Jericho Syosset News Journal (2/5/21) by Litmor Publishing

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THE MAGIC OF MATTER

Town expands outdoor ice skating

The Town of Oyster Bay has added a public skating session at its outdoor ice skating rink at Marjorie Post Community Park in Massapequa. Throughout the month of February, this facility will offer a 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. session for skaters to enjoy.

“Ice skating is a fun, naturally social distanced activity, and there remain current limitations on activities residents and their families can enjoy,” said Town Councilman Tom Hand.

Capacity is limited at each

Town rink, and face masks must be worn at all times.

The Town of Oyster Bay operates three ice skating facilities, two outdoor and one indoor. The outdoor ice rinks are located at Marjorie Post Park, Unqua and Merrick Roads in Massapequa, and at Syosset-Woodbury Community Park, 7900 Jericho Turnpike in Woodbury.

Outdoor public sessions are available on Thursdays (at Marjorie Post as of February 4th) from 4–6 p.m.; Fridays from 4–6 p.m. and

7–9 p.m., Saturdays from 1–3 p.m., 4–6 p.m. and 7–9 p.m., and Sundays from 1–3 p.m. and 4–6 p.m. The Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center is located within Bethpage Community Park at 1001 Stewart Avenue, in Bethpage. The indoor rink is open for public skating on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4–6 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Fridays from 4–6 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 1–3 p.m. and 3:30–5:30 p.m.

Elected officials outline share goals at Syosset Chamber

BY RIKKI N. MASSAND

While there is a new president this year at the Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce, collaborations with local elected officials have continued. This week the Chamber welcomed Nassau County Legislators Joshua Lafazan, and Arnold W. Drucker, Town of Oyster Bay Councilman Thomas Hand and New York State Senator James Gaughran to its Virtual Chamber Board Installation Ceremony last week, held as a Zoom meeting.

Syosset native, and former fiveyear Syosset Central School District board of education trustee, Nassau County Legislator Joshua A. Lafazan performed the swearing-in and oaths of office for the Syosset Woodbury Chamber’s board.

First, Legislator Lafazan noted the incoming Chamber President Russell P. Green of RPG Wealth Management, as well as the 2020 achievements of two prominent Syosset Woodbury Chamber board members: immediate past president, longtime Woodbury resident Maureen Nickel, owner of BrightStar Home Health Care, and the 2020 Chamber Businessperson of the Year, Alan I. Goldberg, president of Water Solutions of Long Island and an executive with Cardworks Merchant Services. Goldberg has received this honor two times in the past three years (2018 and 2020).

“Thank you Chamber President

(and 22-year Syosset resident) Russell Green as you have been an exceptional friend and colleague, business chamber member and person that I have known for so many years and I look forward to working with you in your new capacity. Syosset is the only place I have ever called home. Quite frankly it’s the only place I have ever wanted to live because Syosset is more than a zip code -- it is a family where people raise their children and give back; it’s not just enough to live here as we know it’s non-negotiable to give back and make this community a place we can all come home. It all starts with our civics, and I know the volunteer positions are some of the most important positions in our community,” Lafazan said.

He explained that the Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce’s job is to keep businesses in Syosset and to attract businesses to Syosset, and “to be the voice of the economic vibrancy of Syosset is more important now than ever.”

“Your work during the pandemic to support the small businesses in the community and the Chamber’s work to get PPE (personal protective equipment) to our neighbors, to make sure more resources got into business owners’ hands -- it is amazing and quite frankly, it was flawless throughout 2020 and the start of this year. Thank you all

See page 14

East Broadway Elementary School students recently did hands on experiments to learn about the properties of matter.

LETTERS

TO THE EDITOR

Email: Editor@GCNews.com

Board works for best interest of district

To the Editor:

In a recent Letter to the Editor in a local newspaper, a Jericho community member made several assertions that the Jericho Board of Education must address.

In conducting the work of the Board of Education, the monthly public Board of Education meeting is but one of many activities in which its members participate. Among these activities are attendance at numerous events that take place throughout the year, including PTA meetings, presentations, workshops, concerts, celebrations, parent universities, guidance meetings and so much more. Members of the Board of Education also spend a significant amount of time prior to each meeting reviewing the agenda for the meeting, reading financial statements, contracts, district policies and evaluating the district budgetary presentations, often for hours at a time. Individual Board Members often seek clarification from school district administration prior to the public Board of Education meeting. Such Board members are then able to make informed decisions at the monthly public meeting where the business of the Board of Education is conducted. As a result, many questions are answered prior to the actual public session, and the budget presentation is frequently revised to reflect responses to Board members’ questions. Acting as the Audit Committee, the Board reviews internal and external audit reports that delve into district processes in all areas and reviews actions taken in coordination with budgeted items, capital projects and reserves. Additionally, the Board reviews items related to personnel, litigation and/or collective bargaining negotiations of the unions in the school district in Executive Session and the Board is required by law to keep such discussions confidential. Further, while the district has embarked upon major improvements to buildings, augmented programs, and revised curricula over the last decade, and while fixed costs continue to grow, the school district tax levy growth during that time has been minimal, averaging one percent annually, with five years at zero percent or a negative percent. Although many homeowners have received property tax increases, such increases are a direct result of the broken assessment system in Nassau County. With an awareness of the assessment issues in the county, the Board of Education has worked diligently to keep Jericho’s tax levy increases among the lowest in Nassau County.

In recent times, the country has experienced devastating and cata -

strophic events, including school shootings, and deaths within the school community and a worldwide pandemic. Under the direction of the Board of Education, the administration responded to these events in an exemplary way that resulted in overwhelming community support. Students, staff, and the community have had input into decisions, and all members of the school community were treated with empathy, kindness, respect and understanding. The district provided a network of support for the health and wellbeing of our students, staff, and Jericho community. Furthermore, under the direction of the Board and with the efforts of administrators and teachers, Jericho has consistently ranked among the top public schools in the nation, with students winning a myriad of prestigious awards in all areas of academics, extra-curricular activities and athletics.

In education, as in many businesses, senior management often hires administrators with an eye not only for their talents and abilities to be outstanding at the responsibilities they will fulfill, but also for their potential to rise to other levels within the organization. To this end, the district encourages all administrators to participate in local, statewide, and national organizations to continue their professional development and promote understanding of different perspectives and trends within the educational community. While Jericho most often utilizes an extended process for hiring, the Board of Education and senior administrators must evaluate the current situation and needs of the district as well as the qualifications, talents, and abilities of staff. This not only provides opportunities for all levels within the organization to aspire to positions of leadership, but also enables the district to provide stability and growth. In making the decision to hire a new Assistant Superintendent, the Board spent a great deal of time considering and discussing these factors to determine the best methodology for filling the open position and it was determined that hiring an outstanding internal candidate from within was, in this instance, best for the district. The Board of Education has and always will give careful consideration to the best process to be utilized in filling positions within the district. Although administrative challenges have grown significantly in the last decade, it should be noted that the total number of administrators in the district has remained the same in that period. When determining roles, responsibilities, and abilities

Levittown educator honored with Nassau BOCES award

Wisdom Lane Middle School special education teacher Andrea Mortillaro is a recipient of the 2020 Nassau BOCES Education Partner Award.

Andrea Mortillaro, a special education teacher from Wisdom Lane Middle School in the Levittown Public Schools, was selected as one of 15 individuals to receive the 2020 Nassau BOCES Education Partner Award. Each year, the program honors school administrators, school board members, teachers, organizations and more for their profound effect on public education in Nassau County.

Mrs. Mortillaro was one of two teachers to be honored in the 2020 award program for her commitment to the students of Levittown. She has worked at

Photo courtesy of the Levittown Public Schools

Wisdom Lane Middle School since 2003 and has been an integral member of the school community.

“She is a kind, caring, educator who exemplifies the district motto of Success for Every Student,” said Wisdom Lane Principal John Avena. “Her teaching style is student centered which helps her make life-long connections with her students.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no in-person Education Partner Awards Gala. However, Mrs. Mortillaro will join her fellow award recipients for a virtual celebration on April 13.

Town to upgrade ballfields for spring season

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that upgrades will soon be made to various baseball fields in time for the spring 2021 season. Two fields at John Burns Park in Massapequa will receive significant improvements, including artificial turf replacement, before Little Leaguers return to the field this April.

“Safety upgrades are coming soon to baseball fields at John Burns Park in Massapequa," said Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “To ensure the safety of little leaguers and others who use the fields, we are replacing worn out turf which poses as a tripping haz-

ard for players. Thanks to diligence our Departments of Parks and Public Works, the most necessary improvements will be made in a cost-conscious manner while ensuring the fields are ready for the spring season."

One baseball field, located at the front of the John Burns Park, will undergo a full infield replacement, while another, at the back of the park, will undergo construction of new side panels. The artificial turf at both of these fields is beyond its life capacity and therefore have worn out patches that could pose dangerous to players on the field. Renovations will

begin as soon as weather permits, and be completed in time for the anticipated opening day of little league this April.

Town Councilman Tom Hand stated, "John Burns Park is so beautiful and the ballfields have gotten great use by the community. With significant use by local teams, the fields have gotten old and worn down over time. These improvements will bring a facelift to the fields, thereby improving safety for players and achieving the repairs in the most cost-effective way."

Artificial turf fields have a useful life of approximately 8–10 years, however,

they are less expensive than the longterm cost of maintaining natural grass and a dirt surface. Turf fields also provide the potential for fewer cancellations as the field us able to absorb rain storms in a manner that is not possible on a dirt infield. Turf replacement must be considered when loose inlays pose tripping hazards, fibers split and shred, and when inlays are worn out. When fields experience these issues, less cushion between the athlete and stone base underneath the turf. As players fall on the field, they are at a higher risk of injury and even concussion.

Middle schoolers explore literature at second annual Literacy Café

Two POBMS students show off their Starbooks Café “menus” that offer guidance on the different genres and titles of the literature included in the café.

Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School (POBMS) in the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District recently hosted its second annual Literacy Café for students. The event was created with the mission of encouraging fifth and sixth graders to explore new books through genres, styles, and authors.

This year, given the unique circumstances brought on by COVID-19, event creators Rachel Quattrocchi and Elizabeth Rooney utilized a virtual platform for the Starbooks Café. The virtual café began with a Memoji video featuring the café creators explaining how the event will work. Students then continued to virtually visit different rooms, each offering a wide variety of book titles organized by genres.

As students entered each genre room,

they were able to click on the cover of various new, popular books. This opened a separate tab with a video of a POBMS teacher or administrator volunteer introducing that text. Each student was given a menu to use as a note catcher to write down their thoughts about their different reading selections. Popular titles included “Class Act” by Jerry Craft, “My Life as a Potato” by Arianne Costner, and “The Boy Who Became a Dragon: A Bruce Lee Story” by Jim DiBartolo.

Although this event was very different from the previous year’s, the Starbooks Café was a major success, and it was clear that students enjoyed the opportunity to participate on the virtual platform.

Smiling faces underneath the masks! POBMS students having fun exploring literature with their classmates at the Starbooks Café.

