Bethpage Newsgram (12/29/17) by Litmor Publishing

S

ENIORS C ELEBRATE S EASON

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino (second from left), Town Councilman Louis B. Imbroto (left),ww and Town Community and Youth Services Deputy Commissioner Patricia Beckerle (third from left) recently joined with the Cusumanos (second from right) and the O’Briens, who came together for a wonderful party and to celebrate the holiday season at the Town of Oyster Bay’s Senior Citizen Holiday Party held at the Crest Hollow Country Club. The Town offers a wide variety of social and recreational programs for seniors. To learn more about the Town’s senior services please call the Senior Citizen Services Division at (516) 797-7916 or visit www.oysterbaytown. com.

Comptroller calls Water District “mismanaged”

BY GARY SIMEONE

In a financial audit released last week, Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos railed against the Plainview Water District, calling the district a “case study in mismanagement.”

The audit focused on the district’s exorbitant rate increases over the past year, budget practices and nepotism policies.

“We found a pervasive lack of control within the water district and nepotism where 60% of the people who worked there were related to the superintendent or water commissioners in some way,” said Maragos, in a phone interview.

He added that the district showed expenses on the audit report without any kind of justification and that in two year’s time, 142 million gallons of water was lost or unaccounted for.

Maragos also mentioned supposed business trips, where administrators would take addi-

tional days off and turn them into their own personal vacations.

“There were a litany of issues that can be summed up with longterm administrative and fiscal mismanagement. Unfortunately, it was the worst special district we’ve performed an audit on” said Maragos.

New Water District Commissioner Amanda Field, who was elected in December 2016, said that the district has taken the audit seriously, has taken on a new business clerk with financial experience, hired a new superintendent, and implemented a no-nepotism policy.

“We knew we had to have a change in structure at the district,” said Field. “This audit is a starting point for us to really go and look and start making some changes.”

Maragos said that with a new commissioner and superintendent coming in with a positive attitude, “indicated to us the audit will help them.

School building renamed for Billy Joel’s mother

BY GARY SIMEONE

In a special dedication ceremony on Tuesday, December, 19th, at Long Island High School for the Arts, one of the campuses buildings was renamed in honor of legendary singer Billy Joel’s mother, Rosalind Nyman Joel. The singer and songwriter, who was born and raised on Long Island, was on hand for the ceremony, which took place in the Music & Theatre building. LIHSA is part of the Nassau BOCES program.

“It is very inspiring for our students

to have Billy Joel invested in our school and to acknowledge him through the naming of this building,” said LIHSA Principal Dr. Chris Rogutsky-Bleecker

At the ceremony, Joel spoke about his mother,and how she was the main source of inspiration to him to pursue his musical career.

“He told the people in attendance that his mother helped him pursue his passion, even when other people were telling him to take a different path in life,” said Dr. Rogutsky-Bleecker. “She

was his inspiration and beacon of light, so to speak.”

Billy Joel has been a longtime advocate for arts and music education. He has also been a strong supporter of the LIHSA and all of its programs.

In 2016, the singer pledged $1.5 million to the school to help them through recent financial trouble. The generous pledge was broken down into three gifts, with a $1,000,000 donation in 2016, $250,000 this year and an additional $250,000 in 2018. Joel has held master classes at the

school, and has even visited students in their classrooms.

Dr. Rogutsky-Bleecker said that his sizeable donation in 2016 helped the school immensely.

“We will be celebrating our 45th anniversary next year and we want to be able to keep the doors open for all students who are interested in the Arts and music.”

The new building is officially named the Rosalind Joel Conservatory for Music & Theatre.

Hicksville Schools’ Pre-Kindergarten Lottery Application

The Hicksville Public School District will offer its own limited PreKindergarten Program for the 2018-2019 school year. The program, housed at Burns Avenue and Dutch Lane schools, with a possible expansion to Woodland School for next year, is lottery-based requiring completion of an application. There is no cost for the program.

To be eligible for the 2018-2019 PreKindergarten program, children must turn age 4 on or before Dec. 1, 2018. The pre-kindergarten calendar follows Hicksville’s school calendar. Each a.m. and p.m. session is two and a half hours in length and has a maximum of 18 children. Time preference will be considered, but not guaranteed. Transportation is not provided. Applications can be obtained from the district’s website, www.hicksvillepublicschools.org, at the Hicksville Public Library and at all seven elementary schools. Applications must be returned in person or mailed to the attention of:

Ms. Susan Guiliano

Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessments

200 Division Ave.

Hicksville, New York 11801

Attn: Pre-Kindergarten Lottery Applications must be received by 3 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 11. Students will be selected for the program by lottery. The lottery will be held on Thursday, Jan. 25, at 10 a.m., in the Board Room of the Administration Building. Applicants are welcome to attend the drawing in person. Following the lottery, applicants will be notified of the results.

Additional information regarding the district Pre-Kindergarten Program will be provided at an informational meeting on Thursday, Jan. 4, at 10 a.m., in the Board Room at the Administration Building, located at 200 Division Ave., Hicksville, NY 11801. Parents who are interested in learning about the PreKindergarten program are invited to attend.

Students who are not selected for the lottery will be placed on a wait list.

Casino bus trip

A bus trip to the Sands Casino, in Bethlehem, PA, will be held on Tuesday, January 30. The trip is hosted by St. Ignatius Loyola Church, Hicksville.

Cost: $43 per person, which includes the driver’s tip

Give back: $30 slot play and $5 food voucher

Please arrive at 8:30 am. Return

approx. 8:30 pm

Parking: # 999 So. Oyster Bay Road (dead end)

Reservations: call Barbara at (516) 935-5576

Please make checks payable to “St. Ignatius Loyola Church”.

The first to pay is the first on the bus, etc.

Levittown kindergarten registration

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 516434-7058, Central Registration, at Levittown Memorial Education Center to place your name on the list to receive a kindergarten package for registration. All packages will be mailed out at the beginning of January in 2018.

School honored for embracing Hoops for Heart Program

Summit Lane Elementary School students proudly held up their Hoops for Heart Champion plaque from the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.

Due to their dedication and enthusiasm in supporting the Hoops for Heart Program, Summit Lane Elementary School in the Levittown Public Schools was recently recognized as a New York State Hoops for Heart Champion at the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance’s Amazing People Awards Ceremony.

The school received a plaque for their high involvement, where they

have been a top earner for the Hoops for Heart Program in New York State for the past three years. Hoops for Heart is sponsored by the American Heart Association and the Society of Health and Physical Educators to educate students on healthy habits while enhancing their basketball skills and highlighting the value of community service.

Photo courtesy of the Levittown Public Schools

High school principal appointed to new position

BY GARY SIMEONE

At last week’s Board of Education meeting it was announced that current Bethpage High School Principal Michael Spence will be appointed to the district’s new Assistant Superintendent for Instruction. He was unanimously appointed to the position, which he will begin on July 1st of next year.

“We are pleased to announce Michael Spence as our next Assistant Superintendent for Instruction,” said Board of Education President Michael Kelly. “He has a long, distinguished career at Bethpage and we are excited that he will be joining our central administrative team. His knowledge and leadership will ensure that our district continues to build upon our past successes.”

Spence has served as Bethpage High School’s principal for nine years and has a total of 24 years of educational experience in the district. During his tenure, he has helped to expand academic course offerings to students and has initiated a multitude of programs including AP Capstone, Collaborative Classrooms, Challenge Day, and the College Fair.

“My focus will be to continue to bring enriching experiences and opportunities to students,” said Spence. “I look forward to working with the Board of Education, the incoming Superintendent of Schools and the edu-

cational community as we pursue the goal of success for all students.”

During his tenure as High School Principal, he helped to garner recognition by Newsweek, who named the High School one of the finest school’s in the country. He also played a major role in helping to get Bethpage named as a Reward School by the State Education Department.

Other News:

School Athletic Director John Franchi gave a presentation on the school district’s physical education program and how it has come to emphasize the goal of lifelong fitness.

“The physical education curriculum has undergone tremendous change over the last decade,” said Franchi. “There is now much more of an emphasis on personal, lifelong fitness.”

He said that two of the most popular courses in the phys ed curriculum are yoga and fitness and conditioning classes. The yoga course has 277 students enrolled in it and there are 139 students in fitness and conditioning classes.

“The issue is with space as students in these classes sometimes have to use additional rooms to participate,” said Franchi.

He said that yoga classes are usually held on the stage in the auditorium and when that space is unavailable, students use the auxiliary gym or wrestling room.

