Sewanhaka Schools celebrate the Class of 2025
Floral Park Memorial High School Class of 2025 graduates were celebrated at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex at Hofstra University on June 28.
Tenure recipients, retirees, student
athletes commended at Board meeting
It was an evening of celebration, reflection and pride, as the Sewanhaka Central High School District hosted its last board of education meeting of the 2024-25 school year on June 24.
The meeting began with an inspirational “Year in Review” video, featuring student accomplishments and activities from
throughout this school year. Floral Park’s Long Island Sounds Choral Ensemble, under the direction of Samantha Koch, then treated the audience to a beautiful rendition of “Seasons of Love” from the musical “Rent.”
The district proudly recognized 57 staff members for
achieving the significant career milestone of receiving tenure.
“Tenure is much more than just a professional designation; it is a profound acknowledgement of your proven excellence, dedication to your craft and vital contributions to our district’s mission,” Superintendent RegiSee page 6
It was a weekend filled with pride and joyous celebration, as the Sewanhaka Central High School District honored more than 1,200 graduates from Elmont Memorial High School, Floral Park Memorial High School, H. Frank Carey High School, New Hyde Park Memorial High School and Sewanhaka High School at five commencement ceremonies, held at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex at Hofstra University, from June 28-29. To the triumphant tune of “Pomp and Circumstance,” the students entered the arena with bright smiles, waving to the cheering family members and friends in the audience. They were led by their respec-
tive principals and Superintendent of Schools Regina M. Agrusa, along with additional school and district administrators, as well as Board of Education members.
The ceremonies featured inspiring and reflective speeches from the valedictorians, salutatorians, Class or Student Council presidents, the principals and Ms. Agrusa.
“Our school district has been more than just a place of learning; it has been a place of growth, discovery and connection,” Ms. Agrusa stated. “Here, you have not only acquired knowledge from textbooks, but also invaluable life lessons: perseverance in the face of challenges, the power
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Students entered the Hofstra auditorium to the strains of "Pomp and Circumstance."
Tariffs: Maybe they are not really a bad idea
BY NICHOLAS M. ZACCHEA
(Part One of a two-part conversation about tariffs.)
A recent news article suggested that items like smartphones, shoes, toys, cookware, and raw materials, imported from exporting countries including the People’s Republic of China and other similarly unlikely trading partners, will cost consumers in the United States a lot more money because of President Trump’s recently implemented tariff policies. It has sounded to a lot of people that tariffs are a very bad idea.
But are tariffs really not a good idea? Tariff policy and tariffs are relatively complex subjects. Both need to be better understood to decide whether a country’s current tariff policies and the resultant tariffs are a good idea, a bad idea, or maybe a little bit of both.
It is true that a tariff might increase the retail price of an imported commodity. On the other hand, it is also true that it might not. In fact, it is entirely possible that, if properly administered, a well-orchestrated tariff policy might result in significant benefits to consumers and non-consumers alike.
But first a little bit about tariffs; exactly what is a tariff? Simply said, a tariff is a tax. In the United States the Constitution gives Congress the power to impose taxes, which includes levying tariffs on imported commodities. Over time, enabling Congressional legislation
delegated aspects of the power to levy tariffs to the President. However, that delegated power is not absolute. Congress can revoke that power, and the judiciary, specifically the Courts, can also limit the President’s authority to levy tariffs.
Tariffs are then a subset of tax. Taxes generally function to raise revenue… think sales tax. Tariffs, like taxes, also raise money. However, tariffs can also be an important component of a country’s economic policies, for example by protecting a nascent industry. Or perhaps even more important, an element of a country’s national security scheme by reducing dependence on imported commodities essential to a country’s safety and security.
By the way, tariffs are nothing new. Tariffs have been an aspect of international commerce for centuries; the Romans had an efficient revenue-generating system of tariffs. And tariffs are not recent to the United States. Remember the Boston Tea Party and the cry “no taxation without representation?” Well, depending on how you look at it, that “taxation” was an import duty…a tax on certain imports…in effect a tariff.
We have had import tariffs in the United States since the 18th century. Our government first implemented tariffs shortly after the Constitution’s ratification. Those early tariffs were a significant source of income and were specifically levied to protect domestic industries and help fund the newly formed government.
Some countries even impose tariffs on their own exports. The United States Constitution specifically prohibits export tariffs and so it is only imports that can be tariffed by the United States.
How are tariffs collected? An importer, for example a business in the United States, must pay whatever tariff is due when the imported commodity enters the country. The tariff is collected from the importer by agents of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, an agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The collected tariff is then remitted to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. When all is said and done, a collected tariff is income for the government, very much like the taxes we pay to federal, state, and local governments.
Can income from tariffs be substantial? In fiscal year 2018, $41.6 billion was raised in customs duties and in fiscal year 2019 those duties amounted to over $71 billion. According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, in April 2025 alone, about $16.3 billion was collected in customs duties. Other estimates indicate that thus far in 2025, about $152.7 billion has been collected in tariffs. One might hope that the more that is collected in tariffs, the less tax citizens may need to pay.
Remember, tariffs were a primary source of income for the United States
before the 16th Amendment to the Constitution authorized the collection of income tax. Currently, import tariffs while seemingly significant, are no longer a major source of revenue for the United States but are revenue nonetheless.
There are basically three types of tariffs: a specific tariff, an ad valorum tariff and a tariff composed of both types… specific and ad valorem. A specific tariff is generally a fixed dollar amount assessed for each item imported. An ad valorem tariff is a tariff based on the monetary value of the commodity. A combination tariff is based on both the value and number of each item imported.
Sometimes an exporting country will respond to the levy of an import tariff on their commodities, with a retaliatory tariff. That retaliatory tariff may take the form of a specific tariff, an ad valorem tariff, or a combination of both. Regardless of the tariff type however, a retaliatory tariff has been likened to a shot across the bow and the harbinger of a looming trade war.
So now that we know a little about tariffs, how do we know whether they are a good idea? (To be continued.)
Floral Park resident Nicholas M. Zacchea, PhD, is an international consultant who has participated in economic development initiatives in over 25 countries.
Sewanhaka Schools celebrate the Class of 2025
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of kindness, the strength found in diversity, and that together we are always better.”
Along with the speeches, music selections were performed by the bands and choruses. At Sewanhaka High School’s ceremony, the orchestra also performed.
This year, each building recognized
one graduating senior with the prestigious Portrait of a Graduate Award. These honored students were chosen for exemplifying the district’s vision by demonstrating outstanding achievements in the five competencies: Adaptability, Communication, Critical Thinking, Empathy and Perseverance. The award recipients are Reymon Alvarez Arias at Elmont Memorial, Oscar Dal-
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Sewanhaka seniors after the graduation ceremony.
