower your credit score, paying off the new account quickly will help recover those points.
BE AWARE OF COMMON PITFALLS
The Switcheroo: Some credit card is-
suers reserve the right to offer you a different account if you don’t qualify for the one you applied for. This substitute account may lack 0% interest or carry high transfer fees. If this happens, you are not obligated to accept the alternative. Do this: Run, don’t walk away, and stop all communication.
Double Trouble: If you don’t close the
original account after transferring the balance, you may be tempted to use it again. Don’t assume you will suddenly have acquire a new level of personal discipline.
Transfer Fees: Many balance transfer cards charge a fee of $5 or 3% of the transferred amount, whichever is higher. While cards with no transfer fees exist, they’re harder to find, so be prepared to search.
STAY DISCIPLINED TO WIN THE GAME
A balance transfer can be a powerful tool to eliminate credit card debt, but it requires focus, determination and a solid strategy. Stick to your plan, avoid new debt, and you’ll be on your way to win-
A GREENER VIEW
Good Garden Books
BY JEFF RUGG
You know, sometimes the internet is just not the best place to get information (in spite of the fact that you might be reading this article on the internet). Actual, real books written by actual, real expert people with real experience in real life (not just a bunch of clicks) can be at your beck and call 24/7 sitting right next to you on your bookshelf.
Christmas and the whole winter are perfect times to get and read gardening books. If you have a gardener in your family -- or maybe you need to drop some hints for yourself -- here are a few new books that will make every gardener happy.
“The Field Guide to Specialty Cut Flowers” is bound to become the bible of growing annual and perennial flowers for everyone from backyard gardeners to commercial flower farmers. It is written in an easy-to-understand format by two of the best in the business. Dr. Alan Armitage has written many books, and he helped create the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers 35 years ago. Kelly Garcia runs Terra Flower Farm, a cut flower farm near Chattanooga, Tennessee. The book covers 70 cut flowers that you can grow. It has detailed information on growing information, maintenance and proper harvesting for long-lasting cut flowers.
“Small-Scale Homesteading” is by homesteaders Michelle Bruhn and Stephanie Thurow, who are both Master Gardeners from Minnesota. They have taught thousands of people across the globe how to garden, preserve food, tend backyard chickens, cook from scratch and care for their families with natural homemade candles, lotions and soaps.
The next book is short at only 48 pages, but the title tells you everything you need to know. “How to Raise Monarch
Butterflies: a Step by Step Guide for Kids” by Carol Pasternak does exactly what it says, but it isn’t just for kids. Anyone who wants to raise monarch butterflies -- or for that matter, many other kinds of butterflies -- should get their hands on this book. Full-color photographs illustrate every step of the way to successful butterfly raising. This book is perfect for homeschoolers, public schools and libraries. Raising monarchs can be intensive work, especially if you don’t what comes next, but with this book, you will be well prepared for every step of the way.
Having a garden of flowers and plants where only one color dominates can be a fun way to garden. White flowers in a garden are wonderful in the light of a full moon. A full garden of white flowers and plants can be magical. The new book, “White Gardens: Creating Magnificent Moonlit Spaces” by Nina Koziol is a complete guide to creating a stunning nighttime garden. Besides adding fragrant flowers and white or silver-leafed plants, this book also covers other nighttime gardening topics such as outdoor lighting and fire and water features. Nina has been an instructor at the Chicago Botanic Garden and the Morton Arboretum since 1988.
Would you kindly allow me to mention my book? The “Greener View Gardening” book is a gardening course for the homeowner who knows nothing about plants but still has to maintain a landscape. The book is filled with “What’s This Mean To Me” and “Digging Deeper” sections that apply the book learning to everyday landscape problems. I have written this weekly newspaper column covering landscaping and gardening for over 33 years. I taught the Master Gardener and Master Naturalist programs at the University of Illinois. I have posted almost 400 YouTube videos, many of which match the chapters in the book.
ning the balance transfer game.
Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “DebtProof Living.”
COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM
If your local bookstore doesn’t stock one of the books in this article, they can all be found on the National Garden Bureau website at ngb.org/garden-books. Email questions to Jeff Rugg
BY DENNIS MAMMANA
Week of December 8-14, 2024
Our last full moon of the year will occur on the night of Saturday, Dec. 14. As the sun sets behind the southwestern horizon late that afternoon, face the opposite direction and you’ll see the full moon rising.
Since we’re nearing the winter solstice on the 21st, also known as the first day of winter in the Earth’s Northern Hemisphere, we have a good opportunity to check out the movements of the sun and moon across our sky.
Beginning stargazers are often confused about the movements of our natural satellite. That’s not surprising; after all, the moon’s orbital motion around the Earth coupled with our own daily rotation can make it quite difficult to follow.
