The Town of Oyster Bay’s Department of Community and Youth Services will be offering free musical performances during the month of February 2020 at local libraries throughout the Town to continue the 2019-2020 Distinguished Artists Concert Series, which will continue to run monthly through May 2020.
Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh stated, “The Town is proud to offer these
free musical performances, which are held monthly throughout the year. I invite residents to take advantage of these entertainment opportunities as they truly represent a diverse selection. These concerts are presented without charge, there is no better bargain in town!”
Upcoming performances for February 2020 include:
• Broken Reed Sax Quartet – Works for Sax-
ophone Quartet Based on Doo-Wop Selections Redone in a Creative Jazz Idiom on Sunday, February 2, 2020 at 2 p.m. in the Locust Valley Public Library.
• Simply Diamond – A Tribute to the Music of Neil Diamond on Sunday, February 9, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at the Locust Valley Public Library.
• Boston Burglars – A
See page 8
BY RIKKI MASSAND
The coronavirus outbreak making international news headlines, believed to have originated in Wuhan, capital city of China’s Hubei province, has produced a ripple effect reaching Long Island’s North Shore communities and the New York metropolitan region.
The annual Lunar New Year Celebration at Syosset High School that was planned for Saturday, February 8, 2020 has been cancelled due to the outbreak and potential spread of the virus. All purchased tickets for the annual celebration in Syosset have been fully refunded.
The Lunar New Year celebration each year takes place with collaborations and support from Syosset Central School district, the Syosset High School Chinese Cultural Society known as “CCS” and the nonprofit Chinese American Association of Syosset (CAAS) which formed in 2015. It marks a major community milestone and celebration of Syosset and Woodbury great cultural diversity. Upon a decision by the Syosset Board of Education in late 2016, beginning with school year 2017-2018 Syosset became the first Long Island school district to observe Lunar New Year, Eid-al-Fitr, Eid-al-Adha and Diwali with officials school holidays.
CAAS has spearheaded organizing the annual performance -- featuring music, martial arts, lion dances and presentations from promi-
nent local elected officials on a late January/early February Saturday in the Lunar New Year season each year from 2016 to the present year. Last year Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, County Comptroller Jack Schnirman and Syosset High School graduate (Class of 2012) former school board trustee and Nassau County Legislator Josh Lafazan attended the Lunar New Year celebration at the high school, greeting community members and presenting citations.
On January 23, the CAAS board provided a statement for the Advance and News-Journal, as notice was also given to sponsors, elected officials and others planning to participate in Lunar New Year festivities scheduled for February 8:
“The CAAS organization, board members and families care greatly about the health and well-being of our community, no matter what age. It is with this priority in mind that we are taking the latest coronavirus outbreak in China very seriously here in Syosset, especially during this high travel Lunar New Year holiday time. As a result, CAAS decided to cancel this year’s Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, February 8, 2020. We know a lot of people have put in tons of time and effort to prepare for our popular and highly anticipated annual show, but as Chinese American community leaders,
See page 8
Faith Nursery School held a PJ Day to enjoy some cozy winter activities on January 15th. See page 10. Above, Josie, Juliet, Charlotte, Stella and Sophia loved wearing their PJs.
Mercy League Military Bridge
The Glen Cove - Hicksville - Syosset chapter of the Mercy League will be holding a Military Bridge on Sunday, March 8 from 2–5 p.m. (doors open at 1:30 p.m.)
Knowledge of bridge is not necessary. This is a fun game which can be learned quickly as you play along.
The event will take place at St.
Ignatius Loyola Parish in Hicksville. The gym entrance is on Nicolai Street.
Admission is $10. Refreshments: coffee, tea and desserts will be served.
Cash prizes for the top three teams. $100 lottery board ($50 guaranteed), 50/50, raffle prizes.
For more information, please contact Arleen Bergin at 516-935-7294.
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Is there an issue in your community you want to discuss?
Want to respond to something you saw in our paper? Then write a letter to our editor and bring it to everyone’s attention! Send your letter to editor@gcnews.com and we’ll publish it for you!
This Week at the Jericho Public Library
Sunday, February 2 at 2:00 p.m.
Sheri Miller Sings Love Songs
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with singer/songwriter Sheri Miller. She will sing a wide variety of love songs by such artists such as the Beatles, Patsy Cline, Judy Garland and some of her own. Sheri was named one of Music Connection’s “Hot 100 Unsigned Artists”.
Tickets required. Non-ticket holders will be seated as space allows.
Tuesday, February 4 at 2:00 p.m.
Movie: “David Crosby: Remember My Name” (Documentary/Music)
Meet David Crosby in this portrait of a man with everything but an easy retirement on his mind.
Starring David Crosby, Jackson
Browne, Jan Crosby. Rated R. 1 hour, 35 minutes.
Thursday, February 6 at 1:30 PM
The Passionate Reader: An Afternoon Book Group with Mary Hirdt “The Lost Man” by Jane Harper Brothers Nathan and Bub meet in the remote Australian outback when the third brother, Cameron, is found dead. While they grieve Cameron’s loss, suspicion takes hold and Nathan is forced to examine secrets the family would rather leave in the past.
Listeners are welcome!
Programs will take place at the Jericho Public Library: 1 Merry Lane, Jericho.
For more information, go to www.jericholibrary.org
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Couples invited to renew wedding vows at Town Hall
The Town of Oyster Bay invites residents to renew their wedding vows at a group ceremony scheduled for this Valentine’s Day, Friday, February 14, at Oyster Bay Town Hall. The special ceremony will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include free photography and wedding cake for all guests.
“Valentine’s Day is recognized as the most romantic day of the year, and many couples celebrate their wedding anniversaries on this special day,” said Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “We look forward to sharing in this special occasion for our residents looking to renew their marriage vows and declare their endless love for one another.”
The ceremony will take place at Oyster Bay Town Hall, 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay hamlet. The event is offered free of charge to Town residents but reservations are required. Residents interested in renewing their wedding vows should contact the Town’s Public Information Office at (516) 624-6380.
Town Clerk Richard LaMarca also invites residents interested in getting married this Valentine’s Day to have their special ceremony at Town Hall.
“Couples often select Valentine’s Day to celebrate their relationship,” said Town Clerk LaMarca. “It may be a sentimental choice for couples who had their first date, first kiss, or even engagement on Valentine’s Day. Whatever the reason, this romantic holiday is a popular day for many couples and certainly deserves to be celebrated. We are proud to offer this great alternative to host your wedding ceremony at Town Hall.”
Those looking to have a civil ceremony performed on Valentine’s Day at Town Hall should contact the Town Clerk’s Office at (516) 624-6333. Couples must obtain a New York State Marriage License prior to being married. For more information on obtaining a license, contact the Town Clerk’s Office at (516) 624-6335 or visit www. oysterbaytown.com.
Winter Toddler Arts and Crafts program
The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that a Toddler Arts & Crafts Program will be offered during the months of February and March. This six-week program offers classes at the Town’s Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center Community Room and Hicksville Athletic Center, and is open to children ages 2 through 4. Registration is now, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Town’s Parks Department Recreation Office in Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Rd, in Massapequa.
“The Town’s Toddler Arts & Crafts program is a wonderful way to help support your toddler’s development through nurturing their artistic expression,” said Town Councilwoman Michele Johnson. “Classes fill up quickly on a first-come, first-serve basis, so register today!”
The Toddler Arts & Crafts Program is six weeks in duration, beginning February 11, and residents who sign their toddler up for the program must choose one class per week, per child. Classes will take place on
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Tuesdays at 10 a.m. (two-year-olds only); Tuesdays at 11 a.m. (three and four-yearolds); Wednesdays at 10 a.m. (two-year-olds only); Wednesdays at 11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. (three and four-year-olds); Thursdays at 10 a.m. (two-year-olds only); and Thursday at 11 a.m. (three and four-year-olds).
Each class is approximately 30 minutes to an hour long. The cost of the program is $25 per child who is a Town resident, and $30 per child whose care giver is a Town resident but not the child. Space is limited and upon registration, the child’s birth certificate and a tax or utility bill will be required to validate age and proof of residency. A guardian must be present during the class. A smock and supplies will be provided with enrollment.
The Toddler’s Arts & Crafts Program is run by the Town’s Parks Department, Recreation Division. For further information, please call (516) 797-4125, and hit prompt ‘4’.
Place an ad in our Classifieds for reasonable rates and prompt results. Call our Garden City office at 516-294-8900 for more information.
This Week at the Syosset P ublic Library
Thursday, January 30 at 2 p.m.
Broadway Ballads & Showstoppers - Part 7
Presenter: Richard Knox, retired teacher
You will relive many amazing performances that have enthralled theatergoers and still remain etched in our collective memory. View a variety of video clips highlighting outstanding musicals composed by George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Irving Berlin and many others. Also included will be a variety of anecdotes about the creative teams and casting decisions.
Part 7 will cover Guys and Dolls, Funny Girl, Cabaret, The Sound of Music, and others.
Free. No registration required.
Friday, January 31 at 2:00 p.m.
Steve McQueen
Presenter, Mark Courtade, executive director, Huntington Arts Council
Steve McQueen rose from a troubled youth spent in reform schools to become the world's most popular actor. In 1974 he became the highest paid movie star in the world. McQueen was known to be combative with directors and producers, and chauvanistic with women. He still remains very popular and his mystique keeps him a perennial favorite of film buffs.
Free. No registration required.
Thursday, February 6 at 2 p.m.
Understanding the Second
Amendment
Presenter: James Coll, adjunct professor of American and Constitutional history at Hofstra University and Nassau Community College, retired NYPD detective
“A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed” For more than 200 years the Supreme Court has remained largely silent in interpreting whether the 27 words cited above provide an individual or collective right to own a gun. The Court has attempted to resolve some questions relating to the Second Amendment with two recent decisions. In this lecture, we will discuss the impact of these cases, the role of the legislative initiative at the state and federal levels and the evolving status of this debate
Free. No registration required.