Local runners score in Icebreaker marathon, half marathon

The Greater Long Island Running Club was thrilled to be able to stage an old favorite race at Eisenhower Park on January 24 — the Icebreaker Marathon and Half Marathon. This was the sixth annual running of this event, which was formerly called the Lincoln’s Birthday Marathon & Half Marathon in 2016, and after that, the Presidential Inaugural Marathon & Half Marathon in 2017.

In the full Marathon, Chris Calimano came in from Staten Island to score as the overall winner in 3:10:04, with Paul Kentor of Flushing second in 3:11:06, and Stephen Uresk of Greenlawn scoring third in 3:15:26. Indira Schwarting of Southold scored first overall among the women, finishing in 3:46:13, with the smile never leaving her face.

Joshua Jastemski of Medford (1:22:47) outran Alex Eletto of Stony Brook by 8 seconds to win the Half Marathon, with Thomas Mihailin of East Northport a strong third in 1:25:17. Danielle Cornell (1:35:14) of East Islip took top honors among the women, 50 seconds in front of Karin Lee of Manhasset.

Top local finishers included Amy Long of Syosset, who finished the full Marathon in 3:56:35, Kristine Beetham of Syosset, who finished the Half Marathon in 1:38:05, and Glen Wolther of Jericho, who scored with 1:54:52 in the Half Marathon.

The full Marathon consisted of eight loops of the Eisenhower Park

5K course, and the Half Marathon consisted of four loops of that course. A total of 37 runners successfully completed the full Marathon, and 157 runners successfully completed the Half Marathon.

A sincere “thank you” to sponsors – All Round Foods, Bimbo Bakeries and SPORTea for enhancing the event for all the participants!

Another big “thank you” to Nassau County Parks Commissioner Eileen Krieb, to Eisenhower Park Facilities Manager Trish Hood, to Nassau County Police Medic Rob Spears, and to Lt. Williams of Public Safety and Nassau Parks day-of-race liaison Bobby Flynn. Without the support of Nassau County, this event could not have been the success that it was.

Thanks also, of course, to Brendan and Courtney Barrett of the Sayville Running Company for being at the Park from before the dawn until after 3:00 p.m. to time and score the race.

Last, but definitely not least, thanks to Race Director Sue Fitzpatrick, to Refreshments Coordinator Myron Bellovin, and to Coordinator of Volunteers Rebecca McDonald and all the wonderful volunteers that braved the cold to assure that the event could happen.

For more information about the Club and its activities, call Mike or Sue at (516) 349-7646 or email info@ glirc.org.

Kristine Beetham in the Icebreaker Half Marathon Amy Long in the Icebreaker Marathon

Thomas M. Lang of Bethpage has been named to the President’s List at Siena College for the Fall 2020 semester. The President’s List is reserved for students who earn a grade point index of 3.9 or higher for the semester.

Giana Magrino of Syosset has been named to the President’s List at the State University of New York at Potsdam. Magrino, whose major is music education, was honored for the Fall 2020 semester.

To achieve the honor of being listed on the President’s List, each student must have satisfactorily completed 12 numerically-graded semester hours, with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

Matthew Kaboolian of Syosset has been named to the 2020 Dean’s List and Semester Honors at Purdue University School of Engineering.

To be recognized by Dean’s List honors students must complete 12 hours and attain a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or greater. To receive semester honors, a student must have a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher.

n Nicole Galu of Jericho, a member of the 2024 class of Providence College, achieved Dean’s List honors for the Fall 2020 semester. To qualify for the Dean’s List a student must achieve at least a 3.55 grade point average with a minimum of 12 credits.

Montclair State University congratulates the following Syosset students named to the Fall 2020 Dean’s List:

Joseph Castro

Templar Wright

The Dean’s List, issued after the close of the Fall and Spring semesters by the academic deans, gives recognition to students with a 3.500 or higher semester GPA if a minimum of 12 credits is earned in courses that contribute to the GPA and if there are no IN (incomplete) grades for that semester.

Matthew Butigian, a business major in the Class of 2021 from Plainview, was named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2020 semester at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire. To be eligible for this honor, a student must have achieved a grade point average of 3.4 or better in the semester with at least 12 credits of study which award a letter grade.

The following students have been named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2020 semester.

Kayla Walsh, of Bethpage. Walsh is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Dual Degree at Becker

College.

College Notes

Benjamin Clingen, of Hicksville. Clingen is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in interactive media, game arts.

The Dean’s List recognizes all fulltime students (24 or more credit hours earned for the academic year; 12 minimum each semester — September through May) whose term grade point average is 3.50 or higher with no grade below a B- and no incomplete (I) or withdrawal/failing (WF) grades.

Bryant University pleased to recognize the students who have been named to the Deans’ List for the fall 2020 semester:

Jason Katz, Class of 2022, from Bethpage

Christina Hydo, Class of 2023, from Bethpage

Ashley Sharma, Class of 2022, from Levittown

York College has named the following students to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2020 semester:

Melanie Barroca of Levittown

Hannah Vogt of Levittown

To be eligible for this honor, a student must be registered for at least 12 academic credit hours and earn a semester GPA of 3.50 or higher.

Cedar Crest College congratulates Brianna Gregory of Levittown for making the Dean’s List for the Fall 2020 semester. The Dean’s List recognizes students who have earned a grade point average of 3.65 or higher in the academic semester.

Hofstra University is proud to announce the Fall 2020 Provost’s List, which recognizes students who have earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average.

The following local students have been recognized:

Bethpage

Samantha Doerner, Julie Grzybowski, Jillian Kane, Victoria Kane, Alyssa Seminario, Andrew Tarabokija

Hicksville

Charles Colasanti, Matthew Gopaulchan, Amanpreet Kaur, Krista Meyers, Priya Patel

Levittown

Kelly Elkowitz, Kawalpreet Kaur, James Lombardi, Erin McCall, Pritpaul Minhas, Roberto Navarrete, Rose Perlman, Kerry Redling, Shayna Trachten

Old Bethpage

Bryan Hirsch, Jaclyn Paradiso, Casey Urban, Bryan Hirsch, Jaclyn Paradiso, Casey Urban

Plainview

Grace Chan, John Cooke, Kyle Fattibene, Stacy Kappel, Megan Mazza, Sophia Suazo, Katlyn Tanenbaum, Prince Vathappallil, Gia Romano

Syosset

Aafia Alladin, Chloe Chan, Danielle Popovski

Jenna DeVincenzo of Bethpage has been named to the Dean’s List at the University of New Hampshire for earning Honors for the Fall 2020 semester. DeVincenzo is majoring in exercise science.

Gabriella Chianese of Levittown has been named to the Dean’s List at the University of New Hampshire for earning Highest Honors for the fall 2020 semester. Chianese is majoring in BiomedSci:MedMicro.

Students named to the Dean’s List at the University of New Hampshire are students who have earned recognition through their superior scholastic performance during a semester enrolled in a full-time course load (12 or more graded credits). Highest honors are awarded to students who earn a semester grade point average of 3.85 or better out of a possible 4.0. Students with a 3.65 to 3.84 average are awarded high honors and students whose grade point average is 3.5 through 3.64 are awarded honors.

The following Fairfield University students received Deans List Honors for the Fall 2020 semester: Bethpage

Julia Bradley, Maeve DeGennaro, Noelle Prisco Levittown

Daniel Wilson Plainview

Pierangelo Bonda-Riva, Kaitlyn Capone, Christina De Angelis Syosset

Alexandra Emanuel, Sophia Gaeta, Dominic Macedo, Christopher Vallone n

The following local students have been named to the University of Delaware Dean’s List for the Fall 2020 semester:

East Norwich

Harley Aquilino

Glen Head

John Alfarone, Caroline Innelli, Alexandra Reiner, Hayden Scala, Jenna Whalen, Laura Yardeni, Irene Zachariadis

Hicksville

Nicole Chhabra, Jenna Emanuele, Nora Montera, Rebecca Sloan Jericho

Julianna Alfieri, Giordana Daniels, Brandi Litz, Tara Silberg, Caroline Strauss

Levittown

Kayla Bjelke, Kate Ecker

Old Bethpage

Sofia Kachianos, Emily Kolsky

Plainview

Sabrina Ayala, Madison Barber, Joseph Beck, Ashley Bellino, Brianna

Bellino, Hailey Benowitz, Sarah Einbinder, Amy Elbogen, Rachel Goerke, Rachel Gurtman, Zachary Herman, Gavin Hulser, Ira Kohler, Philip Levner, Amanda Press, Angelina Raver, Jessica Rosenfeld, Nicole Schwartzberg, Samantha Shapiro, Stephanie Shayne, Nicole Silvestro, Stephanie Stern, Adam Tabak, Brenna Wynne Syosset

Dylan Berkowitz, Michael Cerrone, Sonia Feldbeyn, Alexandra Garry, Jessica Hein, Robert Kidd, Hannah Lewitas, Alexis Lichten, Stephanie Minsky, Brendan Moran, Rachel North, Jack Santoro, Kiera Sherman

Woodbury

Kelly Cirella, Sarah Gerson, Collette Lazar, Anthony Hubbard, Danielle Pitta, Morgan Pfeffer, Danielle Reisman, Madison Ruiz, Lauren Schechter, Chloe Wolfson

To meet eligibility requirements for the Dean’s List, a student must be enrolled full-time and earn a GPA of 3.5 or above (on a 4.0 scale) for the semester.

Bucknell University has released the Dean’s List for outstanding academic achievement during the fall semester of the 2020–21 academic year. A student must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a scale of 4.0 to receive dean’s list recognition. The following students have achieved Dean’s List status: Liam Brosnahan, Class of 2024, from Syosset

Hannah Goldberg, Class of 2022, from Syosset

Jess Hom, Class of 2021, from Syosset, Bella Molinari, Class of 2021, from Syosset

Gianna Orioli, Class of 2024, from Woodbury

Christine Capobianco, Class of 2022, from Glen Head

Ryan Tam, Class of 2021, from Glen Head

Jack Wieboldt, Class of 2022, from East Norwich

Jordana Groveman, Class of 2024, from Old Bethpage

Jared Knoll of Plainview is among forty-seven students who were inducted into SUNY Delhi’s chapter of the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society last spring. The ceremony was cancelled due to COVID-19, but membership certificates were sent to the students’ homes last summer. Phi Eta Sigma is a national honor society recognizing academic achievements of full-time college students who attain a cumulative GPA 3.50 or higher during their college careers.

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Water commissioner tapped to lead LI Water Conference

The Long Island Water Conference (LIWC) announced this week that Plainview Water District (PWD) Commissioner Andrew N. Bader has been elected to serve as the organization’s new chairman for 2021.

“I am extremely honored to be entrusted with this position by all of

our dedicated members, said LIWC Chairman Andrew N. Bader. “Water is the most vital part of everyday life, and I look forward to continuing to ensure all Long Islanders receive the highest quality water possible.”

Andrew N. Bader has proudly served the Plainview community as Commissioner of the Water District since 2010. Bader has also previously served as vice chairman of the LIWC in 2020 and 2nd vice chairman in 2019. Additionally, he has served as president of the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioner’s Association in 2017 and is an active member of the American Water Works Association.