Students received their diplomas to the cheers of family and friends at the Floral Park High School ceremony. A Sewanhaka HS graduate with her diploma.
Sewanhaka Schools celebrate Class of 2025
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ton at Floral Park Memorial, Jonathan Barcia at H. Frank Carey, Suha Tasfia at New Hyde Park Memorial and Roosvelly Charles at Sewanhaka.
Delanie was a bright, joyful young Floral Park woman, a physical therapist, who passed away in an Uber accident at 25 during a weekend in Boston in 2022, We celebrate her beautiful life of warmth & smiles.
Following their walk across the stage to receive their diplomas, the graduates returned to their seats and marked the significant moment by shifting the tassels on their caps from right to left, officially concluding the ceremony.
Floral Park Memorial High School’s Class of 2025 valedictorian Fiona So (left) and salutatorian Ainsley Cunningham are pictured at the graduation on June 28.
Sewanhaka High School’s Class of 2025 valedictorian Michael Domingo (right) and salutatorian Kyla Montoya are pictured at the graduation on June 29.
The Sewanhaka HS Orchestra performed at graduation.
From the moment you step into this 4 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath Charming Hi-Ranch, you feel a sense of warmth and love. Conveniently located, on a Dead End, in the Heart of New Hyde Park Village this home has a welcoming Foyer, Spacious and Bright Living Room with Bay Window, Dining Room, Eat-in Kitchen, Full Hall Bathroom, Primary Bedroom with Closets, Bedroom, and Bedroom with Access to Backyard. Lower Level has Living Area with Access to Backyard, Bedroom, Full Bathroom and Kitchenette (possible Mother/Daughter with proper permit). Laundry, Utilities, Pull-down for Attic and Lots of Storage. Private Backyard and Attached Garage with Private Driveway. Close Proximity to the LIRR (with Three Station Options on Several LIRR Main lines), Buses, Parkways, Shopping, Restaurants, Schools and Hospitals. Your next HOME awaits!
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Tenure recipients, retirees, student athletes commended
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na Agrusa said. “It signifies our deep trust in your ability to nurture, inspire and lead; and it recognizes the consistent quality you bring to your role every single day.”
Following the recognition of those still progressing in their educational careers, the district paid tribute to the 15 esteemed staff members who are concluding their journeys with retirement this year. The retirees have close to 400 years of combined service to the district.
“As we celebrate your retirement, we recognize the fulfilment of your commitment, a career rich with service and wisdom,” Ms. Agrusa said. “You have upheld an important role in shaping our students’ futures and building our community’s success, and your years of service have left an indelible mark on our schools.”
Board President William Leder then took a moment to thank outgoing trust-
ee Trecia Wong for her commitment to the students and community during her time serving on the board this school year.
The celebrations concluded by honoring several student-athletes for their recent achievements in track and field.
Floral Park Memorial High School’s Maxwell Krapf was recognized for being a Class A Nassau County Champion for the 1600M, and Thomas Small was recognized for being a Class A Nassau County Champion for the 100M and 200M. H. Frank Carey High School’s Andrew Sebber was congratulated for being a first place Nassau County Pentathlon Champion. Elmont Memorial High School’s 4x400 relay team, who were recognized last month as Nassau County Champions, are now New York State and Federation Champions. The team members are Dominic Collins, Caleb Harris, Aidan Peterkin and R’len Richards. Additionally, Peterkin was honored for being the New York State Champion in the 400M dash.
Retirees are pictured with members of the board of education and Superintendent Regina Agrusa.
Board trustee Trecia Wong, center, is pictured with Board Vice President James Reddan, board trustee Rosemarie Peltonen, Board President William Leder, board trustee Jaclyn O’Donohue and board trustee Stephen Toto.
Floral Park Memorial High School students Thomas Small and Maxwell Krapf are pictured with Principal Alicia Calabrese, board trustee Jaclyn O’Donohue, board trustee Rosemarie Peltonen and Superintendent Regina Agrusa.
Photos courtesy of the Sewanhaka Central High School District
Sewanhaka High School tenure recipients are pictured with board trustee Trecia Wong, Principal John Kenny and Superintendent Regina Agrusa.
Floral Park Memorial High School tenure recipients are pictured with board trustee Jaclyn O’Donohue, Principal Alicia Calabrese, Superintendent Regina Agrusa and board trustee Rosemarie Peltonen.
7:30 PM
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The Author Corner
Stephanie Larkin
Harriet Cabelly ~ “Light Through Darkness: Miracles Along My Cancer Journey”
Wes Houston Presents…
Wes Houston
“Take 2” ~ Acoustic Singer-Songwriting Duo James O’Malley & Candice Baranello
The Floral Park Mayor’s Report
Hon. Kevin M. Fitzgerald
Stephen G. McAllister ~ Floral Park Police Commissioner
South Floral Park Mayor’s Quarterly
Hon. Nyakya T. Brown
“The Summer-Fall Update: South Floral Park Fire Department”
FPFD: Red Alert
Larry King, AEMT
“Terrorist Event Preparedness ” ~ FDNY Assistant Chief Thomas J. Currao
“Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day” parade
The Floral Park Fire Department will be holding its inaugural “Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Parade” on Saturday, September 20.
Come out and show your Irish pride
and the pride you have for your community.
The parade starts at 11 a.m. Rain date: Sunday, September 21.
College Notes
The following Floral Park students were named to the Dean's List during the spring 2025 academic semester at Salve Regina University. To qualify for the Dean's List, students must earn a semester grade point average of 3.6 for full-time students completing at least 12 graded credits, or a semester grade point average of 3.8 for part-time students completing at least six credits.
Zachary Gechlik
Isabella Taly n
More than 220 students have been awarded the Theodore K. Steele Memo-
rial Scholarship at New York Institute of Technology. Students must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.75 to be awarded this scholarship.
Floral Park students include:
Alana Bacchus
Masomah Shaikh
Umamah Shahbaz n
Naimah Alamin of Floral Park, was recently elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society, at Bradley University.
Get Results!
Place an ad in our Classifieds for reasonable rates and prompt results. Call our Garden City office at 294-8900 for more information.
Setting Sail on Boat Bike Tours’ Islandhopping Tour to the Wadden Sea
BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM
The Netherlands has to be the best destination on the planet for biking. It isn’t just the ubiquitous biking culture (you are greeted at Schiphol Airport with the sign, “There are more bikes in the Netherlands than people”) and infrastructure that gives as much, if not more, preference to bikes over cars; the mostly flat landscape, but on top of all are the stunning landscapes, the architecture, the quaint villages, and how the Dutch show such pride and honest reflection in their heritage, culture and history.
