Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti (2nd left) and Councilman Dennis Dunne (right) greeted members of The Legendary Murphys prior to their August 7th performance at Levittown Veterans Memorial Park, part of the Town’s Free Summer Concert Series. For a full line-up of summer concerts please visit https://townofhempsteadevents.com/.
The Town of Oyster Bay has announced a Free Waterfront Festival and Outdoor Concert will take place on Sunday, September 7, at TOBAY
Beach Marina. This family-fun day will feature marine and outdoor exhibits, a children’s snapper derby, police boat demonstrations, food conces-
sions and a free concert featuring Captain Cool Band with yacht rockin’ hits. The festival will run from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00
The Town of Oyster Bay has appointed John Wighaus as inspector general. Wighaus will oversee integrity, accountability, and efficiency across town operations.
“John Wighaus has dedicated his life to public service and integrity in law enforcement,” said Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “His wealth of experience and unshakable commitment to accountability make him the ideal choice to serve as Inspector General and ensure taxpayer dollars are protected.”
Wighaus recently retired from the Nassau County Police Department following 30 years of distinguished service. He began his law enforcement career in 1989 with the New York City Transit Police before joining Nassau County, where he was assigned to the Fifth Precinct and later promoted to Detective. His career includes extensive experience in the Narcotics/Vice Bureau, DEA Task Force, Special Investigations Squad, and the Asset Forfeiture & Intelligence Unit.
Throughout his tenure, Wighaus received numerous honors, including:
• Fifth Precinct Cop of the Year
• PBA Cop of the Month (2x)
• Detective of the Month (3x)
• 2013 Commissioner’s Award for Excellence in Policing
• 2014 United States Attorney’s Award
• 2019 U.S. Secretary of Labor
Award
• 2022 Nassau County Police Veterans Man of the Year
• 2022 Law Enforcement Man of the Year
Beyond his police work, Wighaus held key leadership roles in police advocacy. He was elected president of the Detectives Association Inc. (DAI) in 2017, leading efforts to protect and advance the rights of detectives in Nassau County. He also served as recording secretary for the State Association of PBAs and as a member of the National Association of Police Organizations, advocating for law enforcement at both state and federal levels.
Two teenage boys were arrested in Bethpage on Friday, August 15, after they allegedly attempted to remove merchandise from a store and one boy allegedly threatened a store employee with a knife.
According to Nassau County Police Department detectives, at 1:30 p.m., two boys, ages 14 and 15, entered the Bethpage 7-Eleven located at 497 Stewart Avenue, selected various items and left without paying. They were approached outside by a 50-yearold male employee. Police say the
15-year-old displayed a knife and made threats to the victim. Both boys then fled towards the nearby train tracks where they were apprehended.
The 15-year-old defendant is charged with Robbery 1st Degree, Menacing 2nd Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th Degree and Criminal Trespass 3rd Degree. The 14-year-old defendant is charged with Robbery 1st Degree and Criminal Trespass 3rd Degree. They will be arraigned at Nassau County Family Court.
Nassau County Police arrested a Hempstead man on August 13 for allegedly obtaining a car loan with forged documents.
According to detectives, on April 17, 2025, Alexander Carlton obtained a loan in the amount of $36,524 from Island Federal Credit Union with fraudulent paystubs and a counterfeit driver’s license. Police say that he then purchased a 2022 blue BMW sedan and failed to make the required payments on the loan. The Island Federal Credit Union reported the auto stolen.
A short time later the Brookville Police Department recovered the vehicle and it was impounded. On August 13, police arrested Alexander Carlton, 40, when he entered the Eighth Precinct Station House and attempted to get his vehicle back, but instead he was arrested by detectives.
Defendant Carlton is being charged with Grand Larceny 3rd Degree, Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument 2nd Degree and Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument 3rd Degree.
Graduated from school? Have an outstanding GPA?
Made the honor roll or Dean’s List? Scored an internship or study abroad opportunity?
We invite you to send details of any of these things and more, along with your name and contact info, to editor@gcnews.com for a chance to be seen in our paper!
To assist property owners who missed the August 11 deadline for paying their 2025 General taxes, Town of Oyster Bay Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato reminds residents that they can still pay the bill by September 2 with the State mandated 2% late payment penalty while avoiding additional interest and fees from accruing on their property.
