Bethpage Newsgram (12/1/17) by Litmor Publishing

L ETTERS OF G RATITUDE

In honor of Veterans Day, fourth-graders at East Broadway Elementary School in the Levittown Public Schools recently discussed and read about the importance of the day, while showing their support for local veterans.

As a way to honor, appreciate and recognize those who made incredible sacrifices for freedom, the students wrote friendly letters to a veteran to thank them for their bravery and service to the country. The letters will be delivered to the Northport VA Medical Center in Northport. Above, East Broadway Elementary School fourth-graders with their letters to a veteran.

Photo courtesy of the Levittown School District

Public workshop planned for downtown Hicksville

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Rebecca Alesia announce that residents will once again have an opportunity to provide input into the use of a $10 million New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative Investment in Downtown Hicksville at the second scheduled public workshop, which will take place on Thursday, December 14th at the William P. Bennet Hicksville Community Center, located at 28 W. Carl Street in Hicksville. The meeting is scheduled from 7pm to 9pm.

“My administration was thrilled to be the recipient of a $10 million award from Governor Cuomo and the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council for downtown revitalization in Hicksville,” said Supervisor Saladino. “The first public workshop, held in early November, saw a tremendous turnout and great resident participation offering input on the potential uses for this amazing grant opportunity. I look forward to furthering this process and expect another great

night of discussion and debate as word spreads throughout the community about this Downtown Revitalization Initiative.”

Councilwoman Alesia stated,

“With these new State funds and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s $132 million investment in the Hicksville railroad station, we can transform the Hicksville community into a vibrant downtown for millennials, downsizers, empty nesters, and senior citizens alike. I encourage residents to attend this public workshop and provide us with their desired vision for future of our community.”

Under the NYS Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant, the Local Planning Committee seeks to establish and approve a community-based vision for revitalizing the downtown into a vibrant community. This public workshop, the second in a series of three planned, is an important next step in identifying projects and initiatives which the community feels are appropriate for Downtown Hicksville.

More than chocolate at new store in Plainview

BY GARY SIMEONE

Earlier this month, a whole lot of chocolaty goodness came to the Plainview shopping centre. Chocolate Works, a new franchise that has attracted chocolate lovers everywhere, officially opened on November 11th. Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joe Saladino attended the grand opening ceremony along with Town Clerk James Altadonna and Nassau County Legislator Arnold Drucker. The new Chocolate Works location is owned by brothers Richard and Mike Cave. Mike Cave is CEO of Pinktie.org, a business professional networking organization on Long Island.

The new 1,444 square foot location is the seventh Chocolate Works location on the way Island. The store features a wide assortment of chocolate goodies including candies, cakes, and cookies. They have a chocolate sushi special that is a must try for the chocolate connoisseurs, and there is also a wide variety of ice cream flavors and candies available.

The store is massive, and it has an upstairs and downstairs with two party rooms for kids of all ages. Workshops are held on a weekly basis and include themes like building your own chocolate desserts to designing your own candy bars. Prior notice is required before signing up for the workshops.

Syosset resident Mitchell LaVonne, said he has become a frequent customer of the store after trying their dark chocolate truffles and chocolate covered pretzels.

“They are some of the best I’ve tasted compared to other stores that offer these type of items,” said LaVonne. “The pretzels especially have that sweet salty taste that you want when you bite into it.”

Some other fan favorites at the store include the chocolate martini olives and chili-infused chocolate nibs.

Chocolate Works also has locations in Rockville Centre, Garden City, Manhasset, Bellmore, Commack, and Stony Brook.

Knights of Columbus New Years Eve

The Joseph Barry Knights of Columbus will hold its New Year’s Eve Party on Sunday, December 31st from 8:00 pm to 1:00 am. Doors open 7:30 pm

Cost $35 per person - $70 per couple

Music: New DJ

Enjoy an open bar, hot dinner, dessert, and coffee. Bring your own snacks and noisemakers. Casual attire.

Limit 180 people. The party has sold

out the last 5 years.

Reservations are required. Absolutely no money will be accepted at the door.

Please make checks payable to:

“Joseph Barry Knights of Columbus” by Dec 23rd. Call Brian 516-457-6190

The Knights of Columbus Hall is located at 45 Heitz Place, Hicksville, NY 11801.

Garage Sale

Hicksville superintendent honored for service

Hicksville Superintendent Carl Bonuso will be honored with the George M. Estabrook Distinguished Service Award.

Carl Bonuso, Ed.D., superintendent of the Hicksville Union Free School District, will be honored with the George M. Estabrook Distinguished Service Award on Saturday, Dec. 2.

The award is named after George Mitchell Estabrook, who was associated with Hofstra University in its early years and was responsible for developing Garden City into what it is today. Mr. Estabrook formed the Estabrook Construction Company and was responsible for the construction of many buildings on Hofstra’s campus as well as throughout Long Island.

Hofstra University’s Alumni Association has selected Dr. Bonuso,

along with six other alumni, to be honored with this award at its 57th annual George M. Estabrook Distinguished Service Award Dinner. The award is given annually to those who exhibit outstanding service to the Hofstra community or who have distinguished themselves in their chosen field. Those receiving the award have shown service through research, teaching, promoting policies, or helping the community.

Retired from the Wantagh School District, Dr. Bonuso is a well-known and highly regarded Long Island educator. He served as the interim superintendent of schools in Hicksville during the 20142015 school year and was appointed as superintendent in summer 2015. During his tenure in Hicksville, Dr. Bonuso has led the instructional and operational transformation of the district, including new initiatives and exciting innovations such as a district pre-kindergarten program, new middle school advisory and instructional programs, and a host of new high school electives and vocational education opportunities.

Most recently, Dr. Bonuso was selected by the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce as the Education Provider of the Year for 2015, and in 2016 was honored by the Hicksville Civic Association with its Community Service Award. Dr. Bonuso has written numerous educational articles and has served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Artillery, where his distinguished career earned him both the Army Commendation Medal and the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross.

Photo courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools

Marching band shatters school record at championship show

Under the direction of Michael Bastone, members of the Levittown Public Schools Division Avenue High School competitive marching band recently finished off their season by performing in the Carrier Dome at Syracuse University for the 44th annual New York State Field Band Conference Championships. The band earned fifth place in the Small School 2 category with a score of 82.35. This was the highest score ever recorded by Division Avenue High School at a championship show.

The band performed their show entitled “The Twilight Zone,” which portrayed the story of a two traveling musicians, Paul Giorlando and Isabel Jaime, who find their way to a hotel to spend the night. They soon find out that this is no ordinary hotel and have traveled to another dimension. The music was arranged from the original series The Twilight Zone and was the common melodic theme throughout the show.

Bastone, along with the rest of the marching band staff extends their congratulations to all who were involved for their dedication and perseverance.

“Without the leadership of our students, staff and the support from our parents and administration none of this would be possible,” said Bastone. “It was a remarkable season and we look forward to next year. Eyes with Pride!”

Photo courtesy of the Levittown School District

The Division Avenue High School marching band placed fifth in the Small School 2 category during the 44th annual New York State Field Band Conference Championships.

Spooky STEM stations at Central Boulevard School

It was a spooky good time for learning in the Bethpage School District as students at Central Boulevard Elementary School collaborated on different Halloween-themed exercises in science, technology, engineering, and math.

The project paired the fifth-graders in Christine McGuire and Allison Robb’s class with the first-graders in Erin Austin’s class to apply their knowledge to three challenges, each designed with Halloween in mind.

One challenge required students to estimate the correct mixture of baking soda and vinegar to cause a reaction that would inflate a balloon to the largest size possible. In addition to the two ingredients, each team was given a water bottle, a spoon, and a balloon decorated to look like a ghost.

For the second challenge, students engaged their problem-solving skills to transport a pumpkin across the class-

room without actually touching it with their hands. They were given a foot of yarn and a pumpkin to complete the mission, but were not allowed to tie the yarn to the pumpkin’s stem.

Concluding the activities, the students were asked to build the sturdiest tower possible out of pumpkin candies and toothpicks. Each team was given a certain number of candies and toothpicks to construct a tower that could be no less than eight inches in height.

As part of the latter two challenges, the students were expected to sketch out their ideas and record their results, including why they felt their methods were successful and what they would do differently next time. Regardless of whether they met their intended goals, every student learned important lessons in STEM and teamwork.

During a Halloween-themed STEM challenge, Central Boulevard Elementary School students attempted to build a sturdy tower out of candy and toothpicks.

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Our Service Directory is sure to bring results. Call 294-8900 for rates and information.

Central Boulevard Elementary School students displayed their ghostly balloon inventions during a Halloween-themed STEM challenge.

Central Boulevard Elementary School students attempted to move a pumpkin without actually touching it as part of a Halloween-themed STEM challenge.

College Notes

Billie Golan of Plainview will perform with the SUNY New Paltz Symphonic Band Concert on Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. in Studley Theatre.

The campus band will perform alongside the SUNY Ulster Community Band and Wind Ensemble. The evening will consist of traditional and popular music, along with guest conductor Vic Izzo. n

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania has recently released its

list of summer 2017 graduates. Among the candidates for bachelor’s and master’s degrees is Christine Brown of Levittown. She received a bachelor’s degree in ASL/English Interpreting BS. n Megan C. McGarvey of Levittown took part in an internship in fall 2017 through SUNY Oswego’s Center for Experiential Learning. A senior majoring in public relations, McGarvey interned with Cleantec in Liverpool.

Are you a professional?

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

Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

Holiday Tree Lighting

The Levittown Chamber of Commerce will hold its Holiday Tree Lighting on Monday, December 4th at 6 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Park, Shelter Lane and Hempstead Turnpke, near the Levittown Library.

Admission is free. Donations of food and toiletries for local pantries are gladly accepted.

Local schools and dance studios will perform and there will be a special visit by Santa.

Merc y League holiday

gif t wrapping f undraiser

The Glen Cove-Hicksville-Syosset League of Mercy Medical Center will be providing holiday gift wrapping at the Broadway Mall to raise funds for enrichment activities and equipment at Mercy Medical Center.

Republican like me

BY BOB MORGAN, JR.

I spent a portion of this Thanksgiving weekend reading Ken Stern’s entertaining and insightful book, Republican Like Me: How I Left the Liberal Bubble and Learned to Love the Right (Harper Collins 2017). I really enjoyed this volume.

From Wednesday, December 13 through Sunday, December 24th from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Christmas Eve until 5 p.m.) have all of your gifts wrapped and have more time to shop. A large selection of gift paper, bags, ribbons and bows will be available.

For questions or additional information, please call Pat at 516-681-6690 or Anna at 516-390-0200.

Attention – Parents of Five Year Olds

If you have a child/children residing in the Levittown School District and was born between Dec. 2, 2012 and Dec. 1, 2013, they will be eligible for kindergarten for the 2018-2019 school year.

Please contact Arlene Mege at 516-

434-7058, 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 2018.

HealtH Update for SeniorS

A Free Community eduCAtion SeminAr

Move it or loSe it Safe exerciSeS

for SeniorS

Our bodies were made to move. Want to feel better, have more energy? Exercise is the key, regardless of age or physical disability. It’s never too late to start!

Please join Grace Rowan, MSN, RN Community Health Nurse Educator at NYU Winthrop, for some safe, fun, exercise moves for everyday practice. 1:15PM

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Mineola Community Center 155 Washington Avenue, Mineola (One block south of Jericho Tpke., between Mineola Blvd. and Willis Ave.)

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

Mr. Stern’s book is relatively short (250 pages of text) and easy to read, and proceeds from an interesting premise. The author, a Democratic partisan and formerly the chief executive officer of National Public Radio, and a graduate of Haverford and Yale Law School, lives on Hobart Street in Washington D.C., a perfectly nice urban enclave that seems to celebrate all sorts of diversity except political diversity. Indeed, Hobart Street is 94 percent Democratic by registration and Mr. Stern was unable to locate an actual Republican on the block.