In addition to his decade of water industry experience, Mr. Bader is a vice president at Mercury Tax Service, Inc. He continues to work tirelessly in his tenure as PWD Commissioner to ensure residents are served by a fiscally responsible water provider, as well as getting the highest quality water both in the present and future. Mr. Bader has served as an educator for over 30 years, teaching economics, U.S. government, and history. He also serves as the first vice president of the Plainview Jewish Center Men’s Club and as an advisory board member of JCRC Long Island.

Zoom webinar: Personal finance for young adults

Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan (Woodbury) and Thomas Barrella, business educator and author of “FinanciaLit,” are scheduled to host a free Zoom webinar “Personal Finance for Young Adults” on Wednesday, Feb. 10. Barrella’s presentation is scheduled to include advice for budgeting, saving strategies, money growth, credit, employee versus freelancer status, income taxes, and more.

“Long Island’s high cost of living makes achieving financial independence especially daunting for young adults, and the ongoing COVID-19 eco-

nomic downturn has created a regional economic landscape that is even more difficult to navigate,” Legislator Lafazan said. “It’s more important than ever for young adults to develop sound personal finance skills in this climate, and I thank Thomas Barrella for continuing to work with my office to help inform and educate the communities we are proud to serve.”

Pre-registration is required. For additional information, contact Rena Thomas at Legislator Lafazan’s office at 516-571-6218 or register online at http:// www.nassaucountyny.gov/LD18.

Syosset student receives award for classical music accomplishments

Syosset High School student Caroline Hsu has been named a 2021 National YoungArts Foundation Finalist in Classical Music.

Caroline, a junior, is one of 20 finalists comprising accomplished classical musicians from high schools around

the country. Winners were chosen by a rigorous blind adjudication process and selected for their caliber of artistic achievement across the visual, literary and performing arts. As a Finalist Winner for piano, Caroline participated in virtual classes and workshops with mentorship from leading artists in her field during National YoungArts Week+ in January and will receive a cash prize of up to $10,000. YoungArts winners are awarded in three categories, Finalist, Honorable Mention and Merit, and across ten disciplines: Classical Music, Dance, Design Arts, Film, Jazz, Photography, Theater, Visual Arts, Voice and Writing. All winners gain access to opportunities for creative and professional development support throughout their artistic career including a wide range of fellowships, and virtual and in-person presentation opportunities in collaboration with major venues nationwide.

Caroline joins a notable group of YoungArts alumni that includes Terrence Blanchard, Camille Brown, Viola Davis, Allegra Goodman, Josh Groban, Jennifer Koh, Billy Porter and Kerry Washington.

Syosset School Board to meet

The Syosset School Board will hold its regular monthly meeting on Monday, February 8th at 8 p.m. at South Woods Middle School, 99 Pell Lane. The board will hold a Budget Information Meeting and will also discuss the District-wide School Safety Plan during the meeting.

Workshops on tax grievances

Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan (Woodbury) is partnering with the Nassau County Assessment Review Commission to host a pair of online tax grievance workshops. During these webinars, property owners who disagree with the assessed value of their property can learn how to navigate the grievance process, utilize online research tools, and dispute their assessment.

No registration is necessary, and the workshops will be shown at www. NassauCountyNY.gov/LD18. For additional information, please contact Legislator Lafazan’s office at 516-5716218 or via email at rthomas@nassaucountyny.gov.

The workshops will take place on Monday, Feb. 8, from 10 a.m.–noon and Wednesday, Feb. 17 from 7–9 p.m.

Andrew N. Bader

Syosset High School student Caroline Hsu

Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of Life Touch Photography

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NOTICE OF SPECIAL DISTRICT MEETING BETHPAGE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, IN THE COUNTY OF NASSAU, NEW YORK (February 9, 2021)

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an Informational Meeting of the Bethpage Union Free School District, Nassau County, Bethpage, New York, will be held virtually via YouTube Live on January 28, 2021 at 7:00PM, prevailing time, for the purpose of discussing the Bond Proposition which shall be voted on at the Special District meeting to be held on February 9, 2021, as more fully described herein.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Education of the Bethpage Union Free School District (the “District”), in the County of Nassau, New York, adopted on December 15, 2020, a Special District Meeting of the qualified voters of said School District will be held on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 from 12:00 o’clock P.M. to 8:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) in the Auxiliary Gymnasium of the Bethpage Senior High School, Cherry Avenue and Stewart Avenues, Bethpage, New York, in said District, for the purpose of voting upon the following Bond Proposition:

BOND PROPOSITION

YES NO

RESOLVED:

(a) That the Board of Education of the Bethpage Union Free School District, in the County of Nassau, New York (the “District”), is hereby authorized to construct alterations and improvements to all District buildings and the sites thereof (the “Project”), substantially as described in the “Bond Planning Study” (the “Plan”) prepared for the District by BBS Architects, Landscape

Architects, & Engineers, P.C., on file and available for public inspection at the office of the District Clerk; such Project to include interior reconstruction and space reconfiguration; electrical, lighting and information technology system upgrades; floor and ceiling replacements; building envelope improvements; ADA compliance; athletic and recreation improvements, including installation of a new track, synthetic turf fields, scoreboards, new athletic barn, storage units and concession building and field, basketball court and irrigation upgrades; and parking, driveway; asphalt and pavement improvements; the foregoing to include the original furnishings, equipment, machinery, apparatus and ancillary or related site, demolition and other work required in connection therewith; and to expend therefor, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto and to the financing thereof, an amount not to exceed the estimated total cost of $16,250,000; provided that the costs of the components of the Project as set forth in detail in detail in the Plan may be reallocated among such components if the Board of Education shall determine that such reallocation is in the best interest of the District;

(b) that a tax is hereby voted in the aggregate amount of not to exceed $16,250,000 to pay the cost of the Project, said tax to be levied and collected in installments in such years and in such amounts as shall be determined by said Board of Education; and

(c) that in anticipation of said tax, bonds of the District are hereby authorized to be issued in the principal amount of not to exceed $16,250,000, and a tax is hereby voted to pay the interest on said bonds as the same shall become due and payable.

Such Bond Proposition shall appear on the ballots used for voting at said Special District Meeting in substantially the following condensed form:

BOND PROPOSITION

YES NO

RESOLVED:

(a) That the Board of Education of the Bethpage Union Free School District, in the County of Nassau, New

LEGAL NOTICES

York (the “District”), is hereby authorized to construct alterations and improvements to all District buildings and the sites thereof substantially as described in the “Bond Planning Study” prepared for the District by BBS Architects, Landscape Architects, & Engineers, P.C., and to expend therefor an amount not to exceed $16,250,000;

(b) that a tax is hereby voted in the aggregate amount of not to exceed $16,250,000 to pay the cost thereof, said tax to be levied and collected in installments in such years and in such amounts as shall be determined by said Board of Education; and

The voting will be conducted by ballot on voting machines or paper ballot as provided in the Education Law and the polls will remain open from 12:00 o’clock P.M. to 8:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) and as much longer as may be necessary to enable the voters then present to cast their ballots.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

NOTICE that each person entitled to vote must register.

Registration dates, hours, and locations are as follows:

WEEKDAYS, until February 4, 2021, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Prevailing Time) when school is in session in the Office of the District Clerk, located in the Administration Building, Cherry and Stewart Avenues, Bethpage, New York.

SATURDAY, January 30, 2021, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. (Prevailing Time), in the Boardroom at the Administration Building, Cherry and Stewart Avenues, Bethpage, New York.

The following persons shall be eligible to vote: All persons who shall have presented themselves personally for registration in accordance with section two thousand fourteen of the Education Law and all persons who shall have been previously duly registered for any annual or special meeting

or election, who are qualified to vote and who shall have voted at any annual or special meeting or election held or conducted during the four (4) calendar years prior to 2021 (i.e., 20172020) and who are not disqualified from voting for any reason set forth in New York State Election Law Section 5-106. In addition, all persons who are registered to vote pursuant to Article 5 of the Election Law of the State of New York shall be eligible to vote.

All persons who registered at the Annual Meeting and Election held on June 9, 2020, will not be required to re-register for the purpose of voting at the Special District Meeting to be held on February 9, 2021. Persons whose names appear as eligible voters as of June 9, 2020 on the Voter Registration Books issued and maintained by the Nassau County Board of Elections, shall be eligible to vote at the Special District Meeting to be conducted on February 9, 2021.

Any qualified voter of the District who is in doubt as to whether she/he is registered to vote at the Special District Meeting to be held on February 9, 2021 should contact the District Clerk of the Bethpage Union Free School District at (516) 644-4002.

The Board of Registration will meet during the Special District Meeting to be held on February 9, 2021 for the purpose of preparing a register for meetings and elections held subsequent to such Special District Meeting.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

NOTICE that the register will be open for inspection by a qualified voter of the School District on Thursday, February 4, 2021, up to and including the day of the election, February 9, 2021, Sunday excepted, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., with the exception of Saturday, February 6, 2021, when the hours will be from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

NOTICE that absentee ballots will be available for the election of School Board Members and the Budget Vote. Applications for absentee ballots are available in the Office of the District Clerk, which is located in the Superintendent’s Office at the Administration

Building, Cherry and Stewart Avenues, Bethpage. To have an absentee ballot mailed to your home, a completed and signed application must be in the District Clerk’s Office no later than Tuesday, February 2, 2021. Application for an absentee ballot may be made in person from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on any school day and up until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 8, 2021. Applications can also be downloaded from the district’s website at: http://www.bethpagecommunity.com

The right to vote by absentee ballot will be subject to the approval of the Board of Registration. A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District in the Office of the District Clerk commencing with the issuance of the first absentee ballot and on each of the five days prior to the day of the election (except Sunday), between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on weekdays, and on Saturday, February 6, 2021 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. The list will also be available at the polling place on Tuesday, February 9, 2021. Absentee ballots will be accepted in the Office of the District Clerk of the school district no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 9, 2021. Any ballot received after that time will not be counted.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that Military Voters who are not currently registered to vote may apply to register as a qualified voter of the District by contacting the District Clerk at 10 Cherry Avenue, Bethpage, New York 11714; Telephone: (516) 640-4002; or email: ebecker@bethpage.ws to receive an application to register as a qualified voter of the District for said Special District Meeting on February 9, 2021. The Military Voter may indicate their preference for receiving the registration application by mail, by facsimile or electronic mail (email). The application to register must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5:00 P.M. on the twenty-sixth day before the vote (January 14, 2021). The register of voters prepared and filed in the

Continued on page 12

Continued from page 10

District Clerk’s office shall include the names of all military voters who submit a valid military voter registration. A military voter means a qualified voter of New York State who is in actual military service and will, therefore, be absent from the District in which he or she is qualified to vote on the day of registration or election or is discharged from military service within 30 days of an election, or a spouse, parent, child or dependent of the military voter, accompanying or being with such voter, if a qualified voter of New York State and a resident of the same school district as the military voter, or military personnel residing on a military base within a school district in New York State for a period of 30 days immediately preceding said Special District Meeting.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that Military Voters who are qualified voters of the District may obtain an application for a military ballot from the District Clerk at The Office of the District Clerk 10 Cherry Avenue, Bethpage, New York 11714; Telephone: (516) 6444002; or email: ebecker@bethpage.ws. A military ballot application must be returned in person or by mail to the Office of the District Clerk, no later than 5:00 P.M. on the twenty-sixth day before the vote (January 14, 2021). The Military Voter may indicate their preference for receiving the application for a military ballot by mail, by facsimile or email. Military ballots will be mailed or otherwise distributed no later than 25 days (January 15, 2021) before said Special District Meeting. Military ballots must be received by the District Clerk (1) before the close of the polls on February 9, 2021 and showing a cancellation mark of the U.S postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the U.S. government or (2) by 5:00 P.M. on the date set for the Special District Meeting and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereof, with a date which is ascertained to be not later than the day before said Special District Meeting. Irrespective of the preferred

mode of transmission, the military ballot application and military ballot must be returned by mail or in person. A list of all persons to whom military ballots shall have been issued will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District in the said Office of the District Clerk during regular office hours, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., (Prevailing Time), until the day of said Special District Meeting.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR VOTING:

1. A person shall be a citizen of the United States.

2. Eighteen or more years of age.

3. A resident of the District for a period of thirty days or more next preceding the election at which he or she offers to vote.