Late payers should immediately contact the Receiver's office at (516) 624-6400 if they did not receive a second notification with a delinquent tax bill. Payments postmarked after September 2 cannot be accepted since the collection warrant will have expired. Those payments must be sent
to the Nassau County Treasurer at 1 West Street, Mineola, NY 11501. In September, the Nassau County Treasurer will be mailing notices to all property owners with taxes in arrears. Receiver Pravato advises homeowners who fall under those circumstances to contact the Nassau County Treasurer at (516) 571-2090 to determine the amount due. They may also visit the Treasurer's office at 1 West Street in Mineola.
Receiver Pravato noted, “Taxpayers in the Town of Oyster Bay are already paying some of the highest property taxes in the nation, and I want to make sure that our residents do not pay more out of pocket than they have to.”
worthy places to visit on Long Island, and even pieces of
least one new article and writer each week in our Discovery magazine
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
On Friday, August 15, the American Legion of Syosset, Woodbury and Jericho installed its new slate of officers.
Left to right: Richard Kaupke-Service Officer, Frank Scibeli-3rd Trustee, Pat Crudo- National Security Chair, Tony Hartman-2nd Vice Commander, Rob RyanJudge Advocate, Ken Trainer-3rd Vice Commander, Ed Aulman- Adjutant, Don MacAvoy-1st Vice Commander, Terri Squires-Commander, Mary Norris- Vice Commander Nassau County American Legion and Installing Officer.
Seated left to right: Phil Rhodes-Service Officer and Frank Urso-Chaplain and 1st Trustee.
The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that it will extend hours at TOBAY Beach for two additional weekends after Labor Day – Saturday & Sunday, September 6 and 7, as well as 13 and 14. TOBAY Beach will stay open, free of charge, for those two extra weekends with lifeguards on duty from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“To help you hold onto summer for a little longer, we’re extending access to TOBAY, free of charge, for two additional weekends this year,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “We invite residents and their families to put their toes in the water and feet in the sand while enjoying some nice weather and savoring the last
warm days of the season.”
Residents visiting TOBAY Beach on Sunday, September 7, can also enjoy the Town’s free, family fun Waterfront Festival at TOBAY Marina, presented by Optimum. In addition to a free concert featuring Captain Cool Band with yacht rockin’ hits, the day of free family fun will feature marine and outdoor exhibits, a children’s snapper derby, police boat demonstrations, food concessions and much more! The festival will run from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information on Town beaches and programs, visit www.oysterbaytown.com.
We can help you promote your services! Just place an ad in our Classifieds and boost your clientele!
The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that registration for the Town’s 2025 Fall/Winter Youth Ice Hockey Program will begin soon. The program features a House League, which includes full House League games, a practice schedule, and playoffs for boys and girls in the 8U, 10U, 12U, and 14/16U age groups. Clinics spanning 10 weeks in duration are also available, including all girls clinics, 6U clinics, adult learn to play clinics and advanced skill clinics. Programs will begin on September 28.
“The Town of Oyster Bay’s Youth Ice Hockey Program is one of the best games in town, and features many respected coaches dedicated to teaching this outstanding sport to the many boys and girls enrolled in the program,” said Town Councilman Andrew Monteleone. “With a variety of leagues and clinics, there's something for everyone, and we are committed to fostering a love for the game in a supportive and fun environ-
ment.”
The House League includes full House League games, a practice schedule, and playoffs for boys and girls in the 8U, 10U, 12U, and 14/16U age groups. The registration fee is $400 for residents and $500 for non-residents.
Additionally, the program offers various clinics, including an All Girls Clinic and an Adult Learn to Play program, both consisting of two 10-week sessions (Fall- Session I and Winter- Session 2).
The Boys & Girls 6U Clinic includes 10 sessions every other week for 20 weeks (September–March). The fee for all clinics is $150 per session.
Online registration opens for residents on August 27 and 28 at 9 a.m. Nonresidents can begin registering online on August 29 at 9 a.m. Registration can be completed by visiting oysterbaytown.com/sports.
For more information, please email tobhockey@oysterbay-ny.gov or call (516) 433-7465, x8234.
Scouting America, Theodore Roosevelt Council is currently looking for Syosset area girls to join its Troop 170.
