Save the date: The second annual Hoops for Hope event will take place on February 12th at 3:30 p.m. at Garden City High School. Above, a group of supporters from last year’s event. See page 16 for deetails.
BY RIKKI N. MASSAND
BY RIKKI N. MASSAND
At a special meeting held Monday night, January 27, the Garden City Library Board of Trustees met during a brief session and voted, 4-0 with Trustee Charles Murphy absent, to entertain a competitive bid for its security guard service -- a heated subject during the spring 2019 budget formulation for 2019-2020 -- from firm Securitas for 40 hours every week.
Library Board Chairman J. Randolph Colahan said the reason for 40 hours a week and not longer to start is to keep the expense within the 2019-2020 budget allocation. He noted that there’s still evaluation needed by GCPL administration and trustees to see if an increase from 40 hours a week would be appropriate.
Colahan also spoke about the incidents and circumstances observed at the Library within the last one to two years that have increased concerns and emphasized the need for security.
Two Garden City residents -Mary Cetta and Lauren Brossard, neighbors and both teachers in the Port Washington School District spoke at a recent Eastern Property Owners Association meeting about the need for additional safety measures such as stop signs at the t-intersection of Pell Terrace and Iris Lane. They made their presentation at the EPOA’s meeting on Tuesday, January 21 at the Garden City Senior Center on Golf Club Lane.
Cetta says Pell Terrace is a very long block like Transverse Road, and support for a stop sign has grown especially among the many families with children or grandchildren living on the block. The proposal is to add stop signs on each side of Pell Terrace’s t-intersection with Iris Lane (on Pell and not on Iris).
On Pell is a school bus stop for students going to and from Garden City public schools and Chaminade High School. The women say the stop signs are needed due to high traffic, vehicle speeds, the school bus stop at the intersection as well as a large number of young children living along the block. They say many families moved into Garden City’s eastern areas in the last See page 50
“In July of 2019 anti-vaccination protestors disrupted Sen. Kevin Thomas’ Town Hall event. A month prior in June 2019 patrons observed a loud, disruptive and combative woman inside GCPL. Last September there was strange behavior observed by a man with young children who was asking to use library phones. Curiously, there was a burglar alarm sounded both in September and in October. There were also several times people were in the computer rooms down the hall viewing images of naked women. In November 2019 a pocketbook was stolen, then a wallet was stolen. This month (January) there were disruptive boys at GCPL. This is why we need a security presence as the library is now a different place than it was,” Colahan explained.
Library Director Marianne Malagon prepared a report with her recommendation on which security firm presented a great option for GCPL. She outlined the main difference in the firms’ services as Strategic Security Corp. based in Commack has mostly experience with federal sites while Wisdom Protective Services and Securitas “have public library and schools experience, however Securitas has covered at more local public libraries.”
Securitas services Levittown, Westbury, Bellmore, Copiague
See page 50
This week’s mailbag contained quite a few interesting letters.
In one, George Salem, a retired financial expert, refutes a letter by Village Trustee Brian Daughney regarding the financial impacts of debt and bond ratings, especially regarding the possible future cost of the St. Paul’s project.
As the total cost of the project is still unknown (numbers as high as $100 million have been tossed around, but it’s still a great unknown) the impact on the average resident’s taxes is still a giant question mark.
The problem is that this has been a “chicken and egg” sort of problem. The cost of the project won’t be known until the building is fully evaluated. The evaluation can’t be done until money is
spent to stabilize and then remediate the environmental issues (which would have to be done whether the building is preserved or razed). At this point the Board has authorized money for the stabilization and is hoping to begin work soon.
We think that once the architects can get a firm idea of the costs to rehabilitate St. Paul’s, the voters should be presented with an estimate of the impact on their taxes and allowed to make a choice.
It’s true that a fabulous public arts and athletics center would be a great asset to the community. It’s also true that extremely high taxes would be a great detriment. It’s all a balancing act.
Let the residents decide which way the balance should go.
To the Editor:
Our family has lived in Garden City for many years. We have seen Garden City grow and prosper and definitely think a dog run would add to our property value. The closest dog run is at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow but for busy people one here in the village would allow our residents to better enjoy their pets, community, and neighbors in a relaxed and safe environment. We urge Garden City to actively consider such a proposal.
Dennis and Barbara Bengels
To the Editor:
I am part of the “vocal minority” cited by Mr. Daughney in his letter to the GCN, Jan. 24th edition. For the record, even though he did not mention my name, he was clearly responding to my letter, published January 2nd. After all, who else could he be referring to?
Apparently Mr. Daughney did not read my letter carefully and correctly. My views come from having an MBA degree, spending 35 years on Wall Street -- 5 years as a commercial bank executive, and 30 years as equities institutional research analyst of banking company stocks, at major investment banking firms, and a CFA -- the designation of advanced analytic ability. CFA stands for Chartered Financial Analyst. I do recognize, and respect, Mr. Daughney’s credentials as an attorney who specializes in corporate finance.
In my letter of Jan. 2nd, I stated that one trustee said “SO WHAT” -- that GC’s debt rating COULD be in jeopardy. I failed to mention which Trustee said that. It was Mr. Daughney.
For the record, my letter did NOT state that Garden City would be losing its AAA debt rating in the near-term. It DID say that incurring heavy additional debt is a clue that our Trustees’
fiscal management is going in the wrong direction. I also stated that a continuation of financing our budget challenges with ever-increasing debt is an invitation for Moody’s to eventually question our AAA bond rating.
There is a principle of finance that you should not borrow to pay for your lunch. Apparently, this is what GC seems to be doing. For example, it is estimated that stabilization of the St. Paul’s building will cost AT LEAST $1 million. Further, according to a statement by GC’s Treasurer, Irene Woo, at a recent EPOA meeting, we plan on paying for that via bond issuance. Stabilization is really maintenance -not an amortizable expense. That is, maintenance should be part of current expenses of the budget. To “capitalize” the costs of the debt, and pay the debt service over time (like individuals’ mortgage loans) would avoid an unacceptable rise in near-term taxes to our residents. I should add that the ultimate actual costs of abatement and stabilization, combined, could be well above current Board General Tax expectations, of roughly 2% annually. Ms. Woo also stated that the 2% NY State limit on municipal tax increases can be legally exceeded when the rate of inflation, another roughly 1.9%, is added, plus about 0.5% for increases in GC’s tax base. The math adds to a potential 4.4%. And likewise, the cost of abatement, to clean up the interior of St. Paul’s, has yet to be determined, and will likely far exceed stabilization costs. Will abatement also be financed with bonds? Not to mention the prospects of costs for upgrading our water quality, which could exceed $75 million.
Frankly, as Mr. Daughney has opined, I am not worried about increased interest rates on our new bond issuance. My point is that there are limits to how much debt a municipality can accumulate before a rating cut occurs. Only Moody’s can answer that question. Thus, with current Village bonded debt of $56 million, GC Village’s total debt could easily double in coming years.
BY RIKKI N. MASSAND
At the dawn of the 2020, local schools’ Art Education programs see increased opportunities to be ‘engineered’ in line with next-generation Science Standards. For Garden City’s Public Schools, STEAM concepts for young learners have been boosted by an alumna of a leading Long Island institution of higher education, neighbor to the school district and area families: Adelphi University, equipped with its innovative STEAM Lab for art and design education incorporating science.
Nicole Leyland, Garden City Public Schools’ primary-level art teacher, brings passion and unique experiences from her college courses in STEAM and arts education into classrooms at Locust, Hemlock and Homestead Schools. In an interview with The Garden City News Leyland explains innovative curricula and initiatives from Adelphi’s STEAM and Arts education pipeline. She attended the Garden City institution of higher learning for both undergraduate and graduate degree programs, learning under innovator Dr. Cindy Maguire, academic director in Adelphi University’s Levermore Global Scholars and Art and Design Education. Maguire is both a mentor and good friend of Leyland’s. STEAM lab initiatives at Adelphi (reported in the January 10, 2020 edi-
tion of The Garden City News) are illuminating concepts for local educators across several grades and areas of specialty.
Adelphi models its Art and Design curricula after “the teaching artist.” Cindy Maguire earned her Phd in Art Education at New York University in 2008; she also holds an MA in Art and Art Education from Cal State-Long Beach and a bachelor’s degree in Visual Art Education from the University of Kansas. Prior to coming to Adelphi she taught art edu cation at Los Angeles City Schools for over eight years. In higher education, she was a senior research associate at the Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University, as well as an adjunct faculty member in Art Education programs at Pratt Institute and New York University.
“I met Dr. Maguire when I was an undergrad there as she was the head person in charge for Art Education, and she served as both my advisor and professor in the program. I think Cindy is wonderful, she is so passionate about
what she does and about Arts and STEAM as an emerging, evolving field -- Dr. Maguire keeps coming up with new ideas, new supplies, and she’s always exploring ways of collaborating and working together. She’s a real team player and so talented in taking Art Education to the next level,” Leyland
When Leyland took Maguire’s STEAM class in her Adelphi graduate program, she was “blown away.” She recollects materials used throughout that course including conductive tapes, lights and conductive threads to make little plush dolls. Other projects involved “Chibitronics” or peel-off sticker chibi LED lights, adding circuits to include light into artwork, combined with copper tape and a coin battery. Dr. Maguire introduced Leyland and other Adelphi Art Education students to a device called the Makey Makey, developed by students at MIT.
“The device hooks up to a coding website, Scratch, which allows students
to assign sounds to their artwork and make it interactive. If you touch a piece of artwork, it creates a sound. I was amazed and I thought Dr. Maguire’s course was over and beyond -- we were exposed to many new and exciting things, and I realized how ahead of her time Dr. Maguire is. With my first jobs within the Art Education field I was going to art workshops all around Nassau County, but it was years later after I took the Adelphi Art Education course with Dr. Maguire I noticed instructors trying to catch up and follow these initiatives,” she said.
Nicole Leyland has been a teacher for six years, with 2019-2020 her fourth year in the Garden City district. In Garden City’s primaries Leyland has planned and taught curriculum borrowing from concepts, supplies and materials she was introduced to in Dr. Maguire’s Adelphi Art Education program.
“Using those sticker electronic LED lights we do projects with my first graders, but the lesson and concept technically intersects with a fourth-grade level science program as in fourth they learn about circuits, batteries and lights. I explain it in a way for first graders that a circuit is a simple path, a closed circle where energy can flow -- we made these cool robot collages (attached image),”
See page 38
Featured Property New to the Market - Available to be shown all weekend! Come and view this beautiful, mint conditionl 4 bedroom/1.5bath Colonial in the Adelphi Estates Section! Flowing floor plan makes this charming home a delight! Many upgrades and very low taxes! $839,000
Open House Sunday 1:30-3pm, 18 Heath Place Fabul ous total renovation 75x125 property. $1,029,000
Landmark Georgian Colonial on gorgeous 150x250 8BR, 4.5BA, 8 fireplaces, separate art studio. $3,100,000
Open House Saturday & Sunday 1-3pm, 101 Second Street New to Market Spacious co-op, 2 bedroom- 2 full bath $469,000 Mint
Lovely maintained split with many upgrades. $649,000
Hempstead, Atrium Plaza, 2BR 2.5BA large townhouse. $499,000
open Kitchen, available immediately. $5,600/month
Open House Saturday 2-4pm, 35 Avalon Road Lg 3Br, 2.5 B Split on 65 x 147 w/ fab great rm $929,000
Open House Sunday 2-4pm, 109 Arthur Street Exceptional design, architecture, property value, 4155 sf on 75x200. $1,599,000
n Plumbing repairs
n Drain cleaning
n Heat repairs
n Installation of appliances
n Installation of toilets & sinks
n Water filtration systems
We pride ourselves on having the most professional and qualified plumbers in Nassau County. Neat clean and courteous.
On Sunday, February 2 at 9:15– 10:15 a.m., Marilyn Heath Yasus and Cindy Campbell will speak at the Sunday Forum Series in Garden City Community Church (GCCC) on the fantastic arts and exhibits at the Rubin Museum of Art.
Marilyn Heath Yasus will share her experiences, as she appropriately entitled her presentation “Awaken Your Senses and Spirituality at the Rubin Museum”. Marilyn was so inspired by her visit at Rubin Museum of Art that she and her granddaughter, Sarah, spent a day learning more of the journey on Buddhism. Marilyn saw the exhibits through two lenses: from her own eyes and through Sarah’s, who is a very bright and keen observer.
Marilyn Yasus worked for years in many positions: in a law firm, for an accountant, at an engineering firm, and then at Winthrop Hospital (Now NYU Winthrop) for seventeen years in various capacities. While working for Dr. Alan R. Hartman, she attended Nassau Community College at night. She was then admitted to Wellesley College in Massachusetts. Marilyn graduated from Wellesley in 2005 with a double major in political science and art history. She interned two days a week those years in Boston for Senator John Kerry and then for Kerry’s entire presidential campaign. In 2005, Marilyn returned to Long Island and worked for the community development non-profit Sustainable Long Island for two years. She then
returned to hospital work at North Shore Hospital while she helped raise her two young grandchildren. Now retired, Marilyn has worked on campaigns for Congresswoman Kathleen Rice in her local campaign offices and going doorto-door. Marilyn joined the Herstory Writers Workshop two years ago. She is also President of “Philanthropic Educational Organization” (P.E.O), Chapter X in Garden City and raises money and supports local students with P.E.O. scholarships, grants and low-interest loans. She currently serves as Secretary and Book Club Chairman for Wellesley on Long Island. Marilyn is now a full-time caregiver for her friend who is facing many health challenges. Cindy Campbell was a court reporter for the New York Department of State Unemployment Division for 10 years and then worked for many partners at Parker Chapin Flattau & Klimpl as an executive secretary for 15 years.
Cindy wanted to do something more in her work life and began to expand her horizons by accepting a position to work as an executive assistant to Shelley Rubin and was the registrar for the Rubin’s personal & foundation Himalayan art work collection for twenty years. Cindy taught herself how to curate over 1,000 paintings and statues before The Rubin Museum of Art opened its door in 2005.
Together, Marilyn and Cindy will help us awaken our senses and spirituality at the Rubin Museum of Art.
The Garden City Community Church is part of the United Church of Christ and is an Open and Affirming congregation that welcomes people of all ages, races, gender identities, and sexual orientations to participate in the life of its community. Worship services are Sundays at 8:30 a.m. in our Chapel and at 10:30 a.m. in our Sanctuary. Wednesday Service is at 8:00 p.m. in Gardner Hall. There is a Church school for children and a crib room for infants and toddlers during the 10:30 a.m. service. The Garden City Community Church is located at 245 Stewart Avenue between Whitehall Blvd. and Kensington Road. For more information, email churchoffice@ thegccc.org or call 516- 746-1700. You may also visit our website at www.thegccc. org.
Premium 3Bdr 2Bth Custom Ranch home in the Villages sought after Presidents Section. This Spacious first floor living home features: New Custom Baths, Chefs Kitchen W/ Stainless Steel Appliances, Custom Three Stage Moldings & Millwork, Central Air, Efficient Gas Heat, Gas Fireplace, Updated Electric, New Windows, Roof & Siding, Costly Bluestone Masonry. Superb Fit and Finish Through Out. Seldom offered highly desired Fully Renovated Ranch home...Opportunity Knocks But Once, Will You Be Ready?
Offered at: $1,019,000
Sean R. McCoyd
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
“There When It Counts!”
Mobile: 516.640.9156
smccoyd@coachrealtors.com
156 7th Street, Garden City 516-747-1422
Sliders - $18 per dozen w/ bread
Pulled Pork, Pulled Chicken, Buffalo Chicken
Wings - $7.99/lb
Buffalo, Teriyaki, BBQ
Ribs - $9.99/lb
Baby Back
Kansas City Spare Ribs
Hero By the Foot - $20
Italian, American, Fried Cutlet
Fresh Guacamole
Red Onion, Lime, Cilantro, Sea Salt
Chicken Chili
Beef Chili
Potato Skins
W/ Sour Cream, Cheddar, Bacon, Scallion
Jalepeño Poppers
W/ Cream Cheese, Bacon
Shrimp Cocktail
Jumbo, Wild
On January 26, Rita Ann Griffith presented “Sussex Great Forest” at the weekly cathedral Dean’s Forum. Ms. Griffith is one of the founders of this global reforestation project which began with a group who connected on Twitter in support of Meghan Markle, now the Duchess of Sussex.
In 2016, anti-immigrant rhetoric was on the rise in Britain as the country navigated Brexit – their departure from the European Union. Meghan Markle, who was engaged to Prince Harry, came under attack by the British tabloid press. Most of these attacks centered around the fact that she is biracial, American and divorced. Thousands of negative headlines followed from 20162019. In response to this, a group of 11 women, mostly of color, based in New York, California, Hawaii, Canada, South Africa and London decided that planting trees would be a productive way to counter the negativity around Meghan. It would also make positive change on an issue important to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex: climate change.
The Most Rev. Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church had given an inspiring message of love at Harry and Megan’s wedding which is well needed especially in these times of increasing division. Planting trees for the future of the planet is a way of uniting in love and working toward good, rather than focusing on the negative. “In the Episcopal Church we pray ‘For the good earth which God has given us, and for the wisdom and will to conserve it,’” Canon Griffith said. “We should all remember that the Earth is a gift to be cared for and preserved for all God’s creatures, not to be exploited or destroyed.”
CALL IN ADVANCE OR STOP BY STORE ON GAME DAY!
The Sussex Great Forest project was born and four tree-planting organizations were chosen to help with the work. The group set a modest goal of 10,000 trees which they exceeded in less than a week. The group has now planted 32,000 trees with a new goal of 100,000 trees.
The Rev. Canon Dr. Bruce Griffith, Honorary Canon in Residence at the Cathedral, planted the first U.S. tree in the Sussex Great Forest at his Long Island home. Canon Bruce joked, “All those British royals are like George III to me, but Meghan and Harry seem like great, kind folks, and they are welcome to bring Archie to visit his tree any time they’re in the neighborhood.”
On a more serious note, he added that
Rita Griffith shared a teaching from the Most Rev. Frank Griswold, 25th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. “In Scripture, Christ is the agent of creation, so all things are made in some way through Christ. What does it mean to be made in God’s image? We are created with the ability to love. What does love mean in relation to creation? It’s an invitation to look at the whole environmental crisis from our point of view that the Earth is our sister and we should treat her with respect and reverence and be grateful for her. We should live in harmony and respect with creation because creating is sacramental.”
The large group gathered in the Dean’s Forum discussed actions each person can take to bring positive change where negativity abounds. The Dean’s Forum meets every Sunday at 10:15 in the Mercer School of Theology as part of ‘Fellowship in Faith,’ the cathedral’s intergenerational Christian Formation program. The program is always free and open to the public. More information can be found at incarnationgc.org/ grow.
Hanging wires: On January 22nd Garden City Police and Firefighters responded to Old Country Road for a report of low hanging power wires. Upon investigation, it was determined the wires were phone lines. Verizon was notified to respond and corrected the condition.
Leaving the scene arrest: On January 22nd Garden City Police investigated a report of a truck leaving the scene after striking and damaging a vehicle parked on Dartmouth Street. On Jan. 26th, Garden City Detectives arrested a 32 year-old Mineola man for this incident.
Check fraud: On January 23rd Garden City Police investigated three reports of checks being intercepted in the mail, altered to higher amounts and rewritten to other parties.
Domestic incident: On January 23rd as a result of a domestic incident investigation, Garden City Police arrested a 23 year-old Garden City man for allegedly assaulting another family member at their residence.
Multiple violations: On January 23rd, as a result of a vehicle stop on Old Country Road, a 25 year-old
Uniondale man was arrested for driv ing with five license suspensions, a Hempstead traffic warrant, excessive speed and two unsafe lane usage violations.
Excessive speed: On January 23rd a 39 year-old Queens man was charged with driving on Washington Avenue while having three license suspensions and driving with excessive speed.
Street on January 24th, Garden City Police arrested a 37 year-old Elmont man for allegedly driving without a court ordered interlock device, suspended license, unregistered vehicle and uninspected vehicle.
Five suspensions: On January 24th a 37-year-old man was charged with driving on Meadow Street with five driver license suspensions, unregistered vehicle and uninspected vehicle.
inal possession of stolen property, aggravated unlicensed operation first degree (48 license suspensions), possession of burglar tools and two outstanding warrants.
Vehicle entered: On January 26th loose change was reported stolen from a vehicle parked on Willow Street.
DWI arrest: Police arrested a 60 year-old Franklin Square man on January 26th for alleged DWI, passing a red light and unsafe lane usage.
Scofflaw impound: On January 23rd a vehicle, deemed a scofflaw by the Garden City Court due to unpaid parking tickets, was impounded in Parking Field 9E.
Marijuana arrest: On January 24th as a result of an investigation of a vehicle allegedly passing a stop sign on Pine Street, Garden City Police arrested a 26 year-old Queens man for alleged criminal possession of a controlled substance (THC), criminal possession of marijuana, driving with a suspended license and passing a stop sign.
Missing interlock: As a result of a traffic stop investigation on Seventh
Suspended registration: On January 24th a 24-year-old female was charged with driving on Clinton Road with a suspended registration and excessive speed.
Arrests in mail thefts: Garden City Police arrested a man and woman for allegedly stealing mail from a Stratford Ave. mailbox on January 25th. Police say that the two had a device designed to remove mail from mailboxes. A 29 year-old Brooklyn woman was charged with criminal possession of stolen property, possession of burglar tools, excessive speed and unsafe lane usage. A 24 year-old Bronx man was charged with crim-
Suspended registration: On January 26th a 29-year-old woman was charged with driving on Meadow Street with a suspended vehicle registration, uninsured vehicle and passing a Stop sign.
Scam alert: On January 27th a resident reported receiving a call from a person who stated she owed PSEG $1,000 and instructed her to purchase Green Pak money cards for payment to avoid losing service. The victim purchased the cards, called the person back and read off the numbers. It was later determined this was a scam. Another resident reported a similar
See page 10
The Board of Trustees and staff continue to work on numerous projects, including preparation of the 2020/21 Village budget, treatment at Village water wells, the stabilization plan for the former St. Paul’s School and other matters. I encourage you to attend Village Board of Trustees meetings; the schedule can be found on the Village’s website, www.gardencityny. net.
A committee comprised of Executive staff, Supervisors, Police, Engineering and the Street Department recently met to discuss safety improvements for pedestrians on Seventh Street. The Committee came up with a number of different scenarios and is prepared to make recommendations to the Board of Trustees on how to proceed with not only bollards but also crosswalks, signage and lighting. Superintendent of Public Works Joseph DiFrancisco said these recommendations would be made to the Board of Trustees at the February 6, 2020 meeting, which begins at 8:00 p.m. in the Village Hall Board Room.
During the 2019 calendar year, the Garden City Fire Department responded to 1,137 calls for assistance. Chief Thomas Strysko thanks members of the Department for their dedicated and faithful service. Mayor Theresa Trouvé added, “I am proud of our firefighters, and I know that we all are, for their complete dedication to the challenging tasks that they face on a daily basis. We are fortunate to have them.”
The year 2020 is keeping members just as busy, as the Department has already responded to several mutu-
al aid calls in neighboring towns and auto accidents in the Village.
On January 2, the Department assisted the Mineola Volunteer Fire Department at the scene of a house fire. Then, on January 9, members responded to an auto accident with an overturn on Cathedral Avenue. Under the direction of Chief Moody and Captain Taunton, the crew stabilized the vehicle using the Res-Q-Jack stabilization system and extricated one victim using Holmatro rescue tools and extrication equipment. One victim was taken to NYU Winthrop Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
On Saturday, January 11, the Department assisted the Franklin Square Munson Fire Department at the scene of a house fire. Later that same day, the Department was alerted for a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Franklin and Stewart avenues. On January 13, members responded to another motor vehicle accident at Washington Avenue and Meadow Street. Members used the Res-Q-Jack stabilization system and Holmatro rescue tools and extrication equipment to stabilize and extricate the trapped victim.
On January 12, the Department responded to another motor vehicle accident in which a car drove into a home in the Eastern section of the Village, causing significant damage to the home.
Residents interested in joining the fire department can email membership@gcfdny.com or visit www.gcfdny.com/recruitment for
more information.
The Board will hold a public hearing on February 6, 2020 beginning at 8:00 p.m. in the Village Hall Board Room on a proposed Local Law to amend Chapter 197, Article II (Water Conservation) of the Village Code so as to enable the Superintendent of Public Works to declare a “water shortage” and further restrict water usage in Garden City.
This hearing was rescheduled from January 9, 2020 due to an inadvertent emailing error. The Village Clerk was sent an earlier version of the proposed law, which was subsequently amended. Due to posting requirements for local laws, it is necessary to now post the correct version and hold a hearing on the proper draft.
The Board will hold a public hearing on February 6, 2020 beginning at 8:00 p.m. in the Village Hall Board Room on a proposed Local Law to repeal Chapter 12 of the Village Code in order to amend the Code of Ethics. Trustees asked the Board of Ethics to update the Code, which began with a “state” model. The Code has been tweaked to better serve the Village. Trustees thanked Board of Ethics members Richard Silver, Valerie Rothschild and Justice Allen Mathers for their input.
The Board will hold a public hearing
Monday, 2/3 - All Schools EVENING PTA Meeting: Membership Votes to Elect Nominating Representatives and Middle School Grant Request for courtyard benches in GCMS Cafeteria at 7:30 pm
PTA at the BOE
Tuesday, 2/4 - Board of Education Work Session: 2020-21 Proposed Budget Discussion in GCHS Library at 8:15 pm PTA Dinner
The Garden City PTA Annual Dinner will be at The Garden City Hotel on March 26th from 6:30 to 10:30 pm.