Friday, February 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Let's Chat
Presenter: Beth Matlin, MSW
Meet with other mature adults to discuss the common challenges and issues we encounter growing older in today’s society.
Free. No registration required.
Programs will take place at the Syosset Public Library. 225 South Oyster Bay Rd. Syosset.
For more information, go to www. syossetlibrary.org
Blood drive
Manetto Hill Jewish Center will be hosting a blood drive on Sunday, February 2 from 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
The Jewish Center is located at 244 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview. Eligibility criteria: Bring donor card or ID with you Minimum weight 110 lbs
Age 16-75 (16 year olds must have parental permission. Age 76 and over need doctor's note.)
Eat well (low fat) and drink fluids No tattoos for the past 12 months. For information, please call 516-9355454.
Syosset Woodbury Rotary welcomes Mercy Haven
Mittleman
Ciara Jensen, director of development for Mercy Haven, Inc., was a guest speaker at a recent SyossetWoodbury Rotary meeting. Mercy Haven is a non-profit organization that was established in 1985 and provides housing for those individuals suffering with mental illness, veterans who are homeless, and the homeless.
At this time, this organization provides 300 individuals housing in 75 homes found both in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Clara mentioned
that Mercy Haven offers not only housing, but also life skills development, psychosocial rehabilitation, pre-vocational service, and assitance for those individuals recovering from substance use disorders.
For more information about this program, you may contact Ciara at (631) 277-8300 or by email at www. mercyhaven.org. The SyossetWoodbury Rotary Club meets on Tuesdays at Lisbon Cafe, Jericho Turnpike, Jericho.
Winter Open House at local art school
The One River School of Art and Design will be holding its first Winter Open House on Sunday, February 2.
On Sunday, February 2, the One River School of Art and Design of Woodbury will be holding its first Winter Open House event since opening its doors in March 2019.
One River is hosting a free event featuring art and design workshops for kids, teens, and adults taught by our expert teachers. In addition to attending workshops, visitors of all ages can create a mesmerizing pour painting, play fun games, and enter a raffle to win art materials, all while warming up with some coffee or hot chocolate.
The one-hour studio and digital workshops will be packed with learning, art, and most important, fun! All workshop attendees will complete a finished artwork to take home that they will feel proud of.
Workshops and classes at One River start at age three and go all the way up to adults. Reserve your seat soon at ttps:// woodbury.oneriverschool.com/winter-fest/, as these workshops will fill up quickly.
Be sure to also check out the colorful mixed-media collage paintings of Joan Reutershan in the gallery.
Reutershan’s solo exhibition, BKNY Street View, is on view through April 2020 and is based on her experience of the streetscape in New York City, especially Brooklyn. The One River exhibition program has become a national taste-maker for emerging artists across the country and provides regular opportunity for the community to engage with contemporary art and artists.
Ciara Jensen, Rotary President Bob
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia takes both heart and science – knowing what expert approaches to take, and providing such care with compassion. This is what we do every day at The Bristal at Lake Success. Our community is dedicated 100% to state-of-the-art memory care, built upon a solid foundation of success caring for seniors at our family of assisted living communities across the tri-state area. We’ve also developed an alliance with Northwell Health’s Feinstein Institute, initiating opportunities for advancements in dementia care. Altogether, this means peace of mind for you, proven memory care for your loved one, and the freedom to share and embrace every moment. Come visit a truly extraordinary community where memory care is everything: The Bristal at Lake Success.
Lunar New Year celebration cancelled over coronavirus fears
From page 1
we have a responsibility to listen to the concerns of our community.”
“We want to thank the Syosset Central School District, Syosset High School Chinese Cultural Society (CCS), our business members, performers, volunteers and CAAS members for their continued support of CAAS. Wishing everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous a Year of the Rat!” CAAS board members told the Advance and News-Journal.
Community members with questions about events and other local CAAS initiatives are instructed to kindly email CAASyosset@gmail.com.
Major U.S. metropolises and international airports including New York City’s JFK International -- 28 miles from
Syosset High School -- continue with temperature screenings of passengers arriving from China and other precautions to alert health officials and the public about coronavirus.
In late January, the New York City Health + Hospital system (officially the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation) added new “in-service trainings” for its workers in patient-facing healthcare to ascertain protocols and proper use of protective gear such as gloves, gowns, masks and face shields.
On January 24, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced city agencies are preparing and actively working on the assumption “that there will unfortunately be cases sooner rather than later in New York City.”
Free musical performances
From page 1
A commitment to bring safe reliable energy to its customers all year round will bring more PSEG Long Island utility workers to Long Island towns in the weeks and months ahead.
• Chief among its initiatives, is deploying smart technology capable of quickly and safely isolating problems in order to keep power flowing.
• The company has also adopted an enhanced program focused on inspecting aging utility poles and replacing them with new, stronger poles when necessary.
• An island-wide Circuit Improvement Program will see the inspections and upgrades of equipment along power lines, responsible for distributing power to PSEG Long Island’s 1.1 million customers.
Unique, Upbeat Blend of American & Irish Music on Sunday, February 16, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. in the Massapequa Public Library.Ricardo Rosa & Friends – Popular Song Selections Mixed with Favorite Arias & Duets from Operas by Famous Composers onSunday, February 23, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. in the Jericho Public Library (tickets required for per-
formances at Jericho Public Library as space is limited, tickets available at the library beginning on January 23, 2020, for more information call 516-935-6790.)
The Distinguished Artists Concert Series is sponsored by the Cultural and Performing Arts (CAPA) Division of the Town of Oyster Bay’s Department of Community & Youth Services. For further information, please call (516) 7977900 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com.
PJ Day at Faith Nursery School
On Wednesday, January 15, the
Faith
School
it
The kangaroo class enjoyed their French toast.
The duckling class wanted seconds.
Everyone played pajama games.
Josie, Juliet, Charlotte, Stella and Sophia were excited to see what pajamas their friends were wearing.
Everyone dressed in their favorite pajamas.
crew at
Nursery
decided
was to cold to get dressed, so they left their pajamas on. The children enjoyed a comfy day at school in their PJ’s snacking on French toast and chocolate milk.
Badlands, Black Hills & Mickelson Trail Bike Tour Offers Unexpected Experience on Guest Ranch
BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM
The steep gravel road to the Circle View Guest Ranch proves too much as I slip and slide with my hybrid bike and I wind up walking the bike a short distance (only one of us managed to ride it), at the end of our 28 mile ride through the Badlands National Park, South Dakota, on this first day of our six-day Wilderness Voyageurs bike tour. The guest ranch, set on a mesa surrounded by 3,000 acres, with beautiful views, is delightful. I drop my bags in my room, wonderfully decorated in a Western motif, and go out just in time to see 11-year old Katie Kruse feeding chickens and her brother, 10-year old Jacob, being chased by an aggressive calf anxious to get at the bottle he is using to feed it.
A stay on a guest ranch in South Dakota, just beyond the entrance to Badlands National Park and adjacent to Indian lands, is an unexpected bonus experience of our six-day “Mickelson Trail and the Badlands” bike tour of South Dakota.
Philip Kruse was born and raised on the ranch and opened it to guests in 2000 to give visitors “a glimpse into life on a real, family run cattle
page D2
Badlands, Black Hills & Mickelson Trail Bike Tour Offers Unexpected Experience on Guest Ranch
ranch.” It is very much all of that.
Katie shows me where 17 eggs have been “hidden” by the hens to prevent them from being taken by the farmer so they can hatch. The secret nest had been hidden by high grass and only revealed when the grass was cut. The hen had apparently walked off to get some water, revealing the eggs. Katie lifts up one of the eggs – I can still feel the warmth.
“Sometimes they hide an egg in a tree and abandon it. Sometimes you will see one chicken with 10 chicks following. They sneak in to lay eggs that won’t be collected.” On the other hand,
the hens that do hatch the chicks aren’t necessarily maternal. “They don’t show the young ones where the water is.”
I am amazed to contemplate the strategy and teamwork that these hens, which we assume are just dumb creatures, to create a collective nest, hide it from the farmer, and designate one of the hens to sit on it.
Now the farmer uses his wits to outwit the hens. “We don’t want the chickens to hatch their own because we will not have control over whether they have roosters or infertile chickens. So in the night when they sleep, we will steal an egg and replace it with a hatched chick so she will think it is hers.”
There’s a pecking order, she tells
me. The older, bigger hens sleep on top; younger ones on the floor. She says that young chicks lay one egg a day; older ones lay fewer and fewer, maybe one in two or three days.
“Here, we don’t kill the hen when gets old but another lady butchers them – after she chops off the head, they can still run around for 5 minutes – she has machine that spins to take off feathers.”
I find all of this utterly fascinating.
I watch how aggressive the calf is chasing after Jacob who is trying to bottle feed it. The calf was born prematurely and would have been abandoned by its mother. There are a slew of chicks and peacocks all about, as well. And burros.
We enjoy a sensational dinner prepared by Amy Kruse, served family style along long tables inside and outside on the porch. Tonight’s menu is Mexican tacos, prepared with such fresh ingredients including cherry tomatoes from the garden as sweet as candy.
The next morning before breakfast, I walk out to see if the hen is sitting on the nest. Sure enough. But as I walk back, my head in my notepad, I look up to see a crowd of kids frantically gesticulating at me and yelling, pointing to my right. As I move, they stop, so I keep moving in that direction. I assume they are directing me to watch them feed the chickens. No, they are warning me not to walk up the path because there is a rattlesnake that had been discovered by their dog. “That’s why we wear cowboy boots,” 10-year old Jacob tells me. “Rattlesnakes can’t bite through.”
Later at breakfast, Philip Kruse, shows me his jar two-thirds filled with rattlesnake rattles (they are only about
an inch long and quarter inch wide) collected over two generations on the ranch.