Join a new Scouting America girls troop right in Syosset. Start your adventure in leadership, friendship, and fun. Discover the thrill of the outdoors while building skills that last a lifetime.
What does Scouting have to offer?
• Friendship and Belonging
• Adventure and Outoor Activities
• Learing Life Skills and Leadership
To join, please contact christian.g.andersen@gmail.com
The Mercy Women’s Bowling League is looking for individual women bowlers or teams of 4 to join its friendly noncash league.
$17 per week for three games, includes shoes and ball. End of season
Our Professional Guide is sure to bring results. Call 294-8900 for rates and information.
luncheon included.
The League begins Friday, September 5. The league meets on Fridays at 10:00 a.m. at Syosset Lanes.
If interested, please call Dolores Sartor at (516) 931- 4106.
"Several years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer and underwent chemotherapy treatments. I'm now in remission and blessed to still be here, but I was in so much pain. My feet and hands were constantly burning - a tingling sensation, almost like when your leg or arm falls asleep," shared Mary of Westbury.
Mary was suffering from Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy or CIPN. While chemotherapy drugs kill cancer cells, they are not exactly discriminating in what they destroy. The smaller nerves, specifically those in your hands and feet, are some of the first to be harmed. Those suffering from peripheral neuropathy have described this pain as “burning,” “tingling,” “like walking on sharp rocks,” or like Mary explained, that fuzzy, tingling pain you experience during paresthesia (the technical term for when a limb “falls asleep”).
"Standing all day was not just a challenge, it caused me physical agony. Keeping up with my busy schedule - forget about it. I couldn't even go for walks on the beach."
Mary, like so many others, there was nothing anyone was prescribed Gabapentin to help with the pain and told there was nothing anyone could do. In their words: “There is no treatment for neuropathy.”
Fortunately for Mary, where Western medicine fails, Westbury Acupuncture tends to prove itself.
Jae Won, National BoardCertified Acupuncturist, has been blending the time-tested science of acupuncture with modern, medical technology to design a real solution for peripheral neuropathy that doesn’t involve invasive surgeries or prescription medications with uncomfortable side effects. These Renew Nerve Ⓡ protocols, specific to Westbury Acupuncture and its network of certified providers, actually treat neuropathy versus attempting to mask its symptoms.
"Acupuncture is incredible at restoring blood flow and stimulating damaged nerves. It’s been used for centuries to treat peripheral neuropathy and similar conditions” tells Jae Won. “We take our treatments a step further by integrating ATP Resonance BioTherapy Ⓡ , which targets specific nerves in the body using microcurrent. ATP Resonance BioTherapy Ⓡ is akin to watering a plant. This treatment stimulates
the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerves and provide them with the proper nutrients and energy they need to repair and recover.”
ATP Resonance BioTherapy Ⓡ was originally designed by NASA to speed up healing and recovery. “To have access to this kind of technology has been life changing for our patients” shares Sariah, one of the incredibly compassionate Patient Care Technicians at Westbury Acupuncture. “We even have people asking if they can take the equipment home, so we’re working on developing some at-home options for our less mobile patients.”
After only four weeks of treatment, Mary is already seeing incredible improvement. "I've taken the handicap placard off my rearview mirror and I'm finally back to walking on the beach. I can't wait to see how I feel at the end of my program! I used to think that the neuropathy pain was just the price I have
to pay for still being alive. Jae Won has really given me hope for a better life!"
Jae Won L.Ac and the staff at Westbury Acupuncture have a 90% success rate in reversing peripheral neuropathy, and not just that caused by chemotherapy. They also have tremendous success in treating diabetic neuropathy and neuropathy of undetermined origin, otherwise known as idiopathic neuropathy.
“I watched my grandmother suffer with neuropathy during her final years and it broke my heart when she was told there was nothing they could do. This condition is one of the main reasons I went into medicine. Since then, I’ve been on a quest to help people truly thrive in their golden years.”
The number of treatments needed to allow the nerves to fully recover will vary from person to person and can only be determined after a comprehensive consultation and detailed neurological evaluation.
If you or someone you love is suffering from peripheral neuropathy, call (516) 500-8281 to schedule.
For new patients, an initial consultation is complimentary. Simply visit www.WestburyAcupuncture.com for more information and to take advantage of this offer.