The tickets and grand raffle tickets go on sale on February 3rd. Purchase your tickets early to take advantage of the early bird incentive. Tickets are $70 if purchased between February 3rd
through the 28th. After February 28th the tickets will be $75. Remember last year was a sold out event, so make sure you buy your tickets early!
There is still time to sponsor or donate raffle basket items at bit.ly/ PTADinnerDonation.
Any questions about the event, please contact Jessica Koczko at dinner@ gardencitypta.org
Attention Stratford Parents
Wednesday, 2/5 - Stratford Musical at Stratford Auditorium: Day Performance at 9:30 am and Evening Performance at 7:00 pm (snow day make-up: Friday, 2/7) Thursday, 2/6 - Stratford Musical at Stratford Auditorium: Day Performance at 9:30 am and Evening Performance at 7:00 pm (snow day make-up: Friday, 2/7)
Attention High School Parents
Friday, 1/31 - High School Sophomore
on February 6, 2020 beginning at 8:00 p.m. in the Village Hall Board Room on a proposed Local Law to amend overnight parking permit limitations. This proposed Local Law will directly authorize the Police Commissioner, as chairman of the Board of Police Commissioners, to establish rules and regulations governing overnight parking permits and limiting how long such permits can exist.
The closure of New Hyde Park Road, from Plaza Avenue to 4th Avenue, is anticipated to begin on February 3, 2020. The road closure is expected to last approximately seven months. The reconstructed roadway will feature a new, five-lane underpass with pedestrian sidewalks on the east and west sides of the road and a dedicated leftturn lane onto Clinch Avenue. After extensive traffic impact studies, and with input from local officials, the LIRR designed a vehicular detour plan to make navigating around the closure as easy as possible. Visit our website, www.gardencityny.net, and click on the “LIRR 3rd Track Information” tab in the left side menu of the homepage.
The Board of Trustees has set the following dates for 2020/21 budget meetings. The meetings will take place in the Village Hall Board Room, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted:
• Work Session 1 – March 10, 2020
• Work Session 2 – March 12, 2020
• Work Session 3 – March 19, 2020 (6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to accommodate Board meeting)
• Work Session 4 – March 26, 2020
“Shadow Day: Teens On the Job”
Monday, 2/3 - Senior Skit Night Rehearsal at 7:30 pm (remaining rehearsal dates: 2/10 and 2/24)
Saturday, 2/8 - ACT Examination (not offered at GCHS)
Membership
Help us reach our goal of 100% membership! Visit gardencitypta.org and click on “Join the PTA”. Let’s Connect @GardenCityPTA Websites: www.gardencitypta.org http://www.gcsepta.org
To Get Real Time Information - Turn on Notifications
Facebook: Facebook.com/ GardenCityPTA
Instagram: Instagram.com/ GardenCityPTA
Twitter: Twitter.com/GardenCityPTA
From page 9
scam on Jan. 28th.
Email scam: On January 28th Garden City Police received a report of congregants of a church receiving emails from someone claiming to be their pastor asking them to obtain gift cards to help pay for a sick person. It was determined the email does not belong to the pastor and is a scam.
License suspended: On January 28th a Garden City Police Officer stopped a commercial vehicle on Franklin Avenue for defective lighting and upon investigation, charged the 23-year-old driver with driving with three license suspensions.
No U-turn: Two drivers were cited for illegal U-turns on Seventh Street.
n Two 16” Pizzas (toppings not included), a Grimaldis Mixed Green Salad and a 2 Liter Bottle of Soda
n1/2 Tray of Assorted Pinwheels with a Side of Sauce
n 1/2 Tray of Buffalo Wings
aT The Bar:
n Happy Hour Will Start at 3:00pm and Will Run through the Entire Length of the Game
n $4.00 Tap Beers
n $1.00 Off Wine, Bottled Beer and Mixed Drinks
n $6.50 Personal Pies (toppings not included)
n $6.00 Mixed Green, Caesar, Chopped or Antipasto Salad $2500 plus tax $3000 plus tax
Get to know your neighbors and make new friends at the Newcomers Cocktail Gathering
The Newcomers Cocktail Gathering is a wonderful way to meet new residents just like you and learn more about everything the Welcoming Club has to offer. The next Newcomers Cocktail Gathering will be on March. 11, 2020. Kindly fill out our form on the website, thegardencitywelcomingclub.org, to receive an invite in the mail.
Upcoming Events
2/7/20: Trivia Night
2/27/20: Craft Club
3/11/20: Newcomer’s Gathering
4/25/20: Amazing Race
** Bowling Club** meets every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at Herrill Lanes
PARTY
Includes Coffee • Tea • Soda
Mixed Green Salad/Caesar Salad
Antipasto/Tomato & Mozzarella
Assorted Pinwheels
One Large Calzone per Table with side of sauce
Unlimited Pizza with Toppings
Enjoy a good book amongst good friends. Our book club meets on a monthly basis to discuss the page turner of choice. For upcoming book club events, please email WelcomingClubBookClub@gmail.com.
Craft Club
The craft club is a great way to meet with friends and practice your crafting skills. This club meets every few months and creates a seasonal project. If you are interested in joining, please email GCCraftClub@gmail.com.
Supper Club
Bring your significant others out for this one! This is a great way to make new friends as a couple. You will be paired up with 3-4 other couples to set up a rotation of dinner events. Host your new friends at a pot luck dinner or head out to try our local restaurants. Please email GCSupper@gmail.com for more information.
Bowling Club
Join us! No experience necessary! We are looking for new faces to join our Wednesday morning league. Occasional pacers are also welcome. Anyone
interested, please contact Ellen Diller (Diller05@aol.com) Carol Santangelo (santa060@yahoo.com) or Elizabeth Colantonio (mcdea@aol.com).
Bunko
Bunko is a simple dice game usually played in a group of 12. It is a great way to meet people and make new friends. The game is easy to learn and play. If you are interested, please contact WelcomingClubBunco@gmail.com.
Toddler Activities
A great way for you and your little ones to make new friends. Activities include stroller walks each Tuesday around our beautiful neighborhood and a visit to the park. Stroller walks are on winter hiatus and will start up again in April 2020. Playgroups for parents and kids can also be arranged for your littles ones! Please email GCToddlerActivities@gmail.com for more information.
Golf
Golf lessons at Cherry Valley Club are always a big hit! Golf pro Ed Kelly helps us GCWC ladies improve our golf game. If you are interested in reserving your spot for the spring 2020 session, email WelcomingClubGolf@gmail.com.
Tennis
Tennis lessons and group play at the Garden City Bubble! Please contact WelcomingClubTennis@gmail.com to reserve a spot for the fall 2020.
Want to join the fun and make a difference? We invite you to join the club! For just $37 a year, you will have access to lots of great events and many fun members-only clubs and events. Complete the easy online membership form today at www.thegardencitywelcomingclub.org in the “Join” section of the website. While you are there, browse the site for lots of great information about the club.
The information about the homes and the photos were obtained through the Multiple Listing Services of Long Island. The homes presented were selected based solely on the fact that they were recently sold.
Sold price: $750,000
Date: 01/27/2020
3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Style: Split
Total taxes: $15,648
Lot Sq. Ft.: 8,760
MLS number: 3172528
A split style home situated in Eastern Section of Garden City. The main floor features a formal living room leading to the formal dining room, off the eat in kitchen. Sliding doors from the dining room lead to a large patio and a large, beautiful backyard. The Master bedroom offers a large closet, sitting area and a full bathroom. 2 additional family BR’s and hall bth. New W/D located in subfloor next to the one car garage. Lower level features a full finished basement, storage and components.
Sold Price: $625,000
Date: 01/17/2020
3 bedrooms, 1 baths
Style: Colonial
Total taxes: $15,869
Lot Sq. Ft.: 6,000
MLS number: 3180557
Located on a quiet street only 0.2 miles from Merillon Ave Train Station, this charming Dutch Colonial is a Must See for all investors and those looking for a fixer upper. The house was sold “As-Is” . This 3 bedroom, 1 Bath home has tremendous potential. Garden City Schools.
Last weekend, the talented students of the Music Academy of Garden City presented two fully-staged performances of “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” at Hofstra University. Each performance included a full pit band, props, costumes, lighting and sound, and were the culmination of the fall semester of the Academy’s musical theatre program.
The principal roles in the first show were played by students from second to sixth grade, and also featured kids as young as five in the ensemble. Despite being a young cast, the students performed like seasoned professionals and shined as actors, singers and dancers. What made this even more impressive was the fact that this was the very first show that many of these kids ever performed in. The second show, featuring seventh through twelfth-graders, also
awed the crowd with their Broadway level performances. Accompanying the performers was a mixed faculty and student pit band, with students as young as eleven in the string section, and faculty members rounding out the strings, woodwinds, and rhythm sections.
Since introducing Musical Theatre at the Music Academy three years ago, it has grown to be recognized as Long Island’s most comprehensive and robust theatre program. Many of the students have been signed to talent agencies, and have appeared on television, in movies and commercials, as well as with top theatre companies. The students have already begun rehearsing for their spring musical, “Once Upon A Mattress,” which will take place at Hofstra University this June.
See what's happening at your librar y!
From classes to lectures and concerts to movie screenings, there's never a dull day at your local library! Check this paper each week for fun and informative all-ages activities, all for free or cheap!
It’s time to start the countdown to Hoops For Hope! The Garden City High and Middle School Challenger Basketball team will take on Oceanside in the GCHS gym on February 12, 2020 at 3:30 p.m. Once again, the game is being played in memory of GCHS alum Bobby Menges, who lost his battle with cancer. This year, all proceeds from the event will go to the Bobby Menges I’m Not Done Yet Foundation. INDY’s mission is to help adolescent and young adult patients who are fighting cancer and other serious, chronic or long-term illness.
The event is inspired by Bobby’s spirit of kindness and teamwork. Last year, students, faculty, school administrators and members of the community packed the gym to support the Challenger basketball team. Let’s do it again! Come watch the GCHS Cheer teams! Enjoy the music of the pep band organized by GCHS Senior Sarah Colletti!
Tip off is 3:30. Doors open at 3:15 with a suggested donation of $5 a person. Everyone who attends will receive a coupon for a free egg sandwich and iced tea from Seventh Street Gourmet, 100th 7th Street, GC. Raffle tickets will be available with chances to win great prizes like Apple AirPods, Amazon and Visa gift cards and fun gift baskets. (Cash and checks please. Credit cards can’t be accepted at this event.) Every penny raised will go towards INDY. If
you can’t attend the event, but would still like to make a donation, visit https://www.imnotdoneyetfoundation. org/donate. Family and Business sponsorships are also available. If interested, please contact Liz Menges: efmenges131@gmail.com for more information. Please contact Timmy O’Hanlon with any further questions at 551-0142.
Support the Challenger Basketball team. Raise money to help teenagers battling cancer and long-term illness. Everyone is a winner at Hoops for Hope on February 13.
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia takes both heart and science – knowing what expert approaches to take, and providing such care with compassion. This is what we do every day at The Bristal at Lake Success. Our community is dedicated 100% to state-of-the-art memory care, built upon a solid foundation of success caring for seniors at our family of assisted living communities across the tri-state area. We’ve also developed an alliance with Northwell Health’s Feinstein Institute, initiating opportunities for advancements in dementia care. Altogether, this means peace of mind for you, proven memory care for your loved one, and the freedom to share and embrace every moment. Come visit a truly extraordinary community where memory care is everything: The Bristal at Lake Success.
The children of Our Precious Angels Child Care and Pre-School recently made a donation of $200 to the Little Sisters of the Poor, which runs a home for the elderly in Queens. An engraved brick will be placed in the garden wall commemorating the donation.
Valentine’s day is around the corner. Who wouldn’t love a beautiful moonstone & topaz ring? Or perhaps this agate ring and lavaliere set with amethysts? You can find these and other fine pieces of jewelry, consigned at the A.T. Stewart Exchange consignment shop, in partnership with the Jewelers Garden on Nassau Boulevard. The exchange carries an extensive line of fine and costume jewelry.
For those unfamiliar with the consignment shop, it is located in the GC Historical Society museum at 109 Eleventh Street (basement in the rear). It sells all kinds of consigned items, including but not limited to jewelry, china, lamps, small pieces of furniture, silver, crystal, artwork and collectibles. There is also a great line of gifts and holiday items. Come in and browse the many treasures. Remember: all proceeds from the consignment shop
support the maintenance and upkeep of our Garden City Historical Society Museum.
Please remember: work is ongoing on the outside of the museum! Hence, the need for the scaffolding over the front of the museum. The museum and the exchange consignment shop will remain open throughout this process. You may have to navigate around the construction crane, but it’s worth it! Come in and check out the great bargains, including fur coats!
The shop is located at 109 Eleventh Street, Garden City
Shop Hours: Tuesday - Friday from 10:00 - 4:00 Sat: Noon - 4:00 p.m.
Tuesdays are 10% senior discount days
Please call (516) 746-8900 for more information.
Do you have grandchildren?
Enter our “World’s Most Beautiful Grandchildren” contest! Just send in your grandchildren’s photos and a brief description of the child (or children) along with your name and address to editor@gcnews.com
Scouts take a breather between Masses at last year’s Pancake Breakfast
FREE UP TO 12 MONTHS
The Boy Scouts of Troop 243 will be hosting their annual Pancake Breakfast this Sunday, February 2 after all morning Masses at St. Joseph’s. Come down to the St. Joseph’s School cafeteria for a delicious breakfast with the family, take a chance to win from this year’s expanded and fabulous raffle, and support your local Boy Scout Troop all at the same time! The St. Joseph’s Knights of Columbus will once again be the manning the griddles – Troop 243 thanks them for their continued support! Tickets can be purchased at the door or on the troop website, www.troop243. org. Adults are $8, children (age 3-12)
are $5 or feed the whole family for $25! Cub Scouts or Girl Scouts in uniform eat for free!
The scouts and parents of Troop 243 are grateful for the continued support of the Garden City community. Local businesses can become a “placemat booster” by submitting their business card to John Sievers at jfrsievers@gmail.com. All checks may be made out to ‘Troop 243’.
For information about joining Boy Scout Troop 243, please contact Committee Chair Michele Mierzejewski at michemez@yahoo.com or stop by on Sunday.
The Garden City Republican Committee is looking for Election Inspectors and Poll Coordinators for the Primaries and General Election this year. The work schedule is from 5:15 a.m. to approximately 9:15 p.m. Pay starts at $240 for the day.
The responsibilities are to assist voters at various polling locations in Garden City with the voting process on Election Day. You will be trained on properly signing voters in, guiding
them to the correct voting machine and ensuring their votes are executed in a private and secure manner.
To apply for this position you must be a Registered Republican Voter, a Nassau County resident and 18 years of age or older.
If you are interested in becoming a Republican Primary and / or Election Day Poll Worker and meet the above requirements, please call 516-571-2892 or 516-319-2459.
Back in February of 2009, the Village hired me to photograph the interior of the St. Paul’s building from top to bottom. I had to wear a mask as there was a lovely cocktail inside of mold, lead paint and decomposing animals. This view is looking at the east parlor stripped of all the beautiful furniture and paintings it once held. When the school closed in 1991, the Cathedral took what they wanted and auctioned off the rest. The building is completely empty. Some misinformed people think there are still all of these antiques and valuable artwork inside. They are wrong.
It is with pleasure that the Eastern Property Owners’ Association of Garden City announces that it will once again award a $1000 scholarship for 2020 to a graduating high school senior who resides in the Eastern section. The candidates, or their family, must be dues paying members of the EPOA. They must be currently attending public or private high school and plan to attend college full time in the fall. The focus of this scholarship is community
service. Candidates must be involved in some form of community service and need to submit an application which can be obtained from the GCHS Guidance Department or on the EPOA web site at www.gcepoa.org. Should you have a question, you can call Barbara Garry at 248-1486.
All interested, eligible seniors are encouraged to apply. The deadline for applications is Friday, April 17, 2020.
Four fifth-grade Stratford choral students were chosen to participate in this years All-County Division 1 West Music Festival on Saturday, January 11 at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts. Congratulations to Alexandra DiCaprio, Alexander Kfuri, Genevieve Mohan and Madeline Power on all their hard work and dedication. Thank you to Miss Sack for nominating and working with the students to learn their music prior to All-County rehearsals.
A commitment to bring safe reliable energy to its customers all year round will bring more PSEG Long Island utility workers to Long Island towns in the weeks and months ahead.
• Chief among its initiatives, is deploying smart technology capable of quickly and safely isolating problems in order to keep power flowing.
• The company has also adopted an enhanced program focused on inspecting aging utility poles and replacing them with new, stronger poles when necessary.
• An island-wide Circuit Improvement Program will see the inspections and upgrades of equipment along power lines, responsible for distributing power to PSEG Long Island’s 1.1 million customers.
Colonel Aaron Ogden Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Carla Hall D’Ambra Regent, recently presented a DAR Distinguished Citizen Award to Nicole Dietsche Hanson, director and supervisor of NYU Winthrop EMS, Garden City Unit. This EMS Unit is new to the village and to date, the service has received more than 1,500 calls and transported over 1100 patients to area hospitals.
Nicole gave a very informative lecture on signs of a heart attack in women and how to articulate symptoms to a health care professional. She also shared the difference in symptoms of a heart attack in men and women. Chapter members found this be a very important lecture and actively participated in a question/ answer session at the end of the talk.
Since becoming a para -
medic in 2013, Nicole has provided life-saving care to medical emergencies in the New York City, Nassau and Suffolk County areas. In addition to her 911 experiences, Nicole has worked as a transport paramedic providing critical care for interfacility patients, and discharges to rehabilitation or longterm care facilities.
As a Certified Instructor Coordinator, Nicole helps new EMT and Paramedic students in preparation for their New York written certification exams. She is a vital part of St. John’s EMS Institute in Queens, NY, and has reached the highest levels of certification for paramedic instruction. She also educates at Suffolk County EMS and Nassau EMS Academy.
Nicole is a competitive ultra-marathon runner, dedicated to charity work, and is a safety advocate in the EMS community.
On February 2, which is Groundhog Day, the groundhog is said to forecast weather by looking for his shadow. If it’s sunny out, and he sees it, we’re in for six more weeks of winter. On the other hand, a cloudy Groundhog Day is supposed to forecast an early spring.
Punxsutawney Phil – called the world’s most beloved seasonal prognosticator by his handlers in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania – might or might not see his shadow on this Groundhog Day. This U.S. and Canadian tradition occurs every year on February 2. It has its roots in astronomy. It’s a seasonal festival, tied to the movement of Earth around the sun. In any case, it’s a great excuse to go outside and enjoy some revelry during the winter months!
How accurate are Punxsutawney Phil’s predictions? Phil may be the most famous groundhog in the U.S., but he isn’t the most accurate. The four-legged creature only has 39 percent accuracy, according to Stormfax Almanac’s data. Phil sees his shadow about 85 percent of the time. As of 2019, a look at records dating back to 1887, when the tradition started, shows that Phil has seen his shadow 103 times but hasn’t seen it just 18 times. There are nine years that weren’t reported. https:// www.foxnews.com/us/groundhog-dayfestivities-and-a-look-at-punxsutawneyphils-accuracy
The Children’s Room has a section on Large Type books that can be beneficial to the reluctant readers, as well as readers who have comprehension issues or dyslexia. A recent study has shown that teachers attribute the use of large print text to helping students develop stronger reading skills. Three out of four teachers said students reading below grade level demonstrated increased reading comprehension and retention. https://news.cengage.com/ library-research/new-study-findslarge-print-books-improve-studentreading-confidence-and-comprehension-skills/
We have recently increased our large type selection with the following titles: “The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate, “The Giver” by Lois Lowry, “The Tale of Desperaux” by Kate DiCamillo, “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio and “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” by J.K. Rowling. Stop by and see our complete collection.
Winter/Spring 2020–Registration for Storytimes and Book Discussions began on January 7. Non-residents can register beginning January 21, at 10:00 a.m. Required online registration with a Library Card for Storytimes and Special Programs is on Eventkeeper
(www.gardencitypl.org) at 10:00 a.m. on the date stated. Book discussion registration is in the Children’s Room only. Registration on Eventkeeper is on an individual basis. Please do not add any additional names in the comment box because they will not be added into the actual number of registrants. Priority will be given to Garden City Public Library cardholders. Non-residents will be accommodated on a space available basis.
WITH PLAY HOORAY!
Now 4 separate opportunities to participate. EACH SESSION HAS A SEPARATE REGISTRATION DATE.
This is a 45-minute program (10:30-11:15) for children ages 6-29 months (Born Sept. 2017–Aug. 2019) and an adult caregiver.
March 5 (Reg. begins Feb. 4), March 12 (Reg. begins Feb. 11), March 19 (Reg. begins Feb. 18), March 26 (Reg. begins Feb. 25).
BOOKS AND BABIES:
For ages 6 months-29 months. All sessions are 30 minutes (10:00–10:30 a.m.) and require a separate registration for each date.
April 20 (Reg. begins March 17), April 27 (Reg. begins March 24) May 4 (Reg. begins March 31).
*Please note: Storytime schedules are subject to change.
Register once for all 4 sessions. Except where noted, programs are 30 minutes.
For children ages 2½–3½ (Born Aug. 2016–Aug. 2017) and an adult caregiver.
Choose one session:
Mondays at 11:30 a.m. (Feb. 3, 10, 24, March 2)
Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. (Feb. 4, 11, 25, March 3)
LITTLE LISTENERS
For children ages 3–5, without adult. (Born Feb. 2015–Feb. 2017)
(Caregivers must remain in the Children’s Department during program).
Choose one session:
Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. (Feb. 4, 11, 25, March 3)
Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. (Feb. 5, 12, 26, March 11)
KINDERGARTEN/FIRST GRADE: LET’S IMAGINE.
A monthly program (stories, crafts, and more) for children currently enrolled in kindergarten or first grade. Programs are one hour, from 4 p.m.–5 p.m. Register once for all sessions. Program dates are Wed. Feb. 12, March 25, April 22.
Book Discussions
Registration is in the Children’s Room only, and it began Tuesday, Jan.
7, at 10:00 a.m. All programs are one hour. A beverage and snack will be provided. Please advise a Children’s Librarian of any food allergies at registration!
CHAPTER CHAT
Tuesday, March 31, 4 p.m.–5 p.m.
A book discussion for children in second grade. Come and discuss “The Mystery of the Dinosaur Bones” (A Cam Jansen book) by David Adler.
BOOK ENDS
Tuesday, April 28, 4 p.m.–5 p.m
A book discussion for children in Grades 3-5. . Come and discuss “Dewey Fairchild, Parent Problem Solver” by Lorri Horn.
***NEW PROGRAMA CHAPTER OR TWO AT A TIME
A Librarian will read aloud a short chapter book, a chapter or 2 at a time. Participants can read along or just listen. (Book title to remain a mystery so no one reads ahead). Program will incorporate some writing and art. For children in third grade. This is a 3-session program, meeting from 4 p.m.–5 p.m. on Wednesdays April 29, May 6, May 13.
Winter/Spring Special Programs
**MONTHLY LEGO CLUB.
Feb. 11, March 10, April 7, 4 p.m.–5 p.m.
For children in Grades K-5 only. Children accommodated on a space available basis.
BOOK BUDDIES.
Feb. 6, 13, 27, March 5, 12, 4 p.m.–5 p.m.
Have your child team up with a YA volunteer for help with homework or reading. No registration required.
ROBO EXPO WITH GC FRIENDS OF STEM.
Feb. 24, 7 p.m.–8 p.m.
Stop by to see local robotics teams display their robots and research.
**CREATE YOUR OWN STUFFED ANIMAL.
Feb. 29, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
For children ages 2½–5 (no kindergarten) and an adult, from Online registration begins Feb. 11.
**ART WITH SAMANTHA: March 7
Join Samantha Raiten for some fun art programs. Children ages 2½ -5 (no kindergarten) and an adult at 10 a.m.; for children in Grades K-2 at 11 a.m.; and for children in Grades 3-5 at 12 p.m. Online registration begins Tuesday, Feb. 25.
**STEM BUILDING PROJECT WITH SCIENCE TEACHER CHRIS BUCHMAN
March 16
This fun program is for children in Grades 2 and 3 only, and runs from 4:30-5:30. Required Online registration
begins Tuesday, March 3.
**PRESCHOOL SPRING EGG HUNT April 7, 10 a.m.–10:45 a.m.
For children ages 2½–5 (no kindergarten) and an adult caregiver. Online registration begins Tuesday, March 31. Children should bring their own baskets to collect eggs. Eggs must be returned at the end of the program.
**BABY START WITH A TIME FOR KIDS. May 5, 10 a.m.
For children from birth-17 mos. and an adult caregiver. Online registration begins Tuesday, April 28.
**PRESCHOOL READINESS WITH A TIME FOR KIDS.
May 5
For children ages 18-29 mos., and an adult caregiver. Online registration begins Tuesday April 28.
**INTRO TO ROBOTICS
May 5, 12, 19, 3:30 p.m.–4:15 p.m.
For Grades 4 and 5. Online registration begins April 28. One registration for all 3 sessions.
THURSDAY NIGHTS WITH MISS AMELIE
7 p.m.–7:45 p.m. (except where noted) No registration required, except where noted.
Children accommodated on a firstcome, first-served basis.
Feb. 13
Join Miss Amelie and make a Valentine’s Day card (Grades K-5) March 19 Trivia Night. Online registration required beginning March 10 (Grades 3-5).
April 30
Family Storytime (ages 3-6, and an adult) 7–7:30 p.m.
Tween Mondays, 7–8 p.m.
Feb. 10- *(Open Mic Night) March 2- *Cookie Decorating April 27- *Book Discussion- Raina Telgemeier’s “Smile” May 18-*Kahoot Trivia
Saturday April 4
Quidditch, 11 a.m. (No Rain Date)
Children’s Department Program Rules and Guidelines
• There are no storytimes when students do not have classes due to holidays, Parent-Teacher Conferences, etc.