In an effort to broaden his perspective, and believing that too many people live in ideological bubbles, Mr. Stern decided to reach out. For one year, mostly coinciding with the highly polarized 2016 election, Mr. Stern sought out enclaves of Republicans and the right.

Mr. Stern can’t be accused of confining himself to comfortable right wing events like National Review cocktail parties. Instead, he went to such event as a pig hunt in Texas (despite never having shot a gun before and with rather predictable results), a gun show, evangelical churches, a coal mining community, a Trump rally, a huge replica of Noah’s Ark in Kentucky erected by creationists, and a convention of right-wing social media promoters. He also spoke with significant voices of the right, from clergymen and editors to academics, to many people of lesser station.

One key part of Mr. Stern’s journey is that he liked many (although certainly not all) of the people he encountered. Occasionally, he finds example of haters, bigots or just difficult individuals in his travels, but this is the exception. More typically, he finds good people where he went. He speaks highly of an evangelical minister in Portland whose religious group worked closely with the progressive mayor in improv-

ing some of the public high schools. He greatly appreciates the work of George McDonald in New York, who, although not a card-carrying rightist, founded the Doe Fund, a group working with ex-convicts that emphasized hard work rather than handouts. He feels the pain of coal miners whose livelihood is being jeopardized.

In addition to setting forth a number of colorful tales about his journey, Mr. Stern engages and takes seriously numerous arguments and theories of conservatives. For example, he notes that it is an article of faith among gun owners that more guns actually mean less crime. He goes back and forth through the hotly disputed arguments set forth by pro-gun researchers such as John Lott that in well-armed societies lawbreakers make self-preservation decisions to avoid violent crimes and instead resort to property offenses. In the end, Mr. Stern finds the debate inconclusive and dependent on assumptions, but he actually gives both sides a fair hearing. He does similar things with other strongly held belief among conservatives like the relationship between intact two-parent households and avoiding poverty, and to some degree skepticism with climate change theory. On that topic, he believes that conservatives would do better to concede that man-made global warming is real and concentrate on the alarmism that often accompanies the debate and the feasibility (or lack thereof) of proposed remedies.

Another theme is that, when people are actually polled there are more areas of common ground between left and right than might be imagined, even on such hot button topics as gun control and even abortion. Support for better background checks is quite high, for example, as is opposition to abortion for financial reasons.

It isn’t totally clear from the book whether Mr. Stern became an actual convert after his journey. But that’s not really what Republican Like Me is about. It’s much more an interesting tale of how we can learn from people holding different ideologies –but only if we try.

Get Results!

Place an ad in our Classifieds for reasonable rates and prompt results. Call our Garden City office at 294-8900 for more information.

It starts with the doctors. Our doctors have long been in the forefront of diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal diseases. With the state-of-the-art technologies now available to them, there’s no difficult disorder they can’t treat. Which explains why St. Francis is the only Long Island hospital nationally ranked for Gastroenterology & GI Surgery by U.S.News & World Report. We are one of only four New York Metro area hospitals to make the list. Our patients have always known how good our doctors are. Now the rest of the country does, too.

From left to right: Michael Giuffrida, M.D., Surgeon • George DeNoto, M.D., Director of General Surgery Neeraj Kaushik, M.D., Director of Gastroenterology • Gary Gecelter, M.D., Chairman of Surgery Mitchell Chorost, M.D., Director of Surgical Oncology • Eugene Rubach, M.D., Surgeon • Mark Dobriner, M.D., Surgeon

Incidents that have occurred recently in the local area include:

Unknown subjects spray-painted a victim’s vehicle at 10:40 p.m. on October 31 while it was on Bedford Avenue in Uniondale.

At a Verizon Kiosk in East Garden City, an iPhone was stolen between 8 and 10 p.m. on November 1.

A 33-year-old woman from Brooklyn was arrested at 1:30 p.m. on November 2 and charged with Shoplifting from DSW in Carle Place.

On Corporate Drive in Westbury, a 19-year-old man from Bellmore was arrested and was charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana at 9:50 p.m. on November 2.

A 23-year-old woman from West Hempstead was arrested at the corner of Woodfield Road and Elm Street in West Hempstead at 8:23 p.m. on November 3. She was charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana.

On Post Avenue at Belmont Avenue in Westbury, a 26-year-old man from Hempstead was arrested and was charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana on November 3 at 9:50 p.m.

At 4:50 p.m. on November 4, a 23-yearol woman from Rockville Centre and a 24-year-old man from Lakeview were arrested on Merrick Avenue in Westbury. Both were charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana.

At the corner of Merrick Avenue and Old Country Road in Westbury,

a 23-year-old man from that town was arrested. He was charged with Driving While Intoxicated at 1:50 a.m. on November 5.

On Merrick Avenue in Westbury, a 20-year-old woman from Hempstead was arrested at 3:55 p.m. on November 5. She was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana.

At the corner of 1st Street and Mineola Boulevard in Mineola, another arrest for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana occurred on November 5. A 30-year-old man from South Hempstead was arrested and charged with that crime.

At Home Depot, located on Corporate Drive in Westbury, unknown subjects keyed the passenger side door of a victim’s vehicle between 6 and 6:30 p.m. on November 7.

A 20-year-old man from Hempstead and a 23-year-old woman from Douglaston were arrested at 2:45 p.m. on November 8 and charged with Possession of marijuana in the Roosevelt Field Mall parking lot in East Garden City.

At an office building on Mineola Boulevard in Mineola, unknown subjects broke the padlock securing the building sometime between 7 p.m. on November 8 and 7:40 a.m. the next morning.

Miscellaneous change was stolen from the center console of a vehicle on Merit Lane in Jericho between 12 and 7

Free legal consultations

As a free community service to help those fearful of losing their homes, Nassau County Bar Association hosts Mortgage Foreclosure/Sandy Recovery Free Legal Consultation Clinics. Held twice a month to meet the demand, the next two clinics are scheduled for Monday, December 4 and Monday, December 18, from 3 - 6 p.m., at the Nassau County Bar Association, located on 15th Street at the corner of West Street in Mineola, two blocks south of the bus and train stations.

NCBA volunteer attorneys meet one-on-one with homeowners to discuss their particular situation. The homeowners are then referred for additional help for mortgage modifications, loan restructuring, bankruptcy, financial planning assistance, services for lower income households, or emotional support. Many of these resources and agencies are available immediately in the same room, such as American Debt Resources, LI Housing Partnership, La Fuerza Unida, and LI Housing Services.

a.m. on November 9.

At the corner of Jericho Turnpike and Frank Avenue in Mineola, a 37-year-old man from Bethpage was arrested at 5 p.m. on November 9. He was charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana.

At 5:15 p.m. on November 9, a 30-year-old woman from Bayside was arrested and charged with Shoplifting from Sephora in East Garden City.

At Victoria’s Secret Pink in East Garden City, an unattended phone was stolen between 5:50 and 6:10 p.m. on November 9.

A 23-year-old man from North Salem was arrested at 6:55 p.m. on November 9 and charged with Shoplifting from Foot Action in East Garden City.

At 9:55 p.m. on November 9, a 20-year-old man from Hempstead was arrested and was charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana on Fulton Avenue in Uniondale.

On 11:05 p.m. on November 9, a 54-year-old man from Roslyn was arrested and was charged with Driving While Intoxicated on Plandome Road in Manhasset.

Tools were stolen from a vehicle on Oxford Street in Westbury between 9 p.m. on November 10 and noon the following day.

A victim has reported that a piece of concrete was thrown through the front store window of Rudolf & Rudolph, located on Maple Avenue in Westbury, at 3:25 a.m. on November 11.

A 26-year-old man from Westbury was arrested and was charged with Driving While Intoxicated on Salisbury

Park Drive in that town at 4:10 a.m. on November 11.

n While driving on the Long Island Expressway at Exit 38 in East Hills, a 27-year-old man from the Bronx was arrested at 5:14 a.m. on November 11. He was charged with Driving While Intoxicated.

n On the Long Island Expressway at Exit 39 in Westbury, a 22-year-old man from Brentwood was arrested at 4:55 a.m. on November 12. He was charged with Driving While Intoxicated.

At LA Fitness in East Garden City, credit cards were stolen from a vehicle between 8 and 9 a.m. on November 12.

A rear tire cover was stolen from a spare tire in the Roosevelt Field Mall parking lot in East Garden City. The item was taken between 3:15 and 5 p.m. on November 14.

At 4 p.m. on November 14, a 29-yearold woman from Franklin Square was arrested and charged with Shoplifting from Saks Fifth Avenue in East Garden City.

At Nassau Community College, on Education Drive in Uniondale, a 20-yearold woman from West Hempstead and a 20-year-old man from Huntington Station were arrested on November 15 at 4:45 p.m. and 4:50 p.m., in separate incidents. Both was charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana.

n In Uniondale, two subjects from Hempstead were arrested and were charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana. Arrested at 9:55 p.m. on November 15 were a 51-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman.

Compiled by Kate and Meg Meyer

There are no income restrictions to attend the clinics. Since 2009, NCBA has held more than 170 clinics assisting more than 12,000 Nassau families in distress. Currently, each clinic held twice a month averages 30-50 homeowners, signifying that foreclosure continues to be prevalent in Nassau.

Volunteer attorneys also answer Sandy victims’ questions regarding homeowner, flood, property damage, automobile insurance claims, FEMA, debt deferral, and consumer protection issues.

Bi-lingual attorneys fluent in Spanish are on site. Attorneys bi-lingual in other languages, including Russian, Haitian Creole, Korean, Chinese, Hindi and American Sign Language, may be requested when making reservations.

To make an appointment for the next clinic, call the Bar Association at 516747-4070. Attendees are asked to bring their mortgage documents or other important papers and correspondence with them.

“Move It or L ose It:

Safe Exercises for Seniors”

Attention seniors: Do you want to feel better, have more energy? Exercise is the key, regardless of age or physical disability. It’s never too late to start!

NYU Winthrop Hospital will offer a free community lecture for seniors, “”Move It or Lose It,” on Wednesday, December 13, 2017, at 1:15 PM. The program will be held at the Mineola Community Center, 155 Washington Avenue in Mineola, one block south of Jericho Turnpike, between Mineola Blvd. and Willis Avenue.

Grace Rowan, MSN, RN, Community Health Nurse Educator at NYU Winthrop, will demonstrate safe and

fun exercise moves for everyday practice that may help seniors remain active and independent.

Free parking is available in the lot adjacent to the building; metered lots (quarters needed) are across the street. Seating is limited and reservations are required. To reserve a space, please call (516) 663-3916.

Health Update for Seniors is a free community health education program presented by the Department of Public Affairs, Geriatric Health Services and the Winthrop Home Health Agency. For information on other programs at the Hospital, please call 1-866-WINTHROP.

Bethpage students raise funds for Hurric ane Har vey v ictims

John F. Kennedy Middle School students in the Bethpage School District raised funds for the Dickinson Independent School District in Dickinson, Texas, by making coffee and hot chocolate for JFK faculty at the “Caring Café.”

During their vocational period, JFK’s Academy Class transformed into baristas as they accepted orders from teachers and staff. Special education teacher Zachary Levy created a Google Form

link for staff to request a $1 delicious hot beverage for pickup or delivery.

Working off the spreadsheet, the students created an assembly line, brewing coffee and hot chocolate and customizing the orders with milk and sugar. All proceeds will help the students of Dickinson, who have been affected by Hurricane Harvey.

John F. Kennedy Middle School students raised funds for the Dickinson School District in Texas by making coffee and hot chocolate for faculty.

John F. Kennedy Middle School eighth-grader Corinne Johneas (left) and Malaika Saif (right) prepared hot beverages for faculty.

