The Garden City News (4/7/23)

VINTAGE CAR PARADE SUNDAY

New mayor appoints Sullivan to open seat

BY RIKKI MASSAND

At the April 3 Board of Trustees’ reorganization meeting new Mayor Mary Carter Flanagan announced several appointments, including a new member of the Board of Trustees to fill her former, vacated seat.

Mayor Carter Flanagan appointed Michael Sullivan, one of the candidates in the March village election, to fill the open seat. Sullivan was unsuccessful in his election bid, as he came in fourth in a race for three seats.

Mayor Carter Flanagan

The Garden City Chamber of Commerce presents the 68th Annual Easter Car Parade, this Sunday with viewing at field 9E. Beginning at 9am and the parade kicks off promptly at 1pm. Join us for this exciting event and the Kiwanis Easter Bunnies will add to the festivities.

GC School Board reviews writing, foreign language, gifted programs

BY KASSARA MCELROY

The Garden City Board of Education reviewed the school district’s writing, foreign language in the elementary school (FLES) and Quest programs at a special session held on April 3rd.

Up until this point in the year, the District has been collecting raw data by grade level, interpreting and syn-

thesizing that data for trends, and implementing protocols. Now, the District is refining instructional strategies, identifying resources K-8 and providing professional development based on that data collection.

“When it comes to writing, it’s hard to quantify with varying styles and endless opportunities to grow. We had to think of the most con-

crete way to do this,” said Lauren Kaufman, director of literacy. “Through the process, we found that it is clear there is room to grow.

I am pleased we now have this data to intentionally and purposefully create next steps that directly support with that.”

So, what exactly are those areas that show the most

See page 55

explained, “I was unable to resign my board seat prior to running for mayor, and upon being elected mayor a vacancy was created which I may fill. Garden City is fortunate to have had six candidates who ran for village trustee positions.”

The mayor spoke briefly about his career background in engineering, finance and business. Sullivan was immediately welcomed with a round of applause from all other trustees and village executive staff members before taking a seat on the dais, after he was sworn in.

See page 43

Paul’s, other advisory committees disbanded

BY RIKKI MASSAND

After the new members of the Garden City Board of Trustees took their oaths of office on April 3rd, Mayor Mary Carter Flanagan’s first order of business to announce that several mayoral-appointed advisory committees – including the 37-member St. Paul’s Committee, the Village Governance Committee, the LIRR Third Track Committee and the Business Development Committee – were all being disbanded, effective immediately.

As a trustee in her first two years on the board, and on her first evening as mayor, Carter Flanagan

extended her gratitude to the dozens of resident volunteers who served on the committees.

The announcement to end all the prior mayoral-appointed committees came with the caveat that “committees can be reconstituted as needed by the village.”

Mayor Carter Flanagan thanked her predecessor Mayor Cosmo Veneziale, outgoing Deputy Mayor Tom O’Brien and Trustee Terry Digan for all their hard work and dedication to Garden City, and “for being a part of a new era in Garden City village governance where residents are promised open and fair

See page 43

Protest held against proposed casino

PAGE 9

PAGES 18-19

Not funny

On Thursday, New York State Senator Chuck Schumer held a press conference to announce that he is demanding that the Federal Bureau of Investigation look into a recent rise in the number of bomb threats and “swatting” incidents in Long Island schools. (“Swatting” refers to making a hoax report of an active shooter situation.)

The senator has requested that $10 million be allocated to help the FBI locate and prosecute the perpetrators of incidents that have occurred throughout the state and country.

Here in Garden City there have been several threats made against the public schools, and each time it happens classes are disrupted. The Middle School has

had to be evacuated several times so that police could search the building.

It’s not clear what has caused the sudden increase in these incidents, whether it is due to a social media “challenge” or otherwise coordinated. There is even some reporting that “foreign actors” may be responsible.

In any case, the FBI’s help is needed to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice. While perhaps there are some teens who think “swatting” is funny, it is terrifying for other students, and could potentially result in tragedy.

If that’s not enough of a reason to knock it off, consider how much it would ruin your life to be charged with a felony.

Déjà vu all over again

To the Editor:

I recently read over the Westerman comparative analysis report and the conclusions are remarkably familiar to a plan concocted some 12 years ago. The Erwin and Belinski report done back in 2010, contained assessment proposals by the Committee to Save St. Paul’s. The differences are that when the E&B report was generated, they were more critical of their findings and the cost. At that time the Committee to Save St. Paul’s and now the Westerman approach envisions “a box within a box” reuse with the renovated box occupying only the center portion of the building’s first two floors with all certificate of occupancy requirements while still being attached to the surrounding “box” of the unused school with only safety code requirements in place. The Committee to Save St. Paul’s estimated the cost, some 12 years ago, to be in the $40 million-$50 million range. The E&B, Architects and Engineering Firm, believed that the Committee had significantly underestimated the extent of the work that will be required and thus significantly underestimated the cost of the work.

Fast forward to today, some 12 years later, Westerman surmised that adaptive reuse would be $49,526,287, sound familiar, for this is virtually identical to the Committees estimated cost back more than a decade ago. It would appear that the “box within a box” is again their solution to this ongoing problem. Except for this time, they seem to have more willing and congenial partners to see it their way. This reuse was explained in the E&B report with a similar box-in-a-box renovation concept with the unused portions of the building sealed off and would have no certificate of occupancy until extensive modifications were accomplished at some significant additional cost. Life has taught me that if it seems to be too good be true it probably is.

Bob Orosz

Grossly misleading ad

To the Editor:

Last week’s Garden City News included a full page ad signed by the St.Paul’s Committee. As mentioned in my letter to last week’s edition of the News, I’m a member of the Finance subcommittee. The ad was not shared with me prior to its publication and I’m offended by that lack of common courtesy. However, that’s not the worst of it. The ad is simply grossly misleading.

The ad would have one believe that demolition would be more expensive than rehabilitation via reference to a schedule of Annual Capital Cost Per Average Taxpayer. The ad cites an annual cost of $472 for demolition and $385 for rehabilitation. There are several things wrong with the analysis provided by the Committee:

• In calculating the Cost for demolition, the Committee included a $15 million additional cost for a park with a pond. Westerman Construction (see their Comparative Analysis on Village’s website) did not calculate this additional cost and apparently simply took the Committee’s word for the number. Interestingly the original version of the Westerman report did not include any mention of this additional element to the project;

• Without the park, Westerman estimated demolition’s cost at $17 million. However this estimate is based on demolition which would preserve architectural features added to the building since 1900. This number compares with a $6 million cost which Westerman cites via reference to a 2012 study by Erwin & Bielinski Architects and Engineers (also filed on Village’s website). Why did the Committee ignore the lower cost of demolition provided by Westerman and the even lower cost previously provided by Erwin & Bielinsk ?

• The Committee’s ad cites a $49 million cost for “Minimal Community Center Concept” without defining what a minimal community center looks like. Westerman describes this alternative

See page 40

Village adopts budget, discusses capital projects

BY RIKKI MASSAND

The Village Board of Trustees voted unanimously to adopt the 2023-2024 municipal budget during its Monday, April 3 reorganization meeting, following a public hearing which offered a few interesting cost concerns and future considerations.

Garden City’s budget for the fiscal year beginning on June 1, 2023 and concluding on May 31, 2024, as adopted is $69,193,802. The appropriated surplus for the village budget is $4,050,519 with anticipated revenues of $11,869,775 for the next fiscal year.

In order to meet the expenses associated with the 2023-2024 municipal budget, the balance to be raised by taxes (the local tax levy) is $53,273,508. This represents the amount to be apportioned against all taxable properties of the Village of Garden City as set forth in the 2023 assessment roll.

The local tax rate with the adopted budget for 2023-2024 is $49.9778 on each $100 of assessed valuation for properties within Garden City, except properties of the Long Island Rail Road/MTA which are taxed in accordance with provisions

MTA replaces Cherry Valley Avenue bridge

of the real property tax law. The Board of Trustees approved separate resolutions formalizing the adopted budget figure, the local tax levy and the property tax rate at its April 3 reorganization meeting.

Trustee Charles Kelly spoke about the budgeting of sidewalk repairs at a high expense, over $5 million which includes approximately $2.3 million for a Stewart Avenue repaving.

“There are a lot of increases in this budget which are making up for postponed expenses where reserves were not set up, despite the fact that the expenses were clearly foreseeable such as the Stewart Avenue repaving,” Kelly noted. He also referenced a comment Deputy Mayor Lawrence Marciano offered at a prior Budget work session about how inflation has driven up several routine costs for the village to cover.

New Village Trustee Ed Finneran said the budget reflects a capital projects outlay “is abnormally high” but a look down the road, with a five-year capital projects plan, it goes to more “normal levels.”

See page 42

The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) replaced the Cherry Valley Avenue railroad overpass on April 1-2 with a higher bridge in an effort to reduce the number of times the structure is hit by trucks. Between 2010 and 2022 the bridge had been struck 162 times, making it the most struck overpass in the Long Island Railroad system.

The new overpass has a clearance of 14 feet, five inches as compared to the prior structure, which had a clearance of 10 feet, 4 inches.

LIRR crews raised the bridge that carries the LIRR Hempstead Branch 12 inches at a time (a total of 36 inches) over three consecutive weekends. On

See page 55

EPOA to meet on April 18, host BOE candidate

The Eastern Property Owners’ Association will host its next public meeting on Tuesday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m. at the Senior Center on Golf Club Lane. There will be updates on village and school issues from East Trustees as well as EPOA officers, directors, committee representatives and liaisons.

The EPOA will host Board of Education Candidate Liz CheungGaffney so she can introduce herself to

residents and answer any questions.

The 2023 EPOA Membership Drive is now underway. East residents are invited to join for $20 for 1 year of membership or $40 for 2 years of membership. Dues may be paid through Venmo (@ GEPOA), PayPal (for to www.gcepoa.org and click on membership) or by check. As a reminder, the EPOA consists of all volunteers but does have ongoing communication-related expenses.

The Number One

Featured Home

Welcome To Your Dream Home!

This stunning, Tudor style residence is perched high on a hill, offering breathtaking views of a prestigious golf course. The perfect blend of luxury and comfort, this property is sure to impress even the most discerning buyers.

This home has a grand foyer, beautiful woodwork, and sweeping staircase. The spacious living room’s large windows provide panoramic golf course views. Cozy up to the fireplace on chilly evenings.

The main floor has a formal dining room which is perfect for hosting dinner parties, a gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances and ample counter space. Also on the main level is a breakfast nook, private study with built-in bookshelves and convenient laundry room.

Upstairs, the primary suite has walk-in closets and a luxury en suite bath. The second level also includes three additional bedrooms, two full bathrooms, plus a bonus room.

Offered at $2,395,000

Theanne Ricci Laura Rich

Dana Eaton Kate Crofton Denise Donlon Patricia Aprigliano Susan Bashian Andrea Bharucha Suzanne Blair Liz Breslin

Barbara Chmil Grace Chan Deirdre Albertson Arlene Conigliaro Jasmin Burgos Roberta Clark

Sharon Redmond Sean R. McCoyd Jayne McGratty Armstrong Roseanne McMahon Shane Mullalley Barbara Moore Patricia O'Grady Julie O’Neill Rita Paiewonsky Louisa Pironi Maribeth Quinn Jill Palmeri

Brokerage in New York State

In Contract

Updated 4/5 BR, 3 New Bath Estate Sect. Colonial features custom “chef’s” kit & impeccable finishes throughout. $1,729,000

In Contract

In Contract

Sensational 4/5 BR, 3.5 bath Colonial on 96 x 146 w/many updates $1,325,000

Beautifully Renovated 4BR 3Bath Colonial in Prime Mott Section $1,249,000

In Contract

Fully furnished, 3 BR, 3.5 bath complete gut-renovation Maisonette. Open floor plan, coffered ceilings, luxurious finishes, private patio in East Building $1,625,000

In Contract

Estates 3 BR, 2.5 bath charming Colonial w/updated EIK & baths on 60 x 110 prop won’t last $1,199,000

Renovated & expansive 4/5 BR, 3 bath Col., mid block, 90 x 100 prop, reasonable taxes.$1,549,000.

It’s not just a home, it’s a lifestyle! Updated 2 BR 2 BA condo w/garage & patio in vibrant 55+ Stony Brook community. $485,000

Charming 2BR Bungalow in the heart of Floral Park Village $729,000 East Northport Rental Spacious 2br/1 ba. 1st flr. New floors. Convenient to all $2,400/mo

Wyndham 2 bedroom split model, 2.5 baths, pond view $859,000

In Contract

Hempstead Co-op. Spacious 1 Bed/1 Bath w/bonus space and oversized terrace. Laundry and parking available. $209,000

Not Pictured: William Breslin, Michael Fedor, Robert McMahon, Joseph Petrancosta, Tara Rice

Elise Ronzetti John H Russo Angela Linda Simbus Patricia Savella Vivian Tener Kathleen Thornton Mary Weille Cathleen Fennessy Whelan

Atticka Ellis Lisa Fedor Laura Fitzgerald Nancy Giannone Pamela Goeller Karen Guendjoian Monica Kiely Tara Iori Laura Giacini Kelly Galanek Bill Eckel

Cheryl Adams McAuliffe George Kyriazis

Mary Carter Flanagan begins 2-year term as Mayor

Third Woman in History of Village to Hold Post

Mary Carter Flanagan has begun a two-year term as Mayor of the Village of Garden City, the third woman in the history of the Village to ever hold the post. Associate Village Justice Merril S. Biscone administered the Mayor’s oath of office during swearing-in ceremonies held at Village Hall on Monday, April 3rd.

Mayor Carter Flanagan resides in the Western section. She grew up in Garden City, and in 1998, moved back with her husband, Matthew, to raise their family. s the mother of three children, Emily, Matthew and Caroline, all of whom graduated Garden City High School. She has lived in the Village for over 45 years. After graduating from Garden City High School herself, she attended the University of Virginia and graduated with a B.A. degree, then went on to attend St. John’s University School of Law, where she served as Publications Editor of the Journal of Legal Commentary and graduated with a J.D. degree. Following law school, Mayor Carter Flanagan served as a law clerk to the Honorable Robert G. Mahoney of the United States Department of Labor and then as Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of New York and worked in private practice handling litigation matters. Since 2012, she has served as an Administrative Law Judge for the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board.

During her tenure on the Board of Trustees, Mayor Carter Flanagan has served as chairperson of both the Environmental Advisory Board and Legal Committee, and as a member of the Traffic Commission and Public Information Committee. Effective this

term, she will serve as chairperson of the Committee to Fill Vacancies on Boards and Commissions, as well as the Public Information Committee, and co-chair the Environmental Advisory Board with Trustee Michele Harrington.

First elected in 2021, Mayor Carter Flanagan vows to continue her commitment to the residents of Garden City as she enters her third year of service. “I look forward to serving as Mayor of Garden City. A lot of wonderful things have been happening in our local government over the last two years and I will work hard to continue and build on those efforts,” she said.

Over the next two years, Mayor Carter Flanagan said she will remain focused on better serving the residents through effective communication. “While we have made progress over the last two years in improving Village communications, I recognize there is more work to be done. I will be forming a small Communications Committee to assist us with this effort at the next Board of Trustees meeting,” she said.

Mayor Carter Flanagan recognizes the importance of volunteerism and encourages more residents to get involved. “We have seen a record number of Village residents following our Village government and participating in our elections, and it is my hope that many of you who are not yet actively volunteering in our local government will see this as a time to become more involved as we work together to preserve the quality of life we all enjoy in this wonderful community,” she said.

“I recognize the importance of working together to reach a consensus on governance reform to ensure that our form of local government meets the needs of our community now and in the future,” the Mayor added.

Black Sheep scholarship, fundraiser honors GCHS alum

For the first time, the Eric Sa Memorial “Black Sheep” scholarship of $5,000 will be awarded this June, at Garden City High School Senior Awards Night.

Eric Sa, a former graduate of GCHS, passed away tragically and suddenly last fall. Eric was a creator, inventor and innovator. He was not afraid to be different, and was an unwavering defender of the marginalized. Eric was also a valued employee of the Black Sheep Ale House in Mineola - where everyone is welcome and uniqueness is celebrated. By sponsoring this scholarship we hope to inspire others to be creative and to embrace differences.

Applicants must have created an original piece in the areas of Music, Technology, Engineering or the Arts and describe how they are “Black Sheep” in their own way. Scholarship submissions should be sent to eric91722sa@gmail.com by April 21. Teachers, staff members and other students may also nominate a senior for this award and apply on their behalf. Information can be found in GCHS Guidance Office and on Naviance.

A fundraiser to benefit the scholarship will be held at the Black Sheep Ale house in Mineola, Friday, April 28, at 7 p.m. Come enjoy the Beer Garden, take a chance on some great raffles, and support a worthy cause.

Mayor Mary Carter Flanagan with her husband, Matthew Flanagan and daughter, Emily, following her swearing-in ceremony at Village Hall Monday, April 3.

Photo by Carisa Giardino

Advice for what matters most, when you need it most

Congratulations to The Sullivan Group for being named to the 2023 Forbes

“Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” list, published on January 12, 2023. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2022.

The Sullivan Group

Thomas E. Sullivan Managing Director Wealth Management Advisor

516.877.8342 • thomas_sullivan@ml.com

Charles M. Carson Managing Director Wealth Management Advisor

516.877.8229 • charles_m_carson@ml.com

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

1325 Franklin Avenue Suite 400 Garden City, NY 11530 fa.ml.com/the_sullivan_group

Thomas P. Sullivan, CFP ® Senior Vice President Wealth Management Advisor

516.877.8335 • thomas.sullivan2@ml.com

Christopher M. Walters First Vice President Senior Financial Advisor

516.877.8249 • chris.m.walters@ml.com

Matthew R. Sullivan First Vice President Senior Financial Advisor

516.877.8263 • matthew.r.sullivan@ml.com

Source: The Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” list, published on January 12, 2023. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2022. Data provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes: a measure of each team’s best practices, client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of Forbes and not representative nor indicative of any one client’s experience, future performance, or investment outcome and should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor. Rankings and recognition from Forbes are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results. SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions intended to help investors choose the right financial advisor and team, and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. Investment products: Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value

The Bull Symbol and Merrill are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S. © 2023 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

Marc Courtade presents lecture on Elizabeth Taylor

Casino, entitled “ Elizabeth Taylor: From Child Star to Film Queen. ”

This talk, delivered by Marc Courtade, will celebrate her career using audio and video clips showcasing her talents. For over 15 years, Marc has been delivering hundreds of talks and classes on musicals, operas or great performers throughout Long Island.

He will be followed in May by a presentation on Thursday, May 20, entitled “ The Gilded Age in New York City ” by Art and Susan Zuckerman.

Then, on Thursday, May 27, Sal St.George will explore the fascinating career of Carol Burnett as she celebrates her 90th birthday.

The Community Club would love to have you join us for these wonderful programs. Visitors are welcome for a $10 guest fee. For further information, please contact Mary Maguire, 516 873-6332.

Residents protest proposed casino at Nassau Coliseum

SUBMITTED BY THE SAY NO TO THE CASINO CIVIC ASSOCIATION

The second of three protest rallies hosted by the Say No to the Casino Civic Association took place on Monday, April 3, at 12:00 noon on the front steps of the Theodore Roosevelt Building at 1550 Franklin Ave. The group is a non-partisan, single issue, grass roots organization that formed in February of 2023 in order to vehemently oppose the development of a Las Vegas style casino at the site of the Nassau Coliseum. The members of Say No come from various villages in Nassau County such as Manhasset, Uniondale, Garden City, Mineola, Garden City South, Levittown, South Hempstead, Hempstead, West Hempstead, Rockville Centre, Freeport, Merrick, East Meadow, Roosevelt, Westbury, Port Washington, and Baldwin.

Protestors gathered with signs in hand and listened to speakers: Mary Carter Flanagan (Mayor of Garden City), Bruce Chester (Garden City Trustee), Pastor Arthur Mackey (Mount Sinai Baptist Church in Roosevelt), Donna Solosky (Mineola Trustee), and Rase Denny (Board Member of the Nostrand Garden Civic Association). A statement written by Westbury Mayor Peter I. Cavallaro was read aloud by Vasu Krishnamurthy of Manhasset. A number of news outlets were on hand to cover the event including Fox 5 News, WCBS 2, News 12, The Long Island Press, Newsday, Patch, and The Long Island Herald.

Garden City's Mayor-elect Mary Carter Flanagan was part of a unanimous 8 trustee resolution against the proposed casino. “We’re concerned

about crime, we’re concerned about DWI fatalities, addiction issues – all of the things that come along with a casino,” stated Carter Flanagan.

Garden City Trustee Bruce Chester also spoke at the rally, saying “It would be in an area where we have 40,000 students – Nassau Community, Hofstra University, Adelphi University, Uniondale High School, Bishop Kellenberg – we have a problem on this Island with young people and gambling addiction. This is not going to help this.” Mineola trustee Solosky also voiced her sup port, saying “Environmentally, social ly, economically, I don’t see where this is going to benefit us,” she said.

“Hopefully our voices will be heard.” Pastor Arthur Mackey gave a stirring address denouncing the idea of bring ing casino gambling to Nassau, stating that a casino would “suck the life out of the Black and Brown community”. Mayor of Westbury Peter Cavallaro’s statement asserted that “Nassau resi dents and taxpayers deserve a project at the HUB that is thoughtful and in their best interests. This proposal is lazy and self-serving. Not a good combination.”

On April 24, the Nassau County Legislature will vote on whether to assign the Nassau Coliseum lease to the Sands Corporation. The property is owned by Nassau County residents, but leased long term to commercial operators. The April 24 legislative meeting is open to the public, and Legislators will hear comments from residents who attend. The Say No to the Casino Civic Association is planning a third rally in front of the legislative building on this date.

a.m.–9 p.m.

11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.

Local residents rallied on the steps of the Theodore Roosevelt Building, home of the Nassau County Legislature and County Executive.

Local Real Estate Market Information

45 Whitehall Blvd., Garden City

RECENT LOCAL REAL ESTATE SALES

The information about the homes and the photos were obtained through the Multiple Listing Services of Long Island. The homes presented were selected based solely on the fact that they were recently sold. Mortgage Rates this week from www.nerdwallet.com

Long Island Sales Data From One Key MLS

91 Cambridge Ave., Stewart Manor

Date: 3/24/2023

Date: 3/31/2023

Sold price: $2,415,000

4 bedrooms, 4 full baths, 1 half bath

Architectural Style: Colonial

Total taxes: $32,106

Lot size: .36 acre

MLS number: 3451078

The Seller’s Team: Tara Walsh, Four Seasons Realty Team

The Buyer’s Team: Brigid Marmorowski, Daniel Gale Sothebys Intl Realty

This spectacular 4-bedroom 4.5 bath 1922 Dutch Colonial is set on a manicured 120’ x 132’ lot in the Estates section of the Village of Garden City and was completely renovated in 2013. A captivating entrance foyer with sweeping bridal staircase greets you as you enter. To the right, a spacious formal living room with a gas fireplace and custom built-in shelving leads you into a bright sunroom/den. On the left you will find an elegant formal dining room with access to a home office and butler’s pantry with wet bar. The state-of-the-art gourmet eat-inkitchen with oversized marble center island, Wolf appliances, Subzero refrigerator, and two sets of sliders to a bluestone patio and yard spans the entire rear of the home. A side entrance mudroom with laundry, completes the first level. On the second level you will find three spacious family sized bedrooms, two of which share a Jack and Jill bathroom. The primary suite with walk-in-closet, features a full bath with tub and separate shower. An additional full hall bath completes this level. You will also find a walk-up attic with bonus space, large walk-in cedar closet and tons of storage. The fully finished basement includes a rec room, playroom, full bathroom, utilities, storage, and egress windows. OTHER NOTABLE AMENITIES INCLUDE: Full house water filtration system, Full house generator,Fully fenced in yard with privacy bushes, in-ground sprinklers, Electrical lines buried, 2 Zone HVAC heating and cooling system, Hardiplank siding, Detached two car garage with storage attic, Shed, LED Lighting throughout, Blue stone patio/ front walkway, Extra-long and wide driveway.

361 Kilburn Ave. S., Garden City South

Date: 3/16/2023

Sold price: $731,000 3 beds, 2 full baths

Style: Colonial

Total taxes:$14,046

Lot size: .16 acre

MLS number: 3444169

The Seller’s Team: Christopher Andron and Eleanor Dunne, Andron Realty Group

The Buyer’s Team: Stephen and Laura Baymack, Compass Greater NY

This beautiful expanded colonial style home is located in the heart of the Village of Stewart Manor. It offers a spacious living room with fireplace, a large formal dining room, a large eat-in-kitchen with separate pantry, a large family room with french door to a patio, a first floor laundry room, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, a full semi-finished basement, and storage attic. It is conveniently located near shopping and recreation.

Sold price: $730,000

3 bedrooms, 2 full baths

Total Taxes: $16,206

Lot Size: .14

MLS number: 3441269

The Seller’s Team: Susan Bashian and Patricia Aprigliano, Coach Realtors Fennessy Associates

The Buyer’s Team: Not listed

Welcome to this charming and spacious Tudor home nestled in the heart of Garden City South! With a property size of 60 x100 offering many possibilities to make this home your own. The first floor offers a gracious entry foyer, living room with wood-burning fireplace, parquet wood floors, beamed ceiling and sliders to patio and yard. The formal dining room has raised molding detail and original windows. The oversized eat-in kitchen offers ample storage. Sunlight fills the room through skylights and floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the private backyard garden and patio. A full bath is also located on the first floor. The second floor offers primary bedroom with two closets and has access to full hall bath, plus two bedrooms. Additional features include; hardwood floors throughout, walk-up attic with storage and a bonus room, a private yard with extended driveway and a one-car detached garage. This lovely Tudor home is ideally situated close to shopping, dining and LIRR.

Houses featured on this page were sold by various real estate agencies

Long Island’s #1 Real Estate Company*

This informational page is sponsored by Douglas Elliman Real Estate

| $3,498,999

7 BR, 6 BA, 1 Half BA | Web# 3468456

Michelle McArdle: M 516.306.4134

Garden City | 99 7th Street, Unit 3F | $909,000

3 BR, 2 BA Condo | Web# 3431257 Laura Mulligan: M 516.729.6885

Garden City Park | 112 2nd Street | $629,000

3 BR, 2 BA | Web# 3463651

Catherine Gerspach: M 516.238.2771

Katarzyna “Katrina” Kamer: M 917.548.7106

Under Contract | Garden City | $1,619,000

4 BR, 3 BA | Web# 3465060

Jane Romanowski: M 516.456.7436

Under Contract | Garden City | $1,300,000 4 BR, 3 BA, 1 Half BA | Web# 3456659 Garden City Office: 516.307.9406

Under Contract | Garden City | $470,000

2 BR, 1 BA Co-Op | Web# 3454804 Erin Fleischmann: M 516.864.1977

Rented | Garden City | Rented at $3,400/month

1 BR, 1 BA Condo | Web# 3458589

Linda Brunning: M 516.728.4800

Muscarella speaks at Rotary Club meeting

Newly formed council helps underprivileged local communities

BY GARY SIMEONE

Council 1869 was formed in the fall of last year as a means of providing equitable opportunities to families who are residing in under resourced communities. The nonprofit, which is led by nine Garden City board members, offers help to these communities through various educational and social programs. The name is in recognition of the year that the Village was originally founded.

Courtney Inman, executive director of Council 1869, said in order to support these types of programs in underprivileged communities, grant money is raised through various functions such as book drives, golf outings and other events.