4. Must be registered to vote. Only qualified voters who are registered to vote will be permitted to vote.

It being expressly understood that the intent of the District is to comply with the Executive Orders of the Governor stemming from the current coronavirus pandemic, should such in any way vary from procedures and timing referenced herein or as is otherwise usually applicable to conducting a Special District Meeting. Thus, all references to the timing, location, and manner of voting in the Special District Meeting as set forth herein, are subject to modification based on applicable legislation or direction by the Governor or other body with jurisdiction over the District.

BY THE ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Dated: December 15, 2020

ELENA BECKER District Clerk

BN 7486

4X 12/25, 01/08/2021,01/22,02/05

NOTICE OF SALE

Supreme Court Nassau County L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf. vs.

DOMINICK COMMISSO, et al, Defts.

Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Oct. 2, 2020, I will sell at public auction on North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola,

LEGAL NOTICES

NY on March 8, 2021 at 2:30 pm. prem. k/a District 18, Section 49, Block F, Lot 417. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Foreclosure auction will be held “rain or shine.” If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the sale.

MELVYN K. ROTH, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Drive, Great Neck, NY. #98700

Index #608971/2019.

BN 7488

4X 02/05,12,19,26

NOTICE OF FORMATION

LITMO LLC. Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/22/20. Office: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 597 South 11th Street, New Hyde Park, NY. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

BN 7489

6X 02/05,12,19,26,03/05,12

NOTICE OF FORMATION

Notice of Formation of CO Tax and Accounting Solutions LLC, Arts of Org with Secy of State of NY Office Location Nassau County New York designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to: 83 Brenner Ave, Bethpage, NY 11714. Purpose: any lawful act.

BN 7490

6X 02/05,12,19,26,03/05,12

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING BY THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

ing appeal: MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY COMMENT ON APPLICATIONS. COMMENTS TO BE HEARD ON THE NIGHT OF THE HEARING AND ENTERED INTO THE RECORD AT THAT TIME MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS BY 4 P.M. WEDNESDAY BEFORE THE HEARING, COMMENTS TO BE ENTERED INTO THE RECORD FOLLOWING THE HEARING MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE NEXT WEDNESDAY FOLLOWING THE HEARING DATE BY 4 P.M.

COMMENTS SHALL BE SENT EITHER:

VIA E-MAIL TO: SCLONINGER@OYSTERBAYNY.GOV

VIA MAIL TO: ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

74 Audrey Avenue Oyster Bay, NY 11771

BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

APPEAL NO. 21-64

SYOSSET

KENNETH MARKOWITZ:

(A) Variance to allow existing portico, one story addition and shed exceeding maximum building coverage than permitted by Ordinance (B) Variance to allow existing shed having less rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. W/s/o Donald Dr., 71.37 ft. S/o Debra Pl., a/k/a 26 Donald Drive, Syosset, NY

APPEAL NO. 21-65

SYOSSET

DEBORAH KIMBALL: (A) Variance to construct one story addition and covered porch having less average front yard setback (Sagamore Drive) than permitted by Ordinance; also encroachment of eaves and gutters. (B) Variance to allow existing pool equipment having less rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. SW/ cor. of Sagamore Dr. & Stratford Pl., a/k/a 110 Sagamore Drive, Syosset, NY

APPEAL NO. 21-66

SYOSSET

RADPARVAR DARIUSH: Variance to allow existing rear addition having less rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.

N/s/o Cold Spring Rd., W/o Townsend Dr., a/k/a 187 Cold Spring Road, Syosset, NY

FEBRUARY 1, 2021 BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK SYO 4376 1X 02/05

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING BY THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 246, Section 246-12 of the Code of the Town of Oyster Bay, and New York State Executive Order No. 202.1, et. seq. notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals has scheduled a public meeting, which will take place in the Town Hall Meeting Room, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, New York, on FEBRUARY 11, 2021, at 7:00 P.M., to be held remotely, and the public has the ability to view or listen to such proceeding via live stream at www.oysterbaytown. com, and that such meeting will be recorded and later transcribed, to consider the following appeal: MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY COMMENT ON APPLICATIONS. COMMENTS TO BE HEARD ON THE NIGHT OF THE HEARING AND ENTERED INTO THE RECORD AT THAT TIME MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS BY 4 P.M. WEDNESDAY BEFORE THE HEARING, COMMENTS TO BE ENTERED INTO THE RECORD FOLLOWING THE HEARING MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE NEXT WEDNESDAY FOLLOWING THE HEARING DATE BY 4 P.M. COMMENTS SHALL BE SENT EITHER:

VIA E-MAIL TO: SCLONINGER@OYSTERBAYNY.GOV

VIA MAIL TO: ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

74 Audrey Avenue Oyster Bay, NY 11771

BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS APPEAL NO. 19-582AMENDMENT

Continued on page 13

LEGAL NOTICES

Continued from page 12

JERICHO

IMRAN ISMAIL: Amend

Specific Plan as presented for Appeal No. 19-582 and granted by Decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals, dated November 21, 2019, for the submittal of as built construction plans.

N/s/o Dewey St., 150 ft. E/o Leahy St., a/k/a 103 Dewey Street, Jericho, NY

APPEAL NO. 21-63

JERICHO

QISHU LIN: Variance to con-

struct new dwelling having less rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance; also encroachment of eaves and gutters.

NW/ cor. of Hazelwood Dr. & Hazelwood Ct, a/k/a 75 Hazelwood Drive, Jericho, NY

FEBRUARY 1, 2021

BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK

JNJ 7955

1X 02/05

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Legislator holds online tax grievance workshop

Hundreds tuned in to watch Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker’s (D –Plainview) first tax grievance workshop on Thursday, Jan. 28.

During the Zoom webinar, property owners who disagree with the assessed value of their property had the opportunity to learn how to navigate the grievance process from Nassau County assessment expert Jeff Gold, a former member of the Nassau County Board of Assessors and a former commissioner on the Assessment Review Commission (ARC). Visit https://www.facebook.com/watch/liv e/?v=319317446183868&ref=watch_permalink to watch the webinar again or see it for the first time.

“It is important for Nassau County resi -

dents to know that they do not have to hire an attorney to grieve their taxes. However, for those who have never gone through the process of contesting their assessed value without assistance, it can feel like a truly daunting undertaking,” Legislator Drucker said. “Tax grievance workshops provide residents with the tools they need to exercise their rights, and I am grateful to Jeff Gold for making himself and his expertise available as a resource for Nassau property owners.” For additional information about upcoming tax grievance workshops, please visit https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/LD16 or contact Legislator Drucker’s office at 516571-6216 or via email at Adrucker@nassaucountyny.gov.

Elected officials outline share goals at Syosset Chamber

From page 1

for the work that you do. I am grateful to call you my colleagues and my friends, and I look forward to a lifetime of partnership with the Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce,” Legislator Lafazan said last Wednesday.

Legislator Arnold W. Drucker from Plainview (District 16) as well as Town of Oyster Bay Councilman Thomas Hand also wished the new board members well and gave perspectives on local business development, COVID19 resources, current events and other timely matters.

Participants in the virtual meeting were also given time for introductions of their businesses and an update on several networking opportunities the Syosset Woodbury Chamber has on its schedule for February 2021 and beyond. For the full event calendar and information, including for the Wednesday February 24 Joint Networking Night with the Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce, please visit SyossetChamber.com.

New York State Senator James Gaughran, who represents communities along Long Island’s North Shore in District 5 from Glen Cove to Syosset, and his hometown of Huntington to Northport, was re-elected to his second two-year term in state office last November. He defeated incumbent Carl Marcellino in the 2018 election and has subsequently set up a local Syosset office at 485 Underhill Boulevard.

At the virtual installation ceremony, Sen. Gaughran told the Chamber of Commerce he sees the COVID-19 pandemic as the most difficult time he can recall in his lifetime “for anyone to try to operate a business and to try and help their fellow citizens.” Sen. Gaughran is optimistic that state government, funding programs and the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines; with a shortage of supply from the federal government-level’s involvement, can “turn the corner” very soon.

“One of the issues we really must work with is that there are a lot of senior citizens who don’t have the ability to navigate the website or have grandchildren doing this vaccine registration for them, but a lot is being worked on to help those shut-in and we hope to get a much more plentiful vaccine supply that what we’ve received from Washington, D.C. and I believe we will from what New York State was told by the Biden Administration. It’s not going to happen overnight with everybody getting vaccinated, but we’re hopeful for progress soon,” he said.

State Sen. Gaughran told the Syosset Woodbury Chamber about a largescale infrastructure investment program possible from the federal government: “When I say infrastructure it means more than roads and bridges. We are talking about upgrades to sew-

age treatment plants; post-storm revitalization, making sure internet access is made available for everybody as we saw during this pandemic that many of our workforce and students must have equipment and connectivity,” he said.

He also noted that there are many long NYS budget hearings taking place, with the budget adoption slated for April 1. “This basically taking shape in two parts: Plan A where we would receive $15 billion from the federal government to restore all the state budget cuts and do more things; or there’s Plan B getting a lot less, $6 billion from the federal level, where we would be dealing with budget cuts and looking into the state receiving other sources of revenues including from legalized sports betting. I am hopeful the state will receive more money than not -- the top priority, at this time and point-blank, is making sure our school districts are getting fully-funded as best as possible because if not that just hurts our students and obviously hits the taxpayers with any proposed cuts to local governments and districts. We are also waiting to see what additional money comes to the state from Washington to investigate funding additional programs to help those businesses that have been hurt the most in trying to get them back on their feet,” Sen. Gaughran explained.

“Be assured that I am on it and that we will fight any cuts that face the Town of Oyster Bay and local village governments. We are going to fight for local-level funding however it is going to be difficult with competing interests and not a lot of money,” he said.

