Troop 1636 spent a wonderful afternoon leaning about environmental conservation with Gold Award candidate Paige Pryor. Garden City’s birds are lucky- the girls upcycled water bottles to make backyard bird feeders. What a great way to welcome the spring birdies! Photo courtesy Kate Quinn
Costs down, building permit revenues up
BY RIKKI N. MASSAND
For the Village of Garden City’s current fiscal year (2020-2021) which ends May 31, total village expenditures are anticipated to be about $1.9 million less than expected, which Village Treasurer Woo attributed to lower employee costs due to open positions in a few municipal departments.
At the Village Board of Trustees Budget Work Session on Tuesday, March 19th, Woo also reported
that expenditures by the Recreation Department have been reduced, due to pandemic cancellations.
Woo reported on Tuesday that when FY 2021-2022 budget forecasting was done there were three open positions in the Village’s Building Department and two in Recreation and Parks.
“That’s a fluid number and subsequent to that there were some other openings, as well as positions that have been filled. This was the number of openings at the time
(earlier this year),” she said. After a question from Trustee Stephen Makrinos Woo noted that in the GCPD and the Department of Public Works (DPW) there were no open positions that she’s aware of. Village Administrator Ralph Suozzi said there were a few open municipal staff positions in the Garden City Water Department, and at the start of March there was a retirement in Public Works, with another retirement in
See page 65
BY RIKKI N. MASSAND
On Tuesday March 9 Village officials and staff began this year’s budget planning process with a focus on the Garden City Pool, which may be facing a second summer of potential limits imposed by New York State and the County Health Department due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sandra Young, the assistant superintendent of Recreation to Superintendent Paul Blake, presented the proposed Rec. 2021-2022 budget to the Board of Trustees on Tuesday night after Village Treasurer Irene Woo announced a potential $500,000 transfer to the Pool facility budget from the village’s General Fund and reflected in next year’s village budget.
Woo said this would help fund the struggling Garden City Pool enterprise fund “to help offset some of its Covid-related losses in the fund.”
The allocation would be part of the 2021-2022 budget which will be voted on by the Board, at its Monday April 5th reorganization meeting.
The Pool Enterprise fund budget presentation noted:
“The pool fund is not projected to cover operating revenues in the current fiscal year (last June 1 through May 31, 2021) as well as in 2021-2022 due to revenue losses resulting from the COVID-19
Village Election March 16th
Garden City’s Village Election will take place on Tuesday, March 16th at Village Hall, 351 Stewart Avenue, between noon and 9 p.m. Unlike most years, this year the elections for mayor and trustees are contested. The candidates are: for the Community Agreement Party: Mayor - Robert Bolebruch; Trustees (2 year terms) - Richard Catalano, Mark Hyer, and Yvonne Varano; Trustee (1 year term)Stephen Makarinos. The candidates for the For A Better Garden City Party are: Mayor - Cosmo Veneziale; Trustees (2 year terms) Tom O’Brien, Terry Digan and Bruce Chester; Trustee (1 year term) - Mary Flanagan. Village Justice Allen Mathers is running unopposed. A sample ballot appears on page 28 of this issue.
Village election
This week’s issue contains 18 letters to the editor (our record is nineteen letters, in our February 26th issue) mostly about the upcoming village election next Tuesday. In addition, our online comments sections have been very very active for the last few weeks.
This election will probably be historic in that it will likely have the highest turnout in any election in Village history. We’ve heard that there were thousands of absentee ballot requests made. Since a typical village election turnout is usually only a couple of hundred votes, this will be quite different.
We are not endorsing either set of candidates. Instead, we think our role is to provide forums for people to discuss what is going on and to try to come to a consensus, as difficult as it seems right
Everyone should have a voice in the way Garden City is run, and we are happy to provide space for those voices.
The Community Agreement has, in the past, been a useful tool in that it has helped build consensuses throughout the years. But the question now is whether it is still important or has outlived its usefulness.
Some feel it is a helpful mechanism to let the different geographic sections work together for the common good. Some feel that it has become a system of cliques whose leaders are ignoring the needs of the citizenry.
Whichever way you feel, it’s important to come out on Tuesday and cast your ballot. You can help determine the future of the Village.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Email: Editor@GCNews.com
CAP experience
To the Editor:
The Community Agreement Party candidates like to boast about all their experience, I happen to think about it a lot also; like every time I:
• Pass by the Merillon Ave train station
• Step out my front door at night & can see the bright lights from the Merillon Ave train station
• Pass by St. Paul’s
• Watch a Rangers game & think about an ice rink at St. Paul’s
• Turn on my water faucet and brown water comes out
• Pass by the two new homes on Tanner’s Pond Road
• Pass by the Casino
• Pass by the Western firehouse on Stewart Ave
• Pass by those three handicapped parking spots on 7th Street
• Pass by the empty stores & buildings on Franklin Ave
• It snows and I cringe when the plows come speeding down the street
• Pay my Village Real Estate Tax bill
• I read the GC News and think what they tried to do to it
Before you vote, every resident of Garden City should think about what all this great experience has done for us.
Joe Albano
Shameful politics
To the Editor:
What a shame and disgrace that the Village should have to waste staff time and spend precious funds by sending another mailing reiterating what it has done, and what it continues to do to assure that our drinking water is safe.
Cell: 516-216-0244
This, solely because a group of disgruntled, issue driven residents who are unassociated with the Village or the Property Owners system of government want to take control of our government by opposing the Community Agreement Candidates. They have created an entire slate of opposing candidates who continually try to discredit our trustees using inuendo, Monday morning quarterback analysis, distortions, half-truths and
exaggerations. Raising a water issue is just one example.
Our Village trustees acted early on 1,4-Dioxane. The Village Water Department created an action plan in early 2019 to get ahead of any potential issues. At the September 19, 2019 public Board Meeting, the Board approved additional funds to address 1,4-Dioxcane and PFAS, and the Board has committed additional funds to implement systems and technology.
Arnold Finamore
Beware the Ides of March
To the Editor:
This year the residents of Garden City will decide whether to vote and who they will vote for on March 16th. Similar to the events of 44BC when a group of conspirators banded together to alter the government of Rome, the residents of Garden City must decide if 100 years of stability and non-partisan government should be replaced by a group who have no experience in government and want to be elected as a group so they can rule immediately.
We know this FABGC group has many complaints but are short on solutions. They site things like the Cathedral Nursery school departure as an example of bad faith. In fact the school (NOT affiliated with the Cathedral) was illegally operating on parkland since 2004 in violation of State Law.
FABGC also complains about the J. Gallagher Tournament and Andy Foundation being priced out of their annual events. Again a municipality cannot choose to charge a favored group less than other users. The Gallagher Tournament donated $100,000+ to charities each year so if they paid the increased fee, charities would still have received $80,000 or so. No one asked them to cease operations.
The Casino issue: The property is owned by the Village. Each year the trustees are required to assess village assets to determine their condition and usefulness. This is done to ensure that village taxpayers are not burdened with
5 reasons to vote for the Community Agreement candidates
SUBMITTED BY THE COMMUNITY AGREEMENT PARTY CANDIDATES
On Tuesday, March 16th, the residents of Garden City will head to the polls to vote in perhaps the most important election in the Village’s history.
Over the past months, the Community Agreement Party candidates have been making the case for your vote on March 16th based on 1) respect for our traditional non-political form of governance; 2) deep trustee experience; 3) accountability to all 22,500 residents and not a political party; 4) candidates who will bring fresh ideas; and 5) extensive financial expertise.
Our Village tradition of non-political governance
The founders of our Village designed a governance process to keep divisive politics out of Garden City so as not to divide us and avoid pitting neighbor against neighbor. We strongly believe that our traditional process to select volunteers to serve as Village trustees has served our residents well
for over 100 years. Residents who submit their names for consideration are interviewed by the Nominating Committees of their respective Property Owners’ Associations. The Nominating Committees are comprised 44 resident volunteers. Any resident of a section can challenge the individual selected by a Nominating Committee by obtaining 15 signatures, followed by a democratic runoff in that section to determine the trustee. This democratic process guarantees that each section of the Village has 2 trustees and, most importantly, avoids having a political group or party (like the FABGC) and divisive political campaigns that divide our Village (as is occurring this year).
Trustee Experience
The Village is a complex organization with total expenditures of approximately $76 million. It provides services to protect residents, provide wonderful recreational facilities and maintains our Village’s infrastructure. The Board is vigilant as to the real estate tax burden of each resident while maintaining the high level of services that we are all
See page 48
FABGC to bring new era of community engagement
SUBMITTED BY FOR A BETTER GARDEN CITY CANDIDATES
As you cast your ballot on March 16th, let that vote be For A Better Garden City! Perhaps you have been with us at our weekly Zoom meetings where our candidates have answered every question posed by residents. You may have watched the recordings shared online instead. Our Garden City News submissions raising awareness about issues in our local government have drawn many across the Village to our cause. We hope you have heard our message and join in our quest for a better Garden City. Our actions during the last several months illustrate how we plan to increase transparency and bring a new era of community engagement to our Village.
Transparency in government is more than performing the bare minimum required by law. The interplay of government officials and the constituents they serve has fundamentally transformed from even just a few years ago. The advent of technology and the ease of the distribution of information has created an inherent moral obliga-
tion for public officials to actively, not passively, engage with their constituents. Village leadership is expected to be collegial, responsive, diligent, and sincere problem solvers. One problem frequently lamented by the Board of Trustees is that our residents do not come to their meetings and therefore are not edified on issues of our village. The question is, what has the current BOT done to engage with you?
For A Better Garden City understands everyone’s schedule does not revolve around the BOT’s schedule, and it is difficult to dedicate three weeknight hours every other week. That is why FABGC is committing to live-streaming all meetings of the Board of Trustees both on Zoom and on Facebook. These meetings will be cataloged by date and linked to on the Village’s website. This would allow every resident the opportunity to watch and ask questions of the BOT during a meeting in real-time, or acquaint themselves with the topics affecting Garden City at their convenience. This action will foster greater community government involvement, and all residents
See page 63
Doubleday Court is a unique three story complex of luxury condominiums comprised of 51 units with spacious open floor plans, balconies, stainless steel appliances, stone countertops, washer/dryer, private parking garage, 24 hour concierge, gym, outdoor pool and more. Central air, separate gas hot water heater, 200 amps, Assigned parking spot in the garage and ample outside parking in the lot. Additional storage is provided in the basement (secure caged and climate controlled). Walking distance to the center of town, shops, restaurants with outdoor dining, and LIRR. Call 516-641-9002 for more information. Doubleday Court 2 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath Dog Friendly
Stephanie Healy Cullum Licensed RE Associate Broker Office 516.746.5511 scullum@coachrealtors.com
Patricia Cullum O’Grady, ABR
Licensed RE Salesperson Mobile 516.641.9002
pogrady@coachrealtors.com
Pictured
William Breslin, Michael Fedor, Robert McMahon, Joseph Pentrancosta, Tara Rice
Stephen Baymack
Stephanie Cullum Manager/ Assoc. Broker
Patricia Aprigliano Deirdre Albertson Susan Bashian Laura Baymack
Andrea Bharucha Suzanne Blair Liz Breslin Barbara Chmil Roberta Clark Arlene Conigliaro Christopher Conners Kate Crofton
Donlon
Eckel Atticka Ellis Lisa Fedor
Laura Fitzgerald Laura Giacini Tara Iori Nancy Giannone Pamela Goeller Karen Guendjoian Maribeth Quinn John H Russo Theanne Ricci Laura Rich Elise Ronzetti Sharon Redmond Angela Linda Sambus
Cathleen Fennessy Whelan Patricia Savella Viviian Tener Kathleen Thornton Mary Weille
Louisa Pironi
Barbara Moore Patricia O Grady Julie O’Neill Rita Paiewonsky Or Mayer
This beautiful Colonial situated midblock offers an abundance of living and entertaining areas. The first floor features a formal living room, a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops that flows into the dining area, a spacious family room with a fireplace, a powder room and an office or bedroom that is serviced by a full bathroom. The second floor boasts an expansive primary bedroom suite with 2 walk-in closets, three additional nicely sized bedrooms, a hall bathroom, a laundry room and access to a spacious walk-up attic. The basement recreations rooms and the backyard stone patio are perfect for entertaining. The home is proximate to the school, park, shopping and the Long Island Railroad station. The location, size and overall condition make this the perfect place to call home! Offered at $1,175,000
Steve Baymack
Licensed Associate Broker
sbaymack@coachrealtors.com
CONGRATULATIONS
Laura Baymack
Licensed Salesperson
lbaymack@coachrealtors.com
Stephen Baymack, Associate Broker at the Garden City O ce for achieving
Agent the Year
Highest Sales Volume Companywide and
Stephen and Laura successfully closed over $51 million dollars in sales in 2020 and over 97% of those transactions involved a property in Garden City!
“Stephen and Laura Baymack recently sold our house in Garden City and the entire experience greatly exceeded our expectations. The game plan from staging, marketing, negotiating and nally closing the property was awlessly executed. We received several o ers on the property and we were in contract within 2 weeks. The Baymack’s professionalism, knowledge and guidance proved invaluable and we would highly recommend speaking with them if you are thinking of selling your house”. — JM Seller Garden City
“My family had the most amazing experience looking for and purchasing a home with Steve. Steve is a rst class real estate professional and even better person. His vast knowledge about the buying process was extremely helpful for my ancé and I, especially as rst time buyers. We will recommend him to all of our friends and family who will go through this process. We look forward to continuing the friendship that was fostered over the past couple months”. — RB Buyer Garden City
“Imagine what you face when deciding to sell your house after residing there for 50 years. And you are going to downsize! Well, it seemed insurmountable to me until I met with Steve and Laura Baymack. They were at my side every step of the way with their kind support and professional expertise. I would like to call them the dynamic duo of Garden City real estate. To anyone who is planning to sell or buy a home, my wholehearted recommendation is contact Steve and Laura Baymack”. —DK Seller Garden City
THI S WEEK AT ROTARY
Adapting to Remote Teaching GC High School Teacher to Speak
On Monday evening, March 22, at 7:30 p.m., the Mineola-Garden City Rotary Club will welcome Kathy Dubuke, science teacher at Garden City High School. Kathy will speak virtually on Zoom on adapting to remote and hybrid teaching throughout the COVID19 pandemic.
Kathy says that teachers always look for “Teachable Moments:” events that spark discussions with their students that are important – even if they are not in the original scope of the lesson. She reports that adapting to remote and hybrid teaching has been a year of “teachable moments” for her students
as well as herself.
Kathy Dubuke has taught chemistry, biology and physics for 17 years – 3 at Mepham High School and 14 at Garden City High School. This year she has been teaching regents chemistry and anatomy and coaches the Air Rifle Team in addition.
This is a second career for Kathy. Her original BS degree was in medical technology. She has worked in hospitals, research labs, clinics and private labs before pursuing her master’s degree. Kathy maintains that these experiences have influenced how she teaches. “I always have stories about how science affects “real life.” Says Kathy.
Please join us as we welcome Kathy Dubuke to speak on March 22. The Zoom meeting is open to all. Should you wish to listen in, please email Club President Diane Marmann at diane.marmann@ gmail.com to receive the link.
Rotary Welcomes Corporate and Organization Membership
Did you know the Mineola-Garden City Rotary Club welcomes businesses, corporations, schools, hospitals and charitable organizations as well as individuals to join?
With the motto “Service Above Self,” Rotary is the world’s largest service organization of business and professional leaders. If you or your organization are interested in working with our Club towards service to the community and beyond while enjoying fellowship, OR IF you’d like more information about Rotary, email Membership Chair Peter Marshall at pmarshstmp@aol.com. or Club President Dianne Marmann at Diane.marmann@gmail.com.
EPOA NomComm
seeks director candidates
The independent Nominating Committee of the Eastern Property Owners’ Association (EPOA), which nominates candidates for officers and directors of the EPOA, is accepting resumes from interested East residents who would like to serve on the board of directors beginning in the 2021/2022 year. The first meeting of the new term will commence in September 2021. We generally have one meeting per month from September through early June.
All directors and officers of the EPOA must be dues paying members of the EPOA ($20 annually).
If you are interested in serving as a director of the EPOA, please send a letter and resume stating your interest and qualifications (including any community service experience) to the Corporate Secretary of the Eastern Property
Owners’ Association, P.O. Box 7525, Garden City, NY 11530. Alternatively, you may email your information to contactus@gcepoa.org. No sitting EPOA director or officer serves on the nominating committee that interviews candidates for officers and directors of the EPOA.
Applicants will be contacted by the committee chairperson to set up an interview when they begin the nominating process. The deadline for receiving applications is March 29. To learn more about the EPOA, how to become a member, upcoming events, and matters concerning the East, you may visit us at our website (www.gcepoa.org), on Facebook (@ GardenCityEPOA), on Twitter (@GC_ EPOA), and on Venmo (@GCEPOA).
Kathy Dubuke, GC High School teacher, will speak to Rotary on adapting to remote and hybrid teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Blood drive planned at St. Joseph School
The St. Joseph - Bishop Baldwin Council # 15809 Knights of Columbus in Garden City is sponsoring a Blood Drive on Sunday, April 11 from 7:45 a.m.–1:45 p.m. in the St. Joseph School gymnasium located at 121 Fourth Street, Garden City.
All eligible donors are encouraged to donate blood. To schedule a convenient
appointment time, please call 516-3844552. Walk-ins are welcome as well!
Long Island Blood Services is asking for blood donors to be sure that the community blood supply is at levels to respond to the enormous need for blood. For questions regarding medical eligibility please call 1-800-688-0900.
Garden City Kiwanis announces scholarship
The Garden City Kiwanis Foundation has announced that applications are now available for the 2021 Kiwanis Service Scholarship. The scholarship is open to any high school senior residing in the Garden City School District and is awarded in recognition of a student’s commitment to community service. Applications have been provided to
the Guidance Department of Garden City High School and to many of the private high schools in the vicinity. Interested students should contact their guidance department. The application may also be obtained by emailing Carole Russo at cartaxpro@aol.com. The deadline for submitting an application is April 16, 2021.
CARTERET PLACE
PRIMEST LOCATION IN GARDEN CITY
ONE OF A KIND
Beautiful Estate Home on the “Hill”, the most sought after location in Garden City. This unique, timeless architectural masterpiece featuring 13,500 square feet of elegant but practical interior living space features 8 bedrooms, 7 full and two half bathrooms. Large master suite with a classic wood burning fireplace, Jacuzzi, steam shower and enclosed bar with copper sink, refrigerator, wine racks and 18 by 15 foot walk-in dressing room/closet system
The seven zone central air conditioning system and the unique three boiler energy efficient gas heating system creates interior comfort for every season of the year. A full size generator provides power to the entire home in an electrical outage. The basement, with 9’6” ceilings, has endless possibilities. This residence has all the amenities and more that one would expect in an estate home.
In a neighborhood known for its superb traditional architecture and scenic landscaping, the curb appeal of this home is second to none.
The home presents a 140 lineal foot wraparound porch (140’ by 15’) to entertain or sit in privacy and enjoy the private, quiet surroundings. Purchaser can modify the landscaping and return it to its North entry, creating a view of the beautiful golf course and the spacious 100’ by 250’ backyard. The three car heated garage adds additional comfort and convenience.
4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 1 half bath Style: Colonial Total taxes: $18,778
Lot Size: .32 acres
MLS number: 3267509
The Seller’s Team: Jennifer Sullivan, Compass Greater NY
The Buyer’s Team: Elizabeth Breslin, Coach Realtors Fennessy Associates
Gracious 3000 sq ft Dutch Colonial situated on 2 lots with LOW taxes in the picturesque Estates section. Let the warmth of this home wrap around you as you walk through the front door. The main level boasts a fantastic floor plan for today’s living with a charming entry foyer, formal living room with wood burning fireplace and beautiful built-ins, a private sun-lit home office with 2 sets of French doors, elegant dining room, powder room, renovated open concept kitchen w/ Bosch appliances, quartzite countertops, farm sink, custom cabinetry open to a 21’ x 16’ family room w/ large windows & new skylights. A beautiful staircase rises to the second level introducing 3 spacious bedrooms, including the master suite, an additional home office & a second full hall bath. Other highlights: walk up 3rd level w/ bonus room & full bath, finished basement, attached 2 car garage, CAC, gas heat, new roof, patio w/ new awning & expansive private yard. Close to Country Club, LIRR & shops.
50 Prescott Street
Sold Price: $953,000
Date: 03/07/2021
Style: Exp Cape
5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 1 half bath
Total taxes: $21,956
Lot Size: .16 acres
MLS number: 3268969
The Seller’s Team: Elizabeth Breslin, Coach Realtors Fennessy Associates
The Buyer’s Team: Andrea Bharucha, Coach Realtors Fennessy Associates
Beautifully renovated Large expanded Cape in the northeast. This home offers 2500 square feet of living space! Living room open to dining area and chef’s kitchen, which includes an island, Wolf cook top and double ovens. Completing the first floor are 2 large bedrooms (1 is being used as fam rm), full bath, powder rm and office. 2nd floor boasts an expansive primary suite with spa style bath and great closets. 2 additional spacious bedrooms, office/ nursery and hall bath with double vanity. Fabulous finished basement with media area, recreation area, gym rm and tons of storage. This home offers many amenities including CAC, in ground sprinklers and whole house generator. 64 Wyatt Road
Sold price: $940,000
Date: 03/07/2021
Style: Tudor
4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath
Lot Size: .13 acres
Total taxes: $18,144
MLS number: 3270771
The Seller’s Team: Laura Rich, Suzanne Blair, Coach Realtors Fennessy Associates
The Buyer’s Team: Nancy Giannone, Coach Realtors Fennessy Associates
Charming 4 BR, 2.5 bath Tudor in heart of the Mott section! Gracious living room with wood burning fireplace and lovely architectural details, formal dining room, spacious EIK, cozy den and powder room complete the first level. On the second floor, there’s a master bedroom with full bath and 3 add’l bedrooms and hall bath. Additional amenities include IGS, updated roof, newly painted exterior, near to LIRR, parks and schools.
This informational page is sponsored by Douglas Elliman Real Estate
Houses featured on this page were sold by various real estate agencies
Open House: Sunday 3/14 from 1:00–3:00pm
Garden City | 82 Hampton Road | $2,199,000
6 BR, 3 BA, 2 HALF BA | Web# 3274356
Garden City Office: 516.307.9406
Garden City | 183 Rockaway Avenue | $999,950
5 BR, 3 BA | Web# 3289857
Michelle McArdle: M 516.306.4134 Bellerose Village | 11 Massachusetts Boulevard | $875,000 3 BR, 1.5 BA | Web# 3291706
Michelle McArdle: M 516.306.4134
Garden City | 127 Second Street, D4 | $459,000
2 BR, 1.5 BA | Co-Op | Web# 3278296
Eleni Koutsoftas: M 203.253.3765
Under Contract | Garden City | $949,000
3 BR, 3.5 BA | Web# 3283580
Jill Palmeri: M 516.375.2631
Dana Eaton: M 516.458.7302
Under Contract | Garden City South | $649,000
3 BR, 2 BA | Web# 3249772
Katarzyna Kamer: M 917.548.7106
Garden City | 121 Fifteenth Street, G2 | $389,000
2 BR, 1 BA | Co-Op | Web# 3275201
Jill Palmeri: M 516.375.2631
Dana Eaton: M 516.458.7302
A.T. Stewart Golf Classic announced by Historical Society
The A.T. Stewart Golf Classic, which will annually recognize the best golfers in Garden City, will be played on the verdant fairways of the 1916 Cherry Valley Club.
Golfers will compete for awards named in honor of A.T. and Cornelia Clinch Stewart for best team/low gross, best team/low net and best individual man and woman/low gross.
This will be an all-outdoor, fresh air event with all COVID precautions taken. Tee times will be assigned, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Premium tee times are available. Sign up as individual, the committee will pair with other individuals to form a group/team. Sign up as a foursome, with your team name.
Participants will enjoy 18 holes of golf. Breakfast/ brunch, refreshments on the course, cocktails, Barbecue and music guarantee an enjoyable day from beginning to end. Fantasy golf trips, contests and raffles will contribute to the fun!
Team, event and course sponsorships are available. Reservations and more information at https://atstewartcup.eventbrite.com, or contact Francine Ryan, francine. ryan@tgchs.org
The A.T. Stewart Golf Classic will help support the ongoing restoration and preservation of the society’s 1872 Apostle House Museum, located at 109 Eleventh Street, as well as its extensive art and education programs.