Sweet sounds of kindness

Charles Campagne Elementary School students learned about respect, kindness and inclusion with the help of singer/songwriter Brian Chevalier.

Charles Campagne Elementary School students in the Bethpage School District used the power of music to discuss respect, kindness, and inclusion with the help of singer/songwriter Brian Chevalier.

In honor of October as National Bullying Prevention Month, Chevalier engaged students by teaching them song

lyrics, sign language and choreography for each of his songs, which discussed ways to be a good friend, include others during recess, and be a good citizen.

While Chevalier sang, student volunteers took center stage to sing, reiterate the dance moves, and sign the lyrics.

Grand opening at Levittown Library

John F. Kennedy Middle School sixth-grader Jason Bolarte (right) presented teacher assistant Tara Pizzuto (left) with her beverage.

Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

Hempstead Town Councilman Dennis Dunne, Sr. (left) attends the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of new eatery and dedication of the Santer Quiet Room held at the Levittown Public Library located on Bluegrass Lane. Pictured along with Councilman Dunne, Sr. are Legislator Norma L. Gonsalves and library Board members.

BY KAREN RUBIN

Increasingly, the world is skiers’ oyster with more and more people venturing to Europe, Asia and Australia for an entirely different downhill experience.

The consolidation of the mega-resort companies –Vail Resorts and Aspen/KSL – and their acquisitions of resorts spanning the nation and even the world gives new incentives for season-pass holders to go further afield from their “local” or familiar mountain, even See page D2

(Top) Ski.com reports that Deer Valley, Utah, is one of the most popular mountain resorts this season; the skiers-only resort has just been acquired by Aspen/KSL © 2017 Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

(bottom) Red Mountain, British Columbia is one of the underthe-radar mountain resorts that Ski.com says skiers and riders should consider (photo by David Heath)

GOING PLACES NEAR AND FAR

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

Ski Vacation Specialist SkiCom Assists Skiers, Riders Looking Further Afield for New Mountain Experiences

Continued from page D1

“shopping” for where the best snow may be or novel activities or amenities. This makes the services of a travel agent with particular expertise in mountain resorts to assist with the logistics (air, car rental, lodging, even rentals, etc.) more in demand. Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass, for example, provides unlimited access to Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia and Parisher in Australia (for summer 2018), plus limited access to 30 resorts in Europe; meanwhile, Vail Resorts’ acquisition of Stowe Vermont, its first in the Northeast, gives passholders greater incentive to spread their wings in pursuit of new places for an alpine experience.

SkiCom, a travel agency/broker specializing in skiing and mountain resorts, brings that expertise cultivated over 50 years, especially when venturing to more off-the-beaten track, even exotic or remote destinations, out of your comfort zone, where help with lodgings, transportation, and non-ski or après-ski activities brings extra value.

“We are continuing to see a trend of people buying their Epic Pass early to take advantage of earlybooking discounts and then picking their destinations and making travel plans later,” says Dan Sherman, chief marketing officer for Ski.com. “In some cases, Epic Pass holders will even purchase plane tickets to Denver, which locks in their dates, but they wait until closer in to decide on their destination. As the consolidation of major ski resorts continues, we expect to see new pass products hit the market, which could affect where and how often destination skiers travel to the mountains.” Ski. com sells the Epic Pass as well as the Salt Lake Super Pass, which are often-times cheaper than paying the day rate at the

ticket window. A Mountain Vacation Specialist can help determine this when booking a package for travelers.

The company reports that Japan is becoming a highly sought-after ski destination, particularly for those on the hunt for powder who also enjoy the cultural experiences these resorts offer.

Europe is also in higher demand this year, particularly for those looking to capitalize on airfare deals and also take advantage of the strong dollar against the Euro.

Ski.com just added additional Japanese locations to the inventory, one of nearly a dozen countries the company books for traveling skiers. Also, a recent partnership with Club Med offers skiers all-inclusive travel options in the European Alps.

Club Med now has 20 resorts in the French and Italian Alps (and just announced it will open its first in Canada, in Quebec’s Le Massif de Charlevoix ski region in 2020).

“People know us for warm weather properties, but what is different about Club Med’s ski resorts is that the vacation is truly all-inclusive: flights (aboard commercial airlines, not charter), transfers, accommodations, food and beverage, lift tickets, lessons, activities, snowshoeing kids programs, kids clubs (also inclusive of beginner, intermediate and advanced ski lessons) – the only thing not included are the rentals. Every property has something different” says Katie Riguzzi, of Source by Katie, representing Club Med at a Ski.com media event.

She noted that the world’s flagship ski destinations are seeing a stronger increase in visitors from around the world. For instance, guests from the United States, Canada and Brazil are booking more ski vacations in the Alps. They are also becoming more

interested in Asian ski destinations. These guests are traveling for the different experiences each destination can provide: Champagne powder in Japan, chalet atmosphere in France, cuisine in Italy, etc.

“The international appeal for ski is very evident at Club Med resorts, and the resorts are properly prepared to welcome all guests. Club Med employs staff members from all over the world to break down language barriers and they are equipped to provide top-ofthe-line accommodations, conciergelevel services and authentic culinary experiences that vary by region to highlight local flavors, but also adapt to the clients’ customs and comforts. Club Med continues to grow its ski offering in Europe, Asia and now North America, providing plenty of unique bucket-list destinations.”

The rising demand for allinclusive experiences has resulted in Ski.com expanding its guided trip program as well as partnering with Club Med to offer trips to Club Med ski destinations in Europe. Ski.com offers 5 guided trips this winter to Japan and to the Powder Highway in Canada. Ski.com’s demand for its Top Resorts remains high but the company is also seeing increased demand this year for Europe in general and also powderthemed vacations like Powder Highway and hell ski trips.

Guided Trips for the 2017-18 season include:

Hokkaido, Japan: January 13-29, 2018 & January 27-Febuary 3, 2018. Enjoy 6 days of guided skiing in or around Niseko (wherever the snowfall is most abundant), as well as 7 nights lodging, breakfast and more. More details here.

Canada’s Powder Highway I: Red Mountain +

Ski.com: Bormio, Italy is the perfect ski vacation for those looking to get away from it all (photo provided by Ski.com).

Whitewater, British Columbia February 25-March 4, 2018: Located on the infamous “Powder Highway,” this guided trip includes 3 days of guided skiing at Red Mountain and 3 days of guided skiing at Whitewater with options to add cat skiing as well. Lodging at each location as well as transportation and reception dinners are included. More details here.

Canada’s Powder Highway II: Panorama, Kicking Horse & Revelstoke, March 3-10, 2017: Explore some of Canada’s best powder and check heli-skiing off your bucket list with this guided trip to Panorama, Kicking Horse and Revelstoke. The trip includes 7 nights of lodging, 6 days of guided skiing, option to add hell-skiing as well as daily breakfast, après ski, transportation and more. More details here.

Off the Beaten Path: 7 Under-theRadar Ski Resorts

Ski.com’s best-selling resorts include Vail, Aspen/Snowmass, Breckenridge, Deer Valley Resort, Beaver Creek, Steamboat Springs, Park City, Jackson Hole, Telluride, Whistler/Blackcomb (CAN), Zermatt (Switzerland), Chamonix (France).

But while these are the best-sellers, Ski.com is also showcasing resorts that are off-the-beaten path.

“Skip the lift lines this winter and head off the beaten path. Resorts that take a little longer to get to, often reward skiers and riders with fewer crowds, untracked powder and downto-earth mountain towns that make you feel at home,” says Sherman.

Taos, New Mexico: “Taos is one of those places where you step back into an era when skiing was simple,” says Ski. com Mountain Vacation Expert Bryan Donnelly. Rising out of the Northern New Mexico desert, the town and resort are in the middle of nowhere - part of the ski area’s charm. Taos resides in the famed Sangre de Cristo mountain range at an altitude of 8,000-plus feet. The high elevation, combined with New Mexico’s arid climate yields bone-dry champagne powder. As a cultural center comprised of Native American, Spanish, and Anglo tradition, a ski trip to Taos is like going to a faraway land. On your way to the resort, you’ll notice adobe buildings, art galleries and a Native American Pueblo. The resort matches what the town’s culture has to offer with every kind of terrain imaginable at Taos Ski Valley, “from wide open bowls and long groomers to crazy cliffs, chutes and some of the steepest terrain this side of Wyoming,” says Donnelly.

Grand Targhee, Wyoming: Only 42 miles from Jackson Hole, Wyoming and with stunning views of the Tetons, Grand Targhee is likely a resort you’ve

likely never been to, but one that should be on your radar. Only 12 miles from the closest town, Driggs, Grand Targhee retains the laid-back, grass-roots vibe of Wyoming and Idaho country. The resort receives a whopping 500 inches of snow annually, but this hidden gem rarely sees crowds or extensive lift lines. With a quaint base village, live music at the local bar, and no high-rise condos to block the vistas, Targhee is a must-visit for skiers looking for private powder. Combine Targhee with nearby resorts Jackson, Sun Valley, Big Sky and those near Salt Lake City for an ultimate road trip.

Red Mountain, British Columbia: For amazing skiing and 3-bedroom condos with private hot tubs on the cheap, Red Mountain is the affordable luxury resort you’ve been dreaming of but maybe never heard of. The ski area is considered by some as one of the last great undiscovered resorts. Located in the low-key town of Rossland, B.C., Red Mountain is two hours from Spokane International Airport. Since its beginning back in 1896, Red Mountain has retained the charm on which its reputation was

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built. The resort was recently put up for crowd-funding, with the slogan “fight the man, own the mountain.” This antiestablishment (going against the grain of recent mergers) mentality can be felt at the laid-back resort. With terrain for all abilities, from wide-open groomers to steep tree skiing, Red Mountain offers up something for everyone. Take advantage of the Canadian exchange rate for additional savings and put this resort on your bucket list.

Schweitzer, Idaho : Nestled in Northwest Idaho 12 miles from Sandpoint and less than two hours from the Spokane, Washington airport you’ll find down-to-earth Schweitzer Mountain Resort. This rustic, quaint ski area is considered a hidden gem because you won’t have to fight crowds or waste your ski vacation in lift lines, and also, because there are 3,300 acres of skiable terrain and a consistent 300 inches of snow annually. Schweitzer has a wide variety of terrain options for all level of skiers, and the snowmaking capability to cover all their intermediate and beginner trails if by chance there’s a low snow year. Plus, the views atop the resort of Lake Pend Oreille aren’t

Dog-sledding in Breckenridge, Colorado, one of the Vail Resorts included on Epic Pass. Ski.com can arrange non-ski activities © Eric Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com

too shabby either. As a bonus, if you fly Alaskan airlines to get there, you can ski for free the day of your flight.

Sun Valley, Idaho: Sun Valley started as a playground for European

nobility and Hollywood stars in 1936, when it opened the world’s first

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‘Darkest Hour’ Wins Best Picture Award at Gold Coast International Film Festival

BY KAREN RUBIN

The results are in: Darkest Hour, a new film starring Gary Oldham as Winston Churchill, is the winner of Best Narrative Film at the 7th Annual Gold Coast International Film Festival. Best Documentary award was a tie: Underfire: The Untold Story of PFC Tony Vaccaro, the World War II soldier turned war photographer, who attended the sell-out screening, and the Long Island premiere of Dare to Be Different, about WLIR 92.7, the influential Long Island radio station on the cutting edge of music in the 1980s.

In all, the festival, now in its 7th year, screened more than 80 films from 12 countries – 36 of them Long Island premieres - with Q&As with dozens of visiting artists including directors, producers, and grandchildren of famous film subjects: Winston Churchill’s granddaughter, the artist Edwina Sandys; Frank Sinatra’s granddaughter, AJ Lambert who attended the 60th anniversary screening of the movie musical “Pal Joey,” and David Ben-Gurion’s grandson, Alon Ben-Gurion, after the screening of an extraordinary documentary based on six-hours of recently uncovered candid conversations with Israel’s founding father.