In 2021, Gaughran remains the chair of the New York State Senate’s Committee on Local Government. He is also a member of the NYS Senate Committees on Higher Education; Racing, Gaming and Wagering; Corporations, Authorities and Commissions; Investigations and Government Operations, and Energy and Telecommunications.

“Happy Birthday to Town Councilman Hand and congratulations Chamber President Russell Green; congratulations to Maureen Nicek and Alan Goldberg on your achievements, and congratulations to all the Syosset Woodbury Chamber Board members, thank you for all the great work you have done! We are grateful to all of you for all that you’re doing,” he announced.

Councilman Thomas Hand celebrated his 61st birthday on the same day of the Chamber’s 2021 Board Installation Ceremony. He spoke for the Town of Oyster Bay elected leadership on Council as well as on behalf of Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. Chamber President Russell Green noted Councilman Hand’s career in corporate management, logistics and business operations for over 30 years as he serves on the Town of Oyster Bay’s governing body. Green said Hand contributes strong business acumen and work ethic

to the Town Board. Since 2017 Hand has consistently attended many Syosset Woodbury Chamber grand openings, ribbon cuttings, monthly meetings and other local Syosset, Woodbury, Plainview, Hicksville and Jericho area business community events.

During the Chamber event he reflected on the many valiant efforts since the start of the pandemic, nearly one year ago, with worldwide quarantine mandates and record unemployment “reminding us of the need to come together and unite as one community.”

“On behalf of my Town Board and Town government colleagues I would like to thank you all for how you keep businesses in our Town running great, efficiently, and our residents and other businesses appreciate all that you do. I’d like to offer special greetings to our incoming 2021 Chamber Board members, President Russell Green, Vice President Danielle K. Delgrosso, Treasurer William J. Chabina Jr. and Board Secretary Christine Patti. I am extremely proud to recognize the organization’s esteemed honorees at this time: outgoing 2020 Chamber President Maureen Nickel who is going to continue her service as a Board member, as well as 2020 Chamber Businessperson of the Year Alan Goldberg. Both of you deserve commendations for your many and varied contributions toward the betterment of local business and community -- your efforts are remarkable and exceedingly worthy of the Town of Oyster Bay’s highest honors,” he said.

“We believe the enduring legacy of this pandemic will be the ways in which we supported and helped one another, and you (the Chamber) did your part in serving as an essential lifeline for many local businesses here in Syosset and Woodbury. You have provided them a beacon of light to navigate through this storm and weather its economic impacts. We have stood together as one nation combating an invisible enemy, and the Town government is working tirelessly to best serve taxpayers from the height of this pandemic to today -the Town of Oyster Bay government has continued to operate fully and deliver every available service. And we continue to evaluate how our Town government operates so that we can best serve residents -- make no mistake, we face each challenge head-on and we continue to deliver to the residents,” Councilman Hand commented.

He noted one such Town initiative as under direction from Town Receiver of Taxes Jeff Pravato, the Town Board extended tax deadlines for residents and provided information on how to grieve taxes. Hand added that Town Clerk Richard LaMarca continues in local services with performing “socially distanced marriage ceremonies” and that the TOBAY Sanitation collections/ services, Building Department permitting processes and TOBAY Highway

Department paving programs serve as other examples of nonstop local government functioning. The Town of Oyster Bay’s credit rating has been upgraded during the pandemic, as announced by Supervisor Saladino in 2020.

The Building Department has “eliminated the red tape” to allow a smoother process for restaurants within Town boundaries to organize and set up outdoor dining. The Town workforce was reprioritized so that building applications coming in could be processed at a faster pace, as Hand describes a goal of “putting people back to work.” More pressing human services needs were also prioritized as part of the Town’s pandemic response.

“In partnering with Island Harvest and Long Island Cares food banks we collected tons of food to help prevent hunger. With the drop in blood donation supply at local hospitals, the Town converted the Hicksville Athletic Center into a sterile facility for Long Island Blood Services in order to collect significant donations. We have truly saved lives with doing these things. Through our Town Career Center we continue to offer free online resume services to help prepare for workforce re-entry

We also held a drive-in ceremony to help our 19th year remembrance of the victims of 9/11 and the Town spearheaded an incredibly successful Cruise-Through Holiday Toy Drive, together with the U.S. Marine Corps and we collected more than 20,000 new and unwrapped toys for local children,” Councilman Hand said.

Nassau County Legislator Arnold Drucker congratulated the Chamber Board and especially Businessperson of the Year Alan Goldberg, who he said “is the definition of a Renaissance Man” -- leading the way in multiple roles, and “doing so with such efficiency and such competence.”

“Alan is a successful businessman in a number of different businesses. He is a very, very smart man and a good, honest, hardworking businessman and he’s a tribute to small business owners in the Syosset, Woodbury and Plainview communities. I could think of no better recipient of this award than my friend Alan Goldberg. Alan, congratulations!,” Legislator Drucker said.

“The Syosset Woodbury Chamber is really the gold standard for business chambers and associations around Long Island. You do so much for the community and for local business, and really that is your focus and emphasis, and that is really what chambers of commerce are supposed to do -- and you of course do it well, you advocate for our downtown Syosset district and business resources and the local businesses are the lifeblood of our local economy and of the middle class. We must never forget that, and our continued advocacy on their behalf is paramount,” County Legislator Drucker said.

on: 12/27/20

Price: $800,000 Type: Single Family Schools: Jericho

4 bd, 3 ba, 1,920 sqft

on: 12/22/20

Price: $740,000 Type: Single Family Schools: Syosset 18 Chenango Drive, Jericho 4 bd, 3 ba

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Continued from page 2

within the administrative staff, the Board of Education members do not discuss personnel issues in public to protect the privacy of the district’s employees and meet legal requirements. However, the Board spends a great deal of time considering and discussing personnel matters in executive sessions, in a thorough and sensitive manner with the best interests of students and staff in mind. The financial ramifications of a decision are always considered. Further, with respect to transparency, the district places virtually all of its financial records, budget proposals and auditing statements on the district website. Community members have the ability to review these records dating back to 2005. The level of transparency offered by this Board far exceeds requirements. Additionally, while there is no legal requirement that the public be permitted to speak at board meetings, the Board consistently welcomes input from the community and goes out of its way to enable community members to ask questions and make comments. Efforts are always made to respond to the questions posed.

The Board has reported to the community the events surrounding the conversion of the Hampton Inn to a transitional housing facility. When first informed about the possible conversion, the district was advised by Nassau County that the project would take years to come to fruition. The district was assured that no action would be taken before the community was informed and given an opportunity to express its opinions. The Board was blindsided when it was discovered by chance, that the shelter was approved by Nassau County and was expected to be opened prior to the start of the school year. Upon receiving the information, the Board immediately informed the community. While this issue has been divisive and caused tension within the community, the Board has no legal authority to prevent the shelter from being opened. The Board does, however, have the legal responsibility to support the district in its efforts to educate each child that resides within the district, including homeless children.

Renaming the Robert Seaman Elementary School was discussed for more than a year and a half during Board meetings. The Board weighed comments and emails from the community on this subject. While there is no formal state mandate regarding how a Board should rename a school, in making this decision as well as any other, the Board asks questions of administration to make sure it has all necessary information, invites the public to comment, considers all of the

stakeholders and tries to do what is in the best interests of the community. Each member of the Jericho Board of Education takes the responsibilities of the position very seriously. When making decisions for the Jericho School District, each member takes into account the needs and best interests of the students, the staff and the rest of the Jericho community, as well as the financial impact of these decisions. The Board welcomes and values discussion and input from the community and looks forward to working with the community to ensure the continued success of our cherished School District. If there are any questions or concerns about the operations of the Board, you may email us atBOE@jerichoschools.org.

The Jericho Board of Education: Bill Ferro, President Jill Citron, Vice President Divya Balachandar, Trustee

Dab Lee, Trustee

Pam Wasserman-Heath, Trustee

Repeal SALT cap

To the Editor:

Last week, U.S. Rep. Thomas Suozzi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York revealed that they filed legislation to repeal the federal State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap. This proposal deserves swift consideration and approval by the House of Representatives and U.S. Senate.

As part of their 2017 overhaul of the tax code, the previous administration set a $10,000 cap on federal deductions for state and local taxes. Whether it was truly a petty act of revenge aimed at political adversaries matters little at this point; the result was a backdoor tax hike for Nassau residents that was folded into a so-called “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.”

Then, it was painful – now, amidst the sharp economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is simply devastating. Thankfully, President Biden has indicated his support for eliminating the cap, and the concept enjoys bipartisan support amongst Long Island’s Congressional delegation.

Momentum is building - and not a moment too soon. As a result of the most severe economic downturn since the Great Depression, Nassau County and the region are still reeling from an alarming spike in unemployment and food insecurity. Repealing the SALT deduction cap would provide an essential boost to our long-term recovery and deliver meaningful relief to many Nassau families.

Arnold W. Drucker Nassau County Legislator, LD 16 Plainview

Levittown students transform into abstract artists

Gardiners Avenue Elementary School students in grades K-2 from the Levittown Public Schools recently learned about abstract art and how it differs from other types of art. Art teacher Rachel Herbert taught classes about Wassily Kandinsky, a famous abstract artist who was deeply inspired by music. He used the sounds of his favorite music to guide him when creat-

ing his artwork.

After learning about Kandinsky, students explored different types of lines and how lines can transform into shapes that can be colored. As they created their own abstract masterpieces, the students listened to Jazz music to get the full Kandinsky experience.

Photos courtesy of the Levittown Public Schools

First-grader Grace Tymecki showcased her creativity after learning about abstract artist Wassily Kandinsky.

Kindergartner Zara Zhang created abstract art.

Gardiners Avenue kindergartner William Paxton with his abstract artwork.

Finding Love in All the Right Places

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, New York State is permitting restaurants to reopen indoor dining at 25 percent capacity, and as of March 15, will allow venues to host weddings at 50% capacity up to 150 guests. Governor Cuomo proposed that couples get engaged on Valentine’s Day and tie the knot on March 15.

Romance is by nature an intimate experience and even in a pandemic, it is possible to find romantic places and experiences. From glamping in nature, to boutique inns, to grand resorts offering specially planned, socially-distanced venues, and from “I love you,” to “Will you?” to “I do, the coronavirus has certainly reshaped romance and love, but where there is a will, there is a way. Love conquers all.

Back to Nature

There is nothing more romantic than getting a camper van and following wanderlust, or renting a cabin or lodge or glamping on a lake or mountaintop, with that added spice of adventure and nature (as in, “let nature run its course” or “doing what comes naturally”). Glamping is also providing the setting for backto-nature weddings and renewal of vows.