This is my second trip with Boat Bike Tours, a Netherlands-based operator. I loved the Bruges to Amsterdam bike-boat trip so much, I eagerly signed on for its eight-day Islandhopping Premium tour that would bring me north on a four-masted sailing ship to bike the ports and islands of Lake Ijsselmeer and the Wadden Sea, so central during the Netherlands’ Golden Age of Sail.
I expect to see stunning pastoral scenes and bike through quaint villages, and to be astonished by the preservation of architecture from the 1600s (the dates and decoration proudly displayed). But I am (yet again) delighted by the cultural sites and excursions Boat Bike Tours organizes, among them: Ecomare, a marvelous seal sanctuary we visit on our ride around Texel that offers superb lessons in ecology and climate change (I race back using the RideGPS app in time to visit the Museum Kaap Skil in Oudeschild where the ship is docked, which features mind-blowing arti-
Biking through the tranquil Dutch countryside of Medemblik on BoatBikeTours’ Islandhopping tour © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
facts rescued from 400-year old shipwrecks); the utterly astonishing Eise Eisinga Planetarium in Franeker, the oldest working planetarium in the world, built on the living room ceiling of its genius creator that continues to amaze (and still works!) just as it did when Eisinga finished it in 1781. (Also, be sure to arrange time – 2-4 hours - either before you embark or after you disembark in Enkhuizen to visit the Zeidersee Museum, which is a living history museum formed as an entire village. Best to arrive the day before.)
Biking epitomizes the appeal that has become a trend of “slow” (and “responsible”) travel at a perfect pace to be constantly interested in what is around, slow enough to really see things.t.
The only thing better than biking in the Netherlands is biking by boat, compounding the advantages of
“slow travel,” especially with a ship that uses biodiesel - not to mention you don’t have to pack/unpack each day.
Seeing Netherlands by boat adds to the experience because sailing –that is global trade – was so important to the Netherlands and you see the islands, villages, ports as they were meant to be seen. Indeed, I am astonished when I arrive at the embarkation port, Enkhuizen and see scores of sailing ships that instantly make you think you have been transported back to the Golden Age of Sail.
Our ship, Leafde fan Fryslân, claims to be the only four-masted schooner in Dutch waters. It didn’t start out that way, though. Built in 1962 to carry freight on the Baltic Sea, the barkentine was converted into a luxury three-mast passenger ship in 2006. Then, over the winter of 20232024, it was cut into two and extended
with a 14-meter (46 ft.) section and a fourth mast installed. The ship is now 210 ft. long, 24 ft. wide, with a sail surface of 2494 sq ft.
Our captain, Age, would have been right at home in that Great Age of Sail. We are in awe how he maneuvers this huge ship into the tight corners to park at the dock in a crowded harbor (another wonderful feature of this tour is that we always are able to walk on/off the ship into the village and have walking tours in each place).
The captain is helped by his all-purpose first mate, Lukasz, who lets us help raise the sails after giving us a safety speech that basically says he will do all the tough stuff. On the days when we are able to sail (one day is spent sailing not biking), we are able to experience the exquisite, peaceful feeling of being under sail while the sea swirls.
The 38-passenger ship is very comfortable with 20 cabins including 4 suites on the upper deck that have double glass sliding door and a small private balcony; all with private bathroom and air conditioner. There is a very pleasant dining room/bar on the middle deck where we enjoy sumptuous meals prepared by Chef Peter, served with white linen tablecloths, cloth napkins and beautiful china and crystal. There is also a cozy lounge area in what would have been the wheelhouse. I am surprised by how good the Wi-Fi is.
There is always coffee, tea and hot chocolate available, and we can help ourselves to wine and beer on an honor system, paying the bill on the last day.
Everyone agrees that the cuisine prepared by Chef Peter, who I would July 4, 2025
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GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....
Setting Sail on Boat Bike Tours’ Islandhopping Tour to the Wadden Sea
Continued from previous page
have to say is the most unpretentious gourmet chef I have ever encountered, is remarkable. He prepares dishes with fabulous flavor (but not overly so) and gorgeous presentation such as you would have in a fine-dining restaurant, and then would come out with a platter to ask if anyone wanted seconds.
Each evening after dinner we are given an orientation to the next day’s program and then typically invited to join a walking tour of the village.
Each day, we set out after breakfast, having packed snacks and lunch, and are able to choose long or short routes, or we can bike on our own using the itinerary loaded on the RideGPS app. We divide into two groups – for long or short rides - each led by one of the guides with one of us volunteering as “sweep.”
Each afternoon, we typically have time to wander about the village (if we are not sailing to the next destination) and help ourselves to a snack, coffee, tea and hot chocolate, before dinner.
On a guided bike tour besides the benefit of a guide who may modify the route for the weather or point out significant sights, you have the camaraderie of the group. And for some reason, bike tour people tend to be the nicest, kindest, most open and interested in all that they experience. (We can also ride on our own if we want with RideGPS.).
Our group on this Islandhopping tour is particularly great, instantly melding into a community supporting each other. This is especially interesting because we come from various parts of Britain, Germany, Canada (French and English speaking, East and West), Denmark, and from the East, Midwest and West United States. They are also welcoming to the three of us traveling solo (bike tours are ideal for solo travelers).
Getting to the ship in Enkhuisen proves extremely easy from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport (I take a chance and
just arrive the same day rather than arriving the day before, which is what I usually do). From the airport, you walk to the train that takes you into the Central Station (every 15 minutes) then change at the Central Station for a train leaving every half hour for the hour-long trip to Enkhuisen. (Be sure you buy the ticket in advance online or at a ticket machine and “check in” on a pole before you get on the train, otherwise you can be charged an extra 50E for the !6E fare if the conductor has to issue the ticket; I know because I didn’t and the conductor
to make gorgeous silhouettes of the historic windmill.
Because we are heading into the wind, we use the motor (biodiesel!) instead of raising the sails (Captain Age explains this ship would take a mile to tack). I am extremely happy I remembered my warm jacket.
Each evening after dinner there is an orientation to the next day’s biking and touring, and then typically an 8 pm walking tour.
And so we are met with a two local guides who walk us about, explaining
The only thing better than a bike tour is a biking by boat tour: our ship, the four-masted Leafde fan Fryslân. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
was extremely nice in helping me buy the ticket onboard),
The harbor is right at the station, and the ship about a five-minute walk.