A record 15 of the screenings were sell-outs; the film-festival drew 4500 audience goers of all ages and backgrounds, from all over Long Island and the metro area – 175 different zipcodes.

“People think film festivals are elitist – but that’s not what we’re about,” said

Festival Director Caroline Sorokoff. The festival featured “Free Film Friday,” with presentations of the movie classic “Sergeant York,” starring Gary Cooper; family short films at the Great Neck Library, and film shorts at the Port Washington Library (with a Q&A with Israeli filmmaker Yaniv Segalovich, director of An Average Story , Letiferet, who joined Alexandra Gil, curator of the Gold Coast International Film Festival’s short films; the film won an audience award).

“Hundreds of people took advantage.” And this year, veterans could come to any screening for free, thanks to a grand from GEICO.

The Gold Coast International Film Festival is distinguished by the fascinating events that are organized with the screenings – Q&As with producers, directors, actors, experts and people associated with the films.

Indeed, a highlight of the festival was the Long Island premiere (two weeks before general release) of Darkest Hour , featuring Academy Award nominee Gary Oldman’s brilliant performance as Winston Churchill and the terrifying early days of his appointment as Prime Minister as Hitler’s forces were taking over Europe and threatening an invasion of the British Isles. It was Britain’s darkest hour. And like the movie “Lincoln”, and “Thirteen Days” about John F. Kennedy and the Cuban Missile Crisis, which shows the backstory of a key “moment” in pivotal history, we learn of how he had to overcome intense opposition from political rivals, and the diabolical choice he faced: negotiate

with Hitler to save British lives at a terrible cost or rally the nation and fight on against incredible odds.

Gary Oldman brilliantly portrays the first dark days of Churchill as Prime Minister. Directed by Joe Wright, the screening at the Soundview Cinemas in Port Washington, featured a Q&A with Churchill’s granddaughter, the artist Edwina Sandys, a young child during this time, who spoke nostalgically and lovingly of her grandfather and grandmother, Clementine.

Underfire: The Untold Story of Pfc. Tony Vaccaro is the remarkable story of WWII infantryman and legendary photographer Tony Vaccaro, who created one of the most comprehensive, haunting and intimate photographic records of the war using a smuggled $47 camera while developing the negatives in his helmet at night. Tony Vaccaro, himself, along with Director Max Lewkowicz and Producer Valerie Thomas participated in a postscreening Q&A session, followed by the opening reception of Tony Vaccaro’s acclaimed, wartime and celebrity photography at the Gold Coast Arts Center Gallery in Great Neck (on view through February).

The Long Island Premiere of Dare to Be Different had three sold-out screenings, and featured a Q&A with Director Ellen Goldfarb and Executive Producer and former WLIR Program Director Denis McNamara, plus a host of other special guests, including artists and DJs featured in the film. It was an event that could only happen on Long Island, where WLIR brought new wave music to

America. WLIR helped launch the careers of U2, Talking Heads, Depeche Mode, Blondie, Duran Duran, Tears for Fears, The Clash, and The Cure, among others. Special guests attending the premiere include Larry “The Duck” Dunn, Michael “Eppy” Epstein, Max Leinwand, Steve North, Carol Silva, Donna Donna and “Malibu Sue” McCann.

Ben-Gurion: Epilogue, a stunning documentary compiled from six hours of never-before-seen footage, of newly discovered conversations with Israel’s founding father presents a rare and fortuitous piece of cinematic archeology – it’s as if film was found of candid conversation with George Washington. Watching, you realize you are seeing a work of undeniable historical significance with prophetic implications for Israel’s future. Presented in Partnership with American Friends of Soroka Medical Center to a standingroom-only audience at the Bowtie Cinema in Great Neck, the screening featured an extraordinary Q&A with Ben-Gurion’s grandson, Alon, who spoke personally of time spent with his grandfather.

An extraordinary documentary, Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story, was the first of a new “Science on Screen” series funded by a hard-to-win grant to the Gold Coast Arts Center to better communicate science to a general audience. The documentary finally credits the dazzlingly-beautiful actress as a brilliant inventor responsible for the innovation that

See page D6

BY TOM MARGENAU

Q: I turn 66 in January and want benefits to start then. A few weeks ago, I filled out the claim forms online. One of the questions asked when I want my benefits to start. Knowing that Social Security checks are sent out one month in arrears, I answered by indicating “February,” because the January check comes in February. Now I just received an award letter telling me my first month of eligibility is February, with the check to come in March. What went wrong? What can I do about it? And can they rephrase the question on the application form?

A: In my opinion, you were overthinking the question. When the retirement application form asks, “Which month do you want benefits to start?” -- it is asking just that. It isn’t asking you which month do you want your first check to physically be sent to you. In your question to me, you said you want your benefits to start effective with the month you turn age 66. And that is January, and that’s the way you should have answered the question.

In all of my years dealing with these issues, I’ve never heard anyone else complain about this. So I’m not really sure if the online application form needs to be rewritten. But if some of my old colleagues at the Social Security Administration are reading this and have heard similar complaints from other website users, they might want to think about clarifying the question.

You also asked what you can do about it. You could do nothing. If you leave things the way they are, you will miss out on one Social Security check (the January payment). But in return, you will get a tiny bump in your monthly benefit rate. People who delay starting their benefits after age 66 get a two-thirds of 1 percent credit added to their checks. So, for the rest of your life, instead of getting 100 percent of your full retirement rate, you will be getting about 100.6 percent. Assuming you live long enough, somewhere down the road you will actually come out money ahead because of this unintended error you made on the application form.

But if you really want to correct the record and get that January check, you should talk to someone at your local Social Security office. You may be able to simply file an appeal of the award letter you just received telling them you want your “month of entitlement” to be January, not February. However, they may tell you that there is nothing to appeal because SSA didn’t make a mistake. If that is their position, then your only option would be to withdraw that first claim you made and then turn around and file a new claim indicating “January” as the month you want your benefits to start. Frankly, in my opinion, that sounds like an awful lot of hassle and paperwork for a relatively small payoff.

YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY

Benefit Starting Date Confusion

Q: I’ve been reading your column for a while now. I enjoy all the insights you provide into the Social Security program. But I do have one little bone to pick with you. It really bugs me that you keep referring to Social Security “checks.” No one gets a “check” anymore. All Social Security payments are directly deposited into bank accounts.!” So can you please stop referring to Social Security payments as “checks?”

A: Thanks, I guess, for the backhanded compliment about my column. I do understand what you are saying. But, honestly, I think you are making too big a deal about this. I would guess that 99 percent of my readers understand that when I do refer to a Social Security “check,” I am not talking about a physical piece of paper. I am talking about someone’s Social Security benefit payment. Over the years, I’ve heard thousands and thousands of people refer to their Social Security “checks.” In fact, look at the first question. The reader refers to “checks” several times. I knew what he was talking about. And I’m sure my readers did, too. I understand that we’ve all got our little pet peeves. But I’m afraid this is one that you are just going to have to let go.

Q: I am getting widow’s benefits from Social Security. It looks like I might inherit a substantial sum of money from a very elderly aunt who is near death. Will that have any impact on my survivor benefits?

A: You could inherit a million dollars and it will have no bearing on your eligibility for widow’s benefits. Social Security isn’t welfare. You get benefits because you worked and earned those benefits. Or in your case, because your husband worked and earned those benefits for you.

Some people confuse the Social Security program with Supplemental Security Income benefits. SSI is indeed a welfare program. It pays a small monthly check to poor people who are over age 65 or who are disabled. Even though Supplemental Security Income sounds like a Social Security program, it is not. It has nothing to do with Social Security except for the fact that the Social Security Administration manages the program for the federal government. SSI benefits are paid out of general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes. And because it is welfare, if someone getting an SSI check inherits some money, it will impact their eligibility for benefit payments.

Q: My wife is about to turn 62 and just filed for her Social Security. I am 72 and have been getting my benefits since age 66. If my wife takes reduced retirement benefits, will that impact the amount of widow’s benefits she will get when I die?

A: No. The only thing that will impact the amount of her widow’s payment is

her age when you die. Assuming she is over age 66 when that happens, she will start getting 100 percent of your benefit rate, minus what she is already getting in her own retirement benefits. If she is under 66 when you die, her widow’s rate would be reduced roughly one-half of 1 percent for each month she is under that age.

CROSSWORD

PUZZLE

Answers on page D5

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Ski Vacation Specialist SkiCom Assists

Skiers, Riders Looking Further Afield for New Mountain Experiences

C ontinued from page D3

chairlift. Today it is home to a handful of Olympians, yet remains under the radar. Bright, sunny days with comfortable temperatures combined with long, wide-open groomed runs and awesome scenery are the many reasons to add Sun Valley to your bucket list of ski resorts. The resort offers a laid-back atmosphere with the highest standards of service as well as over 70 runs, a 3,400-foot vertical drop and more uphill capacity, per skier, than any other ski area. “The best part about Sun Valley,” says Dan Sherman, “ is that you can still drive to and park at the base of the mountain for free. You’ll never have worry about standing in lift lines, not even on a powder day.” Characteristics you’d be hard-pressed to find at the majority of North American ski resorts.

Whitefish, Montana : Minimal crowds, stunning views, great nachos, and that laid-back Montana vibe make Whitefish a hidden gem to add to your vacation bucket list. Skiers used to Colorado and Utah crowds will feel as if they have their own private mountain. On a clear day, the resort’s notorious “snow ghosts” or pine trees coated in fog and ice, create great photo opportunities, as does the view of the surrounding mountains (Whitefish is located t the northern most end of Montana near Glacier National Park) and lake. The friendly, low-key town offers a slew of accommodations for all budgets, as well as local bars with character to wet your whistle. “Whitefish has a feeling of exclusivity,” says Dan Sherman, “like it’s your own hidden treasure that you don’t want anyone else to ever discover.”

Bormio, Italy: Bormio is the perfect ski vacation for those looking to get away from it all. The remote hamlet is located in the Italian province of Sondrio, near the Swiss border. Due to its remote location, Bormio has very few crowds, which make the ski resort’s spacious, woodland slopes that much more enjoyable. As site of the 2005 Alpine World Championships, Bormio boasts world-class facilities. The historic village exudes ancient charm and provides visitors with plenty of quaint, reasonably priced accommodation options. Since Roman times, Bormio has also been known for its relaxing thermal baths. On-mountain, intermediates will love the wide-open and moderately pitched slopes. Terrain park enthusiasts will love the superpipe and slopestyle course, while a beginner park ensures novices learn in a safe manner.

Another benefit of using a ski specialist to help coordinate a long-

distance vacation is mitigating the cost. With the rising cost of skiing, “people want to make sure they’re receiving more value for the higher cost,” Sherman says. “This is where Ski. com can help. In addition for being able to hunt for the best price, we really excel by matching people with the vacation components that are right for them. Also, not too long ago, all you needed for a successful ski vacation was a hotel, a chairlift and a bar. Now, resorts offer world-class amenities, spas, dining, improved family and ski school facilities and additional on- and off-mountain activities.”

Ski.com is one of the largest providers of mountain vacation packages in North America, with relationships with more than 120 destinations worldwide and over 4,000 properties. The company has booked travel for more than one million skiers and riders over the course of almost 50 years. The company is a one-stop shop for custom ski vacation packages that can include everything from discounted lift tickets, lodging, flights, equipment rental, ground transfers, lessons and off-mountain activities (such as dogsledding or nordic skiing).

Visit Ski.com (you can do an on-line chat with a specialist) or call 800-9085000 or 970-429-3099.