Friday, August 22
10:30 a.m.: Disaster Preparedness Presented by Nassau County Office of Emergency Management - Join experts in Emergency Response and Preparedness for a community based training that builds knowledge of how to prepare for natural or manmade disasters.
4:00 p.m.: Turtle Time (Grades K–2) - Join us for a fun Turtle Read-Aloud and Bright Craft! We’ll dive into a delightful turtle story, then get creative designing a bright and cheerful turtle craft to take home. Perfect for young animal lovers and budding artists!
Saturday, August 23
10:30 a.m.: Jump for Joy (Ages 18 Months to 5 Years)Join us for a lively program of music and group activities for you and your child.
NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF MEETING
SYOSSET CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
NOTICE OF SCHOOL DISTRICT MONTHLY MEETING
Monday, August 25, 2025
There will be a meeting of the Board of Education on Monday, August 25, 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 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: August 21, 2025 Syosset, NY
2:00 p.m.: Teens: Dungeons and Dragons Campaign - Join us as we play this classic role-playing game and sharpen our strategic thinking skills. This game is perfect for all skill levels! Whether you are new to the game or a seasoned player, adventure awaits!
Monday, August 25
10:30 a.m.: Tuney Tots Music and Movement (Ages 18 to 36 Months) - Join us for this high energy music & movement program using lots of colorful props with little ones favorite tunes while learning about colors, numbers, shapes, body awareness, and more!
6:00 p.m.: Teens: Beaded Secrets: Create Your Own Morse Code Bracelet! - Ready to send secret messages in style? In this hands-on workshop, you
will learn the basics of Morse code and use it to design personalized bracelets that hide a message only you (or your friends!) can decode. Whether it’s your initials, a favorite word, or a secret phrase, you’ll turn dots and dashes into a stylish piece of jewelry. Come for the creativity -- leave with a unique accessory and a new way to communicate!
Tuesday, August 26
9:30 a.m.: Adult Walking Club (Weather Permitting)All levels, all abilities are welcome. Join us for a 45 minute walk around the neighborhood. It’s an opportunity to get some exercise, meet new people, spend time with a friend and enjoy some conversation. Meet us in front of the library. Participants must wear sneakers and bring a bottle of water.
2:30 p.m.: News Currents with Elinor Haber - Join Elinor to participate in an informal exchange about topics of the day -- the international, national and local scene. We’ll focus on trends that affect us now and in the future. Bring your thoughts, issues and a friend to join in the discussion.
Wednesday, August 27
10:30 a.m.: Mandarin Bilingual Story Time (Ages 18 months – 5 Years) - Join us for a 30-minute program that consists of nursery rhymes, puppets, songs, stories, and movements in English and Mandarin Chinese. Does not require a Mandarin background.
6:00 p.m.: Planning for the Future and Avoiding Probate with Kathleen Rose - Join attorney Kathleen Rose
for this seminar on creating wills, trusts, health care proxies, powers of attorney, plus so much more. Kathleen will also go over Medicaid planning for long-term care, creating trusts and handling estate administration. Please bring any questions you have regarding any area of estate planning.
6:30 p.m.: Paint Night with Madhumita Sen: Radiant Bloom - Dive into color and creativity as we paint this bold, joyful sunflower bursting with energy against a vibrant red backdrop! Learn layering, blending, and highlighting techniques in acrylics while creating your own radiant masterpiece. All materials will be provided! No experience needed -- just bring your enthusiasm! $5.00 per person, non refundable.
Monday, August 25, at 7:00 p.m.
Note Taking and Studying
Effectively (IN-PERSON)
Presenter: Dr. Dominique Padurano, Ph.D, Crimson Coaching
As young people progress from elementary to middle, and
middle to high school, coursework becomes more challenging, but students often aren’t taught the academic and organizational skills they need to meet those challenges. In this workshop learn key strategies for critical reading, note-taking, and studying for exams. The presenter guides parents
through how to effectively monitor and assist their children at home as they experiment with these new techniques. Parents are highly encouraged to attend this program with their child. Registration needed. Register at syossetlibrary.org.
Tuesday, August 26,
at 2:00 p.m.
Afternoon Book
Discussion (IN-PERSON)
Join Kaye Spurrell, Readers’ Services Librarian, for an in-person discussion of the novel “The Wishing Game” by Meg Shaffer. No registration needed.