We are told to arrive on the ship by 2 pm and they mean it, because the ship sails this afternoon to Medemblik. Two couples are touch and go to make it on time.
There is great excitement as we cast off and set sail to our first destination, Medemblik. It is exciting to see the landscape from the water, and when we pull into port, the sun is low enough
NUTRITION NEWS
the history and significance of this place.
In 1256, William II invaded with an army against farmers, then made Medemblik a city in 1289 and built the castle (one of 12 and one of only two that survive) that is so prominent here..
Medemblik became an important trading city in the 1500-1600s during Netherlands’ Golden Age, with tall ships sailing to Eastern Europe and Scandinavia.
In 1932, when the dam was built, splitting the Zuiderzee into Lake Ijsselmeer, the Medemblik lost most of its trade
Exercise and Your Gut
BY CHARLYN FARGO
We’ve all heard plenty about our gut microbiome and how important it is to good health. What you may not have heard is that exercise may be as important as any probiotic to build a good gut microbiome.
Just what is our microbiome? Our gut microbiota starts with birth and affects functions throughout the body. Literally trillions of bacteria live in our digestive tract and play an important role in our health. Of the thousands of species of gut microbes that live inside us, some are healthy -- and some are not.
The good gut bacteria break down food, manufacture vitamins and train our immune system. When we have more good bacteria than bad, our health improves. In the same way, imbalances in gut bacteria have been linked to obesity, mood disorders and altered immune response.
We know a balanced, healthy diet that includes high-fiber and fermented foods (sauerkraut, miso, kefir, kimchi, kombucha, yogurt) can help our gut bacteria thrive. Foods high in fiber -- like raspberries, artichokes, green peas, broccoli, chickpeas, lentils, beans, whole grains, bananas and apples -- help good gut bacteria grow. Other helpful foods include chicory root, leeks, onions, garlic, asparagus,
because the big sailing ships could not get in. I wonder how that went over on the people.
Day 2: Medemblik (28 km/17 mi or 40 km/24.8 mi. roundtrip); sailing to Texel
This is our first cycling day – each day we have a choice of a long and a short route and today we can choose 24.8 or 17 miles with a group and guide, or go on our own using the RideGPS app.
Medemblik proves to be so idyllically scenic with classic Dutch pastoral scenes. Our “rest stop” is at a farm, where the farmer has left out a serveyourself coffee maker and provides a lovely bathroom. I note an interesting playground that is inhabited by goats (really anxious to get snacks from us) and chickens.
We ride through the picturesque village of Twisk, a former peat mining town..
We finish our ride about 2:15, so I still have some time to wander about the charming village center before the ship sails (we will have dinner while we sail) at 4 pm for Texel.
The sail is scenic and dramatic – we go by the dam that split the sea, through a lock, and sail into Texel as the sun is dropping behind its historic windmill, making for a stunning scene.
I go out for a walk – you literally climb stairs to get over the dyke, then down stairs into the town of Oudeschild (below sealevel), then, a few steps beyond, to vast fields with sheep and back again to stroll along the dyke as the sun goes down.
More information: Boat Bike Tours, www.boatbiketours.com, 203-814-1249.
Next: Boat BikeTours’ Islandhopping in Netherlands: The Treasure Found on The Texel Roads
© 2025 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear. com
whole wheat, spinach, oats and soybeans.
Two studies at the University of Illinois found evidence that exercise can change the composition of microbes in the gut. In the first study, scientists at the U of I and Mayo Clinic transplanted fecal material from exercised and sedentary mice into the colons of sedentary germ-free mice, which had been raised in a sterile facility and had no microbiota of their own. They found recipients of the exercised mouse microbiota had a higher proportion of microbes that produce butyrate, a shortchain fatty acid that promotes healthy intestinal cells, reduces inflammation and
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BY CLAIRE LYNCH
Curiously “pulling back the curtains”
For years now my family and I have kidded each other about who the nosy neighbor is and we get different responses depending on where we are.
My sister, Michelle, talks about the nosy neighbor on her block named Phyllis because she uses her dog, Fido, to walk around and get talking to whoever wants to stop and chat. Men and women, young and old, dog lovers or not, Phyllis has a unique ability to strike up a conversation on pretty much any subject at the drop of a hat.
Michelle calls Phyllis a real extrovert and I see why. On more than one occasion when I was visiting Michelle’s house Phyllis came along with her terrier named Fido prancing beside her and she stopped to talk. I happened to be unloading some luggage from the back of my car because I was staying over a long holiday weekend.
After Michelle introduced me to Phyllis the three of us spoke for a few minutes and she mentioned that the Taylors around the block had just put their house up for sale. They were moving to Florida, Phyllis said. To Miami.
Michelle said she hadn’t heard about that nor did she want to purchase the Taylors’ house but it was some news that Phyllis couldn’t help but pass along. News just seemed to roll off the tip of Phyllis’ tongue.
Phyllis mentioned rationing water for the front lawn - then she spoke about the weather report for the next few days. Eventually Michelle very nicely brought an end to the conversation saying, “We’ve got to get this luggage inside and get Claire settled.”
We said our goodbyes and off we went and off Phyllis and Fido went. I told Michelle later, “She is definitely an extrovert! And Phyllis has no problem making small talk.”
What Michelle has learned over the years is that Phyllis is a pretty reliable source of information. Michelle always chuckles when she’s talking about Phyllis because she is a font of information.
Over dinner we had a few good laughs about the topic of neighborly chats and then a few months later Michelle and I went to our younger sister, Susan’s, house to visit and go sightseeing.
Susan and her husband Don live in New Jersey and it’s pretty easy to get to. We have the chance to catch up on all of the family news - who was engaged, who will be marrying, the next retirement, and how all of the nieces and nephews are doing.
Susan said that her son, Henry, had gotten his driver’s permit recently and he was taking a Driver’s Ed class plus practicing driving. He couldn’t wait to get his driver’s license because naturally, it would be a badge of honor to have his driver’s license and be able to drive without either of his parents being present.
We had cleared all of the dinner dishes and stayed at the dining room table to play “Scattergories” and we were hoping to play “Loaded Questions” if time allowed. The two teams starting out were Susan and Don on one side and Michelle and I on the other.
Just a few minutes into the game we heard a slight noise outside so Susan jumped up and peered out at the street from behind the dining room curtains. Don, Michelle and I looked at Susan to see what was happening and all three of us broke out laughing at the exact same time.
Michelle said Susan looked like Gladys Kravitz peering out from her living room curtains on the TV show “Bewitched” and Don and I agreed. She certainly did.