“All of our board members and their families were excited about and had a vested interest in expanding our efforts in helping communities that are considered to be two-hundred percent below the poverty line,” said Inman. “We are all privileged to live here in this great Village, and we believed it was our responsibility to make a positive impact for low-income families in our nearby surrounding communities.”

She listed the communities that the nonprofit works with as Hempstead, Uniondale, Freeport and Westbury.

Inman said that Council 1869 chose to partner with the ParentChild+ organization, in their first year, with the intention of partnering with more organizations in the future.

“We partnered with ParentChild+, an organization that I had worked for several years, because of the work they do with families with young children who are just entering the school system. They do a great job of preparing children through early literacy programs and helping overcome language barriers.”

Inman said she had worked at ParentChild+ for several years as the director of development, helping fundraising efforts within the organization.

“Our plan is to work with them to expand their home-based childcare model into these communities,” said Inman.

Council 1869 was founded by Garden City resident Michael Wystrach. Wystrach is the founder of Freshly pre-made meal services and co-founder of Petfolk veterinary service.

New York’s Premier FUE Transplant Specialists

Hempstead Town Councilman Tom Muscarella (second right) greeted Diane Marmann, Althea Robinson and Meg Norris during the Garden City Rotary Club meeting on March 28 at The Davenport Press Restaurant.

Adelphi panel to discuss clean energy transition

Addressing climate change means transitioning from burning fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. On Tuesday, April 25, a panel of industry experts will discuss the challenges in the journey to a greener future.

Panelists will include Robert B. Catell ‘99 (Hon.), chairman of the US National Grid; Justyna Widera-Kalinowska, professor of chemistry at Adelphi University; and Robert Kavner '65, lead director of Heliogen. The discussion will be moderated by David Manning, director of Brookhaven National Laboratory’s Stakeholder Relations Office.

The event, “Great Minds, Great

Garden City PTA News

GC Sportswear Styles Now On Sale

Conversations: Powering the Future: Transitioning to Clean Energy to Combat the Climate Crisis” will begin at 11 a.m. in the Ruth S. Harley University Center, Thomas Dixon Lovely Ballroom, at the main Garden City campus. It is part of the University's “Great Minds, Great Conversations” series and part of Adelphi’s annual Scholarship and Creative Works Conference, showcasing and celebrating the research and creative work of Adelphi students.

Admission is free, but registration is required. A complimentary breakfast will be served at 10:30 a.m. Learn more and register at adelphi.edu/powering-future

The PTA has launched the spring edition of our annual sportswear fundraiser—with new styles available for everyone in the family! Check out the full range of 2023 options by visiting www. gardencitypta.org/sportswear. The sale is open through Wednesday, April 26; pick-up will happen on Saturday, June 3. Show your GC pride and support the PTA today!

Check the School Supplies Off Your Summer To-Do List NOW!

The PTA’s annual school supply fundraiser—providing access to prepacked, teacher-selected supplies for the coming school year—is now underway. Orders will be taken until April 14. In 2022, this annual fundraiser generated nearly $10,000 for the PTA, all of which passes on to the schools and children of Garden City. And it all happened while taking school supply shopping OFF your to-do list this summer! To place your order, visit www.education-

alproducts.com and use code GAR054.

Mark Your Calendars!

Get your pencils ready to mark these important upcoming dates for the PTA and your schools. Registration for all online events is available at gardencitypta.org

• April 14: Final day for School Supply Fundraiser Orders

• April 19: Middle School PTA meeting

• April 20: Joint Elementary Schools PTA meeting

• May 23: All Schools PTA meeting

Let’s Connect @GardenCityPTA

Website: www.gardencitypta.org

To Get Real Time InformationTurn on Notifications

Facebook: Facebook.com/ GardenCityPTA

Instagram: Instagram.com/ GardenCityPTA

Twitter: Twitter.com/ GardenCityPTA

Garden City real estate, reimagined.

516.537.3050

516.216.0244

917.370.5354

516.642.9881

917.642.5036

516.850.7812

Founding Agent M: 516.236.4287

Founding Agent M: 516.316.4955

516.713.8177

Founding Agent M: 516.306.7738

347.392.0381

Founding Agent M: 516.427.6878

347.922.8947

Founding Agent M: 516.361.7190

516.476.7825

M: 917.841.5486

The Laura Carroll Team M: 516.650.7474

McCooey Olivieri Team

M: 516.375.8434

Pete (Pedro) Diaz Lic. RE Salesperson Principal Agent M:

Jennifer Sullivan Lic. RE Salesperson

Stephen Baymack Lic. Assoc. RE Broker Principal Agent M:

Laura Baymack Lic. RE Salesperson Principal Agent M:

Alexandra Parisi Lic. Assoc. RE Broker

Patricia Ottati Lic. Assoc. RE Broker Principal Agent M:

Salvatore Sica Lic. Assoc. RE Broker Principal Agent M:

Catherine Anatra Lic. RE Salesperson

Athena Menoudakos Team M:

Lauren Grima Lic. RE Salesperson Principal Agent M:

Michael Meule Lic. RE Salesperson Principal Agent M:

Maureen Lagarde Lic. RE Salesperson Founding Agent M:

Athena Menoudakos Lic. RE Salesperson

Patrick M. McCooey Lic. Assoc. RE Broker

Laura Carroll Lic. RE Salesperson Founding Agent M:

Alexander G. Olivieri Lic. RE Salesperson

Demetri Arnidis Lic. RE Salesperson McCooey Olivieri Team

Mairéad Garry Lic. RE Salesperson

Lauren Canner Lic. RE Salesperson

Chelsea Costello Lic. RE Salesperson

The Laura Carroll Team M: 516.509.7961

Kerry Flynn Lic. RE Salesperson The Laura Carroll Team M: 914.772.6169

Denice Giacometti Lic. RE Salesperson McCooey Olivieri Team M: 516.398.7468

Susan Gillin Lic. RE Salesperson The Jen Sullivan Team M: 516.655.5662

Christina Hirschfield Lic. RE Salesperson The Laura Carroll Team M: 516.805.0703

Adrienne McDougal Lic. RE Salesperson The Laura Carroll Team M: 516.662.3872

Frank Morabito Lic. RE Salesperson The Pete Diaz Team M: 917.207.7782

Ryan Mullins Lic. RE Salesperson The Jen Sullivan Team M: 516.359.6.339

Danielle Nero Lic. RE Salesperson The Laura Carroll Team M: 516.205.6501

Julie Whicher Lic. RE Salesperson The Laura Carroll Team M: 516.698.3975

Work with Garden City’s Market

Councilman discusses citizenship with BSA Troop 322

On a recent weekend, Garden City’s Scouts BSA Troop 322 gathered at Saint Paul’s to start working on the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge. It was fitting to have this meeting at Saint Paul’s since it is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and visiting a place on this National Registry is one of the requirements to earn the merit badge.

Troop 322 was fortunate to have Hempstead Town Councilman Tom Muscarella join the meeting to discuss Citizenship in the Nation and take questions from the Scouts and lead a discussion on citizenship.

Councilman Muscarella shared his perspective as a Councilman for the largest town in the US and explained to the girls the various levels of government starting with Congress and then going down to the State, County, Town and ultimately Village government. He explained that through his experiences as a Councilman and member of a large family with a tradition of government service that government is most effective at the local level where it can be responsive to the needs of the people.

In keeping with the BSA motto “Be Prepared,” the Scouts all came prepared with great questions and insights into what it means to be a good citizen and what can be done to improve the village and the country. The girls shared some very good ideas during the conversation including what could be done to save

Saint Paul’s.

It was a lively discussion and everyone in the room benefited from hearing the Scouts exercise their first amendment right. In keeping with a tradition of Troop 322, the Scouts (Martina Cantalupo, Julia Harty, Leah Lotito, Sophie Maupin, Catherine Rivera, Grace Santare, Charlotte Storm and Evelyn Yasso) ended the meeting by thanking Councilman Muscarella with a great big Teddy Roosevelt style “BULLY!”

Hempstead Town Councilman Tom Muscarella.

Councilman Muscarella leads Scouts BSA Troop 322 in a discussion about Citizenship in the Nation.

Laura Carroll is a licensed real estate salesperson affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

Knights of Columbus donate wheelchairs to Legion Auxiliary

Old

Old World Quality Corp.

Each year, St. Joseph Bishop Baldwin Knights of Columbus Council No. 15809 (“Council 15809”) conducts several programs that draw Brother Knights closer to their faith, fami lies, and community. One such pro gram is Council 15809’s participation in the Knights of Columbus Global Wheelchair Mission.

The Global Wheelchair Mission obtains wheelchairs at a discounted price for distribution to those in need who might otherwise be unable to

Old

Old World Quality Corp.

www.oldworldqualitycorp.com

organizations to work together for the

Custom Homes, Renovations, Extensions, Roofing, Painting, Bathrooms, Kitchens, Mudrooms, Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, Custom Mill Work, Exterior Spaces, Masonry Work, and much more. There is no project too big or too small for OWQC!

Enriching Special Adults presents movie event

“What if everything you thought you knew about autism was wrong? This “SPELLERS, lenges conventional wisdom regarding a group relegated to society’s mar gins: nonspeakers with autism, who most “experts” believe are cognitive ly disabled. Spellers who all found their voice through the miraculous process of using a letterboard to communication their thoughts and feeling. This film has a strong message for every parent of a nonspeaker: your child can do this, too. SPELLERS”

Office: (516) 741-8226

The film will be screened on Sunday, April 30, at 2:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Cluett Hall, 295 Stewart Ave.

Please RSVP by April 29 to enrichingspecialadults@gmail.com

Old World Quality Corp.

Cost: Free

Old World Quality Corp. www.oldworldqualitycorp.com

Vinny Muldoon - Owner and Garden City

www.oldworldqualitycorp.com

www.oldworldqualitycorp.com

Vinny Muldoon - Owner and Garden City

Established in 1994 – Providing Expert Craftsmen, Highest Product Quality, and Lifetime of Service

Painting, Bathrooms, Kitchens, Mudrooms, Plumbing, Heating

Vinny Muldoon - Owner and Garden City Resident

Custom Homes, Renovations, Extensions, Roofing, Painting, Bathrooms, Kitchens, Mudrooms, Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, Custom Mill Work, Exterior Spaces, Masonry Work, and much more. There is no project too big or too small for OWQC!

We are a full service General Contractor providing everything from small repairs through full house builds, with meticulous attention to detail no matter what size your project is.

Custom Homes, Renovations, Extensions, Roofing, Painting, Bathrooms, Kitchens, Mudrooms, Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, Custom Mill Work, Exterior Spaces, Masonry Work, and much more. There is no project too big or too small for OWQC!

Vinny Muldoon - Owner and Garden

Vinny Muldoon - Owner and Garden City Resident

We are a full service general contractor providing everything from small repairs to full house builds, with meticulous attention to detail no matter what size your project is.

WE OFFER: Custom Homes • Renovations • Extensions

Resident

We are a full service General Contractor providing everything from small repairs through full house builds, with meticulous attention to detail no matter what size your project is.

Roofing • Painting • Bathrooms • Kitchens • Masonry Mudrooms • Plumbing • Heating Air Conditioning

Custom Homes, Renovations, Extensions, Roofing, Painting, Bathrooms, Kitchens, Mudrooms, Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, Custom Mill Work, Exterior Spaces, Masonry Work, and much more. There is no project too big or too small for OWQC! World Quality Corp.

We are a full service General Contractor providing everything from small repairs through full house builds, with meticulous attention to detail no matter what size your project is.

We are a full service General Contractor providing everything from small repairs through full house builds, with meticulous attention to detail no matter what size your project is.

We are a full service General Contractor providing everything from small repairs through full house builds, with meticulous attention to detail no matter what size your project is.

We are a Contractor everything repairs through builds, with attention what size

Custom Homes, Renovations, Extensions, Roofing, Painting, Bathrooms, Kitchens, Mudrooms, Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, Custom Mill Work, Exterior Spaces, Masonry Work, and much more. There is no project too big or too small for OWQC! World Quality Corp.

Custom Mill Work • Exterior Spaces • MUCH MORE!

Instagram and Facebook: @Oldworldqualitycorp

Office: (516) 741-8226

Office: (516) 741-8226

Instagram and Facebook: @Oldworldqualitycorp

Instagram and Facebook: @Oldworldqualitycorp

Office: (516) 741-8226

Office: (516) 741-8226

136 Cherry Valley Ave, West Hempstead 11550

Email: enn@oldworldqualitycorp.com

136 Cherry Valley Ave, West Hempstead 11550

136 Cherry Valley Ave, West Hempstead 11550

Instagram and Facebook: @Oldworldqualitycorp

There is no project too big or too small for OWQC!

Office: (516) 741-8226

136 Cherry Valley Ave, West Hempstead 11550

Email: enn@oldworldqualitycorp.com

136 Cherry Valley Ave, West Hempstead 11550

www.oldworldqualitycorp.com

Email: Jenn@oldworldqualitycorp.com

136 Cherry Valley Ave.,West Hempstead, NY 11550

Email: Jenn@oldworldqualitycorp.com

Instagram/Facebook: @Oldworldqualitycorp

World Quality Corp.

Email: Jenn@oldworldqualitycorp.com

Joseph Levano, Grand Knight Hector DeMarchena, ALA President Jacqueline Eltringham, Stephen Hassett, Donna Armieri, Fr. Prasanna Costa and Henry

Vinny Muldoon - Owner and Garden City Resident

Resident

Email: enn@oldworldqualitycorp.com

Email: Jenn@oldworldqualitycorp.com

Instagram @Oldworldqualitycorp

Instagram and Facebook: @Oldworldqualitycorp

The origins of Easter Sunday

Easter takes place on a different Sunday each year. In western Christianity, Easter follows the Gregorian calendar and is thus considered a “movable feast” that is always celebrated between March 22 and April 25. Eastern Orthodox Christianity adheres to the Julian calendar, so Easter will fall on a Sunday between April 4 and May 8 each year. In 2023, the western Christian Easter celebration occurs on April 9 and the Eastern Orthodox Easter is observed on April 16.

Easter is the most important celebration on the Christian liturgical calendar. While commemorations of Jesus Christ’s resurrection likely occurred earlier, the earliest recorded observance of an Easter celebration was in the second century, according to Britannica.

Initial Easter celebrations weren’t known as “Easter,” which is a word that was borrowed from Pagan spring celebrations of Eostre, the goddess of spring and fertility. It only became associated with Christian usage later on — long after biblical scripture was written. In fact, the word “Easter” only appears in one Bible, the King James Version. But it is likely the word was used as a translation of pascha, or Passover, and not what has come to be known as Christian Easter.

The earliest Easter celebrations were a version of Passover. According to leading sabbath scholar Professor Samuele Bacchiocchi, Christians universally kept Passover on the biblical date of Nisan until 135 A.D. Early commemorations focused on the crucifixion, and the pain and suffering of Jesus. Bacchiocchi says that eventually the resurrection emerged as the

dominant reason for the celebration that would be known as Easter, and also as the main message of weekly Christian Sunday masses. By the fourth century, the Easter Vigil and celebration were well-established and a symbol of joyful anticipation of the resurrection.

Easter is now celebrated annually by faithful Christians. While Easter is not mentioned in the Bible, scripture depictions helped shape the holiday that would become an integral component of the Christian faith.

(Rain or shine) For children up to Grade 5

Links

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

ST. JOSEPH CHURCH

130 Fifth Street, Garden City, NY 11530

516-747-3535

Rev. Msgr. James P. Swiader, Pastor

Rev. Prasanna Costa, Associate Pastor

Rev. Hilary Nwajagu, Associate Pastor Deacon John J. McKenna

SACRED TRIDUUM

GOOD FRIDAY – April 7, 2023

Morning Prayer: 9:00 a.m.

Confessions following Morning Prayer until 11:00 a.m. Outdoor Stations of the Cross: 12 noon Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion with Adoration of the Cross and Holy Communion: 3:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross: 8:00 p.m.

HOLY SATURDAY – April 8, 2023

Morning Prayer: 9:00 a.m.

NOTE: There are NO Confessions on Holy Saturday. There is NO 5:00 p.m. Mass.

Easter Vigil Mass: 8:00 p.m.

EASTER SUNDAY – April 9, 2023

Masses: In the church: 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 a.m., & 12:30 p.m. In the auditorium: 11:00 a.m. There is NO 5:30 p.m. Mass on Easter Sunday.

THE GREAT VIGIL OF EASTER

Saturday, April 8 at 7:30PM In person and via livestream at Incarnationgc.org/livestream

EASTER SUNDAY

Sunday, April 9

8:00AM Traditional Mass with hymns

9:15AM Easter for Kids In person

Annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held immediately following mass on the Cathedral Close

11:15AM Choral Mass In person and via livestream at Incarnationgc.org/livestream

NC Legislator Schaefer to Speak Next Tuesday

Join Mineola-Garden City Rotary’s lunch meeting next Tuesday, April 11, at 12:15 at Mineola’s Davenport Press restaurant when we will welcome NC Legislator Laura Schaefer, guest speaker.

Legislator Shaefer is expected to touch on several critical issues which threaten Nassau County and all of Long Island. Among them, are Governor Hochul’s deleterious high density rezoning housing plan for suburbia and the proposed plan to establish a casino at the Nassau Coliseum among other threating issues.

All are welcome to attend next Tuesday. (Fee: $35 per person). To reserve, please email Meg Norris, Club president, at editor@gcnews.com.

Last Call to Reserve for RotaCare Caregiver’s Ball

Everyone is invited to attend RotaCare’s Caregivers’ Ball to be held on Thursday evening, April 20 at the Inn at New Hyde Park. Festivities will begin with cocktails at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m.

Featured will be special presentations to Garden City resident Michael Bingold, senior executive vice president, chief retail and client develop-

ment officer of Flushing Bank, who will receive the Community Achievement Award. In addition, the Congregation of the Infant Jesus Nursing Sisters of the Sick Poor, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Vaughan Williams Dona Nobis Pacem

To attend this grand RotaCare event, or for more information, please visit give.rotacareny.org/caregiversball.

Created in 1992 by Mineola-Garden City Rotary, RotaCare’s mission is to facilitate free health care for the relief of pain and suffering to those who have the most need and the least access to medical care.

RotaCare’s new home is located at 175 Fulton Avenue, Hempstead, NY. Volunteers are sought in the areas of Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses and Translators. If you are interested in sharing your talent and profession in the care of the poor, please call 516-539-9834, or visit www.rotacareny.org.

Rotary Sets Plans for Day of Service

On Saturday, May 20, more than 450 Rotary clubs and 12,000 Rotarians across 5 states and two countries from Connecticut to Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, New York and Bermuda will volunteer in their

communities for an unprecedented day of service.

Mineola-Garden City Rotary has stepped up to plan an extensive food drive to benefit Faith Mission, a Mineola-based nonprofit that meets the food insecurity needs of immigrant families who access the pantry for food and basic necessities.

Last July Mary Joesten, founder of Faith Mission, gave an inspiring presentation to our Club about the origins and mission of the pantry. All who attended the meeting were moved by Mary’s herculean work she has been doing over many years. Faith Mission’s service to the immigrants who have come to Mineola has grown from serving 50 individuals to now way over 300. Rotary looks forward to helping to sustain the work of Faith Mission. Please stay tuned for more information and how you can lend Rotary volunteers a hand in achieving the success of this project.

Mary Joesten, Faith Mission founder, with Frank Ales, a member of the Faith Mission Board of Directors and Meg Norris, Club president.

Joanne Meyer-Jendras, co-chairperson of RotaCare’s Caregivers Ball, with Gary Jendras, president of RotaCare.

Based on texts by Walt Whitman, John Bright, and the Jewish and Christian Bibles.

Thank You

Thank you to all the residents who went out to vote on March 21st, and I look forward to serving as the Mayor of Garden City. A lot of wonderful things have been happening in our local government over the last two years, and I will work hard to continue and build on those efforts. We have seen a record number of Village residents following our Village government and participating in our elections, and it is my hope that many of you who are not yet actively volunteering in our local government will see this as a time to become more involved as we work together to preserve the quality of life we all enjoy in this wonderful community. Please reach out today by emailing volunteer@gardencityny.net with your name and your areas of interest!

The recent campaign highlighted the need for advocacy on behalf of our Village as New York State threatens to take over our local zoning and Las Vegas Sands is proposing a 24/7 casino only a mile from our Village. Both of these would have a serious negative impact. I will lead our Board of Trustees to advocate against these threats and encourage residents to let their voices be heard by their elected

representatives and in Albany.

While we have made progress over the last year in improving Village communications, I recognize that there is more work to be done. I will be forming a small communications committee to assist us with this effort at the next BOT meeting.

Mayor’s Committees

Our Village has seen unprecedented volunteerism in the community over the last two years with residents sharing their expertise and wisdom on issues of fire safety, the St. Paul’s Main Building, governance, business development and the third track. With the end of the prior Mayor’s term, I am ending all the Mayor’s Committees, recognizing that committees can be reconstituted as needed by our Village.

Fire Safety – I want to thank all who brought their expertise to the Mayor’s Committee on Fire Safety. Your detailed analysis and recom-

mendations are of great value to the BOT and the Fire Department.

St. Paul’s - A large group of volunteers have worked for more than a year on the important issue of our community reaching a decision on the fate of the St. Paul’s Main Building. I want to thank those volunteers for all of their hard work, which resulted in multiple presentations and culminated in the hiring of a cost estimator. At this time we will move to the next stage where the Board of Trustees will be taking on a greater role, which will begin with a work session with the cost estimator prior to the report being finalized. While I am ending the Mayor’s Committee at this time, we will be reaching out as needed for your input when issues arise within your areas of expertise. The Board of Trustees will also be discussing the possibility of reconstituting a committee to help move forward toward the promised vote on the St. Paul’s Main Building. Thank you for your hard work.

Governance - Thank you to the Governance Committee for your hours spent on this important topic. We appreciate your guidance and will be addressing your recommendations during the next six months. It was over many years that community sentiment grew that reform of our one-party system was needed, and two years ago open elections were brought to the Village. Those open elections this year brought Village leaders from two different parties and an independent candidate. I recognize the importance of working together to reach a consensus on governance reform to ensure that our form of local government meets the needs of our community today and in the future.

Third Track - Thank you to the Third Track Committee whose members gave so much of their time and expertise to make sure we realized all opportunities to beautify the Merillon Avenue Train Station neighborhood. A special thank you to Paul Rothenbiller who worked tirelessly to see the promised landscaping provided and to advocate for the connection of the islands, which will provide an additional buffer zone between the station and the homes that is so important to this area.

Business Development – Thank

you to the Business Development Committee for all the work you have put into researching and analyzing our Village and the commercial properties that play such an important role in the community. I understand that your report is prepared and I look forward to hearing the details and recommendations.

I would like to thank the outgoing members of the BOT, Terry Digan, Tom O’Brien and Cosmo Veneziale, for their hard work for the Village of the last two years, and for being part of a new era in Garden City village governance where residents are promised open and fair elections. I welcome Ed Finneran, Michele Harrington and Mike Sullivan to the Board of Trustees. I am confident that the eight of us will work well together in service to the Village we all care so deeply about.

Trustee Appointments

The following required appointments (either by Village Code, State Law or other consideration) were made for the ensuing official year:

• Trustee Bruce J. Chester - Deputy Mayor

• Trustee Lawrence N. Marciano, Jr. - Second Deputy Mayor

• Trustee Bruce J. Chester - Fire Commissioner

• Trustee Michele B. Harrington and Mary Carter FlanaganChairpersons of the Environmental Review Board

• Trustee Bruce A. Torino - Liaison to the Library Board of Trustees

The following appointments for the ensuing official year:

• Liaison Officer to Public Works - Charles P. Kelly

• Liaison Officer to Board of Commissioners and Cultural and Recreational Affairs - Michael J. Sullivan

• Board of Police Commissioners - Kenneth O. Jackson (Chair), Lawrence N. Marciano, Jr., John Borroni, Ralph V. Suozzi

• Traffic CommissionCharles P. Kelly (C), Michael J. Sullivan, Lawrence N. Marciano, Jr., Edward T. Finneran, Kenneth O. Jackson, John Borroni

• Finance and Audit Committee - Michael J. Sullivan (C), Bruce J. Chester, Bruce A. Torino, Michele B. Harrington

• Committee to Fill Vacancies on Boards and Commissions - Mary Carter Flanagan (C), Lawrence N. Marciano, Jr.

• Legal Committee - Charles P. Kelly (C), Edward T. Finneran

• Public Information

See page 56

Mayor Mary Carter Flanagan

Vaping smoke

Garden City Police and Firefighters responded to a fire alarm at Garden City Plaza on March 29th and determined the apparent cause was vaping smoke.

Excessive speed

A Clinton Road motorist was charged with driving with a suspended registration and excessive speed on March 29th.

Suspended license

A 7th Street motorist was charged with driving with a suspended license, a suspended registration, and uninspected auto on March 29th.

ID missing

A person’s employee identification card was reported lost or stolen in the vicinity of Garden City Plaza on March 29th.

Unlicensed operation

On March 29th a Rockaway Avenue motorist was charged with unlicensed operation and passing a Stop sign. Another Rockaway Avenue motorist was charged with driving with a suspended license and excessive speed in a school zone.

THE OFFICE CAT

Domestic disturbance

On March 30th Garden City Police investigated a domestic disturbance and arrested a 41-yearold male for allegedly removing a phone from another family member who was attempt ing to call the police to report the incident.

Catalytic converter

A catalytic convertor was reported stolen from a vehicle parked on Pine Street on March 30th.

Suspended license

On March 30th a Stewart Avenue motorist was charged with driving with a suspended license and inoperable headlights .

Stolen checks

Two checks reportedly mailed from the Garden City Post Office were stolen, altered, and cashed by an unknown person.

Overcooked food

The GCFD and GCPD responded to Adelphi University for a fire call and

determined the cause to be overcooked food on March 30th.

Unlicensed operation

A Poplar Street motorist was charged with unlicensed operation and failure to signal a turn from Clinton Road on March .

Burglary at Club

On March 31st Garden City Police responded to the Cherry Valley Club for a report of three suspicious subjects on the property. Police say the three committed a burglary, stole property from within the building, and fled the scene. Police searched the area and apprehended two adults and one juvenile on 2nd Street. They were arrested and charged with burglary.

Suspended license

A Hilton Avenue motorist was charged with driving with a suspended license and inoperable brake lights on March 31st.

Truck tickets

On March 31st a Stewart Avenue

TIME IS RUNNING OUT!

truck driver was charged with driving with a suspended license and driving in a non-commercial vehicle zone.

Aggressive driving

A motorist in Parking Field 7N on March 31st was charged with aggressive driving violations.

Pole down

On April 1st Garden City Police responded to Commercial Avenue for a damaged utility pole in the roadway. Police believe that a vehicle found at the scene struck the pole. The occupant(s) of the vehicle fled the scene prior to police arrival. PSEG responded to replace the pole. The investigation is ongoing.

Traffic detail

Garden City Police officers were assigned to traffic and safety details for the St. Joseph’s School Run for Tomorrow’s Hope on April 1st.

Identity theft

On April 1st Garden City Police received a report that a victim’s identity was stolen and used to open an unauthorized debit card account.

Bad charge

See page 56

American Legion enjoys St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon

FOR SENIORS fyi

Please Note – The Senior Center will be closed until further notice due to a burst water pipe in the Center. All programs have been moved to St. Paul’s campus.

Chess Refresher Class

GC Recreation and Parks presents a Chess4Community Refresher Class for seniors who have previously taken the Senior Recreation chess classes. This class will be run by USCF rated players and will take place in the North Cottage at St. Paul’s on Wednesday, April 12, from 3 to 4 p.m. Registration for this class is necessary and by done by call the Recreation and Parks Office at 108 Rockaway Avenue.

