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THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE

Ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan (Woodbury) partnered with the Woodbury Jewish Center to host a food drive on Tuesday, Nov. 17 that yielded more than six overflowing boxes of donations for Island Harvest.

Business students take first place in competition

On Friday, November 13, a team of seven Syosset High School business education students competed in Adelphi University’s annual Apprentice Competition, which was held virtually this year. In spite of the date, there was no bad luck as the team took home first place in the competition, beating out 25 other Long

Island high school teams.

Syosset High School’s team consisted of Project Manager Brian Chou, Kyle Dapice, Matthew Kellner, Natalie Obedian, Lauren Rogers, Ali Rosenberg and Ivy Xu.

This year’s event was sponsored and judged by JOVIA Financial. Its CEO and CMO served as judges

for the 26 high school teams that were tasked with creating a marketing plan for JOVIA.

Matt Fiasconaro, a Syosset High School business education teacher, said, “The focus of the students’ marketing plan was to convince parents to open accounts for their children

See page 14

Chamber: Shop Small this holiday season

BY RIKKI N. MASSAND

With a challenging pandemic year winding down and the holiday season upon us, businesses in and around Syosset, Woodbury and Jericho will be challenging the big-box store Black Friday events with local conveniences and added value.

According to Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce President Maureen Nickel, a longtime Woodbury resident who raised her four sons in the community, as early as 1846 downtown Syosset was a shopping hub for merchants and residents alike. The organic growth of businesses, retail and industries on Long Island keeps the Syosset, Woodbury and Jericho areas vibrant. Nickel notes that Syosset offers “an appealing experience that can fit any budget.” The local area features upscale restaurants and many international cuisines rivaling Manhattan as well as popular bagel shoppes and local pizzerias. This commerce corridor continues with small clothing boutiques, locally sourced fresh produce markets, intimate wine shops and friendly neighborhood barber shops as well as chic salons.

“Stimulating our local economy is of paramount concern not only to shop owners, but to our residents as well. When you shop local, more money stays in the community and locally owned businesses often purchase from other local businesses. Syosset remains a community offering local residents a plethora of shopping opportunities. Syosset provides both residents and visitors a physical retail experience that promotes “Shop Local” initiatives, and a ‘keep your neighborhood vibrant’ theme!” Nickel said.

“The more vibrant a shopping community, the more satisfied the resident is with the place they call home. This serves to impact the residents’ home and property values -- by shopping local, we all prosper!” she explained. Many Syosset Woodbury Chamber Of Commerce members will be offering holiday specials and offers on goods and services, with post-Thanksgiving restaurant deals included.

Butera‘s Restaurant of Woodbury which recently joined the chamber, is offering a Thanksgiving weekend special -- on sale from Black Friday, November 27, through ‘Cyber Monday’ November 30. If you buy a $100 worth of Butera’s gift cards, receive a $20 card for free.

Mara’s Southern Kitchen in Syosset, located off Jericho Turnpike in Muttontown Plaza, has promoted its “southern style fixins” for the season such as Cajun Fried Turkeys, TurDuckEns and a bluegrass pie -- all as a holiday feast or catering orders. Outdoor dining at Mara’s continues into winter and additional southern delicacies will be offered throughout the holiday season. The kitchen is open from noon to 8 p.m. and check marasouthernkitchen.com for updates.

The new George White restaurant of Syosset at 33 Berry Hill Road is offering a package to feed a hungry family of four with a 4-course meal for $45. Nickel says customers can also take advantage of their $5 kid’s meals,

See page 14

Free PPE kits for local businesses Town offers winter fitness classes

of Levittown’s Market Place Delicatessen, on October 27. This new town program makes 6,000 PPE kits available for local businesses with items needed to keep staff as well as their patrons safe. The kits are available free of charge and are only available while supplies last, so businesses in need of these high-in-demand supplies are encouraged to apply on the town website –hempsteadny.gov/ppe-giveaway – as soon as possible. This initiative has been made possible through funding from the federal CARES Act, which provided a $133 million grant to the Town of Hempstead to distribute economic relief grants to alleviate some of the adverse effects that have arisen due to the pandemic.

Blood drive on December 7

To help hospitals meet the ongoing and pressing need for blood during the coronavirus pandemic, the Town of Oyster Bay will be holding a Blood Collection Drive on Monday, December 7 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hicksville Athletic Center, located 167 S. Broadway in Hicksville. All donors will receive ‘Free Blizzards’ vouchers for Dairy Queen, which can be redeemed at their Massapequa, Levittown, Huntington or East Northport locations.

“Blood donations are extremely important during normal times to help secure any necessary blood transfusions for patients. During this pandemic, blood supplies have dwindled tremendously and are critically low, so this blood drive, the largest upcoming drive in our local area, will be critical to help our local hospitals meet demand and continue their life-saving operations during these extraordinary times,” said Town Councilwoman Laura Maier. “Please consider participating in this blood drive and help bolster our blood banks so that as many people as possible can be helped.”

The Town’s Blood Drive will operate by appointment only, with no walk-in donations accepted. Social distancing and sanitary protocols will be in place to maintain the health and safety of all donors. To qual-

ify as a blood donor, a person must between the ages of 17 and 75 years old (16 with parental permission and 76 or older with a doctor’s note), weigh at least 110 pounds and not have donated blood within the last 56 days. Anyone who received a tattoo within the past 12 months is ineligible to donate. It is recommended that volunteers eat well (low fat) and drink fluids in the days before the Blood Drive.

“Donating blood is a quick, easy, and safe process, and the pint of blood you donate will never be missed from your body, as it is quickly reproduced within your body,” Councilman Steve Labriola added. “If you have family members or friends willing to donate, please ask them to support our effort this year, as this initiative is more vital than ever to help make sure that our local hospitals can meet the excessive demand during the coronavirus pandemic and continue to save the lives of as many people as possible.”

For additional information regarding the Town’s Blood Drive, contact the Town Board Office at (516) 624-6304. To make an appointment to donate blood at this Blood Drive, sign up today at https://bit.ly/3nkkhjF.

Town of Oyster Bay residents who are interested in maintaining or improving their levels of fitness over the cold and stagnant winter months will be able to register for the Town’s popular co-ed fitness classes. Classes are offered to individuals 18 years of age or older.

“The Town is pleased to once again be offering these excellent fitness programs, which provide a terrific outlet for our residents to exercise and stay in shape during the winter,” said Councilman Lou Imbroto. “The Town’s Parks Department does a great job providing residents the opportunity to take advantage of these classes and stay physically active and engaged during the cold winter months. Additionally, these classes will be presented this year with new health protocols in place to protect the health and well-being of our residents as we all continue to navigate the coronavirus pandemic.”

This winter, residents will have the choice between the following classes which run for 10 weeks:

• Ballroom Dancing: Saturdays, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., beginning on January 9, 2021. This class will be held at the Hicksville Athletic Center.

• Cardio Kick-Boxing : Thursdays from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. beginning January 7, 2021. This class will be held at the Hicksville Athletic Center.

• Pilates: Residents can choose their session from the following: Tone & Sculpt Pilates on Mondays beginning January 4, 2021 from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Pilates with Rings on Wednesdays beginning January 6, 2021 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; or Pilates with Props beginning January 9, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. This class will be held at the Hicksville Athletic Center.

• Strength Training: Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., beginning January 10, 2021. This class will be held in the Community Room at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center in Bethpage.

• Yoga: Residents can choose their session from the following: Sundays (beginning January 10, 2021) from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Hicksville Athletic Center; Mondays (beginning January 4, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.) at the Hicksville Athletic Center, and Tuesdays (beginning January 5, 2021 from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.) at the Hicksville Athletic Center, or Saturdays (beginning January 9, 2021) from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the Community Room at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center in Bethpage.

• Zumba: Residents can choose one session, either Mondays (beginning January 4, 2021 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.) or Wednesdays (beginning January 6, 2021 from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.). This class will be held at the Hicksville Athletic Center.

Registration is available at the Town of Oyster Bay’s Hicksville Athletic Center, located at 167 S. Broadway in Hicksville from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Monday, December 14, Wednesday, December 16 and Thursday, December 17. Class fees are $60 for residents and $70 for non-residents (checks or money orders only).