• There must be at least 3 Registered children present for a storytime/book discussion to be conducted.
• Only age/grade appropriate children can be registered for and be admitted into a Children’s Program.
• Storytime schedules are subject to change based on staffing.
• We reserve the right to cancel a program if registration is 5 or less.
Continued on page 26
Join us for our March Tween Night, Cookie Decorating, on Monday, March 2 at 7 p.m. This program is for tweens in Grades 4-7. Registration required and begins February 11 at 10 a.m. online via Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl.org). This program has been funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library and is joint program with the Young Adult and Children’s Departments.
For the month of February, the Tweens and Teens Department will have two book displays: “Who Needs Valentine’s Day? Friends Are Everyday!” and “Blind Date with a Book.”
The “Who Needs Valentine’s Day? Friends are Everyday!” display features books from the Library’s Young Adult Collection that include the theme of friendship. Titles include “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” by Ann Brashares, “The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy” by Mackenzie Lee, and “Dumplin’” by Julie Murphy, among others. Tweens and teens are encouraged to borrow one of the books on display for Valentine’s Day to cele-
brate friendship.
The “Blind Date with a Book” display is part of the Tweens and Teens Free Little Library. Tweens and teens are encouraged to take one of our wrapped books for a mystery “date” with a new book. Books are free for patrons to take home. Books target reading ages from 12-18 and were published within the last year. The display and books will be available as long as the books last. Books have been donated by Young Adult Librarian Laura Giunta, which were given to her through her work on the American Library Association’s Best Fiction for Young Adults 2020 Committee this past year.
Thanks to the tween and teen volunteers, including the mothers and daughters of the National Charity League, who helped make our displays possible. Make sure to stop by the Tweens and Teens Room in the month of February to check out the display!
Earn volunteer hours by helping out with the Children’s Department’s LEGO Club. The LEGO Club is an hour program for children in Grades K-5 and meets monthly. Registration is required and began Tuesday, January 7 online
Continued from page 25
Weather-Related Policies:
Storytimes and programs will be cancelled under the following conditions:
• When schools are closed for the day due to inclement weather.
• When schools have a delayed opening, morning storytimes and programs are cancelled. Please call about afternoon and evening programs.
via Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl. org). Volunteers must be in Grades 6-12 and will be asked to help with set-up and clean-up before and after the program. Please note that there is limited availability to volunteer, so please check Eventkeeper for openings. This program has been funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.
Volunteers can sign-up for the following Tuesdays, 3:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.:
• Tuesday, February 11
• Tuesday, March 10
• Tuesday, April 7
Join us for our February Tween Night, Tween Open Mic Night, on Monday, February 10 at 7 p.m. This program is for tweens in Grades 4-7. Snacks and drinks will be served. Sing, dance, recite poetry, tell jokes! Perform solo or with a group! Register to either perform or watch your friends perform! Registration required and begins January 28 at 10 a.m. online via Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl.org). This program has been funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library and is joint program with the Young Adult and Children’s Departments.
The Garden City Friends of STEAM and the Garden City Public Library is hosting their annual Robo Expo on Monday, February 24 at 7 p.m. Join the
Middle School and High School robotics teams, as well as other robotics teams in the community, to learn about robotics in the community! Plus, learn about the Library’s sixth grade FIRST LEGO League Robotics team and their upcoming Intro to Robotics program for fourth and fifth graders in the spring. No registration required. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Stop by the Library during our annual Chick Incubation project! Eggs will arrive on Tuesday, February 25 and are scheduled to begin hatching Monday, March 16. Chicks will be returned 1-2 weeks after they hatch. Eggs are picked up from Cornell Cooperative Extension at Suffolk County Farm in Yaphank, NY and chicks are returned back to Cornell Cooperative Extension at Suffolk County Farm in Yaphank, NY. Before they hatch, make sure to enter a name into our annual Name the Chick contest for your chance to name one of our chicks!
If you are looking to volunteer at the Library, volunteer hours are posted each month in the Tweens and Teens Department; tweens and teens in Grades 6–12 can register for volunteer hours on the last day of the month for the upcoming month online via Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl. org). Please note there is limited availability for volunteers and space can fill up quickly.
• Cancelled programs and storytimes may not always be rescheduled.
• Please check the Library’s Website and Children’s Facebook Page for updates.
• When schools have early dismissal, afternoon and evening storytimes and programs are cancelled. Please call about morning programs.
**Funding for these programs has been provided by The Friends of the Garden City Public Library. Please check the Library website www.gardencitypl. org for upcoming events and registration dates.
With Chef Robert Dell’Amore Garden City Public Library Thursday, February 20, at 6:30PM Award winning professional chef and culinary nutritionist Dr. Robert Dell’Amore returns to the Library on Thursday, February 20 at 6:30 p.m. to demonstrate how to make Shrimp Dell’Amore, perfect for any special romantic occasion. “Tutta rosa” means everything red, and that’s what this dish is all about: roasted peppers, radicchio, sun dried tomatoes, red beans and
delicious, tender shrimp over red quinoa, rice or pasta. Small plate samples will be available for tasting.
This popular culinary program is limited to 35 adult participants. Online registration for Garden City Library cardholders begins at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 4 on Eventkeeper www.gardencitypl.org . Each participant must register with his or her own library card. This program is sponsored by The Friends of the Garden City Public Library.
“Hoops for Hope” Challenger Basketball Fundraiser February 12, 2020
Garden City High School junior, Tim O’Hanlon, is hosting the second annual “Hoops for Hope” Challenger Basketball Game fundraiser on February 12, 2020 at 3:30 in the Garden City High School gym This year the event is benefitting the I’m Not Done Yet Foundation in memory of 2015 GCHS graduate, Bobby Menges.
The Challenger middle school/high school basketball team is taking on Oceanside for their home opener. The Garden City High School Cheerleaders will be on hand to entertain the fans, and there will be a bake sale and lots of exciting raffles baskets! There is no fee to attend, but a $5 donation is suggested.
This is the kind of community celebration that makes Garden City special – students and families coming together to support the Challenger basketball players, and to raise money for a cause that’s important to Garden City. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this event!
“Challenger Sponsor” – $500
EVENT BANNER: Premium placement of logo/business name on-site banner
SOCIAL MEDIA: Weekly showcasing on FB, Instagram and Twitter
Presence on all other event materials, including press releases and website
Business/Family Name _______________________________ Contact Info ___________________________
“I’m Not Done Yet Sponsor” – $250
EVENT BANNER: Family or business name or logo placement on-site banner
SOCIAL MEDIA: Mentions on FB, Instagram and Twitter
Presence on all other event materials, including press releases and website
Business/Family Name _________________________________ Contact Info __________________
“Hero Sponsor” - $100
SOCIAL MEDIA: Mentions on FB, Instagram and Twitter
Presence on all other event materials, including press releases and website
Business/Family Name _________________________________ Contact Info ___________________________
(All artwork is due by February 4th to be included on the on-site Event Banner and can be emailed to Liz Menges efmenges131@gmail.com. Checks payable to “I’m Not Done Yet Foundation”, on website or Venmo @imnotdoneyet
Challenger Basketball provides an oasis where everyone is a valued player. This is a league designed for children with special needs who live with physical or mental challenges to participate in a sports environment structured for their success. The team helps kids gain self-esteem, independence and form friendships. The Challenger Leagues’ aim is for players to have fun, learn the fundamentals of the game, and develop stronger emotional and social skills all while working as a team. Challenger Basketball stresses participation and fun over competition.
Bobby Menges devoted much of his short life in the service of others. Despite three cancer diagnoses - the first as a 1st grader at Locust School - Bobby thrived on helping others. After being cancer-free for a number of years, Bobby’s third and final diagnosis came during his freshman year at Duke. He died in 2017 as he was preparing to spend his junior year studying abroad in Prague. Soon after his death, his parents and three siblings founded the “I’m Not Done Yet Foundation” in his memory.
The mission of the I’m Not Done Yet Foundation is to help fill the void for adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer and other serious, chronic, and long - term illnesses as they transition from pediatrics to young adults and try to live their lives as fully as possible. I’m Not Done Yet i s a 501c3 not - for - profit. Learn more: www.ImNotDoneYetFoundation.org
“Dear Edward” by Ann Napolitano Garden City Public Library
Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. Registration begins in person at the Reference Desk for Garden City Public Library cardholders on Monday, February 3 at 10 a.m. for the next Coffee & Tea by the Book discussion of “Dear Edward” by Ann Napolitano. The discussion, which will be moderated by Librarians Laura Flanagan and Ann Garnett, will be held on Tuesday, March 3 at 9:30 a.m. Pick up a copy of the book at registration.
Once in a while, a book comes along that resonates, affects, and captures our imagination and “Dear Edward” is one of those books. “Dear Edward” depicts Edward’s life as the sole survivor of
an airplane crash as he struggles to make sense of the meaning of his survival, to understand the strangeness of his sudden fame, and to find his place in the world without his family. In his new home with his aunt and uncle, his only solace comes from his friendship with the girl next door, Shay. Together, Edward and Shay make a startling discovery. As Edward comes of age against the backdrop of sudden tragedy, he must confront some of life’s most profound questions: how do we make the most of the time we are given? And what does it mean not just to survive, but to truly live? Inspired by a true story of one child’s incredible survival, “Dear Edward” is riveting, uplifting, and unforgettable.
The Friends’ “Monday Movie Matinée” at the Garden City Public Library will have a new start time at 1 p.m. beginning on Monday, February 24. Come enjoy the “Monday Movie Matinée” at the Library. Movies are
shown in the Large Meeting Room on the Lower Level of the Library. Each month the movies have a theme. All movies are unrated. Visit the website www.gcpl.org for more information. All are welcome.
The film “Journey Through Time: The Aran Islands” will be the subject of the Irish Cultural Society’s February 12 meeting. The meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. in the Garden City Library, 60 Seventh Street, across the street from the Garden City Hotel. The meeting is free and open to the public.
Clare Curtin, president of the Society, will supplement the film with some of the history and lore of Aran. Clare herself is a speaker of Irish, a
skill much desired when the topic is the Aran Islands. The Aran Islands still retain their place in Irish culture as a place apart from Ireland but a place very much Irish. It is the place of Celtic ruins and sacred sites. It is the place of the Aran sweater and the mysterious fort Dun Aengus, and the place of Irish as a first language.
Wear foul weather clothing; the trip across Galway Bay to Inishmore, Inishman, and Inisheer is wet!
Wednesdays and Fridays, February 14–April 8 at 10 a.m.
Garden City Public Library
Certified tai chi instructors from Winthrop Hospital will offer tai chi classes on Wednesdays and Fridays at the Library at 10 a.m. from February 14 through April 8. Online registration for Garden City Library cardholders begins on Tuesday, January 28 at 10 a.m. To register for tai chi, go to the Library’s home page at www.gardencitypl.org,
click on Eventkeeper and select the program that you wish to attend. You must have a valid library card barcode to enter. Register once for all sessions. Tai chi helps participants develop better balance skills, good body alignment and coordinated movements in a circular and flowing motion. Reported benefits of tai chi include better and longer sleep, reduced arthritis symptoms, lowered blood pressure, reduced anxiety and reduced depression.
Adult Winter Reading Club at the Garden City Public Library
It’s that time again! It’s hard to believe that it is the fourteenth year of “Cozy Up with a Good Book” Adult Winter Reading Club at the Garden City Public Library. You are invited to join the Fourteenth Annual Adult Winter Reading Club to be held from Tuesday, December 17 to Saturday, March 15, 2020. There are no meetings. You choose the books you want to read or listen to. You will fill out a review card for each book. You will then be entered into a final drawing at the “Cozy Up with a Good Book” Celebration Brunch (by
invitation only) to be held in the spring. Each participant must do a minimum of three reviews to be invited to the celebration brunch. The last day for reviews to be handed in is Saturday, March 15, 2020. The more review cards you fill out, the more chances you have to win! Registration begins on Tuesday, December 17th at 9:30 a.m. and ends Saturday, January 25th 2020 and must be done in person. You must be an adult Garden City Library cardholder to join. So come in and register at the Reference Desk. And remember --- cozy up with a good book this winter!
Garden City Public Library Tuesday, February 18, 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
In person registration begins on Saturday February 1 at 9:30 a.m. at the Reference Desk for the AARP 55 Alive Defensive Driving Course to be held at the Garden City Public Library. The course will be given on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 from 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Registration is limited to Garden City Library cardholders and must
be done in person with photo identification, proof of age (preferably a driver’s license), along with your AARP membership card. Payment of $20.00 for AARP members and $25.00 for non-members for course materials must be made at the time of registration. Non-Garden City Library cardholders may begin to register on Wednesday, February 12, if space is available. Cash will not be accepted. You must pay by check!
Christ Church Garden City, a chapel of the Cathedral of the Incarnation, is offering two special services each month.
On the first Sunday of every month beginning at 1:00 p.m., there is a Mass of Anointing. Everyone is welcome to attend this healing service. Those who attend are offered an anointment with holy oil and everyone prays for healing of body, mind, or spirit for themselves and for loved ones.
On the second Sunday of every month at 5:00 p.m., there will be a celebration of Taizé Prayer. The church is lit with candles for this meditative service, and those gathered are invited to chant a simple refrain. The chants and prayers
are from the Taizé community, an ecumenical monastic group in France that has both Catholic and Protestant monks from around the world. Brother John, a Taizé monk, describes a Taizé service as “a time to rest in God, to let the words listened to and sung penetrate one’s being.”
The next Mass of Anointing will take place on Sunday, February 2 at 1 p.m. The next Taizé Prayer service will take place on Sunday, February 9 at 5 p.m. Christ Church is a chapel of the Cathedral of the Incarnation and is served by cathedral clergy. Located at 33 Jefferson Street. For more information, contact the cathedral office at (516) 746-2955.
Patrick J. Fogarty, of Garden City and Montauk, NY, died peacefully on Monday, January 27, 2020. He was 89 years old. His family calls him the best person they ever knew.
Born on May 22, 1930, he was raised in a large Irish Catholic family in the South Bronx. He graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School before earning a bachelor’s degree from Iona College, a Juris Doctor from Fordham University Law School, and a Master of Laws from New York University.
As a father, he was devoted, loving
and very involved, coaching sports teams for each of his four children and spending lots of time with them. He was one of the founders of the Garden City Centennials soccer league, incorporating their by-laws and serving as President. He also started the Girls village soccer league.
He was a trial lawyer, who loved the law and absolutely relished being in a courtroom arguing a case. He practiced law for more than 60 years, first in New York City before founding his own firm in Mineola. He was so decent and so honorable. Doing the right thing was instinctive and automatic. He was also funny, silly, lighthearted and forever young at heart. Montauk was his “happy place” before people talked that way and nothing made him happier than swimming in the bay after jumping off the dock at Roughriders Landing. Whether it was Garden City, Montauk or vacations away, he most enjoyed spending time with his family.
He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Dorothy Fogarty, and cherished son in law Sean Donovan. He is survived by his adoring children: Patrick Fogarty and his wife, Patricia; Carol Roscoe and her husband John; Marlene Fogarty Sughrue and her husband John and MaryEllen Donovan, as well as his devoted grandchildren: Michelle and Jackie Fogarty, Katie, Jack and Michael Roscoe, Carolyn and Ryan Donovan and Connor Patrick Dennis Sughrue.
A visitation will take place on Monday, February 3 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Fairchild Sons Funeral Home, followed by a mass of Christian burial at 11:15 am at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 130 Fifth St., Garden City, NY.
If you would like to post an obituary for a loved one, simply send a short biography of them with (if desired) their photo, details of their funeral/visitation services, and/or any donation requests to editor@gcnews.com, or call our office at 516-294-8900 to inquire.
BY BOB MORGAN, JR.
Some weeks it is hard to come up with an appropriate column topic, and this is one of them.
It’s not that there are insufficient current event topics worth writing about, but rather that it is hard to say anything about them definitive or sufficiently interesting right now. At this writing, President Trump’s impeachment trial may be over by the end of the week (my guess), or maybe there will be additional witnesses; however, the story is sufficiently up in the air that it is difficult to say much with confidence. The Chinese coronavirus epidemic is certainly an important topic that has already caused much misery and roiled financial markets, but it is hard to know whether coronavirus will be brought under control quickly or become a significant worldwide epidemic. The tragic death of Kobe Bryant at age 41 brings memories and thoughts about his incredible talent and the fragility of life (especially with the sad loss of his daughter as well), but I don’t think I can say much more than has already been said.
So I’m going to write about a rather silly topic that nevertheless is of passing interest at this time of year -- the ubiquitous Super Bowl squares. For the uninitiated, players purchase a square or box with two random numbers representing the last two digits of each team’s score. Since there are 100 possible last digit combinations, 100 boxes are sold (at a price of the game organizer’s choosing) and holders of squares that match the actual scores each quarter win a prize. with a grand prize for having he correct final score.
Obviously, there is absolutely no picking skill needed to win the squares game -- it is 100 percent luck. Nevertheless, all squares are not of equal value. Because touchdowns are typically scored in multiples of 7, numbers like 7 and 4 (the second
digit of 14) are considered good, as are numbers that combine touchdowns and field goals like 0 (the second digit of 10). Some numbers like 0 and 3 are fairly valuable for early quarters, when scoring may be limited. Less desirable numbers include 2 and 8, although the rise of the 2 point conversion has helped 8 a bit.
Since the squares are arguably a fringe form of gambling, there are some theoretical legal issues. Players have no exposure as a practical matter, but at least in theory game organizers are supposed to pay back the total amount taken in. This isn’t the way it works, although I’m not sure this is exactly a top priority for prosecutors.
However, years ago I used to frequent an eating and drinking establishment that did stretch the legal limits. The place sold 100 squares for $1,000 each (you could pay a square off in installments during the year), with a grand prize for the final score was around $50,000. The offered prizes came out to about $41,000. The $1,000 square price was far too rich for my tastes, and I never played, but I asked the bartender one night about the $91,000 prize total and the fact that the house was apparently taking $9,000 off the top. He said that all square purchasers and guests got a Super Bowl buffet and open bar, so that the fair market value of the food and drink was about $9,000. I’m not sure this works (and yes, I can think of some tax and currency reporting issues as well), but I never heard that the game was shut down.
Of course, most squares players have a bad beat story. I remember my late wife, Maureen, lost the big prize (maybe $1000) on a missed extra point in the fourth quarter, the first time all year the kicker had failed.
In any event, Super Bowl squares are a diversion for many of us of at this time of year and good luck if you happen to have a square or two.
The SingStrong A Cappella Festival takes over the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center (PAC) Friday, February 7, through Sunday, February 9, for a weekend with five completely different a cappella concerts and two days of a cappella classes. The movie “Pitch Perfect” and the TV show “SingOff” offer a glimpse of what to expect from the concerts featuring artists performing various styles of music, from pop and jazz to overtone singing, barbershop and even beatbox all with nothing but the human voice.
The weekend includes the ACAIDOL competition Friday Feb 7, at 7 p.m., where college and semi-professional a cappella groups compete for over $1,000 in prizes. Celebrities judge live while the audience votes by cell phone. The next day, the best high school a cappella groups compete for awards Saturday Feb 8, at 2 p.m. And while judges deliberate, there’s also a performance by the Single Singers, an open a cappella group that only releases during the festival and that you and your family can join (see NewYork.SingStrong.org for details).
Later on Saturday night, professional groups from around the world take the stage for two evening shows (7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.) with a wide variety of different a cappella acts at each show. The festival’s final concert starts at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 9, with more professional acts from across the globe.
Headliners for SingStrong include Rilton’s Vanner, the Swedish Nordic Pop Vocal Band; Blue Jupiter, Broadway Records recording artists, performing wild re-imaginings of pop and “twisted Broadway” featuring Diana Preisler, star of the Lifetime TV show “Pitch Slapped”; SYNG Selected,
Denmark’s #1 ranked contemporary a cappella youth choir; Grace McLean, the Lincoln Center featured composer and live looper; Resolve, the Disney-based jazz quartet that won both the New York and the National Harmony Sweepstakes Competition; Midtown, the fifth best barbershop quartet in the world; Spiderhorse, the World Champion Beatboxers, two-time American Beatbox Champs and winners of the 2019 ACA-OPEN Championship; and Shimmer Grove Overtone Collective, the multi-generational six-person overtone singing ensemble.
One hundred percent of profits go to support school music programs and the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
The SingStrong A Cappella Festival will take place Friday, February 7, at 7 p.m. , three shows on Saturday, February 8 at 2 p.m., 7 p.m., and 9:30 p.m., and a Sunday, February 9, show at 2 p.m. Classes are scheduled throughout the day on Saturday, February 8, and Sunday, February 9.
All shows take place on the Westermann Stage in Adelphi’s PAC Concert Hall.
Individual tickets are $20 or $35 depending on the show, with discounts available to seniors, students, groups, alumni and employees. Full Weekend Passes are $75, $100 or $200; and to just attend classes, a Class Pass is just $40. For more information call the Lucia and Steven N. Fischer Box Office at 516-877-4000 or email boxoffice@adelphi.edu. Regular box office hours are Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 6 p.m. and the box office is also open two hours before most scheduled performances. Ticket sales and additional information are available online.
The Knights of Columbus #15809 at St Joseph’s Church in Garden City is pleased to offer the community the AAA Driver Defensive Driving Course.
The course will be held on Saturday February 8, 2020 - 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the St. Joseph’s Church LL St. Agnes Room, 130 Fifth St., Garden City
Upon completion of this course,
Participants are eligible for 10% off their motor vehicle insurance for three years and/or a reduction of points from their driver’s license. The fee for the course is $45.00 per person and advance registration is required.
To register, or for more information, please contact: John Russo 516384-4552 or Will Havron 516-578-6452
See what's happening at your librar y!
From classes to lectures and concerts to movie screenings, there's never a dull day at your local library! Check this paper each week for fun and informative all-ages activities, all for free or cheap!
Garden City residents traveled to Albany this week to advocate for a law that would help a local mother care for her disabled son.
Garden City resident Christine Scheppa was joined by State Senator Kevin Thomas, Assemblymember Tom Abinanti, local officials and advocates at a press conference in the State Capitol Wednesday morning. The participants urged the State Assembly to pass the Vincent Scheppa Bill, which would allow caregivers like Ms. Scheppa to take on the private duty care of her son and get paid at a nurse’s rate.
Timmy O’Hanlon, a junior at Garden City High School who has been a strong advocate for the bill, spoke to the crowd on behalf of his fellow students.
“I helped collect nearly 300 signatures from students, teachers, and community members in support of this bill,” Mr. Hanlon said. “Ms. Scheppa deserves it. Vinny deserves it.”
Senator Kevin Thomas, who carried the Vinny Scheppa Bill through the Senate last year, urged for the passage of the bill in the Assembly, where it failed to make it through the committee stage last session.
“Christine Scheppa is not alone in this. So many families across our state have to sacrifice so much, just to care for their own family mem -
bers. Passing this law is just the right thing to do,” Senator Thomas said.
The Assembly version of the bill (A3415) currently awaits review in
the Ways and Means Committee. The Senate version of the bill (S3339A) is scheduled for a floor vote in the coming weeks.
On January 21, the Western Property Owners’ Association held its Resident Electors’ Meeting at the Garden City Library. The WPOA Nominating Committee Chairman presented Bob Bolebruch as the WPOA’s candidate for the position of Village Trustee for the two-year term starting in April 2020. This will be Trustee Bolerbuch’s fifth term. The WPOA would like to congratulate and thank him for his commitment to serve our Village.
The January meeting also included special guest speaker, Superintendent of Public Works Joe DiFrancisco. Mr. DiFrancisco was first appointed Secretary to the Board of Trustees in 2016. In March 2017, he was appointed Superintendent of Public Works, taking on responsibility for all Street Maintenance, Sanitation & Recycling, the Water & Sewer Departments, the Central Garage, Facilities and the Engineering Department. He is also a member of the Village’s Environmental Advisory Board, 3rd Track Committee, Traffic Commission, Safety Committee, Deferred Compensation Committee and Dental Committee.
Superintendent DiFrancisco narrated a PowerPoint presentation outlining the actions he, under the direction of the Mayor and Board of Trustees, is taking to deal with the emerging contaminants present in our water supply. One contaminant of major concern, 1,4 dioxane, is the priority and the presentation showed the steps the Village is taking to institute the proper filtration systems to help eliminate it from the water supply. Mr. DiFrancisco stressed that even though the current levels of 1,4 dioxane are below the Federal Standards, the Board still intends on taking the necessary steps to bring those levels to zero. He also answered questions from the residents about many of the other functions of our Public Works Department.
Western residents also heard reports from President RoseAnn Vernice and the WPOA Village and School Board Trustees.
Additionally, the WPOA reminded residents that the Long Island Rail Road will close New Hyde Park Road to all traffic for approximately seven (7) months beginning February 3 for construction of the new underpass. Detours will be posted. For updates, please visit www.gcwpoa.com or the Village website at www.gardencityny. net.
The 2020 WPOA Membership Drive is underway; please look for membership applications in the mail.
Are you a professional?
Our Professional Guide is sure to bring you results. Call 516-294-8900 for rates & info.
On December 19, the Community Club of Garden City and Hempstead held its Holiday program sponsored by the General Program Department, featuring Tom and Angela Stallone.
The Stallones never fail to amaze us with their variety of Broadway songs, followed by Tom absolutely astonishing the audience with his operatic arias. Tom has appeared with the Michigan Opera, New Jersey Lyric Opera, Connecticut Grand Opera, Opera Northeast and The National Grand Opera. Tom has traversed the world sharing his powerful baritone voice with other audiences in Germany, Austria and the United Kingdom and has made two highly successful tours of Italy, including a solo performance at St. Peters Basilica and Conservatorio D’Avellino.