Trip to See “Mama Mia” at Elmont Library

North Cottage

2:15: Chair Yoga with Samantha in Cottage #110

Tuesday

2:30: Chair Dancing on even numbered days/ Line Dancing on odd in Cottage #110

Wednesday

9:45: Exercise with Felicia in Cluett Hall

11:15: Senior Dance Performance Group with Felicia in Cottage #110*

12:00: Lunch Group in North Cottage

3:00: Chess Club in North Cottage

Thursday

11:15: Yoga with Samantha in Cottage #110

12:00: Retired Men’s Club in the North Cottage

The ladies of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 265 enjoyed the 67th annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon. This event was held at the Garden City Hotel on Wednesday, March 15.

The Marines presented the colors, bagpipers played and dancers from the Doherty/Petri School of Irish Dancing provided the holiday entertainment. A

professional comedian provided some laughs. A great afternoon was enjoyed by the Legion members.

The luncheon benefits the GC Kiwanis Foundation which supports high school scholarships, Kamp Kiwanis, the Gbarnga Mission in Liberia and other organizations.

Garden City Recreation and Parks will take a trip to Elmont Library’s Theatre on Thursday, May 25 to see Plaza Theatrical Productions’ performance of “Mamma Mia.” The recreation bus will leave from the parking lot across the street from the senior center at 1 p.m. to arrive at the library for a 2 p.m. show. This trip is open to any senior who is a resident of the Village of Garden City.

Tickets can be reserved by visiting the Recreation and Parks Administrative Office at 108 Rockaway Avenue. The cost is $40, checks only made payable to “Plaza Theatrical Productions”.

Senior Activity Schedule

During Senior Center Cleanup

The following classes will take place at St. Paul’s Cottages (108 Rockaway Avenue) while the cleanup of the Senior Center is taking place:

Monday

10:00: Exercise with Felicia in the Cluett Hall

12:00: Retired Men’s Club in the North Cottage

2:00: Knitting & Crochet Club in the

1:30: Chi Kung with Andrea in Cottage #110*

3:15: Zumba Gold with Felicia in Cottage #110*

Friday

Noon: Senior Women’s Bridge

St. Paul’s Cottages are located behind the St Paul’s building. There will be two entrances, Cottage #110 and the North Cottage. Both face Rockaway Avenue.

All game playing and meeting will take place in the North Cottage.

All exercise/dance related classes will take place in Cottage #110.

North Cottage Parking: please park in the lot to the North of the complex by the soccer field.

Cottage #110 Parking: You can park the same as the North Cottage Parking or, if there are spots available, park by the Recreation Office.

Classes marked with an * denotes that it is a “pay to go” class. To join, please visit the Recreation and Parks Office.

We have plenty of tables for playing games, but it is, as always, “first come, first serve”.

Birth announcement

Paul and Holly Lee of Locust Valley (formerly of Garden City) proudly announce the birth of their son, John Henry Lee, 8lbs 7oz, on March 18, 2023.

John Henry's grandparents are Jack

and Lisa Lee (formerly of Garden City), John and Amy Kuhn and Rhonda Zieger of Texas. Great gandmother is Alice Zapf of Garden City

Left to right: ALA members Marilyn Blauert, Kathy Nerko, Jo Keller, Sally Coyne, Gail McLaughlin.

Left to right: ALA members Denise Carmen, Anne Paulson, and Matt Mertz with Maureen Fraser and Betty Erdos.

The Trump Indictment

BY BOB MORGAN, JR.

I try to avoid writing consecutive columns about the same subject, much less the same person, but it is basically impossible to ignore the indictment this week of former President Donald J. Trump by Manhattan prosecutors. So here are some thoughts.

I indicated last week that I didn’t think that this indictment—in itself — wouldn’t ultimately make much of a difference in Mr. Trump’s ultimate fortunes as a candidate. People who already hate Mr. Trump will no doubt applaud district attorney Alvin Bragg for bringing these charges, but there is a widespread belief, and not just among Republicans, that the indictment is largely politically motivated. It certainly roils the political scene, and not in a good way.

From a legal standpoint, this case seems like a stretch. The underlying conduct happened in 2007 and the hush money payment in question was in 2016-17, and apparently recorded on the corporate books by early 2018. The statute of limitation for an illegal business entry is two years. To make it past the five year statute of limitations for a felony, the prosecutors will have to establish that the corporate payment was an unauthorized election contribution in violation of federal election law, as opposed (and more plausibly), for example, an attempt to conceal Mr. Trump’s alleged conduct from his family or from his business clients.

Notably, both the Federal Election Commission and the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York decided not to pursue this matter. Frankly, this seems like a remarkably aggressive legal theory that likely would not be used against anyone except Mr. Trump. It is true that no man or woman is above the law, but no one is below it either.

It is of course possible that this indictment will be turned into yesterday’s news by succeeding indictments of Mr. Trump, but this isn’t clear. The case being pursued in Atlanta by district attorney Fani Willis does at least relate to conduct by Mr. Trump during his Presidency,

Concert pianist makes Adelphi PAC debut

but it seems that Mr. Trump’s request that the Georgia Secretary of State find votes can be seen more as a public call for action to investigate his (unsubstantiated) claims of fraud more thoroughly than an actual attempt to rig the count. As for the federal investigation by Jack Smith on the Mar-a-Lago document retention, it is at least on legally sound ground, but it does beg comparisons with the lenient treatment afforded Hillary Clinton. I don’t think there is a viable January 6 claim.

I most worry that the poorly grounded Manhattan indictment represents a significant escalation in the bitter political struggle over the last quarter century and that it has the potential to move political competition to the point of total war.

To be sure, politics isn’t beanbag and Republicans have done their part over the years to add to the increasing tensions, from impeaching Bill Clinton over matters that, although very tawdry, probably didn’t rise to high crimes and misdemeanors. Then there were the "lock her up" chants directed against Hillary Clinton for her document retention problems, although Mr. Trump at least dropped the matter. But there is a reason that cases like the one against Mr. Trump have not been brought in the past.

It isn’t like Republicans and their sympathizers can’t find ways to ratchet up tensions even further. The GOP majority in the House has the power of impeachment. Many local district attorneys are Republicans. There is a significant chance that Republicans will take over the federal government in 2025. To be sure, I don’t recommend that political differences be criminalized or weaponized further, but this is the danger.

None of this is to particularly defend Donald Trump’s divisiveness and machinations. In my perfect world, neither Mr. Trump nor President Biden will be presidential candidates in 2024. But proponents of this indictment must be careful lest they reap what they sow.

Sara Davis Buechner, one of the most original concert pianists of our time, will perform at the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center (PAC) for the first time on Friday, April 14, at 7:30 p.m. The special concert on Adelphi’s Westermann Stage will include Mozart, Brahms, Ravel and Chabrier.

During Buechner’s one-day residency at Adelphi, she will run a piano masterclass for Department of Music pianists. As a proud transgender woman, Buechner will also offer a workshop for the university’s LGBTQ+ community. Times and locations for these events will be announced at a later date.

Buechner has performed across every state and province of North America as a recitalist, chamber musician and soloist with top orchestras like the New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony and Philadelphia Orchestra. She has played such venues as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Hollywood Bowl. Buechner has toured throughout Latin and South America and Europe. She enjoys a special following in Asia, where she has been a featured soloist with the Sydney Symphony, New Zealand Philharmonic, New Japan Philharmonic, and Shanghai Philharmonic, among many others.

Buechner is on the faculty of Temple University’s Boyer College of Music

and Dance and previously taught at the Manhattan School of Music, New York University and the University of British Columbia.

Tickets are $35, with discounts available to seniors, students, Adelphi alumni and employees. For more information, call Lucia and Steven N. Fischer Box Office at 516-877-4000 or email boxoffice@adelphi.edu. The box office is open Wednesday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and is also open two hours before all ticketed performances. Ticket sales and additional information are available online.

National Drug Takeback Day

The Garden City Police Department will participate in the Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 22, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The Garden City Police Department Headquarters will maintain a collection center at 349 Stewart Avenue, Garden City. This event provides an opportunity for everyone to discard unwanted, unused, and expired medications safely.

non-medical use of prescription drugs ranks second only to marijuana as the most common form of drug abuse in America.

The Garden City Police Department also advises that they accept unused, expired, and unwanted medications every day if someone cannot turn in their medications on April 22.

In addition, the Garden City Police Department’s and DEA’s Drug Take Back Programs allow for the safe disposal of drugs instead of flushing, burying, or throwing them out in the garbage, which poses significant environmental and health risks. We’re

According to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA): Pharmaceutical Drugs can be just as dangerous as street drugs when taken without a prescription or a doctor’s supervision. The

Sara Davis Buechner

Photo by Sara Davis Buechner

Fun Fellowship at Garden City Community Church

BY MELVA VICTORINO

Fun-filled fellowship at Garden City Community Church (GCCC) gets the whole church enjoy each other’s company with Easter wreath making led by creative Jill Emmert. It was a fun time to create colorful wreaths to welcome Easter morning. Join GCCC during this sacred moment and be part of a loving and welcoming church.

Whoever you are, wherever you are on your life’s journey, you are welcome at GCCC. We have services, events, and programs for all ages. We have many ways you can participate in our church life. Our Sunday Worship Service is in-person and

live-streamed. To get information regarding our other 2023 worship services and programs, visit our website at www.theGCCC.org.

The Garden City Community Church is part of the United Church of Christ. It is an Open and Affirming congregation that welcomes people of all ages, races, gender identities, and sexual orientations to participate in the life of the community. We are located at 245 Stewart Avenue between Whitehall Blvd. and Kensington Road. For more information, email churchoffice@thegccc. org or call (516) 746-1700. And as previously mentioned, you may also visit www.theGCCC.org.

Carol Schrafel and the lilac Easter wreath.

Cindy Campbell and her sunny Easter wreaths.

Lynn and Jill with one of the wreaths.

Terri Fredericks and her creation.

Easter pink wreath in bloom.

Artists at work.

Francie and her lilac wreath.

GC resident to be honored at INN Ball

The Kordes K orner

John Ellis Kordes

PhotograPhy history

Garden City resident Matthew Whalen and Eric Carlstrom of Locust Valley are being honored at the 40th Anniversary INNkeepers’ Ball on Wednesday evening, May 10. The honorary chairs for the event are Constance Cincotta and Susan Lucci. It will take place at the Nassau Country Club in Glen Cove. For fur -

ther information, please call 516 732 6009 or visit www.the-inn.org.

The INN has been serving hungry and homeless Long Islanders since May of 1983, and has served 16 million meals and provided emergency shelter to more than 170,000 families and individuals.

I love this photo which was probably taken in the late 1940s or 1950s. Garden City used to celebrate the Fourth of July with “Community Day.” It took place on the St. Paul’s field and later across the street on what today is the Middle School field. There was food and all sorts of activities including racing. The above photo, showing these little girls racing to the finish line, reminds me of the type of photo you would see in Life magazine during that period.

Note the girl on the left has her tongue out as she approaches the finish line wearing her “saddle” shoes that were so popular back then.

Estates POA announces 2023 scholarship

The Property Owners’ Association of the Garden City Estates announces that it will be awarding the 2023 YuterNewman Estates POA Scholarship and that applications are now available. The scholarship is named in honor of Mort Yuter and Jerie Newman, past presidents of the Estates POA, both of whom exemplified the very best in civic spirit and dedication. Over the course of fifty years, Mort and Jerie were very involved in many Garden City organizations.

This merit-based scholarship will be awarded to one or more 12th grade students (from any public or private high school) that reside in the Garden City Estates section and whose family have paid membership dues to the Estates

POA for the current year. The applicants must be accepted to, and planning to attend, a four-year college full-time in the fall.

The selection of the winners will be by the Estates POA Scholarship Committee and will be based on academic excellence and the level of involvement in local civic causes and community service. The Scholarship Committee of the Estates POA will review all applications and make the final determination of the winners. Please see the application for further requirements. To obtain an application, visit the POA’s website at www.gcestates.org. Applications must be received by Friday, April 21, 2023 to be eligible.

Matthew Whalen, Jean Kelly – INN executive director, Rob Kammerer – co-chair 2023 Ball, and Vince Vitiello – INN Board president.

GCHS Class of 1973 to hold reunion

Plans are well underway for the Garden City High School’s Class of 1973 50th reunion this summer on July 15th. Organizers are asking for help in the daunting task of contacting over 400 classmates who graduated at a time before cell phones, social media and email were common ways to connect. “We have some planning committee members who are diligently searching for those we haven’t been able to reach,” says Larry Nedelka, administrator for the Class of 1973 50th Reunion Facebook group page (https://www.facebook. com/groups/410564501238193).

“Especially difficult is finding females in our class who may have married and changed their names,“ Nedelka continued. “We want to be sure that all of our peers get notice and have an opportunity to join us for the fun this summer.” If you, or someone you know can help with the “missing persons” list below, please forward any information to GardenCityClassof73@gmail.com.

“Missing” members of the Class of ‘73

Jane Arena, Michael Argenzio, Barbara Babenzien, Marsha Baker, Brenda Barnstable, Susan Bellis, Jeanne Benedict, Geoffrey Blake, Claudia Bligh Colby Bloom, Joann Bonanno, Linda S. Bond Murray, Virginia C Boyle, Thomas Breen, Kathleen M. Brown Calabrese, Nancy Buck Caporusso, Marianne Burke, Douglas D. Burlen, Richard Leroy Canfield, Kenneth Carlson, Joseph Carnevale, Robert Casanova, Margaret Cavanaugh, Pamela Chase, William Childs, Linda Ann Christie, Kevin Clarkson, Charles Cohn, Barbara Cole, Kevin Connelly, William Connor, Martha Cosme, Andrew Cullen, Deborah Dalmasse, Joyce Lee Davis, Randy Davis, David Debard, Elaine Del Rosso, Alexandra Deluise, David Demo, Donna Marie Di Gaetano, Andrew Diamond,

Jo-Ann Digiacomo, Linda Donnellan, Marita Dougherty, Bruce Dreher, Thomas Driscoll, Adrienne Eisnor, Lynn Erickson, Debbie Faccio, Carol Faulkner, Jaime Fee, Geri Finneran, Pamela Fitzpatrick, Maureen Flanagan, Caryl Fletcher, Denise Fraser, Theresa Gallagher, Kathleen

Gallo Salierno, James Rembrandt George, Jr., Michael Giacini, Jeanne Giacinto, Luke Gillie, Ralph Giordano, Mark Haggerty, Robert B. Halfmann, John Harriman, John Herman, Spencer W. Hess, Kirk Hickey, Holly Hillyer, Donna-Lynn Hofmann, Debbie Holmes, Lorraine

Horsting, Andrea Dello Iacono, Janet Ilardi, Keith Jaeger, Thomas J Jennings, Dorothy Jensen Wilcox, Robert Johnson, Barbara Jones, Janet Jordan, Ellen Verena Jorgensen, Alan Karmiol, Leslie Katz, Dennis Keane, Christopher Kelly, Kevin Kelly, William Kelly, Frank Kiernan, Patrician M. Kiernan, Ann Kiyasu, Pat Kiyasu, Pamela Knapp, Robert La Rocca, Julie Lahey, Philip Laudo, Debra Leigh Smith, Mary R Licitra, Richard Lloyd, Tom Long, Craig Loweth, Linda Lynn, Eileen Lyons, John E Maksim, Jimmy Maloney, Bruce Mara, Thomas Samuel Martin, Rebecca Mather, Charles J. Mattern, Michael McDonough, James F McGowan III, Mary-Laing McKernan, Gerard Mitchell, Jim Monaghan, Peter Moore, Janice Newman, Marti Nichols, Douglas Nieman, Roger Nieman, Akiko Nishimura, Amanda Noble, Richard P Nordeck, Maureen O’Byrne, Rich O’Toole, Carol Olsen, Richard H Oosterom, Peter Oritz, Therese Orsini, John Owen, Susan Pace, Kathleen Pearson, Judy Petty, Dona Elizabeth Raskopf, Diane Rathkamp, Susan Regensburg, Patrick Riley, Elizabeth Roberts, William J Roche, Jr., Christine Rosenstock, Doug Roy, Pat Russell, Ann Ryan, Kris Rytel, Pete Sager, Robert Sands, Amy Jane Schroeder, Donald Schubert, Donald Schubert, Thomas Schwaner, Bryan Simpson, Westley Singer, Valerie Sirtole, Robert Smith, Nicole Soffey, James Sorace, Dorothy Springer, Marilyn Suda, Matthew Sullivan, Richard Tang, Debbie Tasker, Kathryn Tedesco, Mary Thompson, Christopher More Tigh Cathy Touris Elaine Troha, Joanne Grace Van Gelderen, Rob Wallace, Alice Walsh, Hilary Weber, Janette Wieler, Cynthia Woodruff, Greg Woods, Richard Wydler

Newcomers join new Mayor, sitting Trustees on Board

Newly elected Trustees Edward Finneran and Michele Harrington took their oaths of office Monday, April 3, alongside re-elected Trustee Bruce Chester and Mayor-appointed Trustee Michael Sullivan, during a brief ceremony at Village Hall. The meeting was also available via Zoom. Trustee Sullivan will serve the remaining year of Mayor Mary Carter Flanagan’s vacated Trustee seat. Associate Village Justice Merrill S. Biscone did the honors. The new Mayor and Trustees join Sitting Trustees Charles Kelly and Lawrence Marciano, Jr. and Bruce Torino.

A resident for more than three decades, Trustee Finneran and his wife, Mary, raised four boys in the Village. Passionate about his hometown, Trustee Finneran said he will work to preserve what is good, improve what needs tending and fairly address the challenges of the times. He has volunteered on numerous Village-wide committees, including the Governance Committee and the Mayor’s Committee on St. Paul’s. “I ran a grassroots campaign across the Village in an effort to meet hundreds of neighbors and residents. In my conversations I shared my rationale for running and listened to the issues of importance to our neighbors and their families,” he said. “My theme of unity and common sense was key, and I will strive to be balanced in my approach and always engage in an open, productive and respectful dialog on the Board and throughout Village.”

Trustee Harrington grew up in the Village, attended St. Joseph’s School and graduated from Garden City High School before returning in 1991 to raise her family here. She and husband, Kevin, raised their three children – Brendan, Katie and Will - in the Village. Trustee Harrington, immediate past president of the Estates Property Owners’ Association, made her decision to run for the position of Village Trustee after spending many years volunteering on multiple Village committees, civic organizations and athletic organizations. She was a managing director at Merrill Lynch in Fixed Income Trading & Sales for 30 years and now serves as a managing director at Imperial Capital in Fixed Income Credit. “I am looking forward to this role representing all of the residents of Garden City. It will be fun and informative to meet so many people that I do not know yet and to hear what is important to them in making and keeping Garden City such a wonderful place to live and raise a family,” she said.

Trustee Chester, who has served the Board since 2021, was re-elected in March to serve a second, two-year term. “I am gratified that the residents of Garden City have chosen to re-elect me for another two years as Village Trustee. I am pleased to be able to continue to do the hard work I have done in dealing with the problems facing our Village. Being accessible to all the residents is something I take pride in,” he said. A resident of the Estates section for more than 20 years,

he is a founding member of the residents group, Resident Voters Against Monster Poles (ReVAMP), comprised of residents living near the third track installation who are challenging the MTA/LIRR to take down the poles along the Main Line. Trustee Chester most recently served as liaison to the Public Works Department, and as a member of the Finance and Audit Committee and LIRR Third Track Committee (chairperson). He is an insurance professional with more than 45 years’ experience. After graduating from Villanova University, Trustee Chester began his career working for The Travelers Insurance Co. in New York City. After several years, he joined The Chester Insurance Agency in Carle Place and became its president in 1990.

Trustee Sullivan grew up in the West, attended Garden City public schools and, upon graduation from Garden City High School, attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy where he graduated with a BS in marine engineering and a commission in the US Naval Reserve. In 2001, Trustee Sullivan and his wife, Jen, moved back to the Village and raised three boys. After working for an engineering firm in New York for several years, and becoming a NYS licensed professional engineer, he attended New York University’s Leonard

Associate

N. Stern School of Business to earn an MBA in finance. Trustee Sullivan currently serves as a managingdirector at Webster Bank. “The position of Trustee is a serious one, and the decision to participate in local government is one that I have given much consideration to. I will commit to transparent processes and to putting my best efforts toward finding pragmatic solutions. Like many people

who have grown up in Garden City, I recognize what a unique and special place it is,” he said.

To contact any member of the Board of Trustees, please visit the Village website, www.gardencityny.net, and click on the “Government” tab at the top of the home page to find their contact information.

All photos by Carisa Giardino

Village Justice Merril S. Biscone administers the oaths of office to (clockwise, from left) Trustees Michael Sullivan, Bruce Chester, Edward Finneran and Michele Harrington during a brief ceremony at Village Hall on Monday, April 3.

Trustees Bruce Chester and Michele Harrington, Associate Village Justice Merril S. Biscone, Mayor Mary Carter Flanagan and Trustees Edward Finneran and Michael Sullivan following swearing-in ceremonies at Village Hall Monday, April 3.

Garden City’s Board of Trustees: Trustees Michael Sullivan, Charles Kelly, Bruce Chester and Michele Harrington, Mayor Mary Carter Flanagan, and Trustees Lawrence Marciano, Jr., Edward Finneran and Bruce Torino.

Elementary schools unveil new lab spaces

On March 31, Garden City’s Stewart School and Stratford Avenue School hosted ribbon-cutting ceremonies to officially open and introduce their new innovation lab spaces. The innovation labs are specialized STEAM spaces that promote collaboration, problem-solving skills, curiosity and critical thinking among students.

Every square inch of the labs was meticulously designed to create ideal collaborative learning environments. The former science rooms were completely overhauled with new heat and air conditioning, new LED lighting, cabinets, flooring and furniture. All the furniture is mobile and designed for open space learning so that students can configure the spaces to best suit their needs. With comfortable, soft seating that can be arranged in a variety of ways, students are able to better focus and collaborate with their peers. Both the tabletops and walls are writeable surfaces, creating blank canvases for imaginative ideation. Additionally, the walls and ceilings are lined with acoustic paneling to help control noise. In each space, more student work stations, outlets and ethernet plugins

were added as well as Bluetooth and WiFicompatible smartboards and smart TVs.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kusum Sinha ceremoniously cut both ribbons alongside Stratford Principal Christopher Hartigan and Stewart Principal Keri Hand, officially welcoming students into the innovation labs. In attendance were staff members from BBS Architecture and Triton Construction Company, Garden City’s PTA and SEPTA presidents, a representative from Senator Thomas’ office, teachers, administrators and students. Students were then able to demonstrate some of the lessons and activities they regularly perform in the labs such as coding robots, peer editing essays on the smartboards and using VR headsets.

“We wanted to give students the best tools and technologies to be able to explore ideas, better collaborate and think critically. These spaces have far exceeded our expectations. It’s rewarding to see students diving into challenging work through the lens of curiosity, creativity and fun. I’ve seen their imaginations expanding firsthand when they’re able to experiment, design

and build something new in these spaces. We’re thrilled to be able to offer these oneof-a-kind spaces to our students and can’t wait to see how they help them to grow into

lifelong learners,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kusum Sinha.

Photos courtesy of Garden City Public Schools

Stewart School held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new space, the innovation lab.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kusum Sinha and Stratford Avenue Principal Christopher Hartigan cut the ribbon to Stratford’s new innovation lab with the help of students Bressana Botti and Liam Mijares.

With the help of Stewart fifth graders Danny Hagopian and Kieran Moon, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kusum Sinha and Stewart Principal Keri Hand ceremoniously cut the ribbon to Stewart’s new innovation lab.

Stratford Avenue School held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new space, the innovation lab.

From left: Stewart fifth graders Danny Hogopian and Kieran Moon demonstrated how to code robots in the innovation lab.

Music Box Players present “Disney Descendants” to sold out crowds

The Garden City Middle School Music Box Players performed “Disney Descendants-The Musical” to four soldout audiences on Thursday, March 16, at 7 p.m., Friday, March 17, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, March 18, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Talent ran deep as two separate casts performed two shows each over the St. Patrick’s Day weekend.

The process began in November with auditions for singing, acting, and dancing. Rehearsals took place five to six days a week from December through March. The dedication of cast, crew and faculty was clear from the moment the actors took the stage until the final bow. Mrs. Kristen Aguilo was director and producer, Mrs. Nancy Menges was the vocal director, Mr. John Paul Camilleri was the technical director, Mrs. Kimberly Greenwald was the backstage director, and Mrs. Lynnette Skrivanek was the choreographer. Together they led the amazing cast and crew to entertaining musical theater performances that had

the audiences singing along.

“Disney Descendants: The Musical” is based on the wildly popular Disney Channel Original Movies. The most infamous villains and their children are Imprisoned on the Isle of the Lost. The son of Beauty and Beast, Prince Ben, decides he wants to unify their two worlds and invites the teenaged children of Maleficent (Mal), The Evil Queen (Evie), Jafar (Jay) and Cruella De Vil (Carlos) to attend the illustrious school for the good heroes, Auradon Prep. The villains have a choice to make: should they follow in their parents’ wicked footsteps, or should they learn to be good?

The cast and crew rounded out the weekend with a celebration at Cluett Hall on Sunday complete with pizza, karaoke, and an ice cream truck. Keep an eye out in spring 2024 for the next rendition of the Music Box Players. What amazing theater production will they put on next?

Friday Night Cast: Fairy Godmother (Elizabeth Vitale), King Adam the Beast (Declan Regan), Queen Belle (Reese Smith), Ben (Max Mariacher), and Mal (Olivia Vendetti).

Friday Night Cast: The Evils: Cruella De Vil (Evie Mohan), Jafar (Ava Chen), Maleficent (Alexandra Butvick), Grimhilde (Abigail Loeven).

Friday Night Cast: Maleficent (Alexandra Butvick) and Mal (Olivia Vendetti) vow to be “Evil Like Me.”

The talented ensemble.

Friday Night Cast: Jay (Will Landolphi), Evie (Sofia Klocek), Mal (Olivia Vendetti), and Jay (Ethan Chapman).

Music Box Players present “Disney Descendants” to sold out crowds

Love to write?

We’re looking for writers in our community to compose ar ticles on local topics, opinions, reviews, worthy places to visit on Long Island, and even pieces of fiction. We aim to feature at least one new article and writer each week in our Discovery magazine section.

Email submissions: editor@gcnews.com

• Attach article and any photos (1MB), along with your name and contact info.

• Articles must be between 1,500 - 3,000 words. • Each writer will be reimbursed a stipend of $25.⁰⁰

Saturday Night Cast: Ben (Oliver Gibson) and Mal (Clare Gardner) at the Coronation.

Saturday Night Evils “Facetime” with their Descendants: Jafar (Isabella Diaz), Grimhilde (Melina Mirabella), Maleficent (Charlotte Bilello), and Cruella De Vil (Sophia DiLoreto).

Saturday Night Cast: Evie (Delaney McNaboe) along with Carlos (Ethan Chapman) and Jay (Will Landolphi) show Ben (Oliver Gibson) how to be evil in “Chillin’ Like a Villain.”

Saturday Night Cast: Chad (Andrew Padin) and Audrey (Mina DiLoreto) are not happy the Evils’ descendants are at Auradon Prep.

News from the Children’s Room

Construction and the Children’s Room

Construction continues! The Children’s Room has relocated temporarily near the Periodical Room with materials on the first floor and the second floor. Come by to say hello and scope out the new location!

Winter/Spring Programs

Chick Incubation Program

The Library’s Annual Chick Incubation program has returned this year!