Town celebrates Chanukah with Oyster Bay Chabad

which took place at the Plainview Shopping Centre. The event featured a magician, music, games, a menorah building contest, pizza, and traditional Chanukah donuts. Chanukah, the “Festival of Lights”, is an eight-day festival observed in Jewish homes which offers many public events within the Town. Supervisor Saladino joined Rabbi Lipszyc for the Grand Menorah lighting and wished all who celebrate, a bright and joyful holiday.

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino (right) recently joined with Rabbi Shmuel Lipszyc (left) of Town of Oyster Bay Chabad at their annual Chanukah Spectacular,

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Sharing the holiday spirit through music

MacArthur High School music teacher Joseph Romano conducted the Winter Wind Ensemble prior to the Dec. 13 Levittown Board of Education meeting, celebrating the spirit of the holidays.

Prior to the Dec. 13 public meeting of the Board of Education, the MacArthur High School Winter Wind Ensemble shared the gift of music with a performance of holiday tunes for trustees, administrators, and members of the Levittown community.

Under the direction of Joseph Romano, the Winter Wind Ensemble is an extracurricular group comprised of MacArthur High School’s most talent-

ed woodwind musicians. The ensemble begins practicing in the fall to prepare a repertoire of more than two dozen winter holiday selections. During the holiday season, the Winter Wind Ensemble entertains the community during performances at shopping malls and high school hallways to ring in the holiday spirit.

Lev ittown recognizes student writing talent

Levittown student-author Sydney Schneider is pictured with MacArthur High School Assistant Principal Anthony Allison (left) and Principal Joseph Sheehan (right) during the Dec. 13 Board of Education meeting.

Levittown student Sydney Schneider, a senior at MacArthur High School, received a commendation from the Levittown Public School’s Board of Education and Principal Joseph Sheehan for the publishing of her book Chip And Dip, a story about a friendship between two characters who solve a stinky problem.

“This incredible young lady is more than just an accomplished writer, she is well rounded student, a sweet, caring and compassionate girl, and certainly a shining star not only in General Nation, but also in the entire Levittown community,” said Sheehan.

Photo courtesy of the Levittown Public Schools

Incidents that have occurred recently in the local area include:

A victim’s vehicle was damaged sometime between December 6 at 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. the next day while it was parked on Doris Avenue in Franklin Square.

At 3:30 p.m. on December 7, a 26-yearold man from Uniondale was arrested and was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana at the intersection of Merchants Concourse and Corporate Drive in Westbury.

At the corner of Hempstead Avenue and Morton Avenue in West Hempstead, two men from that town, one 23 years old and the other, 30 years old, were arrested and were charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana at 1 a.m. on December 8.

n At the intersection of Grenada Avenue and Nassau Road in Roosevelt, a 34-year-old woman from Hempstead was arrested and was charged with Driving While Intoxicated at 1:15 a.m. on December 8.

At 2:40 a.m. on December 8, a 30-yearold man from Old Bethpage was arrested and was charged with Driving While Intoxicated on December 8 at 2:40 a.m.

n Sometime between 10 a.m. on

December 8 and 9:15 the next morning, unknown subjects broke the driver’s side window of a victim’s vehicle while it was parked on Mirin Avenue in Roosevelt.

A computer was stolen from a vehicle on Duffy Avenue in Hicksville between 6 p.m. on December 9 and 11 a.m. the following day.

5-year-old man from East Meadow was arrested and charged with Shoplifting from Walmart in Westbury at 8 p.m. on December 9.

At a parking lot on Merrick Avenue in Westbury, two individuals were arrested on December 8 at 9:55 p.m. and were charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana. Arrested were a 20-yearold man and a 19-year-old man, both residents of Hempstead.

On the Long Island Expressway between Exits 39 and 40 in Old Westbury, a 39-year-old man from Jericho was arrested at 10:45 p.m. on December 8. He was charged with Driving While Intoxicated.

Criminal Possession of Marijuana was the charge brought against three men, 21 and 22 years old, when they were arrested on December 9 at 1:25 a.m. The arrest occurred at the cor-

ner of Hempstead Turnpike and West Walnut Street in West Hempstead.

On Railroad Avenue in Westbury, a 31-year-old man from that town was arrested and was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana at 5 p.m. on December 9.

A 23-year-old man from Elmont and a 36-year-old woman from Lindenhurst were arrested at 9:55 p.m. on December 9 at a parking lot on Corporate Drive in Westbury. Both were charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana.

At a parking lot on Old Country Road in Westbury, a 57-year-old man from Farmingdale and a 32-year-old woman from New Cassel were arrested during the evening of December 9. Both were charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana.

At 11:01 p.m. on December 9, a reporting person stated that unknown subjects damaged the lawn on the north side of the Summit Lane School, located on Summit Lane in Levittown.

On December 10, between 12:10 and 7 a.m., assorted loose change was stolen from a vehicle on Blueberry Lane in Hicksville.

On Mulberry Lane in West

Hempstead, the rear window of a home was damaged sometime between 5 p.m. on December 10 and 9 a.m. the next morning. The window was discovered to have been shattered.

Assorted tools were stolen from a detached garage on Martin Road in Bethpage between 11 p.m. on December 10 and 5:30 p.m. on December 11.

A vehicle on Wendell Street in Plainview was entered and rummaged through at 10:15 p.m. on December 12. No loss was reported.

A victim has reported that a brick was thrown through the living room window of his home on Sherwood Drive in Plainview just after midnight on December 13.

At 4 p.m. on December 13, a 28-yearold man from Hempstead was arrested and charged with Shoplifting from Saks off 5th Avenue in Westbury.

n Sometime between 4 and 5 p.m. on December 13, unknown subjects removed a victim’s unattended pocketbook from her shopping cart at Homegoods, located on Old Country Road in Westbury.

Compiled by Kate and Meg Meyer

Bethpage High School runner breaks school record

Bethpage High School

for the 2017 NYSPHSAA

Bethpage High School senior Clayton Santiago recently broke the school’s 5K record at Bethpage State Park, which qualified him for the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Cross Country Championships. Clayton is the first Bethpage student since 2005 to qualify for the state championship.

Shedding seven seconds off the previously held Bethpage High School record, Clayton made school history with a time of 16 minutes, 24 seconds and placed among the top 50 of 150 runners at the state level competition.

He also received the 2017 NYSPHSAA Sportsmanship Award.

A well-rounded student, Clayton is enrolled in honors and Advanced Placement courses, runs winter and spring track, is a member of the marine fitness and marine science clubs, and volunteers for the Bethpage P.A.L track program.

The district congratulates Clayton on breaking the school record and qualifying for states.

cross-country assistant coach Kristen Garvey (left) and head coach Carrie Treadwell (right) congratulated senior Clayton Santiago on breaking the school’s 5K record and qualifying

Cross Country Championships.

Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

District spreads holiday cheer to families in need

Holiday spirit was in the air as administrators, board of education members, faculty, students, and families gathered in the Levittown Memorial Education Center on Dec. 11 for the district’s annual gift wrapping night for their AdoptA-Family Program. Under the direction of Esta Lachow and Gina Interdonato, the community came together to donate

toys, clothes, food and household items to more than 220 families this holiday season.

“After nine years it never gets old,” said Interdonato. “I think the kids, parents, everybody, gets it that there are people out there that are in need and this is an amazing thing that we do jointly as a district. We are very lucky.”

Members of the MacArthur High School varsity cheer team put their present wrapping skills to the test.

Left to right: East Broadway fifth grader CJ Mastropierro with Jonas E. Salk Middle School sixth graders Ariana Mastropierro and Nicholas Keefer during the AdoptA-Family gift wrapping night.

ATTENTION STUDENTS!

Holiday art dazzler at Dutch Lane School

From left: Dutch Lane Elementary School art teacher Diana

Public School District Superintendent Dr. Carl

Dutch Lane Principal

Strauss, Amaiah Tucker, and Board of Education President Phil Heckler.

Dutch Lane Elementary School fifth-grader Amaiah Tucker was selected as the winner of the 2017 Hicksville Public School District Holiday Card Design Contest, and was presented with a plaque at the board of education’s December meeting.

The district annually selects one winner from the various student entries submitted by art teachers across the district. The contest rotates between

the three teaching levels — elementary, middle and high school — and thus promotes the work of students of various ages. Tucker’s design was selected as the finalist from a pool of works submitted by elementary school students, and it was used as the district’s holiday card this year as a result.

Ribbon cutting ceremony

We invite you to send details of your academic achievements, along with your name and contact info, to editor@gcnews.com for a chance to be featured in our paper!