Please follow The Historical Society on Instagram and Facebook to learn more: @gardencityhistoricalsociety
The Garden City Historical Society is a 501c3 non-profit. The Society raises funds to help defray the maintenance and operating costs for the Society’s A.T. Stewartera Museum building (c.1872), as well as to support the Society’s capital campaign to restore the exterior of the Society’s historic building.
Golf has a long history in Garden City. Join the Garden City Historical Society at the A.T. Stewart Golf Classic on May 17.
$6,895,000 - Montauk. This exquisite home is expertly crafted to capture the endless panoramic coastal views. Capitalizing perfectly on this backdrop, the designer kitchen, dining area and living space seamlessly connect to create an open great room that is ideal for entertaining, and segues onto a 300 SF outdoor upper deck. Adjacent to the great room is a media lounge with a linear gas fireplace and a state-of-the-art Frame TV. Also features 5 bedrooms (master suite with private deck features a wall of windows showcasing the breathtaking views) 4 full and 2
Peluso
Li censed RE Salesperson
m 917.992.2251 maryann.peluso@corcoran.com
Gabrielle J. Portella
Li censed RE Salesperson m 917.327.7205 gabrielle.portella@corcoran.com
WE ARE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FOR LUNCH AND DINNER Sun -Thurs 11:30-9pm Fri & Sat 11:30-10pm
Grimaldi’s Family Meals Are Back!!
Available January 4 through April 3 for lunch and dinner, Take Out Only
FAMILY MEAL #1 - $30 PLUS TAX
One 18” Pizza with choice of Spinach and Artichoke Dip Or Grimaldi’s Mixed Salad & Complimentary 2 liter bottle of soda
FAMILY MEAL #2 - $40 PLUS TAX
One 18” Pizza, One Order of Penne alla Vodka, Choice of Spinach and Artichoke Dip Or Grimaldi’s Mixed Salad & Complimentary 2 liter bottle of soda
FAMILY MEAL #3 - $45 PLUS TAX
Two 18” Pizzas with choice of Spinach and Artichoke Dip Or Grimaldi’s Mixed Salad & Complimentary 2 liter bottle of soda
FAMILY MEAL #4 - $80 PLUS TAX
Two 18” Pizzas, 1/2 Tray Chicken Parmigiana & Complimentary Bottle of Cabernet OR Pinot Griegio
*Additional Items May Be Purchased at Regular Menu Price. Toppings Available for Additional Cost. May Not Be Combined with any other coupon, discount, offer or Groupon. Prices Do Not Include Tax or Gratuity, Available for Take Out, No Substitutions*
DURING LENT
Antipasto/Tomato & Mozzarella
Assorted Pinwheels
One Large Calzone per Table with side of sauce
Unlimited Pizza with Toppings
You must wear a mask to and from the tables. Thank you for your cooperation Now Accepting Reservations For Parties of 6 or More
A $25 fee will be applied if canceling within 3 hours of reservation.
TAKEOUT & DELIVERY
SUNDAY - THURSDAY 11:30-9
FRIDAY & SATURDAY 11:30-10
Professionalism. Integrity.
No matter what your real estate needs may be, Maureen Lagarde is here to help. Your
BY DAN MCCARTHY
Rights and Responsibility
A newspaper columnists’ job is largely threefold. Number one is to identify and try to solve problems, two is to hold the readers’ attention and number three is to tell the truth.
In the Old Testament Jonah is sent by God to Nineveh to ask the people to repent and thereby save themselves. He sees the task as too great and defies God and goes in the other direction to Spain. While sailing to Spain a storm causes him to be swallowed by a giant fish and three days later to be let out on dry land to set out again for Nineveh, where his message is well received and the city is saved. That story is still with us because it is important, If you do not do what you think you are supposed to the whole world suffers.
It is difficult to put yourself together. Overcoming illness, depression and procrastination while managing day-to day obligations and commitments leave one little time and energy to pursue higher noble aims. If you try to put your family together and immediate blowback is a given, and it may make things even worse than they were. Try to put your Village together and the consequences and ramifications could cause people to attack each other instead of solve problems that have lasted for years.
The beautiful thing about democracy is how free and fair elections give voters the ability to vote out old leaders, good or bad, for new ones. The ability for candidates to be heard
and to voice their perceived solutions and opinions, right or wrong prevents entrenched bureaucrats from being corrupted.
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution prevents government from making laws which would abridge the freedom of speech and the freedom of the press. It’s the first amendment because it is more than speech, it is thought, and if we can not express our thoughts as individuals we suffer as a society collectively. The responsibility to protect people’s rights is governments biggest responsibility. Tyrannically led nations like China, Russia, North Korea and Iran are compelled to act like desperate criminals in order to compete with free western democracies, who are able to think, speak and act freely reaping the intellectual benefits. Rising distrust of government has spawned the growth of many grassroots organizations of late. Corruption on both sides of the national political spectrum has shown us that many of our elected officials may not care as much about their constituents as much as they do their own agendas. The bifurcation of the country by mainstream media has tainted its role as news and information reporters with shamelessly biased reporting. It is not a reach to say that an anti-establishment and combative atmosphere has rubbed off on Garden Cities Village politics, especially since the actions and inactions of our leaders have done little to dispel the sentiment. We need to know our history so that extremists
Sen. Thomas to host upcoming events
New York State Senator Kevin Thomas will be hosting the following upcoming events during March and April: Senator Kevin Thomas invites residents to participate in a virtual town hall event focused on the topic of the COVID-19 vaccine. The event will feature a panel of health care professionals and personal testimony from those impacted by COVID-19. Register online at thomas.nysenate.gov or stream live on Facebook at Facebook. com/SenatorKevinThomas.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, Senator Kevin Thomas invites residents to attend a virtual award ceremony
recognizing the outstanding achievements of women in our community. Register online at thomas.nysenate.gov or stream live on Facebook at Facebook. com/SenatorKevinThomas. Senator Kevin Thomas is partnering with Long Island Cares -The Harry Chapin Food Bank to collect food and resources to help our neighbors in need during these challenging times. This year’s Food Drive will be held virtually. Residents can participate by visiting yougivegoods.com/sd6licares or Senator Kevin Thomas’ website, thomas.nysenate.gov.
Artwork by Griffin Lord
The A.T. Stewart Exchange Consignment Shop
BY MELISSA JAEGER
“May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall softly upon your field.” With St. Patrick’s Day fast-approaching, I thought was an appropriate blessing. Did you know that he is a myth of many contradictions?
Revered as the patron saint of Ireland, Patrick was neither Irish nor a saint. When he was 16, he was apparently kidnapped and enslaved by Irish pirates and brought to Britain. He was never canonized by the Catholic Church, since this process did not exist at this time. Though there are no records, anecdotal evidence suggests that he lived and died during the fifth century. Patrick supposedly found religion while in Ireland and later, when he was ordained as a priest in Britain, he was sent back to Ireland to minister to the Catholics already living there AND to convert the “pagans.” One of his supposed miracles – having prayed and banished the snakes from Ireland – has been debunked. There were no snakes in Ireland! Just a few of the colorful embellishments that are so much a part of the Irish legacy. The first
parade was held on March 17, 1601 (his feast day) in St. Augustine, Florida. Homesick Irish solders serving in the military supposedly marched in 1772 to honor the saint, and a tradition was born.
If you need to get a few things to help get you in the mood, come check out our Irish items. Beautiful Belleek, Irish tote bags and flour sacs, Irish linen tea towels. We even have an Irish kit – a Belleek shamrock dish with Irish potting soil and shamrock seeds. Like Inis? We have an expanded selection of the Fragrance of Ireland, including lotions, sachets and diffusers.
Just a reminder that we are open late on Wednesdays until 6:00pm. It’s a great chance to shop in peace and quiet, for those of you who work. We get newly consigned merchandise almost every day! Not comfortable with coming into the shop? Please shop online at www.atstewartexchange.org and come to the Exchange to pick up. We also post photos on the AT Stewart Exchange Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as the TGCHS website www.tgchs.org.
When you do come into the Shop, please follow our established sanitizing protocols and social distancing
rules to keep everyone safe. Please, now more than ever, wear your mask. We’re wearing ours. And please use the hand-sanitizer when you enter the shop. And, to keep you feeling safe while shopping, we now have an air purifier which cleans the air in the Shop every hour.
Unfamiliar with the Exchange Consignment Shop? We are housed in The Garden City Historical Society (TGCHS) Museum on 109 Eleventh Street (in the basement of the building). All the proceeds from the Shop sales directly benefit TGCHS. In addition to our best sellers – jewelry (costume and fine), lamps, mirrors, and crystal (Waterford, Baccarat, Tiffany) -- we take/accept silver, pocketbooks, china, furniture, artwork, and collectibles. All items are in new or nearly new condition.
Up until nine months ago, we did consignments by walk-in. With the virus, we have had to take measures to safeguard our customers, consignors, and volunteers. Having appointments helps to keep down the
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with some great swag!
numbers of people in the Shop at any point in time and reduces wait-times to consign. Consignments are now done Wednesday through Friday 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. by appointment ONLY, so please call (516)746-8900. Unsure if your items are appropriate to consign? Email photos to store@ atstewartexchange.org and be sure to include sizing info. Please be sure items are cleaned and polished, ready for sale. All the profits from the Consignment Shop support the maintenance and upkeep of TGCHS Museum. Thanks to your generous support, work on the outside of the Museum continues.
Introducing 164 Wickham Road. Mid-block location near Tullamore Park, Stratford and Homestead Elementary and two train lines. Immaculate 60x100 lot with new outdoor lighting and updated landscaping. Kitchen features high-end appliances, quartz countertops, and seated center island. Over 2000 sq. ft. of renovated space with flexible first floor layout, wood burning fireplace, formal living room and open concept kitchen + dining room combination. Fully finished basement, 3 generous-sized bedrooms with 2 full baths, including master bath and walk in closets. Total taxes: $21670.68. Showing by appointment.
Laura Carroll
Due to Covid, our highly anticipated Wizards Basketball fundraising event has been benched, but that does not mean our support of our students is on the side-lines
The Garden City Scholarship Fund remains committed now more than ever to helping our students by raising funds for scholarships and providing much-needed support.
For a limited time, we are raising funds for park benches for the GCHS courtyard so that our students can enjoy the fresh air and a break from the classroom. This is a gift that will serve students for years to come.
This is a wonderful opportunity to show your support for our students and help beautify the courtyard they enjoy!
Helping Our Students
GC Trojan Sponsor:
GC Pineapple Sponsor: $250
GC Friends Sponsor $100
Realtor names local agent as “top producer”
Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty has named Scott Wallace of Garden City as one of its top producers for 2020. Wallace earned second place as a listing leader company-wide. He works out of the Garden City office. At a virtual companywide meeting of over 1,000 agents, Daniel Gale’s Chief Executive Officer Deirdre O’Connell said, “It is my great pleasure to recognize the extraordinary efforts of these and all of our top producing agents,” said O’Connell. “They inspire all of us with their success, setting the bar for excellence in achievement and professionalism. Recognition is also due to the rest of our hard working agents and staff. Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty is among the top ten Sotheby’s International Realty-affiliated companies in the world with a record breaking year of $4 billion in sales volume. Everyone in the Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty family has reason to be very proud of our accomplishments.”
Get results!
Place an ad in our Classifieds for reasonable rates and prompt results. Call our Garden City office at 516-294-8900 for more information.
Scott Wallace
Liz Breslin
PLATINUM LEVEL ACHIEVEMENT
($34+ million)
Liz is hands down the best realtor there is! We listed our house with her and within a few hours of it being live we had buyers in to see it. Liz knows exactly what to do to present a house in the perfect way- pricing, pictures, marketing, and connections to other agents and quali ed buyers- you get it all with Liz! She was always available for questions and her wealth of expertise made us so comfortable. We highly recommend Liz for all real estate needs!
Look no further...Liz has represented us as buyers and most recently as sellers for our family home in Garden City. She is a true professional and an absolute pleasure to work with. Her comprehensive knowledge and depth of experience enable her to anticipate and handle situations before they arise. Liz is honest, reliable and an excellent negotiator, as well as a steady hand. We have enthusiastically referred her to family & friends. Thank you Liz!
Liz is the ultimate professional! She knows her job and goes right to it! She sold my house in 3 days to a lovely couple and helped me sort through multiple o ers because she knew the market and gave me excellent advice. I have sold 4 homes in the past 10 years and she was by far the most professional agent and a joy to work with! I highly recommend her if you are interested in selling your house!!
New Listing - 92 Sixth Street
Open House by Appointment
Saturday March 13th & Sunday, March 14 1-3pm
Stunning in stature and sited on a lushly landscaped .43 acre Central Section property, this grand 7 bedroom/ 4.5 bath Shingle Style residence incorporates stunning renovations to complement its classic historic aesthetic. Original design elements like sweeping porches, large windows, high ceilings and multiple replaces encourage interaction with light and nature while a 2019 designer kitchen renovation transforms the space into a contemporary culinary and entertaining oasis. Only a short stroll to charming Village shops and restaurants and the Garden City train station, the coveted location pairs convenience with the privacy of its shy half acre property. O ered at $1,995,000
Please call to schedule an Open House appointment time or to schedule a private viewing
Kathleen T. Thornton
OPEN HOUSE
March 13, 12:00 – 3:00pm
New to market! Take advantage of this rare opportunity to own a picturesque, peaceful home steps from the ocean! This contemporary style home in the coveted Hither Hills area of Montauk is only 1.5 blocks away from the ocean beach. Deeded private beach rights convey with the property. This quiet oasis is situated on a level ¼ acre lot with mature plantings and lovely views. The rst level of the house has 2 bedrooms, a full bath, and a general purpose room. The upper level features a sun-drenched living room with soaring ceilings, large windows and a wood burning replace, a galley kitchen, dining room, 2 bedrooms and a full bath. Upper level sliding glass doors lead to wrap around decking with 2 outdoor staircases. There’s even an outdoor shower! Make this your Montauk getaway!
O ered at $1,395,000 | Contact us for details!
Sharon Redmond & Monica Kiely are in the top 10% of Coach
Realtors!
Thank you to our Buyer & Seller Clients! Coach Realtors has acknowledged us as being top 10% producers in 2020. We could not have accomplished this without you! Buying or Selling a home is an extremely important decision in one’s life. We know that there are many agents to choose from in our ever changing and exciting marketplace. Thank you for placing your trust in us. We love what we do and it was a pleasure working with you. We appreciate your support and your referrals. Without you, our success would not be possible.
Sharon Redmond, ABR, CHMS, MCNE
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Mobile: 516.322.2865
Sredmond@coachrealtors.com
Monica Kiely, CNE, MBA, CBR
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Mobile: 516.643.6740
Mkiely@coachrealtors.com
Safety comes first at Library: Contactless, virtual options remain
The Garden City Public Library’s most important priority during this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is to prevent the spread of the virus and protect the health and safety of Library users and employees.
Visits to the Library between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 2:00 and 5:00 Friday and Saturday are limited to 60 minutes. Visits outside this time frame are no longer limited. The 60-minute limit also remains in effect during Sunday hours, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
While visiting the Library, masks must be worn over the nose and mouth at all times. Further, all visitors must continue to follow social distancing protocols at all times. Visitors must sit six feet apart from others at Library tables. In conjunction with these rules, patrons also may not rearrange furniture closer together or consume food or beverage during their Library visit. Study rooms and computer areas remain closed at this time. Congregating in groups is not allowed.
To reinforce the rule of 60 minutes in the Library, a pass will be given to each person after they arrive, which lists the end time for their library session that day. Security personnel will monitor time in the Library and the Librarianin-Charge will address concerns. The Library reserves the right to require visitors to leave who are not following the above rules and other Library policies.
Library materials should be returned only to the front book drop or inside the lobby on carts marked “RETURNS ONLY.” Items will be checked in and backdated to their return date after 96 hours quarantine. Patrons should note that the Library resumed collecting fines on overdue materials on December 1, 2020. Although fines will accrue on overdue materials, they can be paid online ($5.00 minimum) or on your next visit to the Library. Also note, Friends of the Library is still not accepting book donations at this time.
Librarians may assist patrons with questions about reading or other infor-
mation needs by phone or email as well as in the Library. Patrons seeking staff assistance at the Library must keep six feet distance and stand behind floor markings and desk partitions. Patrons who wish a staff consultation (Reference, Readers Advisory) must sign in the logbook. For contactless assistance, Librarians can also help patrons find the reading, media or information they seek through the many virtual services offered. For academic assistance or online learning, Librarians can suggest one of the databases, where a research article can be sent to your email account or printed for you to pick up. To reach a Reference Librarian for assistance, call the Library at 516-7428405 x5236 or enter your question in the form on the Library’s website.
The Library will not hold meetings or programs in the Library building until further notice. For virtual programs, please check the Library’s website and Calendar of Events, as well as the Library’s Facebook pages for updates and information on the Library’s online resources, services and virtual programs.
The Library has a range of services including virtual or contactless options to meet the needs of residents. To check out items using the contactless EXPRESS Pickup service seven days a week, simply call the Library or fill in the form on the website. Visit the library’s website for many online services, media resources and virtual activities. There are ebooks and downloadable audiobooks, streaming music and concerts, movies and television programs to watch. Take an online course or try out a craft project. For students, online tutoring is available, and job seekers can choose from several tools available online as well. Choose among these options at the Virtual Library.
The Library Board and Administration will continually review these procedures, as needed, for safety. The Library is continuing to work with the Village to ensure the safety of Library employees and visitors and to provide excellent library service.
FOR SENIORS fyi
Garden City Senior Center Open
Garden City Recreation and Parks’ Senior Center is now open.
Our hours will be 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We will be practicing social distancing so no exercise or group activities will take place at this time Anyone visiting the Center will be required to wear a mask during their visit.
Lecture - “Is Journalism Dead?” with John Ellis Kordes
Tuesday, March 16 at 1 p.m.
Please visit the Senior Center as John Ellis Kordes presents “Is Journalism Dead?”. As newspapers and magazines go out of business and network news rating are declining, will journalism survive? The internet and social media are taking over, what does that mean for news as we know it? Mr. Kordes will take a look at the state of the media in America today and in the future.
Exercise with Joy
Start your day with low impact exercise! Joy Cody has set a program with our senior and beginner population in mind! Classes will take place on your choice
of Tuesdays or Thursdays at 9 a.m. at the Senior Center. The one hour class will run for 10 weeks at a cost of $60. This program is open to any resident of the Inc. Village of Garden City. Classes begin the week of March 30. To register, please visit the Recreation Office at 108 Rockaway Avenue or, if you have a password you may register online at www.gcreconline. gardencityny.net.
Senior Exercise with Felicia
Recreation and Parks is pleased to announce that senior exercise with Felicia began the week of October 26. Due to COVID restrictions, this program will no longer be a drop in program. Participants will need to pre-register, wear masks and fill out a COVID form, and space will be limited.
Classes will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 10 a.m. In order to attend a class, you must pre-register. You may pre-register up to two days before the class you want to attend by calling the Senior Center between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 385-8006. For a Monday class, you may call the Friday before. Space is limited.
riday, March 12, 2021
It’s What’s Happening for Young Adults at the Library
Tween Origami Art
Join us for Tween Origami Art on Thursday, March 25 at 5 p.m.–5:40 p.m. This program is a joint program between the Children’s and Young Adult Departments and is for Grades 4–7. Participants will learn how to create a couple of beginner origami projects or can work on their own origami art. This program will be held outdoors, on Library Grounds. In the event of inclement weather, this program will be held online via Zoom Video Conferencing. Therefore, registrants will be asked to pick up their craft kit in advance in order to participate.
Please register via Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl.org) to participate in this virtual program. Registration begins on Tuesday, March 16 at 10 a.m. Registration ends two hours before the start of the program. Registrants will receive an email with the login information to Zoom one hour before the start of the program if the event is to be held on Zoom.
Teen Crafternoon: DIY Masks on Zoom
Join us for a virtual meet-up, Teen Crafternoon: DIY Masks on Tuesday, March 16, 5 p.m.–5:40 p.m. Registrants will be asked to pick up their craft kit in advance in order to participate in this virtual craft program. Please note that an iron or dryer must be used to set color after coloring the mask. This program is for tweens and teens in Grades 6–12 only. We will be using Zoom Video Conferencing for this virtual program. Please register via Eventkeeper (www. gardencitypl.org) to participate in this virtual program. Registration began on Tuesday, March 9. Space is limited, so check Eventkeeper for availability. Registration ends two hours before the start of the program. Registrants will receive an email with the login information to Zoom one hour before the start of the program. This program has been funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.
Tweens and Teens
Dungeons and Dragons
Join us for a virtual meet-up, Tweens and Teens Dungeons and Dragons on Thursday, March 18, 4:30 p.m.–6 p.m. Learn how to play the fantasy role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons by participating in one of our monthly Dungeons and Dragons Meet-Up! Beginners are welcome! Each meetup will feature a new self-contained, one-shot adventure and players will be assigned premade characters to play. We will be using Zoom Video Conferencing for this virtual program. For more information about Zoom, visit their website at zoom.us. Mobile users should download the Zoom app onto their device before the start of the meeting. Please register via Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl.org) to participate in this virtual program. Registration began
on Tuesday, March 9. Space is limited, so check Eventkeeper for availability. Registrants will receive an email with the login information to Zoom one hour before the start of the program.
Teen Games: Among Us on Zoom
Join us for a virtual meet-up, Teen Games: Among Us on Tuesday, March 23 at 4:30 p.m.–5:10 p.m. and 5:20 p.m.–6 p.m. Grab some snacks and join us as we play the popular game Among Us! Registrants will need the Among Us game downloaded on either their PC/laptop or mobile device in order to play. Patrons can sign up for only one of the two 40-minute sessions. This program is for tweens and teens in Grades 6-12 only.
We will be using Zoom Video Conferencing for this virtual program. Please register via Eventkeeper (www. gardencitypl.org) to participate in this virtual program. Registration begins on Tuesday, March 16 at 10 a.m. Registration ends two hours before the start of the program. Registrants will receive an email with the login information to Zoom one hour before the start of the program.
Attend a Program in March for Community Service
Earn community service by participating in a Garden City Public Library Tweens and Teens program in March! In order to receive community service, volunteers must participate in the program and then fill out a survey reviewing the program. Each volunteer will receive 1 hour of community service for every completed survey they submit, at the discretion of the Tweens and Teens Department. Surveys will be emailed to program registrants only after the program is completed and they have attended the program. To participate, volunteers must register online via Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl.org) for each program they wish to attend separately.
Social Media Challenges for March
For the month of March, participate in our social media challenges to earn community service credit! March’s challenges are as follows:
• Art: Make a piece of art that features the color green
• Writing: Write a limerick
• Food: Make an Irish dish
• Question of the Month: If you were lucky enough to win a million dollars, what would you do?
• Reading: Read a book with a green cover
If you participate in the challenges, earn community service credit by submitting so we can share it on our Facebook and Instagram pages!
Submit for the Art, Writing, Food, and Question of the Month Challenges here: https://www.gardencitypl.org/ social-media-submission/ . Submit a 300 word book review for what you read for the Reading Challenge
Stop by the Tweens and Teens Room to see our Teen Ornament Tree! Each month, the tree will be decorated with new ornaments, created by our teen volunteers! The theme for March is shamrocks, and each volunteer decorated three wooden shamrock ornaments using acrylic markers for the tree. This community service program has been funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library. Thanks to the tween and teen volunteers who helped make our tree display possible and to the Friends of the Garden City Public Library who funded the program. Make sure to stop by the Tweens and Teens Room to see the decorated shamrock ornaments and stop by next month to see what new ornaments are on the tree!
Tree Ornaments for Community Service: Egg Ornaments
Earn community service by painting ornaments for the Garden City Public Library’s Tweens and Teens Department’s Tree Ornament! Each volunteer will receive 3 ornaments and a set of paint pens to decorate their ornaments at home. Paint pens must be returned to the library. These ornaments will be used to decorate our new ornament tree each month!
For the month of April, the ornaments will be egg-shaped. Registration will begin Tuesday, March 23 at 10 a.m. online via Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl.org). Completed ornaments must be returned by April 1 to the Library.
Registrants will be asked to pick up their ornaments at the library in order to participate in this community service program. Volunteers must return 3 decorated ornaments and their set of paint pens in order to receive community service. Volunteers will receive 2 hours for every 3 ornaments they submit, at the discretion of the Tweens and Teens Department. This program has been funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.