Due to COVID, class enrollment will be limited to allow for proper social distancing and temperatures will be checked upon arrival. Masks must be worn while moving throughout the facility. Daily cleaning and sanitizing takes place prior to and after classes.

For more information, or to inquire about special holiday scheduling, call (516) 797-4125 x. 2 or email tobparks@ oysterbay-ny.gov.

Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin (right), Councilman Dennis Dunne (left) and Town Clerk Kate Murray (second left) provided a free PPE kit to Mike Ayyoub, owner

Winter yoga classes at Hicksville Athletic Center

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that it will offer winter yoga classes in January and February. Classes are co-ed and open to individuals 18 years of age or older.

“The Town is proud to offer residents a variety of programs and services including these yoga classes which offer benefits to the mind, body and soul,” said Town Councilwoman Michele Johnson. “Yoga builds strength, increases general flexibility and is considered a great stress reliever. Sign up today and use this opportunity to also meet new friends that can last a lifetime!”

Beginning January 4, yoga classes will run for 10 weeks on Sundays (9 a.m.–10 a.m.) at the Hicksville Athletic Center, Mondays (10 a.m.–11 a.m.) at the Hicksville Athletic Center, Tuesdays (8 p.m.–9 p.m.) at the Hicksville Athletic Center, and Saturdays (9 a.m.–10 a.m.) at the Ice Skating Center in Bethpage.

Registration takes place at the Hicksville Athletic Center on Monday, December 14 (5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.),

Wednesday, December 16 (5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.) and Thursday, December 17 (5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.).

The fee for residents is $60 and $70 for non-residents. Please note that the schedule may be subject to change and residents are encouraged to inquire about special holiday scheduling. If a session is cancelled due to inclement weather, a make-up session will be attempted. Mats will not be provided, so participants must bring their own Yoga mat. Participants should check with a physician before partaking in any physical fitness program.

Due to COVID, class enrollment will be limited to allow for proper social distancing, and temperatures will be checked upon arrival. Masks must be worn while moving throughout the facility. Daily cleaning and sanitizing takes place prior to and after classes.

For more information and for registration availability, please contact the Town of Oyster Bay Department of Parks at (516) 797-4125 x2 or email tobparks@oysterbay-ny.gov.

Syosset senior earns top speech, debate award

Syosset High School senior Michelle Jin has earned the National Speech and Debate Association’s Academic All American award. This annual award recognizes academic rigor, competitive speech and debate success, and personal excellence.

Out of over 141,000 student members, Michelle was recognized as one of the top 1% of students in the country to earn the Association’s Academic All American award. This prestigious award is given to students who have completed at least five semesters of high school, earned the degree of Superior Distinction in the Association’s Honor Society, earned a GPA of 3.7, and demonstrated outstanding character and leadership.

The National Speech & Debate Association is the authority on public speaking and debate in the United States. Its mission is to connect, support and inspire a diverse community committed to empowering students through speech and debate.

Get results!

Place an ad in our Classifieds for reasonable rates and prompt results. Call our Garden City office at 516-294-8900 for more information.

AgeWell New York, LLC is a HMO plan with a Medicare and Medicaid contract. Enrollment in AgeWell New York, LLC depends on contract renewal. ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-866-237-3210 (TTY/TDD: 1-800-662-1220). Hours are 7 days a week from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Note: From April 1 to September 30, we may use alternate technologies on Weekends and Federal holidays. Assistance services for other languages are also available free of charge at the number above. AgeWell New York complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of races, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. AgeWell New York cumple con las leyes federales de derechos civiles aplicables y no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo. AgeWell New York

A sales person will be present with information and applications. For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings call 1-866-237-3210

Syosset High School senior Michelle Jin

Photo courtesy of LifeTouch

Police rescue man pinned under car

Power mat rescue bags were used to lift a fallen car off a victim.

Nassau County Police saved a man who was pinned under his vehicle in Levittown.

According to police, on Tuesday, November 17 at 9:40 a.m., a 43-year-old male was working on his vehicle near the intersection of Hempstead Turnpike and Loring Road.

Police say the victim put a jack under the vehicle and extended it to lift the vehicle off the ground so he could inspect underneath it. As the victim was lying under the vehicle lying face up, parallel to the road, the jack gave out. The vehicle collapsed on top of the victim, trapping him with one of his arms across his chest, restricting his breathing. The vehicle hit the side of the curb, preventing it from fully collapsing on top of the victim.

Eighth Precinct officers responded to the scene and were able to put the jack back under the vehicle and used it to lift the vehicle up slightly to decrease pressure on the man’s chest as he could not breathe. Several Nassau County Emergency Service Unit (ESU) officers responded to the scene and deployed a Power Mat Rescue Bag, which is capable of lifting approximately 17 tons each, under the vehicle. They inflated the bag, slowly lifting the vehicle off the ground; allowing the victim to slide himself freely from underneath.

The victim was assessed by a Nassau County Police Medic at scene and declined any further medical treatment. No injuries reported at scene.

Hicksville HS names top ten students

Hicksville High School has announced the top 10 academic students for the Class of 2021. The top 10 is determined by the highest student GPAs going into senior year.

Congratulations to the following individuals who have excelled throughout their time in the Hicksville School District:

• Navpreet Singh

• Cailin Hoang

• Felicite Tien

• Arena Rahman

• Jesse Natarajan

• Serena Lam

• Benjamin Choi

• Ariya Bakhteri

• Anaya Ger

• Tanzia Hassan

A Thankful Thoughtful Thursday

Fifth-grade students in Joanna Christensen and Maria Dzenawager’s class at Central Boulevard Elementary School in the Bethpage School District created gratitude-themed placements for local senior citizens to celebrate Thoughtful Thursday on Nov. 19.

Students at Central Boulevard Elementary School in the Bethpage School District created gratitude-themed placements for local senior citizens to celebrate Thoughtful Thursday on Nov. 19.

First through fifth-graders read

Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

books about giving thanks, and then brainstormed what they are grateful for. They wrote messages of gratitude on the placemats, which will be laminated and sent to local nursing homes ahead of Thanksgiving.

The top ten students, with administrators (top left). Photo courtesy of Hicksville School District

Syosset HS honors student athletes at annual Commitment Day

Syosset student-athletes honored at the Annual Commitment Day ceremony.

Syosset High School celebrated National Athlete Commitment Day on Friday, November 20. Syosset’s most distinguished student-athletes committed to play their respective sports at the collegiate level during a ceremony held outside on the new multipurpose artificial turf field.

Syosset Director of Athletics, PE and Recreation Drew Cronin and boys varsity lacrosse coach John Calabria hosted the annual event attended by family, administration, faculty and coaches.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Thomas Rogers, along with the stu -

dents’ Syosset coaches, commended the student-athletes on their character, dedication and achievement both on and off the playing fields.

“Although these young men and women have been battling a global pandemic, they still managed to persevere through it all,” added Calabria. “They have made their respective sports programs proud at Syosset High School and we know that they will continue that tradition in the collegiate ranks.”

The following student athletes were honored:

Nicolas Accardo – Boys Lacrosse –

John Calabria with members of the

Stevens Institute of Technology

AJ Alexander – Boys Lacrosse –

Providence College

Avani Brandt – Girls Soccer –

Stanford University

Joseph Bueti – Boys Lacrosse –Marist College

Jessica Colalillo – Girls Lacrosse –

Bryant Univeristy

Ethan Cotler – Boys Lacrosse –Vassar College

Nicole Fanelli – Girls Lacrosse –University of Southern California

Logan Farrell – Boys Lacrosse –Clark University

Ryan Millevoi – Golf – Binghamton University

Jayson Singer – Boys Lacrosse –Cornell University

Julia Thoms – Swimming – Stony Brook University

Coach Dean Strohmayer with Ryan Millevoi.

Coach Joseph Marchetta with Avani Brandt.

Coach Lauren Lomonaco with Jessica Colalillo and Nicole Fanelli.

Coach

boys lacrosse team.

Coach John Calabria congratulating Julia Thoms.

Photo courtesy of the Syosset School District

Running Club distributes food donations

After eight long months, the Greater Long Island Running Club’s Food Drive is still going strong!