Submissions from students of all ages are welcome!

Hempstead Town Councilman Dennis Dunne, Sr. (6th left) attends the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of Mathnasium in Levittown. Pictured along with Councilman Dunne, Sr. are Assemblyman Tom McKevitt, Nassau County Deputy Clerk John Ferretti, Jr., Joan Lynch, Don Patane, Tom Dilorio, Louise Cassano, Deborah Greulich, and owners Prashant and Kavita Chandra with their children Aarjivi and Aditya.

Germinario, Hicksville

Bonuso,

Susan

Photo courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools

District casts a spot light on the dangers of addiction

Students and families throughout the Levittown Public Schools had the unique opportunity to hear from nationally recognized recovery coach and addiction counselor Cortney Lovell on Dec. 12 with her program, “Progression of a Substance Abuse Disorder.” The special visit was part of the district’s comprehensive health and wellness curriculum.

Sharing her own personal story of addiction and her climb to wellness, Lovell visited seventh-graders at Jonas E. Salk and Wisdom Lane middle school, as well as students at both Division Avenue and MacArthur high schools. She also spoke to members throughout the community during an evening presentation of the program at the Levittown Memorial Education Center.

While describing her personal journey as an outgoing and athletic teenager, Lovell explained that she silently struggled with self-image and other issues growing up. She hid her emotional pain behind a smile for years

as it progressed to heroin addiction and eventually incarceration. At just 19 years old, she began her journey to wellness and discovered her purpose

along the way.

“Maybe we’ll make some bad choices and maybe some bad things will happen to us but as long as there is breath in

your lungs, there is hope for something much more beautiful yet to come,” said Lovell.

In addition, she shared important statistics about substance abuse and spoke about the stereotypes that society has of those suffering from drug addiction. She also described how quickly addiction can process and shared her first experience with withdrawal.

“The Levittown Public Schools has always made alcohol and substance abuse prevention a priority in our program planning,” said Dr. Donald Sturz, director of pupil services. “Addiction does not discriminate and can happen to anyone. Cortney illustrated this fact poignantly through the telling of her own story of how she progressed through addiction. The feedback from everyone who had the good fortune to experience the presentation has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Photos courtesy of the Levittown Public Schools

Wisdom Lane Middle School seventh-graders (left to right) Justin Dooley, Carlos Pineda, Mariah Diaz, and Olivia Manning listened to Cortney Lovell’s presentation.

Nationally recognized recovery coach and addiction counselor Cortney Lovell visited Wisdom Lane Middle School to speak about drug addiction.

Levittown students and community members heard from recovery coach and addiction counselor Cortney Lovell on Dec. 12.

Building a tasty home for the holidays

Kindergarten students at Gardiners Avenue Elementary School recently got into the holiday spirit by creating their own gingerbread houses with the help of their family members and teachers.

Using empty drink cartons, the students frosted their houses and used graham crackers as walls. Each student

showcased their creativity by decorating their gingerbread houses to their liking with candy, pretzels, gumdrops and more, and brought their creations home to enjoy for the holiday season.

Photos courtesy of the Levittown Public Schools

Kindergarten student Joshua Minaya began to construct his gingerbread house with frosting.

Gardiners Avenue kindergartners Elizabeth Surca and Jackson D’Alessandro frosted their gingerbread houses.

visited their

for the holidays.

Kindergartner Thomas Santosus and his mother Tara Santosus worked together to decorate his gingerbread house.

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Family members

children’s kindergarten class at Gardiners Avenue School to help make gingerbread houses

December 29, 2017

Times Square and Beyond:

Best Places to Ring in the New Year in New York City

BY KAREN RUBIN, TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE, GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

New Year’s Eve in Times Square is one of the experiences you must have at least once in your life. That’s the way it was for me when I did it a few years ago. But New York offers

many other experiences. I followed my Times Square experience with joining in the New York Road Runners’ festival in Central Park, complete with live band, midnight fireworks and yes, a midnight Fun Run, and these past couple of years reveled in the divine New Year’s Eve concert at St. John the Divine.

With festive events in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island, including the annual ball drop in Times Square, New York City holds onto the tradition of being the New Year’s Eve capital of the world.

“From the iconic ball drop in Times Square to the simulated ball drop in

Coney Island, New York City has no shortage of events and activities that make it a quintessential New Year’s Eve destination,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company. “We will once again host visitors from around the globe for a multitude of unique celebrations.”

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Times Square and Beyond: Best Places to Ring in the New Year in New York City

Continued from page D1

Times Square has been the center of worldwide attention on New Year’s Eve ever since 1904 when the owners of One Times Square started holding rooftop celebrations to greet the New Year. The first Ball Lowering celebration took place in 1907, and this tradition is now a universal symbol of welcoming the New Year

The estimated 1 million revelers in Times Square are expected to be joined by more than 100 million television viewers in the United States and more than 1 billion people worldwide collectively watching a 109-year-old tradition: the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop. At 11:59 pm, the ball begins its descent atop One Times Square as millions of people count down the final seconds of the year and celebrate the beginning of a new year.

Here are some tips: You have to get to Times Square in the early afternoon, well before 3 pm, to even get inside the “zone” that is otherwise cordoned off by New York’s Finest and have a hope for a spot that gives you a view of the ball drop (Broadway curves). And the most significant thing to remember about this is that you can’t leave and return and there did not seem to be any bathroom facilities within the zone. Bring your own bottle of water and snacks but don’t drink much before you come. Each year security becomes even more intensified.

Keep the weather forecast in mind, but come with layers of clothes, particularly warm socks and hats and a waterproof cover, and possible feet and

hand warmers. You might also bring a small collapsible seat or something to sit on like a cushion. You can’t bring much in because of security (no backpacks allowed). Definitely bring your camera (check battery) because the images are fabulous with all the neon lights and the confetti.

It is a marathon that tests endurance - literally standing in one place for eight or more hours. It is this physical challenge that becomes part of the fun (and part of your own legend which you will be able to tell over and over).

The assembled minions are a cross section of humanity - not too many fat cats among the hoi polloi in these crowds. But that is the most fun - this sense of community that forms and being part of this amazing celebration. Gathering from early afternoon, the dazzling lights, neon colors, massive dynamic photos from gigantic billboards add to the energy and the people around you become your new best friends.

This year’s Times Square New Year’s Eve Live celebration will formally open with a performance by the Tongliang Athletics Dragon Dance thanks to a partnership with Chongqing, China. Multi-Platinum Pop Singer and Songwriter Andy Grammer will headline the musical lineup. Country music singer-songwriter Lauren Alaina will perform a selection of her number one hits and dance crew Kinjaz will also present numbers.

The star attraction, of course, is the gargantuan ball atop One Times Square, that slides down the pole to announce the new year, a tradition that

goes back to 1907.

The ball is a 12-foot-diameter geodesic sphere covered in 2,688 Waterford crystals, weighing 11,875 pounds and powered by 32,256 Philips Luxeon Rebel LED lights, Each LED module contains 48 Philips Luxeon Rebel LEDs - 12 red, 12 blue, 12 green, and 12 white for a total of 8,064 of each color. The Ball is capable of displaying a palette of more than 16 million vibrant colors and billions of patterns that creates a spectacular kaleidoscope effect atop One Times Square.

For Times Square 2018, 288 Waterford Crystal triangles introduce the new Gift of Serenity design which is a pattern of cuts resembling butterflies flying peacefully above a meadow capturing the spirit of serenity; 288 are the Gift of Kindness design consisting of a circle of rosettes symbolizing unity with the fronds reaching out in an expression of kindness; 288 are the Gift Of Wonder design composed by a faceted starburst inspiring our sense of wonder; 288 are the Gift of Fortitude design of diamond cuts on either side of a crystal pillar to represent the inner attributes of resolve, courage and spirit necessary to triumph over adversity. The remaining 1,536 triangles are the Gift of Imagination design with a series of intricate wedge cuts that are mirrored reflections of each other inspiring our imagination.

The first Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration was held in 1904’ the first New Year’s Eve Ball lowering celebration from One Times Square was in 1907 (the event is now the property of whoever owns One Times Square

building). Seven versions of the Ball have been designed to signal the New Year. The first Ball was made of iron and wood, weighed 700 pounds, and was covered with 100 light bulbs. In 1920, a 400-pound iron Ball replaced the iron and wood Ball. In 1955, a 150pound aluminum Ball with 180 light bulbs replaced the iron Ball. In 1995, the aluminum Ball was upgraded with aluminum skin, rhinestones, and computer controls. In 1999, the crystal New Year’s Eve Ball was created to welcome the new millennium. In 2007, modern LED technology replaced the light bulbs of the past for the 100th Anniversary of the New Year’s Eve Ball. In 2008, the permanent Big Ball was unveiled atop One Times Square where it sparkles above Times Square throughout the year.