With that Henry came waltzing into the room and he asked what was so funny.
By then Susan had turned back to us and said that their neighbors the Sullivans were starting the engine of their motorcycle. On their driveway. “It looks like their son, Steve, is going to take it for a spin.”
We all laughed at that because Susan looked so earnest in her reporting. Don patiently told Henry that his mother
was pulling a “Gladys Kravitz act” and Henry furled his brow and looked puzzled.
“What’s a Glady Kravitz act?” Henry asked. That sent the four of us into raucous laughter because as kids we’d seen the “Bewitched” episodes so many times - but Henry hadn’t seen the show or if he had seen them on reruns, he had missed seeing the infamous Gladys in action.
Alice Pearce, who played Gladys Kravitz on the first two seasons of “Bewitched,” had a dramatic way of making a character come to life. Gladys was a supporting role compared to Samantha and Darrin Stephens but Alice Pearce made Gladys so memorable that 50+ years later we were still talking about her.
“Bewitched” ran on ABC TV from 1964 - 1972, decades before Henry was ever a twinkle in his parents’ eyes. When Don mentioned the part about being a “twinkle in the eyes” that made everyone laugh even more.
We tried getting back to “Scattergories” which is a creative game that takes a certain amount of attention but now the five of us were laughing
about Gladys and her way of seeing the world - even if many times her view of what was going on in the world outside was from behind curtains.
Michelle started referring to Susan as Gladys and she wasn’t too keen on the nickname. Don said Susan kind of had to admit that she has her “Gladys-like tendencies” and when Susan stopped to think about it, she laughed.
I said, “True enough” and I cited the time that Susan and I were sharing a bedroom in our parents’ house in Rockville Centre when she heard our neighbors setting up some chairs on their patio and begin a loud-ish conversation.
Our bedroom had two windows, one facing east and one facing south and when she threw open the southern window to look out, there was the neighbor looking right back. At first he hesitated then he waved at Susan.
There have been so many other times when Susan acted like Gladys Kravitz and she said it was true. “Okay, I admit it,” Susan said. “It keeps life interesting.”
BY TOM MARGENAU
If you think you are eligible for Social Security benefits, you have every right to file a claim for those benefits. This is a message I’ve delivered before in this column. But recent emails tell me it’s time to send the message again. Here are several of those emails.
Q: Even though my husband and I lived together for 20 years, we didn’t actually get married until two years ago. Sadly, he died last month. When I contacted Social Security to file for widow’s benefits, the clerk told me we had to be married at least 10 years, so she said I wasn’t due anything. Is there anything else I can do?
Q: I am 62 years old. I called Social Security’s 800 number and told them I wanted to file for my Social Security benefits. I run my own business, but plan to turn it over to my wife and pay myself a small salary to stay under the earnings penalty limit of $23,000. The telephone rep I talked to told me I was not eligible for benefits and terminated the interview. Do I have any recourse?
Q: I am 60 years old. I’ve had to stop working because of bad knees and high blood pressure. I called Social Security to inquire about filing for disability benefits. The agent told me my condition wasn’t severe enough to qualify. But I know other people with problems similar to my own, and they are getting disability. What can I do?
Before I get into the specifics of each of these questions, I’m going to repeat my overall message. Whenever you think you might be due any kind of Social Security benefit, insist on filing a claim for that benefit. Even if the Social Security Administration rep you are talking to discourages you from filing a claim, remember you have every right to do so.
For part of my 32-year career with the Social Security Administration, I was a claims intake person. In other words, it was my job to help people file claims for various kinds of Social Security benefits. Most times, a person’s potential eligibility for benefits was fairly cut and dried. For example, if you were 62 years old and not working and you showed up at my desk to file for retirement benefits, I would have immediately whipped out the retirement application and helped you fill it out.
But other times, a person’s eligibility for benefits was questionable. And I might have been inclined to suggest the person just forget it and go home. But I never did that. I always helped him or her file a claim. Why? For three reasons.
Reason number one: It was drilled into me from the start of my career that people always had the legal right to file for any kind of Social Security benefit.
Reason number two: It was my job to protect the client’s legal rights. Here’s an example of what I mean by that. If Mary
Your Right to File a Claim
wanted to file a claim for spousal benefits, and I misread the law and told her she wasn’t eligible, she had no legal recourse. On the other hand, if she had filed an actual claim, and that claim was mistakenly denied, she would have had the right to appeal that decision. I can’t overemphasize how important those legal rights are.
And the third reason I would always help someone file a questionable claim was more self-serving. I knew that Social Security office staffing was doled out based on the number of claims the office took. In other words, the more claims I took, the better chance there was that our office would get the extra staff we always felt we needed. So, I always thought that taking claims was a win-win for both the client and my local SSA office. But I’ve been retired for 20 years now, and I wonder if things are different at the SSA today. (Maybe office staffing is doled out by the young whippersnappers who run the Department of Government Efficiency and not by any rational method?)
Anyway, now I will address the questions from the three people whose emails I included at the start of this column.
Unless I am missing some of the facts, the widow who was married for a couple of years before her husband died was given bum advice by the Social Security rep to whom she talked. The 10-year duration of marriage rule applies only to divorced spouses. So, assuming this woman was still married to her husband when he died, and is old enough for widow’s benefits, and assuming she is not getting higher benefits on her own Social Security account, she should be getting widow’s benefits and should file a claim immediately.
The guy with the business is treading a fine Social Security eligibility line. In the past, the rules were pretty stringent. He would not have been able to simply turn the business over to his wife on paper and pay himself a minimal salary and then expect to collect Social Security retirement benefits. But the SSA has eased up on these rules, and he may be eligible. Again, the only way he will find out for sure is to file a claim.
And the woman who wanted to file for disability benefits should insist on doing so. Even though she claims to just have “bad knees and high blood pressure,” you never really know. Maybe a medical exam by a Social Security contract doctor conducted as part of the claims process will reveal that she actually has some severe heart issues.
So again, the overall message to everyone reading this column is this: Always demand to file a claim for benefits if you think you might possibly be due them -no matter what a Social Security rep tells you.
And finally, I just thought of this. I’m always preaching to file your Social Security claim online at www.socialsecurity. gov. If you do it that way, the computer, unlike a possibly unhelpful SSA agent,
won’t try to stop you.
If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Security -Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Security.” The oth-
er is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon. com or other book outlets. Or you can send him an email at thomas.margenau@comcast.net.