Angela and Tom were childhood sweethearts and have been married 50 years. Angela is a retired elementary teacher. Tom and Angela concluded the program with a holiday sing-a-long of traditional Christmas songs, which the audience thoroughly enjoyed. The program was fantastic and perfect for a holiday event.
The coffee and tea time followed and those that attended could not stop talking about how they loved the program, and all who attended left in a holiday mood. If anyone is interested in joining the Community Club please feel free to contact the club office on Tues., Wed. or Thurs. from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 746-0488.
By Dr Kelly Mattone
Aging is inevitable of course, however before we can try to fight it, fix it, or (gasp) accept it, it’s important to understand the root cause of aging.
When you see visible signs of aging such as dryness, lines, wrinkles, jowls or even sagging skin, what your body is experiencing is a loss of collagen and hyaluronic acid. Collagen is a protein that provides the structural framework of your skin and keeps it smooth, firm and resilient while hyaluronic acid (HA), is a carbohydrate whose job is to absorb water into your skin to keep it plump, soft and hydrated. Therefore, the goal of all antiaging treatments is to improve the skin’s appearance by increasing collagen and hyaluronic acid. While there are many options available, Ultherapy is considered the gold standard as it is the only procedure that can re-grow brand new collagen in your skin.
Ultherapy is a non-surgical procedure that uses the power of ultrasound to work deep below the
skin’s surface to revive and create new collagen, distinguishing it as the only FDA cleared procedure to LIFT and tighten your brows, jowls and neck. It is non-invasive and there is no downtime.
Microneedling is a virtually painless skin rejuvenating procedure that results in the release of growth factors that increase collagen and elastin levels, restoring your skin’s natural elasticity and glow.
Fibroblast skin tightening is a revolutionary method of facial rejuvenation that stimulates collagen production and significantly tightens, lifts, resurfaces and regenerates the skin.
Dermal fillers such as, Restylane and Juvederm are hyaluronic acid gels that are injected directly into the skin to act as your own naturally occurring hyaluronic acid. These HA fillers soften laugh lines and enhance cheeks and lips immediately. A consultation with your cosmetic physician is the best way to determine which procedure is right for you.
Registration for the second Neurological Surgery P.C. Health Science Competition (NSPC HSC), a program of the Center for Science Teaching & Learning (CSTL), is now open at www.cstl.org/nspc. Last year the competition drew teams from 38 Long Island high schools and 50 prize winners shared $80,000 in score-based awards.
Created to foster interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs, applications for the 2020 competition must be received by no later than 12:00 p.m. (EST) on April 30, 2020.
A$25 non-refundable registration fee per team applies to all entries. The NSPC HSC is available exclusively to Nassau and Suffolk County high school student teams, the competition’s finals will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2020.
Health and science careers are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that healthcare related occupations are expected to generate 2.3 million new jobs through 2024, representing faster employment growth than any other industry.
“As leaders in the medical
profession,” notes Michael H. Brisman, M.D., an attending neurosurgeon and chief executive officer of Neurological Surgery, P.C. (NSPC), “we must focus on inspiring and motivating young people to take interest in STEM education and pursue careers in health and science. This is especially important with the high demand for healthcare and medical science positions, locally and nationally.”
Student teams will be judged in one of five categories: Behavioral Sciences; Biology –Medicine/Health; Biology – Microbiology/Genetics; Health Related Biochemistry/Biophysics, and Bioengineering and Computational Biology. The five first place winners in last year’s competi-
Last year, Michael H. Brisman, M.D., CEO, Neurological Surgery, P.C. (NSPC), at right, received an award from Kevin Sanders, Center for Science, Teaching & Learning (CSTL), acknowledging NSPC’s sponsorship of the nation’s first competition for high school students to focus on STEM/health science. The 2019 competition finals were held at LIU/Post in Greenvale.
tion were: Feyi Rufai of Roslyn High School in the “Behavioral Sciences” category, Alessi Demir of Manhasset High School in the “Biology – Medicine/ Health” category, Michael Lawes of Elmont Memorial High School in the “Biology Microbiology/Genetics” category, Jason Sitt of Lynbrook Senior High School in the “Health Related Biochemistry & Biophysics” category, and Christopher Lu of John L. Miller Great Neck North High School in the “Bioengineering and Computational Biology” category Each winner received a $5,500 prize. The exact breakdown of prizes can be found at www.cstl.org/nspc/hscprizes/.
“The young people who
were part of the first competition,” observes Dr. Brisman, “were brilliant and inspiring. Their understanding of medicine and health-related subjects was impressive. These students are exactly what we need to address the high demand to STEM, health science, and healthcarerelated jobs here on Long Island and across the nation. The first NSPC Health Science Competition exceeded our goals in terms of the number of schools and students who competed. I believe the 2020 competition will further motivate both those who participate and others, who observed these innovative young people, to pursue their interest and careers in healthcare and related sciences.”
For more information about the NSPC Health Science Competition (NSPC HSC), competition rules, and deadlines, please visit www.cstl.org/nspc or call (516) 764-0045
NSPC is proud to announce that all of our world-class physicians are now in-network, participating providers with the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP).
We’re available for expert treatment of all brain and spine conditions.
Stratford Elementary students who participated in All County Division 1 Chorus and their proud teacher, Miss Sack. From left to right: Alexander Kfuri, Madeline Power, Miss Sack, Genevieve Mohan, and Alexandra DiCaprio
The 84th Annual Nassau Music Educators Association All County Festival concluded last weekend with over 100 Garden City students and teachers representing a myriad of musical talents. Garden City Friends of Music honors these performances that showcase the dedication to developing individual technical abilities. Donations are always welcome to support music in our schools at gcfriendsofmusic.org.
The student musicians are listed in order of their division and specialty:
Division I - Chorus
Alexandra DiCaprio, Beatrice Ehrig, Alexander Kfuri, Meara Kilkenny, Clare Gardner, Maximilian Mariacher, Genevieve Mohan, Madeline Power
Division I - Orchestra
Violin: Beatrice Briganti, Isabelle DeNoto, Edward McCoyd, Juliet Stampfel
Viola: Sophia Persichilli
Division I - Band
Flute: Charles Leune, Elizabeth Melgar
Clarinet: Sophia Follender
Trombone: Samantha Racich
Percussion: Hunter Burns
Division 2 - Chorus
Soprano: Gwendolyn Hart
Alto: Caitlyn Powell, Emily Pulver
Division 2 - Orchestra
Cello: Emily Fang
Double Bass: JT Sanasie, Dylan Stampfel
Division 2 - Band
Oboe: Sarah Phinney
Trombone: Joseph Carey
Tuba: Roman Brunetti, Eton Lu
Division 3 - Chorus
Soprano: Alexandra Burke, Samantha Fiore, Maria Gaztanaga, Celia Hearon, Keira McGuiness
Alto: Olivia Burke, Anna Cooke, Emma Harty, Ava Milone, Charlotte Quaco, Saige Scala, Rose Schreier
Division 3 - Orchestra
Violin: Amy Xiao
Division 3 - Band
Piccolo: Julia Wang
Clarinet: Shea Burns, Anastasia Follender
Tenor Saxophone: Emily Metz
Trombone: Augustin MingoiaMurphy
Division 4 - Jazz Band
Trombone: Daniel Vazquez
Division 4 - Chorus
Soprano: Elle Brandewiede, Grace Flood, Erin O’Connor, Avery Ross
Alto: Cate Rovelli
Tenor: Kevin Roberti
Bass: Tyler Barbaro, Patrick Bohn, Justin Koczko, Guanzhong Liu, Ethan Melgar
Division 4 - Orchestra
Bassoon: Mary Grlic
Violin: Aidan Wu
Viola: Sonia Cherpelis
Interesting fact about Garden City singers in Division 3 Chorus: both twins
and Alexandra Burke were selected to participate in their respective specialties: alto and soprano.
Last Monday, January 27, at the Garden City Hotel, members and guests of the Mineola-Garden City Rotary Club heard Joseph Packard, Esq. discuss the variables that exist within the Nassau County tax assessment system. He spoke of tax assessment and the process one must pursue in order to challenge an assessment. Joseph defined exemptions that exist for tax payers in the County, and fielded numerous questions from both members and guests including qualifications for the Star program.
With Schroder & Strom, LLP, Reals Estate Tax Counsel, a law firm concentrating in tax assessment litigation, land use and eminent domain. Joseph also serves as Rotary’s president.
Anxious to hear details about the NC tax system, several guests attended the meeting. Rotary welcomes residents, representatives of businesses, corporations or schools who are interested in learning about Rotary and/or who wish to join. These attendees may receive one complimentary lunch 12:151:30 p.m. on 2nd or 4th Mondays at the Garden City Hotel. To register, please call Joseph Packard at 516-742-7433.
What is the Ronald McDonald House? Learn of its Mission & Workings on February 10
On Monday, February 10, at its lunch meeting, at the Garden City Hotel,
Joseph Packard, Club president and speaker (center), with guests Sybel Sartorelli (left) and Kevin Murphy (right), attending to hear report on NC tax system.
Rotarians will welcome Janice Corbetis, a weekly volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House in New Hyde Park. Janice will provide an overview of the mission and workings of the Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro.
Initiated in 1974, there are 289 Ronald McDonald Houses world-wide. Each house is an independent non-profit 501 (C) (3) whose mission is to support programs that directly improve the health and wellbeing of children
and their families. The system helps to support families with sick children by providing stability and vital resources.
As a weekly volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House for the past 8½ years, Janice Corbetis also serves as a member of the Speakers Bureau and chairperson of the Advisory Board. She retired from Travelers Insurance as a Regional Vice President for the Technology Industry Group in 2008. She had spent 33 years in the insurance industry working for various companies including positions
Janice Corbetis, Ronald McDonald House volunteer and next guest speaker on February 10.
in New Jersey, New York, Boston and Philadelphia.
To reserve for the February 10 lunch meeting, please call Club President Joseph Packard at 516-742-7433.
Upcoming Meeting Speakers
February 24 – Rich Goldfeder from PrimeHouse Steak and Sushi will 12:151:30 p.m., at the Garden City Hotel. March 9 – Rotary will welcome Garden City Mayor Theresa Trouve to report on Village issues and activities.
Division 4 - Band
Piccolo: Jenny Zheng
Clarinet: Ellie Cohen, Corinne Lafont, Emma Nagler
Trumpet: Jacqueline Bass, Tyler Glenn
French Horn: Eric Hartmann
Euphonium: Jack Brita
Division 5 - Vocal Jazz
Alto: Sarah Fetherston
Division 5 - Mixed Chorus
Soprano: Francesca Ciccone, Molly Madigan, Paige Sanossian, Olympia VanBlenis, Hannah Yan
Alto: Alexandra Davidson, Emma Gardner
Tenor: Matthew Fiore, Ryan Murphy
Bass: Enzo Cupani, Paul Stein
Division 5 - Concert Band
Flute: Sarah Schultz
French Horn: Caroline Flanagan
Trombone: Andrew Burns, Nicholas Rovelli
Division 5 - String Orchestra
Violin: Sarah Wu
Division 5 - Symphony Orchestra
Bassoon: Lara Abruzzo
Timpani: Caroline Feryo
Participating Teachers: Andrew Albani, Jacob Boulay, Amanda Conte, Daniel DellaMonica, Margaret Gullotta, Jennifer Iovino, Riana Kane, Stephen Mayo, James McCrann, Nancy Menges, Brandon Psenicka, Courtney Sack, Jenna Thomas
About to hit a milestone?
Share your life accomplishments with your neighbors! Put your engagement, wedding, or baby announcement in the paper (and it's free of charge for subscribers!)! Email editor@gcnews.com
she said.
With this project students learned about the relative shapes and collages, using metallic paper that gave artwork the look of a robot. Leyland said the primary school children cut the paper into shapes, designing their robots and then gluing the papers, leaving space at the top where she punched a hole. She drew a line from the top of a robot’s head to the hole that is punched, and that was for their antennas as that was the part of their robot that lights up. Each collage was stapled to a second piece of paper, and underneath the students built “simple circuits” using the Chibitronic lights, the copper tape and a coin battery -- all of the same materials Leyland encountered in her Adelphi course.
“I always try to create interdisciplinary lessons and this way they include science, artwork, literacy and other instruction. We talk about STEAM in many projects we use throughout a K and 1st grade year. To examine the use of Chibitronic lights, we found a book called ‘The Bot that Scott Built’ by Kim Norman. I used this book as an intro for the lesson as at levels K and 1 it’s all about reading and books, this became the perfect way to gage students’ interests. We spoke about the story with this robot a boy (Scott) created for his science fair and the fair goes wrong, but luckily his robot comes to save the day. We talked about robots and about how if children had their very own robots, what they would want it to do and how that can make life easier. The functional aspects evolved -- with batteries we spoke about the positive/ negative charges and how stickers coincide with batteries, with concepts of continuing the flow of energy. The class also broke down the model of the circuit and how energy flows through to the object that’s being powered and back again,” Leyland explained.
A helping hand and suggestion from a gym teacher led Leyland to use a broken hula hoop as a circular pattern, and to demonstrate the energy circuit.
“When the hoop is complete we can use it, with a hoop around our hips to have energy flow and transfer. The idea was for first graders to visualize and understand the concepts involved and learn this going forward. Audrey Bellovin, principal of Hemlock School, assisted in the lesson by having students visualize a Hot Wheels toy car ramp with its connections and how the roads allow cars to flow. The team came up with several great visuals to demonstrate for students the circular motion of energy -- this allowed kids to make connections on the project of making
the light and powering the antenna on each robot,” Leyland said.
She credits the forward-think ing and attention to detail of both Audrey Bellovin and Dr. Cindy Maguire, two very experi enced educators Leyland enjoys learning from. “Both of them are constantly inspired and constantly thinking of new things to do in the field of edu cation. I am trying to step into more STEAM-based art projects as we undertaken much profes sional development in the district under the leadership of (con sultant) Dr. Emily Kang, pro fessor at Adelphi University Ruth S. Ammon School of Education. I the sessions Dr. Kang ered main science concepts and ideas for kindergarand first grades, and I took notes to evaluate how we can create and devel op more STEAM connec tions within classrooms in an interdisciplinary approach, introducing science into art or math into art such as with shapes and symmetry,” Leyland said.
One of the main science concepts for first grade is how light travels, as classes in GCUFSD primaries talk about translucence, opaques, and transparencies. Leyland developed a first-grade arts project on silhouettes to examine light and shadows, which became a Halloween theme of haunted house silhouettes in late October. Kids painted the houses black with India Ink for the opaque effect with no light coming through them except for the windows and doorways of the houses.
“Instead of painting these backgrounds with a sunset or rainbow to demonstrate light, we used tin foil and printed with it. I found this concept of a project from discussions with other art teachers. I was mesmerized as the kids created radial designs on the tin foils using Crayola markers. Color schemes were tailored to what each child wanted to ‘project.’ The tin foil was presson on top of the paper like a stamp, and we pulled the foil back as that left the same images they drew on foil in the background of each haunted house they drew. The kids’ reactions were the best ever -- they thought it was magic!” she said.
Many primary level projects and concepts can be tailored to “illuminate” the intersection of Art & Design Education and Science Education, according to Leyland.
“I have never seen the children so
engaged as we used science words they were just learning, from opaque (shadows) and no light passing through it, with silhouettes shadows cast by the sun. These concepts allow us to take an interdisciplinary route and students then see art as lending a hand to literacy, science, math, and anywhere applicable as a way. understand concepts. Kids loved diving into that project and mentioned that they talked about light and silhouettes in science,” she explained. In Garden City, primary schools’ art education curriculum aims to expose first-grade and kindergarten kids to as many forms of art-making as possible. Leyland hopes each child can be well-versed in each medium of arts:
“There is not just one way to make art. Art sometimes gets a connotation of ‘just drawing’ and that leads people to dismiss other aspects and abilities. Art and drawing don’t just exist on the 2-D plane. When I plan the lessons we’re constantly changing the medium -- one project may be printmaking, the next may be with sculpture, the following could be a painting project and then drawing, then we could evolve to a STEAM project such as robots with different materials and circuit pieces along with the art,” she said.
Some young children in Garden City’s primaries may be more adept at handling clay and expressing art with hands-on focus rather than facing a 2-D plane with paper and pencils. The district offers exploration of various art forms from the youngest of grades, up through a student’s GCHS senior year.
“It is amazing how children can process and interpret concepts and arts completely different depending on the medium. I try to always switch curriculum up to learn different ways and materials to make art. As we go through the school year doing this, you see children finding their unique niche -- from painters, sculptors and printmakers in our grades and how they
interpret ideas. Not only is it really a way of teaching different aspects of arts, it offers differentiation as well,” according to Nicole Leyland.
“The many different forms of art prepares them well for what they will encounter at Stratford and Stewart (elementary) schools as they do sculpture lessons, and Stratford Avenue School has a kiln for creating clay projects. When the kids get to Garden City High School they can really hone-in in arts and take art classes that speak to them the most, from drawing to collage or sculpture or the new Media Arts class and digital arts,” Leyland said.
Her meetings with Dr. Emily Kang and Garden City district kindergarten and first-grade teachers produce positive results for current curricula. Finding programming and projects to touch upon bigger academic ideas is a dedicated collaborative effort. The overarching focus on computational thinking in Garden City Schools K through 12 is integrated with ways of taking arts education to a new level. Leyland says this allows young students to create meaningful art and connect closely to their experiences.
“As an Art teacher I want to show them how art connects to everything and that art is so important. Every year I introduce a brand-new lesson, making more connections. It started off with first grade and Chibitronic robots and kindergarten classes -- shapes and symmetry, and learning about the weather with a project learning about ‘cool color snowflakes’ as they connected temperature and weather through art. For next school year I am thinking ahead, brainstorming to see if there’s more to do with weather concepts and possibly wind power, maybe incorporating a kinetic sculpture that would move with the wind. Another big concept for our first grades is for components of sound,” Leyland said.
Last summer, Leyland attended an art education conference at The Heckscher Museum of Art in Huntington, where she saw exhibits and heard panel discussions about interdisciplinary art with earth and environmental science concepts mixed in.
“One gallery had a whole room surrounded by photographs of tree trunks, creating the visual effect of standing in the middle of a forest. The activity done at this professional development session was literacy and writing-based where teachers had to create a poem based on one of the tree photos that we picked -- some had smooth bark, some had bark covered in ivy -- the trees took on characteristics of people as they all looked different. It really occurred to me to try an activity like this with our classes. The next gallery was an
Thursday, February 6
• Open house on February 6th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for all new and current pickle ball players.
• An introduction to the rules and a how to play demonstration will highlight the open house.
• Signup sheets for lessons and a pickle ball player registration form will be available.
• Raffles and refreshments
• February is free, details regarding future court fees and other items to be determined.
• Play will be on a drop in, pick –up basis with levels of play designated for certain days and times. (These will be adjusted as necessary)
• At this time, play is for residents only
Mondays and Wednesdays
10 a.m. to 12 noon is for Beginner level players
12 noon to 2 p.m. is for Intermediate level players
Tuesdays and Fridays
10 a.m. to 12 noon is for Advanced level players
12 noon to 2 p.m. is for Intermediate level players
Thursdays will be used for lessons for beginner level players
Our winter session of our “Zumba
Gold” fitness will be held in on Thursday afternoons at 2 p.m. at The Senior Center. Each 45-minute class, teaching the basics of Zumba exercise, is led by Felicia Lovaglio, our certified Zumba exercise instructor. This class is geared for seniors or the beginner adult. The ten week session will begin Thursday, January 30. The price for the session is $60.
To register this class, please visit the Recreation and Parks Office at 108 Rockaway Ave.
Wednesday, February 5 at 3:30 p.m.
Tech/Phone Help
With GC Service League of Boys. Please bring your device for help.
Wednesday, February 12 at 11:15 a.m.
James Horn, MSPT will visit us again to talk about “How to Get Down to or Up from the Floor”. Every senior should learn this valuable information.
Wednesday, February 19 at noon
Sandwich Luncheon
$6.00, Reservations are necessary by visiting the Recreation and Parks Office at 108 Rockaway Avenue with payment. Thursday, February 20 at 10 a.m.
Computer Class:
“Intro to iPads and iPhones”
Did you get a new iPhone for the holidays? Have questions about all the uses of your new I-tech equipment? Come to this workshop with your devices and learn all there is to know about the devices.
Game start: 7:15. Winners for the week were: North /South
1.Claire Burnes & Joan Kiernan
2.Carol Anderson & Molly O’ Grady
3.Joan Cowie & Grace Basile
East/West
1.Carrie and Bob Flapan
2.Jo Keller & Fran Flaherty
3.Nick Basile & Bill Drabyk
Tuesday, February 25 at 1 p.m.
Meet and Greet with Paul Blake, Chairman of Recreation and Parks
Paul is the new head of our Department of Recreation and Parks. He will speak about his visions for our department and answer any questions you might have.
Wednesday, February 26 at 11 a.m. Workshop:
“How to Choose a Health Care Agency” Alliance Services will visit to talk about the things to look for in choosing reliable health care providers for yourself or loved one. Snacks will be provided.
For information or to reserve a seat at any of the above programs except the Luncheon, please call The Senior Center at 385-8006. To attend the Luncheon, please visit the Recreation and Parks Office at 108 Rockaway Avenue with payment.
Here are Garden City Recreation and Parks’ trip list for seniors who are residents of the Inc. Village of Garden City. If you would like to register for any of our trips, please visit the Recreation and Parks Office at 108 Rockaway Avenue. Payment must accompany registrations.
Thursday, March 19 Trip to see “La Traviata” at the Metropolitan Opera We will travel by coach bus, leaving
St. Paul’s parking lot around 3:15 pm. When we arrive dinner will be on your own. There are many restaurants in the neighborhood. Show time is at 7:30 pm and we will travel home when the opera is over.
The cost of each ticket will be $80, checks only made payable to Village of Garden City. Space is limited so please register early by visiting the Recreation and Parks Office at 108 Rockaway Avenue. PLEASE NOTE: THIS TRIP IS NOW FILLED.
Recreation and Parks is offering the following exercise classes for seniors at The Senior Center on Golf Club Lane. Classes are open to all seniors ages 60 and older who are residents of the Inc. Village of Garden City. Classes might be cancelled due to a special event or trip so please check the bulletin board at The Senior Center for updates.
MONDAYS
Exercise with Felicia at 10 a.m. Chair Yoga with Connie at noon Tai Chi with Connie at 1 p.m.
TUESDAYS
Chair Dancing with Felicia at 2:15 p.m.
WEDNESDAYS
Exercise with Felicia at 10 a.m.
Chair Yoga with Connie at 11 a.m.
FRIDAY
Exercise with Felicia at 10 a.m.
Resistance Bands with Felicia at 10:45 a.m.
Meditation with Connie at noon Tai Chi with Connie at 1:00 p.m.
Schedule of Events
Monday, February 3 Regular Mtg
Monday, February 10 Pizza
Monday, February 17 Closed — Presidents’ Day
Tuesday, February 18 Informal Mtg
Monday, February 25 Sandwiches
Monday, March 2 Sandwiches
About the G.C. Retired Men’s Club
Meetings are at the GC Senior Center — noon to 4 p.m. — on Mondays and Thursdays. Lunch is served about twice a month. We welcome bridge, poker, cribbage, chess, backgammon and other card and non-card games. Poker players check with John Marino at 248-1770. For more information, call our membership chairman at 327-0226.
NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court
Nassau County Federal National Mortgage Association, Plaintiff AGAINST
Doris Towe; et al., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated December 3, 2019 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 February 25, 2020 at 11:30AM, premises known as 1023 Smith Street, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 50 Block 372 Lot 76. Approximate amount of judgment $615,821.96 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 12455/2011.
Rita Kohn Solomon, Esq., Referee Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC
Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: January 13, 2020
GC 1026
4X 01/24,31,02/07,14
PUBLIC NOTICE OF NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER’S
SALE OF TAX
Notice is hereby given that commencing on February 18th, 2020, will sell at public on-line auction the tax liens on certain real estate, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party in interest in such real estate shall have paid to the County Treasurer by February 13th, 2020 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges against the property.
Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 percent per sixmonth period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in Section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code. Effective with the February 2019 lien sale Ordinance No. 175-2015 requires a $175.00 per day registration fee for each person who intends to bid at the tax lien sale. Ordinance
No. 175-2015 also requires that upon the issuance of the Lien Certificate there is due from the lien buyer a Tax Certificate Issue Fee of $20.00 per lien purchased. Pursuant to the provisions of the Nassau County Administrative Code at the discretion of the Nassau County Treasurer the auction will be conducted online. Further information concerning the procedures for the auction is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucountyny. gov/526/County-Treasurer
Should the Treasurer determine that an in-person auction shall be held, same will commence on the 18th day of February 2020 at the Office of The County Treasurer 1 West Street, Mineola or at some other location to be determined by the Treasurer.
A list of all real estate in Nassau County on which tax liens are to be sold is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/DocumentCenter/ View/17674
A list of local properties upon which tax liens are to be sold will be advertised in this publication on or before February 05, 2020. Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodations such as those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all services, programs, activities and public hearings and events conducted by the Treasurer’s Office. Upon request, information can be made available in Braille, large print, audio-tape or other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 ext. 1-3715.
Dated: January 17, 2020
THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER
Mineola, New York TERMS OF SALE
Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts.
However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County’s Differential Interest Lien, rep-
resenting the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased.
The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/ or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a tax lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser’s rights with respect to the lien(s) and the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser’s right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act(FIRREA),12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et.seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation(FDIC) receivership. The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of the parcels of land or premises herein listed. The Nassau County Treasurer reserves the right to intervene in any bankruptcy case/litigation where the property affected by the tax liens sold by the Treasurer is part of the bankruptcy estate. However, it is the sole responsibility of all tax lien purchasers to protect their legal interests in any bankruptcy case affecting their purchased tax lien, including but not limited to the filing of a proof of claim on their behalf, covering their investment in said tax lien. The Nassau County Treasurer and Nassau County and its agencies, assumes no responsibility for any legal representation of any tax lien purchaser in any legal proceeding including but not limited to a bankruptcy case where the purchased tax lien is at risk.