Various establishments in Times Square present New Year’s Eve parties with a pre-purchased multi-venue pass (though participants are warned they need to get inside the security perimeter before police close it off). Among them: Applebee’s, Planet Hollywood, Copacobana Times Square, Olive Garden and “Supernova Ball Drop in Times Square with guaranteed view of the Ball Drop.”

(For more details, visit timessquarenyc. org, our main source for Times Square dos and don’ts.)

More activities related to the Times Square Ball Drop start even before New Year’s Eve:

On December 28 from noon to 1pm, locals and visitors will gather in the Broadway Plaza on Times Square

for Good Riddance Day, as bad memories from 2017 are torn apart to make room for the new year, with help from Shred-It.

In the lead up to the big night, through December 29, visitors can visit the Wishing Wall at www. timessquarenyc.org/whats-happening/ nye-wishing-wall to note their hopes, dreams and goals for 2018 on the confetti that will be released at midnight to float over Midtown and the approximately one million visitors who congregate in Times Square for the ball drop.

Viewers around the world can also visit TimesSquareNYC.org, NewYearsEve.nyc and TimesSquareBall. net to watch the annual event.

Beyond Midtown Manhattan, countless other celebrations will take place.

33rd Annual Concert for Peace

One of my favorite ways to bid adieu to the year and begin anew is the annual Concert for Peace at the magnificent Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, which takes place on Sunday, December 31, 7-9 pm. This is a signature New Year’s Eve event that was founded by Leonard Bernstein in 1984 with the idea of bringing together New Yorkers and visitors from around the world for an evening filled with

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GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

WRITER’S CORNER

Celebrating this New Year’s in marvelous style!

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

New Year’s Eve is the perfect time for parties, for family get-togethers and for making some resolutions. Yet setting some resolutions that are attainable is often easier said than done.

When talking with my friend, Bill, recently about making New Year’s resolutions, I said that there are so many different possibilities to think about. I was confused about what to choose, however, and what I could realistically stick with.

Bill said that he also had different ones over the years – losing weight, eating better, thinking more positively, etc., but he had chosen a good one for 2018.

Curious, I asked what resolution Bill had decided on. He said that for 2018 he wants to be more flexible. “That’s different,” I said, then wondered what exactly he meant.

At first I thought he meant being more flexible mentally – meaning not be too rigid, not too by-the-book – but he said, “No, I mean physically. I want to do more stretching and yoga, to be more flexible in my body.

“Now that I’m in my 40s and I’ve been working a sedentary job for sev-

eral years I need to stretch and stay as limber as I can.”

That resolution made me stop and think. It also makes me want to follow up with Bill in a few months when the optimism of the New Year has worn off and reality has set in. I want to see if he is sticking to his resolution and doing his various exercises.

I like Bill’s idea. Sometimes I will exercise for a short period of time then either forget about doing it regularly or get tired of doing it. But Bill is serious about his commitment to being more flexible and I respect him for that.

My friend, Lauren, and I talked about New Year’s resolutions, too. Lauren said that she’s committed to playing her guitar every night after dinner so that she can improve. An added bonus when she plays guitar is that her two cats, Mittens and Cleo, seem to like it.

I was surprised at that resolution and told her so, but Lauren responded, “I try to stay in the routine of playing my acoustic guitar every night and we all know how cats like their routines. When I started playing the guitar a couple of years ago I noticed a couple of things.

“At first their cute little cat ears perked up at the sound of the music but

after a few minutes they laid down and relaxed. My impression then and now is that Mittens and Cleo feel very relaxed by my guitar playing.

“Occasionally I’ve forgotten to do it, so now I am committed to doing it in 2018 – when I’m home. Sometimes I go out to dinner! It’s good for me to stick to a practice regimen, however, and it seems good for Mittens and Cleo. So I will keep on doing that in the New Year.” I applauded Lauren! Her resolution helps her and will help other members of her home.

Some historians feel that our New Year’s Eve celebrations can be traced back to an ancient Roman observance around the time of the winter solstice in December called “Saturnalia.” This pagan holiday was known for totally letting go of all discipline and rules for behavior.

For those who prefer to have a very quiet New Year, many stay home and watch the “dropping ball” or fireworks shown on TV stations both locally and/ or nationally or worldwide simultaneously.

Using noise to welcome in the New Year goes back to ancient times when it was felt that noise scared off evil spirits. Very few of us link New Year’s with

evil spirits but many of us still feel that noisemakers are a must for New Year’s parties.

In Denmark, they “smash in the New Year” by banging on the doors of their friends’ homes and throwing pieces of broken pottery against the sides of the houses. In Japan, dancers go from house to house at “Oshogatsu” rattling and pounding bamboo sticks and banging on drums.

In Spain, people eat 12 white grapes as the clock strikes midnight, one for each month of the New Year. In Chile, people often eat lentils when the clock strikes midnight. It is supposed to usher in a prosperous New Year.

In Ireland, folks bang bread against the walls and doors of the house to chase out the bad luck and bad spirits away in the New Year and invite the good spirits in.

In the 1990s, people in the Johannesburg neighborhood of South Africa began tossing old furniture out their windows and off their balconies on New Year’s Eve. But a few years ago police cracked down on the dangerous tradition (a small refrigerator once hit someone in the head) and the flying

See page D6

BY TOM MARGENAU

Dear Santa,

I’ve been a good kid this year. Well, I’ve occasionally been naughty. For example, I was a bit of an impish bad boy when I penned last week’s open letter to President Trump. But if the emails I get from readers telling me that they appreciate the information and advice I dispense in this column are any indication, I think I should be pretty high up on your list of good little boys and girls.

So that’s why I am sending you this last-minute wish list of what I’d like to see changed about Social Security next year. I’m not talking about big reforms to the program. Instead, I’m talking about changing people’s misperceptions. Here’s an example.

Could you please get people to stop confusing Social Security with the Supplemental Security Income program? I’d guess that about half the emails I get from readers start with something like this: “My wife and I are getting SSI,” or “I have a question about my SSI benefits.” But what they really mean is that they are getting, or have a question about, Social Security benefits.

Many people think that SSI stands for Social Security income. Rather, SSI is short for Supplemental Security Income. SSI is a federal welfare program managed by the Social Security Administration. But it is not a Social Security benefit, and the money used to make SSI payments comes out of the general government coffers, not the Social Security trust funds.

Here is another way to think of it. You can get Social Security if you are rich or poor. For example, Warren Buffet qualifies for Social Security. But Warren Buffet will never qualify for SSI. For that matter, neither will most of the readers of this column. You would have to be really down on your luck to get SSI. You must be over 65 or disabled, have less than $2,000 in liquid assets, and less than about $750 in monthly income before you will be eligible for an SSI check.

Here is another wish. Please help women understand that they do not necessarily qualify for half of their husband’s (or ex-husband’s) Social Security. I probably get a dozen letters per week from women complaining that they are not getting what they think they are due. A woman qualifies for up to half of her spouse’s Social Security only if she waits until age 66 to claim such benefits. If she takes benefits before age 66, the amount is reduced -- down to about 30 percent at age 62. (Information for widows is coming up in the fourth wish.)

This is wish number three. Please tell people that they can NOT file for reduced benefits on one Social Security record and then later switch to higher benefits on another account. For example, millions of seniors think they can take benefits on a spouse’s record at

YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY

My Christmas Wish List for Social Security

age 62, and then at age 66 or 70, switch to higher benefits on their own work records. They can’t do that. The law says if you file for any Social Security benefits before age 66, you must file for any and all benefits you are due at the same time. The flip side to that coin is the fact that a person who turns 66 before January 2020 can file for spousal benefits at full retirement age and then at 70, switch to 132 percent of her own benefit. (That so-called “maximizing strategy” is being phased out. That’s why there is the January 2020 deadline.)

As I mentioned above, my fourth wish has to do with widows. You can tell them to ignore what I just wrote in the last paragraph. And that’s because widows have always had the option of playing the benefit-switching game. For example, assuming she is not working, a woman could file for reduced widow’s benefits at 60 and then, at age 66, switch to full benefits on her own work record. Or she can wait until age 70 and get 132 percent of her full retirement benefit.