Message Cards for Patrons
When you check out a book at the Garden City Public Library over the next few weeks, you might get a surprise message card created by one of our teen volunteers! Message cards have been placed like bookmarks in books throughout the Children’s, Young Adult, and Adult Departments to send positive messages and brighten the day of patrons who check them out. This community service program has been funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library. Thanks to the tween and teen volunteers who helped make message cards for the program and to the Friends of the Garden City Public Library who funded the program. Make sure to stop by the Library and check out a book to see if you get a message card from one of
our teen volunteers!
Teen Mystery Book Display
For the winter–spring 2021, take a "Mystery” book wrapped and decorated by our Teen Volunteers! Tweens and teens are encouraged to take home one of our wrapped mystery books that are on display for a surprise read. Will your mystery book be a total dud or will it become your new favorite book? The only way to find out is to take a chance and take one of our mystery books home! Books are free for patrons to take home. Patrons can take home more than one wrapped mystery book. Books can be any genre, target reading ages 12-18, and were published within the last two years. The display and books will be available as books last. Books have been wrapped and decorated by teen volunteers in Grades 6–12 and were donated by Young Adult Librarian Laura Giunta. Thanks to the tween and teen volunteers who helped make our display possible. Make sure to stop by the Tweens and Teens Room to take home one of our mystery books!
Message Cards for Community Service
Earn community service by creating positive messages for Garden City Public Library patrons! Each volunteer will receive 10 message cards to color, decorate, and write positive or library/ book themed messages. These message cards will be placed in books throughout the library in order to brighten the day of the patrons who check them out. Messages will be placed in books in all three departments, including Children’s, Tweens and Teens, and Adult Reference.
To participate, please register online via Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl.org). Registration began Tuesday, February 2. Registration is ongoing until April 2 and more slots will be added as message cards become available, so check Eventkeeper regularly. Volunteers can sign-up for one slot at a time and can only sign up for an additional slot after submitting their message cards.
Registrants will be asked to pick up their message cards at the library in order to participate in this community service program. Volunteers must return 10 completed message cards in order to receive community service. Volunteers will receive 2 hours for every 10 message cards they submit, at the discretion of the Tweens and Teens Department. This program has been funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.
Mystery Books for Community Service
Earn community service by wrapping and decorating books for the Garden City Public Library’s Tweens and Teens Department’s Mystery Book Display! Each volunteer will receive a bag of 5 books to wrap at home; the paper used to wrap the books should then be decorated by drawing, coloring, and writing positive or library/book themed messag-
It’s What’s Happening for Young Adults at the Library
wrapping supplies. Volunteers should not use regular wrapping paper unless they are able to still draw, write, or color somewhere on the paper they are using to wrap. These books will then be used as part of our Tweens and Teens Mystery Book Display, in which tweens and teens can take a mystery book home with them – to keep as a gift!
To participate, please register online via Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl.org). Registration began Tuesday, January 26. Registration is ongoing until March 26 and more slots will be added as books become available, so check Eventkeeper regularly. Volunteers can sign-up for one slot at a time and can only sign up for an additional slot after submitting their books.
Registrants will be asked to pick up their bag of books at the library in order to participate in this community service program. Volunteers must return 5 decorated and wrapped books in order to receive community service. Volunteers will receive 2 hours for every 5 wrapped and decorated books they submit, at the discretion of the Tweens and Teens Department.
Volunteer Teen Reviewers Needed
Would you like to be a reviewer for the Library? Need community service hours? Then become a Volunteer Teen Reviewer. This program is for tweens and teens in Grades 6-12. The Library is looking for teen reviewers to review books and media in the YA collection as well as digital content, such as ebooks and audiobooks, available on Nassau Digital Doorway. There might be a book you've already read in our physical or digital collection that you can write a review on!
• Browse the physical collection here: http://encore.alisweb.org/
• Browse the digital collection here: https://nassau.overdrive.com
• Submit a review here: https:// www.gardencitypl.org/submit-a-teenreview/
Reviews will be used to update the Tweens and Teens Library Review Page (https://www.gardencitypl.org/category/teen-reviews/) as well as update our social media pages. Reviews are subject to approval by the Young Adult Librarian. Please make sure to follow the guidelines for reviews in order for the review to count toward community service.
Teen-Created Social Media Content
Earn community service by submitting a photo, video, or other content for us to add to the Library's Tweens and Teens Facebook and Instagram pages! Ideas for submissions include book reviews, artwork, poetry, short stories, personal essays, photos of food you’ve cooked or baked, or any other creative idea you have for content. Not all submissions will be used on our social media and submissions including photos of people are not allowed. Submit social media content here https://www.gardencitypl. org/social-media-submission/
Follow Tweens and Teens on Facebook and Instagram
Follow Garden City Library’s Tweens and Teens on Facebook and Instagram! The Young Adult Department has been using both social media platforms as a tool to post updates, announcements, digital resources, ebook recommendations, and more during this time of social distancing.
Here are the Facebook and Instagram pages for the Garden City Public Library Tweens and Teens Department:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ GCPLTweensTeens
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ GCPLTweensTeens
If you're interested in participating and want to learn when new virtual events will be happening for tweens and teens (Grades 6–12), or if you have any questions, email Young Adult Librarian Laura Giunta at https://www.gardencitypl.org/young-adult-department/contact-the-young-adult-tweens-teens-department/ .
Teen Advisory Board Applications Now
Available Online
If you are interested in helping to come up with some programming ideas or social media outreach ideas for tweens and teens in Grades 6–12, consider joining the Teen Advisory Board Online applications are available at https:// www.gardencitypl.org/teen-advisory-board-application/ Applicants should be in Grades 6–12. Email Young Adult Librarian Laura Giunta at https://www. gardencitypl.org/young-adult-department/contact-the-young-adult-tweensteens-department/ if you have any questions.
News from the Children’s Room
The Wearing of the Green
and St. Patrick
March 17 is the traditional celebration of the patron Saint of Ireland— St. Patrick. The Children’s Room has many books on all things Irish—including St. Patrick, St. Patrick’s Day, Irish fairy tales, and books on the culture of Ireland. Enjoy reading “St. Patrick” by Ann Tompert, “St. Patrick and the Peddler” by Margaret Hodges, “St. Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland” by Tomie DePaolo, “Let’s Bake St. Patrick’s Day Treats” by Ruth Owen, “What is St. Patrick’s Day” by Elaine Landau, “St. Patrick’s Day Countdown” by Salina Yoon, “The St. Patrick’s Day Shillalegh” by Janet Nolan, “Mary McLean and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade” by Steven Kroll, “Blazing a Trail : Irish Women Who Changed the World” by Sarah Webb and “Ireland” by Patricia Levy. Everyone is Irish on St. Pat’s Day! Happy St. Patrick’s day to all! Spring is in the Air!
In 2021, the March equinox happens on Saturday, March 20, at 5:37 a.m. EDT. and it is officially spring! Spring is a time for renewal with flowers budding, animals emerging from hibernation and days get longer and warmer! The library looks forward to spring with many books on the topic and stories to read. Check these books out! Here’s a list of some favorites: “Spring According to Humphrey” by
Betty G. Birney, “When Spring Comes” by Kevin Henkes, “Spring” by Harriet Brundle, and “Hello Spring!” By Shelley Rotner, “Are You Ready for Spring?” By Sheila Anderson, “Goodbye, Winter! Hello, Spring!” by Kazuo Iwamura; English translation by David Henry Wilson, “Thomas and the Spring Surprise” based on the stories created by Rev. W. Awdry and “Finding Spring” by Carin Berger.
Remember – spring comes “In Like a Lion, Out Like A Lamb!” By Marion Dane Bauer!
March is Women in History Month!
April 2021 is the 101th anniversary since the landmark ratification and adoption of the 19th Amendment, which proclaims in the U.S. Constitution that “the right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” The 19th Amendment was a victory for voting rights for women.
There are so many women in history to honor including: “Cleopatra” by Adele Geras, “Queen Elizabeth II” by Jennifer Zeiger, “Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice” by Nikki Grimes, “Mother Teresa” by Candace F. Ransom, “Helen Keller: The World in Her Heart” by Lesa Cline-Ransome, “Amelia Earhart” by Lucia Raatma and so many others! Check them out in the Children’s Room display!
Early Winter Programs & Events in the Children’s Department MAKE A SPRING CRAFT WITH MISS BARBARA & MISS DONNA
March 24, 2021, 4:00–4:45 PM
This program is for Children in Grades K–5 Registration is required on Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl. org) beginning March 9 at 10 a.m. with a separate registration for each child. The program will be held outdoors on Library grounds. Crafts will be distributed prior to the start of the program. Rain date is March 25. Each participant should bring a mat or towel to sit on.
COLOR YOUR OWN SPRING-THEMED BAG WITH MISS BARBARA & MISS DONNA
March 31, 2021, 10:30–11:15 a.m.
This program is for pre-school children (ages 2–5 not yet in kindergarten). Registration is required on Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl.org) beginning March 16 at 10 a.m. with a separate registration for each child. The program will be held outdoors on Library Grounds. Bag & Crayons will be distributed prior to the start of the program. Rain date is April 1 at 10:30–11:15 a.m. Each participant should bring a mat or towel to sit on.
Book DiscussionsOutside on Library Grounds BOOKENDS FOR 3RD GRADERS,
4TH GRADERS AND 5TH GRADERS
Tuesday, April 13 @ 4:00-5:00
Featured book is “The Unlucky Lottery Winners of Room 13” by Honest Lee. Registration is required and takes place in the Children’s Room only. Registration began on Tuesday, March 2, 2021. Please bring a mat or towel to sit on. Should it be necessary, the rain date will be the following Tuesday, April 20th at 4:00–5:00 p.m.
CHAPTER CHAT FOR SECOND GRADERS Wednesday, April 21 @ 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Book title is The Third Grade Detectives: “The Clue of the Left Handed Envelope” by George E. Stanley. Registration is required and takes place in the Children’s Room only. Registration began on Tuesday, March 2, 2021. Please bring a mat or towel to sit on. Should it be necessary, the rain date will be the following Wednesday, April 28 at 4:00–5:00 p.m.
StorytimesOutside on Library Grounds
Thursdays, April 8, April 15, April 22, and April 29 at 10:30 a.m. Ages 2–5 (not yet in kindergarten) and caregiver. Registration is required on line on Eventkeeper at www.gardencitypl.org. A separate registration is required for each child and each storytime. Please bring a mat or towel to sit on. No raindates.
DWI arrest:
Upon investigation of a two-vehicle-crash on 11th St. on March 3rd, Garden City Police arrested a 24-yearold female for DWI.
Excessive speed
On March 3rd two motorists were charged with driving on Clinton Road with suspended licenses and excessive speed.
Punctured tire:
On March 4th a tire on a vehicle parked in Parking Field #6 was found punctured by unknown means.
Reckless driving:
As a result of a traffic investigation on Euston Road on March 4th, a juvenile from Oceanside was arrested for alleged reckless driving, criminal possession of marijuana, driving the wrong way on a one-way road, improper driving on a shoulder, passing a red light, and tinted windows. He was also charged with leaving the scene of an accident after striking and damaging a light pole on Stewart Avenue at Nassau Boulevard.
Monitor thefts:
On March 5th Garden City Police investigated a report of two male subjects stealing computer monitors from the lobby of the Residence Inn.
17 suspensions
A motorist was arrested on Stewart Avenue on March 5th for 17 license suspensions, excessive speed, and
uninsured vehicle.
Multiple violations:
On March 6th a 24-year-old motor ist was arrested on Washington Avenue for driving with a suspended license, possession of a forged registration, unregistered vehicle, uninsured vehicle, and unsafe lane usage.
Excessive speed:
On March 6th 25-year-old motor ist was charged with excessive speed on Old Country Road, possession of a forged reg istration, and unregistered vehicle.
Revoked license:
On March 7th Garden City Police arrested a 33-year-old motorist on Stewart Avenue for allegedly driving with a revoked license due to a prior DWI, four additional license suspensions, possession of a forged registration, criminal possession of a controlled substance (MDMA), possession of marijuana, and suspended registration.
On the same day a 21-year-old motorist was charged with driving on Clinton Road with a revoked license due to a prior DWI, a suspended license, and defective headlights.
Stolen Air Pods
Air Pods were reported stolen from
Village of Garden City Sample Ballot
To the right is a sample of the ballot for the Village election on March 16th. Voting will take place at Village Hall, 351 Stewart Avenue between 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Voters will be able to vote for one candidate for mayor. Robert Bolebruch is running on the Community Agreement Party line. Cosmo Veneziale is running on the For A Better Garden City Party line.
For the Trustees positions for two year terms, voters can select three candidates:
For the Community Party, the candidates are Richard Catalano, Mary Hyer and Yvonne Varano. For the For a Beter Garden City Party the candidates are Thomas O'Brien, Terence Digan and Bruce Chester. Voters may split their votes among the tickets.
For the one-year Trustee position, the Community Agreement Party candidate is Stephen Makarinos and the FABGC candidate is Mary Flanagan.
In addition to Village Justice Allen Mathers is running unopposed for Village Justice.
Voters may also write in candidates.
a desk inside a Garden City Plaza Office on March 7th.
Fake return?
Garden City Police are investigating a report of someone using another person’s identity to file an unauthorized tax return.
Business scam
A business reported receiving a call from a person who stated they owed FedEx money for a delivery. The company sent the money to the given address and later determined it to be a scam.
Stranger in driveway
On March 8th a resident observed a male subject in his Poplar Street driveway. When the homeowner opened his door, the subject fled the scene in a white SUV.
Wrong side of the road
On March 8th a 24-year-old male was arrested on Old Country Road for criminal possession of a controlled substance (concentrated cannabis), criminal possession of marijuana, driving with a suspended license, driving on the wrong side of the road, unregistered vehicle, and possession
of a forged document.
Electronics stolen
Multiple computer and electronic items were reported stolen from trucks parked at a Herricks Road commercial work site on March 9th.
Spa employee re-arrested:
On March 9th Garden City Detectives arrested a 59-year-old male at a Franklin Avenue spa for allegedly attempting to perform a massage on a person while having a revoked permit to do so. He was charged with unauthorized practice of a profession. He was previously arrested by GCPD on Aug. 29, 2020 for sexual abuse and forcible touching and on Jan. 6, 2021 for sexual abuse, forcible touching, reckless assault, and unauthorized practice of a profession.
Assault arrest:
Upon investigation of a March 8th incident at a 2nd Street worksite, Garden City Detectives arrested a 45-year-old male for allegedly kicking a ladder resulting in a fellow worker to fall and sustain multiple injuries. The subject was charged with assault.
Unemployment claims
Between March 2nd and 9th Garden City Police investigated three reports of victims’ identities being stolen and used to file false unemployment claims.
CONGRATULATIONS
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Village Hall is open. Office hours are 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Visitors are required to wear a face covering, maintain social distancing of six feet and sign in to a Visitor’s Log outside of the office they are visiting. Furthermore, while multiple people can enter Village Hall, only one person will be admitted into each office space at a time and are asked to abide by employee instructions.
Village Election March 16th
The Village Election is taking place on Tuesday, March 16, 2021. In-person voting is taking place at Garden City Village Hall, 351 Stewart Avenue. Absentee ballots are also available. Polls are open 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16, 2021.
Who Are The “Community Agreement Party” Slate of Candidates?
Mayor (Two-Year Term)
Robert Bolebruch
Trustees (Two-Year Term):
Rich Catalano
Mark Hyer
Yvonne Varano
Trustee (One-Year Term):
Stephen Makrinos
Village Justice (Four-Year Term)
Allen S. Mathers
Who Are The “For A Better Garden City” Slate of Candidates?
Mayor (Two-Year Term):
Cosmo Veneziale
Trustees (Two-Year Term):
Tom O’Brien
Terry Digan
Bruce Chester
Trustee (One-Year Term):
Mary Flanagan
How Many Candidates Can I Vote For?
Choose One:
Mayor (Two-Year Term)
Choose Three:
Trustee (Two-Year Term)
(The three candidates with the most votes will become Village Trustees)
Choose One:
Trustee (One-Year Term)
Choose One:
Village Justice (Four-Year Term) Can I Only Vote For the Candidates Who Live In My Section of the Village?
No. Residents can vote for candidates, village-wide. The positions of Village Trustee and Village Mayor are Village wide positions under state and local law and all persons, regardless of where in the Village the voter resides, can vote for any candidate for these positions.
Covid-19 precautions for Village Election
The Village is taking all safety precautions to keep poll workers and resident voters safe during the Village
Election, which will be held Tuesday, March 16, 2021, from 12 Noon to 9:00 p.m. at Village Hall, 351 Stewart Avenue, Garden City:
• Poll workers and voters must wear masks
• Disposable gloves and face masks will be available
• Pens will be used once (voters can take them with them after voting)
• Tables and voting machines will be wiped down with disinfectant wipes every 30 minutes
• Social distancing will be observed at all times
• The Village is renting a tent so in the event of inclement weather and/or a large crowd, voters can wait under the tent under social distancing guidelines
Proposed 2021-22 Village Budget
The Village kicked off budget work sessions Tuesday, March 9, 2021 with an overview of the 2021-22 Tentative Operating and Capital Budget by Village Treasurer Irene Woo. Building Superintendent Giuseppe Giovanniello and Assistant Recreation Superintendent Sandy Young presented their respective Department’s operating and proposed five-year (20222026) capital plan summaries.
Village Administrator Ralph Suozzi noted the 2021-22 budget covers an 18-month window of time, in the shadows of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms. Woo thanked Mr. Suozzi, along with her Finance team, the Department Heads, Finance Chairman and Deputy Mayor, Robert Bolebruch, as well as members of the Finance and Audit Committee for their guidance during the process.
The 2021-22 proposed expenditure budget totals $65.1 million. It represents a 0.57 percent ($370,000) decrease over the prior year. The tentative budget is again tax cap compliant, with a proposed 1.95 percent Tax Levy Limit increase. In fact, over the last six years, the actual property tax levy increase has been less than the amount allowed per the Tax Levy Limit Law. “We would never be here today if it wasn’t for you,” Deputy Mayor Bolebruch said, as he complimented Ms. Woo and her team.
Major components of the 202122 expense budget ($65.1m) include salary, benefits and taxes ($37.2m); consulting and contractual services ($5.8m); contribution to Capital Projects ($4.5m); debt service ($4.3m); contribution to the Library ($3.3m);
and general liability insurance ($1.9m). Proposed capital projects represent $12.551 million.
According to Mr. Suozzi, the Village is currently juggling 41 projects in various stages of completion, including the St. Paul’s abatement project and the vinyl covering for the Tennis bubble, which have both been approved but are awaiting $2.6 million in bond resolutions.
To view the 2021-2022 Tentative Budget, please click here. Remaining budget sessions are scheduled to take place via Zoom on the following dates: Budget Work Session 2
Thursday, March 18, 2021 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
• Fire Department
• Department of Public Works and Water Fund Budget Work Session 3
Wednesday, March 24, 2021 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
• Library
• Police Department
• Administration
• Finance & Other Unallocated Budget Work Session 4 Tuesday, March 30, 2021 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
• Presentation of Changes/Final Budget
Budget Hearing and Adoption of Budget
Monday, April 5, 2021 8:00 p.m.
• Budget Hearing
• Adoption of Budget
If you wish to attend any of these sessions, email Karen Altman, Village Clerk (kaltman@gardencityny.net) before 3:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting and she will send you the link.
Emerging Contaminants Remediation
Work is progressing at all well sites. The NYS Department of Health has approved Well Nos. 7 and 11 to go to system. Final preparations and sampling equipment are being calibrated and wells will go into system shortly.
Well No. 10 is currently under rehab. Once the well is back on line the entire Well No. 10 treatment system will be sampled and will then go into service sometime in April.
Site work is being completed at Well Nos. 13 and 14 and the GACs have been refurbished. Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) treatment performance
testing will be performed this month and the treatment system should be approved by the NYSDOH and online before the peak pumping season.
Well Nos. 15 and 16 are in construction. It is expected that the wells will be back in service with new treatment this summer.
Construction at Well Nos. 8 and 12 has begun with water main work from the Village well sites in the Garden City Golf Club to the Village’s Waterworks site. Construction for the treatment systems began this week at the Waterworks site. Work will progress as quickly as practical. We hope the system will be online in the summer months.
Water Tower Painting
At the water tower, inspection of welding and all modifications should be completed shortly and painting of the tank will begin once the containment is installed. We anticipate that painting will start on or around April 1.
Solicitations
At this time, no one has permission to solicit in the Village. Applications to solicit for any cause must be made to the Mayor in writing, before soliciting is permitted. Applications are available at the Village Clerk’s Office. Following an investigation of the person and organization, a license to solicit may be granted. Certain reasonable restrictions may be placed on a license. They include: hours of solicitation, the number of solicitors, the locality and period of time for which permission is granted. All persons soliciting donations are required to carry identification cards.
A Local Law the Board of Trustees passed in 1982 prohibits all unwanted commercial solicitations and distributions on all private residential property in the Village; and further prohibits non-commercial solicitations and distributions on private property to the extent desired by the resident.
The Law was designed to protect residents from unwanted invasions of the privacy of their homes. Concerns from residents regarding the nuisance caused by door-to-door solicitations prompted its passage.
It also reflects concerns that burglaries have taken place by thieves posing as salesmen to gain entry or to learn if occupants are at home. Residents can submit a “Do Not Solicit” form, which is available on the Village website, www.gardencityny. net, under the “Solicitations” tab on the left side of the home page.
Mayor Theresa Trouvé
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do not come and rewrite it, and our leaders are made to answer for it.
Way back in 2013 when the BOT passed a resolution to sell the parcel of land known as, “The Franklin Court Park Area”, neighborhood residents began to ask if the BOT followed New York State Open Meeting Laws, and or violated New York State law by putting a fence on what had been deemed by the Village Environmental Board in 1993 as “Franklin Court Park”, a predominantly green space and a passive park. Questions as to the BOT’s transparency and concern for the public good began to be reflected by residents then.
In 2018 Village residents were again dismayed by the BOT’s decision to disband our paid fire department without any public discussions. Any discussion of disbanding the fire department should have been held in public, but it was clear that the Board’s actions were predetermined before the meeting. An Editors Opinion written by the GC News implied the decision was a colluded effort by the volunteer fire department and the BOT.
Later that year in 2018, The News again opined what it perceived to be the BOT’s mismanagement of St. Paul’s. Soon after, the Garden City Board of Trustees attempted to remove the Garden City News (Circulation 8,000+) as the official newspaper by attempting to suspend the Village’s legal advertising. The BOT also threatened to stop providing the News with news and information from Village departments such as the Library and Recreation Department. The Board attempted to steer the official newspaper status and advertising revenue to the Garden City Life (circulation 1200+?).
The Garden City News has been the official newspaper of our Village for over fifty years. The resolution by the BOT to make the change immediately
Continued from page 16 We’re
after the January 17th, 2019 Board of Trustees meeting without public discussion by the trustees, and with no discussion of it during the meeting (they voted 8-0 unanimously to make the change), was an attempt to censure if not silence the Garden City News.
Fortunately, the Garden City News did not back down. Earlier that day, the News consulted with the The New York State Press Association and were informed that Villages cannot change their official newspapers in the middle of the year.
The right to say what we think is the responsibility of the government to protect, not to suppress it and revised by a few trustees. That is why free speech is the first amendment. We need to restructure and reform our government to get to the heart of what our residents truly want instead of what a few entrenched Trustees do.
In the past year, I have seen several special interest groups present their cases on the pages of the Garden City News. What is now REVAMP, reached out to me to about the MTA’s handling of the Third Track Project and the BOT’s neglectful and negligent Third Track Committee. Several different residents reached out to me regarding St Paul’s stabilization. Members of the Casino reached out to me about their club being potential repurposed. A group trying to get our schools reopened, residents trying to regulate leaf blowers reached out. Members of the Firehouse 2 committee and the annual Village budget committee, all reached out to me with the same message. Our Board of Trustees are not listening to us, making decisions behind closed doors, and are too entrenched. As I was made aware of the lack of response from the BOT.
If they go ahead with the St Paul’s renovation, what it would cost future residents in tax dollars to pay the debt? Why hasn’t anyone taken the time to make a projection? We are
tired of the nebulous construction estimates and the unilateral BOT decisions. The Village should consult a project management firm to publish a projection based on different total dollar amounts potentially spent to see what the debt burden and tax load will be to future residents. We need to reform our system of government for this very reason.
Real change
A committee calling themselves the For a Better Garden City FABGC has formed in an effort to reform the Village government. This group is running on the premise that we need more transparency, better management, and responsiveness from our Mayor and Trustees.
Late last summer I met with Deputy Mayor Bolebruch. We sat for nearly three hours discussing the problems facing our Village.