The Club’s last pre-Thanksgiving dropoff was on Friday, November 20, as they returned to the Long Island Council of Churches Food Distribution Center in Freeport with over a thousand pounds of food and personal hygiene items and $1000 in supermarket gift cards. The gift cards are $25 each to make it easy for LICOC to distribute them individually to those who need them for their Thanksgiving turkeys.

The Club’s Food Drive donations so far are in excess of 20,000 pounds plus almost $10,000 in supermarket gift cards!

“The job is far from done,” observed Club Executive Director Sue Fitzpatrick. “Times are still tough, and the need remains great! So please, PLEASE make plans to donate foodstuffs/personal hygiene items and/or plain old CASH to help keep the Drive going into 2021.”

At the Long Island Council of Churches Food Distribution Center in Freeport on November 20, GLIRC Executive Director Sue Fitzpatrick (center) presents $1000 in supermarket gift cards to LICOC Floor Manager Gary Reed (left) and LICOC Director of Administration Deacon Anthony Achong (right), as GLIRC staffers Rick Secor and Nick Palazzo unload over 1000 pounds of groceries and personal hygiene items.

The food distribution line on November 20.

seniors get hands-on lesson in forensics

Senior forensics students at Bethpage High School participated in an interactive mock crime scene on Nov. 17. Forensics teacher Larry Portuese transformed the auxiliary gym into an Italian restaurant and staged a murder for students to solve, complete with bullet casings, crime scene tape and evidence markers. Mr. Portuese dressed in character as Antonio, the disturbed Italian restaurant owner who continued to cook meals as the crime scene was investigated.

Some students were in costume as investigators, while others looked for clues and worked together to deduce whom the perpetrator was and how the crime was committed. Remote students tuned in via livestream to work on the collective assignment with their in-person classmates.

Get rid of your unwanted items by placing an ad for them in our Classifieds! We have reasonable rates, and you’ll have prompt results! Call our Garden City office at 294-8900 for rates and other info.

Victoria Bracken, a senior forensics student at Bethpage High School, recorded clues as she investigated a mock crime scene created by teacher Larry Portuese on Nov. 17.

Senior forensics students at Bethpage High School worked together to solve a mock crime scene set up by teacher Larry Portuese, pictured here dressed as Italian restaurant owner Antonio, on Nov. 17. Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

Senior forensics students at Bethpage High School participated in an interactive mock crime scene on Nov. 17.

Levittown couple weds

Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray officiated the wedding of Levittown residents Gary Altman and Christine Farella on November 7, 2020 at Levittown Veterans Memorial Park. They were joined by their daughter, Valentina. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Town Clerk Murray has implemented many safeguards to continue providing town programs and services in a safe and efficient manner. She continues to officiate weddings outside Town Hall, as well as via telephone, Zoom and FaceTime. For more information about the Town Clerk’s Office, please visit hempsteadny.gov/town-clerks-office or call (516) 812-3046.

Syosset student inducted into honor society

Syosset CSD student Jason Kitograd, who is studying aviation operations at Nassau BOCES Barry Tech, was inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS). Jason is an outstanding scholar who earned exclusive membership in this distinguished academic institution through superior scholastic achievement, dedicated community service and the enthusiastic endorsement of his teachers.

“We’re extremely proud of Jason and our other NTHS scholars, especially their unwavering commitment to academic excellence in these challenging times,” said Dr. Carla Theodorou, executive direc -

tor, Nassau BOCES Department of Regional Schools and Instructional Programs. “Barry Tech students have the advanced technical knowledge, integrity and maturity that will give them an advantage in new and emerging industries.”

Membership in the NTHS is the nation’s highest honor for excellence in career and technical education. These students have consistently distinguished themselves by exemplifying exceptional qualities, such as honesty, leadership, responsibility and good character. They are the embodiment of the NTHS vision, “success favors the prepared mind.”

New rabbi will take over at Temple Beth Torah

BY GARY SIMEONE

It has been over forty years since there has been a new rabbi at the Temple Beth Torah in Westbury. That is all due to change come the new year as longtime Rabbi Michael Katz is set to retire after forty years of service.

“ I will officially be the outgoing rabbi after first having started my rabbinic at the Temple in 1979, ” said Katz. “I’m retiring after 41 years and moving to New Jersey after serving the congregants of this wonderful community for so long. ”

Katz said that even though the Temple has its official mailing address in Westbury, where it was founded in 1960, the majority of its congregation and members are Jericho families and residents.

The incoming rabbi is a recently ordained young man named Jack Dermer, who served the last three years as an associate rabbi at the Merrick Jewish Center.

Dermer said he is looking forward to starting this new chapter in his life at the synagogue.

“ I will officially begin my tenure as a rabbi in the spring, but I’m look -

ing forward to meeting the congregants and taking part in the services over the course of the winter, ” said Dermer.

He said he will participate in a few of the Google Zoom virtual services and the online weekly Torah classes in order to start building relationships with the congregants.

“ I feel it is important to start building relationships and getting to know some of the community members right away. I hope to continue in the legacy of Rabbi Katz. ”

Dermer is originally from Florida, and performed his rabbi training at the Jewish Theological Seminary in Manhattan. He was ordained as a rabbi in 2018 and spent his first three years as an associate rabbi in Merrick.

He said that he has many goals and aspirations when he begins his religious services at the temple in a few months.

“ As I said, I’d like to build off the legacy of the former rabbi and continue creating new programs and more outreach efforts in the community, ” said Dermer. “ I would like to get to know some of our younger Jews in the community and get them interested in what we have to offer. ” Another one of his aspirations is to establish good interfaith ties and build relations with other the clergy members in the area.

“ I think we can work together on things like social justice and bettering our community partnerships, ” said Dermer.

He said that with the reality of the pandemic going on, it was important that Jewish people throughout the area feel they are supported and that their voices are heard.

“ With all that is going on, people are pretty limited right now. I want to make them feel that nobody is alone out there and that I want to help them through any challenging situations they may be going through. That could mean helping people to log into our virtual service or something as simple as dropping off food items to someone’s residence. ”

Attention students!

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We invite you to send details of any of these things and more, along with your name and contact info, to editor@gcnews.com for a chance to be seen in our paper!

Rabbi Jack Dermer

Girl Scouts make gifts for senior citizens

The Girl Scouts of Jericho-Syosset used their resources wisely by using recycled materials to create bowls for the residents of the Arbors. The Arbors is an assisted living community for senior living. The Girl Scouts wanted to do something special to raise the

residents spirits who have been greatly impacted during COVID and quarantine. They created and donated over 100 bowls to the residents, putting into practice their belief on making the world a better place.

Girl Scouts made bowls as gifts for residents of The Arbors

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Enter our “World’s Most Beautiful Grandchildren” contest! Just send in your grandchildren’s photos and a brief description of the child (or children) along with your name and address to editor@gcnews.com

A bowl made from a recycled vinyl record.

An Arbors resident with bowl made by Girl Scouts.

The

This Week at the Syosset Library

Tuesday, December 1 at 11:00 a.m.

Lost Amusement Parks of Long Island

Presenter: Marisa (Berman) Hollywood, author of “Historic Amusement Parks of Long Island and Images of America: Nunley’s Amusement Park”

Join us for a journey through the history of amusement parks across Long Island. Beginning with an overview of amusement park history, then visit lost parks in Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties through historical and family photos, newspaper articles, postcards and memorabilia. No registration

needed. Join us via Zoom from the link on the Virtual Calendar - www. syossetlibrary.org/live-streaming.

Tuesday, December 1 at 3:00 p.m.

Afternoons with the Author: Afia Atakora

Afia Atakora joins us to discuss the inspiration behind the writing of her 2020 debut novel “ Conjure Women, ” a historical fiction novel detailing the lives of three women before and after the Civil War. No registration needed. Join us via Zoom from the link on the Virtual Calendar - www.syossetlibrary.org/ live-streaming.

Thursday, December 3 at 12:00 p.m.

Greer MacAllister!

Virtual Author Lunch

Grab your lunch and zoom in to “meet” Greer MacAllister, author of “Arctic Fury.” Greer will be stopping by to chat about her books and to answer your burning questions. No registration needed. Join us via Zoom from the link on the Virtual Calendar - www. syossetlibrary.org/live-streaming.