My fifth wish is asking a lot. Please help people understand that Social Security and Medicare are two entirely separate government programs. I know most people on Social Security eventually end up on Medicare -- and their Part B medical insurance premiums come out of their Social Security checks. And that latter point causes almost everyone to complain when any Social Security cost-of-living increase they get is swallowed up by increases in their Part B premiums. Folks need to understand that Social Security benefits go up using a national inflation index. But Medicare premiums go up because of a law that says those premiums must be set at a point that pays for 25 percent of the cost of running the Part B program. And speaking of that, please tell seniors to be grateful that working taxpayers are picking up 75 percent of the tab for their Medicare medical insurance.

And if that last wish was asking a lot, this final one is asking for the moon. Please get Congress to start talking about some serious long-range reforms to Social Security. That’s going to be tough for two reasons. 1) No member of Congress likes messing around with grandma’s Social Security check. 2) Each political party must be willing to compromise. Republicans normally would never vote for any Social Security reform package that includes a tax increase. And Democrats normally would never vote for a plan that includes cuts in benefits. But here is the deal: Social Security can be made financially secure for generations to come with some relatively modest changes that include both. For example, if the Social Security payroll tax was raised by one half of 1 percent (the rate hasn’t changed in 30 years) and if Social Security cost-of-living increases were cut by one half of 1 percent (basic ben-

efits haven’t been cut in 80 years), then the program would be solvent until the year 2100. Thanks for listening, Santa. Your good little boy, Tommy Margenau

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers on page D5

GOING

Best Places to Ring in the New Year in New York City

uplifting music. This year’s concert, the 33rd Annual Concert for Peace, honors the centennial of Leonard Bernstein. begins with Joseph Haydn’s glorious Te Deum. The program continues with the U.S. premiere of See the Wretched Strangers by composer Lucas Wiegerink; the text, written by Shakespeare, is an impassioned commentary on immigration and refugees. A series of choral songs about our shared Earth continues the theme of neighborly compassion, inspiring a renewal of hope for the coming year. In addition to performances by Jason Robert Brown and Judy Collins, joined by host Harry Smith, with soloists Jamet Pittman and Arthur Fiacco.

A limited number of general admission seats are free and open to the public, on a first-come, first-served basis. Ticketed seating is also available, at $40 (general admission), $100 (preferred seating), and $150 (premium seating). For additional information and to purchase tickets, visit: http:// www.stjohndivine.org/visit/calendar/ events/music/4035/new-years-eveconcert-for-peace-5

The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Avenue at 112th Street, New York, NY 10025, (212) 316-7540, info@stjohndivine.org

NYRR Midnight Run

This year’s event New York Road Runners Midnight Run is being organized differently than in the past. You need to be registered in order to attend the pre- and post-race festival, which is being held at Rumsey Playfield, Central Park (10 pm to 1 am) but you can bring two guests.

Fireworks will kick off the start to 2018 and the 39th annual NYRR Midnight Run, a four-mile race held each year in Central Park on New Year’s Eve. An expected 5,000 runners (many wearing

costumes) will race into 2018 together. All participants will be able to toast with family and friends at the sparkling cider fluid station halfway into the fourmile course. #ResolveToRun back bibs will be distributed to runners prior to the race to those interested in sharing the reason they are running.

In compliance with NYPD security plans, the start area and Pre-Race Festival, located at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park, will be open to registered runners and their guests only; these areas will not be open to the general public. Each runner will be permitted one guest and receive a wristband at number pickup to give to their guest. Guests must display a wristband and runners must display a bib for entry into the park at 72nd Street and into the Pre-Race Festival and start area. The general public may still view fireworks from south of 72nd Street inside the park, and will be subject to security screening at any park entrance south of 72nd Street. To register, visit nyrr.org).

For more information, visit: http:// www.nyrr.org/races-and-events/2017/ nyrr-midnight-run

Other events around the Five Boroughs:

New York Philharmonic’s New Year’s Eve concert also celebrates its Laureat Conductor’s centennial with a “Bernstein on Broadway Toast the New Year with West Side Story’s starcrossed lovers, On the Town’s funloving sailors, and Wonderful Town’s bright-eyed New Yorkers as portrayed by Tony winner Annaleigh Ashford, Hamilton’s Christopher Jackson, Cinderella’s Laura Osnes, and Next to Normal’s Aaron Tveit. Audience favorite Bramwell Tovey conducts. For more information, visit nyphil.org

WRITER’S CORNER

Celebrating this New Year’s in marvelous style!

C ontinued from page D3

furniture ceased.

Folks jump into 42-degree Fahrenheit water in Lake Constance in Konstanz, Germany. They’ve been doing it for 42 years. And they even carry torches. (boston.com, 2014)

In Scotland, the tradition of singing “Auld Lang Syne” is a must. Singing this song on New Year’s Eve goes back to the British Isles from the 18th century when guests ended a party standing in a circle and singing this song.

The custom started in Scotland because the lyrics were written in 1788 by Robert Burns who was their favorite folk poet of the time. Another version of this song was used in the 1783 opera “Rosina” by William Shield. But most music experts feel that “Auld Lang Syne” came from a traditional Scottish folk melody.

What does this song mean? In the Scottish dialect, auld lang syne is “old long since” -- aka “the good old days.” The traditional lyrics begin with, “Should old acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind ...” And the entire song’s message merely means to just forget about the past and look ahead to the New Year with hope.

Father Time is the symbol of the year that is coming to a close and a baby often is the symbol for the New Year ahead. January 1st is considered New Year’s Day in today’s society. Up until the time of Julius Caesar, however, the Romans celebrated the New Year in March because it was the first month in the Roman calendar.

January 1 marked the time when the Romans changed their governmental figures and new representatives were sworn into office. They had games and feasting to help celebrate the new officials. But they still used March 1 as their official mark of the New Year and had a festival to their god, Mars (the God of War). (brownielocks.com)

It was Caesar who changed the Roman New Year’s Day to January 1 in honor of Janus, the God of all beginnings and gate keeper of heaven and earth. Janus always looked two ways - toward the old year (the past) and ahead to the New Year (the future).

One of the customs in the festival honoring Janus was to exchange gifts and then make resolutions to be friendly and good to one another. That custom has a certain familiar ring.

When Constantine ruled the Romans and accepted Christianity as their new faith, they kept the Festival of Janus as the New Year’s Day (not March as before) and turned it into a day of prayer and fasting.

It was a day for all good Christians to turn over a new leaf. The Romans may have accepted January 1 and Janus as the New Year, but many did not accept the turning over of a new leaf, prayer and fasting.

In 1582, Great Britain and the English colonies in America still kept March as the beginning of the year. It wasn’t until 1752 that Britain adopted the new Gregorian calendar and started their year on January 1.

In the 20th century the custom of making New Year’s resolutions really

became popular. Many people knew that they might make some New Year’s resolutions – and try their best to keep them - but if they fail, well there is always next year to try again.

I was reading all about people who make New Year’s resolutions recently and these tips and suggestions by freelance journalist Nicola Conville caught my eye. She has got some good ideas for starting the New Year on the right foot:

How to make a fresh start - Leave the past where it belongs and take these steps to move forward and start over.

Take stock - There’s nothing wrong with lying low for a while; it’s an opportunity to regroup and rethink.

Lose gracefully - When you’re hurt, it can be tempting to lash out. But the best strategy is to maintain composure and avoid burning bridges.

Allow yourself time to wallowEat chocolate, watch a sad movie, call your friends. Write a letter and burn it. Get it all out. But put a time limit on how long you’ll do this for because this behavior gets pretty counterproductive after a while.

Leave the past behind - It’s only natural to put emphasis on your negative experiences, but reliving the past is only torturing yourself because it’s not where you’re going. That energy is better spent investing in your future.

Forgive yourself and othersHolding a grudge or beating yourself up will ultimately only weigh you down. Forgiveness isn’t about being weak or allowing anyone to “get away” with anything, it’s about setting yourself free.

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

Focus on being happy - Regardless of what’s happened, there are plenty of ways to find a little joy. Go for a walk, call a friend or relative, sit in the sunshine or share a meal with a friend. And above all, take life one day at a time. We have the present. Yesterday is history and tomorrow has not arrived yet. I would like to add another resolution - to neither regret the past nor magnify the future. In time the future will be here now, in time, all in good time. I will strive for all of these things in 2018 and beyond.

Happy New Year to all! May you have good health, prosperity and happiness in the New Year!