The rate of interest and penalty at which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid. Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten per cent of the amount for which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety per cent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at
the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety per cent within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all amounts deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten per cent theretofore paid by him shall, without further notice or demand, be irrevocably forfeited by the purchaser and shall be retained by the County Treasurer as liquidated damages and the agreement to purchase shall be of no further effect. Time is of the essence in this sale. This sale is held pursuant to the Nassau County Administrative Code and interested parties are referred to such Code for additional information as to terms of the sale, rights of purchasers, maximum rates of interest and other legal incidents of the sale. Furthermore, as to the bidding,
1. The bidder(s) agree that they will not work with any other bidder(s) to increase, maintain or stabilize interest rates or collaborate with any other bidder(s) to gain an unfair competitive advantage in the random number generator in the event of a tie bid(s) on a tax certificate. Bidder(s) further agree not to employ any bidding strategy designed to create an unfair competitive advantage in the tiebreaking process in the upcoming tax sale nor work with any other bidder(s) to engage in any bidding strategy that will result in a rotational award of tax certificates.
2. The tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) bid, will be arrived at independently and without direct or indirect consultation, communication or agreement with any other bidder and that the tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) to be bid, have not been disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder, and will not be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder prior to the close of bidding. No attempt has been made or will be made to, directly or indirectly, induce any other bidder to refrain from bidding on any tax certificate, to submit complementary bids, or to submit bids at specific interest rates.
3. The bids to be placed by the Bidder will be made in good faith and not pursuant to any direct or indirect, agreement or discussion with, or inducement from, any other bidder to submit a complementary or other noncompetitive bid.
4. If it is determined that the bidder(s) have violated any of these bid requirements then their bid shall be voided and if they were the successful bidder the lien and any deposits made in connection with said bid shall be forfeited.
Dated: January 17, 2020 THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER Mineola, New York GC 1027
2X 01/24,31
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Sealed bids MUST be RECEIVED BY AND DELIVERED TO:
THE PURCHASING DIVISION
Incorporated Village of Garden City 351 Stewart Avenue Garden City, New York 11530 between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., UNTIL 10:00 A.M. EST, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud, for furnishing the following:
ST. PAUL’S SCHOOL BUILDING STABILIZATION
Specifications, Form of Bid, and other information may be obtained from the office of the Purchasing Division at the above address or you may download the bid specifications from the New York State Contract Reporter website at the following web address: https://www.nyscr.ny.gov/ contracts.cfm This bid specification will be listed under the Agency Name of:
Inc. Village of Garden City
PRE-BID WALKTHROUGH
On February 10, 2020 at 9:00 AM a pre-bid walkthrough will be conducted at the project site located at Cluett Hall 295 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530. The walkthrough will be held regardless of weather. While attendance is not mandatory, it is recommended that prospective bidders participate to gain an understanding of project conditions and work scope.
Rosemary Monahan Purchasing Agent
Dated: January 31, 2020 GC 1028
1X 01/31
Junior Girl Scout Troop 1609 dressed in their flight suits.
Junior Girl Scout Troop 1609 had an incredible experience to kick off 2020. The girls traveled to Yonkers, NY to iFly, an indoor skydiving center. The Troop was treated to an interactive presentation on real world STEM applications and phys-
ics demonstrations of the wind tunnel. Then the girls went to gear up, pre-flight training and off to skydiving! The girls had exciting flights and a personal taste of experiencing physics in action. Thank you to iFly for being great hosts. Learning how to fly!
The Central Property Owners’ Association (CPOA) is seeking candidates for Officers, Directors and Nominating Committee Members. All terms of office shall commence immediately following the Annual CPOA Election meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2020.
Candidates are being sought to fill four Officer positions and five Director positions on the CPOA Board. The President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer shall serve one year terms expiring in May 2021. Five Directors shall serve three year terms expiring in May 2023.
one Alternate Member position on the CPOA Nominating Committee. Three Members and one Alternate shall serve two year terms expiring in May 2022.
Candidates are also being sought to fill three Member positions and
Residents of the Central Section who are interested in being considered for an Officer, Director or Nominating Member position can
secure an application from the chairperson of the Nominating Committee, Tom Simpson at 747-2174. The deadline for the return of a completed application form is Friday, February 14, 2020.
Third-grade students from Stratford Elementary School in the Garden City School District recently completed a science unit on weather. The students learned about, used and created various tools to collect weather data. They also learned about different types of clouds, the water cycle and how weather patterns vary around the world.
For their culminating project,
students researched extreme weather occurrences such as hurricanes and tsunamis. They then worked in groups to create models of shelters that would reduce the impact of a weather-related hazard. Students constructed their shelters out of materials such as cardboard, clay and popsicle sticks and then tested their designs within the classroom.
Photos courtesy of Garden City Public Schools
BY REGINA MORAN
This past Monday afternoon, the members of Girl Scout Troop 1242, rolled up their sleeves and began con-
structing birds nest habitats as part of their Take Action initiative project. The finished products will be donated to The Garden City Bird Sanctuary upon the completion.
BY GARY SIMEONE
It was an fun day for students at the Waldorf School as two players from the Long Island Nets basketball team visited the school last Tuesday. The two players, C.J. Massinburg and Devin Cannady of the NBA G League team, stopped by to discuss their basketball careers and shoot hoops with the kids during a special assembly. They also brought with them donations on behalf of the team, which included over $1,000 of winter equipment for the school’s facilities department.
Shane Flanagan, the school’s athletics director, said the idea to host the two players came about during the annual January alumni games.
“Every year, we hold an alumni game where our graduates come back and we have both a boy’s and girl’s basketball game,” said Flanagan. “Over the last few years, we wanted to get more people involved in the event, so we decided to have a three point contest with the winner getting tickets to a LI Nets game.”
He said that this year, the school’s director of development, Nicole Littrean, reached out to the Nets community relations department asking about the possibility of more tickets and the decision was made to host the players at the school.
“They spoke to a group of our student athletes about what it takes to become a professional basketball player and the value of having a quality education,” said Flanagan. “They also discussed the obstacles they’d had to overcome
in their lives to make it to where they are and how basketball has served as a positive outlet for their mental and physical health.”
At the end of the event, the students were able to ask the athletes questions about their lives and also participated in a three point shooting contest with them.
Cannady won the contest by making 11 shots in under 30 seconds, but was closely contested by high school sophomore Benett Maley, who totaled 7 three pointers.
“It was just a great opportunity for our high school and middle school athletes to have a meet and greet with the players and listen to them discuss
the trials and tribulations they went through to make it where they are,” said Flanagan.
The new winter equipment that was donated from the Nets organization in partnership with the Ace Hardware Corporation included a snowblower a de-icer and battery operated snow remover.
Caroline Madigan of Garden City was named to the Dean’s List at Bucknell University for the Fall 2019 semester. She is a member of the Class of 2022.
A student must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a scale of 4.0 to receive Dean’s List recognition.
n
Angela Coen of Garden City was among students added to The University of Scranton Dean’s List for the Spring 2019 semester after publication of the list in June of 2019.
The Dean’s List recognizes students for academic excellence during the 2019 spring semester. A student must have a grade point average of 3.5 or better with a minimum number of credit hours to make the Dean’s List.
Coen is a senior sociology major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences.
n
Hofstra University congratulated the students named to the Fall 2019 Dean’s List for their outstanding academic achievement. Students must earn
a grade point average of at least 3.5 during the semester to make the Dean’s List. The following Garden City students earned this academic honor:
Danielle Franz, Michael LeMonda, Demetra Menoudakos, Liam Muldoon, Anthony Penoro, Julia Riccobono, Lauren Tepper, Elizabeth Tsang and Hongjia Yang.
n
Northeastern University is pleased to recognize those students who distinguish themselves academically during the course of the school year. The following Garden City students were recently named to the university’s Dean’s List for the fall semester, which ended in December 2019.
Kyle Martis, majoring in architecture
Maximilian Zebrowski, majoring in business administration
Elias Karikas, majoring in business administration
Mason Kufs, majoring in civil engineering
Marena Ramirez, majoring in media arts/communication studies
To achieve the Dean’s List distinction, students must carry a full program of at least four courses, have a quality point average of 3.5 or greater out of a possible 4.0 and carry no single grade lower than a C- during the course of their college career. Each student receives a letter of commendation and congratulation from their college dean.
n
Hofstra University is proud to announce the Fall 2019 Provost’s List, which recognizes students who have earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average. The following Garden City students earned this academic honor: Bridget Byrne, Nicholas Gardyn and Alexander Tateosian
n
Danielle Baumel and Francesca Fealey of Garden City were named to Siena College’s Dean’s List for the Fall 2019 semester.
n
James Madison University was
pleased to celebrate approximately 1,000 graduates during the December Commencement ceremonies.
Thomas Martucci of Garden City, received a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing. n
Carolyne Tully of Garden City was named to the Dean’s List at Lehigh University for the Fall 2019 semester. Dean’s List status is awarded to students who earned a scholastic average of 3.6 or better while carrying at least 12 hours or regularly graded courses.
n
Caroline B. Munn and Allie M. Reifler of Garden City were awarded Faculty Honors for the fall 2019 semester at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. Faculty Honors are awarded to students with a semester GPA of at least 3.667 on four graded courses, with no individual grade below B-, and no incomplete grades pending.
From page 2
This statement EXCLUDES potential future bond issuance for final development of St. Paul’s, which could be huge.
Recently it was revealed that five firms came to examine the St. Paul’s building to provide estimates of the cost of stabilization. How many bids resulted? ONE, and it was rejected since it was $356,000 above the consultants for the Trustees. . This could imply a roughly 33%-plus overrun! And what is the message from the four firms who did not bid at all? This has implications for the ultimate costs of redevelopment of the building! Not good!
Mr. Daughney, immediate past GC Mayor, is apparently the strongest voice among the Trustees in favor of pushing ahead with the goal of a “wonderful” new rec center. It continues to be, in my opinion, folly. And I believe a large percentage of Garden City residents agree. Fortunately, I am hearing two to three Trustees, lately, expressing their reservations about moving ahead with St. Paul’s planning and dreams. This is encouraging. Perhaps common sense is emerging. Formerly, the B of T were in solidarity, and seemed unanimous re St. Paul’s.
Mr. Daughney stated in his letter, that what I referred to (my words) as “procrastination, apathy and business as usual,” by our Trustees, “stopped” when he joined the Board 11 years ago. In my view, this is a bold, foolish, and wrong attitude by Mr. Daughney, and is disrespectful of his fellow Trustees.
Mr. Daughney rebutted my view that rising taxes could discourage potential persons from moving in, or others to flee. I say this because I fear that above average increases COULD become a turnoff, if rising taxes become a major, publicized, controversy, as viewed by prospective homebuyers. This is a tough call on my part, because Garden City’s plusses clearly outweigh its negatives. I only bring it up as a subject to keep in mind.
1) We absolutely MUST have a referendum to ask a simple question: Should the Village proceed with plans to develop St. Paul’s or demolish?
2) Mr. Daughney has missed my message. It is not the cost of bond interest that matters. It simply is that we do not have the money, and our taxes could increase materially -- all from spending money on a decrepit 140-year-old structure, which seems to be beyond salvation.
3) In his letter he refers to upcoming “town meetings” to get residents’ opinions re what to do at St. Paul’s. In my view this would be a waste of time. We have debated this subject for decades and nothing has been decided. Let the residents make the “up or down”
decision!
4) Finally, no referendum should take place until the Trustees present a written long-term plan -- detailing TOTAL costs and how the budget, and resident taxes, would be affected over the next several years. As of now, no such plans exist -- and do not seem to be on the horizon. Bottom line: the Trustees in favor of continuing to move forward, appear to be marching into an unknown, potentially dangerous, future.
George M. Salem, CFA
To the Editor:
I write to you as a disheartened and disturbed parent of a St. Joseph’s student, but more so as a taxpaying resident of the Village of Garden City.
I am utterly disgusted by the behavior of the Garden City Traffic Commission and their response to the school’s request for a crosswalk. I would like to begin with the utter shadiness of the Traffic Commission. At the January 9th meeting, the minutes from the November 21st meeting were never approved because of a lack of a quorum at the beginning of the meeting. However, when there was one at the end, the minutes were never approved. This can only be viewed as a completely calculated and planned move.
I would also like to address the shadiness of the Superintendent Joe DiFrancisco. He met with the pastor, principal, and members of the School Board at St. Joseph’s school late in December at which point he discussed where the crosswalk would be going and explicitly said “this is village property, we can do what we want, and no neighbor can change that.” He also went on to say “this was finalized at the November 21st meeting, so it is happening and can’t be changed.” Yet, at the January 9th meeting he is quoted as saying “Unfortunately after walking the area with village engineers and members of my department, we had difficulty finding an area to actually place the crosswalk.” Funny how his tone has changed in the span of two weeks since the meeting with school officials with discussing how, not if, a crosswalk would be going in. I hate to make this assumption, but I wouldn’t put it past the neighbors in question and the traffic commission and the village to have done some dealings on the side to make this situation go away.
I would also like to address the absolutely incorrect statement by Trustee Daughney from the January 9th meeting saying that St. Joe’s families who attended the November 21st meeting
“did not come to request a study – they wanted a crosswalk.” This statement is absurdly incorrect. The St. Joe’s community came to that meeting to request a study to be done – which can be seen from the online petition, social media posts, and letters sent to families. At no point did we request a crosswalk – we wanted a study. When that was proposed, members of the commission, led by Daughney and Bolebruch laughed at us and said, “we don’t do studies.” They also admitted that nobody on the commission is experienced enough to conduct a study themselves, or has enough knowledge of what a study would even say. Even though the minutes were never approved, the tape recordings of the meeting can prove these statements were made. The choice of the crosswalk, and flashing stop signs were proposed by the commission themselves! Deputy Mayor Bolebruch was the one who proposed those items, since we were blatantly told we would not be getting a study because the village “doesn’t do this.”
I think that the members of the Traffic Commission (Trustee Minuto excluded) must check their egos and realize that they are putting numerous lives at risk and are far more worried about the two neighbors that have complained. The two neighbors who at the CPOA meeting in December were to cowardly to give their names to the paper, but certainly have enough courage to insinuate that SJS is too diverse and that people are coming from “all over.” The racial undertones are disgusting and the fact that the traffic commission is discriminating against this school due to religious and racial differences is alarming. While not explicitly stated, it was very strongly insinuated that St. Joseph’s School would be getting no assistance or funding because we are a Catholic school, and not a public entity of the village. Hasn’t the village realized their mistakes when not willing to become ADA compliant and wasting our tax money for that to go to court, when they could have put handicap spots on 7th? So basically, if you are handicapped, Catholic, a child, or not from Garden City, sorry… your lives don’t matter!
The SJS community recognizes the problem of double parking and parking in front of driveways and is doing everything in their power to combat that. We appreciate the help that the GC Police has provided, but we cannot police them ourselves. Again, the middle school has a code enforcement officer, but we aren’t entitled to one because the school isn’t funded by taxpayer money. Well as a parent of a SJS student who does pay their taxes for the middle school code enforcement officer, how is that fair? When Deputy Mayor Bolebuch stated that SJS should assign a monitor, how
would he like us to accomplish that? See, the Traffic Commission is to busy listening to themselves speak that they aren’t seeing the problem/issue that we are asking their help for. This isn’t just a school issue, this is an SJS community issue. This affects the school families, as well as the CCD families (oh those families that send their children to public school – so they are those taxpaying public school families). This problem stems all day long, from 7:30am until 8:30pm, which is why we need a permanent solution… not a Band-aid to help the temporary problem.
I would like to just express again that Trustee Minuto has been exceptional through this process, fighting for the SJS community, as he himself is impacted by the traffic issues. He even said at the January 9th meeting “we promised them a crosswalk, and now we’re taking it away?” We thank him for his support. We also thank Pat DiMattia from the CPOA who has fought for us and has been exceptionally helpful throughout the process. The Traffic Commission has pinned a lot of fault on her, but they should actually be looking at themselves.
If the Traffic Commission can keep changing their minds on the issue, may I ask what is the purpose of this Commission? I begin to question their knowledge of what they are even speaking of and their truthfulness and morality. I do hope they realize that this issue isn’t going away any time soon, as the SJS Community will continue to do all in their power to protect the lives of these children, since clearly they will not. If this means bringing in outside resources, we will do it. I do hope that this issue is resolved in a timely manner, but my hope remains thin.
Peggy York, Garden City resident and St. Joseph’s parent
To the Editor:
I read with dismay in the January 22, 2020 edition of Newsday that we, the Village of Garden City are rated at the bottom (apparently last) in being a solar friendly Long Island municipality. This was based on the cost of permitting and the time it takes to get a permit. This didn’t even take into account that we don’t allow panels that will be visible from the street on our houses. This report is embarrassing to me, a member of an affluent and highly educated community.
In the coming decade, many of us will transition to electric vehicles. We will want electricity that does not produce carbon dioxide. Panels on our house will provide that. In addition, have you
From page 45
noted that PSEG is replacing our electric meters? This project will allow for smart metering and will allow for variation in the cost of electricity depending on demand. In theory, you will pay a lot more on a hot summer day when many of us are running our A/C full blast. Imagine, you could be producing that electricity!
It’s my opinion that we need to completely re-visit our policy on solar panels in our Village. It is time to not only cry about the burned Koala Bears, but to actually begin to do something about Climate Change. This is an easy start. Allow solar panels everywhere, reduce the permitting fees, and simplify the application process.
Another topic that needs to be addressed is our recycling program. It has come to light that most of our municipal recycling is being dumped. We expend enormous energy collecting, cleaning, and collecting our recycling only to have it dumped. I understand that the Town of Oyster Bay has stopped including glass in the recycling in order to avoid contaminating the metal and plastic with broken glass. This makes sense. Lets stop picking up glass. If you want to recycle your glass, you should be able to bring it (clean) to the village yard and recycle it by color. Even better, buy your beer in aluminum cans
Email: Editor@GCNews.com
and bring those cans back to your beverage store!
Lastly, while we are at it, can we talk about composting? The City of New York picks up my daughter’s compost in Brooklyn (along with everyone else’s). Another daughter in Chicago pays a guy (on a bicycle!) to pick up their compost! There is no reason at all, in our society, in our Village, that we should be throwing organic matter into our regular garbage and sending it to the incinerator (the big one in Westbury).
One solution is for everyone to get their own composting bin (available from the Town of Hempstead) (should be available from our Village Yard); and begin composting in their backyard. If that is not agreeable, then perhaps we can set up a composting pick up. You could put your bin of organic matter on the curb, and the Village would pick it up and compost it. (Man, that’s a reach).
Lastly, can we not give up on bringing New York City water to Garden City? I noticed that Governor Cuomo has included some funds in the new budget to study this matter (for all of Nassau County). We need to get behind this effort. This would be a huge upgrade for us.
Solar Panels, Recycling, Composting, Water...
With Mother Nature, Glenn Aldridge
To the Editor:
The upcoming full closure of New Hyde Park Road referenced in your article New Hyde Park Road to be closed for 7 months, is likely to cause a great deal of unwanted traffic on residential streets in both Garden City and New Hyde Park. New Hyde Park residents certainly encountered unprecedented volumes of traffic on normally quiet suburban streets during the closure of Covert Avenue. The full of closure of New Hyde Park Road, the local truck route that handles three times the traffic as Covert Avenue is likely to result in conditions that are significantly worse. This is why the Village of New Hyde Park resisted the full closure of New Hyde Park Road and preferred instead to see a two lane bypass road on New Hyde Park Road that would permit commercial and private traffic to continue to use this important local artery.
One of the local roads in New Hyde Park that was heavily impacted was New Hyde Park’s South 12th Street. This residential street was overwhelmed with traffic diverted from Covert Avenue. This will not be the case during the New Hyde Park Road outage. Your article is a bit misleading as it may be construed as directing motorists to use South 12th Street as a local detour.
“For drivers South 12th Street in the Village of Garden City’s northwest section is the point of access for the next seven months. Also 4th Avenue (on the Garden City side) will remain available throughout construction at New Hyde Park Road.”
I believe the intent was to direct motorists on how to get to the New Hyde Park LIRR station. In fact, motorist destined for the New Hyde Park station should use Covert Avenue. South 12th Street will not be used as a detour around New Hyde Park Road. South 12th Street will be closed to through traffic if traffic volume becomes untenable. The same is true for 4th Avenue, also a New Hyde Park Village road. Secondly, South 12th Street is not in the Village of Garden City.
The villages are working hard to mitigate the adverse effects that accompanies the Third Track Project so that we retain the suburban character of our communities during and after the construction phase. Your role in getting out accurate information is very much appreciated.
Lawrence J. Montreuil Mayor Village of New Hyde Park
From page 38
exhibit on art and science and both live and on display, artists were creating topographical maps and using the environment to catalyze their artwork,” Leyland said.
As a child, Leyland did not go to many art museums, but art instruction of students have allowed her to imagine their perspective if parents and grandparents bring kids to MOMA or the Guggenheim. Group learning is enhanced as Locust School and Hemlock School take field trips to The Heckscher Museum, and there Leyland was impressed by the services and hospitality of the museum’s education department.
“It was so cool to see young kids so involved and engaged, raising their hands. The children loved the drawing activity in the style of a game, learning about artwork and teaching them all about museums and the environment or
place in which art exists. Many Garden City teachers and adult chaperones have also commented after the trips ‘oh my goodness’ the experience was terrific and kids loved these activities,” she said.
In New York City she recently visited the Whitney Museum of Art in Chelsea in 2019, observing one fine art display of “programmed art” using coding and technology. Another art concept she explored within the city was an interactive, pop-up museum based on movement and sound explorations. The first thing Leyland did when she returned from these visits is discuss her observations and ways of audience engagement and learning with Hemlock Principal Bellovin.
“This is the wave Arts are moving towards -- not just in art education but also in the world of fine arts. I think it’s really exciting and reassuring to know that what concepts and topics we strive
for at the primary school level are on the correct best path. I am curious to see how arts interactions and education evolve from now to the time the younger children evolve into high school and beyond,” she explained.
Leyland says museum visits create another bridge to the arts from the district, and one she’d like to organize is a field trip to the Adelphi STEAM Lab -- not just for primary school-level children, but for Stewart, Stratford, and Garden City Middle School classes.
In front of the local nonprofit organization Garden City Friends of STEAM at its October meeting, her mentor Dr. Maguire explained that the Adelphi University S.T.E.A.M. Lab services students “K through college.” Over 1,000 attendees have participated in workshops designed around STEAM concepts at the venue.
Maguire says Adelphi’s STEAM Lab initiative and opening the facility have
onboarded a lot of students “who may not normally feel they can be involved in S.T.E.M.-based projects, educational activities and research.” For Leyland and educators in Garden City Public Schools, the opportunity to connect with great resources in town is under exploration.
“This would get the kids to the STEAM Lab and making and creating in that space. I am already so thankful to do what I do in this district after experiences in Art Education at Adelphi, and the kids are so much fun to instruct and work with. Everything is new and exciting, art is new and exciting for kindergarten and first graders. This is an invigorating setting for me and Garden City Schools push me to think more outside the box and develop more exciting things for the children, to bring that vision back and see the kids’ reactions. The children are motivating for me,” Leyland said.
BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM
The steep gravel road to the Circle View Guest Ranch proves too much as I slip and slide with my hybrid bike and I wind up walking the bike a short distance (only one of us managed to ride it), at the end of our 28 mile ride through the Badlands National Park, South Dakota, on this first day of our six-day Wilderness Voyageurs bike tour. The guest ranch, set on a mesa surrounded by 3,000 acres, with beautiful views, is delightful. I drop my bags in my room, wonderfully decorated in a Western motif, and go out just in time to see 11-year old Katie Kruse feeding chickens and her brother, 10-year old Jacob, being chased by an aggressive calf anxious to get at the bottle he is using to feed it.
A stay on a guest ranch in South Dakota, just beyond the entrance to Badlands National Park and adjacent to Indian lands, is an unexpected bonus experience of our six-day “Mickelson Trail and the Badlands” bike tour of South Dakota.
Philip Kruse was born and raised on the ranch and opened it to guests in 2000 to give visitors “a glimpse into life on a real, family run cattle
page D2
ranch.” It is very much all of that.
Katie shows me where 17 eggs have been “hidden” by the hens to prevent them from being taken by the farmer so they can hatch. The secret nest had been hidden by high grass and only revealed when the grass was cut. The hen had apparently walked off to get some water, revealing the eggs. Katie lifts up one of the eggs – I can still feel the warmth.
“Sometimes they hide an egg in a tree and abandon it. Sometimes you will see one chicken with 10 chicks following. They sneak in to lay eggs that won’t be collected.” On the other hand,
the hens that do hatch the chicks aren’t necessarily maternal. “They don’t show the young ones where the water is.”
I am amazed to contemplate the strategy and teamwork that these hens, which we assume are just dumb creatures, to create a collective nest, hide it from the farmer, and designate one of the hens to sit on it.
Now the farmer uses his wits to outwit the hens. “We don’t want the chickens to hatch their own because we will not have control over whether they have roosters or infertile chickens. So in the night when they sleep, we will steal an egg and replace it with a hatched chick so she will think it is hers.”
There’s a pecking order, she tells
me. The older, bigger hens sleep on top; younger ones on the floor. She says that young chicks lay one egg a day; older ones lay fewer and fewer, maybe one in two or three days.
“Here, we don’t kill the hen when gets old but another lady butchers them – after she chops off the head, they can still run around for 5 minutes – she has machine that spins to take off feathers.”
I find all of this utterly fascinating.