© 2017 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear. com , www.huffingtonpost. com/author/karen-rubin , and travelwritersmagazine.com/ TravelFeaturesSyndicate/ . Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress. com and moralcompasstravel.info. Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@ aol.com. Tweet @TravelFeatures. ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

‘Darkest Hour’ Wins Best Picture Award at Gold Coast International Film Festival

C ontinued from page D3

made possible secure WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS communications (her intent was to make the Navy’s torpedoes more effective in order to win World War II, but the Navy put the patent away in a drawer until it was rediscovered by another inventor devising military weapons). The Long Island premiere, featured a Q&A (sponsored by Edelman financial Services, LLC) with Director Alexandra Dean, Fleming Meeks, the Forbes journalist who scored amazing interviews with the reclusive actor late in life, and Dr. Christine Metz of the Feinstein Institute and was moderated by Diane Masciale of WNET.

Straight/Curve: Redefining Body Image, Long Island Premiere at the Gold Coast International Film Festival of the documentary examining the industries and obstacles responsible for

the body image crisis and showcasing the dynamic leaders fighting for more diversity of size, race and age, featured a Q&A with Director Jenny McQuaile and Producer Yael Melamede and a panel of distinguished experts from Northwell Health: Dr. Gabriella Farkas, Dr. Bonny Patel and Nancy Farber, ND. The Q&A was sponsored by the Katz Institute for women’s Health at Northwell Health.

The 60th anniversary screening of Pal Joey, an Academy Award-winning musical gem, with famous classics by Richard Rogers and Lorenz Hart, celebrating its 60th anniversary this year starring Frank Sinatra, Rita Hayworth, and Kim Novak, featured a Q&A with AJ Lambert, Sinatra’s granddaughter (Nancy’s daughter) and Raj Tawney, a multi-media journalist/ producer. Lambert spoke about her warm and loving grandfather.

Alexandra Gil, curator of the Gold Coast International Film Festival’s short films, and Regina Gil, Festival Founder and Executive Director, present awards for short films at a gala luncheon at Neiman Marcus Garden City © 2017 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

“Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story,” a documentary about the gorgeous actress focuses on her role as inventor of secure wifi, Bluetooth and GPS communications and how her arresting beauty stood in the way of being given credit for her brilliance, screened at the Gold Coast International Film Festival, featured a panel discussion moderated by Diane Masciale of WLIW21 and WNET (right), with Alexandra Dean, Director (second from left), Fleming Meeks, Journalist and Dr. Christine Metz of the Feinstein Institute. © 2017 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Supergirl , the story of Naomi Kutin, an Orthodox Jewish pre-teen girl with an extraordinary talent – holding a world record in powerlifting, featured a Q&A with the film’s director, Jessie Auritt and “Supergirl” herself, Naomi Kutin and her family.

The delightful documentary Hummus! The Movie, was followed by “The Great Gold Coast Hummus TasteOff” at Lola restaurant next door to the BowTie Theater in Great Neck Plaza.

The seventh anniversary of the not-for-profit Gold Coast International Film Festival featured over 80 films and dozens of filmmakers at screenings and events at North Shore venues, including Soundview Cinemas in Port Washington, the Bow Tie Cinemas in Great Neck, Port Washington, Manhasset and Roslyn, and the Gold Coast Arts Center in Great Neck.

Films presented this year showcased major Hollywood actors, include Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas, Patricia Arquette, Burt Reynolds, Isabelle Huppert, Rainn Wilson, Bill Nye, Rosemarie DeWitt, Imogen Poots, and Shahab Hosseini, star of the 2016 Oscar-winning film The Salesman,” which premiered at last year’s festival, featured in the East Coast premiere of the Iranian film Gholam this year.

This year’s festival included more than 40 premieres, including French movie-star Isabelle Huppert’s new film Souvenir; Burt Reynold’s new film Dog Years; Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story; Yellow Birds, starring Jennifer Aniston, Toni Collette, Alden Ehrenreich and Tye Sheridan, and the timely Bill Nye: Science Guy Award-winning feature films from the world’s most prestigious festivals (Cannes, Toronto, Sundance, Tribeca, Hamptons) were screened, along with dozens of excellent short

films.

The festival featured films from 12 different countries – most that you cannot otherwise get to see - including 1945, from Hungary about a remote Hungarian town preparing for the wedding of the village magistrate’s son, when two Orthodox Jews arrive at the village train station with two coffinshaped wooden crates, supposedly filled with soaps and perfumes. Is this a harbinger of the return of more Jews? Led by the boorish village magistrate, the townspeople fear that these strangers may be heirs of the village’s denounced and deported Jewish neighbors and have come to claim their family’s stolen property. Paranoia runs rampant, leading to tragic events and a potent, unexpected ending. “While there have been many films about the Holocaust, there are few about its immediate aftermath, when greed and material gain from the Jewish peoples’ demise was pervasive. Director Ferenc Török cleverly captures this often overlooked moment in history where one town’s actions become a metaphor for the moral decay of the whole country. Shot in elegant black and white with an eye for exquisite composition and a minimal evocative score, 1945 is a subtle and nuanced study in the collective guilt and enduring anti-Semitism of postwar Hungary,” wrote Jay Rosenblatt, San Francisco Jewish Film.

The Long Island premiere of The Insult, provided a rare look at modernday Lebanon. The intelligent, rivetting and politically charged drama focuses on how a minor disagreement between a Christian Phalanges Party supporter and a Palestinian construction foreman sparks an unforgivable insult, which ignites a confrontation of national importance. Celebrity lawyers, TV news, and political leaders get involved

Artist Edwina Sandys, granddaughter of Sir Winston Churchill, discusses her grandfather at the Long Island premiere of “Darkest Hour” at the 2017 Gold Coast International Film Festival, Long Island, with Festival Founder and Executive Director `Regina Gil and Diane Masciale, VP & GM of WLIW21 and Executive Producer of local productions at WNET © 2017 Karen Rubin/news-photosfeatures.com

in a trial that rips open raw memories of Lebanon’s violent past Paris Opera, from France, provided a fascinating, candid behind-the-scenes view of a season at the Paris Opera, following the array of personnel –management, performers, costumers, cleaning crew - even choreographer Benjamin Millepied - who work night after night to bring breathtaking spectacle to this legendary setting.

The New York premiere of Back to Burgundy, from France, is a story of wine, family, family business, and more wine is set amid the gorgeous backdrop of Burgundy, and told with an assured mix of drama and humor. Jean, who had left his childhood home more than ten years ago, returns after his father’s death to reconcile the future of the business with his brother and sister.

This year, GCIFF again presented the work of talented young filmmakers in grades K-12 in its Young Filmmakers Program , presented in partnership with Hofstra University, a festival sponsor.

The festival finished on Wednesday November 15 with a Closing Awards Lunch at the cafe at Neiman Marcus Garden City (in Roosevelt Field). Neiman Marcus was a major sponsor of the film festival. The lunch also launched the Neiman Marcus ”Love to Give” Collection, where10% of the proceeds from the sale of the ”Love to Give” items goes back to the Gold Coast Arts Center, based in Great Neck, Long Island, which organizes the annual Gold Coast International Film Festival.

For the past 110 years since NeimanMarcus’ founding, said Doris Wilshere, Vice President, General Manager, supporting the arts has been a priority. “It has been of particular interest to the founders. That’s why our partnership with the film festival is important to us. It’s the one budget we are encouraged to

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

spend every $1 of, every year.”

In addition to Neiman Marcus Garden City, sponsors and partners of this year’s Gold Coast International Film Festival included: founding partners, the Town of North Hempstead and Douglas Elliman Real Estate; major partners, Hofstra University and the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency; GEICO; Deluxe Entertainment Services Group; AARP Long Island; A.L. Sarroff Fund; Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP; The Katz Institute for Women’s Health at Northwell Health; St. Mary’s Kids; Jet Blue; Biener Audi; LVR Rental; The Inn at Great Neck; The Andrew Hotel; WLIW21; Altice; New York Women in Film & Television; Anton Publications; Blank Slate Media; LI Pulse; Edelman Financial Services, LLC; and LOLA of Great Neck.

More information at www. goldcoastfilmfestival.org ; facebook. com/gciff.

The Gold Coast International Film Festival is produced by the Gold Coast Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts through education, exhibition, performance and outreach. Gold Coast Arts Center, 113 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck, NY 11021, 516-829-2570, www. goldcoastarts.org.

Alon Ben-Gurion, grandson of Israel’s former Prime Minister, David BenGurion, speaks with audience after the screening of the documentary, “Ben-Gurion Epilogue,” based on six hours of newly discovered conversations with Israel’s founding father, at the 2017 Gold Coast International Film Festival, Great Neck, Long Island © 2017 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

David Kirschenbaum , Neiman Marcus Garden City Director of Public Relations, Regina Gil, Gold Coast International Festival Founder and Executive Director, and Doris Wilshere, Vice President, General Manager of Neiman Marcus Garden City, announce launch of ”Love to Give” Collection, which gives back a share of the purchase to support Gold Coast Arts Center’s programs © 2017 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Israeli filmmaker Yaniv Segalovich, director of “An Average Story” (Letiferet) which won an audience award, joins Alexandra Gil, curator of the Gold Coast International Film Festival’s short films, for a Q&A, at one of the Free Film Friday events © 2017 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

The 60th anniversary showing of “Pal Joey,” a movie musical with classics by Rogers & Hart, starring Frank Sinatra, Rita Hayworth and Kim Novack, at the Gold Coast International Film Festival featured a Q&A with AJ Lambert, Sinatra’s granddaughter (Nancy’s daughter) and Raj Tawney, a multi-media journalist/ producer © 2017 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

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Established Co.has excellent opportunity for indiv.w/Min.7 yrs.exp. Residential & Lt.Commercial

• Good Salary, Medical, Vacation, Sick & Personal.

Email resume to: Krysdoms1@aol.com or call: 516-599-0067

EMPLOYMENT

SITUATION WANTED

AIDE / COMPANION FOR THE ELDERLY/CAREGIVER

Honest loving and reliable woman seeking home care position. 20 years experience. Available full time, part time, weekends and overnights. Licensed driver w/car. Please contact Maria 516-361-5608

AVAILABLE NOW: Companion/Aide with car. Please call 718-986-4215 or email: jgsensual@aol.com

CARE GIVER: NEED A COMPANION or nursing assistant for your loved ones at home or in a health care facility? Call 516-410-9943 for a NY State certified nursing assistant with excellent references !

EMPLOYMENT

SITUATION WANTED

CERTIFIED HOME CAREGIVER AVAILABLE:

Full time or part time, Live out. Will also do light cleaning, meal preparation for patient. Happy to assist! Excellent references. Licensed driver w/ own car.

Call Hortensia 516-737-2580

CERTIFIED NURSES AIDE

Experienced 20 years. Honest and reliable seeking home care position. Available Full Time, Part Time Weekends And Overnight. Licensed driver w/car. Please contact Barbara 516- 3034501

CLEANING AVAILABLE

Houses and Apartments. Flexible days and hours. Experienced, reasonable prices. Very good references Own transportation. Please call 516-272-5154 or 516-385-5547

CLEANING LADY AVAILABLE

Also organizes homes, offices, garages. English speaking, honest, reliable. Excellent references. Own transportation. Animal friendly. Free estimates. Call 516-225-8544

COMPANION AVAILABLE

Available full time.

Looking for someone to take care of your elderly parents in the comfort of your own home for peace and tranquility? 18 yrs. experience, references, driver w/ reliable vehicle. Please call 516-410-1892 or 516-967-1130

HOME HEALTH AIDE will take care of your loved one in their home. Experienced & honest. Licensed driver with own transportation. Call Flo 352-262-6970

CAREER TRAINING

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

LOST & FOUND

LOST

BEAUTIFUL BLACK ROSARY on Sunday, November 11 Vicinity of St. Joseph’s Church and Key Food, 7th Street. REWARD!