I asked Mr. Bolebruch every question I could think of regarding everything from leaf mulching to the budget, from aggressive driving to Edgemere Rd., which has no sidewalks on the Country Club side, and ten year old potholes. I asked him about the aggressive driving on our streets, the pothole ridden roads, the unkempt and non-existent sidewalks beside the Villages three golf courses and the armies of landscapers with their leaf blowers noisily whining and whirling dirt and dust into the air. I asked about Stewart Ave. and how it has become so busy with through traffic and obnoxious, stand on the accelerator cars and trucks. He told me that I should get involved. He was right.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a two lane bike path along St.Paul’s north property so people could safely ride bikes to and from town? Bike paths should be built along all of our golf courses as well. While we’re at it, we could make Stewart Ave a 25 MPH road, enforced by speed cam-
eras like they do in Queens by St. John’s University. We could also put a dog park on the southwest corner of Stewart Ave. and Clinton Rd. Now that is a capital project that would benefit ALL residents, lower our carbon footprint and slow the rate and frequency of traffic. We could also set up a text number like New Jerseys’ #77, where aggressive drivers could be reported to police.
We rely on the Garden City News to report on the frequent Board of Trustee meetings, school board decisions, police and fire department activity, church and social club happenings, birth, marriage and death announcements, as well as sports clubs statistics and so much more. Established in 1923, with a circulation of 8300 The Garden City News with its high quality, unbiased and objective reporting is one of the mot important news sources in circulation. If we cannot have a newspaper that is critical of our government than how can we possibly expect to know what is really going on? The BOT’s decision to redirect publication of its paid legal notices to a paper with one quarter the circulation of the News, and threatening to cut off the news from village business information is another example of how the BOT is conducting much of the village’s business in private, without the knowledge of the tax paying residents and without responsibility to protect our rights.
In light of this, and the bifurcated, biased and corrupt national news media covering todays ideological political environment it is increasingly more important to subscribe and support the Garden City News. In the wake of the insanity that was the year of 2020, we need the honest granular information that flows from the freedom of information, intelligence and conscientiousness that local print media like The Garden City News provides.
Artwork by Griffin Lord
HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN
Mary P. Madden
Given what the CAP candidates have given us for the last 8 years they don’t deserve another term
They don’t follow the Open Meetings Law
They tried to lease the casino to the hotel
They sold parkland without telling residents
They fought the handicapped over parking
They allowed the MTA to build monster poles
They wasted money on the Western Firehouse
They hand out contracts without bids
They closed the Nursery school
They ended the Jay Gallagher tournament
They ended the Andy Foundation fundraisers
They Voted to withhold village information from the GC News.
Vote For A Better Garden City on March 16th
`
Here’s what FABGC will do
Vote For A Better Garden City on March 16th between 12-9 at the Village Hall
• Increase transparency and an adherence to Open Meetings Law, which will include treating all residents with kindness and respect at Village Trustee Meetings.
• Provide financial stewardship, intelligent oversight, and transparency to prevent wasteful spending of our tax dollars, and possible debt to future generations.
• No more liquidation of assets such as the selling of parkland and green space to raise money to balance the budget as occurred with the sale of the ball fields near the Garden City Pool on Cherry Valley Ave.
• Bringing back charitable events such as The Andy Foundation and The Jay Gallagher Lacrosse Tournament and keep The Garden City News as the newspaper of record for the village.
• Negotiate and finalize a long-term lease to preserve the Casino without further delay.
• Stop work on the Edgemere Firehouse (which if rebuilt would cost an estimated $10 Million), and instead perform a Needs Analysis Assessment thru a committee of citizens and firefighters to create an appropriate path forward.
• The 3rd Track Committee will be reconstituted as a committee of Trustees and residents
that will review filed litigation, and assess prior Board of Trustees decisions, and what options remain for Garden City to challenge the Railroad’s Monster Poles.
• Draw upon the expertise and experience of our residents by forming more citizen committees, as opposed to hiring high priced consultants.
• When there is a need for outside independent subject matter expertise on a project and/or issue we will use the RFP process to ensure the best value-based pricing of those bidding.
• End the 30-year dilemma on St. Paul’s by having an up and down referendum decided by our residents, based on succinct advice and recommendations to be obtained thru the formation of a committee of Garden City citizens who are experts in building, architecture, finance, and construction, not by the Board of Trustees.
• Introduce term limits for Board of Trustee members for new ways of thinking and ideas.
• Amend the Village Zoning Ordinance to prohibit the subdivision of oversized lots.
• Address dangerous traffic hot spot locations to prevent possible accidents and/or injury.
Cosmo Veneziale
Mayoral Candidate
Tom O’Brien Eastern Trustee Candidate
Bruce Chester Estates Trustee Candidate
Mary Flanagan Western Trustee Candidate
Terry Digan Central Trustee Candidate
Keeping Garden City the best place to live!
On March 16, 2021, support your historic Community Agreement and your Property Owners’ Associations by voting for the Community Agreement Party candidates:
Bob Bolebruch Mayor Western POA
Steve Makrinos Trustee Western POA
Rich Catalano Trustee Estates POA
Community Agreement Party Candidates
These candidates were interviewed by 44 resident volunteers of our four Property Owners ’Associations:
Western POA Nominating Committee
Rose Ann Vernice
TJ Michon
Maureen Lyons
Remy Bernardo
Nick Vernice
Yvonne Varano Trustee Central POA
Mark Hyer Trustee Eastern POA
For a Better Garden City (FABGC) Candidates
Their candidates were selected by 1 resident:
Mike Ryder
John Parks
Joseph Ra
Thomas Nastasi
Estates POA Nominating Committee
Joseph Colletti
Nancy Minett
Christine Williams
Michael Daab
John Farrell
Daniel Cendan
Jeffrey Rathgeber
Jeff Minett
Michael Maguire
Paul Rovelli
Peter Agnetti
John DeMaro
Gary Limoncelli
Kimberly Pupke McGraw
Joseph Jabour
Central POA Nominating Committee
Thomas Simpson
Susan Munn Dammage
John Pascal
Jennifer Weekley
Colleen Ciullo
Howie Miller
Tracey Williams
Donald J. Martis
Patty Siler
Eastern POA Nominating Committee
Erin Debrich
Karl Schmidt
Chris Mullaney
Christa Geldert
Joe Owens
Tom Mastanduono
Barbara Garry
Joseph Nadolny
Mike Nagler
Althea Robinson
Leo Stimmler
The Nominating Committees presented their selected candidates at their POA Annual Resident Electors meetings, open to all residents, in January for a vote approval. Without challenge, all were accepted.
This ad was paid for by the Community Agreement Party Campaign Committee
Donald MacLeod
VOTE TO KEEP GARDEN CITY A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE!
VOTE
"A
FOR YOUR COMMUNITY AGREEMENT PARTY CANDIDATES
• The FABGC was started by one unhappy resident upset over the Village agreement with the Garden City Casino. Rather than engage our Board of Trustees and Property Owners' Associations to address his issue, he personally organized an effort to completely overthrow YOUR Village government.
• His personally selected FABGC candidates did NOT participate in the formal POA interview process to select candidates. This has introduced unprecedented mudslinging and divisive politics, needlessly upsetting our residents with misleading claims, rumors and misinformation!
• Your current trustees have worked hard for YOU to keep tax increases low while providing excellent services making Garden City the most sought-after neighborhood on Long Island!
• Do not risk turning control of your Village government and a $76 million budget over to 5 individuals with NO trustee experience at all!
• Three Community Agreement candidates have 18 years collective trustee experience - they understand the legal and financial complexities of governing the Village.
• Two new trustee candidates will bring fresh ideas and a combined 60 years of invaluable financial expertise to the Village Board!
Bob Bolebruch,Mayor from Western POA
Steve Makrinos, Trustee from Western POA
Rich Catalano, Trustee from the Estates POA
Yvonne Varano, Trustee from the Central POA
Mark Hyer, Trustee from Eastern POA
Bob Bolebruch
Rich Catalano Yvonne Varano Mark Hyer
Stephen Makrinos
GC PTA Raffle Fundraiser Coming Up!
Get excited! The Garden City PTA is hosting a weekly online raffle fundraiser beginning the week of April 12th! We ran the fundraiser for 11 weeks last year and it was a huge success. Be a part of something big and support students in all seven schools by donating raffle prizes or sponsoring the event. Go to bit.ly/GCPTADonation or scan the QR code below for more information.
“Rock Your Socks” and Celebrate Inclusion!
Sunday, March 21, (3-21) is internationally recognized as World Down Syndrome Day (signifying a third copy of the 21st chromosome). To raise awareness and create conversation about Down Syndrome, diversity and inclusion, the GC PTA and SEPTA are asking all families to please “Rock Your Socks.” Crazy socks, lots of socks, whatever you choose! “Rock Your Socks” is a reminder that all types, shapes and sizes of the same thing can be unique in their own way! If you participate, please send pictures of your socks to membership@gcsepta.org or post to our social media pages!
Annual PARP PJ Literacy Event Goes Virtual
Thank you to all students in grades K–5 who opted to participate in our first ever
Garden City PTA News
PARP Pen Pals program. We had over 270 participants and kept our neighborhood mail carriers very busy! Students were matched to pen pals in the same grade from different Garden City schools and “connected” by writing and sending handwritten letters to one another. We heard from many students and their families that they truly enjoyed writing to and receiving a letter from a new friend in the mail.
This month, the PARP committee has reimagined a favorite PARP tradition, Pajama Literacy Night. In the past, K-1 students and their parents/guardians were invited to gather at the Middle School to play literacy games and listen to stories read by some of their favorite primary teachers -- all while wearing their pajamas! This year, Pajama Literacy Night will take place from the comfort of your own home on Tuesday, March 16th! It will be considered a district-wide Family Connect Night, and students in all grades and their families are invited to participate. Printable and virtual resources will be emailed to all students in grades K-5 and will also be available on the PARP page of the PTA website (gardencitypta.org/parp). Keep an eye out for an email with more information. It’s going to be a great night!!
Upcoming Board of Education
Budget Meetings
The Garden City Board of Education
has several upcoming budget sessions to plan for the next school year. This year, to keep everyone informed and make the process interactive, we have initiated a Google form for people to submit their GC Budget questions or concerns to the PTA. You can find the link on the Garden City PTA website: main landing page and under the page’s Advocacy tab. The PTA will relay any information to the Board of Education or provide answers to questions.
• March 23: Proposed Budget Discussion
• April 7: Proposed Budget Discussion - Work Session
• April 20: Adoption of Budget 2021/2022 - No changes after this point
• May 4: Budget Hearing
• May 18: Budget Vote, 6 a.m. – 9 p.m., Garden City High School
Important School & PTA Dates to Remember
• March 12: April ACT Registration Deadline
• March 13: SAT Examination at GC High School (7:45 a.m.)
• March 15: Website Opens for the PTA Spring Sportswear Sale
• March 16: High School Spring Sports Yearbook Photos in Gym (2:45 p.m.)
• March 19: Primary & Elementary Report Cards
• March 19: Late Deadline High
School Yearbook Orders www.yearbookforever.com by 11:59 p.m.
• March 29–April 2: Spring Recess
Join the PTA, Support Garden City Schools
The PTA is proud to support all students and provide a connection between home and school. We are pleased to offer quality programming to students and parents throughout the school year. None of our endeavors would be possible without your continued support. To renew your membership for the 2020-2021 School Year, please visit www.gardencitypta.org and click on the “Membership” tab. Thank you for your active participation in the Garden City PTA!
Let’s Connect @GardenCityPTA
Website: www.gardencitypta.org
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Join the conversation and invite your friends.s
Thank you to all who support the Garden City PTA.
Every child. One voice.
Run for the Wild at the Bronx Zoo
Two local Garden City boys, Philip Hess and Eric Saponieri, who are part of the Chaminade track team, are organizing a team to participate and raise money for the Wildlife Conservation Society’s 13th Annual Run for the Wild at the Bronx Zoo. This run will take place in-person on Saturday, April 24. For a year that has been entirely virtual, this run will be a celebration of unity and a symbol of perseverance. COVID guidelines and rules will be in place and runners will be given specific entry times to control the flow of people. There are 2 options to their team: A 5K run starting hourly between 8 and 10 a.m. and a 3K family fun run starting at 10 a.m. Only participants will be permitted in the zoo that day, but a full schedule of attractions will be available to round out a day of fun for the runners. Participation is limited to only 500 runners allowed throughout the day, so act fast.
Wildlife Conservation Society’s Run for the Wild is open to runners and walkers alike, all participants will receive:
• Free all day access to the Bronx zoo including rides and attractions.
• Free parking
• A commemorative Wildlife Conservation Society Run for the Wild T-shirt and medal
As always, the run will directly benefit wildlife at the Bronx Zoo and around the world. This year’s run for the wild honors lemurs, in particular. These primates are emblematic of the island of Madagascar, and are found nowhere else on earth. By participating or supporting a participant, you can help lemurs and other protected wildlife.
Animals around the world are going extinct 10,000 times faster than ever before. There are many reasons, like climate change and deforestation, but we can actively curb this with vigorous conservation efforts. Philip Hess says, “I’ve always been passionate about wildlife and now is my chance to help out and do something about it!” Like many things these days, the 2021 Run for the Wild will be a little different. Eric stated, “I’ve been coming to the Bronx to my whole life and this is a great way to combine my tracks skills with conservation!” While practicing social distancing, it will still be a great day to help save wildlife while enjoying the Bronx Zoo. We hope to see you there.
To join Philip and Eric’s team, go to the Bronx Zoo website to register under GC Flyers, or to donate go to https:// p2p.onecause.com/run-for-the-wild/ james-hess
Eric Saponieri and Philip Hess
Thank you
Thank you to the selfless group of concerned residents that has formed to volunteer your professional skills and countless hours while asking for nothing in return. In fact, due to the varied skills of our supporters, the only skill we had to hire was an election lawyer to make sure we did everything the right way to ensure a fair and honest election.
Thank you to all the residents who have braved a pretty harsh winter to go door to door and make sure that people are aware of FABGC’s platform and to help residents safely vote via absentee ballot.
Thank you for your generous donations ranging from $25 to $1,000 for a total of almost $10,000. Because we had such talented supporters and didn’t hire campaign professionals, we’ve been able to use those funds to introduce ourselves with advertising online, in the GC News, and via mail.
Thank you to the former Trustees and POA directors from all over the village for coming out in support of a change. We really are traditionalists and hope we can restore the Garden City that we’ve lost over the last few years.
We are overwhelmed by the enormous support we have received from so many of our fellow residents that have indicated they will be voting for us on March 16. We deeply appreciate your confidence in our candidates and our efforts to achieve open governance again for the Village of Garden City.
Cosmo, Mary, Terry, Tom and Bruce
Pool finances mulled as 2nd pandemic summer approaches
pandemic. In prior years the $300,000 planned transfer from the General Fund was intended to reduce the accumulated negative net position as directed by the (Village) Finance and Audit Committee. This is part of a long-term plan to address the questions raised by both Moody’s Investor Services and the State Comptroller’s Office.”
A $300,000 “Interfund transfer” was approved with the Pool Budget in the adopted budget for FY 2020-2021, to bring the current fiscal year pool revenues up to $1.625 million -- while over a year ago, $1.049 million of that amount was originally projected to come from 2020 and 2021 pool memberships. That projection has significantly dropped due to the pandemic. In the presentation Tuesday the projected revenues from memberships in 2020-2021 are anticipated at $343,000. For the 2021-2022 budget, pool memberships are budgeted to bring in $600,000 in revenues, as presented. That would be a 75% increase, or $257,000 over last summer’s membership revenues.
With an interfund transfer increasing to $800,000, a 167% increase in FY 2021-2022 (the prior $300,000 with an additional half-million) the pool’s Net Revenue budgeted would be $691,000. Young said the Garden City Pool is
playing it conservative with budgeting, preparing for just 50% of the facility’s capacity.
“The budget would shift depending on the governor’s orders and if we’re allowed to go up to 75% or full capacity. We would anticipate opening in time this year (June) as opposed to the delayed opening last summer (after the Fourth July),” she commented.
Deputy Mayor Robert Bolebruch noted that last year Garden City was in a situation with the Pool enterprise that the village has not experienced before. “One of the things we did was that everyone worked together. (Food concessionaire) John Parks with his effort, has tried to work with the Rec. Department as best he can in this environment. As we move forward we should also learn from what occurred last year. If we are reopening then hopefully we can not still infringe upon his business at the prime times,” Bolebruch said. The pool was closed at mid-day (lunch hour) and Parks told the village his business was unable to sell items when people are most likely to buy.
did such an excellent job, evaluating what is and isn’t working in the first few weeks of the summer 2020 pool season.”
Over the next five fiscal years (through 2025-2026) there is a scheduled Capital Projects allocation for the Garden City Pool of $10,000 in each year, a total of $50,000 which is primarily for equipment costs. However a project to replace the vinyl liner in Pool No. 1 at the facility is currently slated for $175,000 in the budget, pushed back to budget year 2023-2024.
The Rec. budget presentation noted: “although pool memberships are anticipated to be greater year-over-year it is not expected to reach pre-COVID levels due to the ongoing distancing requirements.”
The same shortfalls apply to various Village Recreation fee-generating activities, facility rentals and events.
are allowed to be fully open -- overall numbers were kept lower than what we’d anticipate in a full year,” Young said Tuesday night.
Of note, the St. Paul’s Fieldhouse was reopened at the start of March but rental of the facility and what that entails remain in question, with continued Health Department guidance necessary.
Bolebruch added, “Obviously if capacity goes from 50% to 75% or 100% that will help him as well -- we should learn as last year, there were a lot of complaints or frustrations as the makeshift pool season started. Our Rec. staff
“We (Recreation and Parks) lost Revenues in FY 2020-2021 due to cutbacks in programs and our rental fees we would have normally taken in during summer and fall months. We have now started to open some indoor activities with a few Revenues coming in. Because we don’t know what will happen, both COVID impacts and physical distancing requirements, etc. is kept very conservative though we are hoping it will go up depending on whether our facilities
Garden City Mayor Theresa Trouvé asked Sandra Young about communications with health officials and New York State about timelines of reopening for indoor use of facilities, and related guidance, noting that right now “vaccinations are flourishing” in Nassau County and with the statewide rollout. Young says she’s deciphering information constantly from Gov. Cuomo’s office, “about what we are allowed to do” and she speaks quite often with Village Auditor/Secretary to the Board of Trustees Courtney Rutt Rosenblatt “to make sure Rec. is following all the right guidelines.” Young notes for the Rec. facilities’ use, activities and sports, “as we can do more, we are.”
Another requested budget increase is for the village’s tree management allocation in the coming two fiscal years (through 2022-2023), which Young said comes after the damage done last August by Tropical Storm Isaias. “We From page 1
See page 65
DISCOVER THE FINEST IN SENIOR LIVING
The Bristal Assisted Living has been serving seniors and their families in the tri-state area since 2000, offering independent and assisted living, as well as state-of-the-art memory care programs. We are committed to helping residents remain independent, while providing peace of mind that expert care is available, if needed. Designed with seniors in mind, each of our communities feature exquisitely appointed apartments and beautiful common areas that are perfect for entertaining. On-site services and amenities include daily housekeeping, gourmet meals, a cinema, salon, plus so much more. Discover a vibrant community, countless social events with new friends, and a luxurious lifestyle that you will only find at The Bristal.
Girl Scouts gift a tradition
Girls Scouts show the seat cushions (“sit-upons”) that they created.
Garden City Girl Scouts worked separate but together to gift an extraordinary 250+ sit-upons to Evergreen Charter School in Hempstead. A sit-upon is a long-standing Girl Scout tradition that is a homemade padded seat cushion usually used for camping, troop meetings and large gatherings as a dry place to sit on while outdoors. By reinventing this tradition, the girls created colorful, non-porous, easy to carry alternative seating for the children of
Evergreen to use in their classrooms for reading breaks, gym and outdoor time.
An astounding 170 girls from 2nd grade through 8th grade participated in their own troop meetings to make over 250 sit-upons! Thank you to the girls from Troops 1018, 1028, 1187, 1242, 1249, 1252, 1322, 1349, 1351, 1362, 1437, 1426, 1609, 1636 and 1658 for sharing a Girl Scout tradition and for proving that Girl Scouts continue to make a difference even when they can’t all be together.
GCHS Senior Spotlight: Enzo Cupani
Enzo Cupani is a talented musician, skilled athlete and excellent student. After taking piano lessons locally in his younger years, his love of music was nurtured with Mr. Russo in Garden City Middle School’s Electronic Music course. He was also dedicated to his efforts on the football field and wrestling mats as well as his work in the robotics lab.
The
Kordes
K orner
John Ellis Kordes
PhotograPhy
This photograph was taken on August 19, 1910 by the Doubleday front doors. The occasion was the cornerstone laying and none other than former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt was on hand for the ceremony. That’s him in the center of the photo with his right arm in the air.
The Doubleday building on Franklin Avenue was built in less than a year opening in November of 1910. It had over 700 employees and was producing almost 7000 books a day. The building was built to resemble Hampton Court in England.
Enzo’s musical involvement flourished at Garden City High School. He joined the vocal jazz ensemble and chamber choir and resigned from football in order to participate in the theater production of High School Musical. He pursued his vocal talents to earn All County, All State, All Eastern and ultimately All National Honors in Mixed Chorus Ensembles, Bass 1. As a member of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra Chamber Choir, he performed on world stages in New York City such as Lincoln Center, Radio City Music Hall and Carnegie Hall. Enzo also serves as treasurer in the Tri-M Music Honor Society.
In addition to his many music achievements, Enzo maintained his wrestling stance and rose to become a co-captain this school year. He honed his leadership skills and found a mentor in his wrestling coach, Mr. Hepworth.
Enzo will be attending his grandfather's alma mater, Syracuse University, to pursue a degree in the music industry program in the fall.
Submissions are from staff, students, or parents. To nominate a GCHS senior, please contact Assistant Principal for Guidance and PPS Mandi Stefankiewicz at stefankiewiczm@gcufsd.net.
In the 1980s Doubleday stopped producing books there. After selling the building, it later fell dormant. Years later the entire building was gutted and rebuilt into a modern office building retaining its original appearance.
2021 Eastern POA Scholarship
It is with pleasure that the Eastern Property Owners Association of Garden City announces that it will once again award a $1000 scholarship 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 may obtain an application from the Garden City High School Guidance Office or on the EPOA website 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 16, 2021
Enzo Cupani
The Welcoming Club of Garden City News
What's New?
Thank you to all who joined us for virtual Couples Trivia Night last Friday! A lot of fun, knowledge, and laughs were shared among all the participants. Special thanks to Crystal’s Chocolate Creations for providing delicious chocolate covered Oreos and pretzels that served as much-needed (and much-enjoyed) brain food! The first Texas Hold ‘Em poker lesson took place on Thursday night! The club’s very own poker extraordinaire
Jax Russo Curtin hosted the first 1 hour + 30 minute session of guided game play and everyone had a great time. If you are interested in joining the next lesson, please email Jax at jax.russo.curtin@gmail.com to sign up. Each lesson costs $15 and all proceeds from the event go to the INN.
Time to get cookin’! Secure your tickets now for one or two nights of virtual cooking classes with The Cooking Lab - Saturday, 3/20 at 6 p.m. and Thursday, 3/25 at 6 p.m. Learn to whip up a few new dishes you can add to your repertoire! Tickets are $35 per class and you will be responsible for buying your own groceries. A shopping list will be provided ahead of time. Please reach out to Deborah at WelcomingClubBunco@gmail. com to reserve your spot today!
The club is continuing to host FREE weekly virtual meetups open to all moms who have had a baby within the last 12 months. We are offering guest speakers and a variety of health consultants. Come connect with other moms to share experiences, tips, concerns, and learn from each other. It’s a great way to build friendships while still practicing social distancing efforts. If you are interested in joining next week’s meetup, please email Noel at welcomingclubtoddleractivities@gmail. com for more information.
Follow Us!
Facebook: The Welcoming Club of Garden City
Instagram: @gcwelcomingclub
Join A Group
Book Club: Enjoy a good book amongst friends. The book club meets every 6 weeks 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 get crafty. No experience necessary. We meet every few months to create a
seasonal craft. 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 home or head out to try local restaurants. Please email GCSupper@gmail.com for more information.
Bowling Club: No experience necessary! We are looking for new faces to join our Wednesday league. Occasional pacers are welcome. Anyone interested, please contact Ellen (Diller05@aol.com) Carol (santa060@yahoo.com) or Liz (mcdea@aol.com).