Thursday, December 3 at 2:00 p.m.

How the JFK Assassination Changed the Constitution Presenter, James Coll,

See what's happening at your library!

adjunct professor of American and Constitutional history at Nassau Community College and Hofstra University and a retired NYPD detective

A discussion about the constitutional provisions pertaining to the death of a sitting U.S. president, a situation that has occurred eight times in U.S. history, and the legal changes that have occurred in the order of presidential succession. No registration needed. Join us via Zoom from the link on the Virtual Calendar - www.syossetlibrary.org/ live-streaming.

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

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Summer reading raffle winners celebrated at Levittown middle schools

Each year, the Levittown Public Schools celebrates literature through its Summer Reading Extravaganza program. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, students from Jonas E. Salk and Wisdom Lane Middle Schools continued to participate in the program this past summer by reading “Pay It Forward” by Catherine Ryan Hyde. They connected to the book through virtual activities that the district provided, and students entered a raffle for a chance to win a seat at a special luncheon which was officially held at the end of October.

Thirty students from each school were crowned raffle winners for their participation during the summer months and earned a Dairy Queen luncheon and Blizzard voucher in their respective school library. As the winners enjoyed their treat, they also engaged in a live Zoom video conference with Richard Specht, founder of the ReesSpecht Life Foundation and the Cultivating Kindness program. To limit the number of people in the library at all times, each school split their luncheons into two days and celebrated 15 winners each day while practicing social distancing.

Aside from the select number of raffle winners, all students in grades 6-8 from Jonas E. Salk Middle School and Wisdom Lane Middle School

participated in a virtual Cultivate Kindness assembly in their classrooms. Mr. Specht created a custom, pre-recorded assembly for the students which connected to the messag -

es in their book, “Pay It Forward.”

They also watched a personalized message from author Catherine Ryan Hyde. Students will soon be receiving Cultivating Kindness Pay It Forward

cards, courtesy of Mr. Specht, to encourage them to spread kindness and pay it forward each day.

Photos courtesy of the Levittown Public Schools

Jonas E. Salk Middle School raffle winners participated in a live Zoom meeting with Richard Specht, founder of the ReesSpecht Life Foundation.

Raffle winners at Wisdom Lane Middle School enjoyed a meal from Dairy Queen.

Raffle winners from Jonas E. Salk Middle School enjoyed a special luncheon as part of the district’s Summer Reading Extravaganza program.

Chamber: Shop Small this holiday season

From page 1

Sunday through Thursday. Visit TheGeorgeWhite.com for details.

The Syosset and Woodbury area also offers learning opportunities from traditional enrichment to innovation in arts and technology.

One River School of Art + Design of Woodbury (150 Woodbury Road) is building off of masked-up and physically-distanced success from its classes and summer camps in 2020. Winter Camps will run three days, December 28 through 30. The youngest artists (Kindergarten through 2nd grade) can learn to create winter wonderland scenes, abominable sculptures and more. Camp

themes for 3rd through 5th graders include ‘Frozen-in-action Comics’ and Drawing Arctic Wildlife (realistically); 6th through 12th grade students can work on Animated Snow Globes (GIFs) and Street Art, or Portrait sessions in Arctic Life or Person Profiles.

One River School is also pleased to offer $50 off a participant’s first month of a virtual or in-studio art class. The offer for $50 is valid through January 2, 2021. For more information, contact One River at 516-268-3566 or visit the website -- woodbury.oneriverschool.com.

TechTime, owned by Syosset resident and tech-trepreneur Wendy Weiss is offering a B.O.G.O. Gift Certificate for $100 throughout the holiday season.

Details are on her website, TechTimeTutor.com

Always Orthodontics, located at 99 Cold Spring Road Suite #101, is offering new patients $500 off comprehensive braces or clear aligner treatment. Dr. Ava Kamenshchik is a Board Certified Orthodontist located in Syosset, serving children, teens and adults. The $500 off cannot be combined with any other offer, and the promotion expires January 15, 2021.

The Syosset Woodbury Chamber Of Commerce, now completing its 22nd year in town, will be kicking off this holiday season by making donations for two established charities -- Toys for Tots and Island Harvest.

“Normally, the Chamber would invite the entire community to our annual Tree Lighting Spectacular (held downtown on Jackson Avenue for several years, hosted and organized by founding Chamber member Frank Urso and others). In 2020, due to social distance protocols, the event will not be held this year. However, downtown Syosset will still display a beautifully decorated holiday tree complements of Jack Biondo of Plaza Realty,” Nickel said. Plans are for the community’s ‘downtown’ tree to be lit in the first weekend of December.

Business students take first place in competition

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with the credit union. Our students used their skills and knowledge learned in business classes to create a powerful Prezi presentation and deliver it seamlessly via Zoom, with half of the team located in the school building while the rest of the team presented from home. Students successfully presented to Jovia Financial’s executives and management team.”

The event was hosted by Adelphi and is part of its annual High School Special Event Series, coordinated with officials from the university’s Robert B. Willumstad School of Business.

Special guest speaker

During the same week as the Adelphi competition, other Syosset High students benefited from a very special guest speaker -- Chief Executive Officer of Calvin Klein Cheryl Abel-Hodges, presenting live on Thursday, November 12.

Syosset Schools’ groups participating were (host organization) SHS’ Women in Business Club along with the Women in STEM club, Women in

Business club from Harry B. Thompson Middle School, Fashion Club, DECA, and Girl Talk.

“With predominantly a female demographic in these clubs, she (Abel-Hodges) had a powerful message to fuel the future generation of women to seek opportunities in business fields. She emphasized the importance of marketing in today’s ultra-digitalized world and the value of branding your company. Also providing a template of the Calvin Klein brand and how the world-renowned company dealt with the global pandemic. Cheryl gave insight on not only Calvin Klein’s most triumphant moments, but the instances of loss and how important a leader’s response to loss is…The ability to be tolerant when things don’t work, and provide safety, is really important,” said Xiara Lemoine and Jacqueline Jampolis from the Women in Business club at SHS.

SHS’ Women in Business advisor and business education teacher Ms. Danielle Garrison said, “It was an inspirational experience for over 100 Syosset students, and we are grateful that we had such a prestigious women leader from an iconic fashion brand to impart

wisdom on our students. Cheryl took the time to share her great knowledge, experience and her journey to become CEO and I can already see the positive impact she has made on our students.”

Ali Rosenberg, the president of the Women in Business Club, said it was a pleasure listening to Cheryl speak and ‘simply fascinating’ to be able to understand the foundation and work that goes on behind the scenes of one of the world’s largest fashion empires.

“I was able to take away a significant amount of information and guidance in the business world that Cheryl provided. It was an honor to help lead and take part in such an incredible experience,” Rosenberg noted.

Matt Fiasconaro, who’s obtained work-based learning certification from the state, has made multiple strides in Syosset extending beyond the classes at SHS and the many students he’s influenced. Along with his brother, Matt is a small business owner of Brewer’s Crackers, which is a Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce member business. He has participated in several Chamber and community events in recent years.

And with the students he instructs and encourages at Syosset High School, there has been a surge in the number of internships requested through the pandemic and summer months.

The Syosset Business Advisory Board based at the high school continues this mission and engagement with the private sector and local professionals throughout the school year. With a shift to virtual delivery and participation, and the expanding world of business, more opportunities are ahead for Syosset’s young people. As the business community evolves, adapts and expands with an online marketplace, -- ‘Thinking Global’ -- many continue ‘Acting Local’ by choosing educate and inform young minds:

“Members of the Chamber help the high school and students in different ways, including preparing for business competitions and internships. Some have even come by to speak to our students. Other Chamber members previously provided us with field trip opportunities to their workplaces,” Fiasconaro explains.

Client Focused Results Driven

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF FORMATION

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Get Dirty Designs LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/19/2020. Office location: NEW YORK County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The Post Office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her is: C/O Legal Zoom.com INC., 9900 Spectrum Drive Austin, TX 78717.

