On April 27, New York State Senator Steve Rhoads (right) began his day with a spirited start in Plainview, where he extended his well wishes and support to the participants of the Greater Long Island Running Club Aspire 10K.
Nassau County Police arrested a Farmingdale woman on May 2 at 2:37 p.m. in Hicksville in connection with an “Elder Scam” incident.
According to detectives from the Second Squad, members of the Nassau County Fraud and Forgery Unit, in collaboration with the United States Post Office
Investigations Unit, conducted a joint investigation leading to the apprehension of defendant Michelle Mcintosh, 40.
According to police, Mcintosh had contacted a 72-year-old male victim residing in Texas, informing him that he had won the lottery. The victim was then instructed to mail a fee of $9,000
in cash to claim his supposed winnings. Police say that subsequently, when Mcintosh arrived at the Hicksville Post Office to retrieve the package, law enforcement took her into custody.
Mcintosh faces charges of Grand Larceny 3rd Degree and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property.
The Hicksville-Jericho Rotary Club will be among more than 800 Rotary clubs, over 30,000 Rotarians, and thousands of volunteers spanning 10 states and seven countries will join forces on Saturday, May 18, to tackle wide-ranging projects from collecting clothing for those experiencing homelessness and refurbishing long-neglected parks to feeding those with food insecurity.
The Hicksville-Jericho Rotary Club plans to host a food drive at Best Farms market at 434 Jerusalen Avenue, Hicksville, to collect food and hygiene products, and distribute the items collected to the pantries at Holy Family Church, Hicksville United Methodist, and Jericho Cares to help those who are Food insecure for
See page 13
Misha Gujja, a Jericho High School student, was visibly shaken when she saw the miles long lines for food in the midst of the Covid pandemic. It was 2021 and she was living with her family in Brooklyn at the time.
The depressing scenes of people who were suffering from food insecurity caused her to form a student-led organization called, Fork and Spoon, to address the issue.
“When I was thirteen years old and living in Brooklyn, I saw these lines near my home at food banks and then when I moved
to Long Island I saw the same issues,” said Gujja. “With the problems of food insecurity and waste omnipresent, I started this nonprofit called Fork and Spoon, to address the problem.”
Fork and Spoon is an eight-member student-run team that works diligently to collect leftover food from area restaurants and deliver it directly to local households experiencing food insecurity.
“The way our team distributes the food, eliminates the limitations of food banks, reducing their overload capacity and allowing them to operate more
See page 13
To the Editor:
I am hoping to secure your support in my candidacy for the upcoming school board election on May 21st.
As a dedicated educator with a background in post-professional education, curriculum development, and delivery, I am committed to fostering positive change and harmony within our esteemed school district. Jericho has long been a beacon of success, and I believe that it is our collective responsibility to ensure that our schools remain focused places of growth, learning, and inclusivity for all.
With my experience in education, particularly in designing and implementing effective curricula, I aim to bring a fresh perspective to the School Board. I firmly believe that a balanced education is the foundation upon which successful individuals and communities are built. This includes not only academic excellence but also the nurturing of essential life skills, critical thinking, and cultural awareness.
If elected, I pledge to:
Ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability to make the best use of resources to benefit our students and community.
Advocate for transparent and open communication channels between the board, administration, educators, parents, and students.
Work tirelessly to develop and implement curriculum enrichments that enhance the expansive needs of our student body.
Collaborate with stakeholders to address concerns and foster a respectful environment where everyone’s voice is heard.
Support initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within our schools.
I am running as a unifying force dedicated to a school system that we can all continue to be proud of. I have demonstrated this throughout several years of holding various PTA and district
committee roles. TOGETHER, we can maintain and build upon our successes.
Humbly I appreciate your support and trust in electing me as a member of your School Board. I look forward to the opportunity to serve our community and its children. Educational excellence is achievable through community involvement - TOGETHER.
Thank you for your support, Jenn Camhi
To the Editor:
School board elections are upon us and among the myriad of signs, campaigns and social media posts, it is sometimes hard to discern the candidates that are in it for the good of our children, the ones that value education and learning above all else.
When I decided to run for Jericho Board of Education this year, many were not surprised and, in fact, had encouraged me to run in the past. Instilled in me, from a very young age, is a passion for lifelong learning and intellectual rigor. My honors degree in Economics from the London School of Economics has served as a solid foundation for a successful 20+ year career in financial services. Outside of my professional roles, I have continuously invested my time in education-related volunteer activities. I am Vice-Chair of a school board in Washington Heights, have been a PTA leader in Jericho for over a decade and frequently volunteer to mentor kids, judge youth competi tions and donate to children-focused causes. I believe in serving as a role model for our youth and actively follow through on that belief.
The Jericho community is dear to me for many reasons. Over my thir teen years of living here, I have found strength in connections with neighbors, friends, staff and students. Whether through PTA leadership, sporting events, district committees, board meet ing participation or simply meeting people on walks, I value every single interaction that I have had and grown
tremendously as a result. My neighbors, especially, have stood by my family and I through good times and bad, and I have endeavored to do the same for everyone around me. I remember speaking at a school board meeting several years ago, highlighting that my husband and I initially came here because of the school district’s ranking but stayed because Jericho is so much more than that. It is an inclusive, warm and welcoming family of which I am proud to be a part.
If elected to the Jericho Board of Education, I am committed to the excellence that we have come to know and love about our district. My goals are to:
• Lead with empathy, create connections and prioritize safety for all students, families, administration and staff
• Adopt a kids-first, whole-child philosophy in everything we do, prioritizing our students’ mental, physical and academic well-being
• Continue to invest in innovative programming, especially music education, new sports offerings and mentoring programs focused on practical skills, all while exercising fiscal restraint
• Make sound decisions that reflect the voice of our diverse community. Preserve integrity, balance and inclusion
I ask everyone to please assess all
Board of Education candidates based on what they will do for our children and their education. Are they compassionate? Will they prioritize our kids’ safety, their mental well-being? Will they bring the community together and inspire young minds with innovative programs? After all, an excellent education is why we moved to this district, what drives home values and our communities’ ability to thrive.
If you have any further questions or feedback about my candidacy, please reach out to me. I am participating in a number of “Meet and Greets” throughout the community and would love to see you there. Please follow my Instagram page, noted below, for dates and details.
I welcome the engagement!
Shewar KhanTo the Editor:
The Jericho School Board oversees the education of 3,000+ students, the employment of approximately 300 fulltime educators, a school tax levy of $115 million and expenditures of $140 million each year. Five people share this tremendous responsibility. As such, it is imperative that each member comes to the board table with a high degree of
Island Harvest Food Bank, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), and the United States Postal Service (USPS) are again joining forces in hosting the annual Stamp Out Hunger® food drive, the nation’s largest single-day food collection campaign on Saturday. May 11. Long Island residents are encouraged to leave food donations by their mailbox for their letter carrier to collect before their regular mail delivery. All food collected in Nassau and Suffolk counties will help Island Harvest provide much-needed food support to more than 300,000 Long Islanders who face hunger and food insecurity, including more than 90,000 children.
“Contributing to Stamp Out Hunger is simple,” says Randi Shubin Dresner, president and CEO of Island Harvest. “Just leave nonperishable food items in a bag next to your mailbox before the regularly scheduled mail delivery on Saturday, May 11. Your USPS letter carrier will do the rest to make sure it
gets onto the tables of our Long Islander neighbors in need.”
Nonperishable food items needed include canned goods, cereal, pasta, rice, boxed juices, and shelf-stable milk (please, no food or juices in glass containers). In addition, personal care items such as toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, and disposable diapers are gratefully accepted. All donations collected will help replenish Island Harvest’s network of food pantries, soup kitchens and other emergency feeding programs in communities throughout Long Island.
“Even if it’s a can of soup or a box of cereal, every donation, no matter the size, will help countless Long Islanders who may be struggling to put food on their tables,” explains Ms. Shubin Dresner, who noted that the food bank distributed 15 million pounds of food in 2022, a 42% increase over 2019 (pre-pandemic levels). “We are counting on the generosity of our neighbors who can
spare a little extra to help make this year’s Stamp Out Hunger food drive one of the most successful.”
Since its inception in 1993, Stamp Out Hunger has collected more than 1.75 billion pounds of food in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, to help address the issue of hunger in America.
“The National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 6000 and the United States Postal Service are excited to once again partner with Island Harvest for this year’s Stamp Out Hunger food collection,” said Tom Siesto, executive vice president, NALC Branch 6000.
“The members of Branch 6000 and the employees of the United States Postal Service often see firsthand the widespread issue of food insecurity on Long Island and are thrilled to take part in this very important campaign and give back to the local communities that they serve.”
“Our letter carriers stand ready to Stamp Out Hunger on Long Island. We are thrilled to be working with Island Harvest Food Bank and the National Association of Letter Carriers to join the mission and ensure every resident has access to a meal,” said the Postal Service’s district manager, John Tortorice.
This year’s Stamp Out Hunger collection campaign on Long Island is generously supported by presenting sponsor National Grid, lead sponsor JPMorgan Chase & Co., and major sponsors Allstate, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, Dime Community Bank, Empire Automotive Group, Nonna’s Garden, Rheem ProPartner, and Stop & Shop, and supporting partners College Hunks Moving, College Hunks Hauling Junk, Amazon, and Steel Equities.
All donations to Stamp Out Hunger are tax-deductible because all the food collected benefits Island Harvest, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
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The Town of Oyster Bay's new pickleball courts are open for play at Plainview-Old Bethpage Community Park. Due to popular demand, the Town constructed two new pickleball courts in the park with the assistance of $75,000 in New York State grant funds secured by Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz.
“Pickleball is a fun sport for all ages that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It’s become incredibly popular in our Town, with seniors and families playing daily at our existing courts,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “Due to this popular demand, I’m proud to announce that the Town of Oyster Bay is building new pickleball courts for all residents to enjoy.”
“Pickleball is a very fun, social and healthy activity for the whole family and these new courts will be a welcome addition to the community. So, grab your sneakers and paddle, and get ready to play one of the world’s fastest growing sports at the new courts in Plainview-Old Bethpage this spring!” added Assemblyman Blumencranz.
5
Yates Lane, Jericho
3
46 Country Club Lane Unit 46., Jericho 3
31 Circle Drive, Syosset 3
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On April 13, New York State Senator Steve Rhoads attended the Nassau County Model Train Show at Levittown Hall. Senator Rhoads thanked the passionate train enthusiasts for their hard work as he marveled at their meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail exhibited in each display, ranging from miniature locomotives to sprawling landscapes.
The Group Activities Program (GAP) will run a Summer Program from July 1 through August 9 at Marjorie Post Community Park in Massapequa and Syosset-Woodbury Community Park. The Summer Day Camp program will run daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will be open to developmentally disabled children and young adults ages 5–21.
“Our Group Activities Program Summer Day Camp is one of the finest programs of its kind in the nation and our activities specialists take great pride in fostering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive atmosphere at the day camp,” Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino said. “We’re focused on group interaction, and as part of the summer camp, participants will be able to take part in activities such as swimming,
To help residents looking to obtain new passports, Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca announced that his office will offer a special onestop Passport Weekend on Saturday, June 1, and Sunday, June 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at both Town Hall North in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South in Massapequa.
“Residents looking to apply for a new passport are invited to visit Town Hall during Passport Weekend to receive assistance,” said Town Clerk LaMarca. “We can help you with organizing your documents, obtaining a photo and submitting the documents for approval.”
Requirements for applying for a passport include:
• One 2x2 color photograph with a clear view of the applicant’s face against a plain white or light colored background. Photos will also be available for $10 at both Town Halls North and South during Passport Weekend.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship – Previously issued undamaged U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or
Certification of Birth, Naturalization Certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship.