Eggs arrived on Tuesday April 4 and are scheduled to begin hatching Monday April 24. Chicks will be returned 1 week after hatch.

How to Get a Jump Start on Your Vegetable Garden

Saturday, April 29, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

Please note the date change.

A multi-generational program for children (Grades K–5) and their parents/ grandparents that will help to get a Jump Start on growing your vegetable garden. Registration began Monday March 6. Only one person per family registers.

Reading Pals

(Ages 4–Second Grade)

Tuesday, April 18, 4:00–4:30 p.m.

Registration begins April 4

Monthly LEGO Club

Wednesday, April 19, 4:00–4:45 p.m.

This fun STEM program is for children in Grades K–5 only. No registration is necessary. Seating is on a firstcome, first-served basis.

Jump for Joy

Saturday, April 22, 11:00–11:45 a.m.

Registration begins Tuesday April 11, at 10 a.m.

This fun movement and music program is for children ages birth–12 months and their adult caregivers..

Family Lightsaber

Saturday, April 22, 1:00–1:45 p.m.

Saber Guild: Endor Temple will train

Books and Brownies

adult and child participants in the ways of the Force, some basic lightsaber techniques, and a blocking drill, so parents can build their own lightsaber battles with their children. For ages 4 to Grade 5 plus a parent or an adult caregiver. Registration begins Tuesday April 11, at 10 a.m.

Crafty Wednesday

Wednesday, April 26, 4:00–4:45 p.m.

Registration begins Tuesday April 18, at 10 a.m.

This fun program is for children in Grades K–5. Meet-up at the library with your friends and make a sunflower wreath. Registration begins Tuesday, April 18, at 10 a.m.

Tween Thursdays Scatch Art

Thursday April 27, 4:00–5:00 p.m.

Tweens grade 4–7 will receive a wood stylus tool to create art on 8x11 scratch art paper. Registration begins Tuesday April 18, at 10 a.m.

Slime With Science with Chris Buchman

Tuesday, May 2, 4:15–5:00 p.m.

This fun STEM program is for children in Grades K–5.

Registration begins Tuesday April 25 at 10 a.m.

Crafty Wednesday

Wednesday, May 3, 4:00–4:45 p.m.

This fun program is for children in Grades K–5. Meet-up at the library with your friends and make a flower bouquet.

Registration begins Tuesday, April 18, at 10 a.m.

Monthly LEGO Club

Wednesday, May 10

This fun STEM program is for children in Grades K–5 only. No registration is necessary. Seating is on a firstcome, first-served basis.

Additional winter/spring programming information will be coming soon. Please check Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl.org) for registration information.

See what's happening at your library!

From classes to lectures and concerts to movie screenings, there's never a dull day at your local library! Check this paper each week for fun and informative all-ages activities, all for free or cheap!

Teens play mystery-themed board games like Outfoxed and Clue while eating brownies made by a local Girl Scout during Books and Brownies, which was held on Tuesday, March 21, at the Library.

Reading Pals

Teen volunteers read books with children during Reading Pals, which was held Tuesday, March 28, at the Library and was a joint program between the Children’s and Young Adult Departments. The next session of Reading Pals will be held Tuesday, April 18.

News from the Garden City Public Library

and focused on just one thing-revenge. The wife who abandoned him after his arrest, the mistress who ratted him out for abetting a money-laundering scheme, the detectives who presided over his case all those years ago—they all have targets on their backs. But he made the wrong move when he put someone close to Ali in jeopardy.

“Horse” by Geraldine Brooks“Based on the remarkable true story of the record-breaking thoroughbred, Lexington, who became America's greatest stud sire, ‘Horse’ is a gripping, multi-layered reckoning with the legacy of enslavement and racism in America.”

“The Verdict” will be screened on April 10 at the Garden City Library.

Monday Movies Presented by the Friends of the Garden City Library

Mondays at 1:30 p.m.

April

April 10: “The Verdict” - 1982 - 129 minn, S

April 17: “Meet Me in St. Louis” - 1944 - 113 min

April 24: “North by Northwest” - 1959 - 136 min

Spring Programs

Information about spring programs is listed below. Check out our website (www.gardencitypl.org) in the coming weeks for more information about upcoming programs.

Speaking of Books

Staff has started spring reading! Below are some of our favorites:

“Collateral Damage” by J.A. Jance.J.A. Jance does it again! Featuring the character Ali Reynolds, this is a riveting and thrilling adventure. After spending 20 years behind bars, Frank Muñoz, a disgraced former cop, is out on parole

“Wish You Were Here” by Judy Piccoult - Covid separates a coupleone a doctor in New York and one an art specialist. “From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of ‘Small Great Things’ and ‘The Book of Two Ways’ comes a deeply moving novel about the resilience of the human spirit in a moment of crisis.” Diana O’Toole is perfectly on track. She will be married by 30, done having kids by 35, and move out to the New York City suburbs, all while climbing the professional ladder in the cutthroat art auction world. Now, traveling alone and isolated in the Galapagos Islands, where Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection was formed, she must venture beyond her comfort zone. Diana finds herself examining her relationships, her choices, and herself and wondering if when she goes home, she too will have evolved into someone completely different.

“The Kind Worth Killing” by Peter Swanson - A devious tale of psychological suspense so irresistible that it prompts Entertainment Weekly to ask, “Is ‘The Kind’ worth killing the next ‘Gone Girl?’” From one of the hottest new thriller writers, Peter Swanson, a name you may not know yet (but soon will), this is his breakout novel in the bestselling tradition of Paula Hawkins’

‘The Girl on the Train.’

Libby, Flipster & Hoopla

*Tuesday, April 11, 12–2 p.m.

Registration began April 3

Learn how to use these library ser-

vices to download ebooks, magazines, audiobooks, and more on your device, whether it be a Kindle, iPad, laptop, smartphone, tablet, or other ereader.

**Registration began Monday, April 3 online via Eventkeeper or in person at the Garden City Public Library.

When registering, please indicate the device you plan to use for ebooks and audiobooks. Registrants should bring their device, any password(s) associated with their devices, and library card with them to the program.

Contact: Reference 516-742-8405 x 5236 speakingofbooks@gardencitypl. org

Location: Meeting Room B (Large)

Your Home’s AC & Ventilation Systems

*Tuesday, April 11, 6:30–8 p.m.

Registration began March 27

Brian Schnee from KL Home Inspection returns to the Garden City Public Library to help get prepared for air conditioning season! No matter what system you have installed in your home, A/C & ventilation systems all require TLC. Learn how they work, and how to maintain them so good performance and efficiency can be maintained. We will be discussing types of systems, sizing of new units and buying a new unit, maintenance and more.

Contact Adult Services (516)742-8405 ext. 5236. Speakingofbooks@gardencitypl.org

*This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

Reiki with Kathleen Gunning

*Tuesday, April 26, 7:00–8:00 p.m.

Registration began March 21

Reiki is a simple, natural, gentle yet powerful energy-healing modality to promote relaxation, stress reduction and pain management. Reiki is a wonderful form of self-care which supports physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being to improve the body's natural healing ability.

*Registration is required on Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl.org).

Contact Adult Services (516)742-8405 ext. 5236. Speakingofbooks@gardenci-

typl.org

*This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

Musical Theatre: A History with John Kenrick - “The Sound of Music”: The History behind the Musical *Wednesday, April 26, 12:00–2:00 p.m.

Registration began March 27

Was Captain Von Trapp really a strict disciplinarian to his seven children? Why was his marriage to Maria Rainer considered scandalous? How did Rodgers & Hammerstein come to adapt their story as a Broadway musical? Why did the survival of 20th Century Fox depend upon the success of the film version? The answers may surprise you.

Entertainment historian John Kenrick uses rare photos, exciting performance videos and fascinating behind the scenes stories to tell the story of the Von Trapps and show us how their adventure becomes one of the most popular stage and screen hits of all time.

Contact Adult Services (516)742-8405 ext. 5236. Speakingofbooks@gardencitypl.org

*This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

Multi-Generational Program: Adults & Children: How to Jump Start Their Vegetable Garden Saturday, April 29, 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

A multi-generational program for children (grades K–5) and their parents/grandparents that will help to get a Jump Start on growing your vegetable garden. Science teacher Chris Buchman will show how to start a successful vegetable garden!

Registration began Monday, March 6, on Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl. org). Only one member per family should register.

Contact Adult Services (516)742-8405 ext. 5236. Email: Speakingofbooks@ gardencitypl.org

*This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

It’s What’s Happening for Young Adults Through the Library

Chick Incubation Project: The Eggs Have Arrived!

The Library’s Annual Chick Incubation program has returned this year! The eggs arrived on Tuesday, April 4. They are scheduled to begin hatching Monday, April 24. Chicks will be returned 1 week after they hatch. Eggs are picked up from Cornell Cooperative Extension at Suffolk County Farm in Yaphank, NY and chicks are returned back to Cornell Cooperative Extension at Suffolk County Farm in Yaphank, NY. Before they hatch, make sure to enter a name into our annual Name the Chick contest for your chance to name one of our chicks!

Vote for This Year’s Tweens and Teens

Summer Reading Club Prizes

This year’s Tweens and Teens Summer Reading Club Prizes will be decided by the tweens and teens! Submit your vote either in person by visiting the Library or online by visiting our website at https://www.gardencitypl. org/vote-for-teens-tweens-reading-clubprizes/

To vote you must be entering Grades 6-12 in Fall 2023 and are asked to only fill out one ballot. The nominees, as chosen by the Library’s Teen Advisory Board, are as follows:

• Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine

• Cotton Candy Machine

• Chocolate & Candy Gift Basket

• $50 Amazon Gift Card

• $50 Target Gift Card

• Seventh Street Gift Card Lunch Package worth $60 (3 $20 gift cards to Guac Shop, Burger Spot, and Garden City Pizza)

• Seventh Street Gift Card Dessert Package worth $60 (3 $20 gift cards to Dunkin, Starbucks, and TCBY)

• $50 AMC GIft Card

• Portable Bluetooth Speakers

• Noise-Canceling Bluetooth Headphones

• Airpods

• $50 Barnes & Noble Gift Card

Voting will be held from April 1 to April 30. Each teen can select up to 5 of the 12 nominees on his/her/their ballot. The nominees with the most votes will be this year’s Summer Reading Club Prizes, so make sure to get your vote in at the Library. Contact Young Adult Librarian Laura Giunta at https:// www.gardencitypl.org/young-adult-department/contact-the-young-adulttweens-teens-department/ if you have any questions.

Poetry for Community Service

Tweens and teens in Grades 6–12 can earn community service by writing poetry for the Tweens & Teens Department National Poetry Month

Display in April! Each volunteer can submit up to 5 poems and volunteers must use a different shape for each poem they submit. Volunteers’ poems will be displayed as they are submitted outside the Tweens and Teens Room throughout the month of April.

Volunteers must come to the Library to pick up a volunteer form and shapes to write their poem on. Shapes to write poems on and the volunteer form can be found outside the Tweens & Teens Room at the Library. If supplies are low, please check back another day for more supplies.

Volunteers must use the shapes provided by the Library to write their poem on and must cut out their shape before submitting their poem. Poems should be legible and written in large enough print and with a dark pen, sharpie, marker, etc so they can be read from a distance. Volunteers can also decorate their shape. All poems should be original work.

Volunteers must return a volunteer form with their poems; volunteers do not have to submit all 5 poems at once and should do an additional form for poems they submit at a later date. Poems will be accepted until Sunday, April 30, 2023. Please return poems and volunteer forms to the Community Service Drop-Off Box on the metal cabinet in the Tweens and Teens Room.

Volunteers will receive 1 hour for every poem they submit, at the discretion of the Tweens and Teens Department.

If you have questions, please contact the Tweens and Teens Department at: https://www.gardencitypl.org/ young-adult-department/contact-theyoung-adult-tweens-teens-department/.

Teen Crafternoon: Free Paint and Craft

Paint and craft at a special Teen Crafternoon: Free Paint and Craft on Thursday, April 13, at 3 p.m. We’ll have a variety of art supplies you can use to paint and craft, leftover from previous Crafternoon programs. Please note there's a limited amount of each craft supply, so registrants may not be able to do every craft project. This program is for tweens and teens in Grades 6–12. Registration began Tuesday, April 4, at 10 a.m. online via Eventkeeper (www. gardencitypl.org). Space is limited, so check Eventkeeper for availability. Teens who complete an online survey after the program can receive community service for participating in this program. This program has been funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

Egg Scavenger Hunt

This year, patrons can participate in

an Egg Scavenger Hunt in the Library! Search the Library for painted eggs, painted by teen volunteers! Patrons can participate in the scavenger hunt anytime they visit the Library between April 17–May 1. When you successfully complete the Scavenger Hunt, you can submit your completed entry to be entered into a raffle to win a $50 Amazon gift card. Only one entry per person. There will be only one winner. Patrons of all ages can participate! The Scavenger Hunt sheets to participate will be available at the Library beginning April 17. This program has been funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

Tree Ornaments for Community Service: Flower Ornaments

Earn community service by painting ornaments for the Garden City Public Library’s Tweens and Teens Department’s Ornament Tree! Each volunteer will receive three 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, ornaments will be flowers, which will be used to decorate the Tweens and Teens Ornament Tree in May. Registration begins Tuesday, April 18, at 10 a.m. online via Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl.org). Completed ornaments must be returned by Thursday, April 27, 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 three decorated ornaments and their set of paint pens in order to receive community service. Volunteers will receive two hours for every three 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.

Volunteers Needed: Reading Pals

Volunteer to read to and then do a craft with children ages PreK-Grade 2 during the program Reading Pals! The April session will be held on Tuesday, April 18. Registration begins Tuesday, April 11, at 10 a.m. online via Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl.org). Space is limited, so check Eventkeeper for availability. The Reading Pals program runs from 4 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Volunteers are asked to arrive at 3:30 p.m. to review the material before the start of the program and stay until 5 p.m. to help clean up. Volunteers must be in Grades 6–12 only. This program has been funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

Volunteers Needed: LEGO Club

Volunteer to help children Grades K-5 during the monthly Children's program LEGO Club! The April session will be held on Wednesday, April 19. The LEGO Club program runs from 4 p.m.–4:45 p.m. Volunteers are asked to arrive at 3:30 p.m. to help setup before the start of the program and stay after to help clean up until 5:15 p.m. Volunteers must be in Grades 6–12 only. Registration to volunteer begins Tuesday, April 11, at 10 a.m. online via Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl.org). This program has been funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

Tweens and Teens Dungeons and Dragons

Join us for Tweens and Teens Dungeons and Dragons and learn how to play the fantasy role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons by participating in one of our monthly Dungeons and Dragons Meet-Ups! Beginners are welcome! Each meet-up will feature a new self-contained, one-shot adventure and players will be assigned premade characters to play. Please register via Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl.org) to participate in this program. The April session will be held Thursday, April 20, at 4 p.m. Registration begins Tuesday, April 11, at 10 a.m. online via Eventkeeper. Space is limited, so check Eventkeeper for availability. Teens who complete an online survey after the program can receive community service for participating in this program.

Teen Gamers

Kick off the weekend with our new Teen Gamers program! We will have our Nintendo Switch consoles for teens to use as well as tabletop board games and Magic: The Gathering cards for teens to play with. This program is for tweens and teens in Grades 6–12. The March session will be held Friday, April 21, at 3:30 p.m. Registration begins Tuesday, April 11, at 10 a.m. online via Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl.org). Space is limited, so check Eventkeeper for availability. Teens who complete an online survey after the program can receive community service for participating in this program. This program has been funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

Tween Thursdays: Scratch Art

Create your own scratch art on Thursday, April 27, at 4 p.m. during Tween Thursdays: Scratch Art. Tweens will receive a wood stylus tool to create art on 8x11” scratch art paper.This program is for tweens in Grades 4–7 only and is a joint program with the Children’s Department and Young Adult Department. Registration begins

It’s What’s Happening for Young Adults Through the Library

Tuesday, April 18, at 10 a.m. online via Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl.org).

Space is limited, so check Eventkeeper for availability. Tweens in Grades 6–7 who complete an online survey after the program can receive community service for participating in this program. This program has been funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

Bookmarks for Community Service

Earn community service by creating bookmarks for Garden City Public Library patrons! Each volunteer will receive 10 bookmarks to color, decorate, and write positive or library/book themed messages. These bookmarks will be placed in books throughout the Library in order to brighten the day of the patrons who check them out. Bookmarks will be placed in books in all three departments, including Children’s, Tweens and Teens, and Adult Reference.

Space is limited, so check Eventkeeper for availability. The Winter-Spring Session of the program will run for 10 weeks. While the first

two weeks of the program is over, the remaining nine weeks will be as follows:

• Registration Week Six: Monday, April 10, at 10 a.m. to Friday, April 14 at 4 p.m.

• Registration Week Seven: Monday, April 17, at 10 a.m. to Friday, April 21 at 4 p.m.

• Registration Week Eight: Monday, April 24, at 10 a.m. to Friday, April 28 at 4 p.m.

• Registration Week Nine: Monday, May 1, at 10 a.m. to Friday, May 5 at 4 p.m.

• Registration Week Ten: Monday, May 8 at 10 a.m. to Friday, May 12 at 4 p.m.

Bookmarks should be returned no later than Wednesday, May 31.

Registrants will be asked to pick up their bookmarks at the Library in order to participate in this community service program. Volunteers must return 10 completed bookmarks in order to receive community service. Volunteers will receive two hours for every 10 bookmarks they submit, at the discretion of the Tweens and Teens Department. This

Teen Crafternoon: Egg Painting

program has been funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

GCPL Tweens and Teens Best Books 2023 Committee: Volunteers Needed!

The Tweens and Teens Department is looking for tweens and teens in Grades 6–12 to volunteer to provide feedback on recently published Young Adult books as part of our Tweens and Teens Best Books 2023 Committee! Eligible books are those published between October 1, 2022 and December 5, 2023 and aimed at tweens and teens in Grades 6–12.

Volunteers will be asked to read books on the Tweens and Teens Department’s monthly reading lists beginning with December 2022 and then write a 300-word review. Volunteers can also nominate a book not on our lists as long as it’s published between October 1, 2022 and December 5, 2022 and the Library owns a physical copy in the Young Adult collection. Volunteers will earn community service credit.

Credit for both reading and writing reviews on new books in the Library’s Young Adult Collection. The feedback used throughout the year will help the Young Adult Librarians compile the Best Books list for the year in December 2023.

There are no requirements on how many books a volunteer must read and volunteers can read however many new books they are able to throughout the year. Volunteers can get credit for books they do not finish, as long as they provide 300-word feedback as to why they chose not to finish the book. The committee may meet throughout the year if there is interest, but volunteers are not required to attend meetings and can still participate by reading and providing feedback on recent Young Adult books.

If interested, please sign-up to join the committee by visiting Garden City Public Library’s website at https:// www.gardencitypl.org/tweens-teens-

best-books-2023-committee/ or for more information, please contact the Young Adult Department at https://www.gardencitypl.org/young-adult-department/ contact-the-young-adult-tweens-teensdepartment/

Follow Tweens and Teens on Facebook and Instagram

Follow Garden City Library’s Tweens and Teens on Facebook and Instagram! The Young Adult Department uses both social media platforms as a tool to post updates and announcements about upcoming Library programs and community service opportunities.

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 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/contactthe-young-adult-tweens-teens-department/ .

Teen Advisory Board Applications Now Available Online

If you are interested in helping to come up with 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-theyoung-adult-tweens-teens-department/ if you have any questions.

Teens volunteer to paint foam eggs using acrylic paint during Teen Crafternoon: Egg Painting for Community Service, which was held on Saturday, April 1 at the Library. The eggs will be used in a Spring Egg Hunt that will be held at the Library from April 17 to May 1.

The A.T. Stewart Exchange Consignment and Gift Shop

BY MELISSA JAEGER

Happy Easter and Happy Passover to all our friends and family!

I was surprised when recently someone asked me if we ever get antiques or vintage items in the Shop. So I looked up the definitions. Antiques must be aged 100 years or more to be considered genuinely antique, vintage items have no set age. Interestingly enough, antique cars are defined as being at least 25 to 45 years old. Vintage simply means “of age.” As a result, it is difficult to assign an exact date or age requirement for something to be vintage. In my mind I assign that label to items that are around 50 years old. I suppose that means I’m vintage! And that’s a good thing. As they say, some things get better with age.

So the answer to that first query is yes! We have a number of antique and vintage items. My favorite is an Italian enamel and metal music box, which is also a cigarette dispenser. We date it back to the 1910s. Admittedly, most of our consigned items are vintage. We especially get a lot of vintage China pieces and vintage jewelry. The beauty of these older items is the quality of the craftsmanship, the durability, and the level of detail.

It’s still not too late for Easter basket fillers Checkers, Powderpuff, Skip & Hop Scruffles (my favorite) will make an excellent Easter gift. New baby in the family? Check out the zooties (zoo animal-themed felted booties) and bunny sox (pink, white and grey). Brightly colored Capiz eggs are an excellent addition to your basket, or table. Do we have any bunnies in the shop? The answer is YES! We have ceramic, paper mâché bunnies, and felt bunnies, bunny heads and chick ornaments. For the more discerning bunny collector, we have adorable hinged faux-enamel bunnies. Are you planning a gathering? The Gourmet du Village dips make entertaining easy. Many of them have been Melissa-tested and approved! Pink, yellow and white candles will make your table look festive, along with cocktail and luncheon-sized napkins. All these things — and more — will get you in the

mood for spring and Easter.

Please don’t forget our food drive! Now through today, April 7, we are collecting non-perishable boxed and canned food items to donate to The INN. They are also in great need of diapers and wipes.

Come into the Exchange and when you do, please bring in some canned or boxed non-perishable food item for the FOOD DRIVE. When you make a donation, you will receive 10% off any purchase you make that day.

About Us

• The Exchange Consignment Shop is 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.

• Shop 24/7 online at atstewartexchange.org and pick up your purchases at the Exchange.

• Follow and Like Us on the AT Stewart Exchange Facebook and on the AT Stewart Exchange Instagram pages. We sure do get around!

Consigning

• 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.

• Sorry — no clothing, except for furs during the cold months, or shoes. And no appliances.

• Consignments are done Wednesday through Friday, 11:00, a.m. – 2:00 p.m., by appointment ONLY. Appointments keep down the numbers of people in the Shop and reduce waittimes to consign.

• Please call (516)746-8900 to set up an appointment.

• Unsure if your items are appropriate to consign? Email photos to store@atstewartexchange.org and be sure to include sizing info. You will generally receive a response the same day.

Can I donate? YES! We love donations! PLEASE don’t leave donated

items outside the shop when we are closed. We want your items, but we don’t want them to get ruined, especially during inclement weather. Email me at store@atstewartexchange.org and I will work with you to arrange a drop-off time. I check the email every day, even when we’re closed.

Remember: Shop 24/7 online at www.atstewartexchange.org and pick up your purchases at the Exchange. Follow and Like Us on the AT Stewart Exchange Facebook and on the AT Stewart Exchange Instagram pages. We sure do get around!

Check out our new paint job! Thanks

to your generous support, Old World Quality is working to repair and re-paint the back of the Museum and will soon start working on the last side of the house! We remain open throughout this process and precautions are taken to protect customers entering the Shop.

The shop is located at 109 Eleventh Street.

Shop Hours:

Mon – Fri: 10–4 p.m., (Wednesdays until 6 p.m.) Sat: Noon–4 p.m.

For more information please call (516) 746-8900.

The A.T. Stewart Exchange Consignment and Gift Shop has vintage china, jewelry and other items such as this vintage charger plate.

German Sprachfest competition at Garden City High School

Garden City Middle School German students and Garden City High School German students competed in SPRACHFEST!

Congratulations to Frau Rupes ’ 6th–12th grade German students who participated in SPRACHFEST at Massapequa High School held on Saturday, March 25.

Garden City students swept the competition in the categories of quiz bowl, scrabble, MINT/STEM, poster contest, lip sync contest, T-shirt design contest, baking, poetry as well as musical performances in German.

Congratulations to Frau Rupes and to all of the Sprachfest participants on a job that was, in a word, “Fantastisch”!

Students enjoying the photobooth.

Donning funny hats for Sprachfest.

Students in the Scrabble games.

Students getting ready for Sprachfest.

Garden City students are excited for Sprachfest.

Everyone had a fun time at Sprachfest.

Students participate actively in lip sync battle.

as “ The Village has developed a plan.... It is our understanding that Phase 1 will revive the history and grand character of the building”. Apologies but I don’t understand what that means and it smells like neither did Westerman;

• Finally the Committee’s annual cost numbers are calculated by dividing aggregate debt service (i.e. principal and interest payments) costs over the term of the debt by the number of years included in the term. In this instance. that appears to be a 30 year payout for rehabilitation and a 12 year term for demolition. So they are comparing costs incurred over 12 years with costs incurred over 30 years. A better comparison would be to provide annual costs on a consistent basis.

Adjusting for the what I consider misleading information I have calculated average annual cost per taxpayer as shown below (assuming a 3.5% interest rate and 6 year term for demolition and 30 year term for Minimal Community Center) :

• Demolition cost of $6 million- $71 per year for 6 years and $0 thereafter;

• Demolition cost of $17 million -$202 per year for 6 years and $0 thereafter;

• Minimal Community Center cost or $ 49 million- $296 per year for 6 years and $296 per year for years 7 through 30.

What also needs to be considered is the ongoing and additional costs, such as maintenance and management, which will accompany the Minimal Community Center concept.

George Kane

Biased presentations

To the Editor:

Let me start out with some disclosures so that you have a clear idea of where I stand with respect to the future of St Paul’s. First, I don’t have, and never have had, any emotional attachment to the St. Paul’s building; I moved to Garden City with my wife and two young children in 1983 and St. Paul’s was either closed or on a path to imminent closure. Second, intuitively I believed that demolition was the best alternative and voted for demolition each time a formal or informal referendum was conducted.

I, like many of you, was frustrated that advocates for preservation kept pushing off a decision until the “preservationists” got the answer they wanted (i.e., opinion shopping), and meanwhile, taxpayers have been burdened by millions of dollars of wasted spending to keep their fantasy alive.

When formation of the St. Paul’s Committee was announced, the narrative presented was that an “objective” analysis of the alternatives would be conducted and presented, openly and without bias. I’m a rational econom-

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

ic person and therefore suspended my judgments, waiting for the “facts”, and kept an open mind.

I attended a number of presentations made by the Committee and felt that the presentations were incredibly biased in favor of preservation in both choice of language and, worse yet, substance. To me, the “Adaptive” alternative seemed to have been crafted as a “solution in search of a problem” (and votes) rather than a “solution to a problem”, and the negatives of preservation were always sugarcoated or downplayed.

For example, in response to a question that I asked in one of the open forums, I was told that demolition would result in a huge, ugly hole in the ground, with an endless armada of trucks disruptively rolling through the village, but that the “Adaptive” scenario could be accomplished quickly, without disruptions.

Yet, in the summary analysis presented by the St Paul’s Committee (GC News March 31, page 19), it is projected that demolition (plus the park) would take 6-8 months (take out the park and the “salvage” effort, and I’d guess 6-8 months is overstated), while the Façade/New Building would take 36-40 months (anyone remember when the LIRR’s Grand Central project was projected to be completed and what its original cost estimates were?).

The Committee always fell back on saying, let’s wait for the cost estimates; let’s be objective. And I agreed.

Some more disclosure about me: I have nearly half a century of experience doing strategy consulting and have helped execute over $100 billion of mergers & acquisitions for some of the world’s largest, most demanding companies. I would characterize the economic analysis that was conducted by Westerman and summarized by the Committee as simplistic, incomplete and biased in favor of preservation. (I tried to limit myself to polite adjectives.)