The trick is not to try to grasp the complexities of its roughly 28-day cycle but rather to break down its motion into simple pieces. Choose just one phase of the moon and try to understand -- or even predict -- how its position will change over time. And since it’s going to be a full moon this week, let’s start there.
The full moon occurs when the moon is fully lit by the sun; for that to happen, it must lie on the opposite side of the sky from the sun. One might expect, therefore, that it will also behave in a manner
STARGAZERS
Low Sun, High Moon
opposite the sun.
And it does. When the sun sets, the full moon rises. When the sun rises, the full moon sets. But not only that, it rises and sets exactly on the opposite side of the sky. To know where the full moon will rise against the eastern horizon, check out your shadow caused by the setting sun. It’ll point right toward the position of the rising full moon.
In the Northern Hemisphere wintertime, when the afternoon sun dips below the southwestern horizon, the full moon will rise in the northeast. During this season the sun rides quite low across the daytime sky, and its rays of light fall on us at a shallow angle and contribute to cooler temperatures. Because the full moon always behaves contrary, you can expect it to ride high across the winter night sky and set in the northwest. When? At sunrise, of course!
And, because the wintertime full moon appears so high in the nighttime sky, its light passes through a thinner column of atmosphere and can make the full moon seem quite dazzling.
Of course, in the Northern Hemisphere summertime, the entire scenario is reversed. The summer sun rises in the northeast and rides high across our daytime sky; its high path contributes to our higher temperatures. The full moon -- always contrary -- rises at sunset in the southeast during the
summer and never appears very high in the nighttime sky. During this time, the moon’s light passes through much more atmosphere and therefore never appears quite as bright as in winter.
Over the course of an entire year, you will notice that the rising full moon will swing north and south along the eastern horizon -- just as the sun does
during its morning rise, except that the full moon will appear opposite of wherever the sun appeared that morning.
Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com.
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The Return of the Mom Jeans
BY TRACY BECKERMAN
I wouldn’t say I’m a slave to fashion, but I do like to follow some of the trends each season. I usually get just a few pieces that ultimately look more age-appropriate on my daughter than me, but I get them anyway and I’m happy even if I do look like an idiot. So imagine my dismay when I found out that two of the big looks this year were ... wait for it
... Mom jeans with dad sneakers. Apparently, I was already cool without even trying.
But while mom jeans and dad sneakers do somehow look cute on tiny, 19-year-old Instagram models, on a 50-something-year-old mom they look like... mom jeans with dad sneakers. For the past 10 years, I’ve had to shoehorn my mom body into skinny jeans with low waists that only someone who was never a mother could
love. That being the case, you’d think I’d be overjoyed that mom jeans were making a comeback. But the problem with mom jeans, on a mom, is that they make your butt look so big you can find it on Google Maps. Pairing these with the same sneakers that dads wear with white tube socks and khaki shorts while they grill burgers and say things like, “Do you do that Facegram thing?” really does nothing to help the overall look. Mom jeans were originally invented to help conceal the fact that childbirth had left everything “down there” significantly larger and saggier than it had been before; not that there’s anything wrong with that, and we should all be proud of the fact that everything “down there” played a big role in helping our bodies create life. But that doesn’t mean I want to parade it around in a pair of tight skinny jeans. Sadly, the mom jeans concept backfired, and between the high waist, roomy seat and tight
ankles, they created the impression that the thing that had gotten larger was even larger than it actually was. Think bowling pin with boobs.
Since my figure has not changed dramatically since I had kids, I didn’t think it was likely that the mom jeans would be any more flattering on me than they had been 20 years ago.
Sadly, there is nothing in between skinny jeans and mom jeans, which they have thinly disguised until recently by calling them high-waisted jeans. So when the fashion industry doubled down on the mom jeans, I figured I had nothing to lose by giving the new version a try.
I took myself off to the department store, grabbed a bunch of mom jeans and headed to the dressing room.
“These will definitely give you a leaner, longer look,” exclaimed the salesgirl, who happened to already be long and lean.
“Why, do they come with liposuction?” I wondered aloud.
“I don’t get it,” she said.
“Wait a few years,” I assured her.
Back in the dressing room, I tried on one pair after another, each costing more than a plane ticket to Tahiti. With each one, I was confident that nothing had changed since the ‘90s, except the cost, and they were just as unflattering as I remembered.
They were, in fact, so ugly that the only things I could think of that were more unattractive on a mom body than mom jeans were harem pants.
... Which are also a fashion trend this year.
Tracy Beckerman is the author of the Amazon Bestseller, “Barking at the Moon: A Story of Life, Love, and Kibble,” available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble online! You can visit her at www. tracybeckerman.com.