I watch how aggressive the calf is chasing after Jacob who is trying to bottle feed it. The calf was born prematurely and would have been abandoned by its mother. There are a slew of chicks and peacocks all about, as well. And burros.
We enjoy a sensational dinner prepared by Amy Kruse, served family style along long tables inside and outside on the porch. Tonight’s menu is Mexican tacos, prepared with such fresh ingredients including cherry tomatoes from the garden as sweet as candy.
The next morning before breakfast, I walk out to see if the hen is sitting on the nest. Sure enough. But as I walk back, my head in my notepad, I look up to see a crowd of kids frantically gesticulating at me and yelling, pointing to my right. As I move, they stop, so I keep moving in that direction. I assume they are directing me to watch them feed the chickens. No, they are warning me not to walk up the path because there is a rattlesnake that had been discovered by their dog. “That’s why we wear cowboy boots,” 10-year old Jacob tells me. “Rattlesnakes can’t bite through.”
Later at breakfast, Philip Kruse, shows me his jar two-thirds filled with rattlesnake rattles (they are only about
an inch long and quarter inch wide) collected over two generations on the ranch.
The breakfast that Amy Kruse prepares is a triumph: fresh eggs from the farm (of course), whole wheat blueberry pancakes, tater tots with bacon, white chocolate and raspberry scones (sensational), granola made of sour cherry, pistachios, vanilla yogurt.
We get to experience much of what the Circle View Guest Ranch offers –free wifi, beautifully appointed rooms, seeing the various animals, feeding chickens, including burros, enjoying scrumptious breakfast (included) and dinner, access to the guest kitchen, and the game room. But we don’t have the time to really experience all it offers longer staying guests: horseback rides, bon fires, hunting rocks and fossils, and exploring the 3,000 acres. There are also cabins including an original 1880 Homestead cabin.
But even with this short stay, it gives us a first-hand glimpse at family life on a ranch.
The ranch is open year-round, as is Badlands National Park.
Circle View Guest Ranch, 20055 E. Highway 44, Interior, South Dakota 57780, 605-433-5582, www.circleviewranch.com , cvgrphil@gwtc.net .
Biking the George S. Mickelson Trail
It’s just the second day of our six-day “Mickelson Trail and the Badlands” bike tour. We pile into the van and are shuttled from Badlands National Park to the George S. Mickelson Trail. Over the course of our trip, we will ride
the whole 109 miles of the rail-trail. Today, instead of starting at mile “0” in Edgemont and riding uphill to Custer, we start at the Harbach Park Trailhead in Custer (mile 44.5) and bike mostly down a slope to Edgemont (mile 0), where we are picked up and shuttled back to Custer for the night.
Such different landscape today from biking the Badlands – we ride through a pine forest with the smell of pine.
Minnekahta, where we have an amazing lunch that our guide, James Oerding, pulls out of the van and sets up under a lean-to (28 miles into the ride) at the rest stop, is just off the highway that looks just like the country road in Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film, “North by Northwest” - that famous scene of Cary Grant running from the crop duster that is trying to kill him. There is even the same sound of silence broken by the wind and growing scream of a truck as it comes out of the distance and barrels down road. There is that long view of the road disappearing into the horizon, white clouds in blue sky, hay bales in the fields on either side (in the movie, they were corn fields). Surreal. I still wonder if this is the very location where Hitchcock filmed that scene.
The trail is wonderfully maintained – mostly crushed limestone – with rest facilities and water cisterns along the way and great signage. On this first day, we are immersed in ranch land with broad vistas, dramatic cloud formations, hay bales, cows.
From Edgemont, we are shuttled back to Custer, a pleasant, modest Western town, with art of decorated
bison on many corners. We will be here for two nights at the Holiday Inn Express. Tonight we are on our own for dinner, but tomorrow we will be hosted at a fine-dining restaurant.
The next morning, Day 3 of our trip, we ride out from the hotel directly onto the Mickelson Trail at Harbach Park Trailhead (thankfully, our guide, John Buehlhorn, has caught me again going onto a wrong spur and bringing me back to the trail).
We are now in the Black Hills National Forest – a lot of trees with black bark, which I presume gives the forest its name.
From Custer, we bike along the Mickelson Trail, 8 miles up a gentle grade (one of the advantages of a rail trail versus a road which can have much steeper slopes and corkscrew turns), with lovely scenery, beautiful rock formations, grassy plain and pine trees, when all of a sudden, the Crazy Horse Memorial comes into view. I am entranced by it when John, the guide, again catches me missing the turnoff for us to ride to the Memorial for our visit. (Biking up the very steep hill proves the most challenging part of the day, and I am delighted with myself that I make it.)
Visiting the Crazy Horse Memorial is a revelation.
Wilderness Voyageurs started out as a rafting adventures company 50 years ago, but has developed into a wide-ranging outdoors company with an extensive catalog of biking, rafting, fishing and outdoor adventures throughout the US and even Cuba, many guided
Note the slope at the end of the gravel road up to the Circle View Guest Ranch © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
and self-guided bike itineraries built around rail trails like the Eric Canal in New York, Great Allegheny Passage in Pennsylvania, and Katy Trail in Missouri.
There are still a few spots left on Wilderness Voyageurs’ Quintessential West Cuba Bike Tour departing on March 21 (yes, Americans can still visit Cuba).
Wilderness Voyageurs, 103 Garrett St., Ohiopyle, PA 15470, 800-272-4141, bike@Wilderness-Voyageurs.com ,
Wilderness-Voyageurs.com
© 2020 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com, www.huffingtonpost.com/author/karenrubin & travelwritersmagazine.com/ TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar. wordpress.com & moralcompasstravel. info. Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Tweet @ TravelFeatures. ‘Like’ us at facebook. com/NewsPhotoFeatures
BY CLAIRE LYNCH
When you start seeing descriptions of senior discounts at restaurants, fast food places, etc. and you key into them because you are interested, that’s scary. It tells me often that I’m no longer in my 40s or 50s but that I’ve hit a certain milestone.
Then you start getting notices about applying for Social Security. You may be approaching that magical age of 62 but that doesn’t mean you have to file for it then. You can wait.
As you approach 65, you start getting notices about filing for Medicare. It’s good to be reminded that it’s time to sign up but these reminders are definitely overdone. I often feel bombarded with them.
These pamphlets and letters arrive along with the bills and other pieces of mail and one I saw recently said, “It’s almost time for Medicare. Get up to speed and back to life in about 10 pages.” That one, which was sent by AARP, took me off guard. I had to read that little slogan about “getting back to
life” twice.
There is the basic Medicare coverage to look into plus the supplemental plans to investigate so basically there is a lot of homework ahead for anyone who is nearing age 65.
I start reading but then I seem to go off on certain tangents and it always takes me longer to look into it than I’d planned. “Glancing through the literature” seems to take a few hours instead of just a few minutes.
For many people that dreaded age is 65 - yes, 65 - and there’s no way around it. If the calendar says you are turning 65 then that’s it.
The days of looking forward to turning 18 then 30 then 40 and so on are long over. Turning 65 these days is so much better than it was 25 years ago. Many Americans are in good shape and live a lot longer. By living a healthy lifestyle - by watching those extra calories, exercising regularly, quitting smoking if you ever did smoke, reducing stress, etc., many people live to a good old age. Still, I frequently get a lot of emails
and literature in the U.S. Mail that remind me that I’m approaching a certain age. I realize that many things are computerized so the pamphlets and applications automatically show up in my mailbox but … that’s not what I want to hear or read about!
I can’t deny, however, that these things come up often when I’m talking with the younger generation - with friends, relatives and neighbors who are less than 40. Most of them have never heard of “The Match Game,” “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet” and “Car 54, Where Are You?”
Not wanting to be rude, I usually am patient and explain that these TV shows were well known when I was a kid growing up in the 1960s.
My sister, Michelle, however, usually bursts out laughing and asks, “You never heard of ‘The Match Game?’ or ‘What’s My Line?’” She can be very un-diplomatic at times.
Of course the reruns of a lot of popular TV shows from the 60s can still be seen on TV. When flipping
through the channels I often see “The Beverly Hillbillies,” “Gilligan’s Island,” “Bewitched” and “Bonanza.”
I enjoyed watching them a lot as a child with my friends or my brothers and sisters but 50 years later I find myself getting bored very easily at the plight of the various Clampett family members. Granny was feisty and funny in the 1960s but ok, seeing that once was enough.
“Who’s Arlene Francis?” my niece, Kylie, will ask. “Who’s George Burns? And Gracie Allen?” Those of us in the 50+ crowd laugh and roll our eyes - a lot. It’s amusing and often makes us wonder what planet we’re living on.
“What’s My Line?” just happens to be one of the longest-running game shows in the history of prime-time network TV. Boston native Arlene Francis joined the set of the show on its second telecast and stayed with it for the next
See page D5
BY TOM MARGENAU
Conventional wisdom has it that old folks are supposed to spend their retirement years sitting in a rocking chair and occasionally playing a game of Scrabble. But if my emails are any indication, that’s not what’s happening with today’s seniors. I constantly hear from people in their 70s and 80s who are still working. And they wonder if their additional earnings will have any effect on their Social Security check.
To understand whether or not the earnings you have and the taxes you pay after you start getting Social Security will increase your benefits, you have to understand how Social Security retirement benefits are figured in the first place.
Simply stated, your Social Security retirement benefit is based on your average monthly income, indexed for inflation, using a 35-year base of earnings. So, when you initially filed for benefits, the Social Security Administration looked at your entire earnings history. Then they adjusted each year of earnings for inflation. The inflation adjustment factor depends on your year of birth and varies from one year to the next.
Here is just one example. Let’s say Mike was born in 1949. And let’s say that he made $7,000 in 1970. When figuring his Social Security benefit, the SSA multiplied that $7,000 by an inflation adjustment factor of 6.58. In other words, instead of $7,000, they actually used $46,060 as his 1970 earnings when figuring his Social Security benefit.
Because there are literally thousands of these inflation factors -- depending on your date of birth and the year in question -- I simply cannot list them here. The SSA produces a fact sheet for each year of birth (for recent retirees) that lists these inflation factors. If you’re interested, go to https://www.ssa.gov/ pubs, and click on “Retirement.” Then find the publication labeled “Your Retirement Benefit: How It Is Figured” for your year of birth, and open it up.
And now, back to our retirement calculation. After the SSA indexes each year of earnings for inflation, they pull out your highest 35 years and add them up. Then they divide the total by 420 -- that’s the number of months in 35 years -- to get your average monthly inflation-adjusted income. Your Social Security benefit is a percentage of that amount. The percentage used depends on a variety of factors (explained in the publication referred to in the prior paragraph). But for the purposes of this fact sheet, we don’t need to know the precise percentage. Suffice it to say that for most people, their Social Security retirement benefit represents roughly 40% of their average inflation-adjusted monthly income.
So when you are working and paying Social Security taxes after you start receiving Social Security benefits, those additional taxes you are paying will increase your monthly Social Security check IF your current earnings increase your average monthly income. In other words, if your current annual income is higher than the lowest inflation-adjusted year of earnings used in your most recent Social Security computation, the SSA will drop out that low year, add in the new higher year, recalculate your average monthly income and then refigure your Social Security benefit.
Here is a quick example of what I mean. Let’s go back to Mike’s case cited above. Let’s say that the $7,000 he made in 1970 was the lowest year in his current Social Security computation. And let’s further say that he is still working and made $35,000 last year. Mike assumes that because $35,000 is much higher than $7,000, he should get an increase in his Social Security checks. But remember, the SSA didn’t use $7,000 in his benefit calculation. They used the inflation-adjusted amount of $46,060. Because his current earnings of $35,000 are lower than the low year of $46,060 used in his Social Security retirement computation, the additional earnings do NOT increase his average monthly income, so his Social Security benefit will not go up.
On the other hand, had Mike’s current earnings been $70,000, for example, that would increase his benefit. The SSA would replace this low year of $46,060 with the new higher year of $70,000, recompute his average monthly wage and refigure his benefit.
So, how much will he get? It depends entirely on Mike’s past earnings and his current income. Monthly benefit increases can be as little as $5, or as much as $50 or more. But on average, a year of earnings will increase your Social Security benefit by about $10 to $20 per month.
Now let’s say you are in a situation like that. You’re working, you’ve had a good year of earnings, and you are pretty sure it should increase your Social Security check. So, what do you have to do to make that happen? The answer is: nothing.
The SSA has a software program that automatically tracks the earnings of working Social Security beneficiaries and refigures their benefits to see if any increase is due. It’s called the Automated Earnings Reappraisal Operation, or AERO. It generally happens between May and October of each year.
In other words, if you are getting Social Security benefits (SET ITAL) and(END ITAL) you are working (SET ITAL)and(END ITAL) your latest earnings increase your average monthly wage and thus your Social Security
benefit, you will see that increase by October of the following year. For example, you would get an increase for your 2019 earnings by October 2020. The SSA sends you a notice indicating the increase in your monthly benefit, which is retroactive to January of the year you get the notice.
If you don’t get an increase, that probably means your earnings were simply not high enough to raise your average monthly income and thus your Social Security benefit. The SSA has
a very high percentage of accuracy (about 99%) when computing these increases. However, if you are convinced you should have received an increase but didn’t get one, you can take your most recent W-2 form to your local Social Security office and ask them to do a manual computation.
If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has the answer. Contact him at thomas.margenau@comcast.net. COPYRIGHT 2020 CREATORS.COM
C ontinued from page D3
17 years. It ran on TV from 1950 until 1967.
This particular game used celebrity panelists to question contestants in order to determine their occupation or “their line of work,” with the panelists being called on to question and identify a weekly celebrity “mystery guest” while blindfolded.
Those conversations about who’s who? And what’s that show? give us some real-life examples of what the generation gap is all about. We don’t have to go to a dictionary - online or an actual paper one - to look up the definition of the term, we just have to talk to some of the younger kids many of whom are now in their 30s and 40s.
We start to tell them that we remember life before the Walkman. It was released in 1979, was a portable cassette player that changed listening habits by allowing people to listen to music of their choice on the move. It was devised by Sony founders Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita, who felt that Sony’s existing portable player was too bulky and too expensive.
And life before VCRs became popular. Those machines were invented in the late 1950s, and were a way for people to record things on TV. For people my age, VCRs were a breakthrough. Looking back on VCRs, they seem awfully old-fashioned compared to today’s technology. I used themalong with lots of other people - because they were convenient, handy devices.
I call them “handy” because prior to the invention of the VCR we couldn’t record a favorite movie and play it back at our own convenience. Those opened up a whole new world to home entertainment.
We also remember life before the advent of the JumboTron. Sony creative director Yasuo Kuroki, who previously helped create the Walkman, is credited with the development of the JumboTron. It was introduced at the Expo ‘85 held in May 1985 at Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan. It had a display resolution of 450,000 pixels. That electronic billboard has become popular in Times Square and in sports arenas all over. And the remote control for the TV. When I was younger we actually had to get up, walk over to the TV - which was in the living room so everyone could watch it at the same time - and change the channel. My six-year-old niece, Elle, can’t imagine that that’s how it used to be but we laugh and tell her again that it used to be that way. We’re not telling her any tall tales.
At a recent family get together we had dinner then played some board games. “Blank Slate” was a lot of fun. Every man and woman fights for their own points. When you reach 25 points,
you’re the winner of that particular game.
You want to predict what others are going to write on their boards but you don’t want to pick a really obvious word. You want to be unique but not too unique.
How it works: Everyone secretly writes a word that completes a phrase on the cue card, but you have to choose your word carefully because you score the most points for matching words with only one other person. You get three points when you and another person have a match.
If you and two or more other people wrote the same word then you only get one point each.
This board game makes you think outside the box, but you don’t want to think too far outside the box or you won’t match words with anyone.
My brother, Phil, was playing with us last week and the word prompt was “night _____”. People wrote “light,” “time” and so on. Another clue was “______ game.” Four people wrote “board” so each person only got one point.
The second game we played was the “5 Second Rule.” In this game whoever’s turn it is has to name three breeds of dogs, for example, in 5 seconds. Or they may have to say three finger foods. Some people draw a blank and others get tongue tied, but if you can name whatever is called for in 5 seconds, you earn points.
A 5-second timer is used and that’s it, time’s up. We would have preferred to have 10 seconds in which to answer but that’s not how this game works.
My niece, Shannon, came waltzing in when we were playing these board games and she stopped short when she heard the 1960s rock ‘n roll music playing on the radio and when she saw how ridiculous we were being.
My relatives and I get very competitive when we play board games - or any game for that matter - and trying to outdo each other becomes our #1 priority.
Michelle won the first game of “Blank Slate” and Susan won the second game. Phil won the first game of the “5 Second Rule” and I won the second. We all had fun getting together on a Saturday night so that was the main thing.
My sister-in-law, Kathy, is a real “Trivial Pursuit” fan - the original version, not later versions - and she was hoping that we would get around to playing that game at our last get together but we ran out of time. Plus “Trivial Pursuit” is a lot more serious than either “Blank Slate” or the “5 Second Rule.”
We didn’t want to think about Geography, Entertainment, History, Arts & Literature, Science & Nature, or Sports & Leisure. Playing that game is like taking an IQ test. It can be fun, don’t get me wrong, just not at the end of the night.
We were too busy enjoying ourselves and didn’t want to ponder such “Trivial Pursuit” questions as: “Which Renaissance artist liked to pump iron by lifting weights, and was strong enough to bend an iron horseshoe with his bare hands?” The answer is Leonardo da Vinci but who knew that offhand? I’ve learned more about him painting the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper but didn’t realize how physically strong he was, also.
I’m still a “Clue” board game fan but
I know that for many of my relatives that ship has sailed. We’ve played it so many times as a group and we’ve also seen the “Clue” movie so often that we know all of the lines of dialog.
In the board game, players gather information to successfully figure out ‘who’ ‘where’ and ‘how’ the crime was committed. A mansion is the setting for the board and players move around rooms, hallways, and secret spaces as they figure out who to suspect, which weapon was used and where the crime was committed.
It could have been Mrs. Peacock in the Conservatory with the lead pipe, for example. I like having to deduce who did what. My relatives are good about playing it with the six-, sevenand eight-year-old nieces and nephews so that’s when I happily join in. Other than that they like playing more current board games.
We invited Shannon to play some board games but she said no, that she had to check something on her smart phone. We joked among ourselves that we also remembered life before smart phones - it wasn’t that long ago - and told ourselves to quit bringing up the “golden years” subjects like Social Security and Medicare. We knew that she really wouldn’t want to hear about that!
BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM
Increased interest in e-bikes, women-only groups and multigenerational travel are among the top trends in biking vacations for 2020, according to VBT Bicycling Vacations, a leader in active vacations since 1971. Here is a look at what will be big in biking vacations in the year ahead:E-bikes are having a moment. 2020 is shaping up to be a banner year in the use of e-bikes on cycling tours, with the technology becoming an essential component of active vacations and a game changer for cyclists of all abilities, fitness levels and ages. Over the past year, VBT saw a 55 percent increase in guests selecting e-bikes over any other style, with 22 percent of men and 32 percent of women choosing this mode of transportation. VBT now offers complimentary e-bikes on more than 50 itineraries worldwide, providing guests with an added boost whenever they want (or need) it, whether riding uphill, extending their range at the end of a long day, or to keep up with riding partners of different abilities. Popular itineraries for e-bikes in 2019 included Spain: Andalusia, Cordoba and Granada; Scandinavia: Denmark & Sweden; Portugal: Lisbon, Évora & the Algarve; Italy: Southern Tuscany & Giglio Island; and Croatia: The Dalmation Islands. On the Croatia tour alone more than 50 percent of guests selected an e-bike.
More women are traveling togeth-
er. VBT Bicycling Vacations saw a nearly a doubling year-over-year in all-women groups traveling together, reflecting a trend resonating throughout the industry as more women prefer the camaraderie of an all-female group trip based on a sense of empowerment, connection and the freedom to experience new things. Itineraries such as Scandinavia: Denmark & Sweden; Massachusetts: Cape Cod & Martha’s Vineyard; Croatia: The Dalmatian Islands; Spain: Andalusia, Cordoba & Granada; Italy: Puglia, Alberobello & Lecce; and South Carolina & Georgia: Charleston to Savannah offer countless opportunities to pedal among some of the world’s most stunning landscapes, explore cultural treasures and history, learn about local customs, dine on the freshest cuisine, and make friendships that will last a lifetime.
Multigenerational travel will become more popular. 2020 will be grand for grandparents taking trips with their children and grandchildren, as the multigenerational travel trend continues to grow. VBT saw an eight percent increase in boomers traveling with their families over the past year, and the company expects the trend to continue and increase as mature travelers remain healthier and fitter, more adventurous, and keen on staying younger and more active than ever before. Top itineraries for multigenerational families to create memories to last a lifetime include Croatia: The Dalmatian Islands; Italy: Southern Tuscany & Giglio Island; Italy: Puglia’s
Undiscovered Coast; Italy: Valley of the Dolomites; Slovenia, Austria & Italy: Alpine Valleys; Italy: Coastal Villages of Tuscany; Scandinavia: Denmark & Sweden; Czech Republic, Germany & Austria: Český Krumlov & Wachau Valley; and Ireland: Galway and Connemara Coast.
For additional details and travel inspiration, visit vbt.com or call 800245-3868.
7 Top Cycling Tours You Can Do With Electric Bikes
Always popular, cycling tours have gotten an extra charge in recent years with the addition of electric bikes, allowing guests to ride hills with ease or get a boost to keep up with others. E-bikes are now available as an option on tours around the globe, from the Green Mountains of Vermont to the Tuscan countryside and Taiwan’s coastline. They are even making their way off road and onto trails on e-mountain bike tours among the dunes of Namibia and the Alps in Switzerland. E-bikes mean there are no excuses for not taking a tour because you are afraid you can’t do the hills, the knees aren’t what they used to be.
Here are seven bike tours where you can find an electric ride:
E-MTB Safari in Namibia: Pedal across vast plains and seas of sand dunes, along dry streambeds and rocky jeep tracks, and past shipwrecks and surf on the Skeleton Coast on H+I Adventures’ new E-MTB Safari in Namibia. From the saddle of an e-mountain bike, watch for elephants, giraffes, zebras and oryx,
and connecting with local communities along the way. (www.mountainbikeworldwide.com/e-mtb-tours/e-mtb-safari-namibia)
Natchez Trace Path: Biking the Natchez Trace is a cyclist’s dream come true, and why Cycle of Life Adventures offers it four times a year. The ancient path through Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi began as a wildlife and Native American trail, and has a rich history of use by explorers, trappers and traders, post men and Civil War soldiers. An e-bike will ease the few days where the mileage may seem overwhelming. (https://cycleoflifeadventures.com/natcheztrace)
Tuscan Countryside: On Tourissimo’s cycling tour of Tuscany, Italy, visit some of the region’s most iconic destinations, from Cortona, the delightful hill town made famous by Frances Mayes in her bestselling novel “Under the Tuscan Sun,” to the abbeys, thermal springs and wineries in the countryside outside Pienza. Upgrade to an e-bike capable of covering 70 miles on a charge to go the distance. (www.tourissimo.travel/tuscany-chianti-val-dorcia) Alps by E-MTB: Climb mountain passes and descend to lush valleys on H+I Adventures new E-MTB Tour of Switzerland. Riders will put the country’s seamless transport system to use accessing backcountry singletrack and perfectly built flow trails as they traverse the beautiful Graubünden region by e-mountain bike. Refuel with midride rösti, then unwind with a glass of wine and dinner made with local flavors. (www.mountainbikeworldwide.com/emtb-tours/e-mtb-tour-switzerland) Mediterranean Islands Ride: E-bikes are a great option on Ride & Seek Bicycle Adventures epic cycling tour across Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily. Split into three week-long stages, the tour explores the Mediterranean islands’ history, food, architecture and traditions, as well as their strikingly rugged interiors, white beaches and emerald waters. (www.rideandseek. com/tour/3-islands-corsica-sardinia-and-sicily/)
Vermont Covered Bridges: Ride through more than a dozen covered bridges on a tour of Vermont with Cycle of Life Adventures. This iconic ride passes through Montpelier, Stowe, Middlebury and Woodstock, climbing from river valleys over the Green Mountains. The optional e-bike rental will help flatten out the roads. (https://cycleoflifeadventures.com/vermont-covered-bridges)
E-Bike Taiwan: On Grasshopper Adventures’ Bike Taiwan tour, guests cycle the length of the country from the northern capital, Taipei, to the southern tip. Along the way, they take in the beauty of east Taiwan’s rugged Pacific coast, exotic hot springs and valleys like the stunning Taroko Gorge. Grasshopper is the first tour operator to offer e-bikes to
cyclists in Southeast Asia. (www.grasshopperadventures.com/multi-day-cycling-tours/bike-taiwan-tour/)
See UNESCO Sites by Bike
For their cultural, historical, or scientific significance on the world, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has named more than one thousand spots across the globe as World Heritage Sites.
From sprawling architectural wonders to stunning natural beauty, UNESCO sites around the world are something to behold. And what better way to see them than by bike?
BikeTours.com offers a variety of tour options featuring UNESCO site stops.
South of France: If UNESCO sites are what you want, UNESCO sites are what you’ll get on this tour in the South of France. With stunning sites through Languedoc, this six-night tour goes to the St Guilhem le Desert, a UNESCO world heritage site famous for its cloister and declared as one of the “Most beautiful villages of France;” the Canal du Midi, an UNESCO waterway site that
links the Mediterranean to the Atlantic; and the castle in Carcassonne, another UNESCO site, restored by Viollet le Duc in the 19th century.
Baltic Capitals: Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn: Explore the Baltic Coast and the National Parks of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. The 10-night tour includes the three capital cities of the region –Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn – each with Old Towns designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Experience charming villages and countrysides for an authentic introduction to these unique countries.