The breakfast that Amy Kruse prepares is a triumph: fresh eggs from the farm (of course), whole wheat blueberry pancakes, tater tots with bacon, white chocolate and raspberry scones (sensational), granola made of sour cherry, pistachios, vanilla yogurt.
We get to experience much of what the Circle View Guest Ranch offers –free wifi, beautifully appointed rooms, seeing the various animals, feeding chickens, including burros, enjoying scrumptious breakfast (included) and dinner, access to the guest kitchen, and the game room. But we don’t have the time to really experience all it offers longer staying guests: horseback rides, bon fires, hunting rocks and fossils, and exploring the 3,000 acres. There are also cabins including an original 1880 Homestead cabin.
But even with this short stay, it gives us a first-hand glimpse at family life on a ranch.
The ranch is open year-round, as is Badlands National Park.
Circle View Guest Ranch, 20055 E. Highway 44, Interior, South Dakota 57780, 605-433-5582, www.circleviewranch.com , cvgrphil@gwtc.net .
Biking the George S. Mickelson Trail
It’s just the second day of our six-day “Mickelson Trail and the Badlands” bike tour. We pile into the van and are shuttled from Badlands National Park to the George S. Mickelson Trail. Over the course of our trip, we will ride
the whole 109 miles of the rail-trail. Today, instead of starting at mile “0” in Edgemont and riding uphill to Custer, we start at the Harbach Park Trailhead in Custer (mile 44.5) and bike mostly down a slope to Edgemont (mile 0), where we are picked up and shuttled back to Custer for the night.
Such different landscape today from biking the Badlands – we ride through a pine forest with the smell of pine.
Minnekahta, where we have an amazing lunch that our guide, James Oerding, pulls out of the van and sets up under a lean-to (28 miles into the ride) at the rest stop, is just off the highway that looks just like the country road in Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film, “North by Northwest” - that famous scene of Cary Grant running from the crop duster that is trying to kill him. There is even the same sound of silence broken by the wind and growing scream of a truck as it comes out of the distance and barrels down road. There is that long view of the road disappearing into the horizon, white clouds in blue sky, hay bales in the fields on either side (in the movie, they were corn fields). Surreal. I still wonder if this is the very location where Hitchcock filmed that scene.
The trail is wonderfully maintained – mostly crushed limestone – with rest facilities and water cisterns along the way and great signage. On this first day, we are immersed in ranch land with broad vistas, dramatic cloud formations, hay bales, cows.
From Edgemont, we are shuttled back to Custer, a pleasant, modest Western town, with art of decorated
GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....
bison on many corners. We will be here for two nights at the Holiday Inn Express. Tonight we are on our own for dinner, but tomorrow we will be hosted at a fine-dining restaurant.
The next morning, Day 3 of our trip, we ride out from the hotel directly onto the Mickelson Trail at Harbach Park Trailhead (thankfully, our guide, John Buehlhorn, has caught me again going onto a wrong spur and bringing me back to the trail).
We are now in the Black Hills National Forest – a lot of trees with black bark, which I presume gives the forest its name.
From Custer, we bike along the Mickelson Trail, 8 miles up a gentle grade (one of the advantages of a rail trail versus a road which can have much steeper slopes and corkscrew turns), with lovely scenery, beautiful rock formations, grassy plain and pine trees, when all of a sudden, the Crazy Horse Memorial comes into view. I am entranced by it when John, the guide, again catches me missing the turnoff for us to ride to the Memorial for our visit. (Biking up the very steep hill proves the most challenging part of the day, and I am delighted with myself that I make it.)
Visiting the Crazy Horse Memorial is a revelation.
Wilderness Voyageurs started out as a rafting adventures company 50 years ago, but has developed into a wide-ranging outdoors company with an extensive catalog of biking, rafting, fishing and outdoor adventures throughout the US and even Cuba, many guided
and self-guided bike itineraries built around rail trails like the Eric Canal in New York, Great Allegheny Passage in Pennsylvania, and Katy Trail in Missouri.
There are still a few spots left on Wilderness Voyageurs’ Quintessential West Cuba Bike Tour departing on March 21 (yes, Americans can still visit Cuba).
When you start seeing descriptions of senior discounts at restaurants, fast food places, etc. and you key into them because you are interested, that’s scary. It tells me often that I’m no longer in my 40s or 50s but that I’ve hit a certain milestone.
Then you start getting notices about applying for Social Security. You may be approaching that magical age of 62 but that doesn’t mean you have to file for it then. You can wait.
As you approach 65, you start getting notices about filing for Medicare. It’s good to be reminded that it’s time to sign up but these reminders are definitely overdone. I often feel bombarded with them.
These pamphlets and letters arrive along with the bills and other pieces of mail and one I saw recently said, “It’s almost time for Medicare. Get up to speed and back to life in about 10 pages.” That one, which was sent by AARP, took me off guard. I had to read that little slogan about “getting back to
life” twice.
There is the basic Medicare coverage to look into plus the supplemental plans to investigate so basically there is a lot of homework ahead for anyone who is nearing age 65.
I start reading but then I seem to go off on certain tangents and it always takes me longer to look into it than I’d planned. “Glancing through the literature” seems to take a few hours instead of just a few minutes.
For many people that dreaded age is 65 - yes, 65 - and there’s no way around it. If the calendar says you are turning 65 then that’s it.
The days of looking forward to turning 18 then 30 then 40 and so on are long over. Turning 65 these days is so much better than it was 25 years ago. Many Americans are in good shape and live a lot longer. By living a healthy lifestyle - by watching those extra calories, exercising regularly, quitting smoking if you ever did smoke, reducing stress, etc., many people live to a good old age. Still, I frequently get a lot of emails
and literature in the U.S. Mail that remind me that I’m approaching a certain age. I realize that many things are computerized so the pamphlets and applications automatically show up in my mailbox but … that’s not what I want to hear or read about!
I can’t deny, however, that these things come up often when I’m talking with the younger generation - with friends, relatives and neighbors who are less than 40. Most of them have never heard of “The Match Game,” “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet” and “Car 54, Where Are You?”
Not wanting to be rude, I usually am patient and explain that these TV shows were well known when I was a kid growing up in the 1960s.
My sister, Michelle, however, usually bursts out laughing and asks, “You never heard of ‘The Match Game?’ or ‘What’s My Line?’” She can be very un-diplomatic at times.
Of course the reruns of a lot of popular TV shows from the 60s can still be seen on TV. When flipping
through the channels I often see “The Beverly Hillbillies,” “Gilligan’s Island,” “Bewitched” and “Bonanza.”
I enjoyed watching them a lot as a child with my friends or my brothers and sisters but 50 years later I find myself getting bored very easily at the plight of the various Clampett family members. Granny was feisty and funny in the 1960s but ok, seeing that once was enough.
“Who’s Arlene Francis?” my niece, Kylie, will ask. “Who’s George Burns? And Gracie Allen?” Those of us in the 50+ crowd laugh and roll our eyes - a lot. It’s amusing and often makes us wonder what planet we’re living on.
“What’s My Line?” just happens to be one of the longest-running game shows in the history of prime-time network TV. Boston native Arlene Francis joined the set of the show on its second telecast and stayed with it for the next
See page D5
Do Earnings After Retirement Increase Your Social Security Check?
BY TOM MARGENAU
Conventional wisdom has it that old folks are supposed to spend their retirement years sitting in a rocking chair and occasionally playing a game of Scrabble. But if my emails are any indication, that’s not what’s happening with today’s seniors. I constantly hear from people in their 70s and 80s who are still working. And they wonder if their additional earnings will have any effect on their Social Security check.
To understand whether or not the earnings you have and the taxes you pay after you start getting Social Security will increase your benefits, you have to understand how Social Security retirement benefits are figured in the first place.
Simply stated, your Social Security retirement benefit is based on your average monthly income, indexed for inflation, using a 35-year base of earnings. So, when you initially filed for benefits, the Social Security Administration looked at your entire earnings history. Then they adjusted each year of earnings for inflation. The inflation adjustment factor depends on your year of birth and varies from one year to the next.
Here is just one example. Let’s say Mike was born in 1949. And let’s say that he made $7,000 in 1970. When figuring his Social Security benefit, the SSA multiplied that $7,000 by an inflation adjustment factor of 6.58. In other words, instead of $7,000, they actually used $46,060 as his 1970 earnings when figuring his Social Security benefit.
Because there are literally thousands of these inflation factors -- depending on your date of birth and the year in question -- I simply cannot list them here. The SSA produces a fact sheet for each year of birth (for recent retirees) that lists these inflation factors. If you’re interested, go to https://www.ssa.gov/ pubs, and click on “Retirement.” Then find the publication labeled “Your Retirement Benefit: How It Is Figured” for your year of birth, and open it up.
And now, back to our retirement calculation. After the SSA indexes each year of earnings for inflation, they pull out your highest 35 years and add them up. Then they divide the total by 420 -- that’s the number of months in 35 years -- to get your average monthly inflation-adjusted income. Your Social Security benefit is a percentage of that amount. The percentage used depends on a variety of factors (explained in the publication referred to in the prior paragraph). But for the purposes of this fact sheet, we don’t need to know the precise percentage. Suffice it to say that for most people, their Social Security retirement benefit represents roughly 40% of their average inflation-adjusted monthly income.
So when you are working and paying Social Security taxes after you start receiving Social Security benefits, those additional taxes you are paying will increase your monthly Social Security check IF your current earnings increase your average monthly income. In other words, if your current annual income is higher than the lowest inflation-adjusted year of earnings used in your most recent Social Security computation, the SSA will drop out that low year, add in the new higher year, recalculate your average monthly income and then refigure your Social Security benefit.