• Proof of Identity –Naturalization Certificate, Valid Driver’s License (cannot have been issued or renewed in the last six months), Current Government ID (city, state or federal), Current Military ID (military and dependents).
• This service does NOT apply to Adult Renewals unless your Passport is expired for 5+ years.
Town Clerk LaMarca has offices located at Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road in Massapequa. Passport appointments are available Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and during this special Passport Weekend. For appointments in Oyster Bay, please call (516) 624-6324. For appointments in Massapequa, please call (516) 797-7962.
For information on passport requirements and processing times, as well as instructions for passport renewals, visit www.travel.state.gov.
arts and crafts, sports, music, and playground time. I encourage residents to take this opportunity to register now and take advantage of this great program.”
This GAP Summer Day Camp provides a unique social-recreational experience for developmentally disabled town residents in a well-supervised setting over the course of six weeks. The GAP Program is administered through the Handicapped Services Division of the Town’s Department of Community and Youth Services. The focus of the GAP program is group interaction.
The 6-week program costs $250 per child registered. To register for summer camp, please contact the GAP Office at (516) 797-7947.
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Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray greeted third grade students in Mrs. Bartolemeo’s class during the Northside Elementary School Career Day on April 19.
The Town of Oyster Bay is calling on residents to ‘Spring into Action’ to support veterans by donating to a collection drive in support of the Northport VA. From April 15 to May 15, residents are invited to donate toiletries and new clothing.
“From hosting veteran appreciation events to recognizing their service with Hometown Heroes Banners in our parks, the Town of Oyster Bay is committed to honoring veterans for their service to our nation,” Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino said. “Please join this mission to help bring the comforts of home to veterans living at the Northport VA Hospital by making a donation to our collection drive.”
Most needed items include toiletries (toothbrushes/toothpaste, denture adhesive, hairbrushes/combs, unscented deodorant, body wash, unscented lotion, nail clippers/files, and shampoo/ conditioner), men’s/women’s clothing
(assorted sizes of underwear/briefs, sweatshirts, sweatpants with no drawstring, long-sleeve t-shirts, slippers and flip flops sized L, XL).
“When I learned that the Northport VA has a ‘Wish List’ of items their veterans desperately need, I knew residents would generously spring into action to help ensure these needs are met,” said Town Clerk Richard LaMarca. “I thank the residents of our wonderful Town in advance for their generosity and support of our veterans.”
The Town’s Collection Drive will run for 30 days beginning April 15. Collection Bins will be available on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at Town Hall North (54 Audrey Ave, Oyster Bay) and Town Hall South (977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa).
For more information, please call (516) 624-6380 or email ealter@oysterbay-ny.gov.
On April 27, New York State Senator Steve Rhoads joined the Levittown Community Action Coalition Drug Take Back Event at Wisdom Lane Middle School in Levittown to help combat the abuse and misuse of prescription medications by safely disposing of unwanted, expired, and unused medication.
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and New York State Senator Steve Rhoads celebrated the 100th birthday of Bethpage resident Dolores Stewart. The celebration took place as family and friends gathered at Parish Hall at St. Martin of Tours in Bethpage. Supervisor Saladino and Senator Rhoads wished Dolores well and presented her with citations as she celebrated her special centennial birthday. Dolores shared her secret for longevity: “walk a lot and have a shot of brandy every night before bedtime!”
The Town of Oyster Bay is calling on residents to ‘Spring into Action’ to support veterans by donating to a collection drive in support of the Northport VA. From April 15 to May 15, residents are invited to donate toiletries and new clothing.
“From hosting veteran appreciation events to recognizing their service with Hometown Heroes Banners in our parks, the Town of Oyster Bay is committed to honoring veterans for their service to our nation,” Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino said. “Please join this mission to help bring the comforts of home to veterans living at the Northport VA Hospital by making a donation to our collection drive.”
Most needed items include toiletries (toothbrushes/toothpaste, denture adhesive, hairbrushes/combs, unscented deodorant, body wash, unscented lotion, nail clippers/files, and shampoo/ conditioner), men’s/women’s clothing
Artwork by Division Avenue students Nikole Galgano, Mia Walton, Kayla Kleinfeldt and Lianna Dominguez was selected for the annual Heckscher Museum Young Artists exhibition. Photo courtesy Levittown Public Schools
Four talented artists from Division Avenue High School in the Levittown Public School District will have their work proudly displayed in a prestigious museum exhibition.
Artwork by students Nikole Galgano, Mia Walton, Kayla Kleinfeldt and Lianna Dominguez was selected to
(assorted sizes of underwear/briefs, sweatshirts, sweatpants with no drawstring, long-sleeve t-shirts, slippers and flip flops sized L, XL).
“When I learned that the Northport VA has a ‘Wish List’ of items their veterans desperately need, I knew residents would generously spring into action to help ensure these needs are met,” said Town Clerk Richard LaMarca. “I thank the residents of our wonderful Town in advance for their generosity and support of our veterans.”
The Town’s Collection Drive will run for 30 days beginning April 15. Collection Bins will be available on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at Town Hall North (54 Audrey Ave, Oyster Bay) and Town Hall South (977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa).
For more information, please call (516) 624-6380 or email ealter@oysterbay-ny.gov.
Our Service Directory is sure to bring results. Call 516-294-8900 for rates and information. Do you have a ser vice to adver tise?
be displayed in the annual Heckscher Museum of Art’s Young Artists exhibition. Now in its 27th year, the exhibition featured 91 works of art created by Long Island high schoolers from 58 schools. The exhibition will open at the Heckscher Museum on April 29 and virtually beginning May 6.
The Town of Oyster Bay is seeking counselors ages 16 and older for the 2024 Summer Recreation Program. The six-week program provides a rewarding employment experience for counselors as they work with children and make a difference.
“This great summer job is ideal for residents age 16 or older who are looking to build their resume,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “Our summer recreation counselors get realworld experience while having fun, making memories, and making a difference in the lives of others.”
Applicants must be available for the duration of the program, which runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, beginning July 1 through August 9. Orientation will take place the week of June 24. Summer Recreation Program participants take part in trips, tournaments, shows and athletic events, including the TOBAY Games, making being a counselor a
great first job for many residents. Employment opportunities are offered at Marjorie R. Post (Massapequa), Plainview-Old Bethpage and Syosset-Woodbury Community Parks, Ellsworth W. Allen Town Park in Farmingdale, Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park and Beach in Oyster Bay, and Tappen Beach in Glenwood Landing.
“The Town has positions available for counselors, coordinators, leaders and assistant leaders at all locations, especially at our north shore facilities at Theodore Roosevelt Park and Tappen Beach,” said Councilman Labriola. “Spots fill quickly and we encourage all interested residents to fill out an application today.”
For more information, prospective counselors should contact Town’s Department of Parks at (516) 797-7945 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com/summerrecreation.
From page 2
independence and energy to advocate for the best decisions for our School District. Independence ensures varied opinions which in turn increase the likelihood of reaching better solutions. And yes, board members need to have the fortitude to disagree with their board colleagues and the Superintendent from time to time to achieve the highest level of decision making.
During the last three years, I have delivered that all-important independent voice for this community; if re-elected, I will continue to do so.
Too often, new school board candidates run as a “ticket”. Why should our community want “ticket” candidates elected, only to ensure “votes in lockstep” and loss of independent thought? Why risk imperiling diversity of ideas and impairing board effectiveness from day one merely in the name of getting elected? The negative implications for our schools are profound.
On May 21st, Jericho voters must once again decide whether they value the excellence and success that comes with independent thinking or accept the risk of mediocrity that comes from conformity. For residents of the #1 school
district on Long Island, the answer should be abundantly clear. I ask for your support on Tuesday, May 21 and that you vote to Re-Elect Sam Perlman! Sam Perlman, Jericho School Board Trustee
PTA legacy moves forward
To the Editor:
At the February 8, 2024 Board of Education meeting, Board Trustee
Sam Perlman asked the Board and Superintendent to deny an application by PTA Council to use school grounds to hold a Meet the Candidates Night event, which has been held for over 25 years by PTA and moderated by the League of Women Voters. PTA Council’s application was not even on the agenda for approval at this meeting so this request was neither timely, nor appropriate.
Mr. Perlman implied that Council, and especially Council Leadership, is unable to provide a fair and non-partisan event. “The Board’s concern should be the use of District facilities for an event that will be viewed as strongly partisan.” He also stated that the event under PTA leadership, “does not offer a level playing field for all candidates.”
Allyson Edelman, current Joint PTA
Council President, addressed the Board at the March meeting and said, “As community members and parents, PTA members are allowed to support candidates and to make financial contributions to candidates of their choice as long as they are not using their “PTA titles or affiliations in any ads or fliers on behalf of a candidate,” as stated in the NYS PTA Resource Guide. Also, the League of Women Voters runs the Meet the Candidate Night and decides which questions from the audience will be asked. The moderator is never a district resident. As Mr. Perlman is well aware, the PTA’s involvement is limited to arranging for the League to attend, securing a location for the event, and handing out index cards.”
Furthermore, Edelman said, “The sponsoring of the Meet the Candidate event is an act of public service, whereby candidates are given the opportunity to talk about community issues. It was highly offensive to each and every one of us to be disrespected in a public forum regarding the integrity of our leadership. More importantly, we should as a community, PTA and as a School Board, focus our attention on the betterment of our school and
our children’s welfare and dedicate our focus, resources and effort to matters that directly impact their daily lives as opposed to these distractions of resisting the outcomes of prior elections that are clearly in our rear-view mirror. We are better together and can accomplish so much more by working together.”
We, past Joint PTA Council Presidents, agree with Allyson Edelman and the comments she made publicly. “Mr. Perlman’s allegation is meritless and he fails to provide any instance of unfairness, partiality, or bias that occurred at any Meet the Candidates Night”. He participated in two as a board candidate without one complaint or suggestion before or after the event.
At the April meeting, the Board voted 4-1 to allow the building use, with Mr. Perlman voting against it. Without Mr. Perlman’s support, the event will be held on May 14 at 7:30 PM in the High School Little Theater.
PTA Council Past Presidents: Gina Levy (2020–2022) Maria Bombace (2018–2020)
Lisa Davis (2016–2018)
Jill Citron (2014–2016) Alisha Reiben (2012–2014)
From page 1 effectively,” said Gujja. “Our main goal is to combat the problems of food waste and insecurity in tandem, and inspire other young people to get involved in their communities.”
The student members collect the food from four restaurants in the area including Ble Cafe in Port Washington, Fly Me to the Moon in Syosset,Bosphorus Cafe & Grill in Port Washington and Aloh Kitchen. They distribute the leftover food to the Long Beach soup kitchen.
“We usually donate over fifty pounds of food that would otherwise be wasted and on average help serve over fifteen thousand meals annually. Since we started our organization in 2021, we have helped raise over three thousand dollars towards fighting food insecurity and shortages.”
Gujja said she came across a statistic that stated Nassau County was ranked fifth in the nation for greatest number of people suffering from food insecurity during the time period of
From page 1
its Rotary Day of Service. The club welcomes volunteers from the community who would like to know more about Rotary or would just like to help on the project.
Club President Donna Rivera-Downey said “With this food drive we hope to help reduce hunger among our neighbors. We accept all non-perishable donations.” “The Rotary Club of Hicksville-Jericho as been working to help the community for over 70 years and this food drive is going to be a great way to get personally involved. Please come down and join us.”