Kampgrounds of America (KOA) has a special section for glamping, cabins, and “unique camping options” (a teepee, a yurt, a train caboose, a Conestoga wagon, tree house, wall tent, a vintage airstream among them) that offer the atmo-

A wedding proposal on a Bermuda beach. One of the most romantic places on the planet, Bermuda, once known as the honeymoon capital, has safety protocols in place to welcome lovers to the island nation, a 2 ½ hour flight from New York © Dave E. Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com

sphere sure to get an “I will” or an “I do.” (See: https://koa.com/ways-tostay/unique-accommodations/)

GlampingHub, launched in 2013 as a booking platform for distinctive accommodations, sustainable tourism and luxury camping, is where you can find glamping spots all over the world, ranging from pet-friendly hotels or eco-friendly hotels, glamping retreats & getaways. It devotes a portal to Romantic Glamping ( https://glampinghub.com/portal/ romantic-glamping/).

Romantic Getaways

The Daniel Webster Inn in the historic village of Sandwich on Cape Cod is inviting couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a Feb. 13-15 package that includes champagne, chocolates, roses; $60 toward lunch or dinner and $15 toward breakfast, and a special gift to take home. Also, a suite-deal package is a one-night escape in an elegant suite with fireplace and oversized whirlpool tub, and chocolates and massages, plus

$50 toward dinner. (Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa, 149 Main Street, Sandwich, MA 02563, 800-444-3566, 833-361-4988, https://danlwebsterinn.com/)

Mountain Top Inn & Resort has all the charm, the warmth, the cozy, intimate hospitality of a country inn, and all the luxury, amenities, activities and quality dining of a resort. The setting is breathtaking – 350 acres surrounded by open fields, a 740-acre lake and mountains beyond, and the Green Mountain National Forest. In addition to a lodge, it offers separate cabins, and a barn/event space. It is no wonder Mountain Top is so popular for weddings (elopements too!) – it exudes romance. (Mountain Top Inn & Resort, 195 Mountain Top Road, Chittenden, Vermont 05737, 802-483-2311, www. MountainTopInn.com).

With a secluded island setting and the beauty of the Adirondacks as your backdrop, the grand, historic Sagamore Resort is an enchanting destination for a Lake George wedding, proposal or romantic getaway.

GOING PLACES NEAR AND FAR

Besides the hotel, there are separate villa-style lodges. The AAA FourDiamond resort offers a world-class spa, a Donald Ross-designed championship golf course, swimming and tennis and the Adirondacks. (110 Sagamore Road, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, 518-644-9400, 866-384-1944, www.thesagamore.com)

Grand Historic Hotels

Offer Special Ambiance

Historic Hotels offer ideal ambiance for a romantic proposal, a destination wedding, honeymoon, or special milestone.

The entire list of Historic Hotels of America members, in my book, are ideal for romantic getaways (historichotels.org), but here are a few of our favorites for your proposal: Mohonk Mountain House (1869) New Paltz, New York: Mohonk Mountain House is an enchanting Victorian Castle perched at the top of a mountain with a private lake. The hotel has 120 “summerhouses” February 5, 2021

Continued on next page

Finding Love in All the Right Places

which are rustic gazebos designed for two people to share special moments together; taking in stunning views during or after a hike on 85 miles of trails- all of which provide the perfect romantic backdrop for someone to get down on bended knee. The Sky Top Tower is a hiking destination with panoramic views of the Shawangunk Cliffs and Catskill Mountains and a popular engagement site, along with the boat dock, which provides amazing views of serene Lake Mohonk. This is a full-service grand resort with world-class spa, indoor pool.

The Otesaga Hotel and Cooper Inn (1909) Cooperstown, New York: With its majestic views, The Otesaga Resort Hotel sits on the southern shore of Lake Otsego, known as Glimmerglass in James Fenimore Cooper’s novels, which makes the lake a popular place to pop the question. The lake dock, with its quaint stillness

and breathtaking views surrounded by century old oak trees is a perfect place to get down on bended knee. There are some who would rather propose in an old-fashioned boat with the resort as a backdrop and others that would prefer to be on a horse drawn carriage pulling up to the resort’s front portico. Moreover, being the home of the national pastime makes Cooperstown and the Otesaga a unique venue for a baseball themed engagement.

Basin Harbor (1886) Vergennes, Vermont: Basin Harbor is a grand yet rustic resort set on the stunning shores of Lake Champlain in Vermont. Steeped in tradition, this 700-acre resort has a variety of breathtaking settings that provide a perfect backdrop for engagements and weddings. There’s just about every activity you could want, including golf course, boating, tennis. Besides hotel accommodations, there are charming cottages.

See more suggestions; https://www. historichotels.org/us/experiences/hon-

eymoon-romance.php. Historic Hotels of America, 800-678-8946, historichotels. org.

Micro Weddings

Southampton Inn on Long Island has more than 20-years tradition of hosting “micro-weddings” – or the “minimony”. The inn has 3 acres of landscaped grounds, 2,300 sq. ft indoor ballroom for intimate but well-spaced wedding celebrations in a romantic setting (91 Hill Street, Southampton, NY, 11968, 631-283-6500, southamptoninn. com, reservations@southamptoninn. com)

What may be a new trend: elopement. Elopement packages, which have the benefit of catering to small, intimate ceremonies (as few as just the couple and witnesses) and minimizing the stress that typically comes with wedding planning Hotels also let the couple take advantage of windows of opportunity, compressing the time between “I will” to “I do.”

A GREENER VIEW

Vegetable Garden Seeds

Hyatt Carmel Highlands Inn offers special wedding and elopement packages that keep intimacy and romance in mind. Designed for 2 to 20 people, the Highlands Elopement Package allows couples to exchange vows on a romantic gazebo overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Hyatt Carmel Highlights 120 Highlands Drive, Carmel, California, 93923, events specialist, 831-622-5461, 831-620-1234, hyatt.com.

© 2021 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com, www.huffingtonpost.com/author/karenrubin & travelwritersmagazine.com/ TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar. wordpress.com & moralcompasstravel. info. Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Tweet @ TravelFeatures. ‘Like’ us at facebook. com/NewsPhotoFeatures

BY JEFF RUGG

Q: I saved seeds from several of my garden plants last year, including pumpkins, peppers and peas. I want to store more again this fall, but I wanted to start with a few and see how they worked. Besides just planting them and seeing what comes up, how can I be sure the seeds are still good?

A: Congratulations, you are becoming a better gardener by growing your own crops. You started with some good, easy-to-collect seeds that should grow well this year. Collecting seeds is easy; the hard part for many gardeners is keeping them over the winter. The seeds may be tiny, but they are alive. They can die quickly if they dry out.

The best thing to do after they have been collected, cleaned and dried off is to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. A glass jar or sealed plastic container is better than a plastic bag.

To determine how well they are going to grow this summer, you can do a test. Take them out of the refrigerator, and let them warm up in a humid place. After a few days, place a few seeds of each kind on a wet paper towel. Cov-

er them with a wet paper towel, and make sure the towels don’t dry out for a week. Then see how many have begun to sprout.

If most are starting to grow, you can figure that when you plant them in the garden, most will grow. If only a few start to sprout, you can double them up by planting more than one seed in each location and then thin them out later, if you get more than one growing. If very few sprout, then you should probably buy new seeds.

If you collected the seeds from hybrids, your plants will probably not look or taste like the parent plants you collected the seeds from. If you collected seeds from older heirloom varieties, then they should be the same.

If you need to buy new seeds, I recommend checking out the following vegetable garden seed companies.

The Chas. C. Hart Seed Co. is one of the few garden seed companies that understands the difference between seeds that are genetically modified organisms and seeds that are genetically engineered. This company has been around for over 125 years and is an excellent source of garden seeds. If your charitable organization needs vegetable garden seeds, this is the company to contact at

https://www.hartseed.com.

The Baker Creek catalog has over 1,500 vegetable seeds. Jere Gettle and his wife, Emilee, publish the Heirloom Gardener magazine and “The Heirloom Life Gardener” book. For more information, check out https://www.rareseeds. com.

Renee’s Garden has garden-tested and taste-tested heirloom and gourmet vegetables, flowers and herbs. Her seed packets are very detailed, and Renee personally grows every plant variety before it is offered in the catalog. Find her catalog and cookbook at https:// www.reneesgarden.com.

The Harris Seeds catalog has a good selection of vegetables, plus flowers and tools. Find them at https://www.harrisseeds.com.

The Territorial Seed Co. catalog has a large assortment of vegetable seeds, and they have potato, garlic and onion plants. Find them at https://www.territorialseed.com.

The Totally Tomatoes catalog may not be completely tomatoes, but it is close. Check it out at https://www.totallytomato.com.

If you want to find new garden catalogs, check out the Direct Gardening Association website. They have a list

of companies and describe the products they carry.

Email questions to Jeff Rugg at info@ greenerview.com. To find out more about Jeff Rugg and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

On cooler days, remembering summertime fun

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

My friend, Peggy, and I were talking on the phone about summertime fun and good memories and she mentioned that her son, Joe, who’s 11, went to a camp in Maryland for two weeks and he had a great time. It’s in northern Maryland, close to the Pennsylvania border, and Peggy and her husband dropped Joe off on a Sunday and picked him up on a Friday. That was two years ago, before the pandemic reached the U.S., when kids could be carefree and just have fun.

“What Joe said he liked best about that summer camp was all of the outdoor activities,” Peggy said. “He’s a fish so he enjoyed swimming in the pool almost every day and he did some archery, too. They played games, did some crafts like beading, scrapbooking and making tie-dyed T-shirts plus he had a chance to go horseback riding along a pretty scenic trail.

“Several of them went on nature hikes and I thought it was great for the kids to be out in the fresh air. When kids are in elementary school it’s a great time for them to be with other kids and participate in group activities with their peers. He also liked playing basketball in the gym then cooling off afterwards with a milkshake.”

I also told Peggy about last summer when my family and I took a road trip and headed to Watchic Lake in Maine. We went fishing off the pier and saw other families but we were able to maintain social distancing while having a good time.

Watchic Lake is in the town of Standish in Cumberland County, Maine. The lake itself is three-quarters of a mile wide and 1½ miles long. Its

deepest point is 41 feet deep. Compared to Sebago Lake, Watchic Lake is a small, quiet lake with a country atmosphere. There are some properties around Watchic Lake but they’re spread out.

We took our road trip in early summer when we wanted a change of pace and figured it wouldn’t be too crowded. After unpacking and getting settled, we spent our days fishing on the lake - my nephews caught largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and some white perch - and they posed for some proud photos of them holding up the fish they had just caught before releasing them back into the lake. Tyler wanted to weigh the bass he caught but we all said, “Just toss it back into the water!” so he unhooked it and tossed it back.

Some of the people in my group also took canoes out on the lake and when getting ready to go out on the water we tied our towels, lunch, water bottles and inflatables onto the back of the canoe. We took our time paddling around and we made sure that we stayed out of the way of motor boats, kayaks and other canoes. The other boaters always waved at us and we’d smile or wave back at them as we enjoyed our excursion around the lake. One of the best parts about canoeing on Watchic Lake was seeing the shoreline from a totally different perspective. Delightful.