Here is a quick example of what I mean. Let’s go back to Mike’s case cited above. Let’s say that the $7,000 he made in 1970 was the lowest year in his current Social Security computation. And let’s further say that he is still working and made $35,000 last year. Mike assumes that because $35,000 is much higher than $7,000, he should get an increase in his Social Security checks. But remember, the SSA didn’t use $7,000 in his benefit calculation. They used the inflation-adjusted amount of $46,060. Because his current earnings of $35,000 are lower than the low year of $46,060 used in his Social Security retirement computation, the additional earnings do NOT increase his average monthly income, so his Social Security benefit will not go up.
On the other hand, had Mike’s current earnings been $70,000, for example, that would increase his benefit. The SSA would replace this low year of $46,060 with the new higher year of $70,000, recompute his average monthly wage and refigure his benefit.
So, how much will he get? It depends entirely on Mike’s past earnings and his current income. Monthly benefit increases can be as little as $5, or as much as $50 or more. But on average, a year of earnings will increase your Social Security benefit by about $10 to $20 per month.
Now let’s say you are in a situation like that. You’re working, you’ve had a good year of earnings, and you are pretty sure it should increase your Social Security check. So, what do you have to do to make that happen? The answer is: nothing.
The SSA has a software program that automatically tracks the earnings of working Social Security beneficiaries and refigures their benefits to see if any increase is due. It’s called the Automated Earnings Reappraisal Operation, or AERO. It generally happens between May and October of each year.
In other words, if you are getting Social Security benefits (SET ITAL) and(END ITAL) you are working (SET ITAL)and(END ITAL) your latest earnings increase your average monthly wage and thus your Social Security
benefit, you will see that increase by October of the following year. For example, you would get an increase for your 2019 earnings by October 2020. The SSA sends you a notice indicating the increase in your monthly benefit, which is retroactive to January of the year you get the notice.
If you don’t get an increase, that probably means your earnings were simply not high enough to raise your average monthly income and thus your Social Security benefit. The SSA has
a very high percentage of accuracy (about 99%) when computing these increases. However, if you are convinced you should have received an increase but didn’t get one, you can take your most recent W-2 form to your local Social Security office and ask them to do a manual computation.
If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has the answer. Contact him at thomas.margenau@comcast.net. COPYRIGHT 2020 CREATORS.COM
You know you’re hitting the golden years when ...
C ontinued from page D3
17 years. It ran on TV from 1950 until 1967.
This particular game used celebrity panelists to question contestants in order to determine their occupation or “their line of work,” with the panelists being called on to question and identify a weekly celebrity “mystery guest” while blindfolded.
Those conversations about who’s who? And what’s that show? give us some real-life examples of what the generation gap is all about. We don’t have to go to a dictionary - online or an actual paper one - to look up the definition of the term, we just have to talk to some of the younger kids many of whom are now in their 30s and 40s.
We start to tell them that we remember life before the Walkman. It was released in 1979, was a portable cassette player that changed listening habits by allowing people to listen to music of their choice on the move. It was devised by Sony founders Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita, who felt that Sony’s existing portable player was too bulky and too expensive.
And life before VCRs became popular. Those machines were invented in the late 1950s, and were a way for people to record things on TV. For people my age, VCRs were a breakthrough. Looking back on VCRs, they seem awfully old-fashioned compared to today’s technology. I used themalong with lots of other people - because they were convenient, handy devices.
I call them “handy” because prior to the invention of the VCR we couldn’t record a favorite movie and play it back at our own convenience. Those opened up a whole new world to home entertainment.
We also remember life before the advent of the JumboTron. Sony creative director Yasuo Kuroki, who previously helped create the Walkman, is credited with the development of the JumboTron. It was introduced at the Expo ‘85 held in May 1985 at Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan. It had a display resolution of 450,000 pixels. That electronic billboard has become popular in Times Square and in sports arenas all over. And the remote control for the TV. When I was younger we actually had to get up, walk over to the TV - which was in the living room so everyone could watch it at the same time - and change the channel. My six-year-old niece, Elle, can’t imagine that that’s how it used to be but we laugh and tell her again that it used to be that way. We’re not telling her any tall tales.
At a recent family get together we had dinner then played some board games. “Blank Slate” was a lot of fun. Every man and woman fights for their own points. When you reach 25 points,
you’re the winner of that particular game.
You want to predict what others are going to write on their boards but you don’t want to pick a really obvious word. You want to be unique but not too unique.
How it works: Everyone secretly writes a word that completes a phrase on the cue card, but you have to choose your word carefully because you score the most points for matching words with only one other person. You get three points when you and another person have a match.
If you and two or more other people wrote the same word then you only get one point each.
This board game makes you think outside the box, but you don’t want to think too far outside the box or you won’t match words with anyone.
My brother, Phil, was playing with us last week and the word prompt was “night _____”. People wrote “light,” “time” and so on. Another clue was “______ game.” Four people wrote “board” so each person only got one point.
The second game we played was the “5 Second Rule.” In this game whoever’s turn it is has to name three breeds of dogs, for example, in 5 seconds. Or they may have to say three finger foods. Some people draw a blank and others get tongue tied, but if you can name whatever is called for in 5 seconds, you earn points.
A 5-second timer is used and that’s it, time’s up. We would have preferred to have 10 seconds in which to answer but that’s not how this game works.
My niece, Shannon, came waltzing in when we were playing these board games and she stopped short when she heard the 1960s rock ‘n roll music playing on the radio and when she saw how ridiculous we were being.
My relatives and I get very competitive when we play board games - or any game for that matter - and trying to outdo each other becomes our #1 priority.
Michelle won the first game of “Blank Slate” and Susan won the second game. Phil won the first game of the “5 Second Rule” and I won the second. We all had fun getting together on a Saturday night so that was the main thing.
My sister-in-law, Kathy, is a real “Trivial Pursuit” fan - the original version, not later versions - and she was hoping that we would get around to playing that game at our last get together but we ran out of time. Plus “Trivial Pursuit” is a lot more serious than either “Blank Slate” or the “5 Second Rule.”
We didn’t want to think about Geography, Entertainment, History, Arts & Literature, Science & Nature, or Sports & Leisure. Playing that game is like taking an IQ test. It can be fun, don’t get me wrong, just not at the end of the night.
We were too busy enjoying ourselves and didn’t want to ponder such “Trivial Pursuit” questions as: “Which Renaissance artist liked to pump iron by lifting weights, and was strong enough to bend an iron horseshoe with his bare hands?” The answer is Leonardo da Vinci but who knew that offhand? I’ve learned more about him painting the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper but didn’t realize how physically strong he was, also.
I’m still a “Clue” board game fan but
I know that for many of my relatives that ship has sailed. We’ve played it so many times as a group and we’ve also seen the “Clue” movie so often that we know all of the lines of dialog.
In the board game, players gather information to successfully figure out ‘who’ ‘where’ and ‘how’ the crime was committed. A mansion is the setting for the board and players move around rooms, hallways, and secret spaces as they figure out who to suspect, which weapon was used and where the crime was committed.
It could have been Mrs. Peacock in the Conservatory with the lead pipe, for example. I like having to deduce who did what. My relatives are good about playing it with the six-, sevenand eight-year-old nieces and nephews so that’s when I happily join in. Other than that they like playing more current board games.
We invited Shannon to play some board games but she said no, that she had to check something on her smart phone. We joked among ourselves that we also remembered life before smart phones - it wasn’t that long ago - and told ourselves to quit bringing up the “golden years” subjects like Social Security and Medicare. We knew that she really wouldn’t want to hear about that!
Top Trends for Biking Vacations in 2020
BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM
Increased interest in e-bikes, women-only groups and multigenerational travel are among the top trends in biking vacations for 2020, according to VBT Bicycling Vacations, a leader in active vacations since 1971. Here is a look at what will be big in biking vacations in the year ahead:E-bikes are having a moment. 2020 is shaping up to be a banner year in the use of e-bikes on cycling tours, with the technology becoming an essential component of active vacations and a game changer for cyclists of all abilities, fitness levels and ages. Over the past year, VBT saw a 55 percent increase in guests selecting e-bikes over any other style, with 22 percent of men and 32 percent of women choosing this mode of transportation. VBT now offers complimentary e-bikes on more than 50 itineraries worldwide, providing guests with an added boost whenever they want (or need) it, whether riding uphill, extending their range at the end of a long day, or to keep up with riding partners of different abilities. Popular itineraries for e-bikes in 2019 included Spain: Andalusia, Cordoba and Granada; Scandinavia: Denmark & Sweden; Portugal: Lisbon, Évora & the Algarve; Italy: Southern Tuscany & Giglio Island; and Croatia: The Dalmation Islands. On the Croatia tour alone more than 50 percent of guests selected an e-bike.
More women are traveling togeth-
er. VBT Bicycling Vacations saw a nearly a doubling year-over-year in all-women groups traveling together, reflecting a trend resonating throughout the industry as more women prefer the camaraderie of an all-female group trip based on a sense of empowerment, connection and the freedom to experience new things. Itineraries such as Scandinavia: Denmark & Sweden; Massachusetts: Cape Cod & Martha’s Vineyard; Croatia: The Dalmatian Islands; Spain: Andalusia, Cordoba & Granada; Italy: Puglia, Alberobello & Lecce; and South Carolina & Georgia: Charleston to Savannah offer countless opportunities to pedal among some of the world’s most stunning landscapes, explore cultural treasures and history, learn about local customs, dine on the freshest cuisine, and make friendships that will last a lifetime.
Multigenerational travel will become more popular. 2020 will be grand for grandparents taking trips with their children and grandchildren, as the multigenerational travel trend continues to grow. VBT saw an eight percent increase in boomers traveling with their families over the past year, and the company expects the trend to continue and increase as mature travelers remain healthier and fitter, more adventurous, and keen on staying younger and more active than ever before. Top itineraries for multigenerational families to create memories to last a lifetime include Croatia: The Dalmatian Islands; Italy: Southern Tuscany & Giglio Island; Italy: Puglia’s
Undiscovered Coast; Italy: Valley of the Dolomites; Slovenia, Austria & Italy: Alpine Valleys; Italy: Coastal Villages of Tuscany; Scandinavia: Denmark & Sweden; Czech Republic, Germany & Austria: Český Krumlov & Wachau Valley; and Ireland: Galway and Connemara Coast.