Please call 516-747-0258

PEACOCK FOUND

PEACOCK found on Caroline Avenue Garden City South on November 21 Information call: 516-481-1612

NOVENAS/PRAYERS

PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN (Never known to fail). Oh Most Beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine of Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin assist me in this necessity. Oh Star of the Sea help me and show herein you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth I humbly beseech thee from the bottom of my heart to succor me this necessity (mention your request here). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee (three times). Oh Holy Mary I place this prayer in your hands (three times). Thank you for your mercy to me and mine. Amen. This prayer is never known to fail and is to be said for 3 consecutive days. Publication on granting of the favor must be promised and done. (MAK)

MARKETPLACE

GARAGE CONTENTS FOR SALE GARDEN CITY:

Pottery Barn Twin Bed with underneath storage drawers both sides of bed. Excellent Condition.

HON Lateral Filing Cabinet, 5 drawers. Excellent condition. Misc Items: Printer, fax, scanner.

Please call for details/pricing: 516-779-8788

MARKETPLACE

INVITED ESTATE SALES BY TRACY JORDAN

Estate & Tag Sales

Online & Live Auctions

Cleanout & Moving Services

Home Staging Services Appraisals 516-279-6378

www.invitedsales.com

Email: tracyjordan@invitedsales.com

WANTED TO BUY

MARKETPLACE

AVITAL GALLERY 336: Paintings, Royal Copenhagen, Rosenthal and more. Hours

Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 12-5, Friday 10-1 or by appointment. 770 Middle Neck road, Great Neck, NY 11024. 516-3045640 or call 516-528-9765. Free parking in back

HUGE ESTATE SALE!

Saturday, December 2 8:00 am to 3:00 pm 152 St. Paul’s Rd. N Hempstead, NY 11550 (Cathedral Gardens) Cross Street: Cathedral Avenue /Hempstead Tpk

Mint condition indoor furniture, outdoor furniture, sports memorabilia, gym equipment, Swarovski/Waterford crystal & tons of accent/decorative pieces!

LOOKING TO BUY!

Oriental items, clothing, art, old & modern furniture, estates, jewelry, silver, glassware, dishes, old photos, coins & stamps, flatware. Call George 718-3861104 or 917-775-3048

TOP CASH PAID: JEWELRY, Furniture, Art, etc. Please call 718-598-3045 or 516-270-2128. www.iBuyAntiquesNYC.com TAG SALE

*BROWSE

*SHOP

*CONSIGN A.T. STEWART

EXCHANGE

CONSIGNMENT SHOP

China, Silver, Crystal, Jewelry, Artwork, Furniture, Antiques, Collectibles

Tues-Fri 10-4

Sat 12-4

INVITED ESTATE SALES BY TRACY JORDAN

Monday, December 4, 2017 10:00 a.m.

68 Dartmouth Street Rockville Centre, NY 11570

Packed house of collectibles, vintage, packed basement and garage, tools, dining room furniture, china, crystal and household items....Visit www. invitedsales.com for pictures and details !

INVITED ESTATE SALES BY TRACY JORDAN

Wednesday, December 6 9:30 a.m.

27 Brompton Rd Garden City, NY 11530

Furniture, tools, tons of fabric, crystal, costume jewelry, sewing items and more....Visit www.invitedsales.com for pictures and details !

INVITED ESTATE SALES BY TRACY JORDAN

Friday, December 8, 2017 10:00 a.m.

241 Harvard Street Rockville Centre, NY 11570

Books, records, furniture traditional pieces, garage and barn items, outdoor tools and recreation items....Visit www. invitedsales.com for pictures and details !

MARKETPLACE

WILLISTON TIMES: Bargains + Blessings Thrift Shop at the Church of the Resurrection, 147 Campbell Ave at Center St., Williston Park. OPEN Thursdays and Saturdays 10-4. 516746-5527. Holiday Decorations, Ornaments, Wrapping Paper, Tree Skirts, Gifts for family and friends. Everything you need for the holidays. Jewelry, clothing, household items, etc. Donations accepted. Mon-Fri 9am-12pm. CHRISTMAS SHOP OPEN NOW.

PETS

PET SERVICES

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

DO YOU HATE KENNELS? OR STRANGERS IN YOUR HOUSE?

HOME AWAY FROM HOME will care for your dog in my Garden City home while you are away.

Dog walking also available. Pet CPR & first Aid Certified. Numerous referrals and references. Limited availability. Book early! Annmarie 516-775-4256

MYA’S K9 CAMP Full Service Pet Care Professional Dog Grooming Training Boarding Walking EFT Pet Therapy Therapeutic Healing GC Resident 516-382-5553

AUTOS WANTED

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

Every Tuesday: 10% Senior Citizen Discount. All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical Society 109 Eleventh Street Garden City 11530

516-746-8900

email: store@atstewartexchange.org www.gardencityhistoricalsociety. org

CLASSIFIEDS Call 294.8900

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

APARTMENT FOR RENT

GARDEN CITY RENTALS

First Floor, Five Rooms 2 Bed, 2 Full Baths

Updated EIK, A/C Parking Immediate

$3,200

Garden City Properties (516)746-1563 / (516)313-8504

ROOM FOR RENT

MINEOLA: Large furnished room, private entrance, share bath, own TV, microwave and fridge, A/C. No pets/smoking. $735 month all utilities included plus 1 month security. References required. 516-747-5799

GARAGE/PARKING SPACE FOR RENT

PORT WASHINGTON: Outside commercial or non commercial parking space available. Each space is $175 per month. Please call 516-993-5050

OFFICE SPACE

GARDEN CITY

1565 FRANKLIN AVE

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

HOMES FOR SALE

FRANKLIN SQUARE

HOMES FOR SALE:

Cherry Lane; 4 Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths, rear dormer, full basement, garage. Carukin Street; 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, full dormer, finished basement, 2 car garage.

LISA DP REAL ESTATE

Text or call: 516-319-3647

Grandparents:

OUT OF TOWN REAL ESTATE

JAMESPORT

Privacy with a view! Adirondack Contemporary on 1.5 acres set amongst the treetops. Borders preserved land in the back and pond in front. 3 BRs, 2.5 Baths. Stone fireplace, CAC, HW floors, 10’ ceilings. 30x24 detached garage / workshop with 8’ overhead door. Close to Jitney stop & town. Must See! Reduced! $749,900. Colony Realty, Carll Austin 516-658-2623

JAMESPORT: STUNNING 3500 sf VICTORIAN

Private landscaped setting on 1 acre. 4 BRs & 3.5 Baths. 2 Master Bedroom Suites. Large EIK, Formal LR, Formal DR, Family Room/fireplace. Geothermal Heat, Central Air and Solar panels. Finished Basement. 3 Car Garage. Must See! Just Listed! $949,000. Colony Realty, Carll Austin 516-658-2623

LAUREL

Custom 3000 sf Brick Ranch with Deeded Beach Rights!

This home features LR, FDR, Family Room, EIK, MBR w/ Bath and additional 3 BRs and Bath. Large Laundry Room. Walk up Attic. $799,000 MLS #2939085 Colony Realty, Carll Austin 516-658-2623

SOUTH JAMESPORT:

Waterview quaint and charming.

Close to lots of sugar sandy bay beaches! Bring your flip flops and unwind here! Upper deck with magical views of boats, harbor and peekaboo bay views! Located in historic Sea Faring South Jamesport! Visit the wineries and stay forever! Reduced! $459,000 Colony Realty, Dolores Peterson 631-413-7572

SERVICES

CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY DECORATIONS

professionally installed on your home or office. Let us help you design your display. Will purchase and deliver decorations if needed. Gutters and windows cleaned. Full handyman services. Free estimate. Senior discount. Call 516-534-9518

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

AMBIANCE

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

*Handyman & Remodeling

*Kitchen Installations

*Furniture Assembly

*Finish Carpentry

*Minor Electrical & Plumbing

25year GC Resident

Lic & Ins H18E2170000

Call BOB 516-741-2154

GRACE ROOFING:

Est. 1977. Slate, tile roof specialist, flat roofs, asphalt and wood shingle roofs, gutters and leaders cleaned and replaced, professional new roof installation. Free estimates, expert leak repairs, lic/Ins, local references, residential/ commercial. 516753-0268

GUTTERS, WINDOWS, CARPET CLEANING! GENERAL

HOME REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE: “Handyman Services”.

Outdoor Christmas & holiday decorating available. Plumbing, electrical is my specialty. Most gutters $30-40. Sprinkler blow outs, painting available. Clean ups in/out. All odd jobs...you name it. I will do it. All work guaranteed!! Fully insured. Free estimate. Senior discount. Call 516-534-9518

LAMPS FIXED $65

In home service. Handy Howard. 646-996-7628

ROOF LEAKS REPAIRED

Slate Roof Specialist. Copper Flashings. Snow Guards. Aluminum Trim & Siding. No Sub-Contractors. Nassau Lic# H1859520000.

B.C. Roofing 631-496-9711. Text or call owner direct: 516-983-0860

SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

SKY CLEAR WINDOW and Restorations Inc. Window Restorations, Outdated Hardware, skylights, Andersen Sashes, new storm windows, wood windows, chain/rope repairs, falling windows, fogged panes, mechanical repairs, wood repairs, restorations, all brands. Call Mr. Fagan, 32 years experience. 631-385-7975 www.skyclearwindow.com

Ted Emmerich Construction - 516-466-1111. Renovations, bathrooms, kitchens, roofing. All types of repairs large or small. www.tedemmerich.com

PAINTING & PAPERHANGING

PAINTING PAINTING

PAINTING: Interior/Exterior. Fall Specials! Call Steve cell 972998-8573

PARTY HELP

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

TUTORING

AP BIOLOGY tutor using the Campbell or Sadava books. I use the test banks to show you what you are weak in and will review each topic and chapter with you. This is a pathway to a 5! Ephraim Himelstein 516384-9865. ephraimhimelstein@ gmail.com

MATH, PHYSICS, SAT/ACT TUTOR, adjunct professor Calculus I,II, Algebra, trig, AP & Pre-Calc, IB, NYS Certified, highly experienced. Raj 516-7871026

GARDEN CITY CONDO / APARTMENT / HOUSE WANTED FOR SUMMER OF 2018 RENTAL Central air needed. Call 516-510-6781

SERVICES

TUTORING

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

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

INSTRUCTION

PIANO LESSONS

By Ira Baslow. Experience the joy of playing the piano. Private lessons in your home, free no-obligation piano lesson, all levels, all styles, all ages. Beginners a specialty. 516-312-1054 www.iwantmypianolessons. com

CLEANING

STRONG ARM CLEANING: Residential and commercial cleaning specialist, post construction clean ups, shipping and waxing floors, move ins and move outs. Free estimates. Bonded and insured. 516-5381125 www.strongarmcleaningny.com

SERVICES

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

COLLEGE ARTS ADMISSIONS: College Counseling in the Visual and Performing Arts. Dance, Musical Theatre & Drama. Film, Instrumental & Vocal Music. Audio Recording & Production. Theatre Technology & Production. Visual & Graphic Arts. Resume, Essays, Repertoire Lists. Michele Zimmerman. 516-353-6255 CollegeArtsAdmissions@gmail.com www.CollegeArtsAdmissions. com

CLASSIFIEDS Call 294.8900

SERVICES

COMPLETE JUNK REMOVAL/DEMOLITION SERVICE:

Strong Arm Contracting Inc. We haul anything and everything. Entire contents of home or office. We clean it up and take it away. Residential/Commercial. Bonded/Insured. Free estimates. 516-538-1125

DEFEND YOURSELF!