During our time at Watchic Lake my relatives and I tried to identify all of the wildlife - there are ducks and loons, Baltimore orioles, kingfishers, chickadees, grosbeaks, finch, woodpeckers and many other types of birds. We spotted some eagles and osprey as well. For the bird lovers in my family, Watchic Lake was perfect. It’s pristine and if you stay very still, you’ll see the birds flying and landing close by.

When we just wanted to relax we would float on our backs on the water and stare up at the puffy clouds gently floating by in the sky. When we had extra energy we’d race each other in the water then head for the shore, towel off, and relax on the lounges and chairs at the water’s edge.

At night we’d cook dinner on the barbecue grill and devour our dinners with voracious appetites. I’ve found that the fresh air out in the country has a way of doing that. After dinner we’d linger around the barbeque and watch the kids make some s’mores. Seeing the stars high in the night sky was a memorable moment from Watchic Lake. Maine’s night sky can’t be beat.

Some of the children said in wonderment that they’d never seen so many stars. And they were so bright. We enjoyed pausing for a few days to stargaze and explore the back roads of Maine. Feeling like tourists in a new land and exploring the area felt great.

We took some drives into town to different restaurants and sports bars and checked out the local menu. The youngsters in my group always wanted to stop at the local donuts shop so many

times our last stop of the day would be for donuts, frozen coffees and iced-cold frappes.

Once we got pizza in Windham, Maine, and another time we all decided that we had to check out the Kindred Farms Market & Bakery in Casco. On our breakfast run there the cinnamon buns with the brown glaze were the fluffiest I’ve ever had and the iced coffees hit the spot, also. The lobster rolls were fantastic - they were fresh and sweet. It was a bit of a drive to Casco but it was one of the most scenic drives so it was well worth it. To be safe in these times, we always wore face masks when in public and when shopping in stores.

After the time we spent in Standish, Maine - both on the lake and exploring the surrounding towns - we all felt recharged and ready to go back to our usual routines.

Maine is cold country in the winter but our visit a few months ago was at a great (warmer) time of year. With the cold weather upon us, it was nice speaking with Peggy about summertime adventures. Lobster roll, anyone?

Social Security Is a Worldwide Phenomenon

BY TOM MARGENAU

Most readers of my column are very nice and very normal people. Some are more progressive in their political thinking. And some are more conservative in their political thinking. But most of these folks, whether they lean left or lean right in their politics, generally agree that Social Security has been a force for good in this country.

But then there are those whose politics are just a little to the right of Attila the Hun who hate Social Security. All I have to do is write something rather benign such as, “Social Security has helped some people in the United States.” And these guys (and it’s almost always guys) blast me with emails labeling me everything from a “socialist” to a “communist” to a “traitor.”

One recent email I got illustrates their views. He wrote, “Social Security is a deep-state plot to bring down the United States.” What these guys just can’t understand is that countries around the world recognize their citizens must come together as a caring society to provide some kind of base of support to older people; people with disabilities; and widows, widowers and orphaned children. And the mechanism all these countries use to make sure this happens is Social Security.

I have always been amazed by the number of people who think the concept of Social Security is unique to the United States. Or they figure that maybe a couple of those “socialist” countries, such as Sweden and Denmark, have social insurance programs in place, but surely not too many other places.

Actually, just the opposite is true. Almost every country on the planet has a Social Security system in place for its citizens. And many of those countries had Social Security laws on their books long before the U.S. jumped on the social insurance bandwagon in the 1930s.

I have in front of me a book called “Social Security Programs Throughout the World” that is produced by the U.S. Social Security Administration. It provides thumbnail sketches of the history, funding and benefits of each country’s social insurance system. There are currently about 190 countries around the globe. And 177 of them have Social Security programs.

I always point this out to young people who fret about the future of our Social Security system. I tell them that Social Security isn’t an American experiment in socialism that will someday run its course. Instead, Social Security is a worldwide phenomenon. It is a system of rules and laws in place everywhere in the world, from Albania to Zimbabwe. And most Social Security programs around the world offer benefits remarkably similar to our own -- to retirees, disabled people and survivors. I’m going to

use the rest of this column to highlight the similarities and differences between a random selection of those 177 programs described in the book.

The United States

First Social Security laws: 1935.

Funding: Workers pay 6.2% of wages matched by employers. Self-employed pay 12.4%.

Benefits: Full retirement at 66 (going up to 67 by 2027); disability at any age if 100% disabled; survivors benefits to children under age 18 and to widow(er)s at 60 or at any age if caring for minor children.

Germany

First Social Security laws: 1889.

Funding: Workers pay 9.8% of wages matched by employers. Self-employed pay 19.6%.

Benefits: Full retirement at 65 (going up to 67 by 2024); disability benefits at any age for full or partial disabilities; survivors benefits to children until age 18 and possibly up to age 27; widow(er) s benefits for two years following death, or for longer period of time if caring for minor children.

Argentina

First Social Security laws: 1904.

Funding: Workers pay 11% of wages; employers pay up to 17%; self-employed pay set monthly fees based on the kind of business.

Benefits: Retirement benefits for men at 65 and for women at 60, or as early as 50 if doing “hazardous work”; disability at any age with a loss of 66% of working capacity; survivors benefits to a spouse at any age and to children under age 18.

Australia

First Social Security laws: 1908.

Funding: Paid for with general tax revenues (no payroll or self-employment taxes).

Benefits: Means-tested retirement at age 65, going to 67 by 2033; means-tested disability and survivors benefits. A variety of other benefits that are not means-tested are available to Australian citizens.

Niger

First Social Security laws: 1967.

Funding: Worker pays 5.25% of wages matched by employer.

Benefits: Retirement at 60 or age 58 for government employees or age 55 if “prematurely aged”; disability benefits with a loss of 66% of work capacity; survivors benefits to children under 14 and to widow(er)s if caring for a dependent child.

These are very brief outlines of just five of the 177 Social Security programs around the world. But I hope they help make the main point of this column: We do not have a Social Security system in this country because politicians are trying to ram socialism down the throats of a naive American populace. We have a Social Security program because we are civilized people who, like human beings

across the globe, recognize that citizens must come together as a society to help older people, people with disabilities, widow(er)s and children when a worker dies.

If you have a Social Security ques-

tion, Tom Margenau has a book with all the answers. It’s called “Social Security: Simple and Smart.” You can find the book at creators.com/books. Or look for it on Amazon or other book outlets.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

How first timers can make a wise choice using logical steps

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

Purchasing your first home is a big step and one that is likely to impact your financial future for years to come. The following is an excellent path to pursue to determine where to begin.

Your first step will be to establish your budget then speak with a mortgage broker to get a prequalification letter. It’s not just all about your mortgage payments which will include your principle, interest and real estate taxes and insurance (P.I.T.I.) You have to anticipate the other costs of owning like future increase in taxes, repairs, maintenance and emergencies and set aside a little savings for those situations in the future.

Buy what you need anticipating future needed space as you expand your family. Buying too large of a home adds to the cost of your mortgage, taxes, insurance and up keep. Also keep in mind due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, is your job and/or business in a strong position now and into the future?

Purchasing your home and staying within your budget and living there for the near term for now might be your safest bet until the economy and your job or business improves. Being somewhat on the conservative side as needed in your expectations will be an excellent approach. Understanding potential appreciation for the going forward and its affect in future purchasing will go a long way if and when you want to move up to a larger home. Whether you sell, rent or exchange the current property a home with long term appreciation will provide greater buying options in the future.

Next look for neighborhoods which expect a rise in value or most important that have top notch school systems.

Working with a reputable Broker or agent will also assist you in minimizing major as well as minor mistakes in the purchase process. You don’t do your own dental work or yearly physical do you? Then connecting and seeking out a professional by reviewing their online reviews and testimonials will be the most prudent, smartest and safest way in searching out and securing your next place to call home.

You should determine your specific needs and wants in your home. Will you consider a fixer-upper where you could build value and appreciation into home right from the beginning or prefer a excellent to mint condition home? But then again do you have the knowledge and/or connections to be able to renovate? I recommend this path if you have experience or have enough professionals within your immediate family or friends to be able to do the job. Also, what are the minimum number of bedrooms and bathrooms you will need anticipating the growth of your family.

in. Once there is a clear picture of what you are looking to purchase, your broker will have the capabilities to set you up on an automatic search and send you those homes on a regular basis that come as close to what you might be searching for. Our MLS system is the number one source for having updated information that is accurate and as we have the listings first before they go out to the large online companies whose information is not always accurate and up to date.

might be eliminated in the near future. This was put into effect during the last administration and mainly affected the higher real estate taxed blue states. It will all depend on what decisions Congress and President Biden to determine the right path to pursue. There are a great number of questions to be asked and decisions to be made as you go along searching for your home. Being as pragmatic and using common sense will aid you in finally finding your next place to call home. If you have any questions or concerns always feel free to reach out to me.

BY CHARLYN FARGO

Q: I used to meal prep, but now I work from home. Is it still a good idea to meal prep?

A: Prepping even a few staple items for the week can make healthy eating so much easier. As long as you’re cooking, make a little more -- and freeze it -- or use

Consider what other needs and wants you may have so you will have as clear a picture as possible before going out and looking. You may have to adjust those specifics as you go along as I have seen buyers completely change their thoughts on the style of the home as well as the interior because their preconceived ideas of needs and wants weren’t always inscribed in stone.

Finding the right fit is most important and getting that tingling feeling and falling in love with that special home is how it sometimes happens.

The majority now searches online to view photos and virtual tours to provide more than adequate information and insights to the homes and neighborhoods. Statistics about crime, schools, shopping, cultural offerings, things to do etc. will also provide the information that will further educate you in making the right decision as to where you decide to live. Then you can physically go out to scope out the neighborhood, schools, amenities, public transportation and other important factors which will enable you to determine if the location is your best fit.

Your broker should be asking you probing questions as to your budget, if you have a pre-qualification lenders letter, what towns, style of homes, bedroom baths etc you are interested

Once finding the home that you fall in love with, always make sure you hire a licensed and insured home inspector. Recommendations are always a sound and pragmatic way to go. Your real estate broker can also advise you as well, as they have established strong relationships within a multitude of industries dealing with the real estate process and will know who are the most proficient and expert at their trade and have a long standing and stellar reputation for doing the right thing. Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish and get stuck with expensive repairs or hidden defects so hiring the best inspector for your money is the best route to take.

I also recommend making sure you receive insurance quotes for the home you are interested in for there are factors that will affect the price eg. the neighborhood, location, flood zones, etc. Make sure you inquire and check the accuracy of the taxes to be sure that all deductions for any senior, military and any other exemptions, including the star exemption are added back so you will know the real taxes. School taxes are approximately 60-65% of your total real estate tax bill. An older couple or person with lower income may have a much higher star exemption deduction which reduces their real estate taxes. Your star exemption potentially will most likely be much lower than the current owner. Also, the S.A.L.T. (State and local taxes) deductibility maximum of $10,000 just

Q & A: Is Meal Prep Still a Good Idea?

it in another dish. Even though many of us are working more from home, we still have work to do -- Zoom meetings, reports, helping with homework, laundry, etc. Meal prepping can help keep healthy eating plans on track. Try batch-cooking chili or chicken tortilla soup, and freezing it in portions. You can prep quinoa

ahead to add to salads later in the week. It’s also helpful to cut up veggies in advance for a quick veggie tray or to use in a stir-fry. The more you do ahead, the easier it is to get dinner on the table.