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LOST IN SUBURBIA
The last full moon of the year occurs on Dec. 14.
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Fry up traditional foods for Chanukah
Helen Wallerstein’s Potato Latkes
Foods fried in oil traditionally are served during Chanukah celebrations. This custom commemorates the miracle of candelabra oil miraculously lasting eight days in the rededicated and cleaned Temple, despite just a single day’s supply. Latkes are a fried dish enjoyed through the ages. Since potatoes have long been
inexpensive and tasty, they became a key ingredient in latkes (Yiddish for pancakes) among poor eastern European Jews. Eventually, potato latkes became a standard on holidays like Chanukah.
Served warm and crispy, latkes are something no one wants to miss. Preparing and serving latkes in small
5 medium russet potatoes, peeled 1 medium onion, grated (use a large one if you like a strong onion flavor)
4 eggs, beaten
1) In a food processor using the metal blade, or using a box grater, finely grate the potatoes. Place them in a colander and squeeze out all the liquid. 2) Grate the onion, using the food processor pulse feature to capture any small chunks. Stir the onions, eggs, matzo meal, salt, and pepper into the potato mixture.
3) Heat 1⁄2 inch of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until very hot (a
batches can showcase them at their best. This Chanukah, try the following recipe for “Helen Wallerstein’s Potato Latkes” from “Food, Hope & Resilience: Authentic Recipes and Remarkable Stories from Holocaust Survivors” (American Palate) by June Hersh. Yield: 24 latkes
1⁄2 cup matzo meal
1 to 2 teaspoons salt
1⁄4 to 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
1⁄2 cup vegetable oil for frying
drop of water should dance in the pan). To test the seasonings before frying the entire batch (you wouldn’t want to taste the raw potato and egg mixture), drop one tablespoon of the mixture into the hot oil, fry for several minutes on each side and drain on a paper towel. Taste the latke and add more salt or pepper if needed. Now you are ready to make the rest. Drop a generous tablespoon of latke batter into
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the skillet and flatten the pancake with the back of a spatula. Turn the latkes over when the underside is nicely brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Fry until golden on both sides. Drain on waiting paper towels.
4) Repeat this process, adding more oil to the pan and a touch more matzo meal to the mixture if needed to absorb the excess liquid that will collect in the bowl. Serve hot.
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Seniors’ club hears about emergency planning
It was a packed house at the Jamaica Avenue School in Plainview on Friday, Nov. 22 for an Emergency Preparedness Workshop hosted by Nassau County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker (D - Plainview), the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management, and the Plainview-Old Bethpage Senior Citizen Club.
The workshops are designed to prepare participants for any type of natural or man-made disaster so that they can respond accordingly and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions— especially as severe weather events become more frequent and more extreme. OEM’s Bob Chiz presented the workshop, which also touched upon Nassau County-specific emergency plans and protocols. The workshop
was also notable for the fact that it was Chiz’s final workshop before his forthcoming retirement from the County in January.
“With climate change increasing the frequency and intensity of storms and other severe weather events here in Nassau County and around the world, it’s more important than ever to be prepared for emergencies and have a plan in place to respond and recover,” Deputy Minority Leader Drucker said.
“I know that this most recent OEM workshop gave the members of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Senior Citizens Club some additional peace of mind, and I thank Bob Chiz and his team, Plainview-Old Bethpage Senior Citizen Club Director Lori Charletta, Community Service Coordinator Cheryl Dender for making this such an informative and well-attended seminar.”
Bob Chiz of the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management presented information on preparing for emergencies to the Plainview-Old Bethpage Senior Citizen Club.
Photo courtesy Office of Legislator Arnold W. Drucker
Lee Road students make pitches as Student Council candidates
Several students at Lee Road Elementary School in the Levittown School District made their pitch on why they deserve their peers’ votes during the annual Student Council election on Nov. 12.
Candidates for president, co-president, treasurer and more brainstormed their best ideas about how they can positively impact their school community. Proposals ranged from food items
in the lunchroom to philanthropic initiatives that would help others, like food and clothing drives. After hearing and applauding candidates’ visions, students participated in the democratic process of casting their votes. Lee Road’s newest Student Council leaders will be announced before the end of the month.
Student musicians selected for All-State Festival
NYSSMA All-State Festival participants with their music instructors, Principal Dr. Heather Dvorak, and Director of Music & Performing Arts Michael Rodgers.
Ten student musicians from Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School have been selected to participate in the NYSSMA AllState Festival this winter, with seven additional students chosen as alternates. This selection highlights the students' dedication and talent in their respective musical fields.