Times Square and Beyond: Best Places to Ring in the New Year in New York City

C ontinued from page D5

World Yacht New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise: Ring in the New Year in style aboard New York’s premier dining yacht. Board at 9 pm for a 10 pm sailing which returns at 1 am. The evening includes a four-course dinner with standard open bar followed by dancing to DJ entertainment and of front-row seats to the world famous fireworks display at the Statue of Liberty with a Champagne toast at midnight. (Priced from $419, https:// www.nycgo.com/tours/world-yacht-atpier-81-new-years-eve-dinner-cruise-innew-york-2017)

Circle Line offers a New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise sailing New York

Harbor from 9pm to 1am. A DJ and midnight champagne toast add a lively touch to the 21+ to drink, 18+ to enter party. (Manhattan).

The Empire State Building will ring in 2018 with a festive multicolored sparkling LED confetti lighting on Dec 31, 2017. Five minutes before midnight, the building will switch to its signature white lights, sparkling again in the New Year through sunrise on January 1, 2018. Lighting schedule here. (Manhattan).

Coney Island USA will host their 4th annual NYE celebration in Steeplechase Plaza, with a fireworks display from the historic Parachute Jump. Select boardwalk restaurants and attractions will be open, including B&B Carousell, Deno’s Wonder Wheel

and Thunderbolt roller coaster. A digital burst ball drop rings in 2018, followed by a Circus Sideshow Fire Spectacular at 1am. (Brooklyn).

The New Year’s Eve Fireworks Celebration at Prospect Park’s iconic Grand Army Plaza will celebrate its 38th year. For a truly local, free, familyfriendly experience, visitors can join Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams, the Prospect Park Alliance and tens of thousands of revelers for the public event. (Brooklyn).

Celebrating its 20th year, the Time’s Up New Year’ Eve Bike Ride & Afterparty will reverse direction, beginning at Manhattan’s Plaza Hotel at 9:30pm and ending in Brooklyn with a party at the Museum of Reclaimed

Urban Space (Manhattan/Brooklyn).

NYE 2018 will bring the French electronic music DJ, producer, and recording artist David Guetta to Depot 52 (7 52nd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232), a converted warehouse space in Sunset Park. The one night only dance music experience ‘Light & Life’ is for visitors 18+ (Brooklyn).

Popular 90s band Phish will return to Madison Square Garden from December 28 to 31. New Year’s Eve attendees are invited to rock into 2018. (Manhattan).

The 8th Annual New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium takes place prior to New Year’s Eve. Attendees can consider a stay at the historied Opera House Hotel, first built

as a performance venue by Broadway producers and designed by the architect of Harlem’s Apollo Theater (Bronx).

More Ideas for Where to Celebrate

From east to west, Midtown hotels will ring in 2018 with grand revelry and guests in lavish attire.

Right in the heart of Times Square, the New York Marriott Marquis will host a five-course dinner, unlimited premium open bar and entertainment at The View Restaurant & Lounge, with 360-degree views revolving completely every hour overlooking Times Square.

High above the lights of Fifth Avenue, The Peninsula New York’s Salon de Ning will be transformed into a chic sky-lit penthouse with the East Terrace enclosed and heated, a performance by UK rock and pop cover band The Chip Shop Boys plus ball drop projection at midnight.

One block west of Times Square, The Sanctuary Hotel New York’s Haven Rooftop will offer group packages for

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

its heated and tented New Year’s Eve party. Guests will enjoy a DJ from 8pm to 2am, a prix -fixe dinner and top shelf open bar.

A NYC & Company guide to New Year’s Eve in Times Square is here; more ideas www.timessquarenyc.org/ times-square-new-years-eve/new-yearseve-parties

On Arthur Avenue, Zero Otto Nove, which boasts Salerno-style cooking and is in the 2018 Michelin guide offers a New Year’s Eve dinner in the “Little Italy” of the Bronx. The restaurant will not remain open until midnight. (Bronx).

Beginning at 11am on New Year’s Eve day, the Bronx Beer Hall will host “Brunch Brunch Brunch” in the heart of the Arthur Avenue market. (Bronx).

The Hilton Garden Inn New York/ Staten Island NYE package offers a two-person overnight stay, entry to the glamorous and romantic New Year’s Eve Gala at Nicotra’s Ballroom (7:30–1am) with buffet breakfast for two

inclusive. (Staten Island). EVE Ultra Lounge will host an authentic Albanian American fusion music event to ring in 2018. While Staten Island’s Italian influence is well noted, the borough’s Albanian American population is under the radar. (Staten Island).

New York City’s only casino, Resorts World Casino invites those 21 and older to celebrate NYE at BAR360 with live performance by TKA K7 (a NYC-born freestyle emcee who rose to fame in the 80s and 90s.) Guests can also enjoy its 4,200 slot machines and 1,300 electronic table games. (Queens).

Modernist, industrial chic Z Hotel in Long Island City, Queens, will offer a stay, plus admission to the “Dueling Pianos” rock and roll sing-along in Cellar Bar with open bar and buffet, for under $100 USD on New Year’s Eve. (Queens).

Thai Rock in the Rockaways, Queens, will serve up fine Thai dining, dancing, imbibing and live music from band Leaders of the Shift who will perform “Psychedelic Cosmic Rock N Roll” on New Year’s Eve. (Queens).

New Year’s Day & Beyond:

The Coney Island Polar Bear Club New Year’s Day Plunge is free with registration and begins at 1pm at the Stillwell Avenue boardwalk entrance. Participants get free admission to the New York Aquarium and a post-dip warm up at Coney Island Brewing Company and Steeplechase Beer Garden. (Brooklyn).

The New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show will be open for visitors until 6pm on New Year’s Eve. Model trains will travel through a miniature landscape of 150+ iconic city structures. This year’s version spotlights Midtown Manhattan, with a new Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, General Electric Building and more on view through January 15. (Bronx).

The 2018 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic®—hockey’s highest profile regular-season game—will be held at Citi Field on New Year’s Day. January 1, 2018, will mark the first time the game is held in New York City. (Queens).

The NHL Centennial Fan Arena and Stanley Cup at Madison Square Park will be a free fan event December 27–28 in the lead up to the 2018 NHL Winter Classic. It will feature a pop-up rink, a VR Zamboni experience, photo opportunities with the Stanley Cup and more. Additional information at www.nycgo.com/events/nhl-winterclassic-new-york-rangers-vs.-buffalosabres?cid=nhl_display_sports_ winterclassic_20170808 (Manhattan).

NYC & Company’s top New Year’s Day activities are available at www. nycgo.com/articles/new-years-day-innew-york-city

For more information, visit nycgo. com

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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

SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

AMBIANCE

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

*Handyman & Remodeling

*Kitchen Installations

*Furniture Assembly

*Finish Carpentry

*Minor Electrical & Plumbing 25year GC Resident Lic & Ins H18E2170000 Call BOB 516-741-2154

LAMPS FIXED $65

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

PAINTING & PAPERHANGING

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING

Plastering, Taping, Sheetrock

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

JOHN MIGLIACCIO

Licensed & Insured #80422100000

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

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

CLASSIFIEDS Call 294.8900

SERVICES

TUTORING

MATH, PHYSICS, SAT/ACT

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

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

Do you have a service to advertise?

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

Subject Tutoring (Math, Reading, Science, and more) - Student focused approach for grades 6-12. Certified experts will connect with your student and raise grades. Call (516) 260-4672

SERVICES

CLEANING

MBR HOUSE CLEANING Offices & Buildings CALL/TEXT

Tell Us What You Think

I have 18 Years Experience. I am Reliable & Dependable. Own Transportation. I will Make Your House/Office Shine. References Available Call 516-776-0021

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:

Share your thoughts and suggestions with our staff and your fellow readers. Participate in our print opinion pages, or contact us anytime with your feedback!

Litmor Publishing Corp.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Join the Last Hope cat rescue and adoption team!

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

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

Volunteer orientations are held at our Wantagh adoption center the second Sunday of each month at 3:00 PM. Reservations not needed, but please fill out and fax a volunteer application in advance to 516-765-9181. You can download the application from our website: http://lasthopeanimalrescue.org. Click on “How to Help”, then “Become a Volunteer!”. Our adoption center is located at 3300 Beltagh Avenue in Wantagh. We look forward to having you on our team.

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

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

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT –COUNTY OF NASSAU QUICKEN LOANS INC.,

Plaintiff against LAWRENCE COSTA, STEPHANIE COSTA, ANDREW COSTA, JARED COSTA, LOREN COSTA, BRENDA COSTA, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on October 18, 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 9th day of January, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. premises described as follows: All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Hicksville, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York. Said premises known as 5 Washington Avenue, Hicksville, N.Y. 11801.