Albania ’s UNESCO Sites with Rivers, Valleys, Gorges: Four UNESCO sites, snow-capped mountains, inviting beaches on the Albanian Riviera, a genuine untouched subsistence culture, and exceptionally friendly people fill this 9-night tour. Some say that visiting Albania is as close as you’ll get to traveling back in time.
A Taste of Italy: Emilia RomagnaTry your UNESCO viewing with a side of delicious Italian cuisine! This six-night tour takes you through Italy’s premier pasta region. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Parmesan cheese
and balsamic vinegar, and explore stunning sites full of art, history, and culture.
Cycling and Cooking Through Portugal by E-Bike: This is the perfect tour for cyclists wanting a good mix of nature, culture, and tasty food! The tour explores the Natural Park of Serra d’Aire e Candeeiros and the beautiful region of Évora, a city classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, you’ll tour the gorgeous natural park of SW Alentejano e Costa Vicentina.
(BikeTours.com, 3712 Ringgold Road #310, Chattanooga TN 37412, 877-4622423)
Cycle the Erie Canal 2020 Parks & Trails New York has opened up registration for the 22nd annual Cycle the Erie Canal tour, taking place July 12-19, 2020.
This year, Cycle the Erie Canal is offering the option of the full 8-day, 400-mile trip and four-day options. The trip offers fully supported camping (they pick up your gear and ferry it to the next stop; provide breakfast and some dinners, plus lectures and activities; indoor camping available as well, or you can hire Comfy Campers to set up a comfy
tent with air mattress).
Shuttles from Albany to Buffalo (where the tour starts) or from Albany back to Buffalo will be provided. PKNY will also be offering return shuttles from Syracuse to Buffalo and Albany to Syracuse for the convenience of the 4-day riders.
For information on Cycle the Erie Canal, call Parks & Trails New York, 518-434-1583, email eriecanaltour@ptny. org or visit www.ptny.org/cycle-the-eriecanal
© 2020 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com, www.huffingtonpost.com/author/karenrubin & travelwritersmagazine.com/ TravelFeaturesSyndicate/ Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar. wordpress.com & moralcompasstravel. info. Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Tweet @ TravelFeatures. ‘Like’ us at facebook. com/NewsPhotoFeatures
A building that I manage is potentially going “green” after everything is finalized, which to the benefit of all the unit owners, will assuredly earn their condo hundreds of thousands of dollars over a period of years and will eliminate the electricity bill for all their common areas, boiler, surveillance cameras, alarms and anything else that is contributing to wasting their “hard earned dollars” that can be saved and now deposited to our reserve “rainy day” fund. We will also be able to have several major tenants buying their electricity at slightly below market cost and paying the condominium instead of PSEG. This additional substantial revenue will also be deposited into our reserve fund too! We have predicted that assessments will possibly be much lower and if we are in an excellent financial position, possibly eliminated, altogether!
Fortunately, since I have taken over the managing aspect, we haven’t had an increase in common charges going on twelve years, due to watching and cutting expenses the best way and to the benefit of our building. Also, I believe we were the only building in our area that had no reductions in sale prices from the “calamity and horrendous crashing of our real estate market in 2008! Now we will be in an even more secure, stable and very strong financial position for years to come, all things being equal and no
one blows the earth out into space! Otherwise we will all be playing cards together upstairs and nothing will matter anyway, right?
BY PHILIP A. RAICES
Some, however, will be going down below in the opposite direction and need I say who? There will be many if the end is near, who will be going down without many good memories to take with them; just memories of their possessions, that’s all, because their won’t be any U-Hauls behind their hearses!! NO WAY, RAY!
Back to business! So what do you think will be the value of a condo, co-op, home or even a commercial building if and when you owners decide to go “green”? Most important, that I failed to mention, is that we all need to think environmentally, so we will not have to take SpaceX, Elon Musk’s space enterprise or Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic Space ships to cultivate another planet called “Mars” or any other intergalactic space journeys to existing or new planets to be discovered. So everyone should gain knowledge and become informed by integrating new cutting edge information and being open to new ideas. By seeking out estimates for any renewable energy technologies to not only reduce
and conserve our priceless resources (Solar panels, energy cells, combined heat and power, tri-generation, thermal or any other green technology or future technologies that are coming down the pike).
There is no doubt in my “professional mind” that values of all properties with the usage of these various forms of technologies will be much more valuable going forward; as we save energy, reduce our carbon footprint and emissions, save our environment and our planet, especially our “one of a kind” ozone layer that is hurting all of us on our “one and only” earth!
Greta Thunberg, the youngest environmental activist in history at 16 years old, who has single handedly with assistance, spear-headed this incredible awareness about our polluting the Globe, in all sorts of ways, surely has deserved her alternative Nobel prize for climate change activism! She has made everyone who cares, aware of what the heck is going on by succeeding in making millions of people turn anxieties about our planet into a worldwide massive movement towards global change!
Moreover, the commercial real estate sector needs to become much more aware and cognizant of recycling
and conserving their enormous usage of our world’s energy supplies! Local towns need to consider having all their commercial tenants and unit owners to begin recycling and consider installing and using renewable energy technologies in whatever fashion enables them to save and increase their profitability. Also keep in mind there are trillions of plastic materials that have been continually dumped in all our oceans, that you can be sure and know that all our fish are consuming and so are we!! By changing our inconsiderate and selfish ways and behaviors, this in turn will result in a healthier eco-system, for all of us as well as for everyone’s future generations. In addition, this will bode well for greater increases in our property values now and going forward and a greater opportunity for our properties whether residential or commercial to decrease our energy use. We will all be in a more beneficial position in being more progressive in thoughts and actions in saving our wonderful and miraculous planet!
Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 Great Neck. He has earned designations as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute and a Certified International Property Specialist. If you have any questions or concerns or ideas for his column, he can be reached by email, at:Phil@TurnKeyRealEstate.Com, or by cell: (516) 647-4289.
ONE CALL TO 516-294-8900 AND YOUR AD WILL APPEAR IN 11 LOCAL NEWSPAPERS. CALL TODAY FOR OUR VERY LOW RATES. www.gcnews.com
Garden City News • Mid Island Times Bethpage Newsgram
• Syosset Advance • Jericho News Journal Williston Times - Mineola Edition
New Hyde Park Herald Courier • Manhasset Times Roslyn Times • Port Washington Times • Great Neck News
DEADLINE FOR CLASSIFIED ADS IS TUESDAY AT 1:00PM.
2 EASY WAYS TO PLACE ADS:
1) Directly on website: gcnews.com & click on “Classified Order”
2) Email Nancy@gcnews.com
Please include your name, daytime phone number, address and ad copy.
Visa and MasterCard Accepted
HELP WANTED
JOB OPPORTUNITY:
$18.50 P/H NYC $15 P/H LI
$14.50 P/H UPSTATE NYH. If you currently care for your relatives or friends who have Medicaid or Medicare, you may be eligible to start working for them as a personal assistant. No Certificates needed. 347-462-2610 or 347-565-6200
A HOME HEALTH CARE
AIDE Irish trained woman with 10 years experience and excellent checkable references available. Honest and reliable. Licensed driver with own transportation. Please call 516-383-7150
ELDER CARE COMPANION: 30 years experience, certified. Live in or out, will drive for errands/appointments, etc. Excellent references. Please call 718-915-7683
Get results!
Place an ad in our Classifieds for guaranteed results. Call the G.C. office at 294-8900 for more info.
SITUATION WANTED
ELDER CARE / AIDE / COMPANION
Certified aide seeking to provide quality care. 30+ years experience. Honest. Reliable. Excellent references. Own car. Serious persons please contact Marjorie at 718-790-2347
MATURE WOMAN WITH EXPERIENCE, REFERENCES AND CAR looking for job as a caregiver. Please call 631-838-9875
TRAIN AT HOME TO DO MEDICAL BILLING
Become a Medical Office Professional online at CTI! Get trained, certified & ready to work in months! Call 855-543-6440 (M-F 8am-6pm ET)
A PLACE FOR MOM has helped over a million families find senior living. Our trusted, local advisors help find solutions to your unique needs at no cost to you. Call: 1-800-4048852
DENIED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY?
Appeal! If you’re over 50+, filed for SSD and denied, our attorneys can help get you approved! No money out of pocket! 855478-2506
GET DIRECTV ! ONLY $35/ month. 155 Channels & 1000s of Shows/Movies on Demand (w /SELECT All Included Package). PLUS Stream on UP to FIVE Screens Simultaneously at No Additional Cost.
Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918
LUNG CANCER? And Age 60+? You and your family may be entitled to significant cash award. Call 866-951-9073 for information. No risk. No money out of pocket.
SAVE ON YOUR NEXT PRESCRIPTION! World Health Link. Price Match Guarantee! Prescriptions Required. CIPA Certified. Over 1500 medications available. CALL today for a free price quote. 1-866-569-7986 Call Now!!
A.T. STEWART EXCHANGE CONSIGNMENT SHOP
********************
TURN YOUR TREASURES INTO CASH!
Come to Consign/Stay to Shop! 109 Eleventh Street, Garden City 516-746-8900
Antiques-FurnitureJewelry-SilverMirrors-LampsArtwork-ChinaCrystal-Collectibles Tuesday-Friday 10-4 Saturday 12-4 (10% Sr. Discount Tues) All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical Society Email: store@atstewartexchange.org
Like us on Facebook & Instagram
INVITED ESTATE SALES BY TRACY JORDAN
Looking to sell items from your home?
Consider doing an Online Auction!
Online Auctions reach more interested buyers than tag sales and can often sell for more than what you would make at an estate or tag sale.
Invited Estate Sales by Tracy Jordan can do both! You can sell your items online reaching potential buyers locally or globally as well as hosting a private sale from your home! Let us guide you on what items to put in auction including furniture, housewares, decorative items, jewelry, collectibles, coins, artwork and anything else you may no longer want or need. Our services can help you to maximize your selling experience whether you are selling 1 item or 500 items. We are a one stop service for all your needs when you are moving or selling a property! Selling, donating, discarding and cleaning out services can be done to meet your time frame with minimal stress.
Estate and Tag Sales Online Auctions Cleanout and Moving Services
Home Staging Services Appraisals
Contact for more info: info@invitedsales.com or Call: 516-279-6378 to schedule a c onsultation or receive more information. www.invitedsales.com
Objects of art, sterling silver, old oriental rugs, estate jewelry, old judaica or entire estate. Call Mark 516-331-1582
LOOKING TO BUY!
Oriental items, clothing, art, old & modern furniture, estates, jewelry, silver, glassware, dishes, old photos, coins & stamps, flatware, comic books, action figures.
Call George 718-386-1104 or 917-775-3048
A GARDEN CITY ANIMAL
LOVER doesn’t want to leave your precious pooch or fantastic feline alone all day. I’m reliable, dependable and will walk and feed your pet while you work or travel. Please call Cheryl at 516-971-3242
AUTO BUYERS! We visit you. Highest cash paid. Or donate, tax deduct + cash. DMV#1303199. Please call Luke 516-VAN-CARS OR 516-297-2277
DONATE YOUR CAR to Wheels For Wishes, benefitting Make-a-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call 631-317-2014 Today! REAL
OUT OF TOWN REAL ESTATE
CUTCHOGUE
SUMMER RENTAL
Waterfront Gem with Dock. Professional Chef’s Kitchen. Wraparound Porch. 4BR, 3 Baths, CAC. 5 minutes to sandy beach. Contact Eileen: 516-316-3350
OFFICE SPACE
GARDEN CITY
Prime Seventh Street Location. Small Office available. $750.00 per month includes everything.
Owner: 516-510-9452
SEBASTIAN FLORIDA (East Coast)
Beach Cove is an Age Restricted Community where friends are easily made. Sebastian is an “Old Florida” fishing village with a quaint atmosphere yet excellent medical facilities, shopping and restaurants. Direct flights from Newark to Vero Beach. New manufactured homes from $114,900. 772-5810080; www.beach-cove.com
STEPHANIE A. D’ANGELO, ESQ.
Elder Law, Wills & Trusts
Asset Preservation, Estate Planning, Probate & Estate Administration/Litigation
901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530
516-222-1122 www.dangelolawassociates.com
COMPUTER ISSUES? FREE
DIAGNOSIS by GEEKS ON SITE! Virus removal, data recovery! 24/7 Emergency Service, in home repair/on line solutions. $20 off any service! 844-892-3990
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
BATHROOM RENOVATIONS
EASY, ONE DAY updates! We specialize in safe bathing. Grab bars, no slip flooring & seated showers. Call for a free in home consultation: 888-657-9488
MADE IN THE SHADE
CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS
Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Draperies
Top Brands at Discount Prices! Family owned & operated
www.madeintheshadensli.com 516-426-2890
MASONRY
All types of stonework
Pavers, Retaining Walls, Belgium Block Patios, Foundations, Seal coating, Concrete and Asphalt driveways, Sidewalks, Steps. Free Estimates
Fully Licensed & Insured
#H2219010000
Boceski Masonry Louie 516-850-4886
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.drannmariedangelo.com 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530
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 & PAPERHANGING
MICHELANGELO
PAINTING & WALLPAPER
Interior, Exterior, Plaster / Spackle, Light Carpentry, Decorative Moldings & Power Washing.
Call: 516-328-7499
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
PRIVATE TUTORING FOR GRADES K-6
Give your child a helping hand! Licensed NYC / NYS Dept of Education teacher available to tutor students grades K-6. Contact Audrey Sullivan, M.S.Ed 347-628-8872 (voice/text) seguenow@aol.com
SPANISH TUTOR:
CERTIFIED SPANISH TEACHER EXPERIENCED IN ALL LEVELS OF SPANISH including AP Spanish and College Level Courses. Experienced with all levels of Chaminade Curriculum and Exams. Excellent references provided upon request.
Phone: 516-655-8194 OR Email: mmiller@emufsd.org
C & A CLEANING SERVICES
Cleaning services for Homes, Apartments, Offices. Experienced. Excellent References. Free Estimates. Call: Carolina 516-858-9257 Abraham 516-680-0509
CLEANING SERVICE: Houses, Apartments, Offices. Excellent references. Own transportation, Experienced. Call Dinora 516-435-7167
A & J MOVING & STORAGE: Established 1971. Long Island and New York State specialists. Residential, Commercial, Piano & Organ experts. Boxes available. Free estimates. www. ajmoving .com 516-741-2657 114 Jericho Tpk, Mineola NYDOT# 10405
DISH TV
$59.99 for 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Call 1-800-943-0838
If you haven’t tried Chewy.com yet for your pet food and supply purchases, this is a great time to check them out. Last Hope is now part of their rescue program. For each new customer that makes a purchase, Last Hope will receive a $20 donation. Click on the ad below or go directly to the Last Hope page at https:// www.chewy.com/rp/5941
We are looking for writers in our community to compose news articles on local topics, opinions, reviews, worthy places to visit on Long Island, and even fiction.
We aim to feature at least one new article and writer each week in our Discovery magazine section. E-mail submissions: editor@gcnews.com
• Attach article and any photos (1MB), along with your name and contact info.
• Articles must be between 1,500 - 3,000 words.
• Each writer will be reimbursed a stipend of $25.⁰⁰
Every day, I open my inbox to find questions from you, my dear readers. Today I found two on the same subject: credit cards.
LEAVE ‘EM ALONE, AND THEY’LL GO HOME
Dear Mary: Should I cancel old credit cards that I no longer use? -- Stephanie
Dear Stephanie: No. It seems like the logical thing to do, but if you close old accounts, you may lower your credit score. Two of the factors used to calculate that score are history (how long you’ve had credit) and debt-to-limit ratio (how much of your available credit is being used at any given time).
Closing an old account can shorten your credit history and increase your debt-to-limit ratio. Both will hurt your credit score. Leave them alone unless there is a compelling reason to keep them, like an annual fee or a child who is a co-signer and might go on a spending spree.
Here’s an important tip: For ac-
counts you want to keep active, use them three or four times a year for even a very small purchase. Then pay the balance in full immediately. Banks don’t want inactive accounts, and they are aggressively closing them.
THE RISKS OF REWARDS
Dear Mary: Friends tell us that we should be using a credit card that rewards us in some way, instead of our plain old Visa card that does nothing for us. What type of credit card should we be using that is accepted at nearly all gas stations and most hotels and restaurants? -- Angela
Dear Angela: You left out a very important morsel of information. Are you carrying credit card debt from one month to the next? If you are, you have, in my opinion, forfeited the privilege to play the rewards game. You need to stop using your credit cards until that glorious day that you are not carrying a balance.
BY MARY HUNT
Let’s go ahead and assume you have no credit card debt. Even then, reward cards can be tricky. Most of them charge an annual fee. You have to do a lot of charging over a year’s time to earn enough rewards to offset that annual fee.
And there are other limitations and conditions one should always consider before jumping onto the rewards wagon.
Credit card offers change like the wind. I could list a couple of reward cards you might want to consider right here, and they could be obsolete by the time you read it.
So instead, I will direct you to http://IndexCreditCards.com, one of several sites that keeps tabs on current credit card offers with their terms and conditions. You will find credit cards organized by what they offer. Look for one with no annual fee.
One word of caution: You could easily shoot yourself in the foot if you get hooked on earning re-
wards. Running up big balances every month to earn the maximum rewards can be quite risky.
Of course, you will intend to pay the balance off in full during the grace period (which you have only if you start the billing cycle with a zero balance owing), but just one slip-up resulting in a late fee or a couple of months paying interest on a big balance will wipe out your rewards in a big hurry.
Never forget that credit card companies exist to get as much of your money as they can. They are not outreach ministries in search of ways to make your life better. They do not care about you, nor are they anxious for you to come out as the winner when they come up with these marketing campaigns that give cash back or some other reward.
You have to get up pretty early in the morning to win at that game.
Would you like more information? Go to EverydayCheapskate.
com for links and resources for recommended products and services in this column. Mary invites questions, comments and tips at EverydayCheapskate.com, “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 lifestyle blog, and the author of the book “Debt-Proof Living.”
COPYRIGHT 2020 CREATORS. COM
From page 1
The
and Comsewogue. Malagon said each of those libraries furnished positive references on their experiences with Securitas company.
“I lean towards Securitas despite the fact their hourly rates came in slightly higher -- about $1 per hour more. Their overtime rate was actually slightly lower but in the bid they applied the cost of benefits to employees to their base rate and not their overtime rate. The other companies calculate time and a half on top of the base rate with overtime -- $5 more per hour for overtime versus $13 more for overtime makes a big difference if they are already under their company’s structured situation,” she said.
The totals for the 40 hours a week guard were at the least, $56,875 and the most expensive at $59,804, creating a $3,000 difference but for Securitas as the bidding company with the most public library experience. Malagon said there were reasons beyond the base rate:
“With an RFQ you can choose based on best value (not just lowest bidder) and you can set the percentages of the bid award -- per my conversation with the Village Purchasing department, we had set it at 35% on cost, 65% on technical aspects. We felt that based on the number of technical factors plus training, experience and so on we felt that Securitas presents a slightly better case for GCPL and again that is mainly
due to its public library experience,” Malagon explained.
She added that Garden City Police Commissioner Kenneth Jackson advised that if the bids came in close on cost factors, “choose a company that has the most public library experience and good references.” Later, after a question from Board Chairman Colahan on the potential for security at the building from 40 up to 68.5 hours a week, Malagon noted that GCPD has recommended keeping the same company for all library hours security is to staff GCPL.
“The same company providing security at all times is preferable for consistency,” she said.
After the GCPL Board’s approval of Securitas for a security contract of 40 hours a week, Malagon said she hopes the contract for Securitas would be part of the Village Board of Trustees’ February 6 meeting agenda.
Village Trustee Colleen Foley was among the few residents who attended Monday’s meeting at GCPL. She thanked Malagon and said her report for the GCPL Board on security needs of the building and each firm’s proposal was very thorough.
“I would request that this report is sent to Village Administrator Ralph Suozzi so he can distribute it to each village trustee. Then when they are in a position to approve the RFP from Securitas they can see the time and effort and dedication this Library Board has generated. Please include a cover
Library Board Vice Chair Peter D’Antonio, Trustee Lola Nouryan, Chairman J. Randolph Colahan and Trustee Germaine Greco at the special meeting of the GCPL Board of Trustees held Monday, January 27. Trustee Charles Murphy was unable to attend the meeting.
letter with the report from your motion to approve tonight,” Foley said.
She added a question on whether it would be more productive for the Village trustees to begin considering funding for 68.5 hours per week or dedicated, full-time security every day that GCPL is open (including most Sundays throughout the school year). She said there is room to discuss flexibility with upcoming 2020-’21 budget deliberations and work sessions.
GCPL Board Chairman Colahan recommended that he and Foley discuss the next steps to look at a potential increase from 40 hours a week of security as that could intersect with a personnel budgetary item for the library.
“We definitely want to go with our
vendor Securitas but I think we’d need to wait and have more evaluation for up to 68.5 hours,” he said.
Foley commented, “I think the analysis on library matters and why security supports the move and makes it clear why it’s needed.”
Malagon thanked her and said to prepare for the GCPL Board’s evaluation of security firms she used a template for proposals that usually go before village trustees, forwarded from Village Clerk Karen Altman. That outline guided her on how to frame her report, and Foley again said the GCPL report on security is “wonderful, very detailed, very informative and the document speaks for itself showing the thoughtfulness in this process.”
From page 1
five to six years.
With the layout of the T-intersection for Pell and Iris, drivers are supposed to yield but many residents say that doesn’t always happen for vehicles heading on Pell Terrace. Bruce Cerrone, EPOA liaison to the Village of Garden City Traffic Commission, commented that the idea brought forward by residents was for the stop sign to slow traffic as it would head down the long stretch of Pell Terrace.
“There more than 36 school-age children within a one block radius in any direction and there’s no stop signs in the entire area -- not on Pell Terrace, Iris Lane, Avalon Road, Surrey Lane, Flower Road, Seabury Road, and East Drive (immediately west of Clinton Road). This area has become a serious corridor of concerns between Stewart Avenue and Old Country Road. I understand the traffic study was completed by the Garden City Police Department but when I reviewed the results this didn’t appear to be the best representation of speeds in the vicinity, but there was a great representation of how much traffic comes through. The study was done
on November 15 and in the one day time period 527 cars were counted coming down Pell Terrace without one stop,” Cetta explained to the EPOA directors and residents.
Broussard grew up in Garden City, and she lives at the corner of Pell and Iris. She told EPOA members that the safety of children out in their neighborhood, in front of homes, riding bicycles or along sidewalks, is not maintained with the situation of traffic on Pell Terrace. She noted that the block serves as a pathway to Hemlock Park “so there are tons of kids.”
“We have tons of kids heading to the park so having this volume of cars and their speeds heading up and down the block is just so dangerous. I don’t know if there’s a number when considering safety to in order to put up a stop sign, but for our families and children, I don’t think a set number can be a dividing line for safety precautions. Our plea is for the safety and well-being of our kids,” she said.
Cetta told the EPOA she and Broussard are both teachers and coaches in Port Washington and when they’re home they are active and families in their neighborhood enjoy similar out-
door, active lifestyles with their kids. They called Pell Terrace a very family-friendly block, and Cetta noted that for the first time in the past 18 years a block party had been organized, drawing families from neighboring blocks in the village’s east.
According to Cetta traffic through the portion of the village she resides in generally comes down from Old Country Road to Russell Road, and then making a left onto Transverse Road (heading east) -- “trying to find a cutthrough to skirt around.” This could be traffic that’s heading to Roosevelt Field Mall or the Meadowbrook Parkway.
On January 21 the EPOA recognized the number of signatures on a petition in favor of a stop for Iris and Pell. Cerrone added that for the school bus stop at Pell there’s 21 students each afternoon and 13 students in the morning.
EPOA President Steve Ilardi explained that the property owners’ association role in Traffic Commission proceedings:
“The EPOA can have a non-binding recommendation for the traffic solution proposed or to be examined. What the Traffic Commission does at its meeting is to review the recommendation the
POA has, but there is a lot that goes into the process of ‘does this meet the requirements of locating a stop sign there.’ The Commission refers to the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and there are certain parameters for traffic volumes and speeds. A lot of things must go into the equation before they stick a stop sign in the ground or any other kinds of signage,” Ilardi said.
He says the legal requirements do exist for drivers to have to stop at a T-intersection, and there had been instances discussed by the Traffic Commission when he was the EPOA liaison to that governing body.
“If the village was to approve a stop sign each way (north and south) on Pell Terrace they would probably add a third sign at the corner on Iris,” he said.
The EPOA voted unanimously to approve the proposal for a stop sign on Pell Terrace at Iris Lane.
The next meeting of the Village of Garden City Traffic Commission will be on Thursday, March 5, 7 pm at Village Hall preceding the regular Board of Trustees’ meeting that night.
Congrats to the girls from the GC Crushers who came in as tournament champs at the 53rd Rudy LaMonica tournament this past weekend. Participants were: Ellie Andersen, Kate Connolly, Emily Eschmann, Ciara Hegarty, Meaghan Lynch, Leila Massina, Kathryn Monaco, Daly Prybylski, Brynn Reilly, Sophie Rhein, Carrie Schneider, Ava Sethi and Elizabeth Staub Thanks to Coaches Amy Monaco and Kerri Andersen for signing the girls up for this fun tournament!
Congratulations to the Garden City U9 Raptors for placing second in last Saturday’s Oceanside United Rudy Lamonica Memorial Tournament. The Raptors played excellent defense throughout the tournament with two players being recognized for their play at the conclusion of the tournament. Congratulations to Cormac Smith for being awarded Best Goalie. Cormac was stellar in goal making multiple saves and drawing a 1-1 tie to eventual champion Floral Park. Congratulations to John David Scianablo for being awarded Best Defensive Player. JD displayed excellent footwork and aggressively shut down the opposing teams’ offense. Both players approach their game with enthusiasm and a can do attitude. Go Raptors!