Per serving: 340 calories; 32 grams protein; 40 grams carbohydrates; 5 grams fat (1 gram saturated fat); 3 grams

Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 39 years experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned designations as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (G.R.I.) and also as a Certified International Property Specialist (C.I.P.S.). He will provide you with “free” regular updates of sold and new homes in your town via the Multiple Listing Service of Long Island (MLSLI) or go to http://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com and you can “do it yourself (DYI) and search on your own. For a “FREE” `15 minute consultation, as well as well as a “FREE printout or digital value analysis of what your home might sell for in today’s tumultuous Covid-19 pandemic market without any obligation or “strings” attached. He can also provide a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality, and our Seller’s and Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider when Selling, investing or Purchasing your Home.

You can email or snail mail (regular mail) him with your request or ideas, suggestions or interview you for a specific topic and a Q & A for a future column with your name, email and cell number. He will email or call you back and respond to your request ASAP as long as he has your complete name, cell, email and/or full home or business address. Again, for a “FREE” 15 minute consultation, he can also be reached by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@ TurnKeyRealEstate.Com to answer any of your questions and concerns in selling, investing, purchasing, or leasing residential or commercial property.

fiber; 330 milligrams sodium.

Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with SIU Med School in Springfield, Illinois. For comments or questions, contact her at charfarg@aol.com or follow her on Twitter @NutritionRD.

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INVITED ESTATE SALES BY TRACY JORDAN is doing VIRTUAL TAG SALES and ONLINE AUCTIONS now!

Sell the contents of an entire house or sell just a few things! You can host your own sale on invitedsales.com and Facebook and Instagram or we can do it for you. We can photograph, advertise and handle the winning pickups for you within a week! Don’t worry about your closing date, we can get your house ready on time! We are a one stop service for all your needs when you are moving or selling a property! Selling, donating, discarding and cleaning out services can be done to meet your time frame with minimal stress. Contact info@invitedsales.com for more information or call 516279-6378 to schedule a consultation or receive more information. Visit us at www.invitedsales. com for a listing of our upcoming Virtual Tag Sales and Weekly Auctions!

AUCTIONS

COOL OLD STUFF IN GLEN COVE VINTAGE SHOP. WINNER OF BEST OF NORTH SHORE 2020. GREAT PRICED items for Boat and Home. See ALL online: Wilsonsdrydock.com. For info / appt Please call 516-662-2821

MARKETPLACE

WANTED TO BUY

LOOKING TO BUY!

Estates, Oriental items, Gold, Silver, Costume Jewelry, Dishes, Flatware, Watches, Clothing, Old Photos, Coins, Stamps, Records, Toys, Action Figures, Comics, Art and Furniture. Immediate Cash Paid Call George 917-775-3048 or 718-386-1104

TOP CASH PAID: ESTATE CONTENTS ALL OBJECTS OF ART JEWELRY, ETC. Please call 718-598-3045 or 516270-2128 www.antiqueassets.com

CHERYL’S PET SITTING SERVICE

Dependable pet sitter will walk and feed your precious pet while you work or travel. Also available to board small dogs. Many excellent references. Call 516-971-3242

DRIVE OUT BREAST CANCER:

Donate a car today! The benefits of donating your car or boat: Fast Free Pickup 24hr response Tax deduction Easy to do! Call 24/7: 855-905-4755

CLASSIFIEDS Call 294.8900

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

OUT OF TOWN REAL ESTATE

STUART FLORIDA FOR SALE BY OWNER

Gated Community Beautiful 2,441 sq.ft. home on small scenic lake w/screened lanai.

3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath

Two car garage

Large lush plot w/185’ frontage.

Award winning golf course and clubhouse w/gourmet dining and social activities. Gym, tennis, pickle ball, pools, dog park. Mixed ages.

10 mins to Hutchinson Island Ocean beaches/downtown Stuart restaurants and shops.

30 mins to PBI

$170,000/ $2,500/mo fees.

Info / pictures call 516-5511905 NO BROKERS

SERVICES

EXPERIENCED ORGANIZER

Need an extra pair of hands around the house?

Experienced organizer will help turn clutter and chaos into efficient spaces. No job too small Available weekends and evenings. Call Liz 917-679-5553

JACK’S CUSTOM FRAMING

We can frame anything!

Quality Care & Workmanship

Thousands of frames to choose from!!

Over 30 years in business!

92 Covert Ave, Stewart Manor 516-775-9495

SERVICES

WE HAVE THE HELP YOU NEED HHA, LPN, Nurse’s Aide, Childcare, Housekeeping & Day Workers. No Fees to Employers. Call Evons Services 516-505-5510

ATTORNEY

STEPHANIE A.

D’ANGELO, ESQ.

Elder Law, Wills & Trusts Asset Preservation, Estate Planning, Probate & Estate Administration/Litigation 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530 516-222-1122 www.dangelolawassociates.com

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

AMBIANCE

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

*Handyman & Remodeling

*Kitchen Installations

*Furniture Assembly

*Finish Carpentry

*Minor Electrical & Plumbing

28 year GC Resident Lic & Ins H18E2170000 Call BOB 516-741-2154

FREE ESTIMATES

Extensions, Kitchens, Baths, Basements, Carpentry Work, Porticos, Siding, Dormers, Stone, New Construction & Conversions, Mason Work, Stone. Insured. Please Call 516-581-9146

LAMPS FIXED $65

In home service. Handy Howard. 646-996-7628

MADE IN THE SHADE CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS

Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Draperies

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

Roslyn Office space for SubletIMMEDIATE

Location: 1400 Old Northern Blvd. 2nd Floor, Roslyn NY 11576. Total approximately 700 sq feet. Two large interior offices, one about 250 sq feet and the second approximately 450 sq feet. Offered for rent at $1100 (per month). Within a large office suite on the top floor of a beautifully maintained building. Perfect for attorney, financial professional, or as a Long Island satellite office. INCLUDED: Shared kitchen, conference room, elect/ac/heat, common area cleaning and elevator. furnished (optional). Plenty of parking. Contact: Lisa Sicurelli, lsicurelli@ambabstract.com or call 516-626-0900.

SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

MASONRY

All types of stonework

Pavers, Retaining Walls, Belgium Block Patios, Foundations, Seal coating, Concrete and Asphalt driveways, Sidewalks, Steps. Free Estimates

Fully Licensed & Insured #H2219010000

Boceski Masonry Louie 516-850-4886

THE GENERAC PWRcell

a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-888-871-0194

HEALTH SERVICES

FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC

Dr. Ann Marie D’Angelo PMHCNS-BC Doctor of Nursing Practice Advanced Practice Nurse Care Manager Assistance with Aging at Home /Care Coordintion

Nursing Home & Assisted Living Placement

PRI / Screens / Mini Mental Status Exams

Medicaid Eligibility and Apllications 516-248-9323 www.familycareconnections. com

901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530

PAINTING & PAPERHANGING

MICHELANGELO

PAINTING & WALLPAPER

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

up to 50-70%

to 50-70% off suggested retail over 10,000 pendants, earrings, rings, bracelets something for everyone

over 10,000 pendants, earrings, rings, bracelets something for everyone

pendants, earrings, rings bracelets something for everyone

taste and budget

TUTORING

LONG ISLAND TEACHER

available to tutor

ELA, social studies, special education, study skills, Living Environment, life skills, help with remote learning. Vaccinated with mask or over Zoom

Tailored to individual needs

Highly qualified Call LL 516-456-6849 CLEANING

PROFESSIONAL HOME & OFFICE CLEANING

You’re just one call away !! from a clean home or office.

Thorough and Professional Cleaning at affordable rates! Call today for Free Estimate Anna: 516-360-8340

SERVICES

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 1-800-609-9405

Love to write?

Each writer will be reimbursed a stipend of $25.00, and articles should be

1,500 and 3,000 words. If you want to be published and be part of an issue of Discovery, you may submit your article to: editor@gcnews.com

This Week at the Syosset Library

Friday, February 5 at 2:00 p.m.

One Pan Meals with Chef Ron Fan

Join Chef Ron Fan as he demonstrates how to cook two easy and delicious one pot meals. Learn new techniques that will aid in everyday cooking and have your cooking questions answered. Chef Ron will be making rice and lentils with chicken and one pan pasta. Cook along or just watch and cook the recipes another time. Register at www.syossetlibrary.org/ live-streaming

Monday, February 8 at 9:15 a.m.

Dancersize with Carol Rodriguez

This fitness class combines aerobic exercise with dance moves. Do it from the comfort of your own home. Register at www.syossetlibrary.org/ live-streaming

Monday, February 8 at 7:00 p.m.

Asian Chicken Orzo Salad

Presenter: Chef Rob Scott

Make a great meal that can be eaten for lunch or for dinner. This is a healthy and delicious salad using vegetables, orzo pasta and Asian seasonings. You can just watch or you can join in and make the salad along with the chef. Register at www.syossetlibrary.org/ live-streaming. After registering, you will receive a Zoom link & password as well as an ingredient list and recipe.

Tuesday, February 9 at 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon with an Author: Robert Kolker

Robert Kolker joins us to discuss the

writing and research of his #1 New York Times bestseller and Oprah Book Club Pick, “Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family” (2020), a stunning account of an American family battling schizophrenia and the scientists trying to understand the disease. No registration needed. Click on Virtual Calendar for Zoom link - www.syossetlibrary.org/live-streaming.

Wednesday, February 10 at 2:00 p.m.

Interactive Winter Trivia Presenters: Alana Rosenstein, LMSW and Hillary Cook, LCSW, Mid-Island Y JCC

Virtual trivia run by the Seniors of Syosset. Have some fun testing your knowledge.

See what's happening at your library!

Thursday, February 11 at 2:00 p.m.

Best of the Great American Songbook Presenter: Richard Knox

Continuation of a 10-part series about the most enduring American songs of the early to mid-20th century. Attend as many sessions as you wish. No registration needed. Click on Virtual Calendar for Zoom link - www.syossetlibrary. org/live-streaming.

Thursday, February 11 at 7:30 p.m.

Virtual Author Visit with Alisha Rai

Bring your own beverage and zoom in to meet with the author of “First Comes Like,” and, in honor of Valentine’s Day, discuss the romance genre. No registration needed. Click on Virtual Calendar for Zoom link - www.syossetlibrary. org/live-streaming.

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

Woodbury | $709,000 | 2 BR, 2.5 BA | Condo

Warm and inviting fully-furnished home in the Eagle Chase condo community with a two-story entry, wood-burning fireplace, wood floors, large, bright updated kitchen with stainless appliances and granite counters, and main floor den. The lower level is finished and offers lots of room for storage. The upstairs master suite has an additional bedroom and bath. There are two upstairs balconies and a stone patio in the backyard. The clubhouse has card and party rooms and a gym and lockers for summer enjoyment at the outdoor pool. elliman.com | Web# 3277323