Bunko: This simple dice game is 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 fun to 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 week around our beautiful village and a visit to the park. We also set up playgroups with kids of similar age. Please email welcomingclubtoddleractivities@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 fall 2020 session, email WelcomingClubGolf@ gmail.com.
Tennis: Tennis lessons and group play begin soon! We play at the Garden City Community Park courts behind the pool. All levels welcome, groups will be formed based on experience. Spots are limited so please contact WelcomingClubTennis@ gmail.com to reserve a spot for the 2020/2021 season!
Come 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.
n Plumbing repairs
n Drain cleaning
n Heat repairs
n Installation of appliances
n Installation of toilets & sinks
n Water filtration systems
Gov. Cuomo: Will he go or will he stay?
BY BOB MORGAN, JR.
It’s always a little dangerous to write about an ongoing story like the furor surrounding Governor Andrew Cuomo and the clamors for his resignation, since the situation could change rapidly. I’m guessing that Mr. Cuomo stays put, at least for a while, and quite possibly for the remainder of his term, but you just can’t be sure. In the meantime, I’m going to focus on the politics of this controversy.
There are two separate sources of serious problems for the Governor. First, the administration’s edict last March that nursing home accept Covid patients discharged from hospitals almost certainly caused large numbers of unnecessary deaths. The most that can be said for the Governor is that this was a difficult situation whereby he was trying to prevent hospital overcrowding. However, this policy failure was compounded by attempts by the Governor’s aides to suppress the number of nursing home related deaths, both from a federal investigation and in a report issued that claimed that much of the problem came from preexisting infections among nursing home staffers.
The second set of problems arises from complaints of women, including individuals who worked for Mr. Cuomo, of sexual harassment and inappropriate words and actions.
To put it mildly, this is a major fall for Mr. Cuomo. Last year, he received nationwide acclaim and an Emmy Award, for his coronavirus briefings. He also wrote a book about his leadership in the crisis and was in the conversation about national office. Now, it seems quite unlikely that he will seek a fourth term in the 2022 elections.
While it is possible that Mr. Cuomo will simply throw in the towel and resign, the principal deciders if he tries to stay in office are the members of the New York legislature, which is now numbered heavily by Democrats, who have two thirds majorities in both the Assembly and the state Senate. Increasingly the members are strong liberals, some avowed democratic socialists. Under New York law, a majority of the
members is required to impeach the governor, which results in his suspension, and a two-thirds majority in the state Senate plus appeals court judges is needed to remove him. The Senate Democratic leader has called for Mr. Cuomo’s resignation as have the leaders of the Republican minority. The Speaker of the Assembly has been a bit more equivocal, and some Democratic Assemblywomen have taken a wait and see approach.
One wild card is the report on the harassment allegation ordered by Attorney General Letitia James on the harassment allegations. While the report allows Mr. Cuomo to buy a little time, its contents are obviously important.
But a rather underrated factor in all of this is Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who would become the next governor if Mr. Cuomo resigns. Ms. Hochul has been in her job since 2015, but has a very low profile.
Ms. Hochul won an upstate Congressional seat for the Democrats in 2011 in a big upset (the Republican vote was split by a Tea Party candidate) and not surprisingly had a relatively conservative voting record during one term (indeed, she was endorsed by the National Rifle Association.)
While I’m sure that Ms. Hochul would move sharply to the left as governor (similar to the rapid transformation of Kirsten Gillibrand when she became senator), she may be enough of an unknown to make legislative leaders hesitant to favor her ascendancy. This is especially true if it looks like she is open to running for a full term in 2022. The best guess is that the leaders would much prefer a far more “woke” Democratic nominee.
I can easily imagine a working arrangement between the left-wing Democratic legislative leaders and Governor Cuomo whereby he stays in office through 2022 while avoiding much resistance to their proposals and they look for an even more pliant Governor in the next election. From their point of view, that might be as good as it gets.
Get rid of your unwanted items by placing an ad for them in our Classifieds! We have reasonable rates, and you’ll have prompt results! Call our Garden City office at 294-8900 for rates and other info.
unreasonable costs.
The Monster Poles: The Village was one of the first villages along Floral Park and New Hyde Park in opposing the Third Track Project. The Governor and the MTA rammed through the Third Track plan with little other opposition. The Trustees negotiated with the LIRR & MTA to get the best deal for Garden City that they could. They were lied to and the poles were moved to the south side of the tracks. So what was done? The Village filed a lawsuit against the MTA.
The $10 Million Firehouse: The Village hired a consultant to come up with plans for what to do with the aging Edgemere Firehouse. Among those plans developed by the consultant was a $10M option. NO Trustee ever Endorsed or Voted for such a plan. There will NOT be a $10M firehouse. The WPOA firehouse committee was led by the former president of the union representing the laid off paid G.C Fire Department. Maybe a little prejudice?
Lack of Transparency: The Board of Trustees has NEVER been cited for any violation of the open-meeting law. No action of the board has occurred in secret. All items passed by the board have taken place at a public meeting with a recorded vote.
No Bid Contracts: New York State law outlines what items voted on by a municipality must go out to bid. When a village is hiring a firm to perform professional services, e.g., an architect, law firm, insurance services, etc. the firm chosen is on a no-bid basis. You wouldn’t necessarily want a low bid lawyer, for example.
There are other complaints by FABGC which pre-date this group of trustees. Should current trustees be blamed for their predecessors? I think not.
So what is at stake? The Village has for over 100 years operated in a non-partisan election process. No political parties, no patronage jobs, no scandals, no credit watches and no strikes or labor problems.
We have what most residents of Garden City moved here for: Stability.
• The Village has never violated the State’s 2% tax cap.
• The Village has one of the only AAA bond ratings by Moody’s.
• The Village has a very manageable bond load.
• Garden City is one of the safest cities in America.
• Garden City has received the AAA Platinum Award for years for traffic safety.
• Garden City has been awarded a Tree City, year after year.
• Garden City has been blessed with stability in budget planning year after year.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Email: Editor@GCNews.com
When Tuesday, March 16 arrives, please get out and vote for the Community Agreement Party candidates:
• Bob Bolebruch for Mayor
• Mark Hyer for Trustee
• Steve Makrinos for Trustee
• Rich Catalano for Trustee
• Yvonne Varano for Trustee
If you wake up on Wednesday, March 17 you don’t want to lament“Alas poor Garden City, I knew thy well”
Dennis Donnelly
Garden City Resident for 55 Years
Kudos to CAP candidates
To the Editor:
Kudos to the Community Agreement Party candidates for their informed comments at the JCC Zoom Q&A on Monday night. Their responses to the many residents’ questions demonstrated their thorough knowledge of Village issues and their understanding of how municipal government functions, in sharp contrast to the outright misstatements and ignorance of their FABGC opponents, especially when the FABGC candidates are commenting on selective past issues.
One such issue ignored by FABGC is the 2015 attempt by Nassau County to commercialize the Stewart/Clinton intersection, which if successful would have devastated the East. Where were they then? Where, specifically, was Tom O’Brien? He lives in the East. He is their candidate for Trustee from the East. I was EPOA president at the time— never heard of Tom O’Brien. We prevailed over Nassau County because of the actions of our East Trustees and the solidified opposition of our POA and our many residents who became actively involved through petitions and outreach. In fact, this issue led to several residents becoming active members of the EPOA, two of whom are now directors.
In my 15 years of active involvement with the EPOA and in attending BOT meetings, I have never seen Tom O’Brien at a meeting or heard him comment on any issue through any medium. (He apparently served on the East Nominating Committee 30 years ago.)
So what, you may ask, he has a right to run. Yes, he does. And I and other residents have a right to ask where was he when it counted over these many years. I will with gratitude vote for Mark Hyer and the other Community Agreement Party candidates on March 16.
Christine
Mullaney Criteria for Trustee
To the Editor:
In Forrest Gump, he quotes his mother in saying “Stupid is as stupid does . . .” and candidly a lot of that has occurred during the run up to this election. I do not believe that monopolies are inher-
ently better, in fact the opposite - having choices - brings out the best.
In sports or the arts, you are only as good as your last performance or play and must continually strive to do better; similarly, in governance, you are only as capable and competent as your preceding actions or inactions on matters affecting your constituency. If you fail your constituents another candidate gets elected. But only if you have choices. Otherwise there are no alternatives, no checks and balances.
Every trustee must understand that merely because they have warmed a chair, and “waited their turn” does not inherently mean time has made them any more competent, more empathetic, inherently better, or even more experienced than any other candidate.
As an individual who has served on the BOT, and left because I believe in term-limits, I can attest that the “EXPERIENCE” needed of an elected trustee, is genuinely more a function of one’s internal moral compass, the culmination of one’s life’s experiences, and the unique characteristic to make decisions that are good for society over the self. Merely because I coached little league that does not entitled me to play in the majors.
Moreover, each candidate must have the empathy to sincerely appreciate the impact their actions or inactions may have on others. These are the considerations voters should weigh in the upcoming election.
The individual best suited for the position of trustee should have the ability and desire to ask intelligent questions, consider all available empirical data, then reach a decision which can be thoroughly and thoughtfully explained to interested residents. The cacophony of silence from the present Board of Trustees is contrary to what this village and it s residents desire.
In governance, decisions are generally not black and white, right or wrong. The true role of a public official is to consider competing positions to reach the best decision possible under the circumstances and have the foundation to expressly affirm their position.
When deciding upon whom you intend to vote, it should not be on the bases of a particular party or organization which supports their candidacy. I believe your primary considerations should be the following five questions:
• How would this individual make decisions for you and your fellow villagers?
• Does that person listen and resist the temptation to presume they know more than others?
• As trustee, will that individual promote inclusion to foster a healthy community dialogue on matters that effect the village?
• Will that person take time to reach out to concerned citizens and have them
participate in a shared decision-making process?
• Will that person have the courage to articulate their position and be willing to be held accountable for decisions they have made?
While each of the CAP candidates may claim they meet the criteria set forth above, I disagree. The decisions made by the current Trustees, and the manner in which they were made has consistently demonstrated their shortcomings, which warrants and requires remediation by having others take their seat on the Board. In my four years as a trustee, and forty years as politically active resident, I have never seen such contentiousness, hostility, failure to respond to valid questions or lack of initiative in the leadership of our village.
It is evident the Village chose not to respond to the WPOA Firehouse Committee or my FOIL request submitted on December 7, 2020 because they are “running out the clock” before election day. The same information that should have been provided to PKAD could and should have been posted on the village website.
It is the current BOT, and not the monopoly they are endorsing that is placing out century’s collegial system of local government in peril. Make the right decision on Election Day and choose a trustee who will make the right decisions for the right reasons, not just to perpetuate the past.
Bruce A. Torino, Esq.
Now is the time for change
To the Editor:
There’s been much talk about the upcoming election. With the Mayoral and Board of Trustees election on March 16, you may still be considering who to vote for. Here are the strongest reasons to vote for FABGC. The current Board of Trustees has a record of decisions which have negatively impacted the residents of Garden City.
Let’s begin with St. Paul’s. In 2018, the Board put forth a costly presentation for a conceptual design without any alternatives or supporting costs causing great speculation as to which adaptive use is actually feasible. The mega sports complex proposal has vanished. Taxpayer dollars were squandered on a presentation that only benefitted the Architect. Conceptual designs without costs and programmatic requirements are pure folly. The Board made conditional their responsibility to represent all residents by asserting their legal right to pursue restoration, alteration, and yes, even demolition, without a public referendum. Deputy Mayor Bolebruch’s claim in support of a vote is not shared by a majority of the Trustees who have never stated as such till this last week. The so called “stabilization” of St. Paul’s Main Building has pro-
ceeded at a snail’s pace. How effective can this Board be if they cannot determine the number of windows in need of weatherproofing only to incur additional costs? This was not oversight. This was incompetence.
The erection of the monster electric power poles should never have happened. The Board approved the Third Track Project and then failed to monitor the work. Trustee Makrinos should have sounded the alarm when the MTA tried to install the first 93-foot-tall steel pole. Trustee Makrinos did nothing. The Board did nothing. This area of Garden City is now akin to an industrial park. The before- and-after photographs illustrate a tragic transformation. The loss of real estate value will not only be borne by the homeowners affected but by the residents of Garden City at large. Tax relief sought by the residents who claim their home values have been reduced will affect all residents. Debating the loss of real estate value pales in comparison to the anxiety caused to the residents impacted by the Board’s total fiduciary failure to protect the home values of our residents. The lack of oversight and vigilance should be cause for dismissal of the Trustees involved. This Village owes the affected residents an apology. Four sections of GC or not, when any resident of this Village is hurt, they are our neighbors. That is what it means to be part of our wonderful Village.
The actions of Trustees Bolebruch, Makrinos and Hyer to fight the need for handicapped parking in defiance of the needs of our fellow resident and neighbor Gerry Kelly is absolutely vile and immoral. How could these Trustees and Village Counsel determine they could take actions against Gerry Kelly and the American’s with Disabilities Act, a federal law? Is this the representation we expect from our selected Trustees? Their actions caused unnecessary legal costs of over $100,000 in taxpayer money. Gerry Kelly and his family deserve an apology from all who acted against him.
The Edgemere Firehouse is slated to be demolished and a $10 million new firehouse constructed based on the information provided by the Board. It is a fact, that the engineering reports prepared for the Village do not recommend demolition. The engineering reports provide for restoration and potential enlargement, not demolition. The WPOA Fire House Committee has developed detailed plans and recommendations to provide an upgraded facility in compliance with all current building codes at almost half the cost of a new firehouse. The proposed new firehouse design by PKAD, the architectural firm hired without a formal competitive bid, envisions a largely over scaled structure not in context with the resi-
TO THE EDITOR
dential character of the site. The WPOA Fire House Committee was recently suspended by the WPOA Board of Directors just several weeks before the March 16th election. This occurred after the current WPOA and past WPOA presidents concurred with the committee members regarding the lack of response by the Board of Trustees and the Deputy Mayor after months of work by the committee. Recently, during a Community Agreement Party (CAP) Zoom Meeting, we learned PKAD was recommended by the Garden City Fire Department Chief, information we have tried to obtain for over a year. The WPOA Board of Directors, the Deputy Mayor and Board of Trustees are an affront to the WPOA Fire House Committee and to the residents by preventing an open dialogue to obtain the best possible result for the residents of Garden City. This issue is not only about the Edgemere Firehouse but about the design and operation of all the Garden City fire houses as well as having the best fire safety plan for all residents.
We are lucky to have a few concerned residents that were instrumental in bringing to light the Board of Trustees lack of transparency in negotiating a long-term lease for the Casino, a Garden City institution. It is our goal to provide the Casino members and Board of Governors support to realize a longterm lease as done in past agreements.
The sale of parkland in 2013 to the Mews residents on Franklin Court by the Board of Trustees, which required public discussion, was done in violation of the Open Meetings Law. Again, the Board of Trustees actions required the repurchase of the land it sold from the Franklin Mews Group LLC for $58,000, plus other costs never revealed, more than it sold for. Compliance with the Open Meetings Law provides the public with an overview of local government. Members of the Board shunned transparency in support of clandestine agendas, as was done with the sale of the Franklin Mews. Recently, the New York Coalition for Open Government report gave Garden City governance a “D” in transparency.
The Board of Trustees tried to illegally drop the Garden City News designation as the Village’s “official paper” in January 2019. The Board of Trustees gave no reason for their unanimous vote. The Board’s action was to retaliate against criticism levied by the Garden City News which cost the residents additional taxpayer dollars needed to include the Garden City Life as the “official paper”. Unanimous voting by the Board of Trustees reveals this cabal’s real agenda - silence all who question and disagree.
The end of the Andy Foundation yard sale and Jay Gallagher Lacrosse Tournament in 2018 was caused when the Board of Trustees increased rental
costs at St. Paul’s. The increases proposed by the Board were too great for these long-standing community venues to continue. This was a terrible loss for all Garden City residents and especially for the children of Garden City. The Board of Trustees should solve problems, not cause them.
On Sept. 24, 2019, the Cathedral Nursery School announced the closure of the school at year’s end after 52 years in operation. The Board of Trustees forced the closure of the school claiming their actions were made in conjunction with proposed plans for St. Paul’s Main Building. The Deputy Mayor blamed the Cathedral Nursery School for not taking action knowing their lease agreement would not be renewed, citing site safety concerns related to work at St. Paul’s. The only work that would impact the nursery school cottages would be a hockey rink.
As the FABGC Mayoral candidate and along with my fellow Trustee candidates, we say now is the time for change. The present Board of Trustees and new CAP Trustee candidates do not represent the needs of our residents. They have demonstrated as much with their numerous detrimental actions and votes. As a result, the residents have little say. Deputy Mayor Bolebruch has a record to defend - a record of bad decisions and inaccurate erroneous statements. He claims his experience as a Trustee is automatic passage to be the next Mayor. We disagree. If a Trustee’s actions and votes have not benefitted the residents, they should not be permitted to remain on the Board (let alone serve as Mayor). To enact change, the FABGC slate of candidates have committed themselves wholeheartedly and have done what many thought could never be done, mount a challenge to give the residents of our Village a positive alternative to those that have caused all the issues in our wonderful town these last years. To my neighbors, to those that I have coached your children in soccer and baseball, for those that I have served on committees with in this great town for the last three decades, I pledge that all of us together will represent the residents of Garden City with the core beliefs of transparency, competitive bidding, term limits and respect. Vote for FABGC, Mary Carter Flanagan, Bruce Chester, Terry Digan, Tom O’Brien and Cosmo Veneziale. The time for change is now!
Cosmo Veneziale
NYC water not the answer
To the Editor:
As a GC resident with many years of experience in the water quality management field, I thought my input may be relevant to the recent debates about our water quality. As background, I have a masters degree in environmental engineering, and am a registered profes-
sional engineer. I previously worked in the water programs division of the US Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, DC, and as a private consultant managed remediation of numerous hazardous waste sites, including state and Federal superfund sites, many with chlorinated solvents similar to those found in Garden City.
I have lived in Garden City most of my life, raised four healthy children here, and my wife is a physician.
While we certainly share people’s interest in maintaining our water quality, I firmly believe our water quality is excellent, and that the Village has been extremely diligent in maintaining our water quality. The village consultant, H2M, is a highly ethical, independent and recognized expert in the water supply field. The village has complied with all regulations and is in the process of installing new state-of-the-art water treatment systems that would produce drinking water quality that meets or exceeds all federal and state water quality standards, including pending state standards for 1,4 dioxane and PFAS’s. Concerned residents should read the excellent description of GC’s water quality management program on the village website.
Although some recent letters to the editor claim that it is feasible to obtain our drinking water from NYC, a more relevant question is: Would this be desirable? Even if we could overcome the enormous technical, economic and political challenges involved in securing water supply from NYC, would this really be a goal worth pursuing?
Although NYC has an historic reputation for excellent drinking water quality, the facts tell a different story, as discussed below.
US Department of Justice (DOJ) Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Consent Decree with NYC
NYC has been in violation of the Federal SDWA since 1996, and signed a consent decree with the DOJ in March 2019. The Consent Decree requires NYC to implement over $3 billion in improvements to NYC’s water supply system, including covering the Hillview Reservoir, which DOJ calls “the last stop for drinking water before it enters the city’s water tunnels for distribution to city residents.” DOJ says water in the uncovered reservoir can be contaminated by pathogens from birds and other animals as well as from viruses and the protozoa Giardia and Cryptosporidium. According to the USEPA: “Cryptosporidium is a significant concern in drinking water because it contaminates most surface waters used as drinking water sources (e.g. uncovered reservoirs), it is resistant to chlorine and other disinfectants, and it has caused waterborne disease outbreaks. Consuming water with Cryptosporidiumcan cause gastrointes-
tinal illness, which may be severe and sometimes fatal for people with weakenedimmune systems (which may include infants, the elderly, and people who have AIDS).”
NYC is required to cover the reservoir because it is one of only a few large cities that uses unfiltered surface water for its water supply, and filtration would be too costly. The DOJ says that the improvements required by the Consent Decree will not be in full operation until 2042. (Engineering News Record, March 18, 2019.)
Recent studies have found that lead concentrations exceeded the Federal “action level” of 15 ppb in approximately 8% of NYC homes. Although scale inside of pipes typically prevents lead from seeping into the water, corrosive water can erode this scale and dissolve lead into drinking water supply. Although NYC may adjust the pH of its water supply, NYC’s water may be corrosive in part because acidic rainwater that flows into NYC’s reservoirs has low pH levels of 4.5-5. GC treats its water to assure it is not corrosive. The potential for lead contamination and proper corrosion control would need to be carefully evaluated were GC to seriously consider using NYC water. (The recent lead contamination in Flint, MI drinking water occurred when Flint changed its water supply source, resulting in leaching of lead from water pipes.)
The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a Washington, DC-based on-profit,ranks NYC’s drinking water 13th out of 100 major cities, behind, for example, Boston, St. Louis, Providence, Charleston, and several cities in Texas. EWG found that nine contaminants in NYC drinking water exceeded its advisory levels, including trihalomethane and haloacetic acid (both potential carcinogens), which also exceeded the legal limits. Garden City’s water quality exceeds six EWG advisory levels, but does not exceed any current legal limits. EWG’s survey EWG did not rank Garden City’s water quality; however, based on EWG’s evaluation criteria, Garden City’s water quality would very likely rank higher than NYC’s.
NYC has a long history of failing to comply with Federal environmental regulations. NYC failed to comply with secondary wastewatertreatment requirements of the Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1972 until 2011, even though the USEPA paid 75% of these costs until the 1980’s, and nearly all major cities complied. NYC also dumped its primary wastewater treatment sludge offshore from the 1920’s until 1992, when it was the last city in the US to end this practice. NYC still discharges more than 27 billion gallons per year of raw sewage and contaminated stormwater from 460 combined sewer overflow (CSO) points during and following rainfall. These discharges have impacted beaches on
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Email: Editor@GCNews.com
Long Island and led to beach closures. Although these wastewater issues are not directly related to NYC’s water supply issues, they are a further demonstration NYC’s poor record of compliance with environmental requirements. Moreover, the costly corrective measures needed for wastewater programs, including control of CSO’s and sludge management, will continue to compete for limited funding for water supply system improvements.
At some point in the future, it may become necessary or desirable to obtain our water supply from a different source. For example, new technologies are being developed to improve effectiveness and reduce cost for desalinization. Or maybe, by that point, NYC will finally comply with SDWA and other requirements. Until then, I recommend we continue with GC’s plan to obtain water from local groundwater, and proceed to implement the state-of-the-art, advanced water treatment systems recommended by our qualified and independent experts.
Robert Foxen, P.E
For A Bullied GC
To the Editor:
FABGC is a bunch of bullies. They and their supporters will beat you down and shove their agenda down your throat until you either agree with them or run away. Classic bully move! They are out to destroy all who don’t want to be in their little “club” and have no room for opposing views. These are not people I want running my village! If they throw you out of a Facebook group I can’t see why they won’t throw you out of one of their proposed “resident” committees or a meeting. Wake up Garden City and see who these people really are. They are run by a dictator who has no place in this political agenda!
The definition of a bully is as follows-
• a person who habitually seeks to harm or intimidate those whom they perceive as vulnerable
• a blustering, browbeating person especially : one who is habitually cruel, insulting, or threatening to others who are weaker, smaller, or in some way vulnerable
Many of the neighbors we have continually heard from fit this definition to a T!
Read the comments and listen to the rhetoric from the FABGC candidates! Stand up and vote for the CAP members who want what’s best for everyone!! Who aren’t bulling you to vote for them and their agenda! Who do not use mean posts and comments to degrade you. Come out March 16 and stand up to the FABGC bullies and put an end to their behavior! Most good people in the village are quiet for fear of being abused by Don Macleod and his band of men and woman. Ask yourself this my fellow garden city neighbors. If I cant express
myself to FABGC now how will I ever be able to express myself if they are elected and have no fear!!
FABGC should mean For a Bullied Garden City.
Cheri Bolebruch
Truth about Village elections
To the Editor:
Although I no longer reside in the Village, as a former Mayor, Village Trustee, and 45-year resident, I have not lost interest in Garden City. I read the Garden City News and in light of the March 16 General Election, I watched all videos posted by both the Community Agreement Party and the FABGC in support of their candidates.
Unfortunately, poisonous untruths about the four Property Owners’ Associations and their role in the a-political, open Community Agreement nominating procedure have been spread by the FABGC leaders, their candidates and their supporters. They allege that Village officials are elected by small groups of people in each of the four associations and that if it weren’t for the FABGC, residents once again would have no voice in electing the mayor and four trustees.