Senior épée Lynnie Kiely decided to start fencing in ninth grade. Lynnie said, “My friends were joining the team and I wanted an activity to do in the winter season. It has been a great sport to take part in. The girls are always fun every year and I have loved learning a new skill.” Since Lynnie was a beginner, the coaches chose épée for her. Lynnie has also been a member of spring track and softball at GCHS. She is a member of the National Honor Society, German Honor Society, Ink Spots, and has written for the GCHS newspaper, ECHO. Lynnie also volunteers at Top Soccer. She will be attending Boston College in the fall majoring in business.
Senior épée Captain Gianna Buckley began her fencing career in ninth grade. When asked why fencing, Gianna responded, “I’ve played many sports throughout the years and always enjoyed the variety. When we got to the high school, my friends and I decided to try something new together so fencing it was.” Gianna was assigned to the épée squad. “I fence épée because the methodical and patient style and my height are a good fit. I would describe my fencing experience as challenging yet highly rewarding. My favorite thing about the team is that even though each bout is individual, in order for the team to succeed we must work as a whole. Whether we win or lose I feel like we are all in it together. We’ve had some ups and downs during the past four seasons. I’ve learned how to lose
Language National Honor Society. She was awarded the NYS Senate Youth Leadership Award and was named Scholar/Athlete in 2017. Kayla volunteers with Top Soccer and Camp Invention as a Leadership Intern. She has also run cross country and track and field for four years. Kayla plans on majoring in biology in the fall but has not chosen her college as of yet.
Mary Foxen
gracefully and well as enjoy the thrill of victory.” Gianna’s favorite sport is track and she specializes in the triple jump and 200 meter relay. Growing up she was on swim team every summer and currently lifeguards. She’s a member of the National Honor Society, has received national Italian honors and is an All County Art recipient. Her passion is dogs and she loves to work with rescues. In the future, Gianna plans to study biology and kinesiology. “I’m interested in using my love of physical activity to help people achieve their best, especially those with limitations.”
Senior sabre Captain Kayla Quinn started fencing in freshman year. Kayla recalled, “My friends and I decided to join fencing since none of us had ever tried it. The upperclassmen were so welcoming and the team fostered a very supportive environment. I was assigned to sabre after the first few weeks of practice due to my quickness. Fencing in general requires great footwork and a ton of strategy and this was all new to me. I really enjoy it”. When asked what it has meant being on the team, Kayla replied, “I can’t imagine GCHS without fencing. I made so many friends and have incredible memories from Brentwood, to practices, to our wins and even our losses. We train with the boys team as well so it is a total collaborative effort.” Last year, Kayla was selected to the 2nd team All Conference girls sabre team. Kayla is a National Merit Scholar SemiFinalist and a member of both the National Honor Society and the World
Senior épée captain Mary Foxen joined the fencing team as a freshman at GCHS. Mary replied, “I didn’t have a winter sport at the high school and I wanted to try something new. My sister’s friends who were captains of the team urged me to try the sport.” After the first two weeks of practice, Mary was assigned to the épée squad. “Since I was tall they thought it would be a good idea to put me on épée where most of the fencers use their height to their advantage.” When asked what fencing has meant to her, Mary replied, “Being on this team has given me the opportunity to become a part of a meaningful community in my school. It is one of the most hardworking teams I have been on in my four years at GCHS. Everyone is so genuine and committed to pushing each other past any limits. I know I can turn to anyone on this team for support.” Mary is also the captain of Varsity Volleyball. She is president of the National Honor Society and started the Girls Who Code club at the high school. She is part of the Peer Educators program and volunteers at Mercy Hospital. She participated in the Columbia Science Honors Program and plans on attending college in the fall with a major in aerospace or mechanical engineering.
Senior foil captain Christina Marciano joined fencing in ninth grade because she wanted to try something different. “Being on the team has taught me to be a leader and allowed me to become friends with people I never would’ve met.” Christina is also the captain for GCHS Varsity Softball and runs cross country. She is the Student Council treasurer and is part of the yearbook committee. One of Christina’s passions is photography. Christina also represents Garden City as a Delegate for the Girl Scouts of Nassau County. She often volunteers for various organizations. Christina will be heading off to college in the fall where she plans to major in marketing and minor in psychology. Christina hopes to continue her fencing career at the club level.
Senior foil Julia Cowie joined the fencing team in ninth grade. She states, “I didn’t know much about the sport, but I saw joining the team as a
way to be with my friends after school and become more involved at the high school.” Because Julia was new to the sport, the coaches assigned her to the foil squad. Julia continued, “Being on the team has given me opportunities to make a lot of great friends. Over the course of the fencing season the team becomes so close.” Julia has also run cross country and track and field for four years at GCHS. She won the Spanish Gold Award in 2018 and the Silver Award in 2019. She also received the award for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement from the American Chemical Society. Julia is also a member of the HeART Club where she helps organize art projects for kids with disabilities. Julia will be attending college in the fall.
Senior Julia Flaherty decided to take up fencing in her freshman year after a family friend recommended it. Since Julia had no prior experience, the coaches were responsible for picking her weapon, which is épée. Julia states, “Fencing is a crazy patchwork family. We are always willing to help each other.” Julia is a member of the HOPE Club and the Genders and Sexuality Alliance at GCHS. She also serves as the treasurer of the Trojan Club and is a member of the Envirothon team, which competes against other Nassau county high schools. Outside of school, Julia is an altar server at St. Joseph’s. Julia has enjoyed fencing so much that she plans on starting a fencing club at Washington College in Chestertown, MD where she will be attending in the fall. Her goal is to earn a master’s degree in marine biology.
Senior foil captain Allison McDonald joined fencing her freshman year. She said, “My friends and I wanted to be on a team together and I knew an upper classman on the team who loved fencing, so we all joined the fencing team.” Allison became a foil fencer because she demonstrated strong footwork her first few days on the team. Allison has really enjoyed her time on the team, “It’s been great to be a part of such a supportive and motivated team. I love when new people join every year and go out of their way to improve themselves and get to know their teammates.” Allison has no plans to fence in college, so this is a wrap for her. Allison writes for the school newspaper and is the president of the literary magazine. She volunteers at the Nassau County Youth Court. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and has won awards for her creative writing. Allison will be heading off to college this fall.
Garden City hosted their last home meet against Manhasset on Tuesday, January 28. The team finished the regular season strong beating Manhasset 14-3.
The early decision victory allowed the underclassmen to see some time on the strip. Sophomores Liza Voelker, Kate Pappas and Mia Karikas as well as freshmen Amanda Pinou and Emma Heath all
fenced well and gained some valuable experience for next season.
Tuesday was also Senior Night. GCHS is graduating eight senior girls who were celebrated with a pizza party following the meet. The team finished the season 8-3 and are now headed into the playoffs on Tuesday, February 4.
Garden City High School Girls’ Varsity Basketball captured their sixth straight win on Tuesday, toppling the first place Rebels of Great Neck South High School by a score of 61-44.
In the first half, the Trojans’ smothering defense and balanced scoring attack was led by junior guard Angelina Suau, who scored 10 points in the half. Strong inside play by the Rebels gave them the lead late in the second quarter, but senior guard Jaimie Murray nailed a three pointer in the closing seconds to tie the game at 27 at the half.
The teams traded the lead in the opening minutes of the third quarter, but Garden City’s full court press forced several turnovers by the Rebels. The Trojans capitalized on the turnovers and outscored the Rebels 17 to 10 in the quarter.
The Rebels closed the gap to 5 early in the fourth quarter and began a full court press, but the Trojans, behind Jaimie Murray’s steady ball-handling, were able to overcome the press. Junior guard Madeleine O’Connor scored 17 of her 22 points in the second half and finished the game with 16 rebounds and 8 steals. With several starters in early foul trouble, Garden City was able to showcase its depth. Eight players contributed to the point total,
with timely baskets from sophomore guard Kaylin Kufs; junior guards Margaux Griffin and Kelly Brennan; and senior captain Claire McGuire. Senior forward Audra FitzGerald contributed a strong defensive effort along with some needed rebounds, and senior forward Caroline Flanagan grabbed several rebounds and sank 3 free throws in the final minutes to seal the victory.
Earlier in the week, the Trojans avenged an early season loss and notched their fifth straight victory with a home win against New Hyde Park Memorial. The team got off to a slow start, but bounced back in the second quarter and outscored New Hyde Park 19-4 in the quarter. The Trojans were led by Kelly Brennan who scored 10 of her game high 18 points in the first half. Jaimie Murray added 9 points in the half.
New Hyde Park fought back in the third quarter and the game remained close throughout the fourth, but a typically-strong second half effort by Madeline O’Connor kept Garden City on top. Late rebounds by senior forward Lizzie Phillips and junior forward Hayley FitzSimons put an end to New Hyde Park’s late rally.
Garden City hopes to extend its streak against Calhoun at home on Friday at 6:30.
The Garden City High School Trojans Boys Soccer team will be hosting a free clinic in the St. Paul’s Field House on Sunday, February 16 from 10:30–11:30 a.m. for boys and girls in grades 2 thru 6th. Current Trojan boys players and their coaches will provide fun and informative skills training and small sided game instruction. This is a great chance to train with the Garden City players, have fun and become part of the Trojan programs. Teams and individual players are encouraged and wel-
come to come down and join in!
Immediately following the clinic, a private Premier League soccer viewing party for Arsenal vs Newcastle at 11:30 a.m. and brunch will be held at Doc O’Grady’s on Nassau Blvd. Some of the boys players and coaches and parents will be there and some game day ball boys and girls positions will be raffled off. This is always a fun event that your child won’t want to miss. Keep an eye out for further announcements and clinics.
Thanks to all who participated in the Super Bowl Fundraiser.
SEPTA Wine Tasting 2020 coming in March.
Rest in peace Kobe and Gianna, as well as the rest of the great people that were lost in the tragic crash.
Hosted by Timmy O’Hanlon.
Date: February 12 at 3:30 p.m. at GCHS Gym
The game will once again be played in memory of Bobby Menges. This year all of the proceeds from the event will go towards I’m Not Done Yet, the foundation Bobby’s family started in his memory that helps adolescent patients who are battling cancer and other long term illnesses.
Girls Basketball: 1/31 @ 6:30 p.m. vs. Calhoun, 2/5 @ 6:30 p.m. vs Long Beach, 2/10 @ 6:30 p.m. vs. Herricks at GCHS
Boys Basketball: 2/3 @ 6:45 p.m. vs. Mepham, 2/7 @ 6:45 p.m. vs. MacArthur at GCHS
Congratulations to:
GC Cheerleading Teams on their recent tournament successes
GC Fencing
The TMA Booster Club is a group of moms and dads that volunteer their time to raise money to support many organizations and sports teams at Garden City High School. We are ALWAYS IN NEED of new members who can assist us in our future activities to keep great traditions going like the Mother/Son and Father/Daughter Dances, the GAA/ BAA awards for student athletes, and the end-of-year TMA Yearbook for all senior students. Additionally, we help fund many different events, activities and awards for
the students, including providing each student that makes a team with a GC Varsity and Junior Varsity letter and pin. We get together on a monthly-basis during the school year and socialize as well as review our accomplishments and plan future fund-raising events to keep the Garden City Tradition going. Tradition. Memories. Alumni.
If any of you moms and dads out there would like to become a member please reach out at www.gctma.org. We are setting up our Junior Executive Committee and sub-committees over the next few months, so please join us!
Dance Dates:
Nassau Bar Assoc.
Father/Daughter Dance: Friday June 19th, 2020
6:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
Mother/Son Dance: Saturday June 20th, 2020 6:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
Without your support, these special events would NOT BE possible. So we thank you ahead of time.
Thanks for all your support! It takes all the organizations behind the scene to keep the GC Schools at the top of the list….
Thanks to the GC News for helping us promote the fundraising events each week. GO Trojans!
TMA Booster Club Officers:
Rob and Kristin Cappello President
Pat and Kerri McElroy Treasurer
Jimmy and Kathy Connolly Vice President
Chris and Dana Caporicci
Social Media Relations
Luke and Kelly Lynch
Social Chair Group
John and Suzanne Blair
Bob Basel
Rob McLoughlin
Girls
Boys 4th Grade Standings
Date Score
01/25/2020 Warriors 26, Knicks 11
01/25/2020 Celtics 26, Lakers 18
01/25/2020 Rockets 32, Nuggets 24
01/25/2020 Mavericks 28, Nets 14
Girls
Team
Boys 5th Grade Results
01/25/2020 Knicks
Boys 5th Grade Standings
Boys 6th Grade Results
Boys 3rd Grade Results
Date Score
01/25/2020 Celtics 30, Lakers 10 01/25/2020 Knicks 23, Warriors 21 01/25/2020 Nets 12, Mavericks 10 01/25/2020 Rockets 18, Nuggets 10
Team
Boys 3rd Grade Standings
Boys 4th Grade Results Date
01/25/2020 Celtics 29, Lakers 27
01/25/2020 Knicks 32, Warriors 29
01/25/2020 Mavericks 31, Nets 28 01/25/2020 Rockets 40, Nuggets 25
Boys 7th and 8th Grade Results
Boys 7th and 8th Grade Standings
Thursday, February 6
• Open house on February 6th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for all new and current pickle ball players.
• An introduction to the rules and a how to play demonstration will highlight the open house.
• Signup sheets for lessons and a pickle ball player registration form will be available.
• Raffles and refreshments
• February is free, details regarding future court fees and other items to be determined.
• Play will be on a drop in, pick –up basis with levels of play designated for certain days and times. (These will be adjusted as necessary)
• At this time, play is for residents only
Mondays and Wednesdays
10 a.m. to 12 noon is for Beginner level players
12 noon to 2 p.m. is for Intermediate level players
Tuesdays and Fridays
10 a.m. to 12 noon is for Advanced level players
12 noon to 2 p.m. is for Intermediate level players
Thursdays will be used for lessons for beginner level players
“The Rainbow Fish” at St. Paul’s Cluett Hall on February 9
Garden City Recreation and Parks will sponsor a performance of “The Rainbow Fish” on Sunday, February 9 at 1 p.m. at St. Paul’s Cluett Hall. Plaza Theatrical Productions will delight us with their rendition of this wonderful show. Admission is $5.00, and reservations are necessary by calling the Recreation and Parks Office at 516-465-4075.
The Garden City Recreation Department is pleased to announce that this winter, the Recreation Staff will conduct a gym program for children in kindergarten and 1st grade.
This program will consist of organized games and activities in a super-
vised setting. This program will run on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in St. Paul’s Field House. There is a $40 registration fee for this program and a permission slip is necessary. No fees will be taken at the door. For further information contact the Recreation Office at 465-4075.
Meeting Dates – February 5, 12, 26, March 4, 11, 18
Sneakers must be worn for any activity in the field house and only water is allowed.
Please Note- Once the children are in our facility, they will not be allowed to leave unless accompanied by an adult. Please come into the building to pick up your child.
Space is limited! Please please visit the Recreation and Parks Office at 108 Rockaway Ave., or if you have a password you can register online at www. gcreconline.gardencityny.net.
The Garden City Recreation Department is pleased to announce that this winter the Recreation Staff will
conduct a six-week gym program for children in grades 2–6.
The registration fee for this program is $40. The program will consist of organized games and activities in a supervised setting. This six-week program will run from 3:30 to 5:45 p.m. in St. Paul’s Field House according to the following schedule:
Grades 2-3 Mondays from 3:30–5:45 p.m. beginning February 10 Grades 4-6 Fridays from 3:30–5:45 p.m. beginning January 31
Sneakers must be worn for any activity in the field house and only water is allowed in the facility.
Note- Once the children are in our facility, they will not be allowed to leave unless accompanied by an adult. Please come into the building to pick up your child and please be prompt . Space is limited. Please visit the Recreation and Parks Office at 108 Rockaway Ave. with a $40 registration fee made payable to the Inc. Village of Garden City, or, if you have a password, you can register online at www. gcreconline.gardencityny.net.
On Saturday, February 8, female athletes and coaches from the Adelphi University athletic department will host an activity day in celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD).
A day that is recognized worldwide, NGWSD began in 1987, as a special day in our nation’s capital to recognize women’s sports. The day united premiere organizations and elite female athletes to bring national attention
to the promise of girls and women in sports.
The activity day is free and will run from approximately 9:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m. on the campus of Adelphi University in Garden City, participants must register prior to the date of the event, using the link above.
Assistant women’s soccer coach Amanda Ferranti will be giving a brief presentation on Mental Skills in Sports to conclude the events for the day.
Ferranti played collegiate soccer for Princeton from 2003-06, appearing in 39 games while registering six points behind two goals and two assists. She has owned and operated her own business, Ferranti Empowerment, working as a mental skills consultant and soccer trainer since 2008.
Timeline of Events: 8:30 a.m.: Registration, CRS Lobby
9:00 a.m.: Introduction/Group Photo 9:30 a.m.: Sports Stations, CRS Main Gym 10:45 a.m.: Snack, Campbell Lounge **- Please inform on registration of any allergies your child may have. 11:00 a.m.: Mental Skills in Sports Workshop 11:45 a.m.: Closing Remarks
For more information please contact Coordinator of Athletic Administration, Nichole Doran at ndoran@adelphi.edu or 516-877-4179.
On Tuesday, January 28, GC hosted Manhasset in the final meet of the season and earned a 23-4 victory. GC opened strong by taking an 8-1 lead in the first round. The fourteenth clinching bout was earned in the second round. In their last home meet, senior saber co-captains Logan O’Grady and Christos Yannios were (2-0) and (1-0) respectively and senior foil co-captains Zach Ortiz and Sebastian Vazquez were both (2-0). The remaining wins to secure the victory were earned by Alex Pasqualina, Andrew Burns (2), Sean Maas, Grant Scarangella and Aidan Rosenblatt, and there was also a sweep by sophomore foilists Jordan DeNaro, Io Marinos and Joe Armstrong. As a result of the victory, GC finished the regular season with a 9-1 record and in second place out of eleven competing teams. As the second seed,
the Trojans have a bye into the semifinals of the Team Championship Tournament, which will be held on February 8, 2020 at Cold Spring Harbor High School. The team will face the winner of a quarterfinal playoff between third seeded Jericho and sixth seeded Wheatley. Next up, however, is the Individual Nassau County Championships on Saturday, February 1 at Manhasset High School commencing at 9:00 a.m. Come on down to see the top high school fencers in Nassau County go for the gold in saber, foil and épée. First, the fencers will compete in 5-point pool bouts and then after being seeded into a direct elimination (DE) table they will have 15-point DE bouts until the Nassau County Champion is determined for each weapon. We wish all of our GC Fencers good luck in the Individual County Championships.
The Garden City Wings Ice hockey team played the Friends Academy Quakers Friday evening with over 100 HS students, parents and friends in attendance. With their backs against the wall in a must-win situation, the Wings came up with a herculean effort and beat Friends Academy in OT 3-2 in dramatic fashion.
The game started off fast paced, but Wings goalie Anthony Remick kept Friends off the scoreboard in the first period with numerous saves.
Friends opened the scoring at the 6:14 mark of the 2nd period with a scramble in front of the net and knocking the puck out of mid air and into the net. But Ryan Michel evened the score by
converting a shot by Connor Holfester at 12:59 to end period 2, tied at 1.
In the last period, the pace and intensity of the game was at fever pitch. Friends scored a short handed goal at 4:30 of the 3rd period to take a 2 -1 lead. But Luca Bevil tied the game when he took a pass from Connor Holfester from behind the net and fired a shot from the slot to tie it at 2-2 at the 7:42 mark. For the balance of the period, it was nothing short of a heavyweight fight with both teams trying to deliver the knockout punch. The Wings defensive corps of Troy Dorizas, Zach Debler, Chris Heckelmann, Tom Walker and Pat Blum fought off the larger Friends players who persisted in jamming up
the front of the goal in trying to screen Anthony Remick from seeing shots coming his way.
As the horn sounded ending regulation time and with OT looming, everyone at Northwell stood as the noise level was deafening. In the 3 on 3 OT period Friends fired off a shot that goalie Remick kicked out. Ryan Michel picked up the rebound and skated quickly up ice cutting to the outside. Once in the Friends zone, Michel made a perfect
pass to a streaking Connor Holfester coming down the center. In one motion Holfester got the pass and shot it into the short side of the net for a dramatic win. Holfester’s team mates mobbed him along the side glass as the fans joined in coming down along the glass to celebrate! Head Coach Rich Peck stated after the game, “The boys showed a lot of grit tonight”. We’ll need two more efforts like this and a bit of help to have a shot at making the States tournament.
Graduated from school? Have an outstanding GPA? Made the honor roll or Dean’s List? Scored an internship or study abroad opportunity? We invite you to send details of any of these things and more, along with your name and contact info, to editor@gcnews.com for a chance to be seen in our paper!
It is with pleasure that the Eastern Property Owners’ Association of Garden City announces that it will once again award a $1000 scholarship for 2020 to a graduating high school senior who resides in the Eastern section.
The candidates, or their family, must be dues paying members of the EPOA. They must be currently attending public or private high school and plan to attend college full time in the fall. The focus of this scholarship is community
service. Candidates must be involved in some form of community service and need to submit an application which can be obtained from the GCHS Guidance Department or on the EPOA web site at www.gcepoa.org. Should you have a question, you can call Barbara Garry at 248-1486.
All interested, eligible seniors are encouraged to apply. The deadline for applications is Friday, April 17, 2020.
The GCAA 3rd Grade Boys basketball teams had a chance to showcase their skills at halftime of the Hofstra/Delaware basketball game on Thursday, Jan. 23. The boys were wheeling and dealing, and the dishing and swishing brought the crowd to their feet. The boys are already talking about their trip back to the Hofstra gym next year.
This stately brand-new 6-bedroom, 4.5-bath Colonial with magnificent curb appeal is set among only 4 homes in a private cul-de-sac in the prestigious Adelphi Estates section and boasts over 4,000 interior sq. ft. of luxurious and open living space. The main level welcomes you with an impressive 2-story entry foyer and focal point staircase, beautiful hardwood floors, living room, formal dining room, and chef’s kitchen with oversized island, Quartz countertops & Viking appliances. This opens to the spacious family room with gas fireplace an� co�ere� ceiling� plus a mu�room� pow�er room an� guest �e�room with full bath. Upstairs, a long hallway leads to the master en suite with tray ceiling, grand windows, spa bath with tub, glass shower, heated floors and walk-in closet. 5 additional bedrooms, 2 additional full baths and laundry complete this level. Additional features: 9 ft. high ceilings, exquisite moldings, 2-car garage, enormous basement, walk-up 3rd level, new paver patio, double driveway, 2-zone central air conditioning, hydronic heat, central vac, alarm, in-ground sprinklers, spacious yard with beautiful landscaping and close to the LIRR. SD #18. MLS# 3195556. $2,250,000.
Jennifer Sullivan, CBR
Real Estate Salesperson
Global Real Estate Advisor
Gold Circle of Excellence
Garden City O�ce 102 Seventh St, Garden City 516.248.6655, c.516.361.7190
jennifersullivan@danielgale.com
file:///home/deployer/iris-marketing-suite/production/releases/20200128191514/tmp/downloads/69e5c29a-d720-4aa8-a79a-473749493fdf/Sullivan.FP_GCN
Saturday, February 1 | 1:00 – 2:30pm
37 Mulberry Avenue, Garden City, NY 3-bedroom, 3-bath. SD #18 MLS# 3133541. $1,238,000.
Saturday, February 1 | 1:00 – 3:00pm
Sunday, February 2 | 1:00 – 3:00pm
360 Stewart Ave, Garden City, NY
3-bedroom, 2-bath.
SD #18. MLS# 3161137. $549,000.
Saturday, February 1 | 1:00 – 3:00pm 239 Kensington Rd, Garden City, NY 4-bedroom, 2-bath. SD #18. MLS# 3194769. $799,000.
Garden City, NY 5-bedroom, 2-bath. SD #18. MLS# 3173770. $910,000.
Garden City, NY 7-bedroom, 6.5-bath. SD #18. MLS# 3138429. $3,499,000.
Saturday, February 1 | 1:00 – 3:00pm 35 Brompton Rd, Garden City, NY 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath. SD #18. MLS# 3195078. $1,079,000.
Garden City, NY 3-bedrooms, 2-baths. SD#18. MLS# 3192380. $1,129,000.
Saturday, February 1 | 1:00 – 3:00pm Sunday, February 2 | 12:00 – 2:00pm 1 Kensington Ct, Garden City, NY. 6-bedrooms, 4.5-baths. SD
Garden City, NY 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath. SD #18. MLS# 3150374. $959,000.
Saturday, February 1 | 12:00 – 2:00pm
Sunday, February 2 | 12:00 – 2:00pm 16 Koeppel Pl, Hempstead, NY 4-bedroom, 2-bath. SD #1. MLS# 3195299. $465,000.
Valley Stream, NY
4-bedroom, 2.5-bath. SD #14. MLS# 3174201. $799,000.
111 Cherry Valley Ave, Unit 501
Garden City, NY
2-bedroom, 2.5-bath. SD #18. MLS# 3183952. $6,000/mo.
Saturday, February 1 | 2:00 – 4:00pm
396 Tulip Ave, Floral Park, NY
5-bedroom, 3-bath.
SD #22. MLS# 3143759. $739,500.
Wyndham Resale Office
Patricia Costello, Patricia Dickson, Alfred Kohart, Mary Krener and Linda Mulrooney
Consult a Wyndham Resale specialist when looking to buy or sell. Our on-site office staff is unsurpassed in providing thorough knowledge of the Wyndham Complex. Their years of professional experience and excellent service at this Five-Star Luxury Facility ensure a seamless transaction for both seller and buyer.
The Garden City office of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty would like to congratulate the following agents on their accomplishments this year.