Tactics for self defense: In home, empowerment, flexible hours, any age or gender, discourage bullies. Free consultation. Please call 631-707-0029

GENERATORS Sales and service. Maintenance contracts. Generac, Kohler. Mohrmann Electric Co., Inc. 516-826-3311

OLD VILLAGE TREE SER-

VICE: Owner operated since 1989. 24 hour emergency service. Licensed / insured. Free estimates, member LI Arborist Assoc. Please call 516-466-9220

SIDEWALK VIOLATIONS

REPAIRED: Sidewalk repairs, concrete, masonry. Ted Emmerich Construction. 516-4661111 www.tedemmerich.com

Love to write?

Advertising Sales Executive Blank Slate Media

Blank Slate Media, a fast-growing chain of 6 award-winning weekly newspapers and website, is looking for an energetic, service-oriented professional with good communications skills to sell display, web and email advertising.

Earn up to $60,000 in the first-year representing the 6 Blank Slate Media publications and website as well the 5 publications and 1 website owned by Blank Slate’s sales partner, Litmor Publications.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and service-oriented sales professional with good communication skills.

Requirements: Minimum of 2 years outside sales experience. Newspaper sales experience a plus. Must have your own car.

• Opportunity to sell both print and online programs

• A collegial, supportive sales team

• Award-winning editorial coverage

• Aseparate newspaper for each community allowing advertisers to target their markets, and you to provide the most cost-effective way to advertise

• Represent media that produce superior response for clients Compensation

• Salary plus commission • Health insurance

• Paid vacation, sick days & holiday

www.theislandnow.com

Last Hope Flea Market & Jewelry Sale Saturday, December 2nd MARK YOUR CALENDAR GET READY FOR THE BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR!

The Next Last Hope Flea Market and Jewelry Sale will be on Saturday, December 2nd from 10am-2pm at The Church of the Advent (Winthrop Hall) in Westbury, 555 Advent Street. just off Jericho Turnpike.

Lots of new items, including Ross Simon jewelry, that are sure to include that great find. New items and lots of holiday merchandise available.

Please start putting items aside for donation. They will be accepted on Friday, December 1st from 2:30pm to 7pm at the church.

Things we don’t accept since they don’t sell: books, VCR/cassette tapes, toys, gym equipment, furniture, picture frames and clothing. Our customers are interested in knick-knacks and household items. Jewelry is a big seller for us–all kinds. All proceeds go to the Special Needs Animal Fund at Last Hope. Finish up that last minute holiday shopping and benefit this great cause at the same time.

For more information contact Maureen at toestetra@hotmail.com. To read more about us and to see photos and bios of our adoptable cats and dogs, please visit http://lasthopeanimalrescue.org.

Charles Campagne Elementary School first- and second-graders in the Bethpage School District collaborated to build a new home for a “spooky friend” using toothpicks and gumdrops during a science, technology, engineering and mathematics lesson.

Constructing a witch’s cottage

After reading We’re Off to Find the Witch’s House by Richard Krieb, firstgrade teacher Kristen Rochford and second-grade teacher Daniella Flaim challenged their classes to build a structure that would house the witch using only the given materials.

As part of a STEM lesson, Charles Campagne Elementary School students collaborated to build a new home for a “spooky friend” using only toothpicks and gumdrops.

Working together, students brainstormed and constructed homes in various shapes that would protect the witch from the weather and unwanted visitors. They discussed how they built

their homes and reflected on the challenges they faced and what they could have done better.

During a STEM lesson, Charles Campagne Elementary School students brainstormed and constructed “witches’ cottages” in various shapes.

Students mark t he spot for healthy choices

Members of John F. Kennedy Middle School’s Students Against Destructive Decisions club visited Kramer Lane Elementary School to teach students about making healthy decisions.

In observance of Red Ribbon Week, members of John F. Kennedy Middle School’s Students Against Destructive Decisions club in the Bethpage School District taught elementary school students about making healthy choices.

In observance of National Red Ribbon Week, elementary students in the Bethpage School District learned about making healthy choices from members of both the middle school and high school’s Students Against Destructive Decisions club.

SADD members visited Central Boulevard, Charles Campagne and Kramer Lane classrooms, where they educated fourth- and fifth-graders about

avoiding the signs of bad habits and how to make healthy decisions with a game of bingo. Every student received a bingo card containing a healthy habit and characteristic in each box. The young students were awarded a red ribbon sticker, pencil and bingo chip for lining up five answers in a row.

Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

Bethpage High School junior Clayton Plakas (left) posed for a picture with Charles Campagne fourth-grader Meadow Szillus after she won a round of bingo.

Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

December 1

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the “Sit and Sew Needlework Group” will meet at the Hicksville Public Library.

The Israeli movie The Wedding Plan will be shown at the Bethpage Public Library from 2 to 4 p.m. and again from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. This film is rated PG.

A “Painting Workshop” series will begin today with Barbara Lewin at the Hicksville Public Library from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Please register in advance to attend the three classes, December 1, 8 and 15.

December 3

“Holiday Jazz: A Special Concert by the Paul Joseph Trio” will be held at the Hicksville Public Library at 2 p.m. No registration is required.

The Bethpage Public Library will offer a free event, “A Bob Dylan Tribute Concert”, performed by The Hambones, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Auditorium.

December 4

Citizenship classes will continue at the Bethpage Public Library at 9:30 a.m.

ActiveFit session 1 will be held from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. and a second session runs today from 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. Both classes are held at the Bethpage Public Library.

A Simply Stronger exercise class will meet from 11:45 to 12:30 p.m. at the Bethpage Public Library.

At 1:30 p.m. at the Hicksville Public Library, the film Lady Macbeth, starring Florence Pugh, will be shown. Rated R, the film is 89 minutes long.

December 5

ESL class will meet at the Bethpage Public Library at 9:30 a.m. and run through 11:30 a.m.

Marilyn Carminiio will present a discussion of “Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni: From Italy With Love” at the Hicksville Public Library at 2 p.m.

Professor Thomas Germano will be at the Bethpage Public Library at 2 p.m. to lecture on “Michelangelo: Divine Draftsman and Designer”.

The first part of a two-session “Defensive Driving for all Ages” program will be held at the Bethpage Public Library from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The second session will be held on Thursday, December 7.

From 7 to 9 p.m., the Knitting Club will meet at the Bethpage Public Library.

At 7:15 p.m. at the Hicksville Public Library, The Baking Coach will demonstrate how to make “Carrot Cake Pops”. Space is limited, so please register in

W hat’s Happening

advance to attend.

The Teen Corner of the Hicksville Public Library will hold a “Holiday Craft Extravaganza” at 7:15 p.m. for teens to create holiday crafts. Advanced registration is required.

December 6

An Art Workshop will be held at the Bethpage Public Library from 1 to 3 p.m.

The Hicksville Public Library will hold an “Introduction to the iPad and iPhone” class at 1 p.m. with Sharper Training Solutions.

December 7

The Bethpage Public Library will hold two sessions of yoga, one from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. and the second, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

The Hicksville Public Library hosts Irene Marchese, who will instruct participants on how to create hand painted wine glasses from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Preregistration is required.

From 7 to 8:30 p.m., The Baking Coach will hold a craft program for teens to make a “Mini Cupcake Wreath” at the Hicksville Public Library.

December 8

“Fundamentals of Writing” class, led by Robert Waldvogel, will meet at the Hicksville Public Library at 1:30 p.m.

A film, Queen of the Desert, starring Nicole Kidman and James Franco, rated PG-13, will be shown at the Bethpage Public Library from 2 to 4 p.m.

December 9

The Hicksville Public Library will hold an “Empire Safety Council Defensive Driving” class in a single session from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Advanced registration is required.

December 10

David Houston will be at the Bethpage Public Library from 2 to 4 p.m. to present A Christmas Carol, in which he portrays Dickens in his performance.

December 11

The Beguiled, starring Colin Farrell, will be shown at the Hicksville Public Library at 1:30 p.m. Rated R, the film runs 84 minutes.

“Simply Stretch & Core Conditioning”, with Mindy Vasta begins the winter series today at 1:30 p.m. at the Hicksville Public Library. Please register in advance for the ten-session series.

Linda Cafiero begins the winter series of “Tai Chi” today at 5:30 p.m. at the Hicksville Public Library and will continue for ten sessions. Advanced

registration is required.

The Hicksville Public Library will hold a session on “Meditation” with Linda Cafiero at 7 p.m. in their Computer & Resource Center.

December 12

The book club, “Bethpage Book Banter”, will meet at 2 p.m. to discuss Every Fifteen Minutes by Lisa Scottoline.

The board game group will meet at 6 p.m. at the Bethpage Public Library.

A children’s program, for grades 1st through 5th, will be held at the Hicksville Public Library at 7:15 p.m. to create a “NYC Map Vase” using decoupage techniques.

December 13

A bus trip through the Hicksville Public Library will travel to Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan for the Christmas Spectacular for those patrons who had preregistered.

An Art Workshop will be held at the Bethpage Public Library from 1 to 3 p.m.

The Book Discussion Group of the Hicksville Public Library will meet at 1 p.m. to talk about Dark Money by Jane Mayer. All who have read the book are welcome to attend.

From 7 to 9 p.m. at the Bethpage Public Library, Tara Penske, Certified Aroma Therapist, will present a program on “Aromatherapy for the Holidays”.

The Baking Coach will be at the Hicksville Public Library at 7:15 p.m. to guide patrons on creating a “Mini Cupcake Wreath”. Registration in advance is required. Another session will be held on Thursday, December 14 at 1 p.m.

The book club, “Bethpage Book Banter”, will meet from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Bethpage Public Library to discuss Every Fifteen Minutes by Lisa Scottoline.

December 14

At 1 p.m. at the Hicksville Public Library, The Baking Coach will be demonstrating how to make a “Mini Cupcake Wreath”.

A single session “AARP Defensive Driving” class will be held from 9:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at the Bethpage Public Library. Please register in advance to attend.

December 15

Wonder Woman starring Gale Godot and Chris Pine, will be shown at the Bethpage Public Library at 2 p.m. and again at 7:30 p.m. Running 141 minutes long, the film is rated PG-13.

December 16

An “AARP Smart Driver” course will be held in a single session at the Hicksville Public Library, from 9:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Please register in advance.

December 17

“Piano Favorites & Holiday Sing Along” will be led by Stan Wiest at the Bethpage Public Library from 2 to 4 p.m.

December 18

Emma Watson stars in the film The Circle, being shown at the Hicksville Public Library at 1:30 p.m. Rated PG-13, the movie runs 110 minutes long. A “Book-to-Film Discussion” in advance of the showing, at 12 noon.

December 19

The Board Game Group will meet at the Bethpage Public Library from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Meeting Room. From 7 to 9 p.m., the Knitting Club will meet at the Bethpage Public Library.

December 20

An ESL class will meet at the Bethpage Public Library at 9:30 a.m. At 10:30 a.m. at the Hicksville Public Library, “Current Events in America Today” discussion will be held, led by Jim Coll.

The Art Workshop at the Bethpage Public Library will meet from 1 to 3 p.m.

The Central Park Historical Society will co-sponsor a “Holiday Sing-Along” at the Bethpage Public Library from 7:30 to 9 p.m., featuring Irv Plastock.

December 22

The movie The Glass Castle, featuring Brie Larson, Woody Harrelson, and Naomi Watts, will be shown at the Bethpage Public Library from 2 to 4 p.m. and again from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The film is rated PG-13.

December 26

The Board Game Group will meet at the Bethpage Public Library from 6 to 9 p.m.

December 27

An Art Workshop will be held at the Bethpage Public Library from 1 to 3 p.m.

December 29

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, starring Johnny Depp and Javier Bardem, will be shown at the Bethpage Public Library at 2 p.m. and again at 7:30 p.m. Rated PG-13, the film run 129 minutes long.

Compiled by Meg Meyer

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT –COUNTY OF NASSAU

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF THE CERTIFICATE HOLDERS OF CWALT, INC. ALTERNATOVE LOAN TRUST 2004-JI3, MORTGAGE PASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004JI3, Plaintiff against RAYMOND VIOLA, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on October 5, 2017.