From page 1
p.m. “The Town is thrilled to offer a free day of family-fun and live music at TOBAY
Beach. Bring your family to Waterfront Festival for a great outdoor concert, educational exhibits and foods and drinks as the summer ends,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “This free festival also provides a great opportunity to introduce children to recreational sport of fishing, as all equipment will be provided along with professional assistance and guidance.”
For more information about the Waterfront Festival and Free Concert, call (516) 797-4121 or visit www.oysterbaytown. com.
The Hicksville Water District (HWD) has reported that it was recently contacted by a local resident about a water testing kit that they received in the mail from a private company based in Bay Shore. This issue has come up in the past, and the HWD wants to remind residents that, unlike the District’s samples, the results of these tests are unreliable and are not verified by the Nassau County Health Department. The HWD urges residents to proceed with caution when engaging with these companies that are trying to take advantage of them strictly for their own profit.
“The companies that send out these testing kits to residents are simply trying to pressure them into purchasing their home water filters based on questionable water sample results,” said HWD
Chairman Nicholas Brigandi. “The results provided by these tests are likely to be inaccurate and do not reflect the actual quality of the Hicksville Water District’s drinking water. We have invested more than $50 million in the installation of the most state-of-theart treatment technology available to ensure that our water meets and exceeds all state and federal guidelines before it is distributed to residents’ homes.”
The resident who notified the HWD of the scam received a text message from the filter company saying that she should be concerned about her water and that they would send a representative to her home with a “special filter system” to fix it. They would only speak about her results verbally over the phone and not in writing, adding to
the suspicious nature of the interaction. Luckily, this resident denied a home visit and contacted the HWD for clarification.
Residents who receive a testing kit that they suspect to be fraudulent should notify the HWD and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and the office of the New York State Attorney General.
The HWD routinely tests its water for more than 170 parameters at treatment facilities designed by engineers and approved by the health department.
The District budgets more than $250,000 per year for testing and each round of testing costs more than $2,000, all of which are conducted by New York State Health Department-certified water plant operators. The tests conducted by these private filtration companies are not reg-
ulated and do not sample nearly enough water.
“Free testing cannot be relied upon for accuracy or for determining the need for any water treatment,” continued Chairman Brigandi. “Those tests collect a couple milliliters of water while we collect gallons of water to be sampled each time we do it. Providing high quality water to our residents is our mission and we have decades of water quality reports that show we are succeeding.”
Every year, the HWD releases its annual drinking water quality report in accordance with the New York State Health Department. Residents can view the report on the District’s website at www.hicksvillewater.org/hwd/ water-quality-report.
Stay informed about your community with a weekly subscription to our newspapers.
With current events, announcements, restaurant reviews, puzzles, and much more, there’s always something for everybody to enjoy!
August 22, 2025
BY GERI BAIN
We are out on deck at 7:45 a.m. to watch the weekly weather balloon launch. It’s July but still chilly on a Lake Superior morning. The crew has set out coffee and pastries, upbeat music is playing and the mood is festive as we count down to the launch. Helium carries the balloon up with its precious data collection module, which transmits detailed information back to the U.S. National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. After the launch, guests are invited to the Expedition Central area, where members of the scientific team are on hand to explain and answer questions. It’s exciting to learn that there are synchronous launches collecting data around the world.
This is one of many activities that draws us into the research being performed on-board every day during our 8-day “Undiscovered Great Lakes” cruise, which combines pristine Canadian wilderness with Midwest cities. We set out from Thunder Bay, Ontario in Canada and travel through Lake Superior, Lake Huron and Lake Michigan before ending in Milwaukee, WI.
Viking Cruises has two identical expedition ships—Polaris and Octantis. The ships are actual research vessels that partner with Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory and other universities and institutes to contribute data to scientific projects. Both offer itineraries of varying lengths from Antarctica to the Arctic.
Each sails with a team of scientists, historians and naturalists who lead explorations and on-board handson educational activities, offer lively lectures, and share information about nature and citizen science apps such as iNaturalist and iBird.