Anyone who says that the nomination and election of village officials is controlled by a small cabal of POA people is not telling the truth. In fact, the Mayor and Village Trustees are elected in the annual General Election that is governed by New York State Election laws and rules.
Please do not believe the FABGC Party’s false assertions. The POAs simply nominate candidates for the Village General Election. Over the years, there have been POA primary elections with many hundreds of voters participating in each to select the candidates for the Community Agreement ballot line in the General Election. I, myself, ran in three February primaries in the East: two for Trustee, and the last of which in 2015 when I was chosen as the Community Agreement Party candidate and actually elected in the March General Election.
If residents within given geographic sections of the Village disagree with nominations for General Election candidacy, they can present additional names by submitting petitions to their respective POAs. The POAs must conduct primary elections open to all registered voters within their geographic areas. Historically, POA nominating committees’ choices have not won every primary election.
This year, no one petitioned any POA for a primary election. Therefore, the nominating committees chose this year’s Community Agreement Party’s slate. They have not elected anyone to office.
Clearly, the FABGC candidates could have submitted resumes for consider-
ation by their respective nominating committees but none did so. Although they did not submit resumes, they still had the right to to petition for primary elections. The FABGC candidates did not do that either. Although they claim to support the Community Agreement, they clearly do not want to recognize the Community Agreement nominating system which is open to everyone. Membership in a POA is not a criteria for participation in this process. Instead, they chose their own candidates with no input from the general public.
On March 16, please do not vote for candidates who have led you to believe that if it were not for them, you would have had no choice in the election process. Any such candidates are not qualified to serve as your elected officials. They either need a civics lesson because they do not understand Garden City’s open, a-political electoral process, or they are misleading you for their own political reasons.
Nicholas P. Episcopia, Mayor, 2015 - 2017 and Trustee, 2005 - 2015 Integrity matters most
To the Editor:
It is not surprising that several former Trustees and POA Presidents, who know exactly what the positions of Mayor and Trustee entail, have endorsed the For A Better Garden City candidates Cosmo Veneziale, Tom O’Brien, Bruce Chester, Terry Digan and Mary Carter Flanagan. The CAP candidates, and particularly the incumbent trustees, suggest that their experience sitting on the Board is necessary to continue the operations of our Village. It is not. The Village operated successfully for over a hundred years before the incumbent trustees became trustees, and despite the recent setbacks brought on by the current Board, the Village will continue to operate long after the incumbents are gone.
If elected, the FABGC candidates will work with the Village Administrator, Ralph Suozzi, who oversees the day to day running of the Village, and the Village Treasurer, Irene Woo, who was recently credited as “the driving force behind the tremendous improvement of the Village’s Finance Department.” The poor decisions of the Board of Trustees are theirs and theirs alone, and the suggestion that Mr. Suozzi and Ms. Woo cannot continue to do their jobs without the incumbent trustees is absurd.
Integrity is the most important characteristic that we want in our Board of Trustees, and as one former Trustee noted, the current “hostile environment between villagers and the BOT” was brought on by a breakdown in integrity and communication with residents.
It is unprecedented for former trust-
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ees and POA presidents to come out independently to support the removal of incumbent trustees. The fact that it has happened now underscores the need to vote for change. As one former Trustee noted last week, “the articles submitted to the Garden City News have laid out clearly why it is important for residents to have an opportunity for a change in leadership this year.” Another former Trustee who endorses the FABGC candidates said: “Now is the time to restore the values that made Garden City a great place to live and raise your family.”
The FABGC candidates have the integrity, skills and courage needed to fix the serious problems recognized by the former leaders of our Village. The candidates’ individual accomplishments are impressive, their reputations are beyond reproach, and their devotion to the Village is beyond question.
We encourage you to join the former Village Trustees and vote for the FABGC candidates. To borrow the words of one of the former Trustees, “it is time to restore the values that made Garden City a great place to live.”
Donald MacLeod, Betsy Lenhart Andromidas, Richard Corrao, John Cantwell, Charlie Kelly
Abject failure
To the Editor:
I’ll be brief, as opposed to most of these run on writers.
This current Board of Trustees has been an abject failure. I have never seen the Village so torn apart. I cannot think of a successful accomplishment, but numerous failures have filled the pages of this paper.
Most surprising is they haven’t the good sense, or honor, to resign.
Time for those of us who care for the Village to vote these rascals out of office en mass. Haven’t we suffered enough.
Vote!
Thomas P. Brosnan
Restore transparency
To the Editor:
As you may know, I am a Trustee candidate For a Better Garden City (FABGC), an accomplished team of concerned residents. I believe that I can offer a unified path to make an impact on issues of concern to our residents, and to assure transparency while also preserving representation from all 4 sections of the Village…which has been missing for too long. I want to be part of a solution that allows all residents in Garden City to vote for trustees based on where they stand on issues and their commitment to transparency.
Many of the decisions that have been made by our current Board of Trustees have had a negative effect on our town, and residents without proper resident
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Email: Editor@GCNews.com
participation, and it is time for a change in leadership!
These are the reasons why I am now running as a Trustee Candidate from the East Section, along with Cosmo Veneziale, our Mayoral Candidate; Terry Digan, Trustee Candidate from the Central Section; Mary Carter Flanagan, Trustee Candidate from the Western Section; and Bruce Chester, Trustee Candidate from the Estates Section. Together we will restore tradition, transparency, respect, and the values we have all come to admire about the beautiful town we live in and loveGarden City!!
Please vote for us if you want positive change for the good of our Garden City community. Thank you for your consideration, and for the outpouring of support we have been receiving!!!
Tom O’Brien, Trustee Candidate from the East Section
Not supporting FABGC
To the Editor:
On Sunday, March 7th I took the opportunity to meet the FABGC candidates on 7th Street. I am glad they made themselves available and promoted their availability on social media. A respectful, neighborly conversation with the candidate for the Eastern section left me convinced of two things: 1) we need more cordial discourse like this in our Village, neighbor to neighbor, and 2) that I will not be supporting the FABGC candidate in next week’s election.
The FABC candidate has experience with the EPOA from his decades living in the East, having once been a part of the nominating committee himself. However, instead of going through the nominating process of which he is very much familiar (and is widely advertised through these pages and the EPOA’s resident outreach), he decided to forego that process, as it seems his fellow FABC candidates also did. This is an important process that helps ensure that candidates are prepared and informed to serve as our trustees.
Additionally, when asked about some of the most important recent issues facing the East, specifically 555 Stewart and the Clinton Rd./Stewart Ave. intersection proposals, he unfortunately seemed uninformed on both. This is concerning given their severity to us locally.
The candidate is a fine man, who has given to our Village and should be respected for that. But so is Mark Hyer, whom I will be supporting. Mark, the EPOA’s nominee for trustee, has served our community with a commitment to the process and agreement in place for generations. Mark understands the issues facing the East right now and will continue to be an informed, competent, respected and respectful advocate for us in the Eastern section.
Significant issues have come to the fore over the last few years, with debate and concern regarding St. Paul’s, the MTA power poles and our water supply all being among the most significant. I encourage my fellow East residents to vote for Mark Hyer to find the solutions we need for the East and the entire village.
C.B. Ciullo
The One Man Show
To the Editor:
So it comes down to residents voting in the village wide election on March 16th.
This year, the new group of appointed residents, who ironically say they are running because the age old Property Owners Associations, open to any resident process, lacks inclusivity and transparency. This could not be further from the truth and if you have not read the history and facts on this process, I suggest you do so before next week as if the FABGC Party is elected, you will lose the process that has been in place for over 100 years and replace it with a two party political system and board that will inevitable spread to the Garden City School District Board! And this change, and the ideas they have will forever change the landscape of Garden City.
Has anyone questioned who chose the FABGC candidates for the election, and why? The answer is ONE resident, and self-appointed community leader of the FABGC Political Party, Donald MaCLeod. Is this an open and transparent process? Upset that the Village Board was taking a long time in drafting a new lease for the Village Casino, where his family were prior members, he chatted with anyone and everyone to gather up hot button topics that he could spin into stories with the goal of convincing other residents who are not so informed that the current Board of Trustees was not transparent and were negligent in managing these issues. This to insert his “slate” of candidates who has vowed to vote as a pack of five “to bring change to Garden City”, that public statement should concern you.
Interesting how Donald, and his chosen candidates have rallied around what he reports as rude interactions at Board of Trustees (BOT) meetings, yet none of them were present at the meetings in question on the issues being reported. Many including his candidate for Trustee from the East, Tom O’Brien admitted he has not attended BOT meetings and was last involved with the POA 30 years ago! Yet every one of them has cited that they “heard” of situations that are not acceptable. When asked on one of the zoom calls who the current Village Administrator was and how he is chosen, NOT one candidate knew whom he was and could explain the process as to how the most senior person in Village Management is selected; yet
they want to manage the Village decision-making process??
They also have picked up on the tag line “Lack of Transparency” Do not confuse lack of Transparency with the lack of resident participation in the open BOT meeting process. It’s easy to say that an issue was not discussed at a BOT meeting to others who were not there, but to those of us who have attended the meetings, actively participate in the process and were involved in committees regarding many of the issues discussed, it’s simply not true. And with regard to the issue of transparency, where are the FABGC candidates on social media when a resident asks a question or is discussing an issue? Donald is the moderator of all Facebook discussions and with the exception of literally one or two scripted responses from his candidates, Donald provides all replies, and if he is not versed on the topic, he or one of five others deflects to another topic. Why would the candidates not want to reply?
The inaccurate information he has spewed is incredible, and the fact that his appointed candidates are sitting back and allowing it is amazing. I have personally spoken to some candidates about his marketing program and they have agreed after discussion that many tag lines are inaccurate, yet they allowed him to publish them. This because people unfortunately are drinking the cool aide without checking the ingredients!
As an involved resident who previously served has President on the Eastern Property Owners Association for two years and as a board member for seven, who has participated on many committees and commissions, worked with numerous Mayors and Trustees and helped many residents with issues and civic concerns, its difficult to sit by and watch the POA system and the open and all inclusive election process be hijacked by a group of residents who have been “awakened” by a resident with his own agenda.
As a resident, I expect the BOT to take the time to review a situation, suggestion or issue and get resident and legal opinions and act in the best interest for all. Not just a select few, unfortunately not all decisions are popular. I have attended hundreds of BOT meetings, have asked tough, unpopular questions, have received responses that were counter to my opinion, many sparked discussions with the BOT, many did not, that’s the way it goes. I managed to live with it as in the end it all works out.
Please do not simply believe what he said she said, your better than that. Take the time to research what you read and hear from individuals who were not involved. I suggest this because if you don’t, and you follow the pack, you may
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100 days of learning in Garden City
The 100th Day of School is always a festive occasion, and in this challenging year it brought even more reasons to celebrate the learning and growth that take place in Garden City Schools. Students and staff members throughout the district, happy to have been back since September following last spring’s shutdown, were proud of all the progress that Feb. 24, 2021 signified.
Leading up to the day, students in the primary buildings decorated t-shirts with “100 Days” statements and illustrations that represent the number 100. They wore their finished products on Feb. 24 and participated in activities based on the theme.
Many other students in the district came to school dressed up as though they were 100 years old, and classes celebrated the number 100 with a variety of activities. At Stratford, Lindsay Bleistein’s class built a pyramid using 100 cups in number order. Students in Irene Mendonis’ class formed their own creations out of 100 Keva blocks, constructed glasses from pipe cleaners and sorted out 100 cups to build a tower.
These are just some of the many lessons and projects that incorporated the theme of the 100th Day of School.
“I am so proud of all the persever -
celebrated 100 days of
ance and enthusiasm our students and staff members have demonstrated since our doors opened in September,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kusum Sinha. “The 2020-
LEGAL NOTICES
21 school year’s 100th Day is a special one and shows what a long way we have come as a district and community.”
NOTICE OF FORMATION Notice of Formation of On The Ballpoint LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/11/2020. Office location:
Photos courtesy of Garden City Public Schools
Hemlock students modeled their 100 Day t-shirts.
Stratford School second graders stacked 100 cups to build a tower.
100 days brighter for Locust students on Feb. 24.
Stratford students celebrated the day’s theme by dressing as 100 years old.
Homestead students
learning.
March 12, 2021
Topnotch Skiing at New York’s Gore Mountain in the Adirondacks
BY KAREN RUBIN, DAVE E. LEIBERMAN & LAINI MIRANDA
TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM
On what must have been one of the busiest ski days of the season at Gore Mountain – the last day of Presidents’ Week, bluebird sky, no wind, crisp and comfortable temperature in the 20s and glorious powder after a couple of snowstorms - we were among the delighted downhillers, having snagged capacity-controlled lift tickets, easing into the COVID-19 routine to enjoy a sensational day on the slopes.
Winter resorts provide refuge, revitalization and renewal, especially in this time of COVID, and understandably, the three New York State-owned Olympic Regional Development Authority ski areas – Gore Mountain and Whiteface in the Adirondacks, Belleayre in the Catskills - sold out their Ski3 season passes early on (they have begun selling passes for 2021-22 that can be used for the rest of this season). Lift tickets, capacity controlled, should be booked online to make sure there is still space. Tickets sold out the day we came; even so, the mountain was gloriously uncrowded. And it was heavenly.
The modifications for COVID safety in facilities and services are pretty seamless, even ordinary, by now. In fact, they have led to improvements, like the ability to order food online from the lift and pick up at the Base Lodge, and RFID direct-to-the-gate ticketing, so the gate opens automatically.
cess – the large room kept as open and as uncrowded as possible, with minimal transactions and the attendants behind a plexiglass protective screen.
The base lodge had no tables or chairs inside to minimize the amount of time people stay inside, but you could still purchase grab-and-go items at the food court (we brought peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and water to have on the mountain). You are urged to use your car as your personal base lodge but that wasn’t necessary. Other concessions to COVID this season: there isn’t day care for non-skiing kids or ski school, but private lessons are available (families and pods okay).
Though there was a bit of a line to get on the lifts from the basethe Northwoods Gondola and the Adirondack Express quad (skis helps provide natural distancing and wearing masks required), because of the policy to keep non-affiliated individuals on separate chairs, it moved quickly enough.
The ride up the 7109-foot long Adirondack Express was so delightful, depositing us right at the Saddle Lodge at mid-mountain.
To warm up, I started down Sunway, a 2.2-mile long green, back down to the base, and back up.
From there, we hopped on Upper Wood-In, a blue-trail, to get to the High Peaks chair – new this season!
– which brings you all the way up to the summit to one of my favorite blues on the mountain, Cloud, where you have the spectacular view from Gore’s summit at 3,600 feet altitude.
As a perennial blue-trail/ intermediate skier, Gore Mountain is one of my favorite places with wonderfully long, scenic cruisers, while Dave and Laini love the black diamond trails and the glades (Gore was one of the first Eastern ski areas to develop gladed terrain!). Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, it offers expansive views of a real wilderness - you actually feel as if you are in the Rockies.
It is surprising to realize that Gore is the biggest ski destination in New York State (and New York, with 50 ski areas and resorts, has the most in the nation!), with the most skiable acres (439 acres), 121 trails (10% beginner, 50% intermediate and 40% advanced), including 110 alpine trails, 28 glades, 8 freestyle areas and 11 cross-country and snowshoe trails. The trails are serviced by 14 lifts including a gondola (a yearround attraction). Besides the stunning views, the wilderness, what I love best is the long cruisers - the longest run is 4.4 miles and six of the trails are longer than 1 ½ miles. In all, Gore offers 42 miles of skiing. There is even night skiing (at North Creek Ski Bowl).
With a vertical drop of 2537 ft. from the summit at 3600 ft. down to the base at North Creek Ski Bowl (998 ft.), Gore also offers the 6th greatest vertical in the East –comparable to ski resorts in the Colorado
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GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....
Topnotch Skiing at New York’s Gore Mountain in the Adirondacks
Continued from previous page
Rockies (Copper Mountain’s vertical is 2600 ft.)
Gore Mountain skiing consists of nine faces across four mountains with their own features and character, and among them, an astonishing array of terrain: Gore Mountain is the biggest and highest, at 3600 ft., Bear Mountain rises to 3200 ft., Burnt Ridge Mountain rises to 2735 ft. and Little Gore Mountain goes up to 1900 ft. The areas are so well laid out and contoured, you can easily move among them, and it’s simple to get back to the base lodge and food-court or the mid-mountain Saddle Lodge to grab a bite or warm up.
North Creek Ski Bowl, which is owned by the town of Johnsburg but managed in partnership with Gore, is where two triple chairs access a sur-
prising variety of trails – two greens, four blues, three blacks including a half pipe and skier/boarder X, and a double black (46er) on 47 acres on Little Gore Mountain. A new Hudson chair lift connects Gore to the Ski Bowl (open for twilight skiing on weekends and holidays). There also is a shuttle bus between the two bases.
North Creek Ski Bowl also has the Nordic ski area, with 5k network of trails (3.7k with snowmaking and night lights) and snowshoeing (also “uphilling,” which is snowshoeing up the ski mountain).
Besides having outstanding variety, Gore is an ideal a family-friendly ski destination, with a lot of natural separation of skier abilities; even the way the trails merge together – in most cases flowing together instead of having fast skiers fly down a black and
crossing over a green or traverse trail – which makes it a lot more pleasant.
State-owned Gore Mountain, along with Whiteface in Lake Placid and Belleayre in the Catskills, has benefited from significant capital investments in improvements– including enhanced snowmaking, new and improved lifts and lodges - but also for year-round appeal.
In warm weather, enjoy rides on Gore’s gondola and chairlift, hiking, mountain biking and special events.
There are marvelous resorts and lodging – the grand, historic Sagamore Resort on Lake George is 45 minutes away and in North Creek, the Copperfield Inn is as intimate as an inn (only 31 rooms), but with all the services of a luxury hotel (Copperfield Inn, 307 Main Street, North Creek, NY 12853, 518-251-9808, www.copperfieldinn.com).
A GREENER VIEW
Plant Parenthood
BY JEFF RUGG
Do you consider yourself a plant parent? It used to be that we just grew houseplants because we liked plants. Some of us were a bit more fanatical about it, and we knew that if a room had a window, it had to have a plant. A few of us had culinary aspirations, and we grew herbs on a windowsill over the winter. For us, houseplants have always been a thing, but for many people, 2020 was the beginning of a new journey. But even before the pandemic, growing plants indoors and out was becoming a trend again.
Stoneside Blinds and Shades recently authorized a survey of plant purchasers. They have a lot more details on their website, but I will cover a few highlights here. The average respondent started buying plants three years ago, but 12% purchased their first plants in 2020.
When purchasing the plants, 45% bought plants because of their appearance; 36% bought them because the plants would produce food; and only 19% bought plants based on the environmental conditions the plants needed to grow.
The 81% of people who did not consider the plants’ needs when purchasing the plant may be disappointed when the plant doesn’t grow very well. Not knowing the conditions that will make a plant thrive is possibly why 67% of millennials say taking care of a plant is harder than they thought it would be.
On average, the respondents spent $124.50 on plants after the lockdowns began in March. People who spent more than $200 on plants were much more likely to have had a fight over the cost of the plant purchases.
More than half of the gardeners talk to their plants, and 43% have named their plants. The researches didn’t ask if the plants talked back or if they liked
the names they were given. People who talked to their plants at least sometimes were 3.5 times more likely to say gardening had decreased their stress levels over the past few months.
The National Gardening Bureau, and the National Gardening Association also did surveys of gardeners last year, and they found several trends. Tropical houseplants, vegetable gardening and attracting birds and butterflies will remain hot trends for the foreseeable future.
In addition, many gardeners are starting to grow fruits. Two-thirds of gardeners are growing or planning on growing edible plants. In the Stoneside survey, people growing fruits were most likely to say gardening has greatly decreased their stress levels over the past few months.
Another new trend indoors and out is growing tiny or dwarf plants. Many people have limited garden space and limited shelf space indoors. Growing smaller plants allows the gardener to have more different kinds. Tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, watermelons, pumpkins and carrots all have dwarf varieties. These smaller vegetables can be grown in containers on decks and patios, giving more gardeners
Gore Mountain, 793 Peaceful Valley Road, North Creek, NY 12853, Snow Phone: 518-251-5026, info 518-2512411, goremountain.com.
a chance to grow vegetables. Indoors, there are dozens of small plant species that grow very well in teacup-sized containers. The soon-to-be published book titled “Tiny Plants” by Leslie Halleck is the perfect resource for plant parents who need more plants but don’t have a lot of room.
Email questions to Jeff Rugg at info@ greenerview.com. To find out more about Jeff Rugg and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
COPYRIGHT 2021 JEFF RUGG
Crossword Answers
BY CLAIRE LYNCH
I was speaking with my Irish cousin, Madeline Hogan, a few weeks ago and asked her what she was planning for St. Patrick’s Day this year. Madeline isn’t my blood cousin but we feel like we’re related because of all the corresponding we do across the pond. She is a lifelong resident of County Tipperary in Ireland. She runs an inn which is an old Irish cottage in a small rural town that is about an hour’s drive from Shannon Airport and about two hours south of Dublin.
My Irish ancestors come from County Clare and County Cork so we’ve had a lot to talk about over the years. All three counties, Tipperary, Clare and Cork, are in southern Ireland not far from each other. I’m always curious about anything Irish and Madeline has been a good person to ask. She’s very knowledgeable about the food, the people, the customs and the history of Ireland.
Clare and Cork have the ocean as borders. Tipperary is land-locked but it has a beautiful lake, called Lough Derg, which is one of the largest lakes in all of Ireland, so the residents get to go swimming when the weather is warm.
But I digress. I was asking Madeline what people in Ireland do for St. Patrick’s Day. “Paddy’s Day” started as a religious celebration in the 17th century to commemorate the life of St. Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. This feast day always took place on the anniversary of St. Patrick’s death, which is believed to be March 17, 461 AD.
St. Patrick’s Day was supposedly first celebrated on American shores in 1737 when ex-patriots, wealthy members of Boston’s Irish community, threw a party to welcome newly arrived Irish immigrants. Ex-patriots in other countries also commemorated St. Patrick’s Day but the largest numbers of Irish came to the U.S. vs. other countries. New York
We’re all Irish on St. Patrick’s Day
City, Seattle, New Orleans and Chicago have many Irish-Americans.
As the years went on, the Irish in America missed their home country so they continued to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17. Over the years St. Patrick’s Day has grown from a solemn feast day when pubs shut in Ireland to the global celebration of Irish culture and heritage we know today.
In the U.S. we like celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a lunch or dinner of corned beef and cabbage but in Ireland they celebrate differently. Up until about 20 years ago, only a handful of the bigger cities, such as Dublin had a parade. Now you’ll find various parades, festivals, live music and street carnivals on March 17 but they don’t eat corned beef and cabbage, they don’t dye their beer green and they definitely don’t dye entire rivers green even though Ireland’s nickname is the “Emerald Isle.”
People in Ireland are off from work because they honor St. Patrick’s religious feast day. Patrick was British. He was born to Roman parents in Scotland or Wales in the late 4th century. At the age of 16 he was kidnapped and taken to Ireland as a captive for seven years. Being abducted at 16 had interrupted his studies and he felt much less qualified than his peers but during his life St. Patrick established monasteries, churches and schools. St. Patrick was a man who very early in life was aware of his strengths and weaknesses. He was empathic, persuasive and had a strong vision of what he wanted to achieve. St. Patrick used images to convey his message such as using the three leaves of the shamrock to explain the Trinity - the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The three leaves of the shamrock are also said to stand for faith, hope and love.
As time went on, Ireland became
associated more with the color green. According to the Irish government, green on the national flag symbolizes the Gaelic political and social order of Ireland or the Catholic side.
Some of the larger buildings around the country are lighted up in green in honor of St. Patrick, and many of the Irish go to their local pubs but, other than that, St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland is pretty much like any other public holiday.
It’s more likely the Irish will have a meal of lamb stew or Irish bacon which isn’t bacon at all but what we call ham. It looks like a baked ham. There’s a recipe from the Irish Food Board for Loin of Bacon with Creamy Cabbage and Champ available. The loin is boiled based on weight and seasoned with things like peppercorns and mustard. Later it’s glazed with vinegar, honey, more mustard, rosemary and sage. Cooked cabbage is a staple side dish, and as for champ, that’s mashed potatoes with scallions, milk and butter. (mashed.com)
A hearty bowl of lamb stew calls for
lamb plus onions, celery, carrots, several potatoes and a generous amount of butter. I thicken the broth with flour but some people I know prefer to thicken their broth by adding an extra potato or two. They dice them into tiny cubes. If the diced potatoes are put into the pot first, by the time the stew is ready these small chunks of potatoes have already melted and thickened the broth.