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CROSSWORD PUZZLE
REAL ESTATE WATCH
Purchasing a home with a significant other
Both of you have decided to consider purchasing a home. You’re thinking possibly of a single family, condo or coop, but need to converse with a mortgage professional to determine what you qualify for before beginning your search. This should be the first step instead of running around searching for your first or even dream home without having the knowledge of all that is involved in financing the purchase.
You aren’t currently married, but may have plans to tie the knot in the future. You both desire to consider the purchase option instead of continuing renting. However, both of you should have a legal document to minimize the headaches and pain that you want to avoid, if and when a breakup were to occur, as so many have experienced over the years. As they say the only guarantees in life, are birth, taxes and death and everything else is negotiable. Having paperwork that shows how you both will contribute to the purchase and what percentage ownership that you both agree upon, will be tantamount in at least knowing that there is an equitable agreement. Deciding on how all the other expenses are shared will be another critical facet of the agreement that needs to be put in writing. There is no way to make things exactly perfect, but at least having a basic foundation to rely upon will make things easier in the long run.
When and if you finally get married, then it usually becomes a 50/50 with respect to ownership and this should also be noted in the document that you both will sign. Some might say that you shouldn’t buy if you aren’t married and others might say, it’s a way to begin building your future wealth, whether married or not. This is an
extremely crucial and monumental decision to make. Both individuals have to give much thought to the pros and cons.
BY PHILIP A. RAICES
There is quite a lot involved as interest rates are higher today and you have to consider what will the required down payment be, closing costs, e.g. inspections, upgrades/ repairs, legal, points if any, moving costs etc. There is much to be considered when purchasing, so be smart, and do your due diligence in determining what money will be necessary to complete the transaction.
Once you are aware of the majority of the financial details, then you can begin your search. You should be contemplating the minimum number of bedrooms and bathrooms that will be needed, especially if you have guests that come and visit periodically. Whether you will have children together or not; the location and the best school district to be considered will provide more long term price stability and a stronger return in the future.
Over the years cohabitation has increased drastically as the percentage of married couples has decreased over the last five decades as per the 2023 Pew Research Center analysis .(www. pewresearch.org ) A record 25% of 40-year-olds in the U.S. had never been married as of 2021.
Whether living together or being married, one must understand that building future wealth takes some sacrifice and discipline in achieving your goals. Many young adults are choosing
to pop the question later on in life while simultaneously also achieving their financial goals than they were 40 years ago.
Whatever your decision ends up being, whether buying together in a cohabitating environment before marriage or not, could be the most positive or detrimental one that you might ever make. Being prepared as much as humanely possible will not only minimize issues and problems later on; but hopefully bring greater happiness, satisfaction, achievements and memories to be cherished for you and your significant other over the years; as you are now aware of the only 3 guarantees in life.
I hope you enjoy the July 4th holiday with family and friends and cherish and remember all the freedoms and the independence that so many have sacrificed and fought for since 1776.
Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 43+ years experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned 3 significant designations:
National Association of Realtors Graduate Realtors Institute (what I consider a Master’s degree in real estate).
Certified International Property Specialist - expert in consulting and completing international transactions.
National Association of Realtors Green designation: eco-friendly low carbon footprint construction with 3-D printed foundations, Solar panels, Geo-
thermal HVAC/Heat Pumps).
He will also provide a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality, and his Seller’s and Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider when Selling, investing or Purchasing your Home.
He will provide you with “free” regular updates of what has gone under contract (pending), been sold (closed) and those homes that have been withdrawn/ released or expired (W/R) and all new listings of homes, HOA, Townhomes, Condos, and Coops in your town or go to:
https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com and you can “do it yourself (DYI) and search at your leisure on your own. However, for a “FREE” no obligation/ no strings attached 15-minute consultation, as well as a “FREE printout or digital value analysis of what your home might sell for in today’s market without any obligation or “strings” attached call him at (516) 647-4289 or email: Phil@ TurnKeyRealEstate.com
You can now search at your leisure for properties at:
WWW.Li-RealEstate.com
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BY MARY HUNT
EVERYDAY CHEAPSKATE
How to Have a Successful Garage Sale
Whether your goal is to purge your home of stuff you no longer need, or you want to raise some cash -- or both -- you have options.
You can sell your items on an auction website like eBay.com, list them in the classified in a local newspaper or on craigslist.org. You can unload unwanted clutter on social platforms like Nextdoor and Facebook Marketplace. But some things never change. There’s just nothing like a well-organized, killer garage sale to turn your castoffs into cold, hard cash.
Depending on where you live, you may call it a “yard sale,” “garage sale” or “tag sale,” but all of its monikers mean the same: We’re ready to negotiate because everything must go!
PLAN AHEAD
Give yourself more than a few weeks to get ready. Check local laws regarding signage, restrictions and a requirement, if any, to get a permit. Make sure you consider what else is happening on the weekend you have in mind. You don’t want to go up against major competing events, such as your town’s high school graduation or the opening date of the fair. You do want to time your sale to coincide with complementary events, such as arts festivals that bring lots of foot traffic to your neighborhood or seasonal “yard sale days” sanctioned by your local community.
CLEAN UP
Assume that nobody wants to buy dirty, dusty or broken items. That means everything you are selling needs to be cleaned prior to the sale. Don’t go over-
Continued from page 2
generates energy.
In the second study, the team tracked changes in the composition of gut microbiota in human participants as they transitioned from a sedentary lifestyle to a more active one -- and back again. Researchers recruited 18 lean and 14 obese sedentary adults, sampled their gut microbiomes, and started them on an exercise program during which they performed supervised cardiovascular exercise for 30-60 minutes three times a week for six weeks. Researchers sampled participants’ gut microbiomes at the end of the exercise program and after another six weeks of sedentary behavior.
Fecal concentrations of SCFAs, in particular, butyrate, went up in the human gut as a result of exercise. These levels declined again after the participants reverted to a sedentary lifestyle.
board; just make sure everything in your sale is as attractive as possible.
GET ORGANIZED
It pays to put your stuff in order. Designate your sale area. If there are items in close proximity that are not for sale, cover or clearly mark them “not for sale.” Take the time to repair and clean your sale items, and your sale area, too. Dirt, grime, chaos and clutter will repel shoppers. A nicely ordered space will draw people who are ready, willing and able to buy.
PRICING
The majority of people who pass through your sale are merely looking for something they can use, without having to pay full price for it. The goal is to get rid of your stuff while simultaneously recouping some of the money you spent to buy it in the first place. Research the price of similar items on eBay or Craigslist.
ADVERTISE
At the very least, put a sign at the end of your street. If you really want to attract motivated buyers, get serious about the advertising. Consider an ad in a local newspaper. Join NextDoor, where you can interact with neighbors and get the word out about your sale. You can advertise your garage sale for free on dozens of reputable websites, such as GarageSaleFinder.com. Put some time and effort into this because you want your ad to stand out.