(Section: 12, Block: 321, Lot: 6). Approximate amount of lien $ 348,971.62 plus interest and costs.

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

Index No. 004170-15. David H. Sloan, Esq., Referee. McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, P.C.

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 145 Huguenot Street – Suite 210 New Rochelle, New York 10801 (914) 636-8900 MIT 5596 4X 12/08,15,22,29 LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY

Federal National Mortgage Association, Plaintiff against Hal. P. Meltzer, et al Defendants

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

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale Entered March 22, 2017 I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder at the Calendar Control Part (CCP) 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, New York, 11501 on January 9, 2018 at 11:30 AM. Premises known as 24 Bunker Lane, Hicksville, NY 11801. Sec 46 Block 471 Lot 11. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Levittown, Hicksville,

in the Town of Oyster Bay, Nassau County, State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $491,952.85 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 011262/11. Mark Ricciardi, Esq., Referee YSETN263 MIT 5597

4X 12/08,15,2,29

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF9 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, Plaintiff, Against Index No.: 6597/13

SANGEETA KUMAR, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly recorded in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office on 10/4/2017, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction in the Calendar Control Part (CCP) Courtroom of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr., Mineola, NY 11501 on 1/9/2018 at 11:30 am, premises known as 1 Edgewood Drive, Hicksville, NY 11801, and described as: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Hicksville, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, and designated in the tax maps of the Nassau County Treasurer as Section 45, Block 510 and Lot 1. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $777,893.87 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 6597/13.

SUBSTITUTE REFEREE AT SALE.

STIENE & ASSOCIATES, P.C. (Attorneys for Plaintiff), 167 Main Street, Northport, NY 11768

Dated: 11/1/2017 File Number: 201000956 TKS MIT 5598 4X 12/08,15,22,29 NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

US Bank National Association as Trustee for the MLMI SURF Trust Series 2006-BC5, Plaintiff AGAINST Melanie Artoglou; Christoduola Artoglou; Harry Artoglou; et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated October 26, 2016 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in the Calendar Control Part (CCP) at the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, New York, 11501. on January 16, 2018 at 11:30AM, premises known as 8 Clarissa Drive, Hicksville, NY 11801. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in Hicksville, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of NY, Section 45 Block 363 Lot 34. Approximate amount of judgment $542,671.67 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 8875/07. Scott F Guardino, Esq., Referee Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 759-1835

Dated: November 16, 2017\ MIT 5599 4X 12/15,22,29,01/05

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY

Navy Federal Credit Union, Plaintiff against Michael J. Schmatz III, et al Defendants Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein Such & Crane, LLP 1400 Old Country Road, Suite C103, Westbury, NY 11590 Attorney (s) for Plaintiff (s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale Entered May 30, 2017 I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder at the Calendar Control Part (CCP) 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, New York, 11501 on January 16, 2018 at 11:30 AM. Premises known as 13 Violet Avenue , Hicksville, NY 11801. Sec 12 Block 288 Lot 21. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Hicksville in the Town of Oyster Bay, Nassau County, State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $467,457.04 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 010155/14. Luigi Devito, Esq., Referee YNFNY010 MIT 5600 4X 12/15,22,29,01/05

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE MAROON PLAINS TRUST, Plaintiff(s), Against Index No.: 13/002457

PAMELA S. PASCUAL A/K/A PAMELA PASCUAL, JULIO

B. PASCUAL A/K/A JULIO PASCUAL, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office on 10/24/2017, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction in the Calendar Control Part (CCP) Courtroom of the Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr., Mineola, NY 11501 on 1/16/2018 at 11:30 am, premises known as 7 Shari Court, Hicksville, NY 11801, and described as follows: ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in Highsville, 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 323, and Lot 27. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $661,966.18 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 13/002457.

Michael Montesano, Esq., Referee. McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, P.C., 145 Huguenot Street, Suite 210, New Rochelle, NY 10801

Dated: 11/20/2017 File Number: 154-0592 BGM MIT 5601 4X 12/15,22,29,01/05 NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, FOR RESIDENTIAL ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION, HOME EQUITY MORTGAGE ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-EMX8, Plaintiff, AGAINST JOHN MEERDINK, et al. Defendant(s) Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered January 6, 2017

I the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the CCP (Calendar Control Part Courtroom) in the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 16, 2018 at 11:30 AM premises known as 4 FOX PL, HICKSVILLE, NY 11801

All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 45, Block 302 and Lot 16 Approximate amount of judgment $694,617.39 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #4470/09 Michael A. Montesano, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLP - Attorneys for Plaintiff – 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 MIT 5602 4X 12/15,22,29,01/05

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU SRP 2015-1, LLC, Plaintiff, Against Index No.: 2983/2016

JAMES R. BUONAGURA, a/k/a JAMES BUONAGURA a/k/a JAMES BUONAGARA a/k/a JIM BUONAGURA, et al., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office on 6/20/2017, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, in the Calendar Control Part (CCP) Courtroom of the Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr., Mineola, NY 11501 on 1/16/2018 at 11:30 am, premises known as 34 Bloomingdale Road, Hicksville, NY 11801, and described as follows:

ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Bethpage, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, and designated on the tax maps of the Nassau County Treasurer as Section 46, Block 519 and Lot 2. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $541,308.44 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 2983/2016.

Lisa Segal Poczik, Esq., Referee.

Richland & Falkowski, PLLC, 35-37 36th Street, 2nd Floor, ASTORIA, NY 11106

Dated: 11/10/2017 PB MIT 5603

4X 12/15,22,29,01/05

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU Index No. 605838/2017

Date Filed: 6/20/2017

SUMMONS

L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Plaintiff, -againstDOUGLAS VALLEY, OSCAR ALFRED VALLEY and DOUGLAS VALLEY, OSCAR ALFRED VALLEY and HELEN VALLEY, if they be living, if they be dead, their respective heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributes, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors and all persons having or claiming under, by or through DOUGLAS VALLEY, OSCAR ALFRED VALLEY and HELEN VALLEY, if they be dead, whether by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, including any right, title or interest in and to the real property described in the complaint herein, all of who and whose names and places of residence are unknown to the plaintiff, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER, “JOHN DOE “ through “JOHN DOE #12”, the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants.

TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action, to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with the summons, to serve notice of appearance, on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the date of service (or within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York), and in case of failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default

for the relief demanded in the complaint.

TO THE ABOVE NAMED

DEFENDANTS: The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Julianne Capetola, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Nassau County, dated December 6, 2017 and filed with the complaint and other papers in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office.

THE OBJECT OF THE ACTION is to foreclose a tax lien and to recover the amount of the tax lien and all of the interest, penalties, additions and expenses thereon to premises k/a District 17, Section 11, Block 331, Lot 36.

Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the place of trial. The basis of venue is the location of the subject property.

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME

If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the tax lien holder who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.

Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property.

Sending a payment to the tax lien holder will not stop this foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (TAX LIEN HOLDER) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

Dated: June 19, 2017

LEVY & LEVY

Attorneys for Plaintiff 12 Tulip Drive Great Neck, NY 10021 (516)487-6655

BY: JOSHUA LEVY, ESQ. HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE

New York State Law requires that we send you this notice about the foreclosure process. Please read it carefully. Summons and Complaint

You are in danger of losing your home. If you fail to respond to the summons and complaint in this foreclosure action, you may lose your home. Please read the summons and complaint carefully. You should

LEGAL NOTICES

immediately contact an attorney or your local legal aid office to obtain advice on how to protect yourself.

Sources of Information and Assistance

The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies, and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Department of Financial Services at 1-800-3423736 or visit the Department’s website at www.dfs.ny.gov. Rights and Obligations YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME AT THIS TIME. You have the right to stay in your home during the foreclosure process. You are not required to leave your home unless and until your property is sold at auction pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale. Regardless of whether you choose to remain in your home, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PROPERTY and pay property taxes in accordance with state and local law.

Foreclosure rescue scams Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services.

MIT 5604 4X 12/22,29,01/05,12

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME

COURT NASSAU COUNTY

U.S. Bank Trust, N.A., as Trustee for LSF9 Master Participation Trust, Plaintiff against Ellen Levine, et al Defendants Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein Such & Crane, LLP 1400 Old Country Road,

Suite C103, Westbury, NY 11590

Attorney (s) for Plaintiff (s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale Entered July 5, 2017 I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder at the Calendar Control Part (CCP) 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, New York, 11501 on January 23, 2018 at 11:30 AM. Premises known as 6 North Thumberland Road, a/k/a 6 Northumberland Road, Jericho, NY 11753. Sec 12 Block 520 Lot 3. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Hicksville in the Town of Oyster Bay, Nassau County, State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $567,836.92 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 000202/13.