A thick, delicious lamb stew wasn’t just meant to taste good, it was meant to stick to your ribs - and to feed a whole family on cold winter days. A roast is cooked every Sunday in just about all of my Irish friends’ homes since that’s a time for families to get together and talk about what’s new. It may be a pot roast, loin of pork, leg of lamb, etc. What is often served alongside a roast is a dish called colcannon which is mostly cabbage.
This year for St. Patrick’s Day I’d like to send everyone an old Irish blessing, “May your troubles be less and your blessings more. And nothing but happiness come through your door.”
Happy St. Patrick’s Day, everyone!
Don’t Lose Sleep Over Future Cuts to Social Security
BY TOM MARGENAU
Readers are always telling me they are worried about the future of Social Security. And they say they are inclined to file for Social Security benefits before they originally planned to because they are convinced benefits will be dramatically cut as part of any upcoming Social Security reform. They plan to do this because they want to be “grandfathered” into the current program.
My advice: NEVER make a decision about when to file for benefits based on assumed future cuts to Social Security. Why? Because benefit cuts are rare and usually involve ancillary kinds of benefits. And when they are major and affect almost everyone, they are phased in over a long period of time.
An example of the latter scenario is the increase in the retirement age from 65 to 67. That law was passed back in 1983 and didn’t start going into effect until 2003. Beginning then, people born in 1938 had to be age 65 and 2 months to get full Social Security benefits. And the “full retirement age” has been going up in monthly increments ever since. It won’t be fully implemented until 2027 when folks born in 1960 or later must be 67 to get full benefits.
In other words, if Congress increases the retirement age again as part of a Social Security reform package, that increase very likely will affect our children and grandchildren, not anyone currently in their 50s or 60s.
I mentioned that some ancillary benefits could get cut with more of an immediate impact. But it’s usually nothing most of us have to be worried about. Here are some examples of past cuts in Social Security benefits.
Student Benefits
Since the very earliest days of Social Security, the dependent minor children of a retired or deceased parent, and since the mid-1950s, the dependent minor children of a disabled parent, were eligible for monthly benefits on the parent’s Social Security record.
Those benefits were paid until the child turned 18 but could continue beyond age 18 in two circumstances: 1) if the child was disabled, in which case they could continue for the rest of the child’s life, even into their adult years; and 2) if the child was still in school, in which case they would continue until age 22.
In 1981, Congress decided to eliminate benefits to students over age 18. They reasoned that because so many other forms of government loans and grants were available to students, there was no need to further subsidize higher education through the Social Security program.
Mother’s Benefits Curtailed Congress was looking for other ways
to trim Social Security outlays in 1981, and widowed mothers and dependent wives/mothers of retired or disabled husbands with minor children ended up in their crosshairs.
For decades, the law had said that wives and widows of any age with young children in their care could receive monthly benefits (in addition to the benefits paid to their kids) as long as at least one of their children was eligible for benefits. But in 1981, they changed the law to say that benefits to the mother would end when the youngest child turned 16. They figured that once all the children were over age 16, the mother ought to be able to work, if necessary, to help support her family.
(By the way, although these situations rarely occur, the same benefits and the same cutbacks also applied to widowed fathers and dependent stay-athome husbands with minor children.)
Death Benefit Restrictions
In the early days of Social Security, Congress offered a one-time death benefit to the family members of a taxpayer who died before having a chance to collect Social Security benefits. Over the years, this partial refund of Social Security taxes morphed into an official Social Security death benefit payable to the family members of anyone who died, even if he or she had been a Social Security beneficiary.
Most people mistakenly referred to the one-time payment as a “burial benefit.” It never was meant to be that, especially considering that it was capped at $255 many decades ago. As anyone who has ever planned a funeral knows, $255 would barely cover the cost of flowers, let alone all the other burial or cremation costs.
Anyway, in yet another attempt to curtail Social Security expenditures, Congress in 1981 decided that the death benefit should be paid only to a widow or widower who was living with the deceased at the time of death or to any minor children.
Benefits to Prisoners Suspended
Prior to 1992, it was assumed that people getting Social Security had earned their benefits, so they were legally due their Social Security checks no matter where they lived. But in the early 1990s, Congress came under intense pressure to suspend monthly benefits to anyone in jail or prison. People felt that since prisoners were already getting their room and board paid for by the taxpayers, they didn’t need taxpayer-funded Social Security checks.
Drug Addicts and Alcoholics
There was a rash of news stories in the mid-1990s highlighting certain disabled people who were allegedly spending the proceeds of their Social Security disability checks on drugs and alcohol. Knuckling under the pressure to do something about this, Congress eventu-
ally passed a law that essentially denied such benefits to anyone whose only disabling condition was drug addiction or alcoholism. The law was largely pointless, though, because most of these folks have other conditions that qualified for disability. For example, a hardcore alcoholic probably has some kind of kidney or liver damage, and that impairment
keeps the disability checks rolling in.
If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has a book with all the answers. It’s called “Social Security: Simple and Smart.” You can find the book at creators.com/books. Or look for it on Amazon or other book outlets.
REAL ESTATE WATCH
Will 2021 be the time to purchase?
If you are still residing in a rental and are worried and concerned about purchasing a home due to the increase in prices over the last year, you are not alone. The fear of buying into the Nassau and Suffolk market which has increased respectively 9%+ and 23%+ has made many stop and hesitate and think, should I wait until things cool down? It all depends on your specific personal and family situation. Would it be more to your advantage to stay in the rental that you are currently living in or your parents or in-laws home or still consider buying? From a tax perspective, the rental provides you zero benefits which you are just providing your landlord each and every month. If you are staying for free somewhere else and just saving more money, you will be missing out on any appreciation that you could gain in 2021 and possibly 2022; which from all that I have researched and read the appreciation should be anywhere from 2.9% at the low end up to as much as potentially 10.3%.
Here is a link that explains and shows the various predictions: https://www.simplifyingthemarket. com/en/2021/03/02/home-prices-whathappened-in-2020-what-will-happenthis-year/?a=28598-a5c8d945f1821b690c117ac4508ba040
So unless your money is earning at least those percentages, then this would still be an excellent time to jump into the market. More important, you will be paying taxes on whatever interest you are earning (unless tax exempt) whereby the higher the tax bracket the less you would be netting.
However, some who have reached out to me to ask questions about purchasing has evolved in a discussion about what to buy and what not. The thought to trade-off a single family for
a townhome, condo or coop was an idea that in the past was not considered. Many want that single family home with all the privacy and benefits that go along with that type of ownership.
BY PHILIP A. RAICES
However, with the incredible escalation in prices in the second half of 2020 those dreams were diluted for many who got priced out of the market or those who are concerned that we are at the top. However, thinking outside the box and considering something else has been something that I have talked about with many families and individuals, depending on the size of the family. People are worried that if prices go down or worse crash over the next few years that they would lose value. At this point in time inventory is at the lowest ever. Interest rates have ticked up over the last few weeks but are still historically low. We can all get a bit spoiled because everyone wants the lowest rate possible; but even in the 3% range, it’s still historically low.
More important, even if you are thinking about buying a condo or coop and prices go down, putting you in either in a break even or losing position when selling; consider how much more the single family home that is higher priced would lose in value. So you would save more money as the market value is reduced as you move up into a home. As a hypothetical example, let say you bought a 2 bedroom and 2 bath coop for $475,000 in 2021, but being conservative the value increased 3% this year to $489,250 and 2% in 2022 to $499,035 and over the following 3 years prices decreased by 10% reduc-
ing its value to $449,135. In this example you would lose approximately $26,000 from your original purchase price of $475,000. However, on the other hand if you had bought a home in 2021 for $850,000 and the price went up 3% to $875,500 and another 2% in 2022 to $893,010 and then went down 10% the loss would be $89,301 in value, if you had to sell. When you subtract your loss of $26,000 from the $89,301 that a home lost in value during that time period, purchasing years later would then save you $63,301 as you moved up to a home.
A condo purchase might show even a greater savings as a family were to move up to an even higher priced home that would have a greater price reduction. Again, this is just an example and there is no guarantee this will happen; but I have personally experienced this scenario in the past. But it stands to reason the higher the value of the property the greater the loss in dollars when there is a reduction in price which will benefit those buyers that would be moving up in the market. At the same time the write-offs of interest on your mortgage and deductible amount of your maintenance and or real estate taxes if in a condo, should decrease your taxable income.
Your CPA should be able to advise you as far as the benefits to you in the previous scenario, but from my experience staying in a rental offers no benefit whatsoever unless you would be considering moving out of NYS state within a short period of time. However, for those who are considering buying this year. One must go through tradeoffs to decide what makes sense financially and to consider trading down
for now to reap the benefits in a few years when the cycle of price increases adjusts downward.
Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 39 years experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned designations as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (G.R.I.) and also as a Certified International Property Specialist (C.I.P.S.). He will provide you with “free” regular updates of sold and new homes in your town via the Multiple Listing Service of Long Island (MLSLI) or go to http://WWW. Li-RealEstate.Com and you can “do it yourself (DYI) and search on your own. For a “FREE” `15 minute consultation, as well as well as a “FREE printout or digital value analysis of what your home might sell for in today’s tumultuous Covid-19 pandemic market without any obligation or “strings” attached. He can also provide a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality, and our Seller’s and Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider when Selling, investing or Purchasing your Home.
You can email or snail mail (regular mail) him with your request or ideas, suggestions or interview you for a specific topic and a Q & A for a future column with your name, email and cell number. He will email or call you back and respond to your request ASAP as long as he has your complete name, cell, email and/or full home or business address. Again, for a “FREE” 15 minute consultation, he can also be reached by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@ TurnKeyRealEstate.Com to answer any of your questions and concerns in selling, investing, purchasing, or leasing residential or commercial property.
BY CHARLYN FARGO
No matter what age, we need strong bones. And building strong bones starts early in life. We continue to build bone until the age of 30, and then we strive to maintain that strong foundation. That’s why calcium -- and other nutrients -are so important to kids and teens.
Calcium is a key component to healthy bones, but it can’t act alone. It takes a village of nutrients all working together to help your body maintain or retain its healthy structure, according to Mayo Clinic.
It may surprise you to know your bones are always changing. Old bone is
broken down and replaced by new bone until that magic age of 30, when bone mass is at its peak. After that, while bone replacement continues, new bone doesn’t keep up, and we begin to lose bone mass.
We can keep bone loss minimized by eating a “healthy bone diet,” doing weight-bearing exercise, limiting alcohol and not smoking.
What are the best foods to eat? Milk, cheese and yogurt, of course, because they are good sources of calcium. And calcium absorption is aided by vitamin D (fortified in milk and yogurt) and magnesium (needed to properly regu-
late calcium and vitamin D). Our bones also need phosphorus (to neutralize acidic foods that could be harmful to bones), potassium (also helpful in neutralizing acids) and vitamin A (essential for cells that build bone).
Here are some good sources of those nutrients:
Magnesium: green vegetables, seeds, nuts, legumes, whole grains and avocado.
Vitamin D: fatty fish (such as swordfish, salmon or sardines) and egg yolks.
Phosphorus: soybeans, fish, meat, milk, eggs, legumes and whole grains
To help your bones, fill your plate with low-fat dairy, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean protein.
Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with SIU Med School in Springfield, Illinois. For comments or questions, contact her at charfarg@aol.com or follow her on Twitter @NutritionRD. To find out more about Charlyn Fargo
COPYRIGHT 2021 CREATORS.COM
Potassium: fruits (especially bananas and oranges), vegetables (especially potatoes), scallops, beans, whole grains and squash.
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regret it!
Vote for the Community Agreement Candidates for Mayor and Trustee. Walter McKenna
Sensible mask wearing
To the Editor:
We all want to be safe I get that. As a Nurse Practitioner that worked through this pandemic and continues to do so I get it. But there needs to be common sense. I have been a nurse for 30 years. I was there when HIV and AIDS first came out. I have been stuck with needles. Had blood splattered in my eyes from full blown AIDS patients and I am still here.
There is no reason to wear a mask alone in the car or with members of your family.
There is no reason for kids to stand at bus stops with masks on until they get into buses. There is no reason for kids to wear masks riding bikes or walk-
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Email: Editor@GCNews.com
ing alone.
The psychological effects of this programming will prove to be more damning later on in life. Common sense needs to start being phased in to prevent psychological damage especially in kids Mary Pizzingrillo ANP-BC
Restore civility to Board
To the Editor:
As a former Estates POA director I feel compelled to share why I support FABGC. I know firsthand how the POAs work; if you don’t “tow the line” you’re out. I butted heads on several issues with Trustee Brian Daughney and when my two-year term was up, I was told I couldn’t run again even though others had been POA directors for years. I was not the only one.
Since 2006 many of the decisions made by the Board of Trustees (BOT) were unsettling and I began to question their motives I began attending meetings with regularity and in the past 15 years I’ve witnessed a growing discon-
nect between the BOT and the residents. Anyone who has attended BOT meetings has seen the tactics: attack, berate, humiliate and my personal favorite –get up and turn their backs on resident speakers. Residents would prepare for meetings and when they got up to speak on an issue the Trustees would say, “The matter has been decided you’re wasting your time.” It was most disturbing when they called the police to remove a resident (and former GC Historical Society President) because he briefly turned to address the crowd. I have watched the vitriol and condescension towards residents, myself included. What has happened to the people who once protected our Village and property values??
The wasteful spending, no-bid contracts, lawsuits (accusing a handicapped resident fighting for ADA compliance saying he wasn’t “handicapped” enough), the monster poles (specifically the entire stretch of homes (our neighbors) who have have had their proper-
ties destroyed, St. Paul’s, the Casino, costly (broken) garbage cans, 10 million dollar firehouse, getting rid of the GC News out of spite because the GCNews reported the truth only to have to reinstate them, the list goes on and on – it’s enough to make your head spin and once again, we the residents suffer the consequences of their actions.
Coppie Short, the founder of the GC Nursery School once said to me that we need to trust those we seek for positions of power and we need to be WARY of those who fight tooth and nail for positions of power.
This brings me to the FAB candidates who were SOUGHT OUT by residents looking for people to represent the Village with a variety of expertise: Mary Carter Flanagan is a judge, Terry Digan is a financial expert, Bruce Chester is an insurance expert, Tom O’Brien is a business development expert and Cosmo Veneziale is an architect specializing in historic buildings – it should be noted he was the one who alerted
us to the wasteful overspending on the Edgemere firehouse was lauded by the Western POA.
The FAB candidates aren’t just people who signed up to run – they were sought out for their integrity, love for our village, knowledge and respect for their fellow neighbors. It is my hope you will all come out to support these candidates on March 16th and support their efforts in restoring civility and beauty to our Garden City.
Betsy Andromidas
Need new Trustees with honor
To the Editor:
I write to request the residents of the Village of Garden City to vote for the slate of candidates “For a Better Garden City”: Trustees Tom O’Brien, Terry Digan, Bruce Chester, and Mary Carter Flanagan, and Cosmo Veneziale, for Mayor. I also write to express my opin-
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Email: Editor@GCNews.com
ion why the current Board of Trustees does not deserve your vote.
I have lived or worked in Garden City for over sixty years. The Village is admired as a model residential community with top notch police, fire, sanitation, and utility services. I believe that two of the crown jewels of the Village are the Garden City Pool and the Garden City Casino. These are wonderful swimming and tennis clubs not available in most Villages. Membership is open to all Village residents at a very reasonable price. Garden City is a good place to live for many reasons.
In the past, the Community Agreement has worked reasonably well to ensure that the Village is being well represented and managed properly by the Board of Trustees. However, as our property taxes continue to increase to exorbitant levels, concerns have crept in concerning whether affairs are being
managed on a cost efficient basis. Are hard questions being asked and difficult problems being confronted head on?
Lately, I’m not so sure.
There are two items which I think disqualify the current trustees from earning your vote to remain in office.
The Gerry Kelly handicap parking application and the manner in which the Village has handled the non-extension of the Garden City Casino’s license.
I have known Gerry Kelly since kindergarten. I used to play basketball with him in his backyard on Fourth Street after 4th and 5th grade classes at St. Joseph’s grammar school. It was “Winner’s Out”. In other words, if you take a shot and make it, you get to keep on shooting. In the course of about an hour, Gerry would take about 200 shots to my 10. I learned my real role was that of a retriever. I felt like Lassie at the Westminster Dog Show.
“Go get the ball, Atta Boy.” One afternoon, Gerry told me that he had been recruited by Boston College for their basketball team; a fourth grader on the BC basketball recruitment radar! I was amazed! Gerry went on to star as an All American for the Garden City High School class of 1975 basketball team and was a very good player for Williams College.
About 10 years ago, Gerry developed multiple sclerosis and his superb athletic ability has been drastically reduced as he cannot get around without using a walker. Rather than becoming embittered and withdrawing from life, Gerry has used his disability and pain to reach out to others going through hard times. Individuals take solace from Gerry’s talks and he inspires them to do what they can, try to be positive and to trust
See page 62
From page 61
in God. Gerry’s courage, faith, and generosity of spirit are an example to us all and will shine brightly throughout eternity.
Back in late 2016 , Gerry officially requested that the Village approve three (3) handicap parking spots on 7th Street between Hilton and Franklin Avenues, as there were none!!! Sounds like a reasonable request, something the Board of Trustees should grant as a matter of course. Instead, the Village denied the application in 2017 and again in January 2018. stating that it would cost too much. Are you kidding me? This response was so ridiculous you wondered how anyone could defend it. Oh, that’s right - the Board made no attempt to defend it. Instead, the Village’s attorneys, in the ensuing litigation, claimed that Gerry really wasn’t handicapped!!! Again, are you kidding me? When I take Gerry out for dinner, I have to get him in a bear hug to help him out of his chair. When he is attending Mass at St. Joseph, the shuffling of his feet and very deliberate use of his walker are painful to watch and bring forth feelings of wanting to help Gerry any way that I can. Instead, this Board or Trustees’ response was the opposite. Sorry, we are not approving the 3 handicap parking sports for you or anyone like you.
This action is not only cruel and contemptible, as well as an insult to all Village residents, but it is also stupid. One of Gerry’s college basketball teammates is a managing director at the law firm, Covington & Burling, LLP (“C & B”). On May 23, 2018, C & B sent a letter to the new Traffic Commissioner Stephen Makrinos inquiring about the status of Gerry’s handicap parking application. The letter was never answered. Thereafter, C & B filed suit on Gerry’s behalf. In July 2019, after the Village refused to accept Mediation results from a month earlier, the Board ended up settling and putting in the handicap parking spots and also paying over $100,000 in fees to its own law firms. Gerry’s law firm, C & B was never interested in any money for its services. The Board of Trustees conduct was so mean spirited and disgraceful that this alone warrants this Board being voted out of office.
I also find the Board of Trustee’s conduct concerning the renewal (or should I say non-renewal) of the Garden City Casino’s license agreement to also warrant severe criticism. By way of background, the Garden City Casino Tennis and Bridge Club started in 1895 as a tennis club. In 1920, the Garden City Company deeded the Casino property along with nine other Village parcels to the Village of Garden City to be used for recreational purposes by Village residents. Back in the 1990s, I was Tennis Chairman, then President, then Board
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Email: Editor@GCNews.com
Secretary for the Casino. Along with about half dozen other individuals, we ran the entire operation - all without any compensation. At the Casino, we have a tradition of running a very tight ship. We only provide the basics: four Har-Tru tennis courts, one soda vending machine and a bathroom. Nothing else - no locker rooms, no showers, no restaurant and only part-time employees to clean the courts and refill the water pitchers. We keep our expenses to a minimum and, accordingly, can afford to charge very reasonable dues for this outstanding tennis club.
However, this Board of Trustees saw our dues as too low (about $1,000 a year) and wanted the Casino to start paying a fee to the Village as part of the license renewal. In the first 120 years of the Casino’s existence, however, no license fee was paid to the Village. Apparently, this Board feels that it has the right to impose such a fee. We still don’t know what fee would satisfy the Board. It is indeed questionable whether the 1920 deed from the Garden City Company to the Village of Garden City, which restricts the use of the Casino property to only parks and recreation purposes for Village residents, allows a license fee to be paid to the Village. What part of the words “parks and recreation” allow a kickback to the Village? The Trustees are not requiring a license fee from the Garden City Pool, so why should the Casino have to pay such a fee?
Facing resistance from the Casino, this Board apparently has been exploring options to sell the Casino land or otherwise “monetize” the Casino to help balance the Village budget. However, this would require the consent of the Garden City Company to revise the 1920 deed to remove the parks and recreation use restriction. No doubt, such consent would only be given upon payment of a significant portion of the financial benefit to the Garden City Company. How much would the Village gain and at what cost - losing a tennis and bridge club which has existed for over 125 years currently serving about 180 Village residents. What about the other nine parcels that the Garden City Company conveyed to the Village in the 1920 Deed? Are these parcels also going to be sold and developed, or did the Board not think about that?
Not only is it a wrongheaded approach to sell off assets as a shortterm fix for fundamental budget deficits, but it is also being done behind our backs. The Village for several years has delayed extending the Casino’s license agreement - renewal is normally a 20-year period - because it has been exploring ways to monetize the Casino for the Village’s benefit. Normally, the renewal of the license agreement is routine. The Village and the Casino would go over a plan of repairs or improvements- new roof, new handicapped
accessible bathroom, a wheelchair accessible ramp at the rear entrance, etc. Then the license would be renewed for another 20 years. But, for this Board of Trustees, things were different. The Casino would address the Board’s concerns, but we did not hear back from the Board for months at a time. And the “negotiations” have been dragging on for 3 years. It is now apparent the Board was acting in bad faith and looking for ways to pull the rug out from under the Casino. Apparently, the current Board believes that it can do whatever it wants with the Casino and present it to Casino members and Village residents as a fait accompli.
The Gerry Kelly handicap parking application and delaying the renewal of the Garden City Casino license demonstrate a combination of arrogance and stupidity which should not be tolerated. It seems to me that the current Trustees have forgotten that they are accountable to the residents of the Village of Garden City. And this lack of accountability has become the norm, not the exception. With big issues ahead of us like the future of St. Pauls, the Edgemere Fire House, and the quality of our drinking water, do we want a group that acts without accountability, transparency, or consideration of the quality of life and traditions of our Village as our representatives? The answer is a resounding NO!!!
For these reasons, the current Board of Trustees should be voted out and the FABGC Trustees should be voted in. Robert L. Dougherty, Esq.
Cancel Culture
To the Editor:
As we approach the upcoming Garden City elections one of our community’s overriding issues continues to be the historical character of the village. Nearly 30 years after we acquired the Saint Paul’s school it, in some peoples minds, continues to be a problem rather than an attribute. More recently, in addition to Saint Paul’s school other historical buildings seem to be in question.
The idea that we, as a community, might in fact tear down Saint Paul’s brings to mind the current and in my opinion dangerous “Cancel Culture” attitude. Their culture is”Tear down the Past.”
A horrible attitude that robs us of our history and denies our children that which is rightfully theirs. If we lack the will to safeguard our history we’ll leave nothing for future generations.
Saint Paul’s is a school; it was built for that purpose and its value continues to reside in that fact. Private schools continually search for facilities that can accommodate their mission. All these years after acquiring Saint Paul’s we have been unable to locate a user of it? That seems hard to believe. I often consult with private schools and realize that there is a strong demand for properties like Saint Paul’s We as a community should demand that our elected officials; whom ever wins this month‘s election stand against tearing down our past.
Terence Tener
New Kids Yoga Program
Luna & Soul Yoga Collective, located upstairs at 55 Hilton Avenue, GC (entrance in back), is all about embracing who you are, and feeling welcome and accepted. Little Yogis is our Kids Yoga Program: a space for our smallest community members to feel welcome, accepted and have room to be themselves! The program practices fun, silliness, learning to listen, appreciation for our bodies, identifying feelings, and movin’ and groovin’ and learning how to feel feelings and self-regulate when we need to.
The inaugural one hour drop-off animal themed pop up to kick off our Little Yogis program will take place
on Saturday, March 20 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and is for ages 3–6 (more age groups to come soon)! Kids will play and parents can grab a cup of coffee in town! The class is $20 per child and pre-registration (and masks) are required because spaces are limited for everyone’s safety and comfort! This practice is led by GC resident Lorraine Reynolds, who completed her 200hr yoga teacher training, our own Advanced Soul & Sequencing teacher training, and is a certified children’s yoga teacher through Little Flower Yoga.
For more information please check out our website, lunaandsoulyoga.com, or call 516-307-9007.