SETTING UP
Make your layout deliberate. Group things in sections. For example, put all kitchen items together in one area, and toys and games in another. Make sure all
of your clothes are hung. Rig up makeshift hanging clothes racks with two ladders or hooks from the ceiling. Do not pile clothes on a table or in boxes.
POINT OF PURCHASE
This is the checkout area where you will collect money. This is a great place to sell cookies, coffee, sticky buns and bottles of water. If you have lots of small random items like small toys, jewelry and other items that don’t go with anything else, divvy them up into small lunch bags, tape them closed and mark as “grab bags!” Add a reasonable price and place them right at the checkout. Sit back and watch them fly off the table.
GET SET TO ACCEPT PAYMENTS
While mobile payment technology like Venmo and Cash App is often expected these days, some garage sale buyers still prefer good old cash! That means you’ll need plenty of change in your cash box to break $20 and $50 bills early in the day. Visit the bank a few days before your sale and pick up at least $100 in change. While at the bank, pick up a reusable cash envelope (or repurpose an envelope from your house) to ferry cash to a secure location
NUTRITION NEWS
Exercise and Your Gut
The bottom line? Here’s another reason to add daily exercise to your routine -along with healthy eating habits and plenty of fiber. Your gut will be glad you did.
Q
and A
Q: Do you need to refrigerate almond butter and peanut butter after opening?
A: Knowing when to refrigerate nut butters can be tricky. Your best bet is to read the label. If it says “refrigerate after opening,” you need to do that. If you buy all-natural peanut butter, you’ll want to store jars in the refrigerator. Processed brands of peanut butter are made to have a long shelf life, thanks to the addition of
inside the house. You don’t want random people eyeing the hundreds in cash you’re likely to have on hand at the end of a busy sale.
GET HELP
If you want to knock your sale out of the park, get some expert help. If you want to learn from the best, and send your profits through the roof, read “The Garage Sale How-To Guide: Everything You Need To Know To Hold A Successful Garage Sale” by Cindy Sabulis. This guide is absolutely worth its weight in gold!
Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “DebtProof Living.”
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stabilizers like palm oil and hydrogenated oils, so once opened, they’re fine to store in a cool, dry cupboard. The National Peanut Board says opened jars of commercial processed peanut butter can be stored in a cupboard for two to three months. After that, they recommend storing jars in the refrigerator, which extends shelf life by another three to four months. Unopened jars will last six to nine months in the pantry; however, be sure to check expiration dates.
Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois, and the current president of the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. For comments or questions, contact her at charfarg@aol.com or follow her on Twitter @NutritionRD. .
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A Universe of Incomprehensible Numbers
BY DENNIS MAMMANA
Week of July 6-12, 2025
We live in a world defined by inches, feet and miles (or centimeters, meters and kilometers, if you prefer), and it’s not difficult for most of us to comprehend sizes and distances given in these units. But astronomers deal with a universe much grander than our workaday world, and we’ve long ago realized that these distance units are much too small to help us.
For example, watch the full moon rising over the east-southeastern horizon early on the evening of Thursday, July 10; at that time, the moon will lie at a distance of some 242,156 miles from Earth. I’d argue that no human can comprehend on a gut level such an immense scale, even though the moon is our nearest cosmic neighbor.
The planets of our solar system are considerably farther -- millions and billions of miles away -- so to help keep the numbers smaller, astronomers have invented the “astronomical unit,” or AU. One AU is defined as the average distance of the Earth from the sun, about 93 million miles. We can say that the planet Neptune, for example, lies about 2.8 billion miles, or 30.1 AU, away.
But the solar system in which we live is a relatively small place in the cosmos. What about the stars? They are much like the sun, and it’s not tough to imagine that they appear so small and faint because they’re farther away. Much farther!
Even the nearest stars are trillions of miles away, and they make up a giant disc we know as the Milky Way galaxy, some six hundred thousand trillion (600,000,000,000,000,000 miles) miles across. Even using AU for these distances would soon become unworkable, with the Milky Way diameter measuring some 6.3 billion AU.
Astronomers have developed several units to measure the distances between celestial bodies
Astronomers need an even larger unit, and we have it: a “light-year.” Though it sounds like a unit of time, a light-year is the distance that light travels in one year -- about 6 trillion miles. Take the brightest star high in the eastern sky tonight (Vega); it lies about 150 trillion miles (or 1.6 million AU). To make this journey, a beam of light would require 25 years, so we say that Vega is 25 light-years away. Much more workable, wouldn’t you say?
Of course, Vega is just one of the closest stars to us, and there are hundreds of billions that make up the Milky Way. From side to side, our galactic disc spans about 100,000 light-years, and we believe that the universe is populated with hundreds of billions of such galaxies that fill a space some 93 billion light-
LOST IN SUBURBIA
BY TRACY BECKERMAN
“What did Joel get you for your anniversary?” asked my mom.
“Nothing yet,” I replied. “But it’s a big one, so it should be something good.”
“Any time a married couple doesn’t kill each other for another year, it’s a big one,” she said.
I laughed. My parents had been married for 60 years, so my mother was practically an expert at avoiding marital murder. In fact, the longer they were married, the better they got along. Whenever they had a fight, five minutes in they forgot what they were fighting about. Ten minutes in, they forgot who they we were fighting with. Apparently, the secret to a great marriage is short-term memory loss.
“Well, this is my 30th anniversary, so I think I’m supposed to get some-
years across.
Right back to the huge numbers again, so astronomers have created an even larger unit: a “parsec,” equivalent to about 3.26 light-years. But even parsecs can be too small when discussing the largest cosmic structures, so we add prefixes such as “kilo-” (thousands), “mega-” (millions), or “giga-” (billions).
Now the diameter of the known universe can be described as 558 billion trillion miles (that’s 558 followed by 21 zeros) or 28 gigaparsecs. If you’re like most astronomers, I’m pretty sure which size numbers you’d prefer to deal with!
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Thirty Years and Counting
thing silver,” I said.
“That seems kind of cheap for 30 years,” she replied. “Maybe you can get something silver with a diamond in it.”
I appreciated my mother looking out for my best interests. And I kind of had to agree with her; whoever came up with this anniversary gift list was pretty cheap. I mean, paper for your first anniversary gift? I think if my husband gave me a piece of paper for my anniversary, I’d give it back to him with a note written on it that said, “You’re darn lucky I’m still married to you after giving me paper for our anniversary.”