The principal business address of the LLC is: 151 West Old Country Rd. Apt 2 Hicksville, NY 11801. Purpose: any lawful act or activity MIT 5905

6x 11/27,12/04,11,18,25,01/01/21

NOTICE OF FORMATION

Notice of formation of Abrand your brand, LLC, a domestic LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on July 10, 2020 .. Office location: Nassau. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 6 Bay Beach Avenue Bayville, NY 11709. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

SYO 4369

6X 11/06,13,20,27,12/04,11

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 DECEMBER 3, 2020, at 7:00 P. M., to consider the following appeals: BY ORDER OF THE ZONING

BOARD OF APPEALS

APPEAL NO. 77-125AMENDMENT

SYOSSET

MARISA SILVER: Amend Specific Plan as presented for Appeal No. 77-125 and granted by Decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals, dated May 5, 1977, to construct first floor kitchen addition, portico, second floor addition and allow existing 5.5 ft. high chain link fence.

W/s/o Split Rock Rd., 841.29 ft. N/o Burtis Ln., a/k/a 35 Towl Gate Lane, Syosset, NY

APPEAL NO. 20-444

SYOSSET

FENG LEI DAI: (A) Variance to allow existing shed having less side yard setback, rear yard setback and exceeding maximum height than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance for the reduction of off-street parking spaces. Reduction of spaces to 1 when 2 spaces are required.

N/s/o Martin Dr., 267.58 ft. W/o Jerome St., a/k/a 229 Martin Drive, Syosset, NY

APPEAL NO. 20-423

SYOSSET

ERIKA SHANIK: (A) Variance to install in-ground swimming pool having less rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to install pool equipment having less side/front yard setback (Wendy Road) than permitted by Ordinance.

NW/ cor. of Joyce Ct. & Wendy Rd., a/k/a 1 Joyce Court, Syosset, NY

NOVEMBER 23, 2020 BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK

SYO 4371 1X 11/27

Thanksgiving storytellers

Lee Road Elementary School students in Eileen Vogel’s fifth-grade class geared up for the Thanksgiving holiday by using Google Slides and writing their own creative stories about owning a pet turkey. Pictured from left to right: Fifth-graders Connor Trainor, Danica O’Leary, Olivia Schwint and Christopher Coppola with their stories on display in the hallway.

Drug Takeback Day

to bring results. Call 294-8900 for rates and info.

Hempstead Town Councilman Dennis Dunne and Town Clerk Kate Murray attended the National Prescription Drug Takeback Day, hosted by the Levittown Community Action Coalition, on October 24, at Wisdom Lane Middle School in Levittown. Also attending were Janet Lombardo, coordinator of the Communities Grant Project; Corinne Alba, director of prevention; Mike Nelson of the Levittown Youth Council; Mark Wenzel, assistant director of YES; Raquel Dash, prevention worker of YES; Jan Finkelstein, Levittown Community Action Coalition Steering Committee parent; Larry Lamendola (Lions Club, Wantagh LCAC); members of the Nassau County Problem Oriented Policing Unit; and Nassau County Legislators Tom McKevitt and John Ferretti.

Photo courtesy of the Levittown Public Schools

Black

Friday/Cyber

Monday Deals Bring

Bucket-List Travel Experiences Within Reach

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE

GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

“Now more than ever, we’re all dreaming of destinations we long to go. We dream of wide-open spaces and journeys that stir your soul,” says Xanterra, which operates resorts in national parks including Grand Canyon and Death Valley that have proved so vital a respite during the coronavirus pandemic.

Xanterra has its biggest sale of the year, Nov. 24-Dec. 1, with savings up to 40%. Generous cancellation policies mean you can save now and travel when you’re ready, and you can be confident measures are in place to create a safe and healthy environment for your visit (we know this first hand from our recent stay at the Ranch at the Oasis, Death Valley):

National Parks

• Grand Canyon South Rim – 40% off in-park lodging at Kachina Lodge and Bright Angel Lodge and 20% off the crown jewel, El Tovar, during select dates Dec. 2020 to March 2021 (Jan. 2021 to March 2021 for Bright Angel Lodge).

• Historic Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel – 50% off roundtrip train tickets on an entertaining journey to the Grand Canyon’s fabled South Rim when booking a two-night Getaway Package over select dates between Dec. 2020 and March 2021.

• The Grand Hotel – 30% off at the only AAA Three-Diamond hotel near the Grand Canyon in Tusayan (just one mile from the South Rim entrance) on select dates between Dec. 2020 and March 2021.

Staying at one of the Xanterra hotels on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park lets you step outside to capture the fleeting drama of sunset. Xanterra, which operates resorts at many national parks, has its biggest sale of the year, Nov. 24-Dec. 1. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

• The Oasis at Death Valley – 33% off hotel stays at the beautifully renovated historic AAA Four-Diamond Inn at Death Valley and newly revitalized, family-friendly Ranch at Death Valley. Valid for select overnight stays between Dec. 2020 and Feb. 2021.

• Zion National Park – 30% off overnight stays inside the park at Zion National Park Lodge on select dates between Dec. 2020 and Feb. 2021.

• Cedar Creek Lodge, at the gateway to Glacier National Park – 40% off room rates on select dates from Dec. 2020 through April 2021.

• Yellowstone – Enjoy summer savings at Yellowstone National Park. Receive 25% off best available daily rates on new reservations for

Superior Lodge Rooms at Canyon Lodge and Cabins on select dates from June to Sept. 2021.

Luxury Hotels

• The Broadmoor – Rates as low as $200 per night for select dates, up to 20% off Wilderness Properties (The Ranch at Emerald Valley and Cloud Camp) and 10% off for select stays at Fly Fishing Camp.

• Sea Island – To celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Lodge at Sea Island, book a three-night stay and get the third night for $20.

Guided Travel/Tours

• Bicycling Tours – Take $150 off any VBT Guided Bicycling Vacation in North America departing between Jan. 2021 and Aug. 2021.

• Walking Adventures– Receive $150

GOING PLACES NEAR AND FAR

off any Country Walkers Guided-Flex or Guided-Full North America tour departing between Jan. 2021and Aug. 2021.

• Holiday Vacations – Save $400 per person on select award-winning Alaska itineraries in 2021. Cruising

• Windstar Cruises – Save on 2021 yacht-style cruises with fewer than 350 guests starting from $1,299.

For a complete list and to take advantage of Xanterra and its affiliates’ Book Your Bucket List offers, visit Xanterra.com/ BucketListSale (www.xanterra.com/ book-your-bucket-list-sale)

More Black Friday/Cyber Monday Deals

Available on Black Friday and Cyber Monday only, Perillo Tours is offering $500 gift cards for the price of $250. Gifts cards are redeemable for future Perillo Tours to Italy, Hawaii or Spain and valid for travel through December 2023. This gift card promotion is available by phone purchase only, Nov. 27 or Nov. 30 (800-4311515,www.perillotours.com/giftcard).

Grand Residences Riviera Cancun’s “All-in Grand offer” provides 46% off on stays through Jan. 14, 2022. The all-suite resort located along a private beach in the secluded town of Puerto Morelos, half an hour outside Cancun, is extending the offer through Dec. 7 and available for all-inclusive stays or room only bookings. Complimentary airport transfer included and children under 12 stay free. Book online or call reservations, 855-381-4340; use

Continued on next page

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Deals Bring Bucket-List Travel Experiences Within Reach

promo code ZW-20-17

Casa Kimberly, the former home of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton and one of Mexico’s most renowned boutique luxury hotels, is offering 50% off bookings made Nov. 27-30 for stays from December 1, 2020 to May 31, 2021. Use code CYBERCK (https://casakimberly.com/black-friday/)

Casa Chameleon Hotels, which operates properties in Las Catalinas, Nosara, Santa Teresa and Mal Pais, from jungle villas and ocean-view suites, to a private clifftop estate is offering 50% off standard rates for five nights or more, booked Nov. 27-30 for travel through Dec. 20, 2021. Accommodations feature coastal views, eco-friendly designs and infinity plunge pools. Book at www.casachameleonhotels.com/specials/ and use booking code THANKYOU.

Get 50% off standard rates for two nights or more at Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, Oranjestad, Aruba on bookings Nov. 27-Nov. 30 for travel through the end of 2021. Renaissance Aruba offers two experiences, the

BY JEFF RUGG

I always appreciate feedback to my articles. Recently, I replied to an older gentleman about using a leaf blower instead of the labor-intensive rake that he had been using. Several people thought I didn’t give rakes enough love, and a few thought they had a better alternative by using a mulching mower.