This analysis suggests that it costs “just a little more” to preserve St Paul’s than to demolish it. Why, as George Kane wrote in his letter that was published on March 31st, is the demolition alternative saddled with costs to preserve things that someone may one day want? If these items have value, where is the offset in the cost estimate? It’s like trading in your car when you buy a new car, and don’t take the difference in account, unless your old car has no value. Why is there a park? Why can’t this be open fields? In any event, the cost estimate for such a park appears to be rather arbitrary.

I find it disingenuous, at best, that the Committee’s summary states that a bond for the Facade/New Building Concept would have an indicated maturity of “10-30” years and that annual debt service would be $7.73MM per year, or “$1,105 per average taxpayer” (in any

case, what’s an average taxpayer? Is it each residence or each person?). So over what period is the annual debt service applicable. It sure isn’t “10” years, because even at zero interest cost, the bond would only have been 72% paid off. If the applicable period is 30 years, this project would incur total debt service of about $232MM over its life. One could objectively conclude that this is more than a “little bit” higher than the $17MM demotion (no park) costs. And, oh, interest rates are at generational highs - - and rising. And oh, inflation has been skyrocketing. Anyone hire a contractor to do a major renovation lately?

What about annual operating costs? Are we going to put up a building that requires no people, no energy, no insurance, etc.? Of course, any objective person knows that these costs would be trivial in comparison to the super-expensive costs of maintaining open fields!

It’s time to stop pretending. Demolition is the only alternative that won’t crush the Village’s finances for decades to come. “Preservation” would replicate facilities that already exist, in one form or another, in the Village (as even a Committee member acknowledged in response to one of my questions at an open forum). And if you are still sentimental about St Paul’s, read John Ellis Kordes’ note in the March 24th edition of the GC News. Stop allowing biased presenters and presentations to tell you what your economic instincts should already be telling you.

Jim Apostolides

A new beginning

To the Editor:

Politics is the art of the possible, the attainable...the next best thing.

-Otto von Bismarck

Congratulations to the new Board of Trustees

Thanks to those Trustees who still remain, and welcome to the new ones joining the game.

In this Village smart to offer your service surely better here than in Port Jervis.

Sweet home Garden City where the restaurants are so full, Here in this Village there are many reasons to be joyful!

yet many challenges now confront us the new Board we must trust among us.

Come to meetings, listen to what Board members say keeping in mind they always serve without pay.

Can we use this as our tool?

That form follows function be our golden rule.

We love our memories but they can’t love

us back, said Beth Dutton

You know that’s kinda sounds like it’s on the button.

Moving forward towards solutions Thereby attaining the best conclusions.

Sweet home Garden City

let there be no internecine warfare. Instead all strive to promote Village welfare.

Sweet home Garden City where the skies are so blue

This New Mayor and Trustees all coming to serve you

So now behold this new eight, in their hands rests the residents’ fate.

Let’s Go, GC, Let’s Go!!

Steve Gorray Garden City City

To the Editor:

This letter is to address the proposed urbanization of Long Island. There is a movement in response to Governor Hochul’s attempts at this. Originally Governor Hochul gained office without an election and won a stay as an incumbent. The election may have been rigged by the Democrats, but this is beyond the scope of this letter. She has a reputation for self-serving corruption. The current party in power has ravished the state of New York for years and people are moving out to other locations. New York City is spiraling down from elected leaders who run on their God-given right to do so and then practice extreme stupidity. Crime is way up and quality of life is down and turned to fear.

There is no place for Long Islanders to go, so it is proposed here a plan of secession from New York State. Secession is not new in this country. Think of West Virginia in 1863, upheld by the Supreme Court in 1871.

The plan is to start a new state, based on our common border. The proposal is a new state called perhaps “Oceana,” consisting of Nassau and Suffolk counties. Invited would be Staten Island, being part of New York City. A secession referendum in 1993 passed with a 65% vote, but this was blocked by the New York State Assembly. Westchester County, which borders a small part of Long Island Sound waters, can be included as they would be just as vulnerable. Illegals enter their airport and spread through New York State, including busloads to Nassau County.

The new state could be an archipelago of four counties, just like New York City is an archipelago of the borough system, instituted in 1898.

One would encourage the future leaders of New York City, assuming they somehow became lucid and operate with common sense, declare the city in referendum to be semi-sovereign outside the sphere of the governor and an intractable legislature. The city needs to

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Email: Editor@GCNews.com

grab back ownership of the MTA from Albany and other issues including abolition of appointed leaders not voted in to run state authorities that impinge on the city. A healthy New York City has a lot to do with a stable Long Island.

Ronald Young

Can we halt the violence?

To the Editor:

Since 1999, there have been 376 school shootings since Columbine, affecting about 350,000 American students.

With the United States having approximately 4.25% of the world population, we have the highest frequency of shootings. But we are not alone. Mexico, South Africa, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Brazil, Canada, France, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Kenya, China, Russia, Turkey, Argentina, the United Kingdom and Australia have also lost children in school shootings.

With this said, will we ever be able to halt this type of violence? Having stricter gun laws has not interrupted the progression of attacks. And, why do mass shooters target schools Grades K - 12?

Many shooters have been bullied throughout their school careers taking out their aggression on students and teachers. And even though schools have very tight security, shooters find a way past security.

Notoriety can play a key factor in school shootings. Media coverage presents the school shooters image, manifesto and life story which promotes and sensationalizes the shooter. By avoiding prominent headlines, not naming the shooter and decreasing the overall duration of news coverage may lessen the number of events. News outlets should provide the facts and not attempt to produce dramatic reporting by “toning down” their coverage.

Having a trained professional as a resource officer in schools can be a huge deterrent. Not all retired police officers are the right fit to work in schools, but there are so many that may be able to discourage “copycats”.

I pray for everyone that has been affected. And I commend the rapid response from the officers.

Isabella Masters

Censorship not appropriate

To the Editor:

Censoring speeches or speakers on college campuses is becoming a trend as we are moving forward.

I believe that banning speakers only because they have a different opinion on a controversial topic is wrong. College is all about learning and exploring diversity of opinions which will be hindered if colleges start to filter the opinions the students hear. Even the Supreme court took the decision in Brandenburg v. Ohio that the government cannot punish a controversial opinion until and unless the purpose to display that opinion is to provoke the crowd. Moreover, if the opinion is directed towards an individual or a particular group then that speaker should be disciplined and banning that certain speaker is the right thing to do.

There have been instances when students have protested against a speaker because of the controversial books or topics they have discussed in the past. This justification for not letting a speaker present his ideas is wrong because if students have freedom to protest then the speaker also has freedom of speech. The college campuses may argue that these controversial opinions may corrupt the minds of the youth. However, it is really important to understand the main goal of a college is not to frame opinions of students but to give them the opportunity to choose and show them the way to frame their own opinion.

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) states that students need to learn to face similar as well as different perspectives to survive the real world and colleges are indirectly responsible to teach that.

Vaishnavi Dixit, Adelphi University student

Cheryl Dellacroce Steinberg

Cheryl Dellacroce Steinberg, of Garden City, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of March 28th, 2023. She suffered a vicious stroke, fought back like the warrior that she was, but ultimately lost the battle. She’s now in God’s hands. She is survived by her two sisters, Angel Donnelly and Toni Woods, two nephews, Tim and Chris Donnelly, and countless friends, colleagues, ski buddies, tennis and golf rivals. Up until her last living breath, nothing short of a parade of visitors were there at her bedside to cheer her on. She was beloved.

Cheryl came into this world on July 5th, 1951. Born to Carmine and Santa Dellacroce, she took to the arts at a very young age. Piano, guitar, painting, photography, you name it – her flair for creativity was vast and undeniable. Upon graduating from C.W. POST in 1978 with a Master’s Degree in Fine Art, she opted for a teaching career at her local Valley Stream High School. Within two years, Cheryl was tenured. During her 10-year-run at Valley Stream High, she obtained funding to spearhead an elec-

tive program for gifted art students, launched an annual photography exhibition/contest, hosted the photography club, and the list goes on and on.

When budget cuts began to impede on her ability to make change in Valley Stream High School, Cheryl decided to take on corporate America.

Then began an illustrious 20-year-career in corporate America, where she wielded her creative edge to rise through the ranks of various major companies, 1-800-FLOWERS being one of note. With every company move over those 20 years, Cheryl’s managerial responsibilities would increase, whereby she’d inevitably lead large teams to unparalleled success. When corporate life grew stale, she circled back to her first love – art, teaching, and making a difference. First, in the Baldwin School District where she taught art and photography, and then later in Bayside High School, where she launched an intern placement program that became so popular that surrounding high schools adopted it for their own respective curriculums.

If you knew Cheryl Steinberg, you knew she adored horses. As a later-inlife activity, she took up riding horses with an unwavering passion. After years of practice, she eventually bought Artie. Artie was her best friend, her baby, her everything. When Artie fell ill, Cheryl would visit the barn at nightime to clean and rub him down. Artie would subsequently be retired to a horse community in Pennsylvania, where she’d visit him on a monthly basis until he passed. Cheryl would later go on to volunteer for HorseAbility.org, an organization dedicated to teaching people with disabilities how to ride.

In closing, Cheryl was married to a great man who she loved dearly, Joe Steinberg. Sadly, Joe passed away several years back. God willing, may they reunite in heaven for another beautiful dance. Rest in peace, Cheryl Dellacroce Steinberg.

In lieu of flowers and thoughtful gifts, please make a donation to Cheryl’s favorite charity, HorseAbility.org

Cheryl Dellacroce Steinberg

Village adopts budget, discusses capital projects

From page 3

“Between roads and sidewalks and the new ($3.8 million) firefighting training center we have the significant uptick this year but we are comfortable that Treasurer Woo and the Finance Department team, as well as our Board chair of Finance, all have a really good handle of the anticipated costs,” Finneran noted.

Participating over Zoom, resident Bob Wolff spoke during the public hearing and questioned the omission of expenses related to any “St. Paul’s item” including further engagements of consultants of various kinds, infrastructure or safety plans, and more. He directed a question to Village Treasurer Irene Woo and asked if any St. Paul’s costs would need to be allocated from the village Contingency budget funds with nothing specified in the proposed municipal budget.

She replied, “whenever the board approves any expenditure for St. Paul’s that can come from Contingency or from Surplus, and we can bond if it’s a project.”

Wolff advocated against the $12.7 million bonding slated for approval with the new budget, and he advised that Garden City should make use of surplus rather than delaying payments and making bonding its default funding mechanism for capital projects.

“I fully understand that even if we bond next year not all the cash comes out at once during the fiscal year, but with all the surplus the village has I do not see why we are bonding $12.7 million and not doing a tax increase instead to take some tax dollars and eliminate the bonding – I think the board should consider this. Though you are approving no tax increase I am in favor of working within the 2% cap and raising taxes to reduce some of the bonding,” Wolff said.

He also wondered about the village’s evaluations for three new fire trucks for the GCFD, as there was not a corresponding cost within the adopted budget for 2023-2024. The decision to purchase one new truck was approved by the Board within the past month, but a proposal to purchase two more engines was rejected by the Board. The proposal

would have allowed the “standardization” of the fire apparatus, by placing the same new model engine at each of the village’s three firehouses.

Fire training facility

Wolff also inquired about the $3.8 million expense the new municipal budget does contain for the capital project to build a new fire training facility at the Village Yard.

Central section resident Robert Herr asked the Village Board and Chief Pearn if the new firefighter training facility holds revenue potential so Garden City can rent or charge a fee for any other Long Island fire departments for use of the ‘burn building’ structure for their training and exercises. A series of follow up questions ensued; Herrs asked about the operations that most fire department have for training compared with the scale of the communities they serve, and how Garden City has a lower population than many towns which have not built “state-of-the-art” fire training facilities and how the village could view the facility as an investment some return could come out of.

Chief Pearn and 1st Deputy Mayor Chester commented on the importance of having a modern fire training facility not just to prep the current GCFD volunteers, but as an incentive for both recruitment and retention of their services. Chief Pearn spoke about the time and cost savings involved with GCFD members not needing to travel to any other locations to train and learn the latest from firefighting and safety professionals, and how the new facility would host a few innovative training programs. Pearn said GCFD has weekly scheduled department drills, and there are a number of special drills that the department has to do aside from the regular schedule. He mentioned probationary training, vendors that come to train GCFD, the Fire Academy training and in-house training.

The chief added that not only will the GCFD have its consistent use of the facility, but outreach will involve inviting mutual aid partners and surrounding communities’ fire departments to various training sessions at the new $3.8 million facility in Garden City.

“At this time we would not be look-

ing to rent it to other departments. When we cross-train with departments that service us with mutual aid or we go to them for mutual aid calls, we invite them in a few times a year. We would not look to rent it to other departments that don’t actually operate with GCFD,” Pearn said.

Herrs replied, “given my general concerns about controlling expenditures I urge you to look at potentially renting the facility and what that might require. I don’t envision that you have the training in use all of the time.” Deputy Mayor Chester said this idea is not out of the realm of possibilities for the Board and GCFD to investigate.

Resident questions costs of benefits

While Herrs did his own comprehensive review and analysis of the village budget, he suggested the need for an executive summary page with some analysis and most pertinent fiscal data.

An alarming item on the municipal budget that he spoke to the Board of Trustees about during the April 3 public hearing covered the massive costs for village employee and retiree health benefits, which he calculated for employees of village departments except the Water Department and the Garden City Public Library.

By their independent calculation, the total health benefits’ cost is equivalent to 73% of salaries paid to employees by Garden City.

“This is an enormous number, and to put this in even more discreet terms if we look at the costs of healthcare for employees excluding GCPL and the Water Department it comes to $42,000 per year, per full-time village employee The cost for one police department employee it also comes out to $42,000 per year in terms of their pensions expenses based on last year. I am bringing up these things as it’s important to exercise control because it’s unfortunate that most people do not understand both the rewards and perils of compound interest. If you have younger children I would urge you to explain to them how compound interest works and how powerful it is – whatever the village is spending is going to compound over time, creating an even larger burden for future taxpaying generations,” he told

the Board.

Resident Stevel Ilardi was interested in finding out if the calculations Herrs discussed were able to be verified by the village during the budget hearing. The mayor called upon Treasurer Woo to assist.

Woo stated that Garden City pays for healthcare for its current, approximately 225 full-time, active employees and a pool of 245 retired village employees and their covered dependents.

For every employee, current and retired, the village is on a pay-as-you-go basis for healthcare costs.

“The total of that is 470 employees and that’s the number used by the actuaries to calculate our OPEB - other post-employment benefits costs – and that is a actuarial-determined number in the future and it’s why the number you see in our financial statements is very high. Those numbers vary greatly from year to year, and if you look into numbers from FY 2020-2021 the number was at $135 million for the village. In the prior year it was $190 million so there was actually a year-over-year decrease. There is no legal mechanism in place for there to be an alternate means of funding the OPEB or liability, and even if the village wanted to it can not legally do that,” Woo said.

Herrs told the Board of Trustees to think about containment of heavy expenses the village has lined up and also to consider the “heavy pressures everyone has on their household budgets” as they reached a vote on the proposed municipal budget. He added that New York State is ranked 49th out of the 50 states for tax burden, and it’s an “outrageous state” with the costs as a major reason people continue to move away.

Mayor Carter Flanagan thanked him for the thoughts, ideas and comments expressed during the budget hearing and requested to follow up via email, so she could forward some of the items to appropriate departments and members of the village’s executive staff.

Following the public hearing the Village Board moved on to adopt the budget as it was proposed on April 3, and the accompanying resolutions for the local tax levy and property tax rate.

New mayor appoints Sullivan to open seat

New Trustees sworn in Village Clerk Karen Altman announced the March 21, 2023 election results with total votes for Mayor Carter Flanagan, and Trustee Chester, Trustee Finneran, Trustee Torino and Trustee Harrington. Altman said, “I congratulate you all and look forward to working with you in the future, and we welcome Trustee Sullivan.” Associate Village Justice Merril S. Biscone then performed the swearing in of the newly-elected trustees and Mayor Carter Flanagan.

Garden City will have two deputy mayors in the coming year, as Mayor Carter Flanagan has appointed Trustee Bruce Chester as the village’s 1st Deputy Mayor and Trustee Lawrence Marciano as the 2nd Deputy Mayor.

The new Village Board Fire Commissioner is Trustee Bruce Chester, taking over this role from Trustee Bruce Torino. The prior Village Fire Safety Committee has also been ended, as the mayor announced that several volunteer committees that existed under Mayor Cosmo Veneziale were being disbanded, effective immediately.

Trustee Torino, the only other trustee besides Mayor Carter Flanagan to be reelected in the March election, was appointed as the Board of Trustees’ liai-

son to the Garden City Public Library Board.

The Village’s Legal Committee will consist of Trustee Charles Kelly and new Trustee Ed Finneran.

Mayor Carter Flanagan will remain in charge of the Environmental Advisory Board, which she has chaired since beginning on the Board of Trustees in 2021, however she and new Trustee Michele Harrington will now serve as the EAB’s co-chairs.

The Board of Police Commissioners will consist of GCPD Commissioner Kenneth Jackson as its chair, serving with Village Administrator Ralph Suozzi and with 2nd Deputy Mayor Lawrence Marciano as the Village Board representative.

The Committee to Fill Vacancies on Local Boards and Commissions will consist of 2nd Deputy Mayor Marciano and its chairperson Mayor Carter Flanagan,.

The village’s Zoning Change Review Committee, first established in 2015, will consist of Trustee Charles Kelly and new Trustee Ed Finneran.

The Board of Trustees’ liaison to the Village Department of Public Works is now Trustee Charles Kelly. The liaison role and several others Mayor Carter Flanagan put forth on Monday were subject to the full board’s approval rath-

er than annual mayoral appointments. Kelly who takes over in the DPW liaison role from Deputy Mayor Chester.

The trustees’ new liaison for the Board of Commissioners and Cultural and Recreational Affairs will be new Trustee Michael Sullivan.

The new Village of Garden City Traffic Commission will consist of Trustee Charles Kelly, who will continue as its chair, and Trustees Ed Finneran, Michael Sullivan and 2nd Deputy Mayor Marciano, along with Police Commissioner Jackson and DPW Superintendent John Borroni, P.E.

The Village Finance and Audit Committee will be chaired by new Trustee Mike Sullivan, who will serve with Trustees Bruce Torino and Michele Harrington and 1st Deputy Mayor Bruce Chester.

The Village’s Public Information Committee, which manages official press releases and prepared statements, will include Trustees Ed Finneran and Mike Sullivan and its chairperson, Mayor Mary Carter Flanagan.

In another move, Mayor Carter Flanagan proposed the appointment of former Village Trustee and former Garden City Board of Education President Colleen Foley to the GCPL Board. In her time as a village trustee, which concluded in 2021, Foley served as

the board’s liaison to the Library Board. The Board of Trustees unanimously approved Colleen Foley’s appointment to the Library Board, replacing its former Vice Chair Peter D’Antonio, for a term to expire on April 5, 2027. Mayor Carter Flanagan acknowledged Foley’s presence in the Board meeting room at Village Hall on Monday, and said she brings “welcome experience to the Library Board.”

During her opening remarks at the April 3 reorganization meeting, Mayor Carter Flanagan spoke about the topic of improving village-wide communication. She says while strides have been made in the last two years, more work lies ahead. At the upcoming Board of Trustees’ meeting on Thursday April 20, the mayor is planning to appoint a new Communications Committee.

“I recognize there’s more work to be done to bring the village up to the level that we hope to be at for communication and I will be forming a small Communications Committee to assist us with this effort,” she explained.

Finally, on Monday Mayor Carter Flanagan proposed that The Garden City News, which is now in its 100th year in print, be designated as the official newspaper of the Village of Garden City. The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the resolution.

St. Paul’s, other advisory committees disbanded

From page 1

elections.”

She spoke about the unprecedented volunteerism the community has seen during the first two years of the FABGC presence on the Board of Trustees, and the mayor is appreciative of residents “sharing their expertise and wisdom on issues of Fire Safety, the St. Paul’s main building, Village Governance, Business Development and the LIRR Third Track project.”

The new mayor took some time to explain her plans for moving forward on St. Paul’s. She noted that for over a year the large group of volunteers worked on the issue to help the community reach a decision on the fate of the historic building.

Mayor Carter Flanagan said, “I want to thank the volunteers for their hard work which resulted in multiple presentations and culminated in the hiring of a cost estimator consultant (Westerman Construction Co.). At this time we will move on to the next stage where the Board of Trustees will be taking on a greater role.”

The mayor outlined that a Board work session with the Westerman team will happen prior to their report being finalized.

“While I am ending the Mayor’s St.

Paul’s Committee at this time, we will be reaching out as needed for your input when issues arise within your areas of expertise. The Board of Trustees will also be discussing the possibility of reconstituting a committee to help move us forward to the promised vote on the St. Paul’s main building,” she added.

Thanking those volunteers who brought their expertise to the Mayor’s Committee on Fire Safety, Mayor Carter Flanagan said the detailed analysis and recommendations provided great value to the Board of Trustees and GCFD.

She turned to the end of the Village Governance Committee and thanked its participants for their hours spent “on this important topic.”

“We appreciate your guidance and will be addressing your recommendations during the next six months…It was over many years that community sentiment grew that reform of our one-party system was needed, and two years ago open elections were brought to the village. Those open elections this year brought the village leaders from two different parties and an independent candidate. I recognize the importance of working together to reach a consensus on governance reforms to ensure that our form of local government meets the needs of our community now and in the future,” Mayor Carter Flanagan said.

Created in April 2022 by Mayor Cosmo Veneziale, the Garden City Business Development Committee was initiated with Trustee Lawrence Marciano Jr. as chairperson and with committee members including (newly-elected trustee) Michele B. Harrington, Jack Hartog, Steven Ripp, Catherine Schmidt and Richard Williams. The Committee was charged with reporting directly to the Board of Trustees.

Mayor Carter Flanagan said the Board will receive a completed report prepared over the last several months by the volunteers of the Business Development Committee.

“I thank the Business Development Committee for their work in researching and analyzing our commercial properties that play such an important role in the community. I look forward to hearing the details and recommendations of their report,” she noted.

As she proceeded to thank residents who volunteered on the village’s LIRR Third Track Committee, including Richard Corrao, Esq., James Kumpel, Richard Catalano, Stephen Fereance and Alaine Smith Lawlor – each of whom worked with Trustee Bruce Chester as he chaired the committee over the last two years – Mayor Carter Flanagan took a moment to single out Estates resident and co-founder of ReVAMP

Paul Rothenbiller for his diligence and guidance. She noted that members of the Third Track Committee gave much time and expertise “to make sure we realized all opportunities to beautify the Merillon LIRR station neighborhood.”

“A special thank you goes to Paul Rothenbiller who worked tirelessly to see the promised landscaping provided and to advocate for the connection of the islands which will provide an additional buffer zone between the station and residences, which is so important for the area,” the mayor said.

She thanked all residents of the village who have served as volunteers in prior years.

“I look forward to serving as mayor of Garden City. A lot of wonderful things have been happening in our local government over the last two years and I will work hard to continue and build on those efforts. We have seen a record number of village residents following our village government and participating in our municipal elections. It is my hope that many of you who are not yet actively volunteering in our local government will view this as a time to become more involved as we work together to preserve the quality of life we all enjoy in this wonderful village,” Mayor Carter Flanagan noted.

NASSAU COUNTY LEGAL NOTICE

Incorporated Village of Garden City

Notice of Completion of the 2023 Assessment Roll

Pursuant to Section 1410 of the Real Property Tax Law, NOTICE

IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Assessment Roll of the Incorporated Village of Garden City, New York, for the year 2023 has been completed and was filed in the office of the Village Clerk, 351 Stewart Avenue, in said Village, on the 28th of March 2023, where the same will remain on file subject to public inspection for view on the Village’s website: gardencityny.net for a period of fifteen (15) days after the date of this notice.

Karen M. Altman, Village Clerk

Dated: April 4, 2023, Garden City, New York

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Notice of Formation of SAGE AND CLOVER SALON COLLECTIVE. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2022-10-28. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to United States Corporation Agents, Inc.: 7014 13th Avenue Suite 202 Brooklyn NY 11228. Purpose: Any lawful purpose

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Notice of Formation of Medici Photography. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2022-12-13. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Ashley Medici: 158 Lincoln St Garden City NY 11530. Purpose: Any lawful purpose

NASSAU COUNTY BIDS

Sealed bids MUST be  RECEIVED BY AND DELIVERED TO:

PURCHASING DIVISION

Inc. Village of Garden City   351 Stewart Avenue Garden City, NY 11530   between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M.,   UNTIL 11:00 AM  EDT  THURSDAY,  APRIL 27, 2023 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud, for furnishing the following:

NASSAU HAVEN PARK TENNIS COURT REHABILITATION

Specifications, Form of Bid, and other information may be obtained from the office of the Purchasing Division at the above address or you may download the bid specifications from the New York State Contract Reporter website at the following web address:   https://www.nyscr.ny.gov/ contracts.cfm

This bid specification will be listed under the Agency Name of:   Inc. Village of Garden City  Rosemary Monahan   Purchasing Agent     Dated: April 7, 2023

NASSAU COUNTY LEGAL NOTICE

On February 1, 2023, the Pennsylvania State Board of Veterinary Medicine revoked the license of, and imposed a $10,000 civil penalty on, Kristian Sean Rhein, DVM, license no. BV014437, of Garden City, New York, based on his guilty plea to Drug Adulteration and Misbranding, a crime directly related to his occupation.

April 7, 2023

Best Things to Do at Your Destination? These Travel Apps Help Organize Your Visit, Save Money on Attractions, Experiences

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

There are many apps and websites to help you get to a destination (skyscanner, kayak, expedia, momondo, googleflights, flighthub, travelocity, cheapflights, flightfinder, hotwire, cheapoair) and apps and websites that help you find a place to stay (hotels. com, booking.com, trivago, agoda, airbnb, vrbo, glampinghub), but which can help you plan what to do when you get there?

GoCity

Go City sells passes that let you experience as many attractions as you want in a city at one set price. You can purchase the pass for an unlimited number of visits for the number of days you want to, and use the pass to choose which attractions (museums, etc.) you want to visit, seek out experiences based on whether you are a couple or family traveling, or find “hidden gems”. Or you can purchase an “Explorer Pass,” that lets you access four or five attractions (you don’t have to choose in advance and have 60 days to visit).

In New York City, the Go City pass offers 100 different options in all five boroughs. The two-day all inclusive pass, giving access to as much as you want/can do from among 105 attractions is $134 – regardless of how much the actual attractions charge.

Go City offers 1,500 attractions in over 30 destinations from major metropolises like London and New York to oceanfront oases like Sydney, Cancun and Oahu. Among the newest entrees: Madrid and re-launching Hong Kong. .

The app is helpful because you can

see the full list of attractions, heart/ star the ones you are interested in or want; it will notify you if the attraction requires advance booking or recommend purchasing the ticket in advance, and you can do that on the app – like a sunset view from an observation deck.

Go City, which began as Smart Destination, then Leisurepass, has been around for 25 years.

In some cases, the pass provides experiences that are exclusive to Go City customers– such as behind the scenes experience to Yankee Stadium–and can give you ideas that you might not have considered – like the Top Observation decks, a Central Park bike rental; an East Village walking tour; a food tour in Williamsburg. The app also provides an interactive map, so that while you are walking around, it can highlight some interesting attraction – like the Whitney Museum – that you might decide to check out even for a short time (it’s included!).

“A lot of people say they did something that wouldn’t have otherwise.”