For additional details and travel inspiration, visit vbt.com or call 800245-3868.
7 Top Cycling Tours You Can Do With Electric Bikes
Always popular, cycling tours have gotten an extra charge in recent years with the addition of electric bikes, allowing guests to ride hills with ease or get a boost to keep up with others. E-bikes are now available as an option on tours around the globe, from the Green Mountains of Vermont to the Tuscan countryside and Taiwan’s coastline. They are even making their way off road and onto trails on e-mountain bike tours among the dunes of Namibia and the Alps in Switzerland. E-bikes mean there are no excuses for not taking a tour because you are afraid you can’t do the hills, the knees aren’t what they used to be.
Here are seven bike tours where you can find an electric ride:
E-MTB Safari in Namibia: Pedal across vast plains and seas of sand dunes, along dry streambeds and rocky jeep tracks, and past shipwrecks and surf on the Skeleton Coast on H+I Adventures’ new E-MTB Safari in Namibia. From the saddle of an e-mountain bike, watch for elephants, giraffes, zebras and oryx,
and connecting with local communities along the way. (www.mountainbikeworldwide.com/e-mtb-tours/e-mtb-safari-namibia)
Natchez Trace Path: Biking the Natchez Trace is a cyclist’s dream come true, and why Cycle of Life Adventures offers it four times a year. The ancient path through Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi began as a wildlife and Native American trail, and has a rich history of use by explorers, trappers and traders, post men and Civil War soldiers. An e-bike will ease the few days where the mileage may seem overwhelming. (https://cycleoflifeadventures.com/natcheztrace)
Tuscan Countryside: On Tourissimo’s cycling tour of Tuscany, Italy, visit some of the region’s most iconic destinations, from Cortona, the delightful hill town made famous by Frances Mayes in her bestselling novel “Under the Tuscan Sun,” to the abbeys, thermal springs and wineries in the countryside outside Pienza. Upgrade to an e-bike capable of covering 70 miles on a charge to go the distance. (www.tourissimo.travel/tuscany-chianti-val-dorcia) Alps by E-MTB: Climb mountain passes and descend to lush valleys on H+I Adventures new E-MTB Tour of Switzerland. Riders will put the country’s seamless transport system to use accessing backcountry singletrack and perfectly built flow trails as they traverse the beautiful Graubünden region by e-mountain bike. Refuel with midride rösti, then unwind with a glass of wine and dinner made with local flavors. (www.mountainbikeworldwide.com/emtb-tours/e-mtb-tour-switzerland) Mediterranean Islands Ride: E-bikes are a great option on Ride & Seek Bicycle Adventures epic cycling tour across Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily. Split into three week-long stages, the tour explores the Mediterranean islands’ history, food, architecture and traditions, as well as their strikingly rugged interiors, white beaches and emerald waters. (www.rideandseek. com/tour/3-islands-corsica-sardinia-and-sicily/)
Vermont Covered Bridges: Ride through more than a dozen covered bridges on a tour of Vermont with Cycle of Life Adventures. This iconic ride passes through Montpelier, Stowe, Middlebury and Woodstock, climbing from river valleys over the Green Mountains. The optional e-bike rental will help flatten out the roads. (https://cycleoflifeadventures.com/vermont-covered-bridges)
E-Bike Taiwan: On Grasshopper Adventures’ Bike Taiwan tour, guests cycle the length of the country from the northern capital, Taipei, to the southern tip. Along the way, they take in the beauty of east Taiwan’s rugged Pacific coast, exotic hot springs and valleys like the stunning Taroko Gorge. Grasshopper is the first tour operator to offer e-bikes to
cyclists in Southeast Asia. (www.grasshopperadventures.com/multi-day-cycling-tours/bike-taiwan-tour/)
See UNESCO Sites by Bike
For their cultural, historical, or scientific significance on the world, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has named more than one thousand spots across the globe as World Heritage Sites.
From sprawling architectural wonders to stunning natural beauty, UNESCO sites around the world are something to behold. And what better way to see them than by bike?
BikeTours.com offers a variety of tour options featuring UNESCO site stops.
South of France: If UNESCO sites are what you want, UNESCO sites are what you’ll get on this tour in the South of France. With stunning sites through Languedoc, this six-night tour goes to the St Guilhem le Desert, a UNESCO world heritage site famous for its cloister and declared as one of the “Most beautiful villages of France;” the Canal du Midi, an UNESCO waterway site that
GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....
links the Mediterranean to the Atlantic; and the castle in Carcassonne, another UNESCO site, restored by Viollet le Duc in the 19th century.
Baltic Capitals: Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn: Explore the Baltic Coast and the National Parks of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. The 10-night tour includes the three capital cities of the region –Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn – each with Old Towns designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Experience charming villages and countrysides for an authentic introduction to these unique countries.
Albania ’s UNESCO Sites with Rivers, Valleys, Gorges: Four UNESCO sites, snow-capped mountains, inviting beaches on the Albanian Riviera, a genuine untouched subsistence culture, and exceptionally friendly people fill this 9-night tour. Some say that visiting Albania is as close as you’ll get to traveling back in time.
A Taste of Italy: Emilia RomagnaTry your UNESCO viewing with a side of delicious Italian cuisine! This six-night tour takes you through Italy’s premier pasta region. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Parmesan cheese
and balsamic vinegar, and explore stunning sites full of art, history, and culture.
Cycling and Cooking Through Portugal by E-Bike: This is the perfect tour for cyclists wanting a good mix of nature, culture, and tasty food! The tour explores the Natural Park of Serra d’Aire e Candeeiros and the beautiful region of Évora, a city classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, you’ll tour the gorgeous natural park of SW Alentejano e Costa Vicentina.
Cycle the Erie Canal 2020 Parks & Trails New York has opened up registration for the 22nd annual Cycle the Erie Canal tour, taking place July 12-19, 2020.
This year, Cycle the Erie Canal is offering the option of the full 8-day, 400-mile trip and four-day options. The trip offers fully supported camping (they pick up your gear and ferry it to the next stop; provide breakfast and some dinners, plus lectures and activities; indoor camping available as well, or you can hire Comfy Campers to set up a comfy
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tent with air mattress).
Shuttles from Albany to Buffalo (where the tour starts) or from Albany back to Buffalo will be provided. PKNY will also be offering return shuttles from Syracuse to Buffalo and Albany to Syracuse for the convenience of the 4-day riders.
For information on Cycle the Erie Canal, call Parks & Trails New York, 518-434-1583, email eriecanaltour@ptny. org or visit www.ptny.org/cycle-the-eriecanal
Will going “green” create more value for your property?
A building that I manage is potentially going “green” after everything is finalized, which to the benefit of all the unit owners, will assuredly earn their condo hundreds of thousands of dollars over a period of years and will eliminate the electricity bill for all their common areas, boiler, surveillance cameras, alarms and anything else that is contributing to wasting their “hard earned dollars” that can be saved and now deposited to our reserve “rainy day” fund. We will also be able to have several major tenants buying their electricity at slightly below market cost and paying the condominium instead of PSEG. This additional substantial revenue will also be deposited into our reserve fund too! We have predicted that assessments will possibly be much lower and if we are in an excellent financial position, possibly eliminated, altogether!
Fortunately, since I have taken over the managing aspect, we haven’t had an increase in common charges going on twelve years, due to watching and cutting expenses the best way and to the benefit of our building. Also, I believe we were the only building in our area that had no reductions in sale prices from the “calamity and horrendous crashing of our real estate market in 2008! Now we will be in an even more secure, stable and very strong financial position for years to come, all things being equal and no
one blows the earth out into space! Otherwise we will all be playing cards together upstairs and nothing will matter anyway, right?
BY PHILIP A. RAICES
Some, however, will be going down below in the opposite direction and need I say who? There will be many if the end is near, who will be going down without many good memories to take with them; just memories of their possessions, that’s all, because their won’t be any U-Hauls behind their hearses!! NO WAY, RAY!
Back to business! So what do you think will be the value of a condo, co-op, home or even a commercial building if and when you owners decide to go “green”? Most important, that I failed to mention, is that we all need to think environmentally, so we will not have to take SpaceX, Elon Musk’s space enterprise or Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic Space ships to cultivate another planet called “Mars” or any other intergalactic space journeys to existing or new planets to be discovered. So everyone should gain knowledge and become informed by integrating new cutting edge information and being open to new ideas. By seeking out estimates for any renewable energy technologies to not only reduce
and conserve our priceless resources (Solar panels, energy cells, combined heat and power, tri-generation, thermal or any other green technology or future technologies that are coming down the pike).
There is no doubt in my “professional mind” that values of all properties with the usage of these various forms of technologies will be much more valuable going forward; as we save energy, reduce our carbon footprint and emissions, save our environment and our planet, especially our “one of a kind” ozone layer that is hurting all of us on our “one and only” earth!
Greta Thunberg, the youngest environmental activist in history at 16 years old, who has single handedly with assistance, spear-headed this incredible awareness about our polluting the Globe, in all sorts of ways, surely has deserved her alternative Nobel prize for climate change activism! She has made everyone who cares, aware of what the heck is going on by succeeding in making millions of people turn anxieties about our planet into a worldwide massive movement towards global change!
Moreover, the commercial real estate sector needs to become much more aware and cognizant of recycling
and conserving their enormous usage of our world’s energy supplies! Local towns need to consider having all their commercial tenants and unit owners to begin recycling and consider installing and using renewable energy technologies in whatever fashion enables them to save and increase their profitability. Also keep in mind there are trillions of plastic materials that have been continually dumped in all our oceans, that you can be sure and know that all our fish are consuming and so are we!! By changing our inconsiderate and selfish ways and behaviors, this in turn will result in a healthier eco-system, for all of us as well as for everyone’s future generations. In addition, this will bode well for greater increases in our property values now and going forward and a greater opportunity for our properties whether residential or commercial to decrease our energy use. We will all be in a more beneficial position in being more progressive in thoughts and actions in saving our wonderful and miraculous planet!
Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 Great Neck. He has earned designations as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute and a Certified International Property Specialist. If you have any questions or concerns or ideas for his column, he can be reached by email, at:Phil@TurnKeyRealEstate.Com, or by cell: (516) 647-4289.
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Looking to sell items from your home?
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Online Auctions reach more interested buyers than tag sales and can often sell for more than what you would make at an estate or tag sale.
Invited Estate Sales by Tracy Jordan can do both! You can sell your items online reaching potential buyers locally or globally as well as hosting a private sale from your home! Let us guide you on what items to put in auction including furniture, housewares, decorative items, jewelry, collectibles, coins, artwork and anything else you may no longer want or need. Our services can help you to maximize your selling experience whether you are selling 1 item or 500 items. We are a one stop service for all your needs when you are moving or selling a property! Selling, donating, discarding and cleaning out services can be done to meet your time frame with minimal stress.
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OUT OF TOWN REAL ESTATE
SEBASTIAN FLORIDA (East Coast)
Beach Cove is an Age Restricted Community where friends are easily made. Sebastian is an “Old Florida” fishing village with a quaint atmosphere yet excellent medical facilities, shopping and restaurants. Direct flights from Newark to Vero Beach. New manufactured homes from $114,900. 772-5810080; www.beach-cove.com
Your Next Party! Catering and Experienced Professional Services for Assisting with Preparation, Serving and Clean Up Before, During and After Your Party Bartenders Available. Call Kate at 516-248-1545
TUTORING
PRIVATE TUTORING FOR GRADES K-6
Give your child a helping hand! Licensed NYC / NYS Dept of Education teacher available to tutor students grades K-6. Contact Audrey Sullivan, M.S.Ed 347-628-8872 (voice/text) seguenow@aol.com
SPANISH TUTOR:
CERTIFIED SPANISH TEACHER EXPERIENCED IN ALL LEVELS OF SPANISH including AP Spanish and College Level Courses. Experienced with all levels of Chaminade Curriculum and Exams. Excellent references provided upon request.
Phone: 516-655-8194 OR Email: mmiller@emufsd.org
SERVICES
CLEANING
C & A CLEANING SERVICES
Cleaning services for Homes, Apartments, Offices. Experienced. Excellent References. Free Estimates. Call: Carolina 516-858-9257 Abraham 516-680-0509
A & J MOVING & STORAGE: Established 1971. Long Island and New York State specialists. Residential, Commercial, Piano & Organ experts. Boxes available. Free estimates. www. ajmoving .com 516-741-2657 114 Jericho Tpk, Mineola NYDOT# 10405
DISH TV
$59.99 for 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Call 1-800-943-0838
Last Hope Part of the Chewy.com Rescue Program
If you haven’t tried Chewy.com yet for your pet food and supply purchases, this is a great time to check them out. Last Hope is now part of their rescue program. For each new customer that makes a purchase, Last Hope will receive a $20 donation. Click on the ad below or go directly to the Last Hope page at https:// www.chewy.com/rp/5941
We are looking for writers in our community to compose news articles on local topics, opinions, reviews, worthy places to visit on Long Island, and even fiction.
We aim to feature at least one new article and writer each week in our Discovery magazine section. E-mail submissions: editor@gcnews.com
• Attach article and any photos (1MB), along with your name and contact info.
• Articles must be between 1,500 - 3,000 words.
• Each writer will be reimbursed a stipend of $25.⁰⁰
EVERYDAY CHEAPSKATE
Mary Answers Readers’ Credit Card Questions
Every day, I open my inbox to find questions from you, my dear readers. Today I found two on the same subject: credit cards.
LEAVE ‘EM ALONE, AND THEY’LL GO HOME
Dear Mary: Should I cancel old credit cards that I no longer use? -- Stephanie
Dear Stephanie: No. It seems like the logical thing to do, but if you close old accounts, you may lower your credit score. Two of the factors used to calculate that score are history (how long you’ve had credit) and debt-to-limit ratio (how much of your available credit is being used at any given time).
Closing an old account can shorten your credit history and increase your debt-to-limit ratio. Both will hurt your credit score. Leave them alone unless there is a compelling reason to keep them, like an annual fee or a child who is a co-signer and might go on a spending spree.
Here’s an important tip: For ac-
counts you want to keep active, use them three or four times a year for even a very small purchase. Then pay the balance in full immediately. Banks don’t want inactive accounts, and they are aggressively closing them.
THE RISKS OF REWARDS
Dear Mary: Friends tell us that we should be using a credit card that rewards us in some way, instead of our plain old Visa card that does nothing for us. What type of credit card should we be using that is accepted at nearly all gas stations and most hotels and restaurants? -- Angela
Dear Angela: You left out a very important morsel of information. Are you carrying credit card debt from one month to the next? If you are, you have, in my opinion, forfeited the privilege to play the rewards game. You need to stop using your credit cards until that glorious day that you are not carrying a balance.
BY MARY HUNT
Let’s go ahead and assume you have no credit card debt. Even then, reward cards can be tricky. Most of them charge an annual fee. You have to do a lot of charging over a year’s time to earn enough rewards to offset that annual fee.
And there are other limitations and conditions one should always consider before jumping onto the rewards wagon.
Credit card offers change like the wind. I could list a couple of reward cards you might want to consider right here, and they could be obsolete by the time you read it.
So instead, I will direct you to http://IndexCreditCards.com, one of several sites that keeps tabs on current credit card offers with their terms and conditions. You will find credit cards organized by what they offer. Look for one with no annual fee.
One word of caution: You could easily shoot yourself in the foot if you get hooked on earning re-
wards. Running up big balances every month to earn the maximum rewards can be quite risky.
Of course, you will intend to pay the balance off in full during the grace period (which you have only if you start the billing cycle with a zero balance owing), but just one slip-up resulting in a late fee or a couple of months paying interest on a big balance will wipe out your rewards in a big hurry.
Never forget that credit card companies exist to get as much of your money as they can. They are not outreach ministries in search of ways to make your life better. They do not care about you, nor are they anxious for you to come out as the winner when they come up with these marketing campaigns that give cash back or some other reward.
You have to get up pretty early in the morning to win at that game.
Would you like more information? Go to EverydayCheapskate.
com for links and resources for recommended products and services in this column. Mary invites questions, comments and tips at EverydayCheapskate.com, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a lifestyle blog, and the author of the book “Debt-Proof Living.”
COPYRIGHT 2020 CREATORS. COM
NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court
Nassau County THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWMBS, INC., CHL MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH TRUST 2006-19 MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 200619, Plaintiff against LINDA BUTRICO, et al Defendants
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered August 23, 2019, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at CCP (Calendar Control Part Courtroom), in the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on February 18, 2020 at 11:30 AM. Premises known as 45 Pheasant Lane, Unit 106, Woodbury, NY 11797. Sec 15 Block D Lot 530, Unit 106. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, being a part of a condominium at Woodbury, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $774,835.97 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 17-003778. For sale information, please visit www.Auction. com or call (800) 280-2832.
Ralph Madalena, Esq., Referee 37846
Druckman Law Group PLLC, 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 Attorney (s) for Plaintiff (s).
SYO 4338
4X 01/17,24,31,02/07
PUBLIC NOTICE OF NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER’S SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE
Notice is hereby given that commencing on February 18th, 2020, will sell at public on-line auction the tax liens on certain real estate, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party in interest in such real estate shall have paid to the County Treasurer by February 13th, 2020 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges against the property.
Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 percent per sixmonth period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in Section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code. Effective with the February 2019 lien sale Ordinance No. 175-2015 requires a $175.00 per day registration fee for each person who intends to bid at the tax lien sale. Ordinance No. 175-2015 also requires that upon the issuance of the Lien Certificate there is due from the lien buyer a Tax Certificate Issue Fee of $20.00 per lien purchased. Pursuant to the provisions of the Nassau County Administrative Code at the discretion of the Nassau County Treasurer the auction will be conducted online. Further information concerning the procedures for the auction is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucountyny. gov/526/County-Treasurer
Should the Treasurer determine that an in-person auction shall be held, same will commence on the 18th day of February 2020 at the Office of The County Treasurer 1 West Street, Mineola or at some other location to be determined by the Treasurer.
A list of all real estate in Nassau County on which tax liens are to be sold is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/DocumentCenter/ View/17674
A list of local properties upon which tax liens are to be sold will be advertised in this publication on or before February 05, 2020. Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodations such as those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all services, programs, activities and public hearings and events conducted by the Treasurer’s Office. Upon request, information can be made available in Braille,
large print, audio-tape or other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 ext. 1-3715.
Dated: January 17, 2020
THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER
Mineola, New York
TERMS OF SALE
Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors' Civil Relief Acts.
However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County's Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased.
The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/ or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a tax lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser's rights with respect to the lien(s) and the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or the Federal and State Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser's right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act(FIRREA),12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et.seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation(FDIC) receivership.
The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of the parcels of land or premises herein listed. The Nassau County Treasurer reserves the right to intervene in any bankruptcy case/litigation where the property affected by the tax liens sold by the Treasurer is part of the bankruptcy estate. However, it is the sole respon-
sibility of all tax lien purchasers to protect their legal interests in any bankruptcy case affecting their purchased tax lien, including but not limited to the filing of a proof of claim on their behalf, covering their investment in said tax lien. The Nassau County Treasurer and Nassau County and its agencies, assumes no responsibility for any legal representation of any tax lien purchaser in any legal proceeding including but not limited to a bankruptcy case where the purchased tax lien is at risk.