My husband and I are drawn to this cruise as it allows us to travel together while exploring at our own paces, sharing some activities and splitting up for others. (My ideal trip is almost nonstop activity; my husband enjoys his downtime.) I love that Viking Polaris has its own fleet of kayaks, Zodiacs and submarines and offers guided hikes and bike rides; he is excited by the chance to experience the highspeed, turn-on-a-dime, military-grade Special Operations Boats. We both look forward to basking in the Nordic Thermal Suite of steam, sauna and snow rooms, the heated pool with a relaxing area with massaging jets, and a traditional “badestamp”, a sheltered outdoor hot tub. And we both love the camaraderie of a small ship and low-
key nightlife.
Our cruise departs from Thunder Bay, Ontario. We arrive a day early to explore this nature- and history-rich area on our own. Our home base, Delta Hotels Thunder Bay, is a four-star Marriott.
We arrive in time for dinner and a walk along the waterfront which is dotted with sculptures and art installations. We especially like the trail that winds through Spirit Garden, designed in collaboration with the Anishinaabe and other indigenous cultures with sign posts about the nature and culture of the region. On the horizon, we identify the “Sleeping Giant,” a rock formation across the bay that looks like a reclining giant.
The next morning, we take a guided tour of Fort William Historical Park where costumed reenactors recreate daily life at an 1815 fur trading fort. At an Anishinaabe camp, women talk about how they plant and move with the seasons and insulate their wigwams to keep warm in winter.
Inside the Fort, we meet a voyageur, a laborer from Quebec who does the backbreaking work of loading and transporting furs, and chat with the wife of the fort’s director who shows us around her house and talks about the difficulties of frontier life. We spend more than two hours here and we’d like to stay longer, but also want to see Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, which has 130-foot tall falls and easy-to-hike trails.
Back in Thunder Bay, the history and art museums are closed the day we visit, but we get a sense of the vibrant art scene admiring the murals on “graffiti alley” before boarding the Viking Polaris, which is docked about a half mile from our hotel.
We board in time for the orientation, where we learn that fitness tests are required both to go kayaking (the test consists of climbing in and out of the kayak without leaning anywhere that would tip it) and to take a submarine ride (basically the ability to squat). We love that we can attend the daily predinner port talks and all the major onboard lectures either in person in The Aula, an inviting, two-deck auditorium, or on-demand in our cabin.
Our cabin’s sleek wood design feels chic yet super-functional with lots of drawers and closets, plus a special drying closet, and its heated bathroom floor and complimentary, customstocked drink fridge and snack drawer are nice touches.
That evening, we dine at World Cafe, the main dining room. Meal choices, surprisingly varied for a ship with only 378 passengers, are served buffet style, including everynight sushi and seafood stations
Continued on next page
Continued from previous page
where lobster is always on tap, and “The Grill”, with fresh meats, lobster and fish cooked to order. There is also 24/7 room service, two waiter-service restaurants, and Mamsen’s, a small light-bite eatery that features Norwegian recipes inspired by Viking President Thorstein Hagen’s mamsen (mom).
We wake up to find ourselves anchored off Silver Islet in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. We have signed on for a hike along the Sea Lion Trail. Our guide, Tom, whose wife’s family has been on the island for generations, talks about the geology and nature of the area and what it’s like to live in a tiny community with only a handful of year-round residents and a single general store. He notes that the town once supported one of the richest silver mines of the mid-19th century.
We learn more about the silver mine that afternoon on a zodiac trip that stops right over the hauntingly abandoned mine, now fully underwater. We marvel at the creativity and work it took to build an island around an underwater silver deposit and then pump out the water to build mining shafts that descended as far as 384 meters below the surface.
That evening we have reservations we made pre-cruise (allowed once here and in The Restaurant) for Manfredi’s, justifiably known for its excellent Italian dishes; my favorite is steak brushed with porcini mushroom dust. We enjoy the waiter service and we come back twice more and have no trouble being seated.
After dinner, I take off to explore the ship’s many lounges. There’s a trio playing in the Explorer’s Lounge and the game room has a competitive scrabble contest in play. My personal favorite is the Hide Lounge. Here, each evening a different crew member chats about the topic of his/her choice.
The next day, we are anchored off Terrace Bay. Our group of six heads out on a Zodiac with Kelly, a geologist, who explains that the terraced shoreline was
caused by various glacial retreats, which also allowed the land to rebound from the weight of the glaciers as they melted. He drops us off at Terrace Bay Beach, where we follow a boardwalk along the shore and then hike up to a waterfall and gorge. As we pull out, we spot a bald eagle.