It’s very likely you will save money if you take full advantage of the pass (you can compare costs). The app also offers sample itineraries, and you can compare the price of going a la carte or purchasing the three-day all-inclusive.

Prices are based on adult or child (a family pass is under consideration). And the passes can be sent as a gift.

“A lot of cities have a family friendly option, so teenagers can split off and do their own thing.”

More information at GoCity.com, 800 887 9103.

TourRadar

TourRadar claims to be the world’s first Adventure Booking Platform, where you can effortlessly book private, group, and tailor-made multi-day organized adventures worldwide.

Founded in 2010, TourRadar was among the first to transition multi-day tours to an online marketplace. In 2021, TourRadar introduced the Adventure Booking Platform, connecting travelers, operators, and travel agents to

organized tours through one, easy-touse platform. Whether booking directly with TourRadar.com or through your trusted travel advisor, you can access large and small operators providing a broad spectrum of experiences. TourRadar works with 2,500+ operators to offer 50,000+ adventures in 160+ countries.

It offers a live inventory, so you can book on line at tourradar.com –whether river cruises, biking tours or bird watching, seeing llamas in Colorado, self-guided trips, or if you are planning to go solo.

“There is an artificial intelligence component – a robust search engine,” said Lisa Verbeck, head of marketing. Solo trips are now 40% of travelers. “People are traveling on their own independently. We have a department that will put together a curated trip – Italy for a week, wine tasting in Tuscany.:

Tourradar’s inventory includes everything from big-name operators like Trafalgar, Cosmos, Globus to the smaller specialty companies like Intrepid, river cruises in Europe, hiking, biking, sailing.

“We are an aggregator, an Expedia for multi-day tours.”

One of the best features is access to a whole category of self-guided trips – for example self-guided bike tours where a tour operator has laid out an itinerary, mapped out the route, booked accommodations (such as innto-inn), picks up the luggage each day and delivers to the next inn, but you go at your own pace rather than with a group, guides and support vehicle. It’s ideal for couples, families, or your own group of friends.

You can also use TourRadar to customize, tailor or craft a tour espe-

Travel Apps Help Organize Your Visit, Save Money

Continued from previous page

cially for you; plan an independent tour; organize a self-drive tour where you take to the open road with car and trip notes, or organize a private tour where you get your own vehicle, your own guide and everything to yourself.

TourRadar also spotlights deals of the week, home page spotlight tours, discounts like 2-for-1, extra add-ons, and great deals. (www.tourradar.com).

More Sources

Drive an exotic car, learn to fly, rock climb, skydive, bungee jump. Virgin Experience lists some 3000 different experiences in 122 regions from 600 “best in class” partners that their gift card can be applied to (bioluminescent kayak adventure in Tomales Bay, CA; drive a stock car on Thompson Speedway, CT; learn to fly in Mesa, AZ. (https:// www.virginexperiencegifts.com/ action-and-adventure,

Whether retracing the Revolution in Paris, diving into the ecology of Venetian canals, or exploring Kyoto’s teahouses at twilight, Context Travel offers tours with experts. Context offers personal walking tours in 60 cities across 6 continents. Skip the line and get off-hours access to popular sites in the world’s cultural and historical capitals. Tours range from half-day to 7-days plus. Context Travel also offers the “gift of learning” – virtual and in-person sessions with top experts– you can explore the Colosseum with an archaeologist, uncover masterpieces of the Louvre with an art historian, or explore the palaces of Istanbul

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

I had to roast an egg. I wondered: How hard could it be? I’ve made hard- and softboiled eggs, scrambled eggs, poached eggs and omelets. They all came out perfectly every time. People loved my eggs. They devoured my eggs. If there were an egg kingdom, I would be the queen of eggs.

But I had never roasted an egg.

No one ever actually eats a roasted egg, which is probably why I’d never made one. But I had to roast an egg for Passover, and so it was up to me to take ownership of the egg roasting and get the job done.

I assumed, like anything else you’re roasting, you could just preheat the oven to 350 degrees, slap the egg on a pan and roast it.

So that’s what I did.

And then I forgot about it.

I was cooking about four other things at the same time, so I was somewhat distracted. But after 20 minutes, I remembered the egg, looked in the oven window and saw that my egg did not look roasty. It didn’t even look toasty. It just looked like a regular egg.

I decided that maybe I should try broil-

with an architect — from home, or in person. Gift cards available. (www.contexttravel.com)

TripAdvisor.com is excellent for doing research about what to do, and provides the links to the listings to book.

I typically Google “highlights of a visit to....” to get ideas and traveler reviews.

Want to hire your own local guide? ToursbyLocals.com can hook you up with 4,715 guides in 187 countries.

Spafinder offers a compendium of resorts, wellness centers and day spas, which you can book (or buy gift card).

Organizing your own tour and need to get place to place? I find Rome2Rio extremely helpful – you can find local transportation, and then click links to get to the site. Rome2rio searches any city, town, landmark, attraction or address across the globe with thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from A to B. It links up to 162,238 train lines via 4594 train operators; 854,876 bus routes via 79,480 bus operators; 12,998 ferries via 4,128 ferry operators; 53,532 flight paths via 1,142 airlines. It also includes schedules, routes and price/fare-ranges.

I used Rome2Rio to figure out a complicated link up from one tour that ended in Porec, Croatia to my next tour that began the same day in Llubjana Slovenia. That’s how I found Flixbus in Europe, which is now in North America and Brazil offering inexpensive fares on wonderfully comfortable buses (and now intermodal with trains) with 350,000 daily connections in 2500 destinations in 38 countries (Europe’s largest long-distance bus network), and since 2018, train con-

nections and intermodal travel options. Flixbus now even offers trip ideas. (https://www.flixbus.com/discover)

I also used Rome2Rio to find local train connections and book my ticket on raileurope.com from Berlin where I ended a CroisiEurope river cruise, to Bruges to start a BoatBike tour.

Life Rewards

Imagine you have booked a really expensive luxury hotel stay at a premium rate during a major event – think Oscars, World Series, Superbowl – and you find you can’t attend after all and the room can’t be cancelled for a refund. Well, a new online travel service, Life Rewards, for the first time ever will facilitate the sale to someone else, and you may even score a profit on the deal. The travel tech company plans soon to make it possible to resell airline tickets.

Life Rewards seeks to be the next big thing in travel, an alternative to other online hotel and airline booking services (OTAs) but with this twist: the ability to resell, much the way people sell NFTs (digital assets), shaking up things the same way as Priceline’s audacious travel auction program did (LIFE Rewards’ founder and CEO Eduardo Ibañez was Priceline’s Chief Scientist). Life Rewards’s fee is 2% from both the buyer and the seller.

Life Rewards claims it will be the first online booking platform to make large volumes of hotel bookings available for trading on secondary markets, just as baseball or Broadway tickets are today. By creating liquidity in

LOST IN SUBURBIA Egg on My Face

ing it instead, so I changed the settings.

It was at this time that I thought, “Hmmm, maybe I should just check the internet to make sure I’m doing this right.” So, I went online and found something right away.

t said, “You have to hard-boil the egg before you roast it, or it will... EXPLODE!”

At that moment it seemed like time slowed down and everything that happened next was in slow motion. I turned toward the oven to pull out the egg, and took one step, when suddenly I heard a sonic boom. OK, it was more of a pop. But it definitely didn’t sound good.

“Noooo,” I yelled, also in slow motion, and then I grabbed an oven mitt and opened the oven door. Some of my egg was still on the pan. But the rest was scrambled all over the inside of the oven. There was yolk everywhere. There was egg on the bottom, egg on the door and egg on the racks. It was an eggsplosion of epic proportions. I stood there stunned and wondered how my eggcellent roasting plan had gone so awry.

As I pondered the eggceptional mess in my oven, I heard a voice ring out from

the front hall.

“Hey, honey, I’m home,” yelled my husband. “Why does it smell like egg in here?”

“We had a small event,” I replied. “And it involved an egg.”

“What kind of event?” he said. “Was it a good event or a bad event?”

“It was most definitely a bad event,” I said, still frozen at the scene of the crime.

My husband walked in and stopped next to me. I pointed at the open oven door. He took one look and then jumped back as though somehow the egg was going to fling itself at him, just as it had at the oven door, oven floor and oven racks.

“Do I want to know what happened?” he asked, after he’d regained his composure.

“I don’t think you do.”

“Was that part of the Passover dinner?” he asked.

“It was.”

“Do you have any more eggs?” he said.

“I don’t.”

“So, what do we do?”

“Nothing,” I replied, throwing the

bookings, both hotels and travelers will get more flexibility and an improved booking experience, the company maintains. Users can pay via credit, debit card and (no surprise) crypto currency.

Based on AI (artificial intelligence) that services a large online travel agency, LIFE also offers discounted prices and negotiated rates for hotels globally.

But for those travelers who want personal help, they can pay an annual $500 membership fee can access a network of (human) concierges who can help plan, arrange and book what happens at the destination – opera tickets, a Michelinstarred restaurant, excursions.

Using NFTs to digitize your hotel reservations and events bookings will enable travelers who want access to hotels and events that are sold out on the primary market to find bookings on a secondary market. If travelers are unable to go-away, they can re-sell, much like a concert ticket. Or if a hotel is sold out and someone wants to stay there specifically, one can still work a deal out with someone else who owns a room night. A two-way marketplace for travel makes it all possible. Hotels and travelers get more flexibility and an improved booking experience by creating liquidity in bookings.

More information at https:// LifeRewards.ai/

© 2023 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear. com.

oven mitt on the counter and walking away. “Sometimes, you just have to say, ‘Cluck it.’”

Tracy Beckerman is the author of the Amazon Bestseller, “Barking at the Moon: A Story of Life, Love, and Kibble,” available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble online! You can visit her at www.tracybeckerman.com.

COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS

Crossword Answers

All Kids Fair has many new attractions

The 12th annual All Kids Fair is excited to return to Westbury following last year’s enormously successful event. This is the second in-person All Kids Fair since Covid-19.

This year’s All Kids Fair will be held on Sunday, April 23, from 10-4:30, at Samanea New York Mall, formerly The Source Mall, at 1504 Old Country Road in Westbury. This is the same mall that houses Dave & Buster’s and where Fortunoff’s previously resided. Since 2011, the All Kids Fair has provided a fun day each April for kids and their families to spend time together and also learn about Long Island-based companies with services and products available to them.

There are many exciting reasons for families to attend each year. While this has always been an indoor event with an outdoor petting zoo, this year has even more outdoor attractions.

Here are some of the things to do and see at the All Kids Fair – indoors and out - all of which are free with admission:

Indoors:

•Over 80 kid-centered exhibitors

•Over a dozen activity areas

•Three large bounce houses

•DJ along with Mr. and Mrs. Mouse

•Princesses and superheroes

•Guinea pig and bearded dragons for touching

•Face painting

•Balloon animals

•Cotton candy

•Photo booth

•Child ID cards

•Lego table with sensory play

Outdoors:

•Petting zoo with a pig, goats, rab-

bits, and chickens

•A game truck

•A mobile STEAM lab bus

There will be opportunities to purchase food for lunch, indoors and at a food truck, along with pretzels, desserts, and Italian ices.

According to Barbara Kaplan, director of the expo, “Building on last year’s success, we decided to have the All Kids Fair at Samanea Mall again because of its spacious layout, high ceilings, and excellent parking. As a result, we will be able to have many exciting opportunities for Long Island families to enjoy together.”

The All Kids Fair will have over 80 vendors, including camps, places to play, after-school activities, birthday party providers, travel, non-profits, college planning, and many kid-centered products. She continued that she is “excited to have many new offerings, including the mobile STEAM lab bus and game truck in the parking lot near the petting zoo on Merchants Concourse, perpendicular to Old Country Road.”

This year’s list of “activity areas” has many new choices. There will be more than a dozen, including hip hop, two arts and crafts projects, sewing on a machine and fashion drawing, martial arts, musical chairs, and soccer. Most of these areas will operate all day.

This fun-filled event offers exciting educational and leisure activities to interest kids and their families each year. The Fair has opportunities for all ages, including kids who have special needs.

2022 attendee Larissa Wright shared

“It was hands down a beautiful event. Plenty for the kids to do...[a] fun-filled day. [We] would definitely come back next year and every year after!”

AA Entertainment & Events, an exhibitor who also acted as DJ at last year’s event, enthusiastically added “Mr. & Mrs. Mouse, Alex & Andrea, and the rest of our team, would like to thank Barbara Kaplan [All Kids Fair Director] for putting together such an amazing event! It truly was a fun time for everyone!” The All Kids Fair looks forward to seeing AA Entertainment & Events, including Mr. and Mrs. Mouse, again this year.

A charity drive to benefit Giving is Living, a local 501c3 that provides non-perishable food, including formula, to those in need, is a new addition this year. Those who donate boxed and canned food or money will receive raffle

WRITER’S CORNER

The Easter Egg

BY THOMAS BRENNAN

Every year on Easter Sunday morning, Herman’s Ice Cream Parlor raffled off a huge chocolate Easter egg. The ornately crafted egg was prominently displayed in the front window of the store for at least a month with chances costing a quarter. The enticing egg looked exotic in its brightly decorated, shimmery setting. There was a wide opening on its side from which silvery wrapped candies and smaller chocolate bunnies spewed out with bountiful lava like flow offering a candy land bonus of sorts. I never heard of anyone I knew actually winning the prized egg, but the raffle always caused quite a stir in the neighborhood.

There were a number of ice cream parlors in the area, each one having its own loyal teenager customer base, a clique of neighborhood affiliation that was territorial and fervid.

“I hang out in Karp’s,” another ice cream parlor over on Franklin Avenue,

or “Newman’s,” on the other side of Prospect Park, someone might say in a manner of introduction that we all understood.

Ice Cream Parlors were still a rite of passage, a haven of refuge, and a comforting place for mingling with friends. It is here where social skills were honed and friendships forged that could sometimes last a lifetime.

The sweet aromatic scent of chocolate and other exotic flavors was pervasive, greeting you as you entered. Everything was home-made.

Herman’s front entrance featured two curved front windows separated by an entry aisle that led to a wide swinging thick glass door in the middle. A worthy consolation prize consisting of a huge chocolate Easter bunny surrounded by brightly colored jelly beans was displayed in the other window.

When I pushed open the door, I stepped into an atmosphere evocative of an era when young teenagers would sit and listen to the juke box while sip-

ping on a deliciously cold Vanilla Malted or a tasty Cherry Coke. I may have been part of the last generation to spend their afternoons sitting in a booth with a straw in my hands talking with friends. In later years, I might be found checking out a group of girls in another booth pretending that I didn’t notice them.

A long black and white marble counter top and stools ending at a grill area provided accommodation for the lunch crowd, all of which, including any number of exotic ice cream concoctions similar to those described in a recent edition of Life magazine, lent a hint of mid-western Americana in the enticing array of choices. Even in the early nineteen fifties, Herman’s was referred to as an “old-fashioned” ice cream parlor.

I would go to Herman’s every Friday evening to count my take including tips from my Brooklyn Eagle paper route which invariably came to $13.75. I had developed a ritual of sorts that came immediately after I finished my collection route. I walked over and sat in one

tickets to win great donated prizes.

Sponsors for the 2023 All Kids Fair are Saf-T-Swim, Jovia Financial Credit Union, All in 1 SPOT with TheraTalk, Acupuncture Wellness Services, Epic Escape Rooms LI, Clowns.com, Dave & Buster’s, Your Local Kids Source, Blank Slate Media, Litmor Publications/ Garden City News, Long Island Media Group/South Bay’s Neighbor, Herald Community Newspapers, and 516Ads. com/631Ads.com.

Tickets purchased in advance at www.AllKidsFair.com/Tickets are $5 for children ages 2 and up and adults. Tickets purchased at the door are $10 for children ages 2 and up and $5 for adults. Children 1 and younger are admitted at no charge.

Information about the expo is available at www.AllKidsFair.com

of Herman’s red tufted booths in the back, rather than sitting on a stool at the counter for my own personal treat: a hot vanilla marshmallow sundae that then cost thirty-five cents. I liked the idea of giving myself a well-earned tasty dessert that took a long time to savor as my reward.

On this Easter Sunday morning I was ten years old, and I wore a light V-neck yellow sweater over a white shirt and tie to Mass that my mother recently bought for my younger brother Martin and me. The reason I remember what I was wearing was that my brother and I were to have our picture taken indoors by my cousin Joseph Kelly, who was coming by later that afternoon with his new camera. Joseph was easy to like with his amiable, soft manner and his warm smile, and so I had a dressed-up Easter Sunday feeling as I came down Sterling Place from the always crowded mass at St. Teresa’s.

Continued on page 7

There will be over a dozen activity areas for children at the All Kids Fair on April 23rd. Photo by All Kids Fair

Social Security Rumors Don’t Pass the “Look, Sound and Quack Test!”

BY TOM MARGENAU

I’m sure you’ve heard that old saying that goes something like this: “If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck -- it’s a duck!”

Well, I offer you another version of that old chestnut. And it goes like this: “If it looks like a crazy Social Security rumor, sounds like a crazy Social Security rumor and quacks like a crazy Social Security rumor -- it’s a crazy Social Security rumor!”

Almost every day, people send me emails in which they regurgitate some wacky rumor or myth they’ve heard or read about Social Security. For example, today I got an email from a woman who was complaining about the fact that she was turned down for Social Security disability benefits -- not because she wasn’t disabled, but rather because she didn’t meet the requirement that says she must have worked and paid Social Security taxes in five out of the last 10 years. (That “five out of 10” rule applies only to disability benefits, not retirement benefits.)

After I explained this rule to her, she wrote back and said, “If that’s the case, then how come people who sneak into the country illegally and never work are getting Social Security disability benefits?”

And in another email I got, also about the disability program, a guy complained that his claim was denied. But he said he expected that because he heard that “all disability claims are automatically denied the first time around.”

Both of those rumors don’t pass my “look, sound and quack” test. In other words, they look like crazy rumors, sound like crazy rumors and quack like crazy rumors. So, guess what? They are crazy rumors!

In the first case, no one who hasn’t worked and paid Social Security taxes is getting Social Security disability benefits or any Social Security benefit for that matter -- on their own account. I had to add that caveat because there are people getting Social Security who may not have worked and paid into the system. A good example of that is a woman who never worked outside the home and now collects spousal benefits on her husband’s record. But of course, her husband did work and pay Social Security taxes.

And another caveat. There are certainly some people getting Supplemental Security Income disability benefits who may not have ever worked and paid Social Security taxes. But SSI is a federal welfare program managed by the Social Security Administration, and SSI is not a Social Security benefit and is not paid for out of Social Security taxes. Still, many people confuse the SSI program with Social Security.

Having added those caveats, I can certainly say that no one who entered this country without proper documentation is getting disability or any other benefits from Social Security.

In the second case, it’s just a flat-out lie that “all disability claims are automatically denied the first time around.” In

fact, about 35% of first-time claims are approved. (That number is lower than might be expected because lots of people file for Social Security disability benefits out of desperation -- usually meaning they are just unemployed but not disabled -- and figure it can’t hurt to file for Social Security disability because they are out of work.)

These are just two of maybe thousands of Social Security rumors that are out there floating around -- mostly on the internet -- that don’t pass the “look, sound and quack” test. I’ve always joked that I could write a book called something like “The Top 1,000 Social Security Myths.” But that huge missive would be unwieldy and as thick as the Encyclopedia Britannica!

So instead, I have written a book called “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can get a hard copy of the book for less than 10 bucks at Amazon.com. You can get an electronic version of the book at Barnes and Noble and other online booksellers. The book is divided into two broad sections: political and policy myths, and program and practical myths.

Here is just a sampling of the politically oriented myths that I take on in the first part of the book.

--Social Security is going broke (Hint: the program has fiscal problems that are fixable, and those reforms will keep the system from going belly-up)

--Social Security is a Ponzi scheme

--The government has stolen Social Security money and used it for other purposes

--Illegal immigrants get Social Security benefits

The second half of the book deals with program myths and is further subdivided into sections clearing up myths about retirement benefits, spousal and widow’s benefits, benefits for children, disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income payments. There is also a small section on Medicare myths -- although, as I always point out to my readers, I am a Social Security expert but not much of a Medicare expert.

Here is a sampling of the myths covered in the program and policy part of the book.

--My retirement benefit is based on my highest three years of earnings (or last five, or highest 10 -- just pick your number)

--If I stop working, or work part-time, before I start my Social Security, I will be messing up my future Social Security check

--There are secret or hidden rules about Social Security

--I can take reduced benefits from my spouse and later switch to full benefits on my own record

--All disability claims are denied the first time around

--Children can only get benefits from a deceased parent’s Social Security record

My faithful readers will know that I have written another book about Social Security. It’s called “Social Security --

Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Security.” While there is bound to be some overlap in topics covered in any two books about Social Security, there are important differences between my two books.

I recommend you read the “Simple and Smart” book if you are looking for a practical guide to how Social Security works, with important information about how and when to file for various kinds of Social Security benefits. And it has tips for dealing with issues that crop up once your benefits start.

And you should read the “Myths/ Facts” book if you are sick and tired of hearing and seeing all the Social Security mumbo-jumbo rumors that just don’t pass the “look, sound and quack” test.

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Security -Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Security.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon. com or other book outlets.

COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers on page 2

Dealing with credit card debt

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

Credit card debt as of the fourth quarter of 2022 was a record $986 billion after it jumped by $61 billion from the third quarter. Residents of Connecticut, New York and New Jersey had the top three spots for the largest amounts owed.

It is obvious that members of Gen X have the highest, followed by Baby Boomers and then millennials; and the smallest credit card debt holders are GenZs. However, many are in some type of financial stress and difficulty and between their student loans ($1.6 trillion owed) and credit card debt things do not look very promising.

It is so easy to get into debt today as the insatiable appetite for what some may call “free and easy money” has truly ruined many young people who have a real problem paying their bills and dealing with credit card companies. The companies seem to provide their cards to almost anyone, especially on college campuses where they have a captive audience to get everyone qualified and provide that alluring plastic to almost 99.9% of the students who apply.

Do they think that their parents will pay the bill every month if the children don’t? Maybe in some cases that may be true. However, the vast majority of students are in somewhat of a quandary and do not have the funds to make at least their monthly minimum payment (and there are those parents who might be closer to retirement, and don’t have the funds to help their kids either!). This becomes a vicious cycle where interest compounds monthly. When you add their student loans to the mix, this becomes a catastrophic and deadly situation that will potentially stay with them for the rest or their lives if it isn’t dealt with in a logical, pragmatic and well thought-out plan.

When paying on time becomes a problem, the best way to handle these tenuous and stressful situations is to

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of April 9-15, 2023

One of my least favorite household chores is dusting.

Here in the desert, if I let it go more than a week, I can trace my name on the coffee table. After a month, geologists can easily do sediment dating there!

If this sounds familiar, you’ve probably also noticed that airborne dust is mostly invisible, but when the light is just right -- usually moments before

deal with them head-on by communicating with your credit card issuers on a regular basis. This will have an adverse effect on your credit scores and history if you are late on your monthly payments or if you don’t consistently pay the minimum monthly payment.

Most important will be to always ask the credit card representative for their name and I.D. number to keep accurate records of whom you speak with as the majority of banks are required to have their employees provide their identification. However, there are times when they do not have an ID number, but will provide their last names if asked. Some refuse and I have had that happen to me and when I ask for a supervisor, then all of a sudden they provide me their information.

It is extremely important to take notes, as some reps may say that they will, but don’t as you find this out when you call back the next time and the next representative says “there are no notes.” Unfortunately, when you are consistently late, those notes give you more credibility. Do this each and every time that you are on the phone with your credit card companies.

Most companies do offer hardship programs, whereby they will provide a smaller payment over a 3-5 year period. But you will most likely not be able to use your card going forward as it will be canceled. Also there are times when you can negotiate for no further interest to be accrued as long as your payments are made on time. The worst case scenario is declaring Chapter 7, 11 or 13 personal/business bankruptcies to either wipe out your debts or settle for pennies on the dollar.

There will be an expense to hire an

attorney to handle this task (we can assist with professional and knowledgeable attorneys to help). I personally do not recommend this action unless there is no other way out of your situation and your back is against the wall. By taking this path, you will have this on your record for at least seven years. However, after two years or less you can apply for a secured credit card, whereby you would send whatever dollar amount that you want as a credit line directly to the bank as security. This can be the quickest way to re-establish your credit and credit history.

We have helped some re-establish their credit, enabling them to purchase a home and condo in a very reasonable time period. However, co-ops will look more intensely and be more intrusive with respect to your credit, unless it is fairly pristine. There are credit-fixing companies (we have what I believe to be one of the best in the industry) that can raise your credit scores by removing derogatory remarks from your credit history.

They usually charge per item removed or a flat rate, depending on how poor your credit history and length of time. If you want to purchase, we have some creative methods that we use to enable you to become a homeowner. However, the simplest way is not to abuse your credit and to use no more than 10-25% of your credit line, so as to keep your credit scores as high as possible, so you will qualify for a mortgage.

Donate to Turkey Relief

Continue to Donate to the Ukrainian Crisis and save a life or the Donate to The Ukranian Relief Fund

STARGAZERS

Our Dusty Solar System

guests arrive for dinner -- the room appears aglow with the stuff.

Well, the same is true in our part of the solar system. Whoever’s in charge is apparently no neater than I, because the entire inner solar system is littered with a thick, dusty disk. And, while this interplanetary cloud is composed of different material than that blanketing the coffee table, the principles for seeing it are rather similar.

Since this dusty disk lies mostly in the plane of our solar system along the band of constellations we know as the zodiac,

International Organization for Migration a 501(c) 3 Corporation OR: Donate to Ukranian Project:

Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 40 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.) and in 2022 has earned his National Association of Realtors “Green Industry designation for eco-friendly construction. 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 https://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 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.

that’s where it appears if the lighting is just right. And springtime is one of those times; during March and early April this softly glowing pyramid of interplanetary dust ascends almost vertically from the western horizon at dusk. We call it the “zodiacal light.”

Stargazers who have never seen this phenomenon tend to expect a much smaller or brighter glow. It appears to ascend to one-third or even halfway up in the western sky. Its base typically appears to be some 15 degrees wide, and the cone tapers to only about five

degrees wide at the top.

To see it you’ll need to head outdoors after sunset to a place where you’ll have a clear view to the west and no moonlight or glow of city lights in that direction. During twilight, let your eyes adjust to the darkness and then, about 90 minutes or so after sunset, begin looking for a tall, softly glowing pyramid rising out of the western horizon and reaching its top near the tiny Pleiades star cluster high in the west. Remember, any light pollution, haze or moonlight anywhere

Continued on page 7

Continued from page 3

As I neared the corner of Underhill Avenue ready to cross the street, I heard what can only be described as a hue and cry: “Tommy, Tommy, you won, you won!”

Younger children, all of whom I recognized, came bounding up Sterling Place trying to outshout each other, full of excitement about a prize that I had won. As they surrounded me with their beaming smiles, I had no idea what they were talking about.

When I got to the corner and looked up Underhill Avenue, I noticed a small group of people, adults, teenagers, and younger kids, all clustered around Mr. and Mrs. Luchow, Herman’s pleasant owners, who, upon becoming notified that I was on my way home from Easter Sunday Mass, had both come outside with Mrs. Luchow carrying the coveted chocolate egg while smiling in her pleasant manner. Some of the customers apparently had followed her outside, still holding their sodas as they then gave the appearance of being a festive group of revelers.

Herman’s was midway up the small commercial block, and all the other stores were closed. I recall making a real effort not to run, but I did walk quickly as everyone began to cheer in a good natured manner like it was a big deal, which in many respects it was. I realized right away that the kids must have been told not to tell me what I had won, but in their excitement they couldn’t contain themselves; they had compromised with the arrangement by saying that I had won something.