John Della Ratta, Esq., Referee VERNY687

MIT 5605

4X 12/22,29,01/05,12

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF FORMATION of KZ Capital, LLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/27/2017. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to principal business address: 16 Byron Place, Hicksville, NY 11801. Purpose: any lawful act. MIT 5608

6X 12/29,01/05,12,19,26,02/02

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU CALIBER HOME LOANS, INC., Plaintiff, AGAINST BON KWANG KU AKA BON KU, et al. Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered October 11, 2017

I the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the CCP (Calendar Control Part Courtroom) in the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 30, 2018 at 11:30 AM premises known as 131 ROXTON RD, PLAINVIEW, NY 11803

Approximate amount of judgment $453,629.14 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #15-004502 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.

Nicole A. Palumbo, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLP - Attorneys for Plaintiff – 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 MIT 5609

4X 12/29,01/05,12,19

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

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

NASSAU COUNTY

U.S. Bank Trust, N.A., as trustee for LSF9 Master Participation Trust, Plaintiff against Teresa Helfrich, et al Defendants Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein Such & Crane, LLP 1400 Old Country Road, Suite C103, Westbury, NY 11590 Attorney (s) for Plaintiff (s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale Entered March 17, 2017 I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder at the Calendar Control Part (CCP) 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, New York, 11501 on January 9, 2018 at 11:30 AM. Premises known as 29 Hayden Drive, Bethpage, NY 11714. Sec 46. Block 602 Lot 1. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Bethpage in the Town of Oyster Bay, Nassau County, State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $563,557.65 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 001015/13. Scott L Braziller, Esq., Referee VERNY355 BN 7266

4X 12/08,15,22,29

See page 14

Continued from page 13

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

Nationstar Mortgage, LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST

Maryann C. Reitschlin; et al.,

Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated June 12, 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 January 16, 2018 at 11:30AM, premises known as 653 Plainview Road, Bethpage, NY 11714. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of NY, Section 47 Block 127 lot 17. Approximate amount of judgment $708,594.49 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 09-018842.

Rudy Hirschheimer, Esq., Referee

Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC

Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 759-1835

Dated: November 30, 2017 BN 7267

4X 12/15,22,29,01/05

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A CHAMPION MORTGAGE COMPANY, Plaintiff AGAINST

TINA MONTANARO, et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated March 08, 2017 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Calendar Control Part (CCP) Courtroom of the Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501, on January 16, 2018 at 11:30AM, premises known

as 4033 JEAN AVENUE, BETHPAGE, NY 11714. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Bethpage, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 46, Block 483, Lot 23. Approximate amount of judgment $358,559.88 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment for Index #16-004476.

Peter V. Christiansen, Esq., Referee

Gross Polowy, LLC

Attorney for Plaintiff 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221

BN 7268

4X 12/15,22,29,01/05 NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY

HSBC Bank USA, N.A., Plaintiff against Joseph A. Winsky, et al Defendants

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

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale Entered May 19, 2017 I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder at the Calendar Control Part (CCP) 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, New York, 11501 on January 30, 2018 at 11:30 AM. Premises known as 20 Marlon Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714. Sec 49 Block 212 Lot 10. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Bethpage in the Town of Oyster Bay, Nassau County, State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $257,763.59 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 001976/15.

Mark Ricciardi, Esq., Referee VERN821

BN 7271

4X 12/29,01/05,12,19

Lev ittown senior named 2018 Coca-Cola Scholar Semif ina list

Division Avenue High School senior Joy Kim in the Levittown Public Schools was recently selected as a semifinalist in the 2018 Coca-Cola Scholars Program for her exceptional leadership skills, academic abilities, and community service.

Kim is among 1,936 students who were selected from more than 90,000 applicants from across the country to continue on through the selection process in the hopes of being named one of the

150 Coca-Cola Scholars to receive a $20,000 scholarship.

Semifinalists will submit their applications for review in Jan. 2018. After the review process, the Program Reading Committee will select 250 regional finalists who will continue to compete to become one of the 150 Coca-Cola Scholars.

Photos courtesy of the Levittown Public Schools

Irish History Forum presentation at library

On Saturday, January 20, the Irish Family History Forum will present:

10:00 AM: Genealogy Tips and Tricks with Kathleen McGee

10:45 AM: Refreshment Break & Ask the Experts

11:15 AM: D. Joshua Taylor “Untapped Resources: Your Ancestors’ Political Affiliations”

Political parties have shaped the history of the U.S., and all political parties had members. Come discover how to find party records, including voting, fundraising, and meeting records from the early 1800s to the late 1920s. Meetings are free and open to the public.

Light refreshments are served. Join us at:

Bethpage Public Library

47 Powell Avenue, Bethpage, N.Y. Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018 at 10 a.m.

Directions: www.ifhf.org

There is ample parking directly opposite the library.

The Bethpage Long Island Railroad Station is nearby

Irish Family History Forum: www.ifhf.org

The Irish Family History Forum (IFHF) is a Long Island based genealogy organization and has members throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties and beyond.

Stay informed about your community with a weekly subscription to our newspaper.

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

Semifinalist Joy Kim with Division Avenue High School Principal John Coscia.

Cracking the code in the Bethpage Schools

Across the Bethpage School District, students in grades 3-5 practiced their computer science skills by participating in an Hour of Code on Dec. 6.

According to its website, Hour of Code is a global movement presented by Computer Science Education Week and Code.org that reaches millions of students in more than 180 countries through a one-hour introduction to computer science and computer programming.

David Schneider, the district’s assistant superintendent for instruction and technology, and Andrew Choi, director

of technology, broadcast live to each third-, fourth- and fifth-grade elementary classroom from the Bethpage High School television studio, where they explained the purpose of the Hour of Code and described the coding students would be doing.

Using their school-issued Chromebooks, students logged on to Code.org to complete missions in Minecraft , programming characters with coding blocks to move through mazes.

Kramer Lane Elementary School fourth-grader Rylee Petruskie (right) watched her classmate Julia Ligarzewski complete a level in Minecraft.

As part of the Hour of Code, fifth graders at Central Boulevard Elementary School programmed characters to complete missions in Minecraft.

During the Hour of Code in the Bethpage School District, David Schneider, assistant superintendent for instruction and technology, and Andrew Choi, director of technology, broadcast live to each elementary classroom.

Using their school-issued Chromebooks, Charles Campagne Elementary School third graders programmed characters to move in Minecraft.

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

Charles Campagne Elementary School third graders practiced their computer science skills during the Bethpage School District’s Hour of Code on Dec. 6.

Central Boulevard Elementary School fifth graders participated in the Hour of Code on Dec. 6.

Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

Hearing from hockey heroes

NHL players Brock Nelson and Scott Mayfield of the New York Islanders recently paid a visit to students at Central Boulevard Elementary School in the Bethpage School District to speak about their careers and the importance of school.

Donning Islanders attire and holding welcoming signs, students and staff gathered in the school’s all-purpose room, where Nelson and Mayfield discussed their experiences in the NHL and the importance of receiving an education and making healthy choices. Following, students were able to ask the players questions about their careers, including how they became interested

in the sport, the differences between college and professional hockey, and any injuries they have endured.

The hockey professionals concluded the presentation by posing for pictures with students and staff and autographing hats and jerseys.

The district extends its gratitude to physical education teachers Patrick Braglia and Nicole Agovino for giving Central Boulevard this unique opportunity by submitting an application that highlighted the school’s community service, teamwork and Islanders pride.

Central Boulevard Elementary School students and faculty received a visit from New York Islanders professional hockey players Brock Nelson (left) and Scott Mayfield (right), who spoke about their careers and the importance of school.

In honor of New York Islanders School Day, Central Boulevard Elementary School students donned the team’s gear and created welcome signs for Islanders Brock Nelson and Scott Mayfield.

New York Islanders Brock Nelson and Scott Mayfield signed jerseys for Central Boulevard Elementary School students during NY Islanders School Day.

Central Boulevard Elementary School Principal Steven Furrey (center left) and physical education teacher Patrick Braglia (center right) welcomed New York Islanders hockey players Scott Mayfield (left) and Brock Nelson (right) to the school on Nov. 14.

Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District