The selected students are Cheryl Oberlender and Emily Gregori for treble chorus; Daniel Karp, Kevin Liu, Matteo Cosenza, Morgan Shishko, Shawn Tipiere, and Viktor Vasic for mixed chorus; Lauren Kang (violin) for the string orchestra; and Euan Kim (clarinet) for the symphonic band. Alternates include Jacob Levenstien,
Justin Bocian, and Matthew Kaplan as vocalists; Brady Bedell as a bassoonist; Jason Artyukhov as a jazz alto saxophonist; and Mingshen Shi and Sophie Hu as violinists.
This honor is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional proficiency in their musical fields, with only 600 students from across the state selected each year. “Congratulations to our talented student-musicians and singers for achieving this exceptional honor,” said Michael Rodgers, Director of Music & Performing Arts. “This recognition is a testament not only to their talent but to their hard work and their dedicated teachers.”
Fall Dance Festival
Lee Road Elementary School student Gianna Conti made her pitch to her peers during the Student Council election on Nov. 12.
Oliver Dimitrov shared his vision for the position of vice president.
Photos courtesy of Levittown Public Schools
Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray greeted members of 5678 Dance of Levittown during the 2024 Annual Fall Festival on October 26.
Charles Campagne School celebrates PARP Week
Students at Charles Campagne Elementary School in the Bethpage Union Free School District were treated to a unique and captivating assembly featuring Christopher Agostino from StoryFaces as part of their celebration of Pick a Reading Partner (PARP) Week. The performance brought stories to life in an unforgettable way, combining storytelling with live face painting to engage and inspire young readers.
Mr. Agostino, a renowned storyteller and artist, delighted students with his innovative approach. As he told tales ranging from folk stories to original adventures, he simultaneously painted intricate designs on the faces of student volunteers, transforming them into characters from the stories. Each brushstroke not only enhanced the
visual appeal but also reinforced the themes and emotions of the narratives, making the storytelling experience both interactive and immersive.
Throughout the assembly, students were captivated by the performance, fully immersed in the stories being brought to life. The combination of vibrant face art and vivid storytelling emphasized the power of imagination and creativity, aligning perfectly with the spirit of PARP Week, which encourages a love of reading and partnership between children and adults in literacy activities. Mr. Agostino’s dynamic storytelling inspired students to see stories in new ways, proving that reading and creativity go hand in hand.
Photos courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District
To bring his original story, “The Tiger That Went to the House of the Sun”, to life, Christopher Agostino enlisted three student volunteers, transforming their faces into vibrant representations of key elements from the tale.
A student volunteer showed off her face painting, illustrating the story “Punia and the King of the Sharks.”
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Christopher Agostino from StoryFaces combined storytelling with live face painting.
Agostino used this student volunteer to help tell the origin story of StoryFaces.
Terrific Kids named at East Broadway Elementary
The Levittown Kiwanis visited East Broadway Elementary School on Nov. 20 to name Terrific Kids in fifth grade.
The East Broadway Elementary School community in the Levittown School District was joined by the local Kiwanis chapter on Nov. 20 to recognize students who recently showed strong positive traits.
Gathering in the multipurpose room, fifth grade classes each heard from their respective teacher about a student who exemplified positive values such as thoughtfulness, respect, inclu-
siveness and friendliness. Each selected student went above and beyond to bring positivity to their classroom and peers. All honored students received a certificate of recognition and a pencil. The Levittown Kiwanis regularly visits Levittown elementary schools to share Terrific Kids commendations with deserving students.
Photos courtesy of Levittown Public Schools
Each commended student thanked their teacher, including Mrs. Hepworth’s student Justina Sorial.
New Eagle Scout honored
On November 3, New York State Senator Steve Rhoads joined in celebrating Giuseppe Mendola's remarkable achievement at Levittown's Troop 323 Eagle Scout Court of Honor Ceremony! Earning the esteemed rank of Eagle Scout is not just a badge of honor; it signifies years of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to serving others, qualities that Giuseppe embodies fully. His journey to Eagle Scout has been characterized by a passion for leadership and community service, inspiring those around him to aspire to similar heights. Senator Rhoads took the opportunity to thank Giuseppe for making our community proud and commend Giuseppe on this significant milestone, emphasizing the profound impact of his character and the values he upholds. Photo courtesy of the Levittown Public Schools
Amazon Fresh grand opening
On October 24, New York State Senator Steve Rhoads, joined by Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz and hundreds of local residents ready to shop, proudly welcomed Amazon Fresh to Plainview at their official ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony. Senator Rhoads offered a special thanks to emcee and Store Manager Syed Ahmed for orchestrating a joyful celebration, and for generously presenting Island Harvest and Long Island Cares with a $10,000 donation to fuel their mission of eradicating food insecurity on Long Island.
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