The second year is not much better. Traditionally a couple would give each other cotton. This must be for the husband to stuff in his ears while his wife yells at him for giving her cotton for their anniversary.
Things improve somewhat with the third and fourth anniversary gifts, but
then on the fifth anniversary you get wood, iron on the sixth, and copper on the seventh. I’m sure all this made sense back in colonial times when your husband was a blacksmith or he made muskets for George Washington. However, in modern times, I have no need for Revolutionary War firearms and would, in fact, be somewhat horrified if my husband gave me a bayonet for our anniversary, even if it was engraved.
To be honest, traditional gifts don’t start to get good until the 15th anniversary, and by then you’re really just happy if your husband picks up his dirty socks and takes out the garbage without being told.
Fortunately, my husband has no idea what the traditional wedding anniversary gifts are, so I thought he might be open to some subtle suggestions. However, in prior years this had not
been that successful. One year I ripped out a picture of a bracelet I wanted from a magazine and left it on his desk. It kind of worked. He got me a subscription to the magazine.
I was at a loss. But then I realized that after 60 years of marriage, my mother would probably be the best person to consult on this matter.
“Do you remember what you got for your 30th anniversary?” I asked my mom.
She thought for a minute.
“Yes,” she replied. “It was very romantic. ...
“We both got colonoscopies.”
Tracy Beckerman is the author of the Amazon Bestseller, “Barking at the Moon: A Story of Life, Love, and Kibble,” available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble online! You can visit her at www. tracybeckerman.com.
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HOME IMPROVEMENTS
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PREPARE FOR POWER outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5 year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-877-5161160 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
SAFE STEP
North America’s
#1 Walk-In Tub.
Comprehensive Lifetime warranty. Top of the line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step: 1-855-916-5473
HEALTH SERVICES
FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC
Dr. Ann Marie D’Angelo
PMHCNS-BC
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Advanced Practice Nurse Care
Manager
Assistance with Aging at Home /Care Coordintion
Nursing Home & Assisted Living Placement
PRI / Screens / Mini Mental Status Exams
Medicaid Eligibility and Apllications
516-248-9323
www.familycareconnections.com
901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530
LI’S ACUPUNCTURE
Hicksville Acupunctuirst 30+ years of expert care for a wide range of conditions. Major Insurances Accepted. Senior discount available. CALL NOW 516-806-5538 Visit Us: acupliang.com
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)
AFFORDABLE TV & INTER-
NET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-855-399-2803
PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-866-448-8311 Have zip code of property ready when calling!
Last Hope Part of the Chewy.com Rescue Program
If you haven’t tried Chewy.com yet for your pet food and supply purchases, this is a great time to check them out. Last Hope is part of their rescue program. For each new customer that makes a purchase, Last Hope will receive a $20 donation. Go to Last Hope’s Chewy page at https:// www.chewy.com/g/last-hope-animal-rescue_ b100553681 for info on Last Hope and to shop for items and necessities on the shelter’s wish list.
Expand your grilling horizons this July 4
Grilled Eggplant with Feta and Greek Couscous
The Fourth of July is a day to celebrate the birthday of the United States of America. Americans celebrate the Fourth of July in various ways, many of which involve spending time outdoors with family and friends. Grilling delicious foods often is part of the July 4 game plan.
Burgers, hot dogs and chicken drumsticks will never fall out of favor for Fourth of July fare, but savvy grillmasters know to pepper the offerings with foods that will tempt palates in unique ways. This recipe for “Grilled Eggplant with Feta and Greek Couscous” from “Cooking Light
2 small eggplants (about 1 pound each), each cut into 4 lengthwise slices
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1) Preheat grill.
2) Drizzle eggplant slices with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with oregano, salt, and pepper. Grill 6 minutes on each side or until tender. Sprinkle eggplant with cheese; grill 2 minutes or until cheese
Fresh Food Superfast” (Oxmoor House) by the Cooking Light Editors appeals to vegetarians, vegetable lovers and anyone who wants something a little lighter from the grill. Yield: 4 servings
1⁄4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1⁄2 cups (6 ounces) crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese Greek couscous Oregano sprigs (optional)
melts.
3) While eggplant grills, prepare Greek couscous.
4) Place 2 eggplant slices on each of 4 plates. Top each serving with 1 cup couscous. Garnish with oregano sprigs, if desired.
CUSTOM FRAMING
Two Nassau Blvd Garden City, N.Y. 516-538-4503
www.barnesgalleryframing.com barnesgallery@yahoo.com Hours: Tues - Sat 10 am - 5 pm
Do You Have a Service To Advertise?
Litmor Publications publishes the ads of service providers in our Classifieds, Professional Guide and Service Directory.
A 6-week agreement brings your specialty or service to the attention of the community. Let us begin listing you in our Next Issue. For More Infor and Rates, Call Nancy 516.294.8900 Advertising in the Professional Guide is only open to N.Y.S. Licensed Professionals.
Urban Explorers tour Manhattan via the Circle Line
Although
the weather was gloomy, the faces were bright on the Urban Explorers’ trip.
The group poses in front of the Statue of Liberty.
The Floral Park Urban Explorers enjoyed a trip on the Circle Line on June 26.
Welcome to The Floral Park Villager, where your story is our story!
Over the next few weeks we will be mailing free copies of our new newspaper to all of the homes in the zip code so you can see what we’re excited about! If this is your first time seeing the paper, welcome! Copies are also available at drop points around town. In addition, you can find us online at www.fpvillager.com
What You Can Expect:
Local Focus: Unlike other papers, we concentrate solely on Floral Park and Bellerose. Our pages will be filled with news that matters to you and your neighbors.
Community Contributions: We want to hear from you! Share your sports updates, event announcements, club news, scouting adventures, and personal milestones like weddings and graduations. Your stories are the heartbeat of our publication.
Comprehensive Coverage: Stay informed about village and school board meetings, ensuring you’re up-to-date with the decisions that impact our community.
Letters to the Editor: We value your voice. Share your opinions, ideas, and feedback. Your letters will help shape the dialogue in our community.
Get Involved:
We encourage you to submit your items for publication to editor@gcnews.com. Whether it’s a story, a photo, or an announcement, your contributions will help us build a newspaper that truly reflects the spirit of Floral Park and Bellerose.
How to Subscribe
If you would like to get convenient home delivery of the paper through the mail, please use this QR code or go to our website at www.fpvillager.com
Advertising:
Our Advertising Account Executive, Peter Camp, is a long-time member of the Floral Park community. For information about advertising, you can reach him at 917-861-4627 or pcamp@gcnews.com.