Almost until the very last moment when the transfer of the egg was officially made with Mrs. Luchow in her friendly outgoing manner saying, “Congratulations, Tommy,” I still was not sure that all of this ceremony was for me.

I had remained cautious, maybe even wary, not daring to believe that I had actually won something so coveted by the entire neighborhood as the Herman’s Chocolate Easter Egg.

I could become self-conscious with the best of ten year olds but the euphoria of the moment quenched that feeling, and I think I put on my best “golly, gosh” attitude of acceptance even as I had no recollection whatsoever of taking a chance. Spending a quarter on a chance is something I would never do; quarters did not come easy. If I went into a store with a quarter in my hand, I had to eat something, drink something, or hold onto something that I could walk out with and later use.

I immediately suspected my mother of taking a chance for me, or better yet I hoped, perhaps some hidden benefactor, who I imagined, may have even more such pleasant surprises for me in the near future, an Orphan Annie’s Daddy

WRITER’S CORNER The Easter Egg

Warbucks kind of generous donor. In any event, I wasn’t putting up any objections.

I gave a slight theatrical bow to the cheering crowd now that I was fully into the euphoria of the occasion. They were enthusiastic in their sharing of this moment with me, clapping their hands and smiling in a fulsome manner. Then, with a little wave of my fingers that I could barely manage, afraid that in a moment of clumsiness I would drop the egg, and with a loud demonstrative thank you while nodding my head in affirmation of their full-hearted applause and pleasant demeanor that coursed through me, I began to walk back down Underhill Avenue, heading to the corner and eventually to our apartment on Butler Place.

As I reached the corner I momentarily entertained the thought that maybe I should have gone into Herman’s to garner a few extra accolades.

I was filled with a warm glow of inner joy that can only come to a ten year old boy on a lovely bright spring Easter morning who has suddenly been presented with a coveted prize. I kept looking down at my bounty almost incredulously, still stunned by the fortuitous nature of the event as I slowly made the turn onto Sterling Place. There is a warm after-glow that comes from being with other people who are happy for you. I recognized that such a circumstance is rare and its impact totally consumed me. The moment becomes lasting as it finds a place of permanence, a remembered event that will never be forgotten.

At first, a number of kids actually followed me in Pied Piper fashion – “What are you gonna eat first, Tommy?” no doubt expecting a little booty. No one could eat all of that by themselves I imagined them thinking and rightfully so. I was glad that the whole display was enclosed in a sheer yellow plastic glaze that was securely tucked in the side and knotted at the top that crinkled as I walked. It was obvious that it wouldn’t be opened until I came home.

I deliberately slowed my pace after the kids finally shied away wanting my trophy moment to linger. I enjoyed the pleasant inquisitive looks I was getting from the few neighbors who were out, everyone with happy knowing smiles and good-natured greetings. I was quick to shout out a “Yeah, I won it at a raffle in Herman’s” to a teenage couple who had called over from across the street … “Hey, kid, what ya got there?”

I was trying at the same time to keep my enthusiasm low-key but my wide grin gave me away.

When I walked in triumph into my first-floor apartment door the excitement continued. I was pleased to see that my father was at home and not working. I noticed that my mother didn’t mention that she was the one who had bought the ticket as she joined me in the kitchen. I gave her credit for showing that kind

of class, not wanting to infringe upon my glory, treating the situation like it was something that just happened out of thin air.

With no small sense of triumphant acclaim, I plopped the egg on the kitchen table, and as I stepped back to gaze upon the elaborate art work that embellished the egg, I suddenly realized for the first time that morning that I really didn’t like hard chocolate.

Nevertheless, the chocolate egg maintained for me the sturdy resilience of a fruit cake that nobody wants to eat and so managed to greet you in the kitchen each morning in its defiant manner.

After a few days, the egg began to lose its allure. But even as the egg gradually lost its form, it still kept on delivering thick pieces of dark chocolate to the rest of my family and grateful friends until finally I awoke one morning to find it all gone.

Within a few days, my brief flash of notoriety had ended. But I did have that moment in the sun, a kind of heyday if you will, and I basked in its glory for the short while it lasted, and even now when I look at the photo that was taken later that afternoon, I can revisit that brief moment of glory yet again.

STARGAZERS

Our Dusty Solar System

Continued from page 5

in the western sky and you’ll have quite a challenge spotting it.

This phenomenon was described nearly a millennium ago by the Persian poet Omar Khayyam in his famous book “The Rubaiyat.” Today we know that it is produced when sunlight is scattered from dust particles, most of which are continually generated by passing comets or by collisions among asteroids. Each is microscopic -- only about four-hundredths of an inch across -- and these are separated by an average distance of five miles.

Because it appears brightest in the direction of the sun, we see the

zodiacal light best when there’s no moonlight, and when the plane of our solar system (the ecliptic) forms a steep angle with the horizon. In the Northern Hemisphere, the best conditions occur after dusk in the springtime, and before dawn during autumn.

Most folks don’t even know that this phenomenon exists, let alone that they can see it in a dark nighttime sky. Later this week, take a drive to the country or mountains, far from the lights of any cities, and search the western sky for this elusive glow.

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com.

COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM

Because it appears brightest in the direction of the sun, we see the zodiacal light best when there’s no moonlight, and when the plane of our solar system (the ecliptic) forms a steep angle with the horizon.

EMPLOYMENT

HELP WANTED

2022 NYSCAN DIVIDEND ERRANDS RUNNER NEEDED MINEOLA

Minimal, flexible hours. Food shopping, medication pickup, etc.

Call Jeff 516-782-4990

EMPLOYMENT

HELP WANTED LAW OFFICE Administrative Assistants, Clerks Busy Hicksville Law Firm seeking detailed oriented individuals with strong interpersonal & organizational skills. Computer proficient. Comfortable and professional work environment. Full & Part-time positions available. Reply to: awobig@marcotelaw.com

EMPLOYMENT

SITUATION WANTED

ELDER CARE/COMPANION

Experienced Ukranian woman seeks Elder Care/Companion position for Live In/Live Out. References available. Call 516-741-6347 or 516-508-1760

MARKETPLACE

A.T. STEWART EXCHANGE CONSIGNMENT SHOP

516-746-8900

Antiques-FurnitureJewelry-Silver-MirorsLamps-Artwork

Come to Consign & Stay to Shop Visit.... Our Shop 109 Eleventh St. Garden City

Mon-Fri 10-4 (Wed till 6) Saturday 12-4

Shop Our Online Store ATStewartExchange.org

Items to Consign? Email photos (with sizing info) to: store@atstewartexchange. org

All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical Society

Like us on Facebook & Instagram

MARKETPLACE

CONFERENCE ROOM

TABLE & CHAIRS FOR SALE

SYOSSET PUBLIC LIBRARY

17 year old Dark Cherry Conference Table and Chair Set. Particleboard table measures: 12’L x 3.5’W x 2.5’ has light damage.

12 Gold / Red Upholstered Chairs w/casters & arms. Sold as is.

Offers accepted by email only until noon, April 14 at: spladministration@syossetlibrary.org

Offers must include: name, phone number & amount.

The library reserves the right to reject any offer.

Payment accepted by cash or money order only.

INVITED ESTATE SALES BY TRACY JORDAN is doing VIRTUAL TAG SALES and ONLINE AUCTIONS now! Sell the contents of an entire house or sell just a few things! You can host your own sale on invitedsales.com and Facebook and Instagram or we can do it for you. We can photograph, advertise and handle the winning pickups for you within a week! Don’t worry about your closing date, we can get your house ready on time! We are a one stop service for all your needs when you are moving or selling a property! Selling, donating, discarding and cleaning out services can be done to meet your time frame with minimal stress. Contact info@invitedsales.com for more information or call 516-279-6378 to schedule a consultation or receive more information. Visit us at www.invitedsales. com for a listing of our upcoming Virtual Tag Sales and Weekly Auctions!

MARKETPLACE

WANTED TO BUY

LOOKING TO BUY!

Estates, Oriental items, Gold, Silver, Costume Jewelry, Dishes, Flatware, Watches, Clothing, Old Photos, Coins, Stamps, Records, Toys, Action Figures, Comics, Art and Furniture.

Immediate Cash Paid

Call George 917-775-3048 or 718-386-1104

TOP CASH PAID: ESTATE CONTENTS ALL OBJECTS OF ART JEWELRY, ETC.

Please call 718-598-3045 or 516-270-2128

www.antiqueassets.com

TAG SALE

INVITED ESTATE SALES BY TRACY JORDAN

Thursday, April 13, 2023 9:30 a.m.

37 Boylston Road

Garden City, NY 11530

Public sale selling furniture, art supplies, clothing, sectional, toys, kitchen, decorative, linens, garage items and more...

Visit www.invitedsales.com for pictures & details!!

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

APARTMENT FOR RENT

GARDEN CITY BORDER APARTMENT. NO BROKER

FEE.

Huge, bright 1BR, 1 bath apt. $1,785 + electric. Gated parking. Laundry room, air conditioning, hardwood floors. Near LIRR. www.gcbapts.com

Voice or text:

516-524-6965

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

ROOM FOR RENT

ROOM FOR RENT IN MINEOLA

Includes Refrigerator, cable tv, microwave, a/c. No smoking. Private entrance. Street parking. $725/month. One month security.

Call 516-747-3463 or 516-554-4835

OFFICE SPACE

GARDEN CITY PROFESSIONAL OFFICE

SPACE FOR SUBLET IN LAW FIRM SUITE

1305 Franklin Ave, Third Floor Suite

3 to 4 windowed offices and 2 to 3 Admin Asst. workstations available.

Shared reception area and kitchenette, use of conference rooms and copier included. Walk to LIRR Mineola station, courts, government buildings and GC downtown. Ideal for attorneys, accountants, insurance agents.

Available May 1st

Contact Michael Sparacino: michael.sparacino@brosnanlaw.com

VACATION RENTAL

SOUTH JAMESPORT

Newly renovated Ranch on quiet street. 3 BR, 2 Baths on Peconic Bay. WiFi, Central Air, all amenities. Single family, no pets, no smoking

$3,500/week.

Call 516-456-8808

SERVICES

JACK’S CUSTOM FRAMING

We can frame anything!

Quality Care & Workmanship

Thousands of frames to choose from!!

Over 30 years in business!

92 Covert Ave, Stewart Manor 516-775-9495

ATTORNEY

STEPHANIE A. D’ANGELO, ESQ.

Elder Law, Wills & Trusts

Asset Preservation, Estate Planning, Probate & Estate Administration/Litigation

901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530 516-222-1122

www.dangelolawassociates. com

SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

AQUATEC LAWN SPRINKLERS

SPRING TURN ONS

Backflow Device Tests

Free Estimates

Installation

Service/Repairs

Joe Barbato 516-775-1199

CHIMNEY KING ENT. INC.

FREE ESTIMATES

Stainless steel liners

cleaning & repair specialists. Masonry specialist.

FULLY licensed & insured. NYC NASSAU SUFFOLK

516-766-1666 or 631-225-2600

Since 1982

chimneykinginc.com

HANDYMAN

Careful & Reliable

Serving GARDEN CITY and surrounding area since 2003

Repairs & Installations of all types

Carpentry, Moldings, Lighting and More

35-yr Nassau Resident References

Lic#170101

Phone/Text Friendly Frank: 516-238-2112

Email: Frankcav@optonline. net

MADE IN THE SHADE CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS

Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Draperies

Top Brands at Discount Prices! Family owned & operated www.madeintheshadensli.com 516-426-2890

MASONRY

All types of stonework Pavers, Retaining Walls, Belgium Block Patios, Foundations, Seal coating, Concrete and Asphalt driveways, Sidewalks, Steps.

Free Estimates

Fully Licensed & Insured

#H2219010000

Boceski Masonry Louie 516-850-4886

PAULIE THE ROOFER STOPPING LEAKS IS MY SPECIALTY!

Slate & Tile Specialists

All types of Roofing

Local References

Licensed & Insured

516-621-3869

Money Matters

Practical and common-sense advice to help you:

• Negotiate lower bills (cell, cable, taxes, insurance, etc.)

• Earn more interest

• Understand investing and crypto concepts

• Save more for retirement

• Benefit from loyalty and reward programs

• Spend wisely i.e. get more for less

Call 516.684.9800 for a FREE 30-minute consultation. No obligation.

SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

ROOFS, GUTTERS, CARPENTRY, BATHROOMS, KITCHENS, NEW BASEMENT ENTRANCES, EXTENSIONS, MASONRY, FLOORS, WATERPROOFING, DRAINS, LEAKS, STOOPS, DECKS, DRIVEWAYS, DEMOLITION, RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

ARIS CONSTRUCTION

10% Discount w/ad. Call 516-406-1842

www.ArisLI.com

HEALTH SERVICES

FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC

Dr. Ann Marie D’Angelo

PMHCNS-BC

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Advanced Practice Nurse Care Manager

Assistance with Aging at Home /Care Coordintion

Nursing Home & Assisted Living Placement

PRI / Screens / Mini Mental Status Exams

Medicaid Eligibility and Apllications

516-248-9323

www.familycareconnections.com

901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530

SERVICES

PAINTING & PAPERHANGING

MICHELANGELO

PAINTING & WALLPAPER

Interior, Exterior, Plaster / Spackle, Light Carpentry, Decorative Moldings & Power Washing. Call: 516-328-7499

SERVICES

LEAK REPAIRS

Plumbing Repairs

Bathrooms, Showers, Kitchens 24 HOUR SERVICE

Call 516-668-5624

MAGNUM SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC.

Serving Garden City for 40 years.

Let Magnum Upgrade Your Existing Security System.

Burglar & Fire Alarms

Cellular Radio 3G Upgrades

Remote Access

Call: 516-486-5484

PASSION FOR SENIORS

Certified HHA’s, Companions & Homemakers. 24 hour care available. Also Nassau Locations. Trained in Dementia and Alzheimer’s care. Call 718-850-3400

Unleavened bread is the foundation of Passover cooking Perfect Matzah Balls (Kneidlach)

Passover is a Jewish celebration and one of the religion’s most sacred and widely observed holidays. Passover commemorates the Biblical story of the Israelites’ escape from 400 years of slavery in Egypt. In 2023, Passover takes place April 5-15.

Pesach, as Passover is known in Hebrew, includes all kinds of ceremonial foods. The Passover seder plate showcases specific items that relate to both the suffering and emancipation of the Jewish people. Throughout Passover, the faithful abstain from any leavened bread products. According to Exodus 12:8: “They shall eat the flesh that night, roasted on the fire; with unleavened bread and bitter herbs they shall eat.” Jews also are to remove all leaven (hametz) from their homes and eat unleavened bread for an

additional seven days. Apart from being commanded by God, it is believed unleavened bread became traditional Passover food because the Jewish people departed Egypt in haste without time to let bread rise. Furthermore, some say God also associated leavened bread with sin.

If there is one ingredient Passover celebrants may find challenging to work with during the holiday, it could be unleavened bread. Typically matzoh/ matzah is substituted for other yeasted breads this time of year. One place matzoh really shines, though, is in matzoh balls for use in soups or side dishes. A dumpling of sorts, matzoh balls are tasty and filling, and ideal for meals throughout Passover. Try this recipe for “Perfect Matzah Balls (Kneidlach)” courtesy of Chabad.org’s Kosher Cooking.

Yields 4 balls per each 1⁄4 cup of matzah meal (Meat, Pareve)

2 eggs, slightly beaten

2 tablespoons oil or chicken fat

2 tablespoons soup stock or water

1⁄2 cup matzah meal

1 teaspoon salt

1 quart of salted water or chicken soup, for cooking

1. Beat eggs slightly with fork. Add other ingredients, except matzah meal, and mix.

2. Add matzah meal gradually until thick. Stir.

3. Refrigerate for 20 minutes in covered bowl.

4. Wet hands and form into balls.

5. Drop into bubbling chicken soup or into a large wide pot into which 1 quart of water seasoned with 1 tablespoon salt has been added and has come to a boil. Cook for 30 minutes.

WPOA seeks Student Ambassadors

Attention high school students who will be juniors or seniors for the 2023 to 2024 school year!

The Western Property Owners Association (WPOA) is offering the opportunity for high school students to serve as “Student Ambassadors” to the WPOA. The WPOA is a civic organization, whose purpose is to advocate for the interests of residents in the Western Section of Garden City. The Student Ambassador Program is designed to introduce high school students to Village Government through attendance at Village meetings, participation in WPOA meetings, and the development and coordination of a community service

project.

Qualifications for candidates include the following:

• Be a resident of Garden City whose parent(s) or guardian(s) are members of a POA;

• Preferred, but not required, resident of the Western section of Garden City;

• Be available for Village meetings and WPOA meetings and special events, such as the West’s annual Tree Lighting;

• Have an interest in learning about and participating in local government.

Student Ambassador responsibilities are as follows:

• Attend WPOA meetings (a schedule will be provided);

• Attend one or two monthly Village government meetings (Village Trustees, Traffic, Environmental/Zoning, Recreation, etc.), School Board or Library Board meetings, and report back to the WPOA on issues discussed. Dates and agendas for Village government meetings can be found on the Village website at http://www.gardencityny.net/

• Completion of the Ambassador’s agreed service project;

• Delivery of a report to the WPOA at the end of the Ambassador’s term outlining his/her accomplishments and

thoughts on ways to further improve the program.

Interested students may download the application from the WPOA website at https://www.gcwpoa.com and mail the completed form to WPOA, P.O. Box 7976, Garden City, NY 11530 or email it to WPOA Schools Director Anna Surrett at anna. mistretta@gmail.com. Following submission of an application, representatives of the WPOA will contact applicants before the selection of Ambassadors is made.

The deadline for Student Ambassador applications is Friday, April 21, so that our Ambassadors can begin their volunteer service this spring.

PROFESSIONAL GUIDE Call 294.8900

D’Angelo Law Associates, PC

• Advertising from local businesses and professionals.

• DELIVERY RIGHT TO YOUR HOME EVERY WEEK.

We’re sure you’ll find the paper a valuable resource for you and your family. Call today or go online to subscribe for convenient home or office delivery: 516-294-8900 |

Board adopts zero tax increase budget

SUBMITTED BY THE VILLAGE OF GARDEN CITY

The Garden City Board of Trustees adopted a $69.194 million Operating Budget and $16.9 million Capital Plan following a budget hearing held on Monday, April 3.

Village Treasurer Irene Woo and her team worked closely with Department Heads and Village Administrator Ralph Suozzi to formulate the annual budget. Their work culminates with budget work sessions held in March and the annual budget hearing held each year during the annual Organizational Meeting. “I’d like to thank all who devoted so many hours to produce this very important budget document for the Village,” Ms. Woo said. After making adjustments, the Board, which now includes three newcomers who were sworn in that same evening, unanimously adopted the spending plan.

2023-24 expense appropriations increased 5.8 percent year over year, totaling $69.194 million, which will be funded via three sources - surplus in the amount of $4.050 million (2.990m in current year surplus and $1.060m from existing reserves), estimated revenues of $11.890 million and a tax levy of $53.274 million. This results in a tax levy increase of zero percent year over year, once again. The increase allowed per the Tax Levy Limit Law is 3.55 percent for the Village this year.

According to Village Treasurer Irene Woo, in the last nine years, the actual property tax levy increase has been less than the amount allowed per the Tax Levy Limit Law. Major components of the 2023-24 expense budget include salaries, benefits and taxes, which represent $40.8m, consulting and contractual services ($5.8m), contributions to capital projects ($4.2m), contributions to the Library ($3.6m), general liability insurance ($1.9m) and debt service ($3.9m).

Village revenues increased by approximately 14 percent, year over year, mostly due to an expected increase Building Department fees, sidewalk reimbursements, parking ticket revenues and interest and earnings. Building Department fees and federal, state and local aid total $4.1 million while other real property tax items total approximately $1.3 million.

The Department of Public Works expenses are increasing 5 percent from the adopted budget primarily due to increases in salary-related costs resulting from scheduled salary increases, and the expectation of filling open positions. The Department includes 79 full-time positions; salary-related expenses account for 57 percent of the Department’s budget. Revenues are also increasing; 10 percent from the adopted budget primarily due to anticipated increases in services, which is entirely sidewalk reimbursements ($195,000) in the 2023-24 budget. (The 2022-23 adopt-

ed budget included reimbursements for the Business District paving project, which was deferred.)

The Building Department budget is increasing 9 percent from the adopted budget primarily due to a new position, Building Maintenance Supervisor. The budget is increasing 33 percent from Forecast mainly as a result of three open positions: Assistant Superintendent of Building, Code Enforcement Inspector, and Building Plan Examiner, as well as the addition of the new position, Building Maintenance Supervisor. There are 10 full-time positions in the budget; salary costs account for 82 percent of the overall budget. Revenues are increasing 16 percent from the adopted budget due to anticipated application volume increases. In March alone, the Department collected just over $500,000 in revenue from permit fees.

The Fire Department budget reflects decreases from the adopted budget mostly due to a reduction of one Firefighter, who retired in November 2022. Benefits and taxes are estimated to be $1.2m (includes costs for retirees).

Library expenses are increasing 4 percent due to a rise in utilities, IT support contracts, security, and salary- and benefit-related expenses. The 2023-24 Library budget includes 16 fulltime and 28 part-time employees that average 11-12 hours weekly. Revenues are increasing from the adopted budget primarily due to an increase in the Village contribution from the General Fund as a result of lack of surplus in the Library Fund. The surpluses from the prior two years are due to COVID (four retirements, slow labor market for hiring part-time, fewer programs, lower use of supplies, and delayed expenditures for renovation). With positions filled, and programs scheduled, and renovation soon completed, the Library will require a catch up contribution this year. Fines and fees are lower than the adopted budget due to waiving fines during the renovation period.

The Police Department budget reflects a 14 percent increase from the adopted budget due to salary-related expenses resulting from the addition of three new Police Officers and PBA salary increases. Salary-related expenses account for 95 percent of the overall Department budget. Police Department and Village Court revenues are increasing 11 percent from the prior year adopted budget due to an increase in parking revenues that are getting to normalized levels post-COVID.

The Recreation and Parks Department budget is increasing 11 percent mainly as a result of an increase in salary-related costs due to an addition of four new positions (three Laborers and a Horticulturist). Salary-related costs account for 66 percent of the Department’s overall budget. Revenues

are decreasing by approximately 11 percent mainly due to anticipated lower field rentals. The St. Paul’s fields will be taken out of service this year for improvements.

Capital Projects

2023-24 capital projects total $16.9m, of which $12.7m would be bonded and the remaining $4.2m would be paid for through taxes. There are 58 current projects in various stages of completion, some that will extend into the 2023-24 Fiscal Year. The 2023-24 projects worth noting are the fire training site at the Municipal Yard; road and paving repairs; Meadow Street drainage; sewer repairs; and the purchase of vehicles and equipment in various departments.

DPW capital projects proposed for 2023-24 include the Meadow Street drainage project ($1.5m), sewer repairs ($870,000) and road and paving repairs ($5.9m), including roads remaining from the 2022-23 program like Roxbury Road, Popular Street, Salisbury Avenue and Roosevelt Street.

The Fire Department has allocated $3.974m for capital projects, including a fire training site at the Municipal Yard. The total cost estimated for the site is $5.4m, however, $1.5m of concrete paving is already included in the capital plan of a prior year project to pave the Village Dump area. The Board will continue discussing the details of this project before voting to move forward. The remaining $85,000 has been earmarked for apparatus and equipment purchases.

Library capital project funding totals $165,000, including $75,000 for technology-related purchases like a cloud-server, tablets and a charging station for patrons. The Library will also use $90,000 to update the Meeting Rooms, reallocate space in the Computer and AV Room for smaller Computer/Tech lab and Conference Rooms; and update

the Teen Room.

Enterprise Funds

The Pool Enterprise Fund will see a 2 percent increase from the adopted budget mainly due to an increase in parttime help. Revenues are increasing by 7 percent due to a raise in membership fees. As in prior years, the 2023-24 budget includes an $800,000 transfer from the General Fund to cover Debt Service and prior year losses. The transfer is intended to reduce the accumulated negative net position as directed by the Finance and Audit Committee. This is part of a long-term plan to address the questions raised by both Moody’s and the State Comptroller’s Office.

The Water Enterprise Fund will see a 17 percent increase from the adopted budget due to increases in BAN interest and depreciation as a result of the completion of the water tank and well treatment projects. Revenues are increasing 4 percent from the adopted budget mostly due to an increase in the premium offered from the issuance of BANs, and an increase in interest and earnings from higher interest rates. This budget does not include a water rate increase in the 2023-24 Fiscal Year. Capital projects include $4.2m earmarked for water main improvements and paving of the roads, and another $695,000 for equipment and $21,000 for chemical pumps.

The Tennis Enterprise Fund Expense Budget reflects a 7 percent increase from the adopted budget due to depreciation of the Tennis Structure project while revenues reflect a 3 percent decrease from the adopted budget primarily due to anticipated decreases in court sales and programs, partially offset by increases in seasonal court subscription sales. For the 2023-24 Fiscal Year, $1.45m in capital project funding will replace the outer vinyl covering and the LED lighting inside the Tennis Center.

MTA replaces Cherry Valley Avenue bridge

From page 3

the final weekend of work, taking place Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2, a new rail bridge was installed with a clearance of 14 feet 5 inches.

Raising the height of the bridge is intended to reduce strikes by overheight trucks, which pose a safety risk for drivers and delay train service. Following any incident, trains operate with slow speed orders while LIRR bridge inspectors travel to the bridge to ensure it is safe to operate at full speed.

“The newly raised Cherry Valley Avenue Bridge will make commuting safer and more reliable for Long Islanders,” said State Senator Kevin Thomas. “I applaud the MTA for working to renovate the outdated infrastructure in a timely manner and working with the Village of Garden City and residents to ensure the upgrades successfully address long-term safety risks at the railroad crossing for drivers and LIRR riders alike.”

GC School Board reviews writing, foreign language, gifted programs

From page 1

room for improvement? In grades 1-2, structural transitions and developmental elaboration. In grades 3-5, structural transitions and conventional spelling and punctuation. In grades 6-8, structural lead ending and conventional punctuation.

“Are we in line with previous years?” asked Joseph Sileo, Board President. “Are we behind, ahead or tracking? How do you facilitate improvements from here?” The District does not have enough data from years prior to draw a conclusion here, but in terms of how to implement changes, that relies on professional development. PD will be rooted in four areas: writing process, scope and sequence K-8, instructional strategies/resources and assessments.

“Please know, tons of resources will be provided.” Dr. Kusum Sinha, superintendent of schools added. “Both educators and parents will have access to these resources, like checklists and mentor texts.”

“When’s the rollout?” asked Trustee O’Donohue. Kaufmann says full implementation will take place in September, but the District will get these resources into teachers’ hands and walk through everything with them before summer.

“Is this data three months old?” asked Trustee Arthur Gnecco. The District confirmed. “Tell us if you need any additional resources to move the process along quicker. That’s what we’re here for.”

Vice President Tom Pinou asked, “Curious, is there a connection

between reading and writing strength?” Kaufman said the use of mentor text, or looking at what authors are doing and letting the students try it out in their own writing, is one of the most effective practices they use. “The more exposure, the more willing they are to try.”

“If parent’s know of something successful for their child, can they bring it to the classroom to see if it’s something that could support the District’s current efforts?” he added. He was told that parents are welcome to be involved.

Other educators talked about how technology has helped peak interest in writing among students. It has created opportunities for kids to take on supplemental writing through new mediums, like on their Chromebooks, and programs, like Canva, that add layers of creativity to the learning process.