Place an ad in our Classifieds for reasonable rates and prompt results. Call our main office today 294-8900 for more information.
FABGC to bring new era of community engagement
From page 3
will be treated with respect.
This action by FABGC will serve to solve a second problem - the lack of descriptive meeting minutes. Anyone who has reviewed the minutes from the BOT bimonthly meetings will notice they are extremely anemic. Many municipalities employ a stenographer or amanuensis to transcribe the live statements by officials and residents. This is no longer necessary, as technology exists to economically memorialize assemblies of the BOT by recording, live-streaming, and cataloging each meeting.
A third problem solved by an initiative to record, live-stream, and catalog, BOT meetings would be to increase
5
reasons to
the overall attendance of villagers. Currently, the room where meetings are held cannot accommodate more than 100 occupants under pre-COVID-19 standards. Even if the room were filled to capacity, the words and decisions of trustees would only reach a fraction of a percent of residents.
To solve the problem of distributing information to residents, FABGC is committing to enhancing the Village’s website. Anyone who has visited the Village’s website would agree that it is out-of-date, difficult to navigate, and hard find relevant information. For the cost of a single one of the village-wide, $5,000 laminated mailers we recently received, the Village could pay for a more robust website, where infor-
vote
for the Community Agreement candidates
From page 3
accustomed to – one of the reasons our Village remains the most sought-after community on Long Island.
Bob Bolebruch, Steve Makrinos and Mark Hyer truly understand the operations of the Village in every aspect and have 18 years of collective Trustee experience. In the history of Village, we have NEVER turned over control of the Board of Trustees to five residents with NO trustee experience.
Independence
The Community Agreement candidates were selected separately by their respective POAs. We appear on the ballot as a “Party”, but we are not a political party. We are individuals who were selected based on our merits and our commitment to volunteer our time to keep Garden City such a wonderful place to live. We want to serve all residents including those who support the opposition. The Board of Trustees will make decisions based upon what is the best interest of all 22,500 Village residents.
Fresh perspectives
The POA interview and selection process resulted in two new trustee candidates – Yvonne Varano and Rich Catalano. They are both retired financial executives with a combined 60 years of financial expertise. They have already brought forward great ideas to enhance communication with residents, to engage residents directly with regard to strategic planning, and improving Village operations, and to develop sustainability goals. Yvonne and Rich will be 2 of 8 trustees – the Board will still have 6 very experienced trustees to guide the Village. Next year, there will be an opportunity to bring other new faces to the Board. This process to bring
mation can be posted, and videos of BOT meetings can be accessed. Over the long-term, this initiative and new means of communication will save the Village significant sums.
True leaders do more than just what is required of them. Leaders are problem solvers. These are just a few examples of problems facing our village that FABGC committed to curing. Let us solve your problems. We are listening.
If you share the concerns of FABGC, please vote for our candidates on March 16th. More information can be found on our website fabgc.org or by emailing info.fabgc@gmail.com. You can also
fresh perspectives ensures continuity of operations as opposed to the unprecedented risk of handing control of your Village Board to 5 inexperienced residents who pledge to vote as a bloc.
Financial expertise
The Community Agreement candidates have 4 individuals that have financial backgrounds – a recently retired audit partner from a Big Four firm, a retired managing director from a major financial services firm, a senior executive in financial risk management and a branch manager at brokerage firm. Our other candidate, Mark Hyer, is a public safety expert – a very valuable resource to the Board and the Village.
The value of the financial expertise being brought by the 2 new candidates cannot be understated.
In summary, we believe we make a compelling case for you to Vote Row “A” for the Community Agreement Party candidates. We are committed volunteers dedicated to keeping Garden City a very special place to live and raise a family.
Please visit us at www.gardencitycap.org and if you have any questions about the upcoming election, including how to vote by absentee ballot, please email us at info@gardencitycap.org.
Remember to Vote Row “A” on Tuesday, March 16th to keep Garden City a great place to live!
Bob Bolebruch, Candidate for Mayor from Western POA
Steve Makrinos, Candidate for Trustee from Western POA
Rich Catalano, Candidate for Trustee from the Estates POA
Yvonne Varano, Candidate for Trustee from the Central POA
Mark Hyer, Candidate for Trustee from Eastern POA
East Nominating Comm seeks members
The EPOA has announced that the Independent East Nominating Committee is currently looking for members for the coming year. This fifteen-member group is responsible for interviewing and selecting candidates for both Village and School Board Trustees from the East. This is a critical committee and one that plays a key selection role for two important Village positions. To be considered, you must currently be a resident of the Eastern section of the Village.
Members elected to this committee
contact our outreach contacts and your neighbors: Cosmo Veneziale, Mary Carter Flanagan, Tom O’Brien, Terry Digan, Bruce Chester, Mickey Paxton, Donald MacLeod, Effie Campbell, Deidre Orr, Arlene Chianese, Betsy Lenhart Andromidas, George Salem, Rich Corrao, John Cantwell, Charlie Kelly, Sivan Chapman, Josh Chapman, Mike Ryder, Molly Fiedler, George Evans, Michele King, Glenn King, Nancy Trabulsi, Kerry Koslo, Jonathan Martin, Bill Kavan, Remy Bernardo, Amy McGoldrick, Neil McGoldrick, and Gerry Kelly. CELEBRATE EASTER AT
will serve on a rotating term basis, meaning that within each year only five members will be replaced. For this year, 5 members will be selected and assigned a term of three years. The time commitment for each year is a few weekday evening meetings in the fall. Anyone interested in participating on the Independent East Nominating Committee should submit their name, address, and resume, including a summary of prior community service, to contactus@gcepoa.org. The deadline for submission is March 29.
GC RECREATION AND PARK NEWS
Easter Holiday Scavenger Hunt Announced
Recreation and Parks is offering a Family Scavenger Hunt for Residents of the Village of Garden City. Help the Easter Bunny find at least 8 of the items on his list! The flyer with the list of items can be found on the Recreation website at www.gardencityrecreation.org. Take a photo with each item (please include a family member in each photo) and email your photos to the email listed in the flyer by March 23. The first 100 families to submit their pictures will be awarded a special prize! Please note, prizes will be awarded to ages 10 and younger but all are free to participate. Please visit our website for further information.
Fieldhouse Program for Kindergarten and 1st Grades Extended
Due to the popularity of these programs, our after school gym program for kindergarten and 1st grades has been extended through March. You will have to register and pay for the additional dates of the program.
Garden City and Parks continue to offer this after school program in St. Paul’s Fieldhouse for children in kindergarten and 1st grades. This program will consist of organized games and activities in a supervised setting.
Note: Children must wear a mask to participate and bring a signed Covid form to each session. Children must bring their own water bottle clearly labeled with their name. Parents will not be allowed in the gym during the session. Drop off and pick up will take place on the west side of the Fieldhouse (drive up). Space is limited for this program.
This program will run in St. Paul’s Field
House according to the following schedule: Kindergarten extended two weeks – Thursdays, March 18 & 25 from 4 to 5:30 pm. The cost will be $20.
1st Grade extended three weeks –Wednesdays, March 17, 24 or Fridays, March 12, 19, 26 from 4 to 5:30 pm. The cost well be $30.
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 picked up by an adult. Please be prompt.
Space is limited. Please visit the Recreation and Parks Office at 108 Rockaway Ave. with your 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.
“Bricks 4 Kidz” After School Lego Block Program
Garden City Recreation and Parks is working with “Bricks4Kidz” to offer several 6 week Lego programs for residents in grades 1 to 4.
These classes will be held in St. Paul’s Center at 108 Rockaway Avenue.
“Bricks4Kidz” classes build on the popular “LEGO” bricks to deliver high-quality educational play. Each hour-long class is an engaging experience for your child with a new project each week. Our unique models aren’t the kits you find on the shelves of a toy store. They’re designed by “Bricks4Kidz” to teach concepts across a variety of subject areas. Working with a partner, or on their own, your child will experience the hands-on fun of seeing a model come together piece-by-piece, from concept to completion – and it’s motorized!
Adelphi PAC presents Bobby Short Tribute Concert
Award-winning cabaret artist T. Oliver Reid will pay tribute to Café Carlyle’s legendary Bobby Short as part of the Live from Adelphi concert series. The live performance will stream on Sunday, March 21, at 5 p.m. and then be available on demand until Wednesday, March 24.
In “Distingué: A Tribute to Bobby Short,” Reid will perform classics of the American Songbook, the way Short would have performed them. Reid will be accompanied on the piano by Lawrence Yurman and on bass by Ray Kilday.
Reid is co-founder of the Black Theatre Coalition, which aims to increase representation of Black theatre professionals behind the scenes by five-fold within the next decade. He was part of the original Broadway company of the Tony-
We will offer the following classes: SPECTACULAR SPORTS
Wednesdays beginning April 14 from 4 to 5 p.m.
In the Sports session, children will make motorized models of a wide variety of sports, including basketball, soccer, gymnastics and mini-golf using LEGO®Technic bricks and our own Bricks 4 Kidz design instructions. Learn how to use gears and axles, pulleys and levers to create amazing and fun motorized moving parts as we build these spectacular sports models. At the end of the 6-week session, all participants will go home with a LEGO® goody bag!
AMAZING ANIMALS
Thursday beginning April 15 from 4 to 5 p.m.
It’s a zoo in here! Join us for a 6 week session building models of amazing animals. Each week we’ll discuss fascinating facts about the animals we build, from the chameleon that changes colors to the seal model that waddles across the table.
At the end of the 6-week session, all participants will go home with a LEGO® goody bag!
The cost of each session will be $135, checks only made payable to “Bricks4Kids”. To register please visit the Recreation and Parks Office at 108 Rockaway Avenue. Please note: Masks must be worn to attend this class.
2nd Session of Saturday Gym Program
Garden City Recreation and Parks will conduct a second session, four week gym program on Saturdays for children in grades 2–5. This program will consist of organized games and activities in a supervised setting.
Note: Children must wear a mask to
participate and bring a signed COVID form to each session. Children must bring their own water bottle clearly labeled with their name. Parents will not be allowed in the gym during the session. Drop off and pick up will take place on the west side of the fieldhouse (drive up). Once the children are in our facility, they will not be allowed to leave unless picked up by an adult. Please be prompt. Space is limited for this program.
The registration fee for this program is $40. This four week program will begin on March 6 and will run in St. Paul’s Field House according to the following schedule: Grades 2–3 - Saturdays from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
Grades 4–5 - Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sneakers must be worn for any activity in the field house and only water is allowed in the facility.
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
Exercise with Joy
Start your day with low impact exercise! Joy Cody has set a program with our senior and beginner population in mind! Classes will take place on your choice of Tuesdays or Thursdays at 9 a.m. at the Senior Center. The one-hour class will run for 10 weeks at a cost of $60. This program is open to any resident of the Inc. Village of Garden City. Classes begin the week of March 30. To register, please visit the Recreation Office at 108 Rockaway Avenue or, if you have a password you may register online at www.gcreconline. gardencityny.net.
Adelphi PAC to present “Almost, Maine”
Award winning musical, “Hadestown.”
He has also been part of the company of a dozen other Broadway shows including “Chicago,” “Mary Poppins,” “Kiss Me Kate” and the 25th anniversary of “Dreamgirls.”
A native of Gastonia, North Carolina, Reid began work on the second national tour of “Once On This Island” two days after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of North Carolina School of Arts. He also performed in the second national tour of “Guys and Dolls” and in other regional theaters before making his way to New York City and Broadway.
Tickets are required for this event and cost $20. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit adelphi.edu/ LiveFromAdelphi.
Adelphi University's Department of Theatre will present performances of playwright and actor John Cariani’s critically acclaimed play, “Almost, Maine,” live from Adelphi's Olmsted Theatre stage from March 11 to 14.
“Almost, Maine,” which premiered at Portland Stage in 2004, presents vignettes about love and life in Maine. It opened OffBroadway in 2006 and has since become one of the most frequently produced plays in the United States and has been translated into nearly 20 languages.
The fictional “Almost, Maine” is a place that's so far north, it’s almost not in the United States, it’s almost in Canada. It’s not quite a town because its residents never got around to getting organized. So it almost
doesn’t exist. One cold, clear, winter night, as the northern lights hover in the starfilled sky above, the residents of Almost find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and hilarious ways. Knees are bruised, hearts are broken but the bruises heal and the hearts mend--almost--in this delightful midwinter night's dream.
The virtual performances will run on Thursday, March 11, and Friday, March 12, at 7:30 p.m. There will be two performances on Saturday, March 13, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and a performance on Sunday, March 14, at 2 p.m.
The event is free but tickets are required. For more information and to reserve admission, visit pac.adelphi.edu.
GC Pool finances mulled
From page 40
lost many more trees than we expected so we hope to bring the number up a little,” she noted.
On Tuesday Young explained to the Board and audience on Zoom that Recreation and Parks Department staffing will stay the same as the fiscal year 2020-21 numbers with 39 full-time positions and 44 part-time positions in the department, which accounts for close to 65% of the Rec. budget.
The 19 full-time Rec. department positions have a combined $1,403,382 in salary and the allocated budget for 2020-2021 (full-time employees) reflects $1,181,211 before benefits.
As proposed, for 2021-2022 there would be an increase to Personal Services: line items for Rec. Department Regular Salary ($147,775) Swimming Pool overtime of $11,597 and Part-time help including lifeguards at $449,000, which would be $111,860 over last year’s forecast budget for part-timers and lifeguards. Cumulatively it’s a $608,372 personnel line item which is a 23% increase (additional $113,528) from the 2020-2021 forecast amount of just under $495,000.
The Recreation and Parks budget also reflects an increase of $15,000 in contractual amounts over this fiscal year, as Young explains it’s due to going
out to bid for recreational and village grounds’ maintenance contract. She said a price increase is assumed over the previous contract.
Trustee Makrinos reflected on the miniature golf course, which is “showing its age” and Young concurred that some of its conditions are making it not as attractive or enjoyable for users.
After $11,000 and more in revenue from mini golf was budgeted by the village for several “pre-COVID” years the forecast 2020-2021 revenue for it is just $508 due to closure for the 2020 season.
But for the coming fiscal year there is $7,000 that miniature golf is projected to bring in. The course is anticipated to be reopened this June, as the fiscal year begins June 1. Trustee Makrinos says revenue potential from mini golf should be evaluated for both the timing of the course’s operation and any other budgetary considerations the Board comes across during its deliberations.
One other major Recreation interest and budgeted project for 2021-2022 is building a community dog park, and Mr. Blake has asked each of Garden City’s four property owners’ associations to seek input on where it should be located from the residents. No determinations have been made as of now.
Costs down, building revenues up
From page 1
Recreation scheduled later this month.
He also noted that with the timing of this process, the municipal budgeting overview essentially covers an 18-month span (technically ending May 31, 2022 with the next fiscal year).
The Village’s Revenue forecast in the upcoming budget year is projected to be $541,000 favorable to the overall budget, “on a net basis” Treasurer Woo stated.
“As we’ve discussed in the last few months through out Board meetings and in the Treasurer’s Reports we have been talking about how the village’s Building Department has received (within fiscal year 2020-2021) some unanticipated fees on two large projects; the apartment complex going up at 555 Stewart as well as 1111 Franklin Avenue, the former Sears which is being transformed into the NYU Langone Health ambulatory care center.
Overall the Building Department is a strong driver of Village of Garden City revenues, but due to the receipt of fees with the two aforementioned largescale projects the proposed budget for 2021-2022 more than cuts in half the $2.759 million for building inspection fees for the coming fiscal year -- to $1.2 million, a 57% decrease proposed with this budget revenue item. But with the
adopted budget for fiscal year 2020-2021 at $1.12 million. Department of Building Superintendent Giuseppe Giovanniello said that a 7% ($80,000 is anticipated) increase in building inspections revenues. “I feel that it is thriving and going to increase as there is a lot of work out there,” he noted.
Plumbing and Mechanical revenues related to the two projects and others throughout FY 2020-21 are expected to top $1.283 million by the end of May, but for 2021-2022 that line item is dropping by $833,000 -- to $450,000, a 65% decrease as the Building Department budget is currently proposed. Zoning Board of Appeals and application fees are also budgeted for a slide of 19% -- at $43,000 in the proposed budget, down from $62,000 as the 2020-2021 forecast amount.
On the expense side, the Building Department budget is proposed to see an increase in salary-related line items from $585,000 in the 2020-2021 forecast budget up to $913,000. Salaries account for 86% of the overall Building Department budget, and a 16% increase from the current year’s adopted budget of $917,000 is proposed up to $1.084 million. The three open positions in the department Village Treasurer Woo mentioned Tuesday include the assistant superintendent of Building, a code enforcement inspector, and a building
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GC Boys Swimming & Diving Team make most out of shortened season
In a winter sport season where many teams seasons were canceled nationally and statewide, the GC Boys Swimming & Diving Team were fortunate to compete in a condensed season against other teams in Nassau County. In 5 dual meets, the boys finished with a 2-3 record. With limited time to adequately prepare and train, it was all hands on deck leading up to the Championship Meet portion of the season. The team put up a strong performance in the Nassau County Division Championship meet held February 8–11 and finished in 2nd place in Division A. There were also 4 swimmers who qualified at divisions to join the other 7 team members who had previously qualified for County Championships. Section VIII County Championships were held February 24–27 and the Trojans were well represented in every event.
To kick off the weekend, senior diver and captain, Cameron Yuen finished 2nd in the county in the 1 meter diving with a NY State Championship Meet qualifying score of 479.40. The swimming segment kicked off with the 200
medley relay with swimmers Nicolas Newcomb (JR), Christopher Reilly (JR), Peter Halloran (JR) and Anthony Suau (SR) finishing with a seasons best time of 1:44.89. In the 200 freestyle, senior and captain Aidan Gaffney swam a lifetime best of 1:51.66. In the 200IM, Christopher Reilly (JR) touched the wall at 2:00.57, qualifying for the NY State Championship Meet (NYSPHSAA Federation Championship Meet has been canceled). Peter Halloran (JR) stopped the clock in 22.36 seconds in the 50 freestyle, inching even closer to the state qualifying time of 22.19. Anthony Suau (SR) swam an equally competitive 50 free and finished at 24.50. In the 100 butterfly, Ryan Sullivan (SO) finished in 1:01.92, right above his personal best time and Christopher Reilly closed out the 100fly finishing a second above his personal best at 55.23.
Senior swimmers Aidan Gaffney and Anthony Suau swam great races in the 100 freestyle event, finishing 50.51 for Gaffney and 54.82 for Suau. Robert Protano (SO) crushed the 500 freestyle event finishing with a lifetime best of
5:00.15. In the 200 freestyle relay, a team of Peter Halloran (JR), Aidan Gaffney (SR), Blayne Pomeroy (JR) and Anthony Suau (SR) finished with a respectable time of 1:33.98. Nicolas Newcomb (JR) finished the 100 back with a lifetime best time of 57.69. The 100 breast was GC’s most loaded event, with 3 swimmers competing, Robert Protano (SO) touched at 1:05.03 and the junior combo of Blayne Pomeroy and Will Bonvissuto touched in at 1:06.17 and 1:10.64. To wrap things up, the 4x100 freestyle relay consisting of Christopher Reilly (JR), Peter Halloran (JR), Robert Protano (SO) and Aidan Gaffney (SR) finished in a seasons best time of 3:25.06. The 2020-
Attention students!
2021 team roster: William Bonvissuto, Jack Brita, Jonathan DeCicco, Aidan Gaffney, Ryan Glenn, Tyler Glenn, Billy Golden, James Haedrich, Peter Halloran, Andrew Holtzman, Colin Mink, Nicolas Newcomb, Blayne Pomeroy, Robert Protano, Liam Pryor, Christopher Reilly, Michael Reinhardt, Anthony Suau, Ryan Sullivan, Timothy Voelker, Jake Watson and Cameron Yuen. The team will miss the senior members, Aidan Gaffney, Colin Mink, Jake Watson, Anthony Suau, Michael Reinhardt and Cameron Yuen- we wish them the best of luck in the future! Go GC!
Having a great season
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!
Seniors (left to right): Michael Reinhardt, Cameron Yuen, Aidan Gaffney
Seniors (left to right): Colin Mink, Aidan Gaffney, Anthony Suau, Cameron Yuen, Jake Watson
County swimmers
2020-2021 Boys Team
GC COMMUNITY PARK NEWS
Adult Learn and Play Platform Tennis
Back by popular demand is our Learn and Play Platform Tennis lessons at the Community Park Platform Tennis Courts. Lessons will take place Monday nights in April and May. We will be offering a beginner, advance beginner, and advanced level adult platform tennis lessons. This seven week course will offer the basic and intermediate instruction and will be taught by our certified platform instructor, Sue Tarzian. The beginner class will be 1 hour and cost $190 (9:30–10:30 a.m. and 6:30–7:30 p.m.). The advance beginner class will also be 1 hour in length and cost $190 (7:30–8:30 p.m.) and advance class will be 1 hour at a cost of $190 (8:30-9:30 p.m.).
All programs will begin April 5. For further information on this program please call
the Community Park Clubhouse at (516) 4832525. To register for this program, please visit the Recreation Office (108 Rockaway Avenue) or visit www.gardencityrecreation. org to download an application.
Youth Tennis Lessons Last Days
Please note the last days for our Winter Youth Tennis Lessons below.
Mon: April 5; Tues: March 23, Wed: March 24, Thu: March 25, Fri: March 26, Sat: March 27
Youth Spring Tennis Lesson
Registration Underway
Registration for our Youth Spring Tennis Lessons will begin Friday, March 12! Sign up by visiting www.gardencityrecreation.org to learn more or to download an application or
stop by the Recreation Administration Office (108 Rockaway Ave). Classes will begin the week of April, 12. Remember, tennis is truly a sport for a lifetime!
Youth Spring Tennis Lessons
Registration for our Youth Spring Tennis Lessons is underway! If you haven’t signed up yet, please visit www.gardencityrecreation.org to learn more or to download an application. Classes will begin the week of April 3. Remember, tennis is truly a sport for a lifetime!
Registration for 2021 Men’s Spring Softball League
Application packets for the Garden City Department of Recreation and Parks’ 2021 Men’s Softball League are now available online at https://gardencityrecreation.org/ adult-softball. Games will be played Monday through Thursday nights at 8:15 and 9:30 p.m.. The league fee is $600 per team for an 8 game season plus possible playoff games. Openings are limited. Some teams may need additional players. If you are interested in playing, but don’t have a team please let us know and we will do our best to find a team spot for you. Applications are due by Friday, April 2. For more information, call Tom McGerty at the Community Park Clubhouse, 483-2525.
Early Bird Tennis
Start the day off right with an enjoyable
morning workout! Our Tennis Center courts are open at 7:00 a.m. every morning. Before you head to work or tackle other obligations consider having some fun and play some tennis! For further information or to reserve a court, please call the Tennis Center at 516483-2525.
Tennis Center Etiquette Reminder
We kindly remind all of our tennis players to please reframe from entering the tennis courts until your scheduled time begins. If you are early, please wait in the Tennis Clubhouse until one minute before your court time and then proceed to your court. In order to create a courteous environment we ask players to please end at the specified time. Do not finish a set or play one more point so that the next scheduled group has the opportunity to start on time.
Senior Citizen Tennis Time
Seniors can now take advantage of the $24 per hour per court rate on the newly expanded time period of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m–6:00p.m. To make a court reservation, please call the Tennis Clubhouse at 483-2525.
Stay Connected with Garden City Recreation
To stay better connected with Community Park and other Recreation news, we invite everyone to “Like Us” on our Facebook page, facebook.com/gardencityrecreation.
The tennis courts at the Garden City Community Park
O p e n H o u s e | M a r c h 1 3 t h & 1 4 t h
1 0 1 C h e s t n u t S t re e t , G a rd e n C i t y, N Y
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Sunday, March 14th I 2:00 - 4:00pm 101 Chestnut Street, Garden City, NY 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath. MLS# 3293855. $1,125,000.
Sunday, March 14th I 2:00 – 4:00pm 26 Cisney Avenue, Floral Park, NY 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath. MLS# 3291652. $750,000.
Arthur Anderson
Jessica Brantuk Chelsea Costello Ann Collins
Claudia Galvin Manager
Rene Blair Annmarie Bommarito
Christine Cudahy Assistant Manager
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Linda Mulrooney Susan MacDonald Patricia Dickson Brigid Marmorowski Eileen O’Hara
Lookout,
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1-bath.
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Wyndham Resale Office
111 Cherry Valley Ave, M33
Patricia Costello, Patricia Dickson, Alfred Kohart, Mary Krener and Linda Mulrooney