The rate of interest and penalty at which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid. Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten per cent of the amount for which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety per cent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety per cent within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all amounts deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten per cent theretofore paid by him shall, without further notice or demand, be irrevocably forfeited by the purchaser and shall be retained by the County Treasurer as liquidated damages and the agreement to purchase shall be of no further effect. Time is of the essence in this sale. This sale is held pursuant to the Nassau County Administrative Code and interested parties are referred to such Code for additional information as to terms of the sale, rights of purchasers, maximum rates of interest and other legal incidents of the sale.
Furthermore, as to the bidding, 1. The bidder(s) agree that they will not work with any other bidder(s) to increase, maintain or stabilize interest rates or collaborate with any other bidder(s) to gain an unfair competitive advantage in the random number generator in the event of a tie bid(s) on a tax certificate. Bidder(s) further agree not to employ any bidding strategy designed to create an unfair competitive advantage in the tiebreaking process in
the upcoming tax sale nor work with any other bidder(s) to engage in any bidding strategy that will result in a rotational award of tax certificates.
2. The tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) bid, will be arrived at independently and without direct or indirect consultation, communication or agreement with any other bidder and that the tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) to be bid, have not been disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder, and will not be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder prior to the close of bidding. No attempt has been made or will be made to, directly or indirectly, induce any other bidder to refrain from bidding on any tax certificate, to submit complementary bids, or to submit bids at specific interest rates.
3. The bids to be placed by the Bidder will be made in good faith and not pursuant to any direct or indirect, agreement or discussion with, or inducement from, any other bidder to submit a complementary or other noncompetitive bid.
4. If it is determined that the bidder(s) have violated any of these bid requirements then their bid shall be voided and if they were the successful bidder the lien and any deposits made in connection with said bid shall be forfeited.
Dated: January 17, 2020 THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER Mineola, New York SYO 4340 2X 01/24,31
NOTICE OF NAME CHANGE
Notice is hereby given that an order granted by the Supreme Court, Nassau County, on the 2nd day of January, 2020, bearing Index Number 1377/19, a copy of which may be examined at the office of the clerk, located at 240 Old Country Road, Mineola, NY grants me the right to assume the name of EDWARD HSIN-YI CHENG. The city and state of my present address are Syosset, NY; the month and year of my birth are February, 1955; the place of my birth is Tokyo, Japan; my present name is Eddy Hsin-Yi Cheng.
SYO 4341
1X 01/31
PUBLIC NOTICE OF NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER’S
SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE
Notice is hereby given that commencing on February 18th, 2020, will sell at public on-line auction the tax liens on certain real estate, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party in interest in such real estate shall have paid to the County Treasurer by February 13th, 2020 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges against the property.
Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 percent per sixmonth period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in Section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code. Effective with the February 2019 lien sale Ordinance No. 175-2015 requires a $175.00 per day registration fee for each person who intends to bid at the tax lien sale. Ordinance No. 175-2015 also requires that upon the issuance of the Lien Certificate there is due from the lien buyer a Tax Certificate Issue Fee of $20.00 per lien purchased. Pursuant to the provisions of the Nassau County Administrative Code at the discretion of the Nassau County Treasurer the auction will be conducted online. Further information concerning the procedures for the auction is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucountyny. gov/526/County-Treasurer
Should the Treasurer determine that an in-person auction shall be held, same will commence on the 18th day of February 2020 at the Office of The County Treasurer 1 West Street, Mineola or at some other location to be determined by the Treasurer.
A list of all real estate in Nassau County on which tax liens are to be sold is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/DocumentCenter/
View/17674
A list of local properties upon which tax liens are to be sold will be advertised in this publication on or before February 05, 2020.
Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodations such as those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all services, programs, activities and public hearings and events conducted by the Treasurer’s Office. Upon request, information can be made available in Braille, large print, audio-tape or other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 ext. 1-3715.
Dated: January 17, 2020
THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER Mineola, New York
TERMS OF SALE
Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors' Civil Relief Acts.
However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County's Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased.
The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/ or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a tax lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser's rights with respect to the lien(s) and the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or the Federal and State Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser's right of foreclo-
LEGAL NOTICES
sure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act(FIRREA),12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et.seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation(FDIC) receivership.
The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of the parcels of land or premises herein listed. The Nassau County Treasurer reserves the right to intervene in any bankruptcy case/litigation where the property affected by the tax liens sold by the Treasurer is part of the bankruptcy estate. However, it is the sole responsibility of all tax lien purchasers to protect their legal interests in any bankruptcy case affecting their purchased tax lien, including but not limited to the filing of a proof of claim on their behalf, covering their investment in said tax lien. The Nassau County Treasurer and Nassau County and its agencies, assumes no responsibility for any legal representation of any tax lien purchaser in any legal proceeding including but not limited to a bankruptcy case where the purchased tax lien is at risk.
The rate of interest and penalty at which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid. Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten per cent of the amount for which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety per cent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety per cent within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all amounts deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten per cent theretofore paid by him shall, without further notice or demand, be irrevocably forfeited by the purchaser and shall be retained by the County Treasurer as liquidated
damages and the agreement to purchase shall be of no further effect. Time is of the essence in this sale. This sale is held pursuant to the Nassau County Administrative Code and interested parties are referred to such Code for additional information as to terms of the sale, rights of purchasers, maximum rates of interest and other legal incidents of the sale.
Furthermore, as to the bidding, 1. The bidder(s) agree that they will not work with any other bidder(s) to increase, maintain or stabilize interest rates or collaborate with any other bidder(s) to gain an unfair competitive advantage in the random number generator in the event of a tie bid(s) on a tax certificate. Bidder(s) further agree not to employ any bidding strategy designed to create an unfair competitive advantage in the tiebreaking process in the upcoming tax sale nor work with any other bidder(s) to engage in any bidding strategy that will result in a rotational award of tax certificates.
2. The tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) bid, will be arrived at independently and without direct or indirect consultation, communication or agreement with any other bidder and that the tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) to be bid, have not been disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder, and will not be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder prior to the close of bidding. No attempt has been made or will be made to, directly or indirectly, induce any other bidder to refrain from bidding on any tax certificate, to submit complementary bids, or to submit bids at specific interest rates.
3. The bids to be placed by the Bidder will be made in good faith and not pursuant to any direct or indirect, agreement or discussion with, or inducement from, any other bidder to submit a complementary or other noncompetitive bid.
4. If it is determined that the bidder(s) have violated any of
these bid requirements then their bid shall be voided and if they were the successful bidder the lien and any deposits made in connection with said bid shall be forfeited.
Dated: January 17, 2020 THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER Mineola, New York JNJ 7932
2X 01/24,31
NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court Nassau County
CAPITAL ONE, N.A., AS SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO CHEVY CHASE BANK, FSB., Plaintiff, vs.
FARAH MALEKI AMID, ANTHONY V. SORRENTINO, et al., Defendants
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT In pursuance of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the office of the County Clerk of Nassau County on April 3, 2017, I, Mark Riccardi, Esq., the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on March 3, 2020 at the Calendar Control Part (CCP) Courtroom, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, County of Nassau, State of New York, at 11:30 A.M., the premises described as follows:
56 Woodland Road Old Brookville, NY 11545 SBL No.: 22-K-124
ALL THAT TRACT OF PARCEL OF LAND situate in the Incorporated Village of Old Brookville, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York
The premises are sold subject to the provisions of the filed judgment, Index No. 017916/2010 in the amount of $6,940,330.05 plus interest and costs.
Richard S. Mullen, Esq. Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP Plaintiff's Attorney 500 Bausch & Lomb Place, Rochester, New York 14604 Tel.: 855-227-5072
JNJ 7933
4X 01/31,02/07,14,21
Attention students!
Graduated from school? Have an outstanding GPA? Made the honor roll or Dean’s List? Scored an internship or study abroad opportunity? We invite you to send details of any of these things and more, along with your name and contact info, to editor@gcnews.com for a chance to be seen in our paper!
Registration for 2nd NSPC Health Science Competition Opens
Registration for the second Neurological Surgery P.C. Health Science Competition (NSPC HSC), a program of the Center for Science Teaching & Learning (CSTL), is now open at www.cstl.org/nspc. Last year the competition drew teams from 38 Long Island high schools and 50 prize winners shared $80,000 in score-based awards.
Created to foster interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs, applications for the 2020 competition must be received by no later than 12:00 p.m. (EST) on April 30, 2020. A$25 non-refundable registration fee per team applies to all entries. The NSPC HSC is available exclusively to Nassau and Suffolk County high school student teams, the competition’s finals will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2020.
Health and science careers are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that healthcare related occupations are expected to generate 2.3 million new jobs through 2024, representing faster employment growth than any other industry.
“As leaders in the medical
profession,” notes Michael H. Brisman, M.D., an attending neurosurgeon and chief executive officer of Neurological Surgery, P.C. (NSPC), “we must focus on inspiring and motivating young people to take interest in STEM education and pursue careers in health and science. This is especially important with the high demand for healthcare and medical science positions, locally and nationally.”
Student teams will be judged in one of five categories: Behavioral Sciences; Biology –Medicine/Health; Biology – Microbiology/Genetics; Health Related Biochemistry/Biophysics, and Bioengineering and Computational Biology. The five first place winners in last year’s competi-
Last year, Michael H. Brisman, M.D., CEO, Neurological Surgery, P.C. (NSPC), at right, received an award from Kevin Sanders, Center for Science, Teaching & Learning (CSTL), acknowledging NSPC’s sponsorship of the nation’s first competition for high school students to focus on STEM/health science. The 2019 competition finals were held at LIU/Post in Greenvale.
tion were: Feyi Rufai of Roslyn High School in the “Behavioral Sciences” category, Alessi Demir of Manhasset High School in the “Biology – Medicine/ Health” category, Michael Lawes of Elmont Memorial High School in the “Biology Microbiology/Genetics” category, Jason Sitt of Lynbrook Senior High School in the “Health Related Biochemistry & Biophysics” category, and Christopher Lu of John L. Miller Great Neck North High School in the “Bioengineering and Computational Biology” category Each winner received a $5,500 prize. The exact breakdown of prizes can be found at www.cstl.org/nspc/hscprizes/.