I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in the Calendar Control Part (CCP) Courtroom of the Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. on the 12th day of December, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. premises described as follows: All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Hicksville, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, known as Lots 27, 28 and part of Lots 14 and 26 as shown on a certain map entitled, “Map of the property belonging to Philippine Gross at Hicksville, Nassau County, L.I., December 1910, H.E. Hawxhurst, Civil Engineer, Westbury, LI” and filed in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office on January 11, 1911 under File No. 86 Case No. 1004 bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the corner formed by the intersection of the Easterly side of West Avenue with the Northerly side of Elmira Street; RUNNING THENCE North 3 degrees 23 minutes east along the Easterly side of West Avenue 125 feet; RUNNING THENCE South 86 degrees 37 minutes east 68 feet; RUNNING THNECE South 23 minutes West 125 feet to the northerly side of Elmira Street; RUNNING THENCE North 86 degrees 37 minutes west along the northerly side of Elmira Street 68 feet to the point or place of BEGINNING. Said premises known as 150 West Avenue, Hicksville, N.Y. 11801.

(Section: 45, Block: 49, Lot: 34).

Approximate amount of lien

$ 616,664.98 plus interest and costs.

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

Index No. 002138-15. Michael Montesano, Esq., Referee. Stern & Eisenberg, PC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff Woodbridge Corporate Plaza

485 B Route 1 South – Suite 330 Iselin, NJ 08830 (732) 582-6344

MIT 5588

4X 11/10,17,24,12/01

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of formation of Pamela Jill LLC. Articles of organization filed with Secretary of state on 10/31/17 Office location Nassau County: SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY mail process of LLC 17 Andover Lane Hicksville NY 11801. Purpose any lawful activity.

MIT 5589

6X 11/10,17,24,12/01,08,15

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

Deutsche Bank National Trust Company as Trustee for GSAA Home Equity Trust 2006-7, Plaintiff AGAINST Lisa Erkus a/k/a Lisa J. Erkus; Craig Erkus a/k/a Craig M. Erkus; et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated September 6, 2017 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Nassau County Supreme Court, Calendar Control Part (CCP) 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, New York, 11501 on December 12, 2017 at 11:30AM, premises known as 30 Ruby Lane, Plainview, NY 11803. 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 NY, Section 12. Block 413 Lot 8. Approximate amount of judgment $798,005.63 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 11-017902.

Leo McGinity, Esq., Referee

Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC

Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff

175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 759-1835

Dated: October 13, 2017

MIT 5590 4X 11/10,17,24,12/01

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT: NASSAU COUNTY. RIDGEWOOD

SAVINGS BANK, Pltf. vs. PATRICIA J. CARBERY, et al, Defts. Index #6462/2014. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered August 16, 2017, I will sell at public auction at the Calendar Control Part (CCP) Courtroom of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr., Mineola, NY on Dec. 19, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. prem. k/a 49 Sleepy Lane, Hicksville, NY 11801 a/k/a being at Levittown, Hicksville, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of NY, known and designated on a certain map entitled, “Section 4 and 5, subdivision Map of Property known as Levittown, owned by County Community Corp. located at Hicksville, Town of Oyster Bay, Nassau County, New York, November 1949 survey and maps by C.A. Monroe P.E. & L.S. #9357” and filed in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office on Jan. 4th, 1950 as Map #4849 and by lot no. 10 in Block 300. Approx. amt. of judgment is $205,494.79 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

CHARLES LAPP III, Referee. CULLEN AND DYKMAN, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 44 Wall St. 17th Floor, New York, NY 10005. #93200

MIT 5592 4X 11/17,24,12/01,08

NOTICE OF SALE

Supreme Court County Of Nassau

Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Trustee, on behalf of the holders of the J.P. Morgan Mortgage Acquisition Trust 2007-CH4 Asset Backed Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2007-CH4, Plaintiff AGAINST Mirno Berrios, et al, Defendant Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated 8/30/2017 and entered

on 9/8/2017, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Courtroom of the Supreme Court Mineola, 100 Supreme Court Drive, The Calendar Control Part (CCP), Mineola, NY on December 19, 2017 at 11:30 AM premises known as 69 West Marie Street, Hicksville, NY 11801. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Nassau, State of New York, SECTION: 11, BLOCK: 175, LOT: 160. Approximate amount of judgment is $587,248.46 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 5481/2014.

Richard Langone, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISS WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 MIT 5593 4X 11/17,24,12/01,08 NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS SUCCESSOR TO JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF POPULAR ABS, INC. MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 20054, Plaintiff(s), Against Index No.: 21849/2009 CARLOS ORTIZ, OLGA ORTIZ, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office on 10/11/2016, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction in the Calendar Control Part Courtroom (CCP) in the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr., Mineola, NY 11501 on 12/19/2017 at 11:30 am, premises known as 21 Thorman Ave, Hicksville, NY 11801, and described as follows: ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements there-

on erected, situate, lying and being at Hicksville, 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 12 Block 197 Lots 15, 16 & 17

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $535,055.06 plus interest and costs. The premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 21849/2009.

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.

SUBSTITUTE REFEREE AT SALE.

Leopold & Associates, PLLC, 80 Business Park Drive, Suite 110, Armonk, NY 10504

Dated: 11/1/2017 GNS MIT 5594

4X 11/17,24,12/01,08

LEGAL NOTICE

Please take notice: the regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Water Commissioners of the Hicksville Water District scheduled for Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at 5:00PM has been re scheduled to Thursday, December 14, 2017. The meetings will be held at the Hicksville Water District Office, located at 4 Dean St, Hicksville, NY.

Date: November 14, 2017 By the order of the Board of Water Commissioners Hicksville Water District MIT 5595 1X 12/01

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Formation: Positive Plates Nutrition LLC. Art. Of Org. filed w/SSNY 10/23/2017, Nassau County. SSNY designated for service of process SSNY shall mail copies of process served against LLC to : 11 Serpentine Lane Old Bethpage NY 11804. Purpose: any lawful. purpose or activity.

BN 7265

6X 11/24,12/01,08,15,22,29

Student author returns to elementar y school to share stor y

General Douglas MacArthur High School senior Sydney Schneider walked the halls of her former elementary school, Gardiners Avenue Elementary School, on Nov. 3, no longer a young student but a published author. Her children’s book, Chip and Dip which was recently published on the website Blurb, was created based on a class assignment when she was an eighth-grader at Jonas E. Salk Middle School.

Schneider spent the day in library of Gardiners Avenue School to read her book and speak to third, fourth, and fifth-grade students. She discussed her story, her process, inspiration and illustrations. She also shared her original assignment when she first wrote the story Chip and Dip and read an entry from her writing journal as a fifth grade student at Gardiners Avenue School.

“I hope that the students realize that

I was them at one point and they can do whatever they set their minds to like I did,” said Schneider.

In addition, Schneider shared her sewing creations with the students. With the help of her mother Danni Schneider, the two worked together to assemble stuffed characters of the book’s stars, Chip and Dip. Students passed them around the room to see the creations up close.

Schneider’s return also prompted excitement from her former teachers who stopped in the library to greet her during the day. At the end of the book sessions, Schneider handed each student a bookmark and signed copies of her book.

“I loved the book,” said third-grader Kylie Kazin. “I really loved the rhymes.”

courtesy of the Levittown School District

Sydney Schneider, a senior at MacArthur High School, read her children’s book to third graders at Gardiners Avenue School.

Third-grader Steven D’Ornellas with a character from Chip and Dip.

MacArthur High School senior Sydney Schneider signed her book Chip and Dip for third grader Kylie Kazin.

MacArthur High School senior Sydney Schneider with third-grader Alexandra Manashirov.

Sydney Schneider with her former teacher Diane Furlong and Furlong’s class.

Photos

Bringing Texas to Bethpage

The Bethpage School District held a Country Night on Oct. 20 to raise funds for the victims of Hurricane Harvey.

Gathered in the athletic complex, students, families, faculty, and community members enjoyed a night of country music, food, and activities. Guests were invited to learn line dancing from Classic Country, get a taste of southern cooking from Texas Roadhouse and

Bulls I BBQ Caterers, have their faces painted, ride a mechanical bull, dunk a teacher in a dunk tank, and jump in a bounce house.

Additionally, the Bethpage Fire Department allowed children to climb through a smoke house and learn the proper way to escape a fire.

Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

The Bethpage School District held a Country Night on Oct. 20 to raise funds for the victims of Hurricane Harvey.

During the Bethpage School District’s Country Night, attendees were able to ride a mechanical bull.

Members of the Bethpage community learned line dancing from Classic Country during the Bethpage School District’s Country Night.

Badminton batt le at Bethpage

Students and staff of John F. Kennedy Middle School in the Bethpage School District took to the badminton court on Nov. 3 to raise more than $500 for the Special Olympics.

From Oct. 26 through Nov. 1, students could purchase raffle tickets during their lunch periods to join the badminton tournament. At the end of the purchasing period, those with winning ticket numbers could ask a JFK teacher or faculty member to be on

their team.

On the day of the tournament, a total of 23 participants, dressed in matching uniforms, enjoyed an afternoon of friendly competition, exercise and community involvement.

The district extends its gratitude to physical education teacher Alyssa Kildare for organizing the tournament.

Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

and students

Students and staff of John F. Kennedy Middle School in the Bethpage School District raised more than $500 for the Special Olympics through a badminton tournament on Nov. 3.

Teachers

at John F. Kennedy Middle School battled for victory during a badminton tournament to benefit the Special Olympics.

Students at John F. Kennedy Middle School in the Bethpage School District cheered on friends and teachers during a badminton tournament on Nov. 3.

Tr y Hockey For Free program

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino (left) recently joined with New York Rangers’ Legends Rod Gilbert (center) and Ron Duguay (right) at the Town of Oyster Bay Try Hockey for Free Program held at the Town’s state-of-the-art Ice Skating Center. The Try Hockey for Free Program is coordinated with the Town of Oyster Bay and the New York Rangers. This program allows youngsters a unique opportunity to sample the sport of ice hockey. For more information on how to register your child and take advantage of the program, please visit newyorkrangers. com/tryhockeyforfree or call (212) 465-6553.

District water commissioners discuss pollution at meeting

Pictured from left to right at a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association meeting addressing 1,4-dioxane water issues, led by guest speaker Dr. Harold Walker, Stony Brook University Professor and Chair of the Department of Civil Engineering, as well as New York State Center for Clean Water Technology Co-Director are: NSWCA Second Vice President and Westbury Water District Commissioner Vincent Abbatiello; NSWCA President and Plainview Water District Commissioner Andrew N. Bader; Dr. Harold Walker; Dr. Arjun Venkatesan, NYS Center for Clean Water Technology, Stony Brook University; NSWCA Secretary and Hicksville Water District Commissioner William Schuckmann; and NSWCA Treasurer and West Hempstead Water District Commissioner Kenneth P. Wenthen Jr.

Ribbon cutting at new bank

Hempstead Town Councilman Dennis Dunne, Sr. (2nd right) presents an official Town of Hempstead Certificate of Recognition during the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of NEFCU located in Levittown. Pictured (L-R) are Board Director George Plevretes, John Ferretti, President CEO Edward Paternostro, Councilman Dunne, Sr. and Donald Patane.

Grand Opening

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino (left) and Town Councilman Louis B. Imbroto (right) recently joined with Nassau County Legislator Rose Marie Walker (second from left), Nassau County 7-Eleven Market Manager Sandie Bower (third from left), and 7-Eleven Development Thomas Maisano (third from right) for the grand opening ceremony of 7-Eleven located at 440 Newbridge Road in Hicksville. Supervisor Saladino commended the new owners and management, presenting a citation and wished them tremendous success in their business endeavor.