This international initiative, which includes US projects in Connecticut, Colorado, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wyoming, along with Districts in Bermuda, Canada, the UK, and Brazil, eclipsing the Rotary Day of Service held in 2022 and 2023, with an expanded commitment from a coordinated network of Rotary Clubs and their members dedicated to improving the communities they serve.
Throughout the day, Rotarians will undertake dozens of projects to enhance neighborhoods, build community, and meet the needs of under-
2018-2020.
“Seeing that number really hit me hard and the fact that there are people living in wealthy neighborhoods here in Nassau that are dealing with food insecurity,” said Gujja. “Also discovering that millions of pounds of food are wasted each year by restaurants because it’s not deemed presentable, really drove me to action.”
The precocious junior said that she hopes her organization inspires other students and young people across Long Island to join forces in their communities to help combat food insecurity.
To find out more about Fork and Spoon, visit the website, forkandspoon2021.com.
NASSAU COUNTY
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Town of Oyster Bay Zoning Board of Appeals
served populations. Together with nonprofit partners and a corps of volunteers, they will collaborate on diverse projects, including planting pollinator gardens, clearing walking and hiking trails, collecting food and other essentials for veterans, and preparing and serving meals to those experiencing homelessness.
“Every community within each of the ten Rotary Districts participating in this first-of-itskind venture will be impacted by volunteer efforts,” said Thomas Crowley, governor for Rotary District 7255 across Long Island, Brooklyn and Queens, which has 53 projects for the Day of Service, “By holding a food drive like the one in Hicksville to assembling care packages for homeless veterans in Freeport to building beds for children in need in Southold, this shared mission will make a difference that is real and measurable.”
The Rotary Day of Service isn’t just for Rotarians. Anyone wanting to “Get Behind the Wheel” and give back to their communities can visit RotaryDayOfService7255.com and click on the ‘Register to Volunteer’ tab for information. Once registered, local clubs will contact volunteers and provide details.
TOWN HALL, AUDREY AVENUE, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK 11771-1592
TELEPHONE: (516) 624-6232 – FAX: (516) 624-6149
RITA BYRNE, Chairwoman – LOIS SCHMITT, Vice Chairwoman – LEWIS J. YEVOLI KATHLEEN MULLIGAN –REBECCA M. ALESIA –ANDREW MONTELEONE – LISA CICCOLELLA
PUBLIC HEARING CALENDAR
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, 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, Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, New York, on MAY 16, 2024, at 7:00 P. M., to consider the following appeals:
BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
APPEAL NO. 24-61 - AMENDMENT
SYOSSET
CALOGERO BRUTTO: Amend Specific Plan as presented for Appeal No. 22-510 and granted by Decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals, dated December 15, 2022, for the submittal of new plans.
N/s/o Sherman Dr., E/o Richard Ln., a/k/a 47 Sherman Drive, Syosset, NY
APPEAL NO. 24-114 SYOSSET
LIJUN LIN: Variance to erect 6 ft. high PVC fence exceeding maximum height across front yard (Gary Road) and within 30 ft. of intersection than permitted by Ordinance.
NW/ cor. of Gainsboro Ln. & Gary Rd., a/k/a 31 Gainsboro Lane, Syosset, NY
MAY 6, 2024
BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
TOWN OF OYSTER BAY,
Fridays, May 10 and 17 at 10:15 a.m.
Fused Mosaic Coaster (IN-PERSON)
Presenter: Kelly SchulteSmith
Join Kelly and learn how to make fused mosaic coasters. First class you will assembly the coaster (mosaic on glass) and the second class you will add a decal to the coaster. Fee $10 (for pair). Registration required. Please make sure that you can attend both sessions before registering. Register at syossetlibrary.org.
Friday, May 10, at 1:30 p.m.
Book-to-Film Discussion:
“The Color Purple” (IN-PERSON)
Musical adaptation of Alice Walker's novel about the life long struggle of an African American woman in the south during the early 1900s. Read the book, then watch the film at the library and see how it was interpreted for the screen.
A short discussion will follow led by Donna Burger, Readers’ Services Librarian.
Mondays beginning May 13 and ending July 1, 1:00 p.m. –3:39
Beginner Crochet Workshop (IN-PERSON)
Presenter: Lois Buonagurio
Learn all of the crochet stitches, how to read a pattern, how to increase and decrease, and learn how to make a scarf. Materials to bring to class: 2 balls of worsted weight yarn in a light color, 1 crochet hook size G. Six classes. Fee: $20 (for all 6 sessions). Registration required. Register at syossetlibrary.org.
Thursday, May 16, from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Seniors of Syosset Drop-In Session (IN-PERSON)
Learn about social work support, community health
NASSAU COUNTY
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
nursing, and subsidized transportation to local medical appointments and free bus transportation for shopping, as well as other activities and services, offered to Syosset residents through the Naturally Occurring Retirement Community program funded by the NYS Office for the Aging. These services are only available to residents of Syosset proper, age 60 and over. For those living in the surrounding area, staff can provide referrals to other resources that may address your needs.
Thursday, May 16, at 2:00 p.m.
Baseball in American Culture (IN-PERSON)
Presenter: Evan Weiner, writer for Daily Beast, journalist, frequent TV guest Baseball first popped up in American culture in the mid19th century but it was not until the mid-1880s that baseball achieved a level of prom-
Town of Oyster Bay Zoning Board of Appeals
TOWN HALL, AUDREY AVENUE, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK 11771-1592
TELEPHONE: (516) 624-6232 – FAX: (516) 624-6149
RITA BYRNE, Chairwoman – LOIS SCHMITT, Vice Chairwoman – LEWIS J. YEVOLI KATHLEEN MULLIGAN –REBECCA M. ALESIA –ANDREW MONTELEONE – LISA CICCOLELLA
PUBLIC HEARING CALENDAR
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, 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, Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, New York, on MAY 16, 2024, at 7:00 P. M., to consider the following appeals:
BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
APPEAL NO. 24-123 JERICHO
JAY WEINSTEIN: Variance to erect 6 ft. high PVC fence exceeding maximum height across front yard (Rockland Drive) and side/front yard (Delaware Avenue) than permitted by Ordinance.
NW/ cor. of Delaware Ave. & Rockland Dr., a/k/a 1 Delaware Avenue, Jericho, NY
MAY 6, 2024
BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK
inence away from the field. Baseball has been a subject in books, on vaudeville stages, in a Broadway play, in song, in movies and television. Come enjoy an afternoon enjoying baseball! No registration needed.
Thursday, May 16, at 7:00 at Necromantic Brew Company, 253 Main Street, Farmingdale
The Haunted History of Tarot and Ghost Stories by the Fire (OFFSITE)
Sasha Graham has all the answers to your occult questions! Everyone in attendance will receive a tarot card but
wait, that’s not all! Sasha’s celebrating the launch of her new podcast, “Ghost Stories by the Fire” and she wants to hear YOUR spooky, creepy, paranormal stories. Share a creepy, true life story with the crowd and you might win a valuable prize! No registration needed.
Friday, May 17, at 2:00 p.m. Friday Movie at the Library (IN-PERSON) Join us for an afternoon movie at the library. Check our website for the movie that will be shown. Go to syossetlibrary. org.
The Joseph Barry Columbiettes will be sponsoring a Spring Raffle on Sunday, May 19, at the Joseph Barry Knights of Columbus hall (45 Heitz Place, Hicksville). Doors open at 12:30 p.m. and the raffles for gift baskets will begin at 1 o’clock. Tickets are $12 per person and include coffee, tea and snacks.
Proceeds from this and other Columbiettes fundraisers go toward assisting charities including our local parishes, veterans’ organizations, food pantries and other worthy causes in the community.
For additional information, please call Susan at 516-6808487 or email suesarandis@ gmail.com
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Colmar, in France’s AlsaceLorraine region, is a storybook village –its buildings literally decorated to tell a story. And when you wander around its narrow, twisting streets, you walk through 500 years of history, lose all sense of what century you are in and fall totally under its spell.
Almost miraculously, the city has managed to remain mostly unscathed through centuries of wars. So as you stroll around, you come upon architectural jewels from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. (You can follow a self-guided historic walking tour of silver Statue of Liberty figures in the pavement.)
I became curious about visiting Colmar when I saw a short report about it being the childhood home of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor who created the Statue of Liberty, and the images of how colorful and charming it was. I had to see if for myself.
So I take advantage of the ease of visiting Colmar from Strasbourg, the starting point for a European Waterways canal cruise through the Alsace Lorraine on its luxury hotel barge, Panache. It is just 45 minutes on the train, every half hour, a most enjoyable, comfortable and scenic ride, 28E roundtrip, no need to reserve – and join the hordes of day-trippers exploring this fairytale-like place.
It’s a short, pleasant walk from the Colmar train station into Le Petit Venise (Little Venice), the historic district (really similar to Strasbourg’s Le Petit France), and I am immediately enchanted.
Colmar is famous for its half-timbered houses and richly decorated
merchants’ mansions.Some date from the Middle Ages, such as the Adolf House, the oldest in Colmar, built in the second half of the 14th century; and the “Huselin zum Swan” on Schongauer Street.
The Renaissance is on display in one of Colmar’s most magnificent structures, Maison Pfister with ornate bay windows (oriels), long wooden gallery and exquisitely painted murals, which has become a symbol of the city. Maison Pfister was built in 1537 for Ludwig Scherer, a wealthy hatter from Besancon. The paintings that decorate the façade, attributed to Christian Vacksterffer, represent 16th century Germanic Emperors, Evangelists, Church Fathers, allegorical figures and biblical characters and scenes. It is named for the merchant FrancoisXavier Pfister who acquired the mansion in 1841.
I come upon a house at 34, rue des Marchands with a plaque dated
1435 and a note that says this was the residence of master painter Caspar Isenmann “(Zum Grienen hus”). Another marvelous structure is “Cour du Weinhof,” at 12-16 rue des Marchands, which is a medieval 14th century granary.
So many of the buildings are adorned with beautiful, even playful, whimsical decoration – as if there is a competition for who can have the prettiest or cleverest or most festive, or perhaps a public ordinance that requires everyone to be incredibly festive and clever. I wonder.
I go in search of the intriguingly named House of Heads. Built in1609 in German Renaissance style, it has a three-story bay window and a façade is embellished with 111 heads and masks.
You walk through a fabulous pedestrian zone -a listed “protected sector”that takes you from the Middle Ages to the 18th century, from “Little Venice” to the Tanners district with its grand
white-fronted houses.
Similar to Strasbourg, there are districts, or neighborhoods, built around trades.
The Poisonnerie quay where fish caught mainly in the River Ill were stocked and sold, has been here since the 14th century. Part of this district was damaged in a major fire in 1706 but some houses were rebuilt. The whole area underwent urban revitalization from 1976 to 1981.
The Tanners Quarter, rounded by the Rue de Montagne Vertne, Rue des Tripiers, Rue des Tanneurs and place de l’Ancienne Douane, is the epicenter of the protected old town center. Its tall, timber-framed houses built during the 17th and 18th centuries, often have a final open-worked level which was used by craftsmen to dry their pelts. The district was restored 1968-1974.
In this section is the Koifhus (Old Customs house) completed in 1480, the oldest public building in the city.
A marvelous place is The Covered Market, especially to pick up picnic fixings for lunch or snack. Designed in 1865, this building is made of bricks, with a metal frame has had several functions until being returned to its original purpose of market hall. About 20 merchants offer high quality products: fruits and vegetables, butchery, cheese dairy, bakery and pastry, fish and other terroir delights – yet another example of what is old becoming new again. (13 rue des Ecoles, Quartier de la Petite Venise).
I wander a bit aimlessly, just soaking in the atmosphere, and find myself at one of Colmar’s most important museums, Musee Unterlinden.
Founded in 1906, Musee Unterlinden is housed in a 13th century convent building. Within, you wander through 7,000 years of history, culture and art from the prehistoric
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era to 20th century.
The museum is mainly known as a showcase of Rhenish Art, displaying a remarkable collection of paintings and sculptures of the Colmar region of the 15th and 16th centuries, a Golden Age for the Upper Rhine.
But its star attraction is the celebrated altarpiece of Isenheim, an exquisite polyptych created between 1512 and 1516 by the artists Niclaus of Haguenau (for the sculpted elements) and Grünewald (for the painted panels). It was created for the Antonite order’s monastic complex at Isenheim, a village about 15 miles south of Colmar, where it decorated the high altar of the monastery hospital’s chapel until the French Revolution.
The Isenheim Altarpiece is housed in the museum’s Medieval cloister, where you find the art of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, with works by Martin Schongauer, Hans Holbein and Lucas Cranach. The former baths building that opened in 1906 is used for special exhibitions, while the works of major 20th century artists including Monet, de Staël, Picasso and Dubuffet have a new showcase in the contemporary wing.
I wander down to the cellar of the former convent, and am fascinated to see its extensive archaeology section, with artifacts of the Haut-Rhin region dating back thousands of years. One section is devoted to prehistory and protohistory, the neighboring rooms to the Roman and Merovingian periods.
The extensive collection of historical objects and artifacts from domestic life and funerary contexts, mostly from the northern Haut-Rhine, presents an almost
complete overview of the different stages of the region’s cultural evolution.
Musee Unterlinden, Place Untrlinden, https://www.musee-unterlinden.com/en/ home/
The climax for my enchanting tour of Colmar comes when I (finally) find my way to the Musee Bartholdi (I seem to have overshot it a couple of times, even though everything is really close). This is the childhood home of sculptor Frederick Auguste Bartholdi (1834-1904), who created the statue we know as the Statue of Liberty, but was actually named “Liberty Enlightening the World,” unveiled in New York in 1886.
Bartholdi was the son of a councilmember who died in 1836 when he was just two years old. The family residence was built in the 15th century and transformed in the 18th century into an elegant hotel particulier (town mansion).
When Bartholdi died, his widow turned his childhood home into a museum as a tribute to him. Opened in 1922, the Bartholdi museum is entirely dedicated to presenting the artist’s work as well as his process, so you see models, drawings, engravings and photographs. You also see family furniture and personal mementos.
You enter through an inner courtyard, where you see Bartholdi’s inspiring statue, “Grand soutiens du monde” - four women holding up the world (bronze, 1902).
The collection is presented on three floors of the mansion and walking through the family’s rooms lets you see Bartholdi as a person, how his idealism was manifested in his art, and you realize that his true genius is how his art inspires that same idealism in the viewer.
A whole room (surprisingly small, but
that makes it more intimate) is dedicated to the Statue of Liberty – you see his inspirations and some early designs, and fantastic historic photos of its production in Paris. It is thrilling to see Bartholdi’s process for the Statue of Liberty, which he titled Liberty Enlightening the World.
Indeed, Bartholdi’s colossal Lady Liberty famously celebrates freedom, and most Americans believe his symbols refer to the American Revolution and independence from tyranny, especially since it was dedicated in New York 1886, a little over a century after the Declaration of Independence. But Bartholdi intended to commemorate America’s abolition of slavery as a result of the Civil War in 1865 - the idea for the monument originated in 1865 but was pursued only after the Third French Republic was established in 1870. We see a model of the statue that has Lady Liberty’s foot stepping on chains of bondage, as if to crush them.
Lady Liberty stands 151 feet tall, and the top of her torch brings the statue up to 305 feet - the largest statue that had ever been completed up to that time.
There are also his models for Bartholdi’s monumental statue, Lion of Belfort, which is as precious to France as Lady Liberty is to America. .
Colmar had always celebrated its native son, Bartholdi and he had erected statues in the city, including his earliest works. But in the 1890s, German authorities restricted Bartholdi’s residency permit in Alsace, because several of his public monuments demonstrated support for a French Alsace. The sculptor found it increasingly difficult to travel to Colmar. .
And when Nazi Germany re-annexed Alsace and Moselle in June 1940, Colmar was once again under German rule, and the Bartholdi Museum shut down. The
We’re starting to get it.
For the first time in five years, adults in the United States know the right definition of healthy foods.
A survey by the International Food Information Council found more people define healthy foods by the presence of healthy components rather than the absence of things people wish to avoid. Back in 2016, 17% of American adults believed healthy foods included fruits, vegetables, protein and fiber. In 2021, the number is up to 27% of American adults.
Good for us!
Over 1,000 adults, ages 18-80, responded to the survey. When it came to how people defined a healthy eating pattern, 47% surveyed chose “eating appropriate portion sizes at each meal,” 40% chose “avoiding processed foods” and 35% chose “the right
mix of different foods.”
And to prove we are getting better at putting this puzzle of healthy eating together, 73% of respondents said that they “are confident in their ability to choose healthy foods.” And 68% agreed that “it’s easy to cook or prepare food that fits a healthy eating pattern.”
We’re also trying to diet less, according to the survey, and instead, the motivation is to be at a healthy weight to protect longterm health and have more energy.
Hopefully, this means we are ditching the yo-yo diets for a sustainable healthy eating plan that includes choosing more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean protein.
Q and A
Q: What is processed meat, and should it be avoided?
A: Technically speaking, processed
German forces destroyed Bartholdi’s monuments in the city – the statue of General Rapp was smashed on September 9, 1940; the Bruat fountain was dismantled. Figures of the four continents in red Vosges sandstone were crushed.
But some Colmar residents managed to get to the site to save the four heads and a part of the foot, which they hid in their cellars. The fragments were returned to the city after the war (they are on view in the museum) and a new version of the fountain was erected in 1958.
The museum reopened in 1979, very likely spurred by preparations for celebrating the Statue of Liberty Centennial.
(Musee Bartholdi, 30 rue des Marchands, 68000 Colmar, https://www. musee-bartholdi.fr/)
There is also a 12-meter high replica of the Statue of Liberty, sculpted to commemorate the 100th anniversary of sculptor Auguste Bartholdi’s death, located at the northern entrance to the town. Unfortunately, I leave Colmar before seeing its Illumination. The town is illuminated from nightfall on Fridays and Saturdays year-round and every evening during major events in Colmar such as the International Festival, Regional Alsace Wine Fair and Christmas in Colmar.
Another reason to look forward to returning.
More information about Colmar’s museums: https://www.tourisme-colmar.com/en/visit/presentation/museums
For more visitor information, contact Tourist Office of Colmar, Place Unterlinden, +33 (0)3 89 20 68 92, info@ tourisme-colmar.com, https://www.tourisme-colmar.com/en. The website is really helpful for planning: https://www.tourisme-colmar.com/en/visit/presentation/ discover
© 2024 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com
meat is any meat that has been salted, cured, fermented, smoked or undergone a process to preserve or enhance its flavor. Think hot dogs, sausages, ham, bacon and jerky. So, how do you know? Read the ingredients on the label. If you see salt, sodium chloride, sodium phosphate or potassium chloride, those ingredients have been used to salt or “process” the meat. The World Health Organization has declared processed meat a carcinogen and potentially linked to colorectal cancer. While you may not be able to avoid all processed meats, it’s best to choose them in moderation.
Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois, and the current president of the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
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Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 12, this year and one actress in particular stands out in my mind for speaking publicly about the joys of motherhood. Lisa Anne Loeb was born on March 11, 1968, in Bethesda, Maryland. She is a singer-songwriter whose career was launched with the #1 hit song “Stay (I Missed You)” from the film “Reality Bites,” the first #1 single for an artist without a recording contract. That song sat at #1 on the Billboard charts for three weeks in August 1994.
She also had two additional top 20 singles with “Do You Sleep?” in 1996 and “I Do” in 1998. Loeb’s studio albums include two back-to-back albums that were certified gold - “Tails” and “Firecracker.”
Loeb’s film, TV and voice-over work includes guest starring roles in the season finale of “Gossip Girl,” and two episodes, including the series finale, of Netflix’s “Fuller House.” She also starred in two other TV series, “Dweezil & Lisa,” a weekly culinary adventure for the Food Network that featured her alongside Dweezil Zappa, and “Number 1 Single” on E! Entertainment Television. She has also acted in such films as “House on Haunted Hill,” “Fright Night,” “Hot Tub Time Machine 2” and “Helicopter Mom.”
Loeb has released children’s CDs and books. Her 2016 children’s CD “Feel What U Feel” won Best Children’s Album at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards. Loeb’s latest album, “A Simple Trick to Happiness,” was released in February 2020.
In addition, she has a line of eyewear which she started because she wore distinctive brown frames and Loeb said, “The Lisa Loeb Eyewear line was created to satisfy all of those people who always stop me and ask me where I get my glasses because they want some just like mine!”
Loeb also started a non-profit organization that sends under-served children to camp, funded by Loeb’s own organic coffee, Wake Up! Brew which is a reference to her “Everybody Wake Up” song from her album titled “Camp Lisa.”
Although Lisa Loeb was born in Maryland she grew up in Dallas, Texas. Her parents still live there. Her mother, Gail, was the president of the Dallas County Medical Society Alliance and Foundation, and her father, Peter Loeb, was a gastroenterologist. As a child Lisa Loeb studied piano but she later switched to guitar.
She attended The Hockaday School, an all-girls private school. For two years she had her own radio show on 88.5 KRSM-FM, a 10-watt station licensed to the nearby all-boys St. Marks School of Texas. After graduating from high school in 1986, she attended Brown
University, where she graduated in 1990 with a degree in comparative literature.
At Brown in the mid-1980s, Loeb and Elizabeth Mitchell formed a band named Liz and Lisa, with future singer-songwriter and classmate Duncan Sheik as a guitarist. They released the albums “Liz and Lisa” and “Liz and Lisa - Days Were Different” independently. About her time at Brown, Lisa Loeb has said, “One of the things that’s influenced me musically was my experience at Brown University. I was surrounded by musicians that I really admired, and felt challenged to come up with music, lyrics, and recordings that stood up to the expectations of those musicians and myself.”
In 2021, Loeb appeared in a GEICO commercial singing her hit “Stay” setup as an audition. But she’s had quite a successful career. In 2022 Loeb played a supporting film in the Hallmark Channel’s film, “Hanukkah on Rye.”
In 2009 Lisa Loeb married Roey Hershkovitz. They met in 2006 during a business meeting for a food TV show and got engaged in 2008. He grew up in New Jersey, graduated from LIU Post and was the music coordinator on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien.”
The couple has two children, Lyla who was born in 2009, and Emet, born
in 2012 and live in Los Angeles. About motherhood Lisa Loeb has said:
“The smell of roses, my children’s bright eyes and smiles, laughing with my husband, walking on the beach, using my hands to do crafts or play guitar, brainstorming, and drinking coffee, really good coffee. All this makes me come alive.”
“My main thing right now is spending time with my family and at the same time being on the road as much as I can to play music in front of other people’s families. I’m always trying to figure out that balance between being a mom and a rock musician. Mom comes first. Also, I try to remember the magic in creating things.”
About having a career in the music business Loeb has said:
“My overnight success was really 15
years in the making. I’d been writing songs since I was 6 and playing in bands and performing since I was 14.”
“I didn’t realize what an impact having a #1 single would have. It connects me with people of different ages, and I get to travel all over the world.”
“I don’t use simple words. I make games and puzzles with my songs.”
“Although my dad was a doctor, we weren’t necessarily a super-artsy family. We were just a classic, traditional family who got to take a lot of piano lessons and became a bunch of musicians … I have three siblings. My sister, songwriter Debbie Loeb, makes music. My older brother is a classical conductor, and my younger brother is a mixing engineer.”
Happy Mother’s Day to one and all!
Lisa Loeb wrote and composed “Stay (I Missed You)” in 1990 when she was living in the same Village apartment building as actor Ethan Hawke who was Loeb’s friend and neighbor. She’d planned on selling the song to Daryl Hall for a project he was seeking music for but she changed her mind and decided to keep it. When Ethan Hawke heard the song he liked it and gave it for Ben Stiller to use in the movie he was directing, “Reality Bites.” The song plays as the film’s credits roll and for Lisa Loeb, the rest is history.
Well, the votes are in. Several weeks ago, I asked my readers to rate the service they got from the Social Security Administration in the form of stars: 5 stars for good service down to 1 star for poor service. More than 250 of you responded. And the overall rating averaged out to a solid 4.5 stars.
This is much higher than I would have guessed based on the emails I get from folks complaining about problems they had with the agency’s services and its employees. So this survey reinforces what I speculated about in a prior column. On a routine basis, people are much more likely to complain to me about poor service than they are inclined to send me an email praising good service. But when given the chance to voice their opinion, the folks who were very satisfied with the SSA’s services and employees let me know what they think. I’m going to expound on your rating and your responses in a bit. But first, here are some general thoughts about ratings.
Whether you’re buying some underwear at Kohl’s or a burger at McDonald’s, the clerk you deal with is likely to say something like this to you: “And we would appreciate it if you could take a minute and complete a survey about our service.” And if they are especially bold (and honest), they might add: “And we sure would love it if you give us 5 stars!” (5 stars being the top grade in most rating systems.)
It’s interesting how in the past 10 years or so, these ratings have come to mean so much to businesses, especially because of the online world and the omnipresence of social media. And it probably isn’t too much of an exaggeration to say that some of them, especially smaller businesses, live and die by those ratings. I’ll give two examples.
Last summer, we had a new deck installed in our backyard. I got to know the guy we hired to do the job quite well. He owns a small deck-building business in our town. I was very pleased with the work he and his crew did and the deck he built. And even though I paid him rather handsomely for the job and thanked him profusely, he let me know that wasn’t enough. He practically pleaded with me to go on Google Reviews and other online sites and give him a 5-star rating. He told me that in today’s world, that’s how he gets a lot of business. Without a high ranking on those sites, he’d be in trouble. And here is another rating story that’s closer to home. My daughter-in-law runs a small pie business in our town. She has a pie truck and a newly opened brick and mortar shop. Because hers is a relatively new business, and because she is going up against some well-established and very well-financed bakeries in town, she has learned that good ratings on social media sites are the key to growing her little business. And thankfully, she almost always gets 5-star reviews from her customers.
But she’s also learned that those ratings can be a double-edged sword. For example, she recently got a 1-star review. She was surprised and hurt -- so much so, in fact, that she contacted the guy. It turns out that my daughter-in-law uses cherries grown in Colorado for her cherry pie. And this guy insisted that only Michigan cherries should be used in pies. And thus, his 1-star rating!
That’s just my way of saying that these rating systems can be important and can be n indication of the value or quality of the product or service being rated. But at the same time, sometimes these ratings must be taken with a grain of salt. I’ll explain more about that with respect to my Social Security service survey in just a bit, but first, here are the results. I got 254 responses from readers. And the ratings broke down like this:
-- 5 stars: 191 ratings
-- 4.5 stars: 7 ratings
-- 4 stars: 31 ratings
-- 3 stars: 13 ratings
-- 2 stars: 4 ratings
-- 1 star: 8 ratings
If I’m doing my math right, that comes out to a 4.5-star average rating. I understand this is an unscientific survey. But I still think it’s a pretty good representation of what most people think about the service they get from the SSA.
And I did glean some points from the responses I got. As I suspected, the SSA does routine work extremely well. And the good news is that when it comes to our involvement with the Social Security Administration, almost all of us have routine issues. We file for retirement benefits, or we want to change our address in the SSA’s records. These jobs are handled quickly and efficiently -- usually by the SSA’s website: www.socialsecurity.gov. In fact, many readers who gave 5-star reviews specifically mentioned the ease of using the website.
Conversely, many people who gave lower ratings had messy situations. One guy had been trying for years to get disability benefits. And even though he eventually got those benefits, he gave the agency a 1-star review.
Two other readers gave a low rating because they said they got wrong answers from SSA reps. But when they described their situation to me, they actually got correct information. I don’t think you should give a low rating based on what you think an answer is supposed to be. But still, they did.
Some people who gave lower ratings cited the long wait times when calling the agency’s toll-free number (800-772-1213). One guy gave a 1-star rating for that reason. But interestingly, another person who said he waited for about an hour gave a 4-star rating because once his call was answered, he said he talked to a knowledgeable rep who gave him good advice.
This leads me to another observation: I think happy and optimistic people tend
to give good ratings and grumpy and pessimistic people give low ratings. Here is a perfect example of that: Two people, one kind of grumpy and one kind of happy (I could just feel those vibes in the emails they sent), reported almost identical issues with the SSA’s in-office service they experienced. They each ended up sitting about two hours in the waiting room of their respective local SSA office before being served. Mr. Grumpy gave the SSA 1 star because of that. Mr. Happy still gave
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I was attending our Legislative Meetings in Washington D.C. from May 4-9 and also am a member of our National Association of Realtors Global Alliance and Business group participating in our meetings on Monday May 6th. I had been contemplating a very beneficial idea for those end-users who want to purchase a foreclosure to be able to reside in the home. However, there is a major dilemma confronting those eligible first time individual and family purchasers seeking grant money, from local, state and Federal programs. Who benefits the most from foreclosures, investors or end-users? Currently, it is the investor. Unfortunately, investors offer nothing to the community except for either raising prices, after they fix and flip the home putting it back on the market to be re-sold once again or adding one more available rental to the local market; thereby reducing the availability of homes for sale.
However, the end-user who wants to purchase, will build roots in the community, growing and expanding their family, and connect, grow and increases their new friendships and long term relationships. But there are issues that have never been addressed when it comes to grant money for down payments and closing costs. Most important is the money doesn’t have to be paid back if the buyer lives in the home for at least 10 years or whatever the requirement is within that locality. There are also income limitations and were normally created for lower income individuals and families. Based on how foreclosures are handled those first time buyers eligible for grant money are prevented from purchasing and becoming homeowners.
Unfortunately, foreclosures are winterized as the normal process, no matter what the time of the year or where they are located. Water, gas and electric are shut off to avoid any issues. This
is performed to prevent the further potential of broken pipes during the colder winter months or any other problems that might arise. I believe under normal circumstances, pipes have no issues, once winterized, but I cannot attest that this is what always occurs. Even if there are issues, the REO (real estate owned) controlled by the lender could fix whatever is wrong with the utilities after the foreclosure finalized but prior to putting the home back on the market.
any possible damage.
More over, if there is other physical damage to the home, possible government assistance could be provided to those eligible purchasers, with a 302 FHA rehabilitation loan with a low interest rate that could be piggybacked with the conventional or FHA loan.
The current situation doesn’t allow first time purchasers receiving grant money, to provide offers, because an inspection cannot be performed on foreclosures due to the utilities being previously turned off. More important, if they are eligible for grant money up to $50,000, it can only be approved with a full inspection including checking the functionality of the gas, electric and water services. To qualify, you cannot have owned a home for the past 3 years or do not currently own any investment properties.
My proposal would allow the buyer(s) to purchase and become homeowners. The buyer(s) would put up, let’s say $550 or whatever amount that would be required by the new law, to de-winterize the home so a full inspection could be performed. However, broken pipes or dangerous situations would be the responsibility of the bank to repair, prior to winterizing. The next step would allow the grant money purchaser, who has put up the required money to have the home de-winterized, would be able to have a full inspection done; then winterized again the same day. Even if the buyer decides not to go ahead with the sale, at least the home utilities are again shut off, preventing
a 5-star review because he said he understood there have been staffing cutbacks and once he was served, he got his issues taken care of in a professional way. By the way, I am not saying that all those who give low reviews are grumpy people. But I am saying that all grumpy people give low reviews.
And speaking of those reviews, in next week’s column, I’m going to relay some of the comments many of you shared with me about your experiences dealing with
the Social Security Administration. If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Security -Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Security.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon. com or other book outlets. Or you can send him an email at thomas.margenau@comcast.net.
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Having a program such as this would allow more individuals and families to secure homeownership and begin to build their future wealth. As I have stated in previous columns, homeownership is the most valuable asset for most people and the number one way that the majority grows there wealth over their lifetime.
Changing the foreclosure laws and assisting more people in leaving the lifelong treadmill of renting and reducing one’s wealth will allow more to become owners. They will put more money back into our economy than tenants; being proactive in maintaining their homes will require the expenditure of money over the long run. One’s standard of living will increase with homeownership. I believe this will also benefit whatever is left of our middle class to hopefully enhance and increase that segment of our population. This will further grow our economy, as the middle class are those that assist in 70% of our economy, which is made up of consumer spending.
The government will benefit by receiving more taxes by having more homeowners who tend to put more money back into our economy than renters.
Having Legislators change and update our foreclosure laws will greatly benefit all parties and will assuredly be a win/win situation not only for the consumer but for our government.
Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 42+ of years experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned designations as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (G.R.I.) and also as a Certified International Property Specialist (C.I.P.S.) and has earned his National Association of Realtors “Green Industry designation for eco-friendly low carbon footprint construction with 3-D printed foundations, Solar panels, Geo-thermal HVAC/Heat Pumps).
Save my New digital business card with/Videos,Virtual and Drone Tours/ photos/Bio/Reviews to your cell, PC or Laptop contacts: https://onetapconnect. com/turnkeyrealestate-philraices Are you still using your passé paper card? Do still use a rotary dial phone, of course not. So get on board in 2024 and order your digital card by scrolling all the way down to the bottom and click on the link, “Get your Connect Card.”
He will give you a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality, and his Seller’s and Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider when Selling, investing or Purchasing your Home.
He will also provide you with “free” regular updates of what has gone under contract (pending), been sold (closed) and those homes that have been withdrawn/ released or expired (W/R) and all new listings of homes, HOA, Townhomes, Condos, and Coops in your town or go to https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com and you can “do it yourself (DYI) and search on your own. For a “FREE” no obligation 15-minute consultation, as well as a “FREE printout or digital value analysis of what your home might sell for in today’s market without any obligation or “strings” attached call Philip at (516) 647-4289.
Dear Cheapskate: How long should leftovers be kept in the fridge? I have been debating this with co-workers, as one left her beef stew in the refrigerator for over a week and thought it was OK to eat. -- Angela N., New Brunswick, Canada
Dear Angela: There’s no debate here -you win by at least three days. The shelf life of any food will depend on the food itself, packaging, temperature and humidity. The folks at www.foodsafety.gov advise that if it’s a highly perishable type of food, like a cooked meat product, three to four days should be the maximum. Generally, leftovers should be discarded after 48 hours in the refrigerator.
Dear Cheapskate: I need some advice. My husband is 71, retired and collects a pension. I’m 58, employed, planning to take my social security benefit early at 62 and will get a pension when I turn 65. We have debts -- a mortgage of $45,000, credit card bills of $19,000, and other unsecured debt totaling $15,000. I am expecting $20,000 in the next several months from an estate. Should I save that for a rainy day, pay off what I can with what cash I have, or just say “let’s party and who cares?” We have excellent credit scores and no problems meeting our bills, but little cash remains at the end of the month. Any advice? -- Mary C., email
Dear Mary C: My advice is to take the $20,000 and park it where it is not at risk and earning at least enough interest to stay ahead of inflation. It may appear that you’re set with enough money to en-
BY: MARY HUNTHave you ever felt like you’re supposed to be learning a lesson but don’t know what it is? I know that feeling in a way that I hope I will never forget.
Not once but twice in a single month, the power went out at our home. The first time, a drunken, inexperienced 17-yearold driver plowed into a major utility pole in our neighborhood, turning it into kindling. Down it came, along with power to 4,300 homes. The driver was fine, but I cannot vouch for the state of her teenage freedom in the aftermath of making such terrible choices. Utility crews worked tirelessly for 22 hours to restore power.
The second event affected the very same 4,300 homes. High winds met with high-tension wires, resulting in a highpriced transformer blowing up. Apparently, the crew got a lot of practice the first time around. Power was restored within two hours.
I now know complete darkness. Pitch-
joy life together for many years to come. But life doesn’t always turn out the way we plan. You’ll sleep better knowing you have money in the bank. At this writing, Ally Bank (www.ally.com; 877-247-2559) is paying 4.2% on savings; Smarty Pig (www.smartypig.com; 877-751-6884) is paying 4.25%. Both banks are FDIC insured and offer savings accounts with no fees or minimums.
Dear Cheapskate: I purchased a scanner/copy machine that failed during the warranty period. The company replaced it with a refurbished scanner with a 90-day warranty. Is this fair? I think while under warranty it should be replaced with a new unit with full warranty. Thanks. --
Sharri C., Colorado
Dear Sharri: If you have six months of warranty protection, the company may have fulfilled its obligations under the fine print. But that doesn’t say much about their miserable failure at customer service. As far as you are concerned, their products fail 100% of the time. Call customer service, graciously plead your case, and request a new replacement. If that doesn’t work, you have nothing to lose by writing to the highest company official you can find. Briefly describe the situation, and let them know you are shocked, appalled and dismayed by their shoddy practice. Be clear about the terms and conditions under which you want this matter resolved. You may be pleasantly surprised at the outcome.
Dear Cheapskate: I am a single parent with a child in college, and I am going back to school myself. I have completed the majority of my general education classes at our city college
and want to transfer to a university to complete my bachelor’s degree and hopefully my master’s. You have advocated that one should not get student loans and should pay as they go. However, I’m 49 years old and living with my mother to cut expenses so I can go to school. I do not have the energy to get two jobs. If I want to actually get my degree before I’m 80 and use it, I need to get some type of student loan. Any suggestions? -- Linda T., California
Dear Linda: I’m afraid I have more questions than suggestions. What is your field of study? How certain are you that you will be welcomed into that field? What is the entry-level salary? Will that allow you to live on your own and pay hundreds a month in loan payments? For the next 15 years or longer? You say you do not have the energy to work two jobs now, but that’s what you may be looking at if you run up thousands in student loans and do not land some big, fabulous salary. While the education may improve your employability, the debt will take away many of your life options.
Have you considered all the non-debt options you have for going to school? Perhaps you could go to work now for a company that offers tuition reimbursement. Does your state have grants for single parents, specifically women? Some do. Have you searched for scholarships, grants and other forms of funding that do not require repayment? Student loans should not be your first option but rather your very last, and then with the greatest reluctance.
Should you end up borrowing money to finish school, please take the smallest
black, dark-enough-to-see-stars kind of darkness (a phenomenon not experienced often in a brightly lit metropolitan area). It’s eerie for sure.
In my heart and mind, I know where things are placed in the house. I should be able to navigate with little trouble. But my feet don’t believe. I know there are exactly 13 steps on the staircase. I’m up and down them dozens of times in a day. I can do it with my eyes closed! But take away the light and I’m a stumblebum.
Why can’t we trust what we know to be true just because it’s dark? It’s our human frailty. It’s our lack of faith, our hesitancy to trust what we cannot see with our own eyes.
You may feel like you are stumbling around in the darkness of your pathetic financial situation. You know your expenses should fit within your income, but that never happens. You really are in the dark.
“Debt-Proof Living” is the title of my book, but also it is a way of life. Debt-proof
living means living below your means. It’s having a plan and living the plan that allows you to get out of debt and plan for the future. It is the way you can begin to “restore power” in your life. Little by little, the lights start coming on.
I am still learning lessons from our experience with darkness. First, I know exactly where the wind-up lantern is at all times. I’ve learned that it produces great light but not for very long before it needs to be rewound.
I know exactly where the wind-up radio is and how to use it. I know our heavy-duty, super 4D battery flashlight works great and for a long time (spare batteries in the right-hand drawer). And I know the battery in my backup computer is shot. Memo to self: Order a new battery. Since those two events that left us in total darkness, my husband and I have taken significant disaster preparation steps. We’ve invested in a generator. We have solar panels, as well as emergency food and water.
loans you’ll need to scrape by, not the most money the financial aid office will hand to you. You are a brave woman, and I wish you well.
Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “DebtProof Living.”
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But more than that, I’ve learned to be grateful for the lights and all the other things we use that run on electricity. In a way I feel like a spoiled sniveling brat when I compare my 24 hours of darkness with what so many people in war-torn, impoverished and weather-ravaged parts of the world face routinely. You have my respect and empathy.
Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “DebtProof Living.”
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Week of May 12-18, 2024
If you’ve been reading my column for a while, you know there are many kinds of critters represented among the ancient constellations. Today I’d like to share with you the story of one of the newer constellations: Hydra, the water snake.
During the late spring of each year, Northern Hemisphere stargazers can spot Hydra snaking its way across our southern sky. With a length of some 100 degrees, this constellation spans more than 1,303 degrees of celestial real estate, making it the largest of all.
As large as it is, Hydra is tough to see. It contains only one significant star that marks the heart of the water snake. It’s an orange giant about 177 light years away and appears only about as bright as the North Star. The 16th-century Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe named it Cor Hydrae, meaning “the Hydra’s Heart,” but today we know it as Alphard, which comes from the Arabic phrase Al Fard al Shuja, meaning “The Solitary One in the Serpent.”
To find Hydra, you’ll need a fairly dark sky. First, locate the bright star Spica in the southeast, then look for Alphard in the southwestern sky. To its right, you might be able to make out the tiny ring of faint stars that form the snake’s head. To the left of Alphard, try to trace the snake’s long, sinuous body
to a point just below Spica.
This week, moonlight will be pretty bright, so it’ll be tough to find many of the stars of Hydra, but it might be worth trying anyway. If you have trouble, wait until the last week of May, when the moon will be gone from our early evening sky.
In Babylonian times, Hydra was known as Tiamat, the dragon of Chaos.
To the ancient Greeks, Hydra represented the terrifying seven-headed monster killed by Heracles as the second of his Twelve Labors. This beast was reportedly so hideous that people died of fear just from looking at it.
Greek mythology tells that one day Apollo, son of Zeus, sent a crow to fetch him a cup of cool drinking water. Having spent his time goofing off rather than following directions, the crow returned with a water snake as an excuse for being late. Apollo tossed them all into the same region of the sky where Hydra, the water snake, was guarding the cup of water from the perpetually thirsty crow.
This story of Hydra is ancient, but the constellations we see there are not. And, believe it or not, this star grouping was once even larger than it now is.
Over the ages, various stellar cartographers, including the famous 17th-century astronomers John Flamsteed and Johannes Hevelius, divided it into several pieces. Out of its stars, they created the constellations Corvus (the crow),
Crater (the cup) and an even more obscure grouping we know today as Sextans (the sextant). And, of course, the new Hydra “lite”.
Even a little-known French astronomer got into the act, creating a constellation he named Felis, the little cat.
Astronomers never adopted Felis as one
of the official 88 constellations, however, so it remains just a historical curiosity.
Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com. .
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Every spring, the April showers not only bring May flowers but turn my backyard into a muddy swamp. During this period, we are forced to keep a laundry basket of rags by the back door so we can intercept the dog on his way back in the house, wrestle him to the ground, and sandblast his paws before he does a muddy cha-cha through the family room. If we are lucky, this ritual will only last until we hit summer and everything dries out. If we are unlucky, it can go all the way until winter when the ground freezes.
Sadly, this year the April showers kept right on showering into May, which means I have had to wipe the dog’s four paws roughly six times a day for going on 75 days.
And those are just the times I’ve
actually caught him.
Which brings us to the muddy chacha in the kitchen.
“Tell me again why I insisted on getting another dog,” I asked my husband as I surveyed the expansive display of dirty pawprints all across the floor and rug.
“You said it would bring more love into the house,” he echoed my words back to me.
“Yeah, well, I’m not really feelin’ the love right now,” I responded, giving my muddy dog the hairy eyeball.
Much as I usually adored the dog, I was growing weary of adding daily paw-wiping, floor-mopping and towel-washing to my job description. So after two dogs and a cumulative 12 years of this routine, I finally decided I needed to smarten up.
Yeah, I’m nothing if not a quick
learner.
I got out one of my old rectangular windowsill flowerpots and filled it with water. Then I put it out next to the back door. The next time the dog did his mud dance outside, I stopped him on the way in and dunked each paw in the flowerpot. Then I dried his paws on the way in the door. Of course, it added an extra step to the demudifying process, but it made for a lot fewer disgusting rags to wash.
The new procedure was working like a charm. I was thrilled. Then about a week into the Great Beckerman Mud Plan, just as the dog was trotting back to the house, someone rang the front doorbell. The dog heard the bell and came charging at the back door at top speed. In a flash, the dog ran straight into my paw-washing station and knocked it over, spilling a torrent of muddy water in the door and across my family room
rug. Then he jumped over the washing station, into the house and across the rug with his muddy paws to greet whoever was at the front door.
I stood stunned.
“Mom, someone’s at the door,” yelled my daughter.
“Who is it?” I yelled back as I surveyed the wreckage that had previously been my family room rug.
“Someone is collecting unwanted items for the needy,” she said.
I shook my head. “Ask them if they’ll take a dog.”
Tracy Beckerman is the author of the Amazon Bestseller, “Barking at the Moon: A Story of Life, Love, and Kibble,” available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble online! You can visit her at www. tracybeckerman.com.
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ANTIQUE LOVERS TAKE NOTE! BRIMFIELD IS HERE ALL SHOWS! May 14-19. New shows open daily! www. brimfieldantiqueweek.com. 2024 dates: May 14-19, July 9-14, September 3-8
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A.T. STEWART EXCHANGE CONSIGNMENT SHOP
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Antiques-FurnitureJewelry-Silver-MirrorsLamps-Artwork Come to Consign & Stay to Shop Visit.... Our Shop 109 Eleventh St. Garden City Mon-Fri 10-4 (Wed till 6) Saturday 12-4 Shop Our Online Store ATStewartExchange.org Items to Consign? Email photos (with sizing info) to: store@atstewartexchange.org All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical Society Like us on Facebook & Instagram
ANDY FOUNDATION ANNUAL YARD SALE
Saturday May 11, 9am-3pm Furniture, jewelry, art, linens, electronics, garden items, sporting equipment, holiday decor, toys, tools, housewares, vintage and MUCH MORE!! Questions call 516-739-1717 www.theandyfoundation.org
INVITED ESTATE SALES BY TRACY JORDAN is doing VIRTUAL TAG SALES and ONLINE AUCTIONS now! Sell the contents of an entire house or sell just a few things! You can host your own sale on invitedsales.com and Facebook and Instagram or we can do it for you. We can photograph, advertise and handle the winning pickups for you within a week! Don’t worry about your closing date, we can get your house ready on time! We are a one stop service for all your needs when you are moving or selling a property! Selling, donating, discarding and cleaning out services can be done to meet your time frame with minimal stress. Contact info@invitedsales.com for more information or call 516-279-6378 to schedule a consultation or receive more information. Visit us at www.invitedsales. com for a listing of our upcoming Virtual Tag Sales and Weekly Auctions!
AUCTIONS
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY ONLINE AUCTION: 5/15/31 Bar & Grill with Brewery Equipment. 126 N. 3rd Street, Douglas, Wyoming. 10,900 SF Retail, TURN-KEY OPERATION! Sale Info: 800-536-1401, x.401 AuctionsInternational.com Promo code: WESTBID24
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Call George 917-775-3048 or 718-386-1104 TAG SALE
INVITED ESTATE SALES BY TRACY JORDAN
Thursday, May 16, 2024 9:30 a.m. 14 St. Paul’s Place Garden City, NY 11530
Public sale selling furniture, books, collectibles, artwork, glassware, holiday & vintage items. Visit www.invitedsales.com for pictures & details!!
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DO YOU NEED A ROOF OR ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOWS & HELP PAYING FOR IT? YOU MAY QUALIFY THROUGH NEW RELIEF PROGRAMS (800) 944-9393 or visit NYProgramFunding.org to qualify. Approved applications will have the work completed by a repair crew provided by: HOMEOWNER FUNDING. Not affiliated with State or Gov Programs.
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This recipe makes for a great breakfast in bed this Mixed Berry French Toast
There may be no better way to start Mother’s Day than serving Mom some breakfast in bed. A homemade meal before Mom even gets out of bed can set the right tone for a day that
Makes 8 servings
6 large eggs
1 3⁄4 cups fat-free milk
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1. Whisk together the first 6 ingredients.
2. Place bread cubes in a 13 x 9-inch or 3-quart baking dish coated with cooking spray. Pour egg mixture over top.
3. Refrigerate, covered, 8 hours or overnight.
4. Preheat oven to 350 F.
celebrates all mothers have done and continue to do for their children.
There’s no shortage of breakfast in bed options to serve Mom this Mother’s Day.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1 loaf (1 pound) French bread, cubed
1 package (12 ounces) frozen
Remove berries from freezer and French toast from refrigerator and let stand while oven heats.
5. Bake French toast, covered, 30 minutes.
6. In a small bowl, cut butter into brown sugar until crumbly.
If Mom loves a traditional hearty morning meal, this recipe for “Mixed Berry French Toast” courtesy of Taste of Home (tasteofhome.com) is sure to please.
unsweetened mixed berries 2 tablespoons cold butter 1⁄3 cup packed brown sugar Confectioners’ sugar and maple syrup (optional)
7. Top French toast with berries; sprinkle with brown sugar mixture. Bake, uncovered, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 15 to 20 minutes. If desired, dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve with syrup.
The Town of Oyster Bay invites residents to the Town’s “Art in the Park” Craft Sale on Saturday, May 18, from 12 p.m.
– 4 p.m. at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park & Beach in Oyster Bay (rain date Sunday, May 19). Local artists will sell hand-crafted goods, jewelry, ceramics, photography, books, greeting cards and more. A live musical performance will take place, featuring Vinyl Revival, along with family-friendly activities and offerings from local food trucks. Admission is free.
“We are excited to host ‘Art in the Park’
and connect residents with local artists and artisans. Featuring hand-crafted goods, ceramics, watercolors, glass, jewelry, wood, leather, sculpture, and other beautiful items designed by local vendors, the event will offer something special for everyone and provides the perfect opportunity to purchase a handmade gift while supporting our small businesses,” said Town Clerk LaMarca. “I invite you to stop by ‘Art in the Park’ and bring the entire family, as live music, food trucks, and activities for kids will also be available.”
Artist applications are available now and can be obtained by emailing capa@osyetrbay-ny.gov. For additional information, visit at www.oysterbaytown.com/capa or call (516) 797-7925.
“Art in the Park° is coordinated by the Town’s Department of Community & Youth Services, Cultural and Performing Arts Division and sponsored by: Extreme Auto Body, Steel Equities, Gold Coast Studios, Action Auto Wreckers, Complete Basement Systems, The Gucciardo Law Firm, Webster Bank, Orchard Estate of Woodbury, Moe’s Southwest Grill and News 12 Long Island.
Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray attended the Levittown Kiwanis Club Blood Drive on May 1, 2024 at Wisdom Lane Middle School. Also attending were Principal John Avena and students, and Levittown Kiwanians Phyllis Camillone, Gary and Linda Crozier, Lisa Vanderberg, Louis Ray and Gina Interdonato.
The Town of Oyster Bay's seasonal beach parking sticker sales and the free distribution of stickers to senior citizens and the disabled will begin on Saturday, May 11. The Oyster Bay Town Board has restricted beach access to residents only and enhanced safety measures by installing signage and pedestrian barriers. A major sand replenishment project will be complete by Memorial Day weekend.
Supervisor Joseph Saladino stated, “Break out the beach towels and sunscreen because summer is just around the corner, and so are our beach sticker sales! The Town of Oyster Bay is a true staycation destination offering some of the best beaches in the world. By purchasing a beach sticker in advance, you can avoid the inevitable lines that often accompany the start of the beach season and spend more time with your feet in the sand instead.”
Beach parking stickers will be on sale beginning Saturday, May 11, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. daily at John J. Burns Town Park in Massapequa, Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park in Oyster Bay and at TOBAY Beach. Beginning Saturday, May 25, beach parking stickers will be available for purchase on weekends only from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Centre Island Beach in Bayville and Philip B. Healey Beach at Florence Avenue in Massapequa. On Saturday, June 22, beach parking stickers will be available for purchase daily from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Tappen Beach in Sea Cliff, and in Bayville at Charles E. Ransom and Stehli beaches. To purchase a beach parking sticker for your vehicle, residents must present a valid NYS driver's license with residency in the Town of Oyster Bay, their vehicle registration, and bring
the vehicle they plan to drive to the beach. Parking stickers are placed on the vehicle at the time of purchase. Only residents may purchase beach parking stickers for Town of Oyster Bay beaches. Beach parking stickers are $60, which pay for themselves following three visits.
Free passes for Senior Citizens: Town of Oyster Bay residents over the age of 60 can obtain a free parking sticker by presenting their driver's license with town residency and their vehicle registration. After receiving the sticker, senior residents must be present in the vehicle for entry on each visit. If visiting the beach in another vehicle, seniors can show their driver's license and get a free day pass.
Free passes for disabled/Social Security Recipients: Residents who are disabled or receive social security can acquire a free beach parking pass by showing their Town of Oyster Bay Disability ID card (which can be obtained at the Town Clerk's Office for a one-time fee of $32) or Notice of Award Letter, alongside their driver's license showing residency in the town and their vehicle registration. A parking sticker will then be adhered to the vehicle.
Discounts for volunteer firefighters, veterans and Clean Pass vehicle owners: Town of Oyster Bay volunteer firefighters, members of the Armed Forces, veterans and Clean Pas eligible vehicle owners qualify for beach parking passes at reduced rates.
Only cashless payments are accepted, including credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay. For more information, please call the Town of Oyster Bay Parks Department, Beaches Division, at (516) 797-4111.
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The Town of Oyster Bay ’ s Distinguished Artists Concert Series will continue this spring with a free performances at local libraries throughout the Town.
“The Distinguished Artists Concert Series provides free musical and dance programs for the enjoyment of our residents,” said Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh. “I
encourage residents to take advantage of these wonderful performances offered by the Town for free at local libraries.”
The final scheduled performance for May is:
• Bay Big Band on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the Hicksville Public Library – an 18-piece big band playing greatest hits.
The Town of Oyster Bay is accepting nominations in order to honor veterans at the Town’s ‘Salute to America’ Celebration scheduled for Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. at TOBAY Beach. Residents are invited to nominate extraordinary individuals who have made a positive difference in our veteran communities.
“The Town of Oyster Bay’s ‘Salute to America’ Celebration provides the ideal backdrop to recognize veterans and individuals who continue to actively serve in the community and advocate for issues and concerns relative to veterans. The Town is proud to recognize and honor amazing individuals who have helped to shape our communities for the better through their continuing advocacy and exemplary community service each year,” Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino said. “I hope residents will consider submitting a nomination of an individual who deserves special recognition for their continued efforts on behalf of the veteran’s community. I look forward to recognizing the efforts of outstanding individuals who have impacted the lives of our veterans in an
extraordinary way yet again this year.”
Nominations are being accepted in three different categories of recognition: Veterans Volunteer of the Year (awarded to a veteran), Friend of Veterans Volunteer of the Year (awarded to a non-veteran), and Lifetime Achievement Award (awarded to a veteran or a non-veteran). All entries must include a supporting narrative describing the nominee’s on-going veterans related activities, and all nominees must be Town residents. All nominations must be postmarked no later than Monday, June 3, 2024.
Winners will be recognized as part of a special program during the ‘Salute to America’ Celebration, a patriotic evening of top-flight musical talent and fireworks, which serves as a thank you to all of our veterans and active military for protecting the freedoms we enjoy each and every day as Americans.
To submit a nomination for the Veterans Awards, please visit www. oysterbaytown.com, email kfileccia@ oysterbay-ny.gov or call (516) 797-7925 for an application.
The Distinguished Artists Concert Series is sponsored by the Cultural and Performing Arts (CAPA) Division of the Town of Oyster Bay’s
Department of Community & Youth Services. For the full concert schedule and further information, please call (516) 797-7925 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com/CAPA.
The Town of Oyster Bay has announced a series of instructional pickleball lessons tailored for adults. Held at various Town Parks, these lessons aim to introduce participants to the fundamentals of pickleball or enhance the skills of those already familiar with the game. Pickleball, a blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, provides a fun and social way to stay active.
“What makes pickleball truly special is its accessibility. It's a sport that welcomes players of all ages and abilities, providing a low-impact yet exhilarating way to stay active and socialize. Whether you're playing for fitness, recreation, or competition, pickleball offers endless opportunities for enjoyment,” said Town Councilman Steve Labriola.
Sessions are separated into the Beginner and Intermediate levels. Beginner Lessons Session 1 kicks off on Tuesday, July 9, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Garrick Williams Park in Massapequa, with additional Thursday sessions starting on July 11 at Haypath Park in Old Bethpage from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and back at Garrick Williams Park from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. For those ready to take their game to the next level, Intermediate Lessons Session 1 begins on Tuesday, July 9, from 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at Garrick Williams Park, followed by Thursday sessions
at Haypath Park from 9:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. and again at Garrick Williams Park from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Beginner Lessons Session 2 starts on Tuesday, August 13, at Garrick Williams Park from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with Thursday sessions at Haypath Park from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and Garrick Williams Park from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. . Intermediate Lessons Session 2 begins the same day at Garrick Williams Park from 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. , with Thursday sessions at Haypath Park from 9:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. and Garrick Williams Park from 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Registration will take place online at: www.oysterbaytown.com/portal. Resident registration begins on Monday, May 13 at 5 p.m. The fee is $75, and residents must upload proof of residency (tax or utility bill) and a valid identification card such as a driver’s license. The non-resident fee is $100, and registration begins Monday, May 20 at 9 a.m..
Lessons are for adults 18 and over, 1½ hours long, and will run for four consecutive weeks. Residents are asked to bring their own racket as only a limited number of rackets will be available to borrow. For more information, please call (516) 797-7945 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com.