“The young people who
were part of the first competition,” observes Dr. Brisman, “were brilliant and inspiring. Their understanding of medicine and health-related subjects was impressive. These students are exactly what we need to address the high demand to STEM, health science, and healthcarerelated jobs here on Long Island and across the nation. The first NSPC Health Science Competition exceeded our goals in terms of the number of schools and students who competed. I believe the 2020 competition will further motivate both those who participate and others, who observed these innovative young people, to pursue their interest and careers in healthcare and related sciences.”
For more information about the NSPC Health Science Competition (NSPC HSC), competition rules, and deadlines, please visit www.cstl.org/nspc or call (516) 764-0045
WE’RE ALL IN! THE EMPIRE PLAN NETWORK
NSPC is proud to announce that all of our world-class physicians are now in-network, participating providers with the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP).
We’re available for expert treatment of all brain and spine conditions.
Therapy dogs visit Syosset’s Harvest House
BY RIKKI MASSAND
On the brisk winter afternoon of January 22 in Syosset, over two dozen local residents greeted two spirited therapy dogs, golden retrievers Bella and Riley, at the nonprofit. non-sectarian Harvest House (235 Cold Spring Road) a communal living option for independent senior citizens.
The mild-mannered and uplifting therapy dogs belong to Cecilia Hayden, children’s choir director in the Music Ministry for St. Edward the Confessor Church (205 Jackson Avenue in Syosset) and a new volunteer with DogAbility at 235 Robbins Lane. Prior to seniors spending time reading aloud to their four-legged companions that Wednesday afternoon, the dogs’ owner and trainer, Hayden, spent time educating the audience on the history of the golden retriever breed and important societal and legal distinctions between emotional support dogs, therapy dogs (which Riley and Bella are) and service dogs.
“Service dogs are trained for the blind, for veterans, and people who are handicapped. Often golden retrievers, yellow or black labrador retrievers are dogs that get trained as it’s been found they’re among the best for this people-oriented work and service -- although the testing is very rigorous as the dogs are trained for well over 18 months to two years and at the end of it they’re evaluated to see whether or not the dog is good to help people. If not, those dogs are used as breeders or as bomb-sniffing dogs, other ‘career paths’ -- the service dog gets trained and leaves but I personally can’t let one go,” Hayden said.
we hosted a Girl Scouts troop. The dogs go through an obstacle course and they train dogs to go through tunnels, over hoops, and over barricades,” Hayden explained.
The DogAbility center in Syosset offers Animal-Assisted Activity (AAA) which is different from AnimalAssisted Therapy (AAT) because the latter involves a professional in psychology or physical therapy to qualify as a formal AAT program. Some area therapists have contacted DogAbility and volunteered to add their service to the mix.
Leadership of the nonprofit, non-sectarian Harvest House in Syosset include Sisters of St. Dominic, Executive Director Sister Jeanne A. Brendel, O.P. and Sister Mary Butler, secretary. The pair has participated in many Syosset-Woodbury Chamber of Commerce events since 2018, including the Chamber’s dinner with elected officials held June 10, 2019 at Lisbon Café on Jericho Turnpike. And last July, Harvest House hosted the Chamber of Commerce on its back patio for “A Night of Poolside Networking.”
The two therapy dogs are all hers, but they go through class sequence: Puppy 1, Puppy 2, Adult 1, Adult 2, and Good Citizenship Class followed by a test on all trainer commands. For the law and where a dog can be allowed, service dogs are prioritized. A therapy dog and an emotional support dog are closely related in most matters.
“They are good for visiting hospitals, libraries, nursing facilities, and all kinds of things where they will engage with people or children. Therapy dogs go to visit and lend support at places, but an emotional support dog is usually 1-on-1 and living with someone -- a person that has an anxiety disorder, depression or they’re afraid to go out.
A support dog usually has a 1:1 basis to help someone through emotional issues,” Hayden said.
She very recently joined DogAbility led by its founder and executive director Sass Levine. DogAbility is a nonprofit member organization of the Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce and in July 2018, it hosted business owners and professionals from the community for a general meeting at its Robbins Lane location.
“Sass Levine taught dogs in the Smithtown service dog training facility, and she’s also trained horses. I brought Riley and Bella to DogAbility as I was looking for a place to bring them, as I used to take them to Oyster Bay Manor and Harbor House. Sass set DogAbility up so she has groups of autistic children coming in, homeschooled children, children with disabilities, even senior citizen groups -any group can be organized to attend, and on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Riley is a 22-month-old ball of energy who’s “still in the learning phase.” He has a compulsion to carry something around in his mouth at all times. Bella is a huskier, calmer soul who Both golden retrievers exhibit breed qualities of being sociable, devoted and eager to please. The breed is especially patient and loving with children. On weekends Bella and Riley go to the door and escort children to a music room for their owner to give a music lesson. When Cecilia is playing piano they sit under it.
Hayden also spoke about the difference between the English retriever (Bella) -- stockier, built more for treading through water to retrieve waterfowl on a hunt -- and the field retriever (Riley) which has longer and thinner legs, more height, is generally leaner and more adept at running through fields. Bella has a flatter, ‘boxier’ head while Riley’s head features a longer, more protruding nose. Bella’s hair is longer and curly and needs a trim more often, but Riley “never needs a trim, because his hair and body is bred for going through forests,” Hayden says.
Because golden retrievers in England tend to be cream-colored and lighter, Hayden believes when the breed was brought over to America over 120 years ago, they may have been cross-bred with Irish Setters.
“This dog breed is overwhelmingly generous of spirit and that’s putting it lightly -- they don’t realize their size but they want to crawl into your lap and cuddle. The breed originated in England and they used them for hunting dogs as when they hunt they retrieve. They’ll be inclined to retrieve any rodent, squirrel or rabbit. However golden retrievers are long-considered one of the top breeds to use for assistance training,” Hayden explains.
She got the dogs from different breeders across the country: Bella from Iowa and Riley from Indiana. Hayden’s last dog Jake passed away and with the lifespan of the goldens she planned for overlap of their life expectancies, “because they’re such social, buddy-buddy and pack-oriented animals.”
On January 22, Sister Mary explained her recent reading on the emotional support and companionship dogs offer, with people being able to rely on them for petting and touch -- with transformative effects. Most dogs have a sense of people’s needs. Sister Mary said she learned how a person needing emotional support can look into the dog’s eyes because that eye contact is therapeutic.
Hayden concurred and said therapy and emotional support dogs are very sensitive to people’s feelings. Hayden had a friend visit her home, and when her friend told a sad story, cried and reacted very emotionally, therapy dog Riley quickly attended to her and remained by her side. A 1:1 emotional support dog will also sense everything about a person.
“They don’t like it when a human is upset, they want to make them happy -- these dogs can also be trained to assist diabetics and sense when a person is going into a diabetic shock or episode -- the dog’s sense of smell is so intense that they sense when a person’s blood sugar drops. The dogs can be trained to hit a button to flash a light or do another form of signal,” Hayden said.
On its website, Harvest House is described as a great home in Syosset for seniors “who choose the fullness of living in companionship, enjoying nutritious meals, having a private bedroom and a common living space to be with friends, share ideas, stories, good times, and have wi-fi access.” A second Harvest House location in the county is on Flower Avenue in Floral Park.
The January 22 Therapy Dogs event was attended by area seniors and several people who volunteer at the organization, at both the Syosset and Floral Park locations.
Harvest House is planning to host a Valentine’s Day party on Wednesday, February 19 from 1 pm to 3 pm. A St. Patrick’s Day theme would follow for mid-March.
For more information, contact Harvest House Syosset at 516-496-9796 or visit harvesthouses.org
On January 22, local therapy dogs, golden retrievers Bella and Riley, visited Harvest House on Cold Spring Road in Syosset with their owner/trainer Cecilia Hayden.
SYO
HOMES
1/10/20
Syosset Real Estate Market Conditions
$737,500 Demographics near Syosset,
102 Maytime Drive, Jericho
Sold
4
Lot Size:79x128
Schools:
Total Taxes: $14,772
MLS# 3105368
Drive, Syosset
Sold Price: $830,000
Date: 12/05/2019
4 beds, 3 Full baths
Style: Split # of Families: 1
Lot Size: .27
Schools: Syosset
Total Taxes: $14,435
MLS# 3139982
Ingram Drive, Syosset
Style: Split # of Families: 1
1
Erie
Court,
Jericho
Sold Price: $970,000 Date:
12/16/2019
5
Sold Price: $640,000
Date: 11/04/2019
4 beds, 3 Full baths
Style: Split # of Families: 1
Lot Size: 70x100
Schools: Syosset
Total Taxes: $13,550 MLS# 3137030 46 Marlene
EXPERTISE IS NOT EXPENSIVE,
Patty devotes 100% of her time to her clients and makes you feel like you’re the only seller/buyer she has. She is extremely responsive to wants/needs and has a ton of experience to offer. She is the epitome of a professional and always answers yours calls/emails/ texts no matter the time of day. Her Patience, welcoming demeanor, supportive attitude, passion and dedication are incomparable.
– SEEMA, OYSTER BAY COVE
Patty is the consummate professional. Her knowledge of the local market and ability to read her clients is second to none. She not only showed me various home types as my needs changed, but also presented spreadsheets to help me quantify my eventual decision to buy. Patient and smart.
– ADAM, WOODBURY
We looked at 60 homes before making our final decision. She’s obviously quite patient and was extremely knowledgeable about the homes we were visiting. Patty was extremely responsive and was able to schedule multiple listings in an organized and efficient way.