They said things like: “I felt like the rake got cheated a bit. There are important positive aspects of rakes that would have been great to include and educate people about.” And: “I have used both for years, but mulching blades for my mower have been the best investment to save time and work.” Finally: “If there are too many leaves to leave mulched on the lawn, we rake the excess and put them in our composter.”

Let’s set the record straight, I use all three. Each tool has its strengths and weaknesses. Rakes are easy to use. Rakes are great for big leaves and young people. They don’t pollute the air, and they don’t make too much noise. Both points are very important to many people.

On the other hand, rakes don’t work well on small leaves such as those from a honeylocust. They damage grass plants, and they can even rip them out

adult-exclusive Renaissance Marina Hotel and the Renaissance Ocean Suites. The resort is the only property on Aruba to operate its own private island, a 40-acre atoll exclusive to guests. Book at http://deals.marriott.com/renaissance/ aruba/oranjestad/untether-togetherand use booking code: BOG.

Pacifica Hotels’ “Black Friday/ Cyber Monday” enables guests to book their collection of more than 30 boutique, independent, design-inspired hotels along the California coast, at 45% off. This offer is bookable from November 27-30 on stays through March 31, 2021 at www.pacificahotels.com/specials.

Hawks Cay Resort is offering guests the ultimate Florida Keys vacation experience with onsite amenities like fishing excursions, dolphin encounters, snorkel trips and more. The resort is offering an extended booking window this year, so travelers have a full week to save big on a getaway to Hawks Cay! From Nov. 23-30, receive 40 percent discount on two nights or more with promo code BLKFRI. Reservations are valid on stays through October 31, 2121. Visit www.hawkscay.com

Ocean Club Resorts’ “Black Friday/Cyber Monday” offer makes every third night booked complimentary, for stays March 1 – December 18, 2021. This offer includes a new cancellation policy allowing a full refund up to 10 days prior to stay dates March 1 – April 11 and full refund within 24 hours of their travel dates from April 12 through Dec. 18. The promotional offer must be booked online, oceanclubresorts.com, use promo code BFCM

Main Street Hospitality: With the new Hammetts Hotel in Newport, RI and four properties throughout the Berkshires, Main Street Hospitality’s Cyber Weekend special – buy one night, get the second night free - bookable Nov. 27-Dec.1. Also The Red Lion Inn, Stockbridge, MA (Bonus option: pre-buy a $100 dining credit to use during a stay and the Red Lion Inn will add $50); Porches Inn at MASS MoCA, North Adams, MA; Briarcliff Motel, Great Barrington, MA; Seven Hills Inn, Lenox, MA

The Preservation Society of Newport County is hosting an online Exclusive Experiences Holiday Auction

of the ground in shady lawns. Rakes not only damage the grass plants but also move bits of soil and other debris that can infect the damaged plants with diseases.

Hand-held leaf blowers can be battery-, electric- or gas-powered. They move leaves easily on many surfaces, but the weaker blowers can’t move big piles or wet leaves easily. Gas-powered blowers can work at long distances from the power source. Based on their power source, they pollute the air in different locations. They emit sounds at various levels. The lower-pitched gas blower is much less annoying to me than the high-pitched battery-operated blower.

Powerful blowers operated with a heavy hand can blow the surface of the ground between grass plants clean. Small sticks, mulch and other organic matter can be blown off flower beds with the leaves. This clean soil surface is not healthy for the plants, beneficial insects or microorganisms.

Mulching mowers are great at creating small pieces of leaves that filter into the grass. Mowers can be human-, bat-

tery-, electric- or gas-powered, and like the blowers, they have various levels of noise. All four types of power create pollution at different locations.

Thick swaths of leaf mulch left on the lawn can kill grass plants. Every time a lawn mower operates on a lawn, it can cause soil compaction.

It is often like comparing apples to oranges when looking at the general categories of rakes, blowers and mowers. The decision on which to use will be based on personal choice and considering how big of an area needs to be cleaned, the number of trees, the person’s ability to use the tool, the closeness to neighbors, what kind of pollution creation will be tolerated and what you want to do with the leaves after they are collected.

For instance, the stronger a blower and mower is, the more dust and microscopic debris it tosses into the air. So, a strong mower can throw more debris into the air than a weak blower.

Most small gas engines are two-cycle, meaning they burn oil with the gas. This creates more pollution than a four-cycle engine that has a separate oil and gas system. Toro and other manufactures of lawn mowers make four-cycle lawn mower engines that pollute less than similarly powered lawn mow-

from Nov.22 through Dec. 6 consisting of 19 unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that allow people to explore the Newport Mansions in new ways (one is a wedding at The Breakers! Another is a sleepover for up to 8 kids and 4 chaperones in the Great Hall), All proceeds support the preservation work of the Preservation Society of Newport County (www.newportmansions.org)

Next: More Gift of Travel Ideas

© 2020 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com, www.huffingtonpost.com/author/karenrubin & travelwritersmagazine.com/ TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar. wordpress.com & moralcompasstravel. info. Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Tweet @ TravelFeatures. ‘Like’ us at facebook. com/NewsPhotoFeatures

ers with two-cycle engines. Like I said earlier, I use all three tools for different purposes. I try to use the least-polluting tool first. I always keep all my leaves with my leaf vacuum mulcher. I use them as mulch in the landscape, as insulation around potted plants that I am storing for the winter and in my compost pile.

Email questions to Jeff Rugg at info@ greenerview.com.

BY MARJORIE GOTTLIEB WOLFE

Cartoonist, Brian Gordon, describes Thanksgiving with kids: “What do you wanna eat?! We’ve got sweet potatoes, wild rice with mushrooms, stuffing, cornbread, cranberry sauce, roasted asparagus and corn pudding!”

Answer: “Grilled cheese.”

The Butterball Talk Line is one of the best marketing ideas of modern American consumerism. It once worked its way into the fictional Oval Office on “The West Wing.” Empire Kosher has a poultry customer hotline, and Arthur Schwartz (“Food Talk”) can offer much cooking advice during the holidays. “Food52” runs a hotline through email. They explain ”How to Cook Thanksgiving for a Smaller-ThanUsual Crew (or Just You). Amanda Hesser, the founder, says that “Hearing a reassuring voice on the other end of the line is powerful.”

The experts at the Butterball Turkey Talk Line can answer your questions… or you can always consult YOUR MOTHER! FYI: The average call is about 3 minutes long.

Shown below are some actual questions handled by the experts at the Butterball Talk Line:

“Can I use a fever thermometer to check the turkey’s temperature?”

“Do I use dish soap to wash the turkey?”

A man called in, worried about whether his bird would thaw on time. The expert answered, “What state is your turkey in?” The man answered, “Florida!”

“Do you make HOUSE CALLS?”

A gentleman called to tell the oper-

WRITER’S CORNER

Let’s Talk Turkey

ator he cut his turkey in half with a chainsaw and wanted to know if the oil from the chain would adversely affect the turkey.

A Georgia caller told the Talk-Line staffer that stabbing a beer can, then placing the beer can horizontally in the turkey’s cavity, makes for moist meat. (My son, Matt, has been doing that for years!)

A Texan called the Talk-Line to share an unconventional way of cooking turkey. He told the staffer that he wraps his turkey in butter-soaked bedsheets, then, ladles water on the turkey as it cooks. No word what he does with the sheets after Thanksgiving.

A woman complained that the 21-pound turkey she had just pulled from the oven had barely any meat. She was told, “Turn the turkey over.” (They had cooked it breast-side down.)

A caller always cut the legs off the turkey before putting it in the oven thinking that was how you had to cook a turkey. She later learned that the only reason her mom had been doing that was because their oven had been so small that that was the only way to get the bird in the oven.

“Is there really a tofu turkey like the

one served by Marie one Thanksgiving in one episode of “Everybody Loves Raymond?”

“My dad recently had bypass surgery, and we’re having to cut back on sodium. We really enjoy a brined turkey, but that’s not an option for us now. Any suggestions?”

“Ok, I’ve got my frozen turkey ready to thaw. What number should I set the dial to on my electric blanket?”

A lady from Denver [had put] the turkey in a snow bank - that’s where she stored it…and it snowed the night before. She couldn’t find it and was told, “Next year put a flag out there to help you.”

A child called and asked, “What is the turkey’s favorite black-tie event?”

He was told, ”The Butter Ball!” “How long can our family enjoy leftover turkey?”

An expert replied, “Leftover turkey is best eaten within 3 to 4 days after Thanksgiving. After that you risk that funky leftover turkey taste.” And Susan Russo says, “But please don’t under any circumstances make leftover Thanksgiving turkey cupcakes with mashed potato ‘frosting.’ The bird deserves at least a modicum of respect.”

A few hours after his wife had given birth, a new dad called the hotline to make sure the turkey hadn’t been thawing too long while was in the hospital. The Talk-Line staffer asked how much it weighed? The flustered father replied, “The turkey or the baby?”

“Do I have to measure the ingredient by the pinch, the sprinkle, and the handful?” The reply: “You can make the turkey using the ‘shiterein’ method—a Yiddish word for someone who cooks from experience and touch rather than using a recipe.”

MARJORIE GOTTLIEB WOLFE is thankful for the holiday that doesn’t require atonement or starvation.”

‘I’ll Tell You What’s Wrong With Social Security!’

BY TOM MARGENAU

Every single day, more than a few of the emails I get from readers start out with this (or a similar) phrase: “I’ll tell you what’s wrong with Social Security!” They then proceed to tell me just that. Sadly, almost always, their little rant is based on a misunderstanding of Social Security rules or misinformation they picked up -- usually off the internet.

These diatribes are of two main types: political or program-related. I’m not going to deal with the political ones today. I’ve come to the conclusion that it is not worth it. People will spout off the most ridiculous nonsense to me about the politics or financing of Social Security. And when I try to set the record straight, they almost always write back and tell me they don’t believe me. So, I figure, why bother?

But on the program and policy side of Social Security, I still can help people understand the way Social Security works. So, let’s go over some of them.

Q: I’ll tell you what’s wrong with Social Security. Too often, there are multiple wives getting benefits on one guy’s record. A guy can have three or four or even more wives, and all of them can collect on his account. No wonder the system is going broke!

A: I suppose anything is possible. But the situation you describe is highly unlikely. I worked for the Social Security Administration for 32 years. During that time, I probably saw 100,000 Social Security records. Only once do I remember a case where three wives were getting benefits from one guy’s account. I never saw four or more. Even two spouses on one record isn’t as common as you might think.

And why is that? It would be very rare for a guy to have multiple wives, all of whom never worked and never remarried. In other words, lots of these ex-wives have worked. So, they are much more likely to get their own retirement benefit than a much smaller spousal benefit. And most times, a divorced woman will remarry. Once she does that, she loses her eligibility for benefits from her ex-husband.

Q: I’ll tell you what’s wrong with Social Security. It’s all these benefits that are paid to women who never worked a day in their lives. Get rid of these welfare benefits and the system would be flush with cash!

A: I hear this a lot. And as I’ve pointed out before, every one of hundreds of such complaints I’ve heard about this issue has come from other women. I’m not going to touch the social debate between working women and stay-at-home moms with a 10-foot pole. But I will comment on the Social Security angle.

Ever since 1939, the law has said that a retiree’s dependent wife should qualify for a partial spousal benefit. (Benefits to

dependent husbands were added years later. But for today’s column, I’m sticking with the issue of wives.) The law is essentially saying that because a guy with a stay-at-home wife supported that wife with his income while he was working, the taxes he paid on that income should support his wife after he retires with spousal benefits.

Q: I’ll tell you what’s wrong with Social Security. My wife and I each get our own retirement benefit. I get $2,200. She gets $1,900. I just learned that if I were to die first, my wife would only get $300 extra in widows benefits. And if she dies first, I will get nothing! I think when one spouse dies, the other spouse should keep getting full combined benefits.

A: You really think that? So, when Warren Buffett’s wife dies, he should keep getting his retirement check and a widowers benefit? If my wife dies first, I should keep getting my own substantial retirement check and a widowers benefit on her account? My goodness. If everyone who has ever been married can get these double benefits, Social Security taxes would have to be increased rather substantially to pay all this extra money.

In fact, as alluded to in the last answer, financial dependency is the key to qualifying for spousal or widow(er)s benefits. Because you had your own job and now have your own Social Security benefit, you really were not financially dependent on your wife. So, you shouldn’t qualify for “dependent” widowers benefits. On the other hand, your wife obviously made a little less than you did, which is why she gets a smaller benefit. So, she was slightly more dependent on you, which is why she will get a slight widows benefit if you die first.

Q: I’ll tell you what’s wrong with Social Security. I always knew that children of a parent who dies can get Social Security survivor benefits. That makes sense. But I just learned that they recently added benefits for the children of a living retiree. And that makes no sense. No wonder the system is in trouble!

A: Well, let’s see. Benefits to the children of retirees have been around since 1939. So, is that what you mean by “recently added”? Anyway, those benefits are based on the same concept discussed in the last two answers: dependency. Once again, the law assumes the guy was supporting those kids while he was working, and now that he’s retired, the taxes he paid should go toward supporting his kids with dependent benefits. Two more quick points. I wasn’t being sexist by referring to a “guy.” Due to obvious biological reasons, it would be very unusual for a woman in her 60s to have a minor child still living at home. Also, even if you still think the children of retirees should not get benefits, you are not going to save Social Security by eliminating them. Those

benefits are a tiny drop in Social Security’s big bucket.

Q: I’ll tell you what’s wrong with Social Security. Most people might not know this, but Social Security benefit calculations are always rounded down. This is a sneaky process the bureaucrats invented to cheat senior citizens out of the money they are rightfully due!

A: Government employees don’t have the authority to do things like this. But Congress does. Back in the 1980s, they were looking for ways to cut down

on government spending. They came up with the idea of rounding down the “cents” part of all Social Security calculations. So, for example, if your actual benefit amount comes out to $2,854.32, that will be rounded down to $2,854. Those pennies add up to millions of dollars in savings for the government every year.

Wise Christmas Tips From Readers With Years of Experience

BY MARY HUNT

Not long ago, I was privileged to be asked to speak to a wonderful group of seniors. The point of my message was to embrace the wisdom they’ve gained over the years and to pass it on to the next generation -- especially as it relates to managing money and personal finances. I left them with a request to share some of their wisdom with me, especially as it relates to how they handle Christmas. And share they did! Today, I have selected a bit of that wisdom to share with you.

GIVE WHAT YOU HAVE

One year, both my parents came down with a severe flu that kept them homebound for the holiday shopping season. When I visited, my mother expressed how sad she was that they wouldn’t have gifts to give on Christmas morning. I mentioned the wealth of treasures in her attic -- the trunks and storage boxes full of things she stashed away from years gone by. It raised her spirits to go through the items and relive the memories.

She selected something for each of her children, such as an antique doll; old needlework and doilies she or family members had made; and sketches she did in high school. My father gave each grandchild coins from his collection. It was one of my all-time favorite Christmas celebrations. Their gifts had true meaning for their recipients. -- Ran

GIVE WHAT YOU CAN DO

As we get older, we don’t need more things. But I do have chores that I need help with, such as unloading and adding salt to the water conditioner; trimming the high shrubs I can’t reach, even on a ladder; cleaning out the gutters and downspouts; helping put up and take down the Christmas lights; and teaching me how to download and print pictures from my computer. Early in the season, I make a wish list and put it on the fridge. Then, my children and grandchildren select chores they will gift to me. It’s been a win-win! --

Diane

GIVE CONSUMABLES THEY LOVE I buy reusable cloth shopping bags

from favorite grocery stores of individuals and families on my gift list. I add a few things from the store, including a mix of staples or something from the gourmet section; foods that they enjoy or might have fun trying; fresh fruit; and a gift card. I add a bow on the handle, which makes it as festive as a paper gift bag. These grocery bags are practical and fun to give and to receive. -- Marilyn

GIVE EXPERIENCES

My grandchildren range in age from 5 to 14. Each Christmas, we’ve ended up spending about $150 on each child for gifts. This has evolved into a mad frenzy of Santa lists, spending too much and ultimately losing the spirit of Christmas. Change was necessary.

This year, starting with the 14-year-old (and when each grandchild reaches 14), we’ll put $50 in a card along with a voucher for dinner at the restaurant of their choice, followed by a shopping trip for up to $100. This can be redeemed anytime during the year.

Changing our gift giving as our grand-

ASK CARRIE

children get older will enable us to connect with them in new and wonderful ways, and maintain that connection. -- Deb GIVE THE GIFT OF GIVING

When my children were small, on each birthday and Christmas, they received many toys. They quickly tired of their old toys when the new ones came, but we still kept the old ones. This only caused the toy chest to overflow. To remedy this problem, one year I decided that just before Christmas, I would have a garage sale, and the children could sell the old toys they no longer played with. They would use the money from the sale of those toys to purchase Christmas gifts for others. They loved it, and it soon became a tradition. They enjoyed purchasing Christmas gifts with their own money, and I loved keeping their toys to a minimum. -- Peggy

Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a lifestyle blog, and the author of the book “Debt-Proof Living.”

Older Investors Are Asking: Should I Get Out of Stocks?

BY CARRIE SCHWAB-POMERANTZ

Dear Carrie: I’m 70, and like a lot of older investors, I was still heavily invested in the stock market when this economy hit dangerous territory. At this stage of life, I don’t have a lot of time to “make it back” in the market. What’s the best plan for selling off stocks and moving into more secure savings? -- A Reader

Dear Reader: The last several months have been a whipsaw for a lot of people. And even though the market has largely recovered from the sharp drawdown when the pandemic hit (at least for now), many investors are worried about how best to protect themselves if and when it happens again. Those worries can be even greater for older investors who are close to or in retirement. At this point, the money you’ve accumulated isn’t just a number related to a future goal; it’s what you need to live on now.

I hear similar concerns from many older readers. Even in the best of times, the transition from saving to spending isn’t just financial; it’s emotional. In times of high uncertainty, those emotions run even higher. But while that may leave you with a strong desire to sell your stock holdings, you’re absolutely right that it’s best to have a plan -- and that plan should be determined by your own circumstances, not by what the market’s doing at the moment. Let’s look at some important things to consider before you make any changes.

Start With Your Current Financial Situation

Your first step should be to get a clear understanding of where you stand now, looking at three criteria: your current

net worth, your projected cash flow over the next several years and your current asset allocation.

Your net worth (what you owe minus everything you own) gives you a big-picture view of your holdings. Zeroing in on your essential vs. discretionary expenses gives you a good sense of your cash needs and how much you’ll need to withdraw from your portfolio each year. Finally, how your portfolio is currently divided between stocks, bonds and cash completes the picture. Together, these three pieces of information can provide context for any changes you might want to make now and in the future.

Let Your Timeline Guide You

To weather a bear market, it’s generally recommended that retirees have enough to cover two to four years of essential expenses in readily accessible holdings like fixed income and cash. The problem, of course, is that these investments don’t yield much in today’s low-interest environment. But they do provide stability. Plus, it can make you feel more secure to know you have the money you need without being forced to sell in a down market.

Get specific about when you’ll need your money to help you decide where to keep it. Ideally, money you’ll need within two years should be in cash or cash equivalents. With your cash needs covered, consider bonds for money you’ll need in three to five years. Money you won’t need for five to seven years or longer could be in stocks.

Avoid Dramatic Shifts

You may be more worried about market risk at this point in life -- and market uncertainty may have you ready to bail

out -- but don’t let your emotions take over. Just as it’s never a good idea to try to time the market as you’re getting in, don’t try to time your way out either. Lessening the risk in your portfolio gradually is the most prudent. This is one of the reasons why managers of target-date funds gradually shift from stocks into bonds and cash the closer the investor gets to retirement.

You might also think of it this way. Many investors reach their stock positions by dollar-cost averaging: investing a set amount of money over time to smooth out the highs and lows. You could now apply that same principle in reverse by shifting your investments over time out of stocks and into bonds and cash.

Create Your Rebalance Plan

Let’s say your portfolio is currently 75% stocks and 25% fixed income and you want to reallocate to 50/50. Probably not the best move to immediately sell 25% of your stocks. Instead, to shift gradually, you could do the following:

• Have all dividends and interest transferred into a bank account rather than reinvesting them.

• Sell a percentage of your winners to reap the profits and realize some gains.

• Take advantage of tax-loss harvesting by selling some losers, using the losses to offset any taxable gains.

• Sell overweighted stocks in retirement accounts to create the cash for required minimum distributions, or RMDs (beginning after age 70 or 72 depending on your birthday).

By doing this periodically (weekly, monthly, quarterly or even over different tax years), you’ll increase your cash holdings in a more balanced way and re-

duce the potential for regret if the market swiftly changes directions.

Just how much and how quickly you rebalance is up to you. The most important thing is to stay true to your feelings about risk, be realistic about how much risk you can afford to take at this point in life and stick to your plan. An advisor can help with the specifics of how and when to rebalance across accounts as well as help you consider the tax implications. Some robo-advisors and managed accounts can also keep you balanced automatically.

Stay Diversified

As you contemplate moving away from stocks, remember that even in retirement -- and that can be a long time these days -- stocks may remain an important part of your portfolio. Keeping 20% to 30% in stocks is a way for even a conservative investor to maintain some opportunity for growth and keep up with inflation.

So, while it’s smart to have more in cash in your older years, maintaining a diversified portfolio is a strong hedge against uncertainty at any age. When it comes to investing, it’s never all or nothing.

Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz, Certified Financial Planner, is president of the Charles Schwab Foundation and author of “The Charles Schwab Guide to Finances After Fifty.” Read more at http://schwab.com/book. You can email Carrie at askcarrie@schwab. com. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal or investment planning advice..

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

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AUCTIONS

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• Large 1,100 sq. ft., one-bedroom apartment in gorgeous, pre-war, elevator building w/9’ ceilings.

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Toys for Tots drive helps families impacted by COVID

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Tom Hand today announced a massive, month long collection drive to help benefit needy families and less fortunate children throughout the community during the upcoming holiday season. In partnership with the United States Marine Corps, the Town of Oyster Bay will host a first-of-its-kind ‘Cruise Thru Holiday Toy Drive’ at John Burns Park in Massapequa on Saturday, December 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (rain date for the event is Sunday, December 6). In

addition to the cruise thru holiday toy drive, collection boxes will also be located at multiple locations throughout the Town, beginning November 13 and ending December 14. These unprecedented efforts will help collect new, unwrapped toys that will be used as gifts for needy children throughout the community.

Supervisor Saladino said, “The Toys for Tots Drive has long been a huge success under the leadership of the U.S. Marine Corps, especially here in the Town of Oyster Bay, as just last year we smashed the previous year’s record

in our toy drive collection. This year’s drive is especially crucial, as due to the coronavirus global pandemic, many more families than normal are feeling an undue financial burden. I encourage all of our residents who are able to donate to this amazing cause, as the Toys for Tots Drive helps ensure that disadvantaged children within our community do not have to go the holiday season without something to bring them happiness.”

The ‘Cruise Thru Holiday Toy Drive’ will provide residents an excellent way to contribute directly to the cause and help bring a smile to a child’s face this holiday season. Additionally, the event will feature an appearance by Santa Claus, and a drop box where kids can drop their letters to Santa off at. Letters dropped off with a legible name and return address will be answered by Santa before the holiday.

“Toys for Tots sends a message of hope to less fortunate children who otherwise wouldn’t be receiving presents this holiday season. I urge residents,

who can, to donate new un-wrapped toys to any of our drop-off locations,” said Councilman Tom Hand. “By making a donation, you can help ease the financial burden of families hardest hit by the effects of the coronavirus this holiday season,” Councilman Hand said.

Toys for Tots Collection Boxes are located at the following locations:

• Oyster Bay Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay;

• Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa;

• Department of Public Works Facility, 150 Miller Place, Syosset;

• The Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center at Bethpage Community Park, 1001 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage; and

• Syosset-Woodbury Community Park Community Center, Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury.

For more information, please contact Councilman Tom Hand at (516) 624-6309; or visit www.oysterbaytown.com.