“Have you heard from educators of incoming freshmen, about their general strengths and weaknesses?” asked Sileo. Teachers’ main piece of feedback relates to stamina, which matches the data. Kaufamann said, “Our students need to be writing more, for longer periods of time, across subjects. We’ll be collaborating more to create consistency and structure, to be applied to all buildings and subjects. All teachers are teachers of literacy.”

One parent stressed the need for proper professional development. “I’m excited about this. One concern, you’re only as strong as the weakest link. Until every teacher is trained based on the experience these 25 administrators here tonight have, we can’t really consider that the process has even been started.

It has to be in every classroom and I have to see the results in my child’s work. But these presentations are, of course, lovely. ”

The Board also discussed the FLES foreign language program. So far this year, program leads have been focused on grades 4-5 curriculum development, the gradual implementation of the revised NYS Learning Standard for World Languages, purposeful integration of computer science and digital fluency standards, team meetings, FLES and GCMS Foreign Language Department vertical articulation meetings and family FLES nights.

Looking ahead, the District will continue to strengthen its understanding of the new World Language Standards and their impact on FLES, solidify articulation between the FLES and GCMS Foreign Language Department, identify additional opportunities for extra family engagement, build a bank of resources to support instruction in each unit and explore opportunities to implement the program in grades 2-3.

One parent asked, “what can we do to implement FLES earlier in students’ educational career?” Sinha and other administrators confirmed discussions about this are in the works.

When it comes to the Quest program, parents and students participating in the program have been surveyed, with results under review and the implementation of suggestions set to begin soon. Right now, priority next steps include the creation of a Mission and Vision and Scope and Sequence for the Quest Program. They’re also seeking

guidance from experts and other practitioners in the field of gifted education when developing the curriculum and incorporating best practices, considering multiple measures for entry into the Quest program and exploring 3rd grade enrichment for all.

Looking ahead, there will be a revision of the program curriculum so that it aligns with the District goals and includes the National Association for Gifted Education standards and benchmarks. Other priorities include bridging the elementary and Middle School programs and enhancing all teachers’ practices through on-going professional learning in gifted education.

Several parents spoke up about how much the program means to their children. One parent, for example, said, “My child skipped kindergarten. She came home from school one day in tears asking ‘when learning is going to start.’ Quest has become the most important thing in her life, and for context we also got a puppy this year. Quest actually outweighed a puppy. That’s big. Her feedback, however, is that she’d like to see it become more inclusive. Right now, there is a heavy emphasis on CogAT and NWEA scores, but she’d like to see friends have the opportunity to participate. Please consider alternate metrics for inclusion.”

The next Garden City Board of Education regular session will take place on Tuesday, April 18 beginning at 8:15 p.m. at the Garden City High School. It will focus on the upcoming budget vote and Board trustee election.

The Cherry Valley Avenue railroad bridge was replaced with a higher structure to reduce the number of truck strikes.

From page

- Committee - Includes Village Press Releases and StatementsMary Carter Flanagan (C), Michael J. Sullivan, Edward T. Finneran

Updated Road Paving List

The Village is trying to maintain a 20-year paving program in which all Village roads will have been paved within 20 years. It is important to note that this schedule is budget driven.

For each street within the Village, there are many variables that determine which roads are completed and chosen over other roads, according to Public Works Superintendent John Borroni. “It is not strictly a timing decision. Put simply, it is a function of the condition of the existing road, traffic loading, and how the road was originally constructed,” he said.

For each street on this updated road paving list, if the Village budget is approved, the time frame is within this

year and any remainder roads will be completed in the Spring of the following calendar year (all within the same fiscal year). The below list includes a few roads from the 2022-23 Fiscal Year and new roads for the 2023-24 paving program:

East Section

• Poplar Street (Washington Avenue to Clinton Road)

• Meadow Street (Main Avenue to Grove Street)

• Grove Street (Meadow Street to Brook Street)

• Lindbergh Street (Meadow Street to Village Line)

• Commander Avenue (Meadow Street to Village Line)

• Stewart Avenue (Franklin Avenue to Clinton Road)

Central Section

• Street off of Rockaway Avenue (Rockaway Avenue to Dead End) Estates Section

• Main Avenue/Merillon Avenue (Nassau Boulevard to Meadbrook Road)

• Roxbury Road (North Avenue to

Main Avenue)

• North Avenue (Dead End to Euston Road)

• Oxford Boulevard (North Avenue to Merillon Avenue)

• Wellington Road (North Avenue to Merillon Avenue)

West Section

• Salisbury Avenue (New Hyde Park Road to Village Line)

• Roosevelt Street (Amherst Street to Plaza Road)

Happening this week in Garden City

Here are some events and meetings taking place this week in Garden City:

Saturday, April 8 at 10:00 a.m. St. Paul’s Fields - Recreation and Parks Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday, April 9, 1-3 p.m. Franklin Avenue and Seventh Street - 68th Easter Day Vintage Car Parade

THE OFFICE CAT

From page 23

On April 1st a Franklin Avenue restaurant reported that stolen credit card information was used over the phone to pay for a large food delivery.

Sparking power lines

Officers responded to Prospect Avenue for sparking power lines and assisted Firefighters in rendering the area safe.

Excessive speed

On April 1st a Clinton Road motorist was charged with driving with a suspended registration and excessive speed.

Suspended license

A Hilton Avenue motorist was charged with driving with a suspended license and a suspended registration on April 1st.

Police officer hit by car

On April 2nd a Garden City Police officer was conducting a traffic stop on Meadow Street in his patrol vehicle when he was struck by another vehicle. The officer and two occupants in the other auto were injured and transported to a local hospital for treatment. The driver of the other auto was charged with driving with a suspended registration and uninsured auto.

Traffic light malfunction

Garden City Police responded to a traffic light malfunction on New Hyde Park Road and Fairmount Boulevard on April 2nd.

Unlicensed operation

On April 2nd a Clinton Road motorist was charged with unlicensed operation and excessive speed.

Radio check

The Garden City Police Department participated in the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Countywide Radio Interoperability Drill on April 2nd.

License plates stolen

Two license plates were reported stolen from a vehicle parked in an Old Country Road parking field on April 3rd.

Excessive speed

A Clinton Road motorist was charged with unlicensed operation and excessive speed on April 3rd.

School zone speeding

A Rockaway Avenue motorist was charged with unlicensed operation and excessive speed in a school zone on April 3rd.

Unlicensed operation

An Edgemere Road motorist was charged with unlicensed operation and passing a stop sign on April 3rd.

DWI for truck driver

On April 3rd a truck driver on Edgemere Road was arrested for driving

Monday, April 10, 1:30 p.m. Monday Movie Matinée The Verdict Garden City Public Library

Tuesday, April 11, 12-2 p.m. Learn how to use Library services Libby, Hoopla and Flipster at the Garden City Public Library. Register

Tuesday, April 11, 2:30 p.m. Senior Center Chair Dancing with Felicia in St. Paul’s Cottage #110

Tuesday - Friday April 11-14

Revised Pickleball hours (Tuesday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to Noon; Thursdays 3 to 5:30 p.m.; and Fridays 5 to 8:30 p.m.).

Wednesday, April 12 3:00 p.m. Senior Center Chess Club in the St. Paul’s North Cottage

Thursday, April 13 3:15 p.m. Senior Center Zumba Gold with Andrea in Cluett Hall

with a DWI-related suspended license, driving without a court-ordered interlock system, and driving in a no-commercial-vehicle zone.

Suspended license

A 7th Street motorist was charged with driving with a suspended license and a suspended registration on April 3rd.

Unauthorized withdrawals

Unauthorized withdrawals were reportedly made against a company’s bank account.

Fire alarm

On April 3rd Garden City Firefighters and Police responded to a Garden City Plaza for a fire alarm and determined the cause to be ongoing construction. On the same day, the GCFD and GCPD responded to a residence for a fire alarm and determined the cause to be burnt food.

Recreation and Parks

Annual Egg Hunt is Back

Garden City’s Department of Recreation and Parks is once again sponsoring the annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 8, on St. Paul’s fields. This year three hunts will be held beginning at 10:00 a.m. with three age divisions:

• Preschool to Kindergarten

• Grades 1 and 2

• Grades 3 to 5

Special eggs will be stuffed and hidden for all divisions. Each hunt will also feature a grand prize (an Easter basket filled with goodies) which will go to the youngster who finds the egg marked “#1 Lucky Egg”.

For further information about the Hunt, please call the Recreation Dept. at 465-4075.

Evening Adult Yoga Class Now Forming

Recreation and Parks is offering a new program for adults that want to learn the basics of yoga. This six week session will be taught by Kim Mercadante, ERYT, who has previously held classes at the Garden City Library to rave reviews! Kim will teach the basics elements of yoga while putting the class through moves to relax and stimulate our bodies and brains.

These classes will be held at St. Paul’s Campus on Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the following dates: April 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31. The cost of this session will be $60. This session is open to Garden City residents ages 18 or older.

Space is limited so prior registration is necessary. To register, please visit the Recreation and Parks Office at 108 Rockaway Avenue or, if you have a password you can register online at www.reconline.gardencityny.net.

Lacrosse Clinic Sponsored by NY Riptide and GC Rec!

Join us this spring for a 6-week Lacrosse Clinic sponsored by the New York Riptide and Pioneer Sports in partnership with Garden City Recreation and Parks. This special program introduces girls and boys, kindergarten through 5th grade, to the game of lacrosse in a non-competitive, instructional clinic.

This clinic will be held on Wednesdays on St. Paul’s Fields from April 5 through May 17 according to the following schedule:

• Grades K-2: 5:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

• Grades 3-5: 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.

The cost of this program will be $175, which includes the clinic, 2 tickets to the Riptide home opener at the Nassau Coliseum and a Riptide swag bag. Space is limited. Register online for this program at https://GFSports.formstack. com/forms/gcclinic.

GARDEN CITY RECREATION AND PARK NEWS

No registrations will be taken at the Recreation Office.

Please Note: Players must bring their own stick.

Imagine Arts Academy After School Program

Recreation and Parks has joined with Mad Science to offer the following after school program in art in the cottages at St. Paul’s. This program is open to Garden City residents in grades K to 5.

Crayola® Wild World! is a program where the wonder and beauty of the animal kingdom will inspire the participants creativity through the world of art. They will experiment with different techniques and use Crayola® art materials to express their ideas. They design a unique, artist inspired creation in each class.

This six-week class will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. on Mondays beginning Monday, March 27. The fee for this six week program will be $170, checks only made payable to LI Steam Group. To register, please visit the Recreation and Parks Office at 108 Rockaway Avenue.

Recreation Spring Children’s Tennis Lessons Announced

Garden City’s Department of Recreation and Parks is pleased to announce the start of registration, beginning on Monday, March 20, for its spring children’s tennis program! Our Spring Tennis classes are offered to Garden City residents ages 4 through 15 years old at the Community Park Tennis Facility.

To register: You may walk in to the Recreation Office (108 Rockaway Ave), mail in your registration form or if you have a password you can register online on our website at www. gcreconline.gardencityny.net.

Adult Tennis Lesson Registration Begins

Registration for the Spring Adult tennis lessons is underway. Lessons in all ability levels are offered, so in order to create sessions geared to the tennis levels of those participating, we are asking any adult interested in the adult lessons to fill out the interest form and return it to the Recreation Department office, by April 3rd. The office is located at 108 Rockaway Avenue.

For further information or to obtain an interest form please visit our web site at gardencityrecreation.org.

Get a Jump on the Summer

US Sports and Garden City Recreation have again joined up to run our very popular summer sports programs at Community Park and St. Paul’s. Weekly summer programs include soccer, multisport, flag foot ball, field hockey, lacrosse, and golf.

They also offer Parent and Me classes as well as 3 to 5-year-old Squirt programs!

These programs are open to Village residents ages 2 to 11 years. To see what is offered and to register, please visit US Sports website at www.usasportgroup.com and look for Garden City.

GC Recreation & Parks Presents Mad Science Summer Camp

Mad Science of Long Island is a company who provides a wonderful learning experience in a camp setting. Residents of the Village of Garden City entering grades 1–5 are encouraged to attend. The topics and details for each camp are listed below.

For any Science Camp, all checks should be made payable to LI Steam Group. To register, please visit the Recreation and Parks office at 108 Rockaway Avenue.

FOR ALL WEEKS:

Where: St. Paul’s Center

Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m

Fee: $350, checks only made payable to LI Steam Group

Weekly topics are:

July 10–14

Topic: Flight Academy for Entering Grades 1–5

Birds, kites, planes and rockets—if it flies we will explore it in this camp! All week long campers will build various flying machines, explore space, and learn about Newton’s laws of motion in the fun camp!

July 17–21

Topic: Brixology for Entering Grades 2–5

Using Lego bricks, kids build a different engineering themed project in each class! They explore different engineering fields while using critical thinking and creative problem solving to improve their creations!

July 24–28

Topic: Ready to ROBOT for Entering Grades 2–5 ($25 additional fee during the first day of class)

Children will learn the uses of robots in our world and spend time experimenting with them in this fun session! Participants will build their own working robot to take home with them at the end of the camp.

July 31–August 4 - 5

for Entering grades 1–5

Science and engineering go hand in hand as we explore what machines and nature have in common. Campers will build various structures as they learn the FUN-damental forces that affect motion.

August 7–11

Topic: BOTS Lab ($30 additional fee during the first day of class)

Explore the world of robotics in the hands on class! Campers take home awesome daily science projects and will complete a robot that they will take home at the end of the camp!

August 21–25

Topic: Crazy Chemworks for Entering Grades 2–5

Participants will learn real lab techniques and safety procedures while using these throughout the week making crazy concoctions and chemical combinations. Glow in the dark, potions, slime and other projects with be introduced.

Imagine Arts Academy Summer Camp for Entering Grades 1 - 5

Recreation and Parks will offer the following summer art camps for Garden City residents entering grades 1 – 5 in the cottages at St. Paul’s. Each session is one week long and runs from 9 am to noon. The subjects of each camp and the dates are as follows:

Crayola® Artist’s Passport(June 26 - 30) - Embark on an “around the world” cultural adventure! Explore far off places and learn about the people who live here while experimenting with Crayola® products! We will “travel” from the Americas to Polynesia while trying art techniques developed by local artisans. Each day we will make a unique creation while learning about the different cultures.

Crayola® Artblazers (August 14 - 18) – Participants discover inspiring masterpieces and artists who have changed the world of art. They will experiment with different techniques and use Crayola® art materials to express their ideas. They design a unique, artist inspired creation in each class.

The fee for each week will be $ 350, checks only made payable to LI Steam Group. To register, please visit the Recreation and Parks Office at 108 Rockaway Avenue.

GCHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse team gears up for another strong season

The Garden City Boys Varsity Lacrosse team is gearing up for another strong season after winning its 8th NY State Title. The team enters the season ranked #15 in the nation and #6 in Northeast Region by USA Lacrosse.

With over 20 returning seniors and players spanning over five graduation years, the team is stacked with talent and experience. The schedule is challenging, with matches against four state title winners and three semi-finalists from last year. To add to the difficulty, the team will travel to Dallas over Easter break to face Highland Park and The Woodlands, both perennial contenders in Texas.

One of the most highly anticipated matches is against Manhasset on April 29, a rematch of last year’s thrilling overtime win in front of 3,000 fans.

The team’s captains for this season are Jack Archer, Stevie Finnell, Tristan Mullahey, and Cole Webber. With such talent on the field, Garden

City is sure to be a team to watch this season. Fans and supporters of the team are excited to see how it will fare against tough competition and if it can add another championship title to their impressive legacy.

The team boasts a roster full of talented players in every position, and they are ready to compete and represent GC at the highest level.

Starting with the attack position are Andrew Ottomanelli, Kieran Heaney, Matt Heaney, Henry Gibbons, Kevin Roberti, Brandon Rosenblatt, Owen Parini, and James Paisley. These players have a knack for scoring goals and will look to lead the team’s offensive charge.

In the midfield, the team has a group of versatile players who can both score and defend. Stevie Finnell, Ryan Krieg, Owen Wuchte, Hayden Minuto, Blake Cascadden, Carson Kraus, Matt Suba, Thomas Walker, Jack Archer, Brian Berkery, Cooper Kraus, Aidan Considine, James

Ullrich, Tommy Esposito, Michael Berkery, Dan Medjid, and Bryan Boccafola are all expected to make significant contributions to the team’s success.

On defense, the team has a great mix of experience and youth with Tristan Mullahey, Charlie Meringolo, Sawyer Olson, Gabe Psilakis, Andrew Schlipf, Kevin Dealy, Mason Concetta, Cole Webber, Declan Wuchte, Mathew Mehling, Luke LeSueur, and Mathew Kephart. This group of skilled defenders will be tasked with shutting down opposing offenses and keeping the game close.

The team has four talented goalies in Mathew Cabana, Patrick Blum, Denis Fargione, and Rocco D’Amelio. These players are ready to make big saves and keep the ball out of the net.

At the faceoff position, Brayden Robertiello & RJ Votruba are expected to make an impact and help the team gain possession of the ball.

With a roster full of talented play -

ers in every position, the Garden City Boys Varsity Lacrosse team is poised for a successful season.

Game Recaps

Garden City vs Mount Sinai, March 24

Garden City Boys Lacrosse fell 9 to 8 in its opening game - a close battle with #7 ranked Mount Sinai. Despite goals from Ottomanelli, Gibbons, Paisley, and Archer, as well as a hat trick from Finnell, the returning NY State Champions were unable to secure a win in their first game of the season. The game demonstrated the high level of competition on the schedule and sets the stage for an exciting season to come.

Garden City vs Syosset, March 29

The Garden City Boys Lacrosse team bounced back from its opening game defeat to Mount Sinai with a hard-fought 11-8 victory over Syosset. The game was evenly matched in the first half, with the score 7-6 in

Sophomore Owen Wuchte.

Junior Denis Fargione.

Senior Stevie Finnel.

Junior Carson Kraus.

GCHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse team gears up for another strong season

favor of Syosset. However, in the second half, Garden City defense put on a clinic and set the tone for their offense to score 5 goals and secure the win. The offense was led by Stevie Finnell’s 4 goals and Jack Archer’s hat-trick to cement the victory. Additionally, Andrew Ottomanelli, Henry Gibbons, and Cole Webber all scored to contribute to the win. This is a great result for Garden City, which will be looking to continue their winning ways versus Ward Melville, #11 ranked on Long Island.

Garden City vs Ward Melville, April 1

The Garden City Boys Lacrosse team had a nail-biting game against #11 ranked Ward Melville that went into quadruple overtime. The Trojan defense was dominating early in the game, holding Ward Melville’s high-powered offense to just 1 goal in the first half. The Garden City offense led by Stevie Finnell kept adding goals, and it looked like it was on its way to another victory until Ward Melville scored three goals in the final two minutes to push the game into overtime. The pace of play

in the overtime periods was intense, matched only by the skill level of both teams. It wasn’t until the fourth overtime that Stevie Finnell was able to put it away for the Trojans, dodging past defenders and dumping a bounce shot into the corner for the 8 to 7 win. The crowd erupted as Garden City improved their record to 2-1 on the season. Notable play byDenis Fargione with 23 saves, Cole Webber at LSM and goals by Paisley, Archer and Ottomanelli.

Next up – Radnor, the 2022 Pennsylvania State Champs.

Garden City vs Radnor, PA, April 3

In a closely contested match, the Garden City Boys Varsity Lacrosse team managed to hold on to a narrow 7-6 victory over Radnor, PA. The Trojans dominated the first quarter, building up a comfortable 3-0 lead behind the offensive efforts of Stevie Finnell and James Paisley. The faceoff duo of RJ Votruba and Brayden Robertiello were also instrumental in Garden City’s success, consistently winning the ball and allowing the team to maintain possession.

Boy Scout Pancake Breakfast

Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin and Councilman Tom Muscarella attended the St. Joseph’s Parish Boy Scout Troop # 243 Pancake Breakfast on March 26 in Garden City.

Centennials Soccer seeks more coaches

The Garden City Centennial Soccer Club is accepting applications for coaches to lead its rising U9 teams that will try out this May/ June and start travel league play in September of 2023.

Birthdates for the children on these teams will fall between January

1, 2015 and December 31, 2015. Interested coaching candidates must be available to run practices in the summer, begin with tournaments in late August, attend practices/games two to three times a week during the fall and spring seasons, and be able to commit themselves

and their teams for holiday weekend tournaments during the year. A good candidate for this position will have knowledge of all aspects of soccer and must be able to share the love of the game with elementary school aged children. The commitment is great but the rewards are greater.

If you are interested, please request an application from the Centennials Travel Committee at gccentennialsoccer@gmail.com. Applications must be submitted by April 19.

GCHS Varsity Baseball team kicks off 2023 season

Let’s go Trojans!

Last year’s Garden City Varsity Baseball team finished in second place last season with a 14-4 record. This year’s team looks to improve on that and make a deep playoff run. Coach David Izzo, a former college baseball player, is returning for his 7th season as head coach for Garden City. He will be joined again by his assistant coach, Ray Chaputian, who played college baseball as well.

This year’s team will feature a strong mix of talent across multiple grade levels. Seniors Matthew Guida (All-League) and Matthew TusianiEng (Utica commit) will serve as Co-Captains and bring veteran leadership to the team. Other returning seniors include Kyle Ippolito, Derek Santeramo (SUNY Maritime commit), and Aidan Walsh.

The junior class has a strong and deep presence on the roster. Junior Gabe Beschloss (East Carolina University commit) will return. As a freshman, he played a big role as the closer in many key games, when GC won the

Class II Long Island Championship. Jack Fanning (All-County), has been the varsity starting shortstop since he was a freshman. Fanning is a constant threat at the plate, and a strong glove in the field. Other impact juniors, Matt Liberopolous (All-League), Braden Soutar (All-Conference), Brady Karol and Josh Cohen, will build on their strong sophomore varsity seasons. New juniors to the Varsity team include, Paul Glosman, Xander Palmer, Stamati Makrinus, Tyler Gorman, Michael Larocca, Sean Leanardo, Danny Psaki, and Nicholas Remick. The sophomore class is solely represented by Evan Cabral. Cabral’s strong skillsets set him up to be an impact player in Garden City for many more years to come.

The opening week of the season saw the Garden City Varsity Baseball team take a 3 game sweep over Bellmore JFK. It was a great opening day on March 27 with a decisive victory over Bellmore JFK 13-1. Starter Gabe Beschloss got the win, as he threw 4 innings, giving

All County shortstop Jack Fanning.

Opening day. Matt Guida touching them all.

Opening day starter Gabe Beschloss.

Meeting on the mound.

Second game starter Evan Cabral.

Matthew Tusiani-Eng ready for action.

GCHS Varsity Baseball team kicks off 2023 season

“Maureen is an excellent realtor! She staged and sold my home very quickly. She is extremely knowledgeable, very responsive, super friendly and confident. I would highly recommend her and only use her going forward for any realty needs! Her negotiation skills are way above par. I was very indecisive and ready to quickly accept an offer — she was confident in her decisions and sold my house for more then I thought possible. I also love the way she came in and staged my house — it looked amazing!”

— Susan, Seller

Play ball!

up only two hits, and one run, while striking out 6 batters. Garden City had an offensive explosion with 10 hits on the day. Evan Cabral led the way, with a huge day at the plate, blasting a two-run homer, a three-run homer, and a bases loaded triple for 8 runs batted in. Other offensive standouts were Matthew Tusiani-Eng (3 hits, 3 runs scored), Jack Fanning (2 hits, 2 runs scored), Aidan Walsh (1 hit, 1 run), Matt Guida (1 hit), Matt Liberopolous (2 runs scored, 1 RBI). Kyle Ippolito pitched a scoreless final inning to close out the win.

On March 28, our boys took game 2 by a score of 6-4. Evan Cabral was the starting pitcher, throwing 3 innings and getting 4 strikeouts. Brady Karol took over in the fourth to throw a scoreless inning and earn the win. Multiple hits were recorded by Jack Fanning (2 hits, 1 RBI), Matt Liberopolous (2 hits, 1 RBI) and Matt Guida (2 hits, 2 runs scored, 1 RBI). One of Guida’s hits was a solo home run. Other offensive contributions has Matthew Tusiani-Eng (1 hit, 1 run) and Aidan Walsh (1 hit, 1

run, 1 RBI). Matt Liberopolous nailed down the save in the final inning.

The final game of the series took place on March 30, with a 15-5 win to complete the sweep. Matthew TusianiEng earned the win, throwing 4 innings, and striking out 5. Offensively, the team had 9 hits for another outburst.

Multiple hits were recorded by Matt Guida (3 hits, 1 RBI, 1 R), Matthew Tusiani-Eng (2 hits, 2 RBIs, 1R), Gabe Beschloss (2 hits, 2 RBIs, 2 Rs). Jack Fanning hit a 3 run homer, and Gabe Beschloss hit a solo shot. Other offensive standouts included Evan Cabral (1 hit, 1 RBI, 3Rs), Aidan Walsh, Braden Soutar and Matt Liberopolous all had an RBI each. Josh Cohen threw the final frame to close out the win.

Here’s looking forward to a great season. Our next non-league game is away, Saturday, April 8, in Seaford. The next league home game is April 10 at 10:30 vs. Sewanhaka, April 11, 2:00 p.m. at Sewanhaka, and April 13, 10:00 a.m. at home. Come on down and cheer them on!

Photos courtesy Ed Rotondo

Garden City Thunder Youth Football Registration

The 2022 Thunder 7s began their football careers’ last season and are looking forward to another successful season as Thunder 8s. Who is ready to work hard, make new friends and become this year’s Thunder 7s?

Registration for the 2023 Garden City Thunder season is now open. Please visit GCThunder.com for online registration. Due to supply chain issues, there will be an early equipment night on April 18 at 6 p.m. If you are interested in playing Thunder Football this year, please join them in Room 110 at the St. Paul’s Cottages. Please take advantage of this equipment fitting so that you can make sure that your son has a helmet for the season.

in partnership with

Thunder Football is open to boys ages 7–11 (next year’s 2nd through 6th grade) who live in Garden City and want to compete against other towns in Nassau County. The teams are coached by volunteers who teach the boys the fundamentals of football, sportsmanship and how to be good teammates. Registration ends May 31.

is pleased to offer custom plaques of any article appearing in this paper since 2014.

That’s Great News, Inc., located in Wallingford, Connecticut, specializes in designing and manufacturing customized wall plaques for people and companies that have been featured in newspaper and magazine articles.

The high quality wall plaques are custom made in a variety of styles in wood, acrylic and metal, starting at $159 and can be personalized. Free previews are available.

100% Money Back Guarantee – 30 day unconditional full refund guarantee. That’s Great News LLC will even take care of return shipping, no questions asked!

Approximate Size: 12x18

To see what’s available go to www.thatsgreatnews.com

(For assistance locating older articles please email editor@gcnews.com )

Garden City and Wyndham Resale Office

Mary Krener Fortune Heaney Peter Kerantzas Lisa Heaney

Stephen Ripp

Cecile Raoult Lynn Puccio

Cheryl Trimboli Scott Wallace

Julia Mastromauro Rosado

Arthur Anderson Jessica Brantuk

Ann Collins

Claudia Galvin

Rene Blair Alyson Bremer Christine Cudahy Manager

Patricia Costello Gregory Abruzzo

Matthew Minardi

Kathy Lucchesi Linda Mulrooney

Susan MacDonald

Patricia Dickson Brigid Marmorowski

Eileen O’Hara Diane Piscopo

Daureen Hausser

Krug

Geannie Murray

Kathleen McCarthy

Happy Easter

Warm Easter wishes to you, your family and friends from all of us at Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty