Jericho-Syosset News Journal (2/28/25)

“From Your Heart to Our Seniors” program

Nassau County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker (D – Plainview) helped deliver Valentines messages made by local students to senior citizens.

Nassau County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker (D – Plainview) joined forces with District 16 students of all ages to help hundreds of local seniors celebrate Valentines Day.

The third annual “From Your Heart to Our Seniors” project once again harnessed

the artistic and creative talents of local youngsters in a big way. Deputy Minority Leader Drucker’s office received hundreds of handmade cards from Plainview and Jericho schools, which were later given out during Valentines Day breakfasts at The Residences at Plainview and Plainview-Old

Bethpage Senior Citizen Club.

“This Valentine’s Day, our local army of crafty Cupids outdid themselves with the beautiful and uplifting greetings that put smiles on seniors’ faces wherever I had the privilege of delivering them,” Deputy Minority Leader Drucker.

Road renamed for victim of Hamas massacre

The full Nassau County Legislature on Monday, Feb. 24 unanimously approved a resolution sponsored by Nassau County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker (D – Plainview) to rename a portion of Manetto Hill Road “Captain Omer Neutra Way” in honor of the Plainview native who was murdered by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7, 2023. The roadway adjoins the Mid Island Y JCC – a major community hub for Nassau’s Jewish community and residents of the greater Plainview area.

“Omer Neutra’s decision to enlist in the IDF was a powerful demonstration of his commitment to the security of Israel, the safety and welfare of Jewish people around the world, and pride in his personal Jewish identity,” Deputy Minority Leader Drucker said. “By enshrining this public tribute in the heart of Plainview, we are sending a clear message to the world that the victims of the Oct. 7 massacre will never be forgotten. As we remain unwavering in our demand for the return of every last hostage that is being held captive by Hamas terrorists, I thank my colleagues for their support and extend my heartfelt admiration to the Neutra family

for the tremendous courage and resolve they continue to demonstrate in the face of an unthinkable tragedy.”

Omer Maxim Neutra was a native of Plainview who, after spending a gap year in Israel in 2020, delayed his plans to attend college at Binghamton University to enlist in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

During his service as a tank platoon commander on October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists launched a brutal assault upon the Israeli homeland – the first of its kind in decades. Neutra was one of the 1,139 people killed during the attack and lost his life during a battle in the vicinity of Nir Oz, a small kibbutz located near Gaza in Southern Israel that was one of the communities most severely impacted by the Hamas terrorist invasion.

His senseless murder sent shockwaves of devastation throughout the world and especially the Plainview community where he grew up and established deep and lasting familial roots. Following the vote, Omer’s parents, Ronen and Orna Neutra, expressed gratitude for the Legislature’s unanimous support for a decision that will forever enshrine their son’s memory in the public square.

ACDS nominated for LI Imagine Award

ACDS, a program serving children and adults with Down syndrome, autism, and other developmental disabilities, was named a Finalist in the Social Impact category in the 13th Annual Long Island Imagine Awards. ACDS is headquartered in Plainview. The Long Island Imagine Awards was founded by Ken Cerini, CPA, Cerini & Associates LLP, as a way to showcase the nonprofit sector and all the good work that it does, as well as provide opportunities for deeper collaboration within the sector.

ACDS is one of four finalists in the Social Impact category based on its Early Intervention (EI) clinic. This clinic serves infants and toddlers with a developmental disability, from birth to age 3, as well as their parents and caregivers. Its goal is to provide low income families with comprehensive educational and clinical services to address their child's developmental delays while also equipping parents with the skills to effectively address their child's specialized needs at home. The clinic serves between 25-30 children each month.

“We provide services to all families but we focus on those who do not have access to safe and reliable transportation and those who are in unstable living conditions that prevent them from receiving home based EI services. Our key innovation is to provide round trip transportation to ACDS in a fully accessible vehicle, free of charge and with a bi-lingual driver,” shares Mike Durney, ACDS CEO.

The need for the clinic arose from the realization that increasingly the families served were multiply challenged. In addition to their child ’ s disability they were often housing and food insecure and lacked access

to reliable transportation. There was also a language barrier and uncertainty about the services their child was eligible to receive. These barriers prevented them from accessing interventions for their child, which deepened the effects of the child's delay.

At the EI Clinic, ACDS connects children with developmental disabilities and their families with expert early childhood special educators, social workers and occupational, physical and speech therapists. They also have access to diapers and wipes and an on-site food pantry. They receive parent training and are also coached in advocating for their child and understanding the services to which they are entitled.

By wrapping comprehensive ser vices in one location, and remov ing key barriers to accessing care, ACDS is ensuring that the youngest and most vulnerable among us have the resources and tools they need to stabilize as a family, and ultimately thrive.

“Being named a Finalist in The Long Island Imagine Awards is an important achievement,” said Ken Cerini, founder of the Long Island Imagine Awards. “It means that the Organization has been identified as a leader on Long Island, exhibiting impactful and innovative operations.”

Long Island Imagine Awards win ners are to be announced on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the Crest Hollow Country Club. The gala event provides unlimited networking and connection opportunities for the corporate and nonprofit sectors while highlighting the exceptional work of the finalist organizations. For more information, visit https://imagineawardsli.com.

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Family honored for dedication to Italian program

On Monday, Jan. 27, Bethpage High School proudly inducted students from the Spanish, French and Italian programs into the World Languages Honor Society. The ceremony was filled with pride, tradition and heartfelt moments, particularly for senior Rose Arrabito, one of the inductees from the Italian program.

Rose's induction was especially meaningful as she is the last of her four siblings to graduate from Bethpage High School. As the president of the Italian Club, Rose has carried on a family legacy deeply rooted in the Italian program and club. Her brothers—Peter, Nicholas and Anthony—were all active participants in the Italian program and the Italian Club during their time at Bethpage, making the Arrabito family a cornerstone of the school's Italian community.

Adding to the special nature of the evening, Rose’s parents, Antonietta and David, owners of

Pappardelle’s in Bethpage, were present to celebrate this milestone. The Arrabito family has been unwavering supporters of the Italian program over the years, not only promoting the Italian language and culture but also generously offering discounts to the Italian Club through their restaurant. Their contributions have enriched the program and created lasting connections within the school community.

The induction ceremony was followed by a poignant moment as Rose and her siblings gathered for a photo with Ms. Francesca Calio, head of the Italian program. For Ms. Calio, it was a bittersweet farewell to the Arrabito family, whose presence has been a vibrant and integral part of the Italian program at Bethpage for many years. The event served not just as an induction but as a heartfelt tribute to a family whose passion for Italian culture has left an indelible mark on the school.

The Arrabito family celebrates Rose Arrabito’s induction into Bethpage High School’s World Languages Honor Society. Photo courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

Jericho Cares food pantry seeks donations

Mathletes have strong showing at county tournament

Nassau County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker (D – Plainview) is encouraging residents to support Jericho Cares as the not-forprofit, philanthropic network of residents that provide support for local families in need seeks to restock its food pantry.

In a Wednesday, Feb. 19 social media post, the not-for-profit organization said it is especially seeking donations of oatmeal, jelly, chili, instant mashed potatoes, one-pound bags of rice, apple sauce, canned fruits and tomato sauce.

“While the holiday season often sparks a rush of donations to local food pantries and organizations that combat food

insecurity, we must never lose sight of the fact that hunger impacts families in our community all year long,” Deputy Minority Leader Drucker said. “If you are in a position to give, I urge you to support Jericho Cares and its admirable mission of service that continues to uplift families throughout our region.

Supporters can purchase the supplies through their full Amazon wish list at https://a.co/coAHhsV and the contributions will be directly shipped to Jericho Cares. Donors can contact fran@ JerichoCares.org for in-person drop-off locations.

Upcoming Events at the Jericho Public Library

Friday, February 28

2:00 p.m.: VIRTUAL:

From Mary Pickford to Meryl Streep: Hollywood’s Star System and How It Works with Brian Rose

For more than a century, Hollywood has relied on star power as the most reliable way to draw an audience. From the early days of silent movies, when Mary Pickford was able to command $10,000 a week to modern times, when actors like Tom Cruise and Tom Hanks are guaranteed $20 million (or more) a picture, the film studios have recognized the crucial role stars played at the box office. This presentation will look at the history of movie stardom -- how originally film actors weren’t even identified by name, how Mary Pickford became “America’s Sweetheart” and the first real film star, how the Hollywood studios manufactured stars like Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, and Lana Turner during its Golden Age, how the star system changed once television came on the scene, and how actors like Jack Nicholson, Meryl Streep, and Denzel Washington ushered in a new definition of stardom during the last few decades.

Saturday, March 1

10:30 a.m.: Intermediate Bridge with Anne Bass

Intermediate bridge is a series of 5 Saturday classes designed for the bridge player with a good grasp of bridge fundamentals. The focus will be on guided play,

with reviews of intermediate bidding conventions and play of the hand. $16 per person, non refundable.

Sunday, March 2

2:00 p.m.: HYBRID: Paul Joseph Trio Concert

Composer/pianist Paul Joseph and his jazz trio will present innovative interpretations of classical favorites, including Mozart’s “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik,” Bach’s “Air on a G String,” and Chopin’s “Prelude in A.” The group has collaborated with New York’s Nova Philharmonic and has performed various thematic programs. Paul Joseph has received acclaim for his compositions performed by notable orchestras and ensembles, supported by experienced musicians Danny Borg on drums and Edgar Mills on bass.

Tuesday, March 4

11:00 a.m.: VIRTUAL: Guided Meditation for Self-Healing with Patricia Anderson

Join Pat for one or all of the meditation sessions to bring harmony and balance into your life. Learn the beautiful practice of Jin Shin Jyutsu to help your body heal and keep you relaxed.

Friday, March 7

4:45 p.m.: Little Vex Innovators with Infinite Robotics Inc.

This program engages kids in handson building and coding with VEX IQ robotics, making it perfect for curious elementary students eager to explore the world of robotics!

The Mathletes team had a strong showing at the Nassau County Interscholastic Math League Tournament this February.

The Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School Mathletes team had a strong showing at the Nassau County Interscholastic Math League (NCIML) Math Tournament on February 7, competing against schools from across the region. The team’s two lower division squads placed 9th and 11th out of 38 teams.

Individually, freshman Roy Lu placed 10th out of 61 students in his division, while sophomore Nahum Yoo earned 13th place out of 126 students in his division.

The NCIML Math Tournament brings together the brightest math students in the region to compete in challenging problem-solving events.

“We are incredibly proud of our students for their hard work and achievements at this year’s tournament,” said Mathletes and Math Honor Society advisor Mr. Michael Randazzo. “Their success reflects their commitment to excellence and the strong support of our school community.”

The region’s brightest math students demonstrated strategy and problem solving.

East Broadway conquers “hard-knock life” in “Annie Jr.”

Following weeks of preparation, students at East Broadway Elementary School in the Levittown School District dazzled audiences with performances of “Annie Jr.” on Feb. 13.

The show had an ensemble of dozens of students take the stage to tell the story of Annie, an optimistic orphan who searches for her birth parents. Each cast member showed their acting and singing skills as they impressed with performances of popular songs including “A Hard-Knock Life” and “Tomorrow.”

In addition to the show’s stars, students were hard at work behind the scenes to set the stage, control the spotlight and oversee audio and music. The crew put on multiple shows for the community, including one for their peers and one for parents.

Photos courtesy Levittown Public Schools

East Broadway Elementary School students took to the stage for a performance of “Annie Jr.” on Feb. 13.

Dozens of students joined the impressive cast.

The performance of “Tomorrow” was a hit with the audience.

Town offers free boating safety seminars

The Town of Oyster Bay will be offer free Boating Safety Seminars at Community Centers across the Town. These essential courses, taught by the Town's Department of Public Safety Bay Constable Unit, will cover critical topics, including safe vessel operation, state regulations, and the responsibilities of boat ownership and operation. As of January 1, 2025, all motorized vessel operators in New York State, regardless of age, will be required to possess a valid

boating safety certificate.

Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino stated, “Boating is a cherished activity in our Town, and safety must always come first. These seminars are an excellent way for residents to stay informed, comply with state law, and ensure that everyone can enjoy our waterways safely. I encourage all residents, young and old, to take advantage of this free program and join us in making our waters safer for all.”

Course Details:

• Oyster Bay Community Center  – Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• Marjorie Post Park Community Center in Massapequa – Tuesday, March 18, 2025, and Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. (participants must attend both nights).

Participants must be at least 10 years old to register. While the semi -

nars are free, advance registration is required. In New York State, individuals aged 18 and older must pay a $10 fee for a permanent boating safety certificate issued by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. There is no fee for participants under 18. Completing an approved boating safety course is mandatory to obtain the certificate. For more information or to register for a course, please call (516) 677-5350.

Local couples celebrate vow renewal ceremony

Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray (left) conducted a vow renewal ceremony for Michael and Barbara Cullen of Levittown, accompanied by their dog, Rigby, on February 13 at the Coral House in Baldwin. The Cullens have been married 25 years.

Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray (right) conducted a vow renewal ceremony for Edward and Janet Kennedy of Levittown on February 13 at the Coral House in Baldwin. The Kennedys have been married 24 years.

The Town of Hempstead conducted a vow renewal ceremony for town couples on February 13th at the Coral House in Baldwin. Town Clerk Kate Murray officiated at the vow renewal ceremonies for more than 75 couples

during the annual Valentine’s-themed event, which this year included several couples who celebrated alongside their dogs! All guests received roses, a wedding cake, a champagne toast, and a doggie bag full of goodies.

conducted a vow renewal ceremony for

on February 13 at the

been married 30 years.

Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray (right) conducted a vow renewal ceremony for Pasquale and Maryann Antonacci of Levittown on February 13 at the Coral House in Baldwin. The Antonaccis have been married 38 years.

Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray (right) conducted a vow renewal ceremony for Vincent and Lucille Ventura of Bethpage on February 13 at the Coral House in Baldwin. The Venturas have been married 34 years.

Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray (right)

Douglas and Elizabeth Rosenthal of Levittown

Coral House in Baldwin. The Rosenthals have

This Week at the Syosset Public Library

Friday, February 28, from 10:15 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.

Driver’s Safety Class (IN-PERSON)

For drivers of all ages. Completion entitles you to a NYS insurance discount and to a point reduction. In-person registration ONLY. Fee: $33, check payable to “Empire Safety Council” Includes a 30-minute break for lunch.

Friday, February 28, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Sy-Con Presents: Retro Gaming Night (IN-PERSON)

Join us for an evening of retro arcade and board games hosted by LI-Retro Gaming and Game Master Games! There’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy

Sunday, March 2, from 12:15 p.m.–1:15 p.m.

“Seussical: The Musical”A Sensory-Friendly Production

A performance of Seussical: the Musical specially designed and adapted for children with autism and autism spectrum disorders. A calming corner and coping tools will be available. Registration required via phone or email.

Monday, March 3, at 9:30 a.m.

Yoga for Energy Intermediate Spring 2025 (IN-PERSON)

Presenter: Jenny Lu

This class builds on your existing practice with more advanced poses and techniques. We will focus on alignment, breathing, core strength and mindfulness. Classes are suitable for intermediate students, modifications will be provided. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat. Fee: $36

Registration for SSD residents begins February 17; all others can register starting one week later if available. Make-up class if needed will be May 19. There will be no refunds after the first week of class or for classes that have to

switch to Zoom.

Monday, March 3, at 11:30 a.m.

Simply Fit Spring 2025 (IN-PERSON)

Presenter: Marilyn Bunger

This class is especially suited for the older adult, and combines the basics of Simply Stronger and Simply Stretch. You will need light hand weights for the class.

Fee: $36. (Make-up date for class is May 19)

Monday, March 3, at 2:00 p.m.

Irish in Hollywood with Professor Annette Bochenek (VIRTUAL)

Presenter: Asst. Professor Annette Bochenek

Ring in St. Patrick’s Day with “The Irish in Hollywood!” The films of Hollywood’s Golden Age offered many depictions and talents from Ireland. Join film historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she explores a selection of the studio system’s top stars and classic films that paid tribute to Ireland. The program will include a multimedia presentation of photos, video clips, and captivating stories.

Tuesday, March 4, at 9:45 a.m.

Yoga for Energy Spring 2025 (IN-PERSON)

Presenter: Jenny Lu

This class combines the ancient wisdom of Qi energy with modern techniques to maximize the brain’s function. Each class includes stretching, core strengthening, breathing exercises, meditation and relaxation. Classes are suitable for all levels. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat.

Fee: $40. There will be no refunds after the first week of class or for classes that have to switch to Zoom.

Tuesday, March 4, at 6:15 p.m.

Yoga for Relaxation Spring 2025 (IN-PERSON)

Presenter: Laurie Ahleman

Learn basic yoga postures and relax-

ation techniques that will enable you to develop a daily practice of your own. You will need a yoga mat.

Fee: $36

Wednesday, March 5, at 11:15 a.m.

Chair/Office Yoga Spring 2025 (IN-PERSON)

Presenter: Jenny Lu

Recharge, unwind, and improve balance and posture, de-stress, and enhance your energy and focus in this all-levels class of gentle seated and standing poses and mindful breathing. Wear comfortable clothing and sneakers, grippy socks, or soft-soled shoes.

Fee: $40. Registration for SSD residents begins February 18; all others one week later if available if available. Make-up for the class is on May 21. There will be no refunds after the first week of class or for classes that have to switch to Zoom.

Wednesday, March 5, at 1:00 p.m.

Mah Jong for Beginners (IN-PERSON)

Through simple, step-by-step instructions, you'll comfortably learn the basics of this increasingly popular game, sharing in the fun, excitement and camaraderie. The four lessons will give you the skills and knowledge to play with others. Registration for SSD residents begins January 8, all others one week later if available.

Fee: $16. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU CAN MAKE ALL FOUR CLASSES.

Thursday, March 6, at 11:00 a.m.

Qi Gong Spring 2025 (IN-PERSON)

Presenter: Jenny Lu

Qi Gong is an ancient Asian healing mind-body practice that means energy work. Each class includes gentle stretching, guided breathing, energy meditation and mindful movements to improve balance, strength and immune function. Classes are suitable for all levels. Wear sneakers or flat sole shoes.

Fee: $40. Registration for SSD resi-

dents begins on February 18; all others one week later. (If needed, make-up class will be held May 29). There will be no refunds after the first week of class or for classes that have to switch to Zoom.

Thursday, March 6, at 2:00 p.m.

The Marshall Court with Jim Coll (IN-PERSON)

Presenter: Professor Jim Coll

Chief Justice John Marshall is the most influential jurist to ever serve in the federal judiciary. In this lecture, we will analyze his path to the high bench, the impact of his influential decision-making and why his tenure from 1801 to 1835 forever redefined the Supreme Court and the Constitution.

Thursday, March 6, at 6:00 p.m.

Long Island Coin Club

All community group meetings must be open to the public as per New York State Education Law.

Friday, March 7, at 10:00 a.m.

Simply Stronger with Balance

Spring 2025 with Mindy Vasta (VIRTUAL)

Presenter: Mindy Vasta

Improve strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, posture, and alignment using handheld weights, a resistance band, and a ball. Please register at least one hour before the class in order to be sent the Zoom link.

Friday, March 7, at 2:00 p.m.

Movie: “It Ends With Us” Colleen Hoover’s novel adapted to the big screen tells the compelling story of Lily Bloom (Blake Lively), a woman who overcomes a traumatic childhood to embark on a new life in Boston and chase a lifelong dream of opening her own business. A chance meeting with a charming neurosurgeon sparks an intense connection, but as the two fall in love, Lily begins to see sides of him that remind her of her abusive father. PG-13, 130 minutes.

Shed the Meds event at Syosset Library

Nassau County Legislator Arnold Drucker and the Nassau County Police Department 2nd Precinct will be hosting a “Shed the Meds” event at the Syosset Public Library on Tuesday, March 11,

from 5–7:30 p.m.

Residents are invited to drop off unwanted or expired pharmaceutical waste including: prescription medications, prescription patches, over the

counter medications, vitamins, sample medications, and pet medications.

Not accepted: needles, sharps, aerosol cans, thermometers, ointments, hydrogen peroxide, inhalers, biohaz-

Love to write?

ardous waste, and medications from businesses. For any questions please contact the 2nd Precinct at 516-573-6200 or the office of Legislator Drucker at 516-571-6216

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

NASSAU COUNTY

FORECLOSURE NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS TRUST COMPANY, A/K/A M&T BANK, S/B/M HUDSON CITY SAVINGS

BANK, Plaintiff against MELISSA WILLIAMS, et al

Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein Such & Crane, LLP, 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800, Rochester, NY 14614.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered February 8, 2019, and Amended on August 8, 2022 I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 25, 2025 at 2:30 PM. Premises known as 2 Joan Court, Woodbury, NY 11797. Sec 15 Block 175 Lot 82. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Woodbury, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Approximate Amount of Judgment is $849,624.64 plus interest, fees, and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 005816/2014. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District's Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held "Rain or Shine." Alan Gerson, Esq., Referee File # CHJNY469

LEGAL NOTICES

NASSAU COUNTY

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

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   –  KATHLEEN MULLIGAN REBECCA M. ALESIA –ANDREW MONTELEONE – LISA CICCOLELLA – FLORESTANO GIRARDI

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 MARCH 6, 2025, at 7:00 P. M., to consider the following appeals:

BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

APPEAL NO. 24-548       SYOSSET

ZEEV ZAHAVI:  Variance to construct new dwelling exceeding maximum gross floor area than permitted by Ordinance.

N/s/o School House Ln., 225.05 ft. W/o Berry Hill Rd., a/k/a 12 School House Lane, Syosset, NY

FEBRUARY 24, 2025

BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

TOWN OF OYSTER BAY

NASSAU COUNTY LEGAL NOTICE

SYOSSET CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE OF SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET INFORMATION AND MONTHLY MEETING

Monday, March 10, 2025

There will be a meeting of the Board of Education on Monday, March 10, 2025, at approximately 6:00 p.m. in South Woods Middle School, 99 Pell Lane, Syosset, New York.

At that time, the Board of Education will determine whether to go into Executive Session. If there is a need for an Executive Session, the Board will vote to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters regarding collective bargaining negotiations, school security, the medical, financial, credit or employment history of a particular person and to obtain legal advice regarding proposed, pending or current litigation. If no Executive Session is needed, the Board will recess until the public portion of the Budget Information and Monthly Board of Education Meeting at 8:00 p.m. at South Woods Middle School, 99 Pell Lane, Syosset, New York.

The Syosset Board of Education and Administration welcome you to observe the Board of Education Meeting via livestream broadcast on the District website.

Dated: February 27, 2025 Syosset, NY

Town Pickleball Tourney

Calling all pickleball enthusiasts! Councilman Steve Labriola announces that the Town of Oyster Bay is bringing the heat this spring with its inaugural Pickleball Tournament, a high-energy, two-day event set for Saturday, May 17, and Sunday, May 18, 2025. Whether you're a seasoned player or just love a little friendly competition, this tournament is the perfect chance to showcase your skills and compete for glory.

The tournament will feature bracketed doubles matches for players 18 and older, promising plenty of fast-paced action and exciting rallies.

“ Pickleball has quickly become one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation, and our Town is proud to lead the way in creating opportunities for residents to enjoy this exciting game,” said Councilman Labriola. “So, grab a paddle, find a partner, and get ready for a weekend of fun, fitness, and fierce competition!”

Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. on March 3, 2025 for Town of Oyster Bay residents at www.oysterbaytown.com/ sports, with nonresident registration starting on March 10, 2025. Stay tuned for more details on game locations and schedules.

For more information, please contact the Town of Oyster Bay Parks Department Recreation Office at (516) 797-7945 or visit www. oysterbaytown.com. Don ’ t miss your shot-sign up and get ready to play!

The Town of Oyster Bay has expanded pickleball facilities, from Bethpage to Bayville, and Massapequa to Oyster Bay. In 2024 alone, new courts were opened at Tappen Beach, Plainview-Old Bethpage, Anchor Park, and Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park, with plans to bring even more courts to Farmingdale and Massapequa.

NASSAU COUNTY

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Notice of Formation of Trident Upfitting LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/10/2025. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Zachary Schwartz: 3376 Frederick Street, Oceanside, NY 11572. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Too much junk in your house?

Too much junk in your house?

Place an ad for it in our classifieds section! Call 516.294.8900 for more details.

Place an ad for it in our classifieds section! Call 516-294-8900 for more details.

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE OF SALE  SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

Ditech Financial LLC f/k/a Green Tree Servicing LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST Michael B. Mendonez, Jr. a/k/a Michael B. Mendonez, Gracia T. Mendonez a/k/a Grace T. Mendonez, et al., Defendant(s)   Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 17, 2017, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 26, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 11 Berry Hill Lane, Bethpage, NY 11714. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Bethpage, in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 49, Block: 267, Lot: 7. Approximate amount of judgment $410,614.09 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #005296/2014. Kenneth L. Gartner, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01045133-F00 84358

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Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 3, 2017, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 26, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 4336 Hicksville Rd, Bethpage, NY 11714-3463. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 52, Block 310, Lot 43. Approximate amount of judgment $459,790.32 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #009094/2015. Brian Davis, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 17-006341 84489

Central Boulevard kindergartners celebrate 100 days of learning

On Feb. 14, kindergarteners at Central Boulevard Elementary School marked their 100th day of school with a festive parade dressed as lively centenarians.

Excitement filled the halls of Central Boulevard Elementary School on Feb. 14 as kindergarteners marked their 100th day of school with a festive celebration. Dressed as lively centenarians—complete with gray wigs, suspenders, and glasses—students proudly paraded through the building, greeted

by the cheers of special guests gathered in the school lobby. Following their triumphant march, the young learners and their guests continued the festivities in the cafeteria, where they teamed up to string together necklaces with 100 colorful beads—a fun and symbolic way to commemorate their

journey so far.

It was a day filled with joy, laughter and pride, celebrating the hard work and milestones of Central Boulevard’s youngest scholars.

Photos courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

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Following the parade,

beads.

students teamed up with their special guests to create necklaces out of 100

“P.S. I Love You Day” brings zen to Gardiners Avenue

Students sported purple to mark the occasion.

Gardiners Avenue Elementary School students gathered for a session of mindful meditation for P.S. I Love You Day on Feb. 14.

Gardiners Avenue Elementary School in the Levittown School District practiced peace of mind during the annual P.S. I Love You Day celebration on Feb. 14.

Students and staff turned the halls into a sea of purple as they sported P.S. I Love You Day themed shirts with positive messages and hung decorations throughout the halls. Students filled out a large mural with their projects that featured self-portraits and the reasons “I like being

you.” Each class also gathered for a session of mindful meditation accompanied by relaxing music. They were told to imagine their happiest place, then draw the location on a piece of paper. P.S. I Love You Day – celebrated throughout Levittown Schools –aims to decrease bullying and bring awareness to the importance of mental health through activities about acceptance and understanding.

Photos courtesy Levittown Public Schools

A large mural organized by art teacher Alyssa Arndt had students reflect on why, “I like being you.”

While meditating, students imagined their happiest place then drew the location on a piece of paper.

Levittown voters asked to decide sale of school building

On Tuesday, May 20, in addition to casting a ballot on the proposed budget, residents within the Levittown School District will be asked to vote on the sale of the building located at 1100 Crestline Place, Seaford,  to Nassau BOCES for $7,216,000. Included in the proposed sale are the physical school building and the immediate surrounding land. The district will retain ownership of the adjoining athletic fields for contin -

ued use by student athletic teams and community organizations.

Built in 1955, the school was used as an elementary school for the district until its closure in 1997. It is currently leased by Nassau BOCES and used as a middle school for students with learning, behavioral, emotional and developmental disabilities.

“We believe that selling the building serves the best interests of all involved, including our taxpayers,”

Superintendent of Schools Todd Winch said. “Transferring the building to a respected educational partner such as Nassau BOCES guarantees its continued role in education while allowing our students and community to continue using the athletic fields.”

If the sale is approved by Levittown residents on May 20, it remains conditional upon voter approval of Nassau County residents through a separate

referendum, as well as approval by the Nassau County Planning Board of a subdivision to allow Levittown to retain ownership and use of the athletic fields.

The referendum will take place on Tuesday, May 20, from 7 a.m.–8 p.m. at Gardiners Avenue Elementary School, East Broadway Elementary School, Levittown Memorial Education Center and Division Avenue High School.

Six Days on Discovery Bicycle Tours’ Idaho Trails: Biking the Coeur d’Alenes

RUBIN

On Day 4 of Discovery Bicycle Tours’ six-day Idaho Trails trip, after breakfast at our base at the Silver Mountain Resort, we are shuttled to Shoshone Park in the mining town of Mullan for an easy downstream ride through the “Silver Valley,” home to several historic mining communities.

We soon pick up the official start of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, enjoying views of the rocky, forested mountains, as we make our way to the utterly charming “wild west” town of Wallace.

We have been primed for Wallace’s character (and humor) when we had a talk by a local historian at the Roosevelt Inn in Coeur d’Alene so are prepared for the “history (and some hilarity!) that await us as citizens of Wallace have tenaciously preserved their town amidst an ever changing landscape of fortunes lost and gained.”

Biking the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, Idaho on the last day of Discovery Bicycle Tours’ six-day Idaho Trails trip © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com BY KAREN

Now, we stroll around the town looking for some of the sights she pointed out, like the town’s last brothel, a mining museum, a silver shop, before we join the Sierra Silver Mine Tour. It begins with a delightful narrated tour of Wallace in an open-air trolley that takes us up to the mine.

Who knew that Wallace was the “Silver Capital of the World” – some $138 billion worth taken out of these mines –$20 billion of metals just last year (did I hear that right?) – 1 million ounces of silver. In the 1960s, incred-

was discovered.

You would be forgiven if you thought Wallace was a theme park creation (the 1997 movie “Dante’s Peak” was filmed here), but the history and the heritage are real, as is the miner, “Fast Freddie,” who is our guide into the silver mine.

“Fast Freddie” is a colorful character (he looks as if he came from Hollywood casting), with a marvelous sense of humor, amusing and engaging, but most important, he is authentic, speaking of his own experience working 21 years underground in these mines. “You need a good sense of humor in a mine,” Freddie tells us. “We used to play tricks.”

After the collapse of the silver market and the closure of mines, Wallace looked to tourism to compensate. This mine was turned into an attraction, getting as many as 18,000 visitors a year.

ulously, Wallace was the “richest little city” in America with the highest number of millionaires per capita, as well as a thriving brothel industry. (The last running bordello was shut down in 1989 when the FBI raided tax dodgers – there is still resentment in the town - but you can visit the Bordello Museum.)

When mining began in 1886, Wallace’s population was 500; at its peak, in 1940, when some 200 mines were operating (quartz, gold, silver, copper, zinc), the population peaked at 4000, but, with the collapse of silver prices in March1980, most of the mines closed, the miners left and the population fell to the present number of 800. Today, there are still four

active silver mines, including the Lucky Friday and the Galina mines, and one gold mine.

In 1890, a chimney fire destroyed most of the town – the buildings we see today date from 1890-1920. Indeed, Wallace has the rare honor of the entire town being listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

Other tidbits: only one sitting president has visited Wallace: Theodore Roosevelt came in 1903 on a campaign whistle stop; the town spent $5000 just on flags to welcome him. There was a shootout on Valentine’s Day, 1951 –one of the tommy guns is on display in the museum. And Wallace’s most famous native is Lana Turner went one day to a grocery store where she

As we enter the mine and pass a skeleton sitting on a chair and we actually see a canary cage – used to let the miners know when oxygen is low (the proverbial “canary in a coal mine.”)

This mine was only briefly used, he says, because the silver was very low grade and not worth the expense. It was turned into a mining school, where students learned the techniques of mining and could be hired right into a job. Future miners were taught to run the jack, the drill, and to blast. The miners work alone at different levels, so each one has to do everything – digging, setting the dynamite charge, moving out the ore. “You have to get everything done so you

Continued on next page

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

Six Days on Discovery Bicycle Tours’ Idaho Trails: Biking the Coeur d’Alenes

Continued from previous page

can blast before the next shift arrives.”

After being returned by the trolley, we have time to wander around Wallace before biking back on the trail on our own to the Silver Mine Resort.

Wallace is really interesting - like a time warp and not really just “tourist quaint”, quirky and fun. Just strolling around, you find the Wallace District Mining Museum, the Idaho Silver Shop, Northern Railroad Depot Museum, and everyone’s favorite, the Oasis Bordello Museum.

These folks in Wallace have a sense of humor – and an eye for a profit-making tourism-promoting gimmick: they designated a manhole at the crossroads in the middle of town as the “Center of the Universe” (that’s what is engraved on it). Based on what? “What’s the evidence that it isn’t?” comes the reply. I find a shop that sells guns, antiques, curios, and collectibles. In a glass cabinet is a large mummified “mermaid” (calling to mind a similar fantastical creature displayed in a store in Banff, Canada, and P.T. Barnum’s museum of oddities).

It’s a delightful bike ride from Wallace to the Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg, where we have dinner together in the mountain village base.

DAY 5: 39 or 46 miles, Cataldo Mission and the Coeur d’Alenes

The plan on Day 5 is to set out from the Silver Mountain Resort biking on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, and after 11 miles or so, to visit the Cataldo Mission, Idaho’s oldest standing building, lunch at the Rodehouse before continuing biking, with a choice of 39 or 46 miles of cycling to Harrison, where we are to be shuttled back to the resort for

a celebratory dinner in Kellogg for our last night together.

But it is a drenching rain.

Our guide, Clarista, says “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing” and says her job is to cheerlead for biking, but we can choose to shuttle the first 11 miles instead of bike to the Cataldo Mission. After assuring us we won’t be missing much in the way of scenery and that the portion from Cataldo to Smelterville is the pretty part, we vote to take her up on her offer to drive us to the Mission.

The visit at the Cataldo Mission starts with an excellent video that explains how the local tribe invited the Jesuits (“Black Robes”) to come here and build the mission. At the time, the introduction of the horse meant that tribes that had coexisted in their own land before, began to encroach on each other’s territory. The tribe believed that the “Black Robe” missionaries had a superior power, a Great Spirit, who would enable them to triumph over their enemies.

The Mission of the Sacred Art was built in 1850-1853, by Father Pierre Jean De Smet, chief of the “Black Robes” who answered the tribe’s invitation to come, along with Father Ravalli, an Italianborn religious leader who designed the building and supervised construction with simple tools and without nails.

The Old Mission church is simple and beautiful – the wood-beamed ceiling painted blue with huckleberries, to make the native people more comfortable since they were used to praying outside. We learn that the walls were decorated with fabric bought from the Hudson Bay Company and a hand-painted newspaper from Philadelphia that Fr. Ravalli had received in the mail. Tin cans were used to create the chandeliers. Both wooden statues were carved

by Fr. Rivalli with a knife to look like marble.

What I find most fascinating, though, is the museum there that better represents the tribe’s point of view – how they were initially drawn to Christianity with its values of “comfort, community” the sense of miraculous to be found in nature, and a Great Spirit with power to grant protection, like their own spirits, which seemed (at first) to conform with their own values and beliefs.

The Coeur d’Alene people - the Schitsu’umsh, meaning “Those who were found here” or “The discovered people” - were initially drawn in because the early Jesuits were tolerant of native culture and traditions, even blending the cultures together.

Over time, the Coeur d’Alene people regretted the decision to give the Black Robes a stronghold when they realized the Jesuits’ mission was to create an Empire of Christianity. At the same time, white settlers looking to exploit the region’s resources, who brought guns and small pox, were taking territory and pushing out the indigenous tribes. In 1877, even the mission was forcibly relocated from the ‘House of the Great Spirit.”

The Cataldo Mission became a state historic park in 1935, was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961, and put on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.

We have lunch at the Rodehouse, right across the road from the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. By this time, the rain has all but ended – it is grey and humid – and we get back on the trail for the 16-mile ride back to the resort. The cloud formations make for dramatic scenes.

We cycle along an enchanting stretch of wetlands – part of the trail is a berm with marsh on either side. We have

Lowering Your Sodium Intake

BY CHARLYN FARGO

Most of us eat too much salt. We may not use the salt shaker, but we eat out too often and we eat too many processed and packaged foods.

Three slices of bread or one teaspoon of table salt gives us all we need for a day. More than 90% of Americans consume too much sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure, hypertension and increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

We only need around 450 milligrams of sodium per day, and the recommended maximum amount is 2,300 milligrams, or 1,500 milligrams for those at risk for hypertension. But average consumption exceeds 3,000 to 3,500 milligrams per day -- or 50% to 100% above the upper limit. More than 70% of our sodium intake comes from

processed and packaged foods, primarily cured meats, bread, cheese and soups.

Researchers at the University of Illinois are trying to help reduce the amount of sodium Americans consume by helping companies lower the sodium in processed foods. In a new study, researchers did a comprehensive review of the scientific literature on sodium reduction strategies in food production.

“Sodium overconsumption is a huge health concern, and the FDA has recommended sodium reduction in food since the 1980s, but we haven’t succeeded yet. While the unit volume of salt in the food supply has not increased, the amount of sodium consumption has gone up, because we just consume a lot of food,” says Soo-Yeun Lee, professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the Univer-

been told “just after Metamonk Village (mile 20) to be on lookout for moose, and sure enough, when we are almost at the end of the trail, we come upon a moose with her baby.

DAY 6: 16 miles to the end of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes Day 6 is our final day of riding. We pack up our luggage, have breakfast, and shuttle to Harrison, the point on the trail where we ended yesterday’s ride. Today, we bike the last section, 16 miles, through a series of chained lakes to the end of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. It is glorious.

It’s a perfect day - sunshine, cool temp (60 degrees), a bit of a headwind. We ride along the Lake Coeur d’Alene, then cross over the Chatcolet Bridge, a really interesting bridge which was once a swinging trestle (the challenge is to ride over the hump), then into the forest where we climb for about seven miles, through the Coeur D’Alene reservation, to finish at the trail’s end, at a moving Indian Warriors and Veterans Memorial. Here we have a picnic lunch, feeling extremely satisfied and happy, before we pack into the van again for an hour-drive back at Spokane Airport or downtown.

Discovery Bicycle Tours has just joined Austin Adventures, a Montanabased North America National Parks small group tour company, under the umbrella ownership of  Active Adventures , a New Zealand-based small group adventure travel company. These companies primarily offer hiking and multi-sport options, and just like Discovery Bicycle Tours, focus on small groups (averaging 12 guests).

Discovery Bicycle Tours, 800-257-2226, www.discoverybicycletours.com

© 2025 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear. com

sity of Illinois and co-author of the paper.

The researchers identified five main strategies: Salt reduction, salt replacers, flavor modification, physical modification and functional modification.

Why not just remove salt from a recipe? It’s not possible to completely eliminate sodium because it has both sensory and functional properties. Salt is used for meat preservation and to make bread dough rise.

The team found many of the studies combined more than one method, such as salt removal with salt replacers and flavor modification or salt removal with physical modification.

Salt replacers include potassium chloride, calcium chloride or other chloride

Continued on page 6

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

March Is Women’s History Month

Kristin Chenoweth is a star of the stage, the big screen and TV. She is also an author. Born on July 24, 1968, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, she was adopted five days later by Junie and Jerry Chenoweth who both worked as chemical engineers in Broken Arrow which is a suburb of Tulsa.

At an early age, Kristin Chenoweth performed gospel songs for local churches. A performing highlight of her childhood was a solo appearance at the Southern Baptist Convention national conference at the age of 12. People realized that Chenoweth could sing.

At Broken Arrow Senior High School she participated in school plays then she attended Oklahoma City University where she was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theatre in 1990 and a Master’s degree in opera performance in 1992. That same year Chenoweth participated in a studio recording of “The Most Happy Fella.”

While she was in college and working towards her master’s degree Chenoweth performed at the Lyric Theatre in Oklahoma City, among other regional theatres, in roles such as June in “Gypsy,” Liesl in “The Sound of Music,” Fran in “Promises, Promises” and Tuptim in “The King and I.”

It was also while studying at Oklahoma City University that her voice instructor and mentor, Florence Birdwell, suggested that “Kristi” add an “n” to her name to make it Kristin. That made her name sound more professional in the entertainment business.

As she completed her master’s degree, Chenoweth participated in several vocal competitions and was named “most promising up-and-coming singer” in the Metropolitan Opera National Council auditions, which came with a full scholarship to Philadelphia’s Academy of Vocal Arts.

Two weeks before school started she went to NYC to help a friend move. While there, she auditioned for the 1993 Paper Mill Playhouse production of the musical “Animal Crackers” and was cast in the role of Arabella Rittenhouse. She turned down the scholarship and moved to New York City in 1994 to play the role and pursue a career in musical theatre.

As someone coming from a small town, Chenoweth had to adjust to living and working in NYC but she did. She said it wasn’t always easy but for her work on Broadway, in 1999 Chenoweth won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role as Sally Brown in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”

In 2003, Chenoweth was nominated for a second Tony Award for originating the role of Glinda in the musical “Wicked.” On TV Chenoweth has played Annabeth Schott in NBC’s “The West Wing,” April Rhodes in “Glee” and Olive Snook on the comedy drama “Pushing Daisies.” For that role she won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2009.

In 2001 Chenoweth had her own sitcom called “Kristin” and she has guest-starred on many shows, including “Sesame Street” and “Glee,” and she was nominated for Emmy Awards in 2010 and 2011. She also starred in the ABC TV series “GCB” in 2012, played Lavinia in “Trial & Error” in 2018, and she was also in the musical comedy TV series “Schmigadoon!” from 2021 - 2023.

In films, she has played mostly character roles, such as in “Bewitched” in 2005 and “The Pink Panther” in 2006. In TV movies, Chenoweth has played roles in “Descendants” in 2015 and several Christmas shows. She’s also done voice work in several animated films.

On July 24, 2015, Kristin Chenoweth’s parents, Junie and Jerry Chenoweth, were pleased to attend her star ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles. She was honored in the category of Live Theater/Performance and the guest speakers for the event were Carol Burnett and Kenny Ortega.

After dating musician Josh Bryant for five years, he and Kristin Chenoweth married on September 2, 2023, at a ceremony in Dallas. Their dog, Thunder, served as the ring bearer and 140 guests attended the celebration at a private home.

An Arkansas native, Bryant is a guitarist for the country band Backroad Anthem. Chenoweth says that Bryant is a talented musician. Chenoweth and Bryant met for the first time at her niece’s wedding and they hit it off. Two

years later Chenoweth’s nephew got married and he also booked Backroad Anthem for his wedding reception.

Chenoweth said they had become online friends. She’d gotten to know the whole band and they became friends so by the time they met at the second wedding is when sparks flew.

Kristin Chenoweth splits her time between Nashville and Broken Arrow where she hosts the annual Kristin Chenoweth Broadway Boot Camp. The camp is held at the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center which is a 1,500 seat venue for major Broadway tours, concerts, specialty shows and other events while also acting as the official location for the Broken Arrow Public Schools fine arts programs.

The boot camp is a week-long program for students in grades 8-12. Students participate in acting, dance, and singing activities. The camp ends in a student-faculty performance called the “Kristi Awards.”

In honor of Kristin Chenoweth’s many accomplishments, the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center renamed one of its theaters the Kristin Chenoweth Theater in 2012.

About her career and her life Kristin Chenoweth has said:

“I’m constantly learning, and that is

the greatest gift of life in my opinion - to always be learning and growing.”

“I love live theater; I like the relationship between the show and the audience. That’s my comfort zone, but more than anything, it’s what makes me happy.”

“I auditioned for a solo in church and got it. I was about seven and I sang a song called, ‘Jesus, I Heard You Had a Big House’ and I remember people standing up at the end and me thinking, ‘Oh, I think I’m going to like this.’ That’s how it all began. Sounds funny to say you got your start in church, but I did.”

Clarifying the DOGE Allegations About Social Security

BY TOM MARGENAU

Many readers have been emailing me asking for my help in understanding the allegations made by Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency about sloppy recordkeeping at the Social Security Administration. Here are three typical questions.

Q: What is going on with the DOGE reports about Social Security recipients who are supposedly 120 years old?

Q: Elon Musk says that there are millions of people in Social Security files who are at least 150 years old. Who is cashing all the checks sent to these obviously nonexistent people?

Q: I’ve heard that millions of people well over 100 years old are being sent Social Security checks every month. What’s going on?

Let me begin by making this key point. The Social Security records in question are NOT Social Security benefit payment records. Those records are meticulously maintained and updated constantly. Every single study I’ve ever seen, by both government and private sector oversight groups, has shown that Social Security benefit payments are remarkably correct -- with about 99.8% accuracy.

So, despite all these ridiculous rumors to the contrary, Social Security benefit checks are NOT being sent to people who died a long time ago.

The mismanaged records in question belong to a completely separate set of files maintained by the Social Security Administration. They are the Social Security number files. Internally (within the SSA), it is called the Numident file. This is a file of every Social Security number that has ever been issued and some corresponding data about the person to whom that number was issued.

I’m in that file. You’re in that file. Anyone who has ever had a Social Security number is in that file. The data in that file comes from the form you filled out when you got your first Social Security card. To refresh your memory (because most people reading this probably got their SSN card 50 or 60 years ago), the form asked for your name, your date and place of birth and your parents’ names.

So, all those records (hundreds of millions of them) make up the Numident file. Now, I can’t stress enough that the Numident file has nothing to do with other key files maintained by the SSA, such as earnings record files for all working Americans and the beneficiary payment files for everyone getting a monthly Social Security check.

The problem is that even though Social Security earnings records and beneficiary payment records are constantly maintained and updated, especially when someone dies, those reports of death did not always get transferred over to the Numident files.

I can think of an example of how that might happen. Say John Doe was born in

1900 and got a Social Security number in 1935. Then, he died in 1938, having never been married or had children. Back then, there was no need to report that death to the Social Security Administration because there were no benefit payments to stop and no survivor benefits to apply for. So, the Numident file for John Doe will show no date of death. And that means you could look at that file and say that the SSA has a record of a guy (John Doe) who is 125 years old.

And then you multiply that John Doe story by a million other instances like that and you come up with a Numident file that has not been properly maintained. (But to be fair and put things in perspective, those incorrect files are a small percentage of the whole universe of SSN records.)

On the one hand, you could say, “What’s the big deal if John Doe’s date of death is not recorded in the Numident file if it has nothing to do with the SSA’s other, more important files such as earnings records and beneficiary payment data?” On the other hand, it is still a case of sloppy recordkeeping by the SSA, and those Numident files should be updated to show proper dates of death for everyone.

Here’s another way of looking at this story. Suppose Betty Crocker was proud of the fact that she maintained an absolutely immaculate house. Every room is meticulously cleaned each day, everything is in its place and there is never a spot of dust to be found anywhere. But Betty does have one room down in the corner of the basement that she rarely enters. It’s a storage room of sorts where, because of her scrupulous habits, everything is mostly in order. But she still has some stray clutter in it that she’s been meaning to get to someday. Because Betty spends so much time keeping the rest of her place in tip-top shape, she just hasn’t had the time to get down to the storage room to clean it.

Then, one day, Betty learns that the people at Good Housekeeping Magazine are coming over to inspect her house. When they arrive, she proudly opens the door, ready to show off all her hard work. But lo and behold, they head straight for the basement and go into her storage room. They are shocked by the disarray and proceed to write a story accusing Betty of being a sloppy housekeeper. The story goes viral, and now poor Betty is shamed across the country. Furthermore, the Good Housekeeping people are threatening to send in their own people to clean up Betty’s alleged mess.

Of course, in that little story, Betty is the Social Security Administration. Her meticulously kept home is all of the SSA’s many data files. But that basement storage room is the Numident file. The Good Housekeeping people are Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency.

It’s just too bad for Betty that Good Housekeeping has dwelled on the only unclean room in her home and besmirched her reputation. And it’s too bad for the So-

cial Security Administration that its reputation for benefit payment accuracy has been muddied by a DOGE story taken out of context.

Having said all that, it obviously would be wise for Betty to clean her storage room and for the SSA to clean up its Numident files.

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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CROSSWORD PUZZLE

REAL ESTATE WATCH

Feng Shui and its impact and influence on Real Estate

For many years segments of the real estate purchasing population around Long Island and throughout the U.S.A. have used the 5000+ year old Asian custom called Feng Shui. The word Feng (wind) and Shui (water) are two important facets of human survival and most real estate Brokers, agents and homeowners do not understand or know the custom in preparing their homes for sale for that specific audience. But it is a serious and well adapted custom that many buyers or financially supporting relatives use when searching, examining and inspecting a home or even commercial property for sale.

This column will not delve into every aspect, because many books have been written about it and there would not be enough space in this column to explain it all. That being said, I will go into some of the basics, since I am a C.I.P.S. (Certified International Property Specialist), GRI (Graduate of the Realtor Institute, what I call my Masters Degree of Real Estate, as well as Green certified by the National Association of Realtors. I have studied and learned much of what is crucial for those who practice Feng Shui as well as a multitude of other international customs.

By the end of 2024 the Chinese were the second largest segment (11%) plus Mexicans of the international buyers of residential real estate in the U.S., behind Canadians. International home buying activity complied by the National Association of Realtors, 1.2 million Realtors, (now 1.55 million strong), saw the Chinese buy 28.6 billion of residential properties in 2015;

BY JEFF RUGG

Q: I received a Phalaenopsis orchid as a present last fall, and it is still blooming. I have never tried growing an orchid even though I do have some other house plants. I am wondering what I should do with it this summer when it is warmer outside. Are there other orchids that grow in similar situations that also bloom for a long time?

A: Yes, there are other orchids that grow in similar conditions as the common Phalaenopsis orchid that we see in grocery and hardware stores. Phals, as we commonly call them, are the gateway drug into orchid growing. Let me list the best conditions for the phals and then the deviations for some other common orchids that are grown as houseplants. If I don’t mention a change, then it grows the same as the Phals.

Phals like daytime temps 75 degrees and over during the day and mid-60s at night year-round. They start a flower spike

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

decreasing in 2024 to 7.5 billion, most likely due to much higher interest rates.

Obviously, one must be well versed, knowledgeable and practiced at knowing Feng Shui. Having this expertise in this cultural form makes a direct and monumental and impactful connection to the Asian audience. They are still purchasing with a voracious appetite for primary residences, as well as commercial properties on Long Island as well as in Queens, the 5 Boroughs of NYC and many other areas around the U.S. To tap into that audience one should be aware that the Asian Real Estate Association of American (AREAA), did a study and concluded that Feng Shui is the second most important consideration, only behind schools and neighborhood safety for their community. Eighty-six percent state that the crucial practice would play a critical role in home purchasing decisions and 79% would be willing to invest in a home that incorporated Feng Shui principles. Moreover, respondents were willing to pay 16%+ more for a home that complied with the philosophy and 90% of these Chinese buyers feel the resale value would be increased by implementing these practices. According to N.A.R.,36% of Chinese purchasers would not work with Brokers or agents who were not knowledgeable in Feng Shui.

In 2015, I enrolled in a course that spanned 5 days: and for me it was

the most enlightening subject matter I had ever undertook in the 43 years of being involved in Real Estate, as well as having the best and most knowledgeable instructor/mentor to convey the valuable and pertinent information. My instructor was Mr. David Lauster, who became the top banana, Branch Chief for our U.S. State Department who had been in charge of all the purchasing, leasing, sales and construction of all the U.S. embassies in 100 countries around the globe. He has the total and complete responsibility for managing with his staff at the State Department. Our U.S. government currently owns thousands of properties worldwide. As of 2024, it had 271 Diplomatic posts around the globe.

I made a video of a segment of one of our classes, of his first encounter with a very serious Chinese couple in 2005 in Orlando, Florida, who were looking to purchase a home. It is an extremely hilarious and a very profound and mind opening video due to the content and his lack of knowledge of Feng Shui, at that time. To learn more about Feng Shui, go to this link: bit.ly/4k7zfHf Come back next week for part 2 and the link to my video from our class in 2015 that you will never forget!

Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 43+ years experience in the Real Estate

Easy-To-Grow Orchids

when exposed to temperatures in the upper 40s to 50s for a couple of months in the fall when left outdoors. However, you should never expose them to frost.

They are an epiphytic plant, meaning they grow on other plants. They grow in the bright shade near the top of jungle forests, so bright shade indoors or out is best. Bright shade would be enough to barely see your shadow.

If they are planted in a bark mix, they may need to be watered every five to 10 days depending on the temperature. Don’t let the roots dry out. If they are planted in only sphagnum moss, watering intervals may stretch to 10-21 days. Be careful to not overwater. If you want to do the ice cube watering method, poke a few holes in a paper cup and put the ice cubes in the cup.

Fertilize following label directions with an orchid fertilizer. Repot them in the spring if the plant is growing over the sides of the pot. They like humidity in the

industry and has earned 3 significant designations: (What I consider a Master’s degree in real estate) expert in consulting and completing international transactions, eco-friendly low carbon footprint construction with 3-D printed foundations, solar panels, Geo-thermal HVAC/Heat Pumps).

He will also provide 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 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 him at (516) 647-4289 or email: Phil@ TurnKeyRealEstate.com You can now search at your leisure for properties at: WWW.Li-RealEstate.com

50-70% range.

Oncidiums have long sprays of small flowers that last a long time. They grow well in normal home conditions: 70s in the day and 60s at night are good. The best situation is 2,000-3,000 foot-candles of light. Don’t let them dry out in the summer, but reduce watering in the winter.

Cattleya orchids are known for the huge flowers often used for corsages. They need temperatures in the 80s during the day and 60s at night, so find the hottest room in the house for them. They need 2,0003,000 foot-candles of light. Direct sun will burn the leaves, and they shouldn’t get extra light at night. Water them before they dry out. They have a pseudo bulb that helps them through dry spells, so don’t overwater.

The Paphiopedilum orchids are also known as Lady Slippers. The ones from tropical regions can be grown in continuous 70-80 degrees, and some of the tem-

perate region ones need to have low temperatures in the 50s to initiate flower buds. They are forest floor orchids, so they do best in 900-1,500 foot-candles of light. They need to stay humid with damp soil.

Cymbidiums are perfect for people who have cool homes with temperatures no higher than the 70s during the day in summer and the 60s at night. The night temperature needs to drop into the 50s in the fall for flowers to form. They love light up to 8,000 foot-candles. They love water and fertilizer.

A few other orchid genera you may want to read up on are the Dendrobiums, Miltoniopsis and Vandas. A couple of good books to read are “Understanding Orchids” by William Cullina and “Orchid Modern” by Marc Hachadourian.

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

COPYRIGHT 2025 JEFF RUGG DISTRIBUTED BY CREATORS.COM

A GREENER VIEW

BY MARY HUNT

Fun (Cheap) Birthday Gift Ideas for Kids

Some time ago, I got a message from Elaine G., who had recently joined a mom’s group. With all of her newly minted friendships, she and her child are getting invitations to lots of toddler birthday parties.

Her dilemma took me back to when our boys were small. Birthday parties for all their friends were challenging. That’s why Elaine’s message grabbed my attention. “Can you help me with ideas for birthday gifts for young children that will score with the kids without breaking our budget?” You bet, Elaine. Try these ideas on for size.

THE STORY OF ME

Give the birthday girl or boy everything they need to write (or draw) the story of their life. For children just learning to read, write or draw, include a list of “prompts” that might include instructing the child to draw a picture of a favorite animal, a place to visit or something that makes them laugh. Package it with a pad or book of drawing paper, markers, crayons and enough prompts to complete all the pages in their book.

PLAY KIT

Spark the interest and imagination of the birthday child with a custom play kit you put together. “Design” the kit on paper by making a list of contents, and then go “shopping” in your home, garage or attic. Visit thrift stores, garage sales and consignment stores for items that can be

laundered and sanitized. Make kits for boys or girls and feature themes such as dress-up, kitchen, handyman, restaurant, doctor, cowboy and entertainer.

PIGGY BANK

Start your recipient on the debt-proof road early with a piggy bank. Add a starter fund of coins (or cash, if it’s in your budget) to encourage regular deposits that will make the pig noisy when shaken.

PHOTO JIGSAW PUZZLE

Mount an enlarged photo of your child and the birthday boy or girl onto a piece of foam board. Cover the photo with a piece of tracing paper and lightly draw a jigsaw pattern, making the number of pieces appropriate for the recipient’s age. Carefully cut through the paper, photo and board along the puzzle lines. Separate the pieces, and place in a gift box.

BUCKET OF STUFF

Personalize a bucket or container with

the birthday child’s name, and fill with age-appropriate art and craft supplies like paper, crayons, pencils, glitter, paste, scissors, ruler, tape and a pencil sharpener. A dollar store is a great place to fill a birthday bucket because it’s quantity that counts!

COUPON BOOK

Create a book filled with coupons for play dates with your child and the birthday boy or girl. Include trips to the park, your home, sleepovers, treats, games, crafts and activities.

JUMP ROPE AND RHYMES

This gift is a fun one for elementary-aged kids -- and very budget-friendly. Purchase a colorful jump rope, and add the free printable jump rope rhymes you can easily find online with a simple search for “jump rope rhymes.”

COLORING KIT

Coloring is popular right now for kids and adults. Putting together a coloring

Lowering Your Sodium Intake

use new and different strategies.

Continued from page 2

or acid salts. However, the researchers found these substitutes tend to have a bitter taste, so they are often used in combination with flavor modifications, such as umami substances or bitter blockers.

With physical modification, another method of reduction, salt crystals are encapsulated, which changes how the salt is dissolved in the mouth. This can alter the saltiness perception, allowing for a reduction in the amount of sodium necessary to create a salty taste. You can also create an uneven distribution of the salt in a product that can further help enhance the perceived saltiness of the food product through taste contrast.

With functional modification, researchers found you could move away from a sodium-based preservative in cured meats, perhaps by using a celery-powder preservative instead of sodium nitrate.

The team is hoping their work will provide insight into the wide variety of salt-reducing technologies that exist to help food companies be more informed to

So, what’s the best strategy for reducing your salt intake? Cook at home (controlling the amount of salt you add and using herbs and spices instead) and limit your consumption of processed and packaged foods. Buy a low-sodium version of canned soups or no-salt-added canned vegetables.

Q and A

Q: Is sparkling water good for you?

A: There are a few different kinds of fizzy water. Club soda contains added minerals including sodium (12 ounce of a leading club soda has 4% of the Daily Value for sodium). Mineral water contains natural minerals like magnesium and calcium. Tonic water contains quinine, a bitter compound from the bark of a tree, plus sweetener (sometimes several teaspoons per serving). Sparkling waters like LaCroix and Bubly are carbonated water and contain added flavoring but no sodium or sweeteners. Sparkling water is better than soda, for sure. In research, sugar-sweetened beverages are associated with a higher risk for obesity, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. And a research

kit makes for an inexpensive gift. Items for the kit might include colored pencils, markers, crayons and one or two coloring books. Purchase them during the fall, when school supplies are on sale for ridiculously awesome prices.

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.”

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

study in the U.K. (testing 13 different drinks) found that sparkling water is just as hydrating as plain water. It may be a bit more acidic than regular water and therefore affect the enamel on your teeth, but you can always drink it through a straw. The bottom line: If you enjoy it, it’s a great way to stay hydrated.

RECIPE

Who doesn’t love a great chicken salad? Here’s a recipe for Waldorf Chicken Salad (created at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York and still popular). It’s refreshing with apples, walnuts and celery. The recipe is adapted from Good Housekeeping magazine.

WALDORF CHICKEN SALAD

Servings: 4

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon honey

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons light sour cream

2 tablespoons light mayonnaise

1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 heads Boston lettuce

3/4 cup flat leaf parsley (roughly

chopped)

2 rotisserie chicken breasts, sliced

1 Gala apple, cored and thinly sliced

2 stalks celery, thinly sliced

1 cup small red seedless grapes, halved

1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped

In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, honey, salt, sour cream, mayonnaise, whole-grain mustard and pepper. Separate the leaves on the Boston lettuce and toss with half of the dressing to coat, then toss with the parsley. Divide among bowls along with the chicken, apple, celery and grapes. Drizzle with remaining dressing and sprinkle with the walnuts. Serves 4.

Per serving: 345 calories; 26 grams protein; 20 grams carbohydrate; 15 grams fat (3.5 grams saturated); 4 grams fiber; 614 milligrams sodium.

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. . COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

STARGAZERS

Shadow on the Moon!

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of March 2-8, 2025

If you’ve got plans for Friday, March 14, you may want to cancel them now. I’ve already done so because next week’s amazing celestial show will keep stargazers up most of the night.

On the night of Thursday/Friday, March 13/14, we in North America will enjoy our first total eclipse of the moon in several years, and it’s something you won’t want to miss.

The cosmic show begins at 1:09 a.m. ET (10:09 p.m. PDT), when the Earth’s dark inner shadow (the umbra) appears to take a bite out of the moon’s eastern limb. I know this partial eclipse will appear like the shadow is moving across the full moon’s face, but it’s actually the moon that’s drifting through the shadow.

The moon will continue to dim as it enters deeper into our planet’s shadow until 2:26 a.m. EDT (11:26 p.m. PDT), when the moon becomes completely engulfed. If the sky is clear, we will see it take on a coppery hue.

This deep orange color occurs becaus sunlight passing through our planet’s atmosphere is reddened and bent inward toward the darkened surface of the totally eclipsed moon. Just how colorful and bright it appears will depend on the clarity of our planet’s atmosphere at the time. During totality, the moon’s appearance could range anywhere from bright orange to practically invisible.

Little more than 30 minutes later -- around 2:59

a.m. EDT (11:59 p.m. PDT) -- the eclipse will reach its midpoint. For another 33 minutes or so, the moon will continue drifting out of the Earth’s umbral shadow until it exits at 4:48 a.m. EDT (1:48 a.m. PDT).

To find the times for your town, visit te interactive map at timeanddate.com. Once there, click on the heading “Sun, Moon & Space,” scroll down and click “Eclipses”; then select the eclipse of March 13-14. Here you’ll be able to scroll around, zoom in and click on your location to get more details for your area. You’ll also find helpful links there for some terrific animations and even a link to watch the eclipse via livestream in case your sky is cloudy.

Unlike an eclipse of the sun, a lunar eclipse is perfectly safe to view without protective filters. Your eyes are all you need, but if you have binoculars or a small telescope, you may find viewing to be even more enjoyable.

You’ll be able to watch the sky show even from under bright city lights, but for a truly special display, venture out under the dark wilderness skies. Here the sky will darken during totality, and the moon will appear suspended eerily between the springtime stars of Leo and Virgo.

To find links about the workings of lunar eclipses or how to try your hand at photographing this celestial spectacle, check out Fred Espenak’s webpage at mreclipse.com. And to learn if anyone in your area is hosting a free lunar eclipse viewing party, check with your local planetarium, college or amateur astronomy club.

LOST IN SUBURBIA

A Half-Baked Column

Stargazers in North America will be treated to a total eclipse of the moon the night of Thursday/Friday, March 13/14.

Of course, I wish everyone clear skies that night, but if the weather causes us to miss the show, North American skywatchers will get another chance in early September!

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com. COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

“I think it’s time we retired this oven,” I said to my husband as I displayed a sheet of blackened sweet potato fries. “Even the dog won’t eat these.”

“Sure he will,” he said, tossing some fries on the floor. The dog immediately sucked them down.

“Not my point,” I said.

We had known our oven was on its last burners for quite some time. But it still worked, sort of, which was more than we could say about the prehistoric dishwasher or fridge, so those got replaced first. For years, I tried to convince myself that I really wasn’t jealous of my friends with their fancy stainless steel ovens with enough BTUs to power a rocket ship. But the truth was, I had major cooktop envy. I want-

ed a stove that could boil water in 6.2 seconds. I wanted an oven that not only cooked my salmon perfectly but caught it off the coast of Alaska, skinned it and cleaned it for me.

OK, maybe I wanted something that didn’t exist. But I at least wanted a stove that had actual numbers that weren’t rubbed off the dials so I didn’t have to guess whether I was baking or broiling.

And thus began our quest for the perfect oven. Armed with our pretty little internet oven pictures, we headed off to the appliance store.

“My old stove had one oven on top and a separate oven on the bottom so I could cook two things at one time,” I told the salesman. “Do you have any 30-inch stainless steel stoves like that?”

“Was your old oven 7 feet high and pale yellow?”

“Yes!” I said excitedly.

When he was done rolling on the floor laughing out loud, he helped us find something that was actually better than what I’d had and was also from this millennium. Then he showed us the price. I choked.

“You know, for this price, the thing really should be able to go to Alaska and catch us some fish,” I said.

“That’s the next model up,” he replied.

Finally, we had our stove. We set up a delivery time, then I waited home for eight hours so it could be delivered and installed.

When the big, new, shiny, stainless steel oven arrived, I immediately knew how my husband feels when he goes into a car dealership. I stared in reverence for a full minute, then I caressed

the knobs, stroked the burners and polished a little streak away with the edge of my sleeve. It was truly a thing of beauty.

“So how’s the new stove?” asked my husband when he got home that night.

“It’s pretty!” I gushed.

“I know it’s pretty,” he said. “But how does it cook?”

“Oh. Um,” I stammered. “I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?”

“Yeah,” I replied. “I was so excited to get it, I forgot to go food shopping.”

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

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

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Warm up one spoonful at a time

Sweet Potato and Peanut Soup

Makes 8 servings

People who live in cold climates understand that it can sometimes be challenging to warm up after a day spent combatting snow, wind or freezing rain. Luckily, eating hot soup is a very effective means to returning the body to a lesschilled temperature. Soup also tends to be easily digested and nutrient-dense, making it an ideal meal at any time.

This recipe for “Sweet Potato and Peanut Soup” from “The Culinary Institute of America Book of Soups” (Lebhar-Friedman Books) by The Culinary Institute of America is thick, creamy and full of savory flavor.

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 celery stalk, coarsely chopped (about 1⁄2 cup)

1 onion, coarsely chopped (about 11⁄4 cups)

1 garlic clove, minced (about 1⁄2 teaspoon)

1⁄2 leek, white and light green parts, coarsely chopped (about 3⁄4 cup)

1 1⁄2 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1⁄2-inch thick (about 3 cups)

1 quart chicken broth

3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

1⁄4 cinnamon stick

1 1⁄3 cups heavy cream, divided

Salt to taste

2 tablespoons molasses

Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste

3⁄4 cup peanuts

1) Preheat the oven to 325 F. Melt the butter in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the celery, onion, garlic, and leek. Stir to coat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened, 4 to 6 minutes.

2) Add the sweet potatoes, broth, peanut butter, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are fully tender, about 25 minutes.

3) Meanwhile, spread the peanuts in a single layer in a pie pan. Toast the peanuts in the oven until light brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Shake the pan occasionally and watch carefully (nuts can burn quickly). Let the peanuts cool, chop coarsely, and set aside.

4) Remove the cinnamon stick and discard. Puree the soup and strain it. Return the soup

to the soup pot and place over low heat. Add 1⁄2 cup of the cream. Season with salt. Keep warm, but do not boil.

5) Combine the remaining cream with the molasses, nutmeg and a pinch of salt. Whip until stiff peaks form.

6) Serve the soup in heated bowls, garnished with the whipped cream and chopped nuts.

Serves 10

Ice cream is a beloved dessert. The extraordinary number of flavor combinations that can be achieved simply by mixing together a few ingredients undoubtedly contributes to the popularity of ice cream.

For those partial to cherries and almonds, there’s nothing better than combining those flavors in this recipe for “No-Churn Cherry Bakewell Ice Cream” from “Jane’s Patisserie” (Sourcebooks) by Jane Dunn.

200 grams pitted cherries (about 1 cup)

450 milliliters double (heavy) cream (about 2 cups)

397 grams condensed milk (14 ounces)

1 teaspoon almond extract

1⁄2 teaspoon pink food coloring (optional) Cherries and toasted flaked almonds, to serve

1) Add the pitted cherries to a blender and blitz until smooth. Pass through a sieve to remove any lumps and set aside.

2) Pour the cream into a bowl and whip to soft peaks.

3) Put the condensed milk, almond extract, pink food coloring (if using) and puréed cherries into a separate bowl and stir to combine, then pour the mixture into a container,

like a large loaf tin. Freeze for at least 5 to 6 hours, or preferably overnight so it has time to get the correct texture.

4) Remove from the freezer about 20 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly. Scoop into bowls and serve topped with fresh cherries and toasted flaked almonds.

Town offers Summer Recreation Program

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that residents interested in having their children participate in the 2025 Summer Recreation Program can now upload necessary documents and materials for review in advance of the final registration period. This process is mandatory prior to registration this spring and will once again be performed fully online. This year’s Summer Recreation Program runs June 30 through August 8 and will include a full-day option (9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) at all locations for children ages 4 through 12. Space is limited at each facility.

"The Town’s Summer Recreation Program features great summer fun for children at five of our Town parks, with activities including arts and crafts, various games, themed days, water fun, scavenger hunts and so much more," said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. "To help streamline the registration process, residents will be able to signup their children online this spring, and can begin pre-registration today!"

All registrations for Summer

Recreation will performed online. In an effort to simplify the process, the Town’s Parks Department will accept all necessary documentation, including proof of residency, child’s birth certificates, recent physicals etc. to be uploaded to a portal on the Town’s website prior to the final registration period this spring. This process is mandatory and ends on Friday, March 21, 2025. Once all documentation is properly uploaded, parents/guardians will receive notification of approval to register, as well as directions for online registration.

How to upload materials (note: pre-registration does not guarantee a spot in this year’s Summer Recreation Program. Parents will need to perform final registration this spring).

• Parents/guardians can visit www.oysterbaytown.com/portal

• Select “My Account” on the top right corner and log-in or create a new account (if your child was registered for the 2024 Summer Program, you already have an account, however documents must be uploaded)

• After logging in, select “My Account,” then Household & Member. Confirm all family members are listed. If needed, select ’Add Family member’ at bottom of page and add a child or guardian to the household. Then SAVE

• Select DOCUMENT UPLOAD from the portal menu. Each document must be uploaded as a separate file (make sure all scanned documents are legible)

Required documents: Proof of residency (tax or utility bill); Child’s Birth Certificate; Child ’ s Immunization Records (for full-day campers only); Child’s recent physical (for full-day campers only)

“We know many of our youngsters can’t wait for the warm weather and all the fun they have at the Town’s Summer Recreation Program, ” said Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh. “With fullday options now available at Marjorie Post Park in Massapequa, PlainviewOld Bethpage Community Park and Syosset-Woodbury Community Park,

Ellsworth Allen Park in Farmingdale and Harry Tappen Beach in Glen Head, we look forward to another successful summer of fun!”

The mandatory pre-registration period, during which interested parents/ guardians can upload documents and required materials for registration, is open now through March 21. Submission of materials does not guarantee a spot in the 2025 program—parents must complete their registration this spring when final registration opens. Following final registration, refunds are given on a prorated basis and subject to a 10 percent administrative fee through July 11. Parents will receive an email from the Recreation Division confirming that all documents have been received, as well as directions on how to complete registration. All registration will take place online. For more information, visit www.oysterbaytown.com/summerrecreation or call the Town’s Recreation Office at (516) 797-7945.

MORTALITY RATES. HOW’S THAT FOR AN ICEBREAKER?

Our health system maintains the lowest mortality rates in the nation. And at the end of the day, this is what matters. We apply the highest standard of care to every factor that impacts patient recovery and survival, so more people who come here, go home. No wonder we were named #1 for quality care in the U.S.

Better health starts with a better health system.