Registration is open for the Town of Oyster Bay’s Adult Tennis Program. Offering both Women’s and Co-ed lessons, the program provides a fantastic opportunity for residents to hone their tennis skills under the guidance of expert instructors. Lessons are open to adults over the age of 18 and take place at Haypath Park in Old Bethpage.
“These tennis programs offer a fantastic opportunity for our community to engage in physical activity, learn new skills, and enjoy the camaraderie of playing tennis together. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your techniques, these lessons, led by expert instructors, promise an enriching experience for all participants. I encourage residents to seize this opportunity to stay active and connect with others in our town,” Town Councilman Tom Hand said.
The Co-ed Lessons are structured into three sessions. In Session 1, participants can choose between classes held on Tuesdays (May 21, 28; June 4 & 11) or Thursdays (May 23 & 30; June 6 & 13), with beginner lessons running from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., followed by intermediate lessons from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Session 2 continues on Thursdays (June 27; July 11, 18 & 25) with the same schedule of beginner and intermediate lessons. Finally, Session 3 takes place on Thursdays (August 8,
15, 22 & 29), maintaining the consistent timing for both beginner and intermediate lessons.
Women’s classes are also separated into 3 sessions. Session 1 will meet on Tuesdays (May 21 & 28; June 4 & 11) and Wednesdays (May 22 & 29; June 5 & 12). On Tuesdays, beginner lessons with D1 college coach Ros will be held from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., followed by double strategies intermediate lessons from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Wednesdays will feature beginner lessons from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and intermediate lessons from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., both led by D1 college coach Ros. Session 2 follows a similar pattern, with classes meeting on Tuesdays (June 25; July 2, 9 & 16) and Wednesdays (June 26; July 3, 10 & 17), offering beginner and intermediate lessons on both days at the same times. In Session 3, classes convene on Tuesdays (August 6, 13, 20 & 27) and Wednesdays (August 7, 14, 21 & 28), maintaining the same schedule and instruction as the previous sessions.
Classes are 4 weeks long, meeting once a week Haypath Park in Old Bethpage. Fees are $100 per resident and $125 per non-resident. Registration takes place online at: www.oysterbaytown.com/portal.
For more information, please call (516) 797-7943 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com.
The Town of Oyster Bay invites residents to take part in Summer Athletic Programs for basketball, badminton, and volleyball, beginning on July 6 at the Hicksville Athletic Center. All athletic programs run for 10 weeks, are co-ed, and open to individuals 18 and over.
“The Town’s athletic programs offer a great opportunity for residents to take to the court, improve their skills, and make new friends,” said Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh. “Playing basketball, badminton, and volleyball are the ideal way to have fun while staying active, and I encourage residents to take advantage of these Town programs.”
Basketball pickup games will be held on Thursdays from 9:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturdays from 8:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., and Sundays from 8:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., beginning on July 6. The Basketball program is 10 weeks long and costs $25 for residents and $40 for non-residents.
Badminton will feature two sessions for registrants to choose from. The first session, beginning July 2, takes place Tuesdays from 8:45 p.m. to 10:05 p.m., Fridays from 8:45 p.m. to 10:05 p.m., and Sundays from 6:10 p.m. to 8:10 p.m. Session 2, beginning July 2, consists of Tuesdays from 10:15 p.m. to 11:35 p.m., Fridays from 10:15 p.m. to 11:35 p.m.,
and Sundays from 8:20 p.m. to 10:20 p.m. The Badminton program is 10 weeks long and costs $75 for residents and $100 for non-residents, with the program scheduled to begin on July 2.
Volleyball will be split into two different sessions. The first session will be held on Mondays from 8:45 p.m. to 10:05 p.m., Wednesdays from 8:45 p.m. to 10:05 p.m., and Saturdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The second session will take place on Mondays from 10:15 p.m. to 11:35 p.m., Wednesdays from 10:15 p.m. to 11:35 p.m., and Saturdays from 8:20 p.m. to 10:20 p.m.. The volleyball program is 10 weeks long, costs $75 for residents and $100 for non-residents, and is scheduled to begin on July 1.
Registration for Town of Oyster Bay residents begins online on Monday, May 13, at 5 p.m. at oysterbaytown. com/portal. You must upload proof of residency (tax or utility bill) and a valid identification card such as a driver’s license. Non-residents can begin to register at 9 a.m. on May 20.
Proof of residency is required for the resident discount. The schedule is subject to change. If a session is cancelled, make-up day(s) will be attempted. For more information, or to inquire about special holiday scheduling, please call (516) 797-7945or email tobparks@ oysterbay-ny.gov
The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that it has lifeguard employment opportunities at Town Pools and Beaches throughout the Town. Opportunities for this summer once again include a competitive starting salary of up to $18 per hour for all lifeguards, as well as openings for 15-year olds at community pools.
“From having the opportunity to work at one of the Town’s fantastic summer facilities and building confidence, self-esteem, and leadership skills, to making new friends and helping others, working as a lifeguard is one of the best summer jobs around,” Town Supervisor
Joseph Saladino said. “Our lifeguards provide an invaluable service in protecting our residents and have helped save countless lives in both pool and ocean waters. We encourage you to take the first step in making this summer your best one yet by applying to be a Town of Oyster Bay lifeguard today.”
The Town is accepting lifeguard applications from candidates who possess Nassau Lifeguard Certification and a current CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer. Additionally, the Town is offering Red Cross Lifeguard Training and Nassau County Certification courses for residents who are not certified, but
would like to be. Upon successful completion of these two courses, residents will be eligible for employment as a lifeguard with the Town of Oyster Bay and the Town will then pay all fees for both courses. There are also many future opportunities for advancement, including as Water Safety Instructors, Swim Team Coaches, Swim Lesson Teachers, Head Lifeguards, Lifeguard Instructors and Lifeguard Managerial positions.
“The Town of Oyster Bay is making it easier than ever to become a lifeguard. We’re offering all the certification and training courses you need to apply, covering the fees of these courses for suc-
cessful candidates, welcoming 15-year olds to our lifeguard ranks at Town community pools, and offering competitive pay in recognition of the life-saving work they do,” added Supervisor Saladino.
Town lifeguards are hired for the summer season, which runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Positions are available at all Town pools and beaches. For all inquiries about lifeguard employment and classes, please call 516-797-4131 or email aquatics@oysterbay-ny.gov.
We’re looking for writers in our community to compose ar ticles on local topics, opinions, reviews, worthy places to visit on Long Island, and even pieces of fiction. We aim to feature at least one new article and writer each week in our Discovery magazine section.
Email submissions: editor@gcnews.com
• Attach article and any photos (1MB), along with your name and contact info.
• Articles must be between 1,500 - 3,000 words. • Each writer will be reimbursed a stipend of $25.⁰⁰
Back row: Eriko Sato, chair of the JCSB Essay Competition; JCSB President Iwao Ojima; Isao “Sammy” Kobayashi, president and CEO of Canon U.S.A., Inc.; Kazuya Mori, director of the Japan Information Center and the deputy consul general at the Consulate General of Japan in New York.
Front row: Arihunt Garg (The Brooklyn Latin School); Anderson Maziero (Bethpage High School); Talia Beck (Hunter College High School); Marisa Yamamoto (Syosset High School).
Canon U.S.A., Inc recently sponsored the 19th Annual Japan Center Essay Competition Awards Ceremony on Saturday, April 20th, at Stony Brook University.
The essay competition, organized by the Japan Center at Stony Brook, honors students for work that demonstrates their awareness and understanding of the Japanese culture. The competition aims to inspire the students to think creatively and critically about their lives in relating experiences to aspects of Japanese culture, to broaden their horizons and promote global citizenship through the writing of thought-provoking essays.
"We are proud to partner with Canon U.S.A. on the essay competition, providing students with the opportunity to develop a better understanding of cultural activities related to Japan," said Dr. Iwao Ojima, the President of Japan Center at Stony Brook University. “We congratulate the winners and every participant for their great work."
233 high school and college students submitted essays for the competition. Contestants were asked to discuss one or more aspects of Japan including art, culture, tradition, values, philosophy, history, society, politics, business, and technology in relation to their personal experiences, views, and/or future goals. A panel of qualified judges selected the winners, who received awards including a Canon product.
1st Place Best Essay Award and
Consul General of Japan Special Award: “Reflections” written by Talia Beck (Hunter College High School)
2nd Place Best Essay Award: “The Sound of Drums Behind a Stage” written by Anderson Maziero (Bethpage High School)
3rd Place Best Essay Award: “Embracing the Harmony of Silence” written by Arihunt Garg (The Brooklyn Latin School)
Uchida Memorial: “Sparks of Identity” written by Marisa Yamamoto (Syosset High School)
Canon U.S.A., Inc. and the Japan Center at Stony Brook University have a longstanding partnership, which began in 2005 with former president and chief executive officer of Canon U.S.A., Inc., the late Mr. Kinya Uchida. Attendees included the award-winning students, and representatives from the Japan Center at Stony Brook, Canon U.S.A., Inc., and Consulate General of Japan in New York. Each winner took to the stage and read their essay to the audience. Isao “Sammy” Kobayashi, president and CEO of Canon U.S.A., Inc., was an honorary judge of the competition.
“We are very proud of all the students who wrote so passionately about their experience and understanding of Japanese culture, connecting it to their personal lives in these captivating essays,” Kobayashi said. "The Japan Center does great work for the community, and Canon is honored to be a partner for this program.”
Thursday, May 16
7 p.m.: Books Before Bed (4 Years–8 Years Old) - Children will enjoy a selection of stories and a short film. Caregivers must stay in the library during this program.
Friday, May 17
10:30 a.m.: Jump Joy (18 months to 5 Years) - Join us for a lively program of music and group activities for you and your child.
2 p.m.: VIRTUAL : Great Performers with Marc Courtade: Gilda Radner: Comedy Gold - Gilda Radner’s career was brief but brilliant. She is best remembered as one of the original Not Ready for Prime Time Players on “ Saturday Night Live. ” She perfected a series of comic characters she helped create, becoming an iconic figure in American comedy. Radner passed away from
ovarian cancer at age 42 in 1989. Her husband, Gene Wilder, carried out her wish that her illness would be used to help other cancer victims. Her comedy remains as funny today as it was then and Radner still shines as one of the best comediennes in history.
Register for all events at https:// www.jericholibrary.org/events/ month
Non-residents may register beginning 2 weeks before each program. The Jericho Public Library building will be closed for construction from April 22–May 13. (Dates are subject to change.) Virtual programs and services will continue. Library staff are available to assist you. Call 516-935-6790 or visit www.jericholibrary.org and select “ Live Librarian Chat.”
Barbara Bucovetsky
Licensed Associate RE Broker
barbara.bucovetsky@compass.com O: 516.517.4866 | M: 516.428.2016
“Dear Barbara – Thank you is really not enough! Thank you for your incredible support during this crazy time. Your expertise matched only by your ability to know what I needed and when were more appreciated than you can imagine! You are a very special person and I’m thankful that I can now call you my friend.”
— Marcy T
“I have engaged Barbara to sell my properties on two occasions. Each time, I was involved in a stressful transition in my life. She was very sensitive to this and guided me in a calm and obliging manner. She was always available if I had any concerns and offered easy solutions. Barbara’s upbeat attitude made the whole process pleasant and easy .”
— Sybil S
“Barbara guided us through every step of the way in the process of selling our house. She made it seem almost easy. She even recommended very competent movers who also packed for us. Thank you.”
— Carol & Mel B
“When I first met Barbara, I knew she was the person to help sell our house. She was forthright and super knowledgeable about the housing market, assisting us in every step of the process which eased our stress. She calmed a challenging situation. We are grateful for Barbara’s expertise and commitment.”
— Joan & Randy R.