McGarvey Shoal, our destination for the next day, comes with a morality tale of hubris. The luxury yacht Gunilda was shipwrecked here in 1911 because its owner declined to hire a pilot, opting to navigate his own way through this archipelago of low-lying islands. Fortunately no one
mining, trade and brewing of his times.
It’s an easy walk from the ship to the Lake Superior Maritime Museum and the William A. Irvine Ore Boat Museum. We have signed on for a walking tour which provides a historic overview but does little more than take us to the two museums. In hindsight, I would have skipped the tour and explored the waterfront and museums on my own, and perhaps have added the nearby Great Lakes Aquarium, which a fellow passenger raved about.
Thanks to the Soo Locks, ships don’t have to run the rapids to safely navigate
Scientists offer interactive presentations throughout the trip at the ship’s Expedition Central area. ©Keroack Photography
died, but his boat sank. Exploring the shallows by Zodiac and kayak, it is easy to see how this could happen. In the late afternoon, we take a special ops boat ride that combines a nature tour with a breath-taking demonstration of the boat’s extreme speeds and maneuvering.
We awaken in time to take in Duluth as we sail slowly along the waterfront. Since this is our first U.S. port, we need to pass through U.S. immigration, which amazingly sets up its operation steps from where we dock. After a quick pass through immigration, we join a morning tour of Glensheen Mansion, the art-filled estate of turn-of-the-century Duluth lawyer and legislator Chester Adgate Congdon. His life and wealth reflect the burgeoning
the 21-foot drop from Lake Superior into Lake Huron. Passing through the lock is an experience no one wants to miss. Since the timing is unpredictable, we have a full day “at sea.” I had worried that I’d be restless, but with expedition center activities, tours of the laboratory and The Hanger (where the water toys are stored and dispatched), and an indulgent visit to the spa, the day goes way too quickly.
I spend almost an hour at the Expedition Center, where I learn that the ship scientists collect phytoplankton, the basis of the entire food chain. A fascinated handful of us watch them dance around on a microscope slide whose image is projected on a big screen, and a few of us attempt to isolate one with a pipette. Then,
touring the lab, I learn about the microplastics and bio-diversity studies the ship participates in and see the lab that analyzes the DNA of phytoplankton—like the one we tried to capture with a pipette. Viking offers bike tours and a lunch/ tour at the Grand Hotel, but we prefer exploring on our own. On a short horsedrawn carriage ride, we learn how the island was transformed from a military fort and trading stronghold to a tourist town. We walk around, stopping into a few of the 17 fudge shops along the town’s main street. We arrive back at the ship in time to compete in a trivia contest and I savor one last swim and sauna before dinner.
All too quickly, we find ourselves disembarking in Minneapolis and headed to the airport. Back home, we feel an almost mystical connection with the natural and human forces that formed and continue to re-form the Great Lakes and are looking at our local landscapes and wildlife with new eyes.
The Basics: Viking Cruises offers expedition cruises of the Great Lakes varying in length from eight to 17 nights between late May and mid-September. Prices for the 8-night “Undiscovered Great Lakes” cruise start at around $6,995 per person and include a land or shore excursion in every port including those on kayaks, zodiacs & special operations boats (with any needed gear such as dry suits for kayaking provided), port fees, gratuities, beer, wine & soft drinks with meals, access to the Nordic Spa and fitness center, self-service laundry, 24-hour room service, and more. Submarine excursions are $499 per person; pre- and post- tours and additional land excursions are available at added cost.
Helpful Links: VikingCruises.com visitthunderbay.com
© 2025 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com
BY CHARLYN FARGO
A study published recently has some good news for those having trouble remembering things: You can eat your way to remembering more.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center have found that older adults may benefit from a specific diet called the MIND diet even when they develop protein deposits, known as amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, which contribute to dementia. Plaques and tangles are pathologies found in the brain that can build up between nerve cells and typically
interfere with thinking and problem-solving skills.
Just what is the MIND diet? It’s a blend of the Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets, developed by Martha Morris, a Rush nutritional epidemiologist, and her colleagues. Earlier research on the MIND diet found that adherence may reduce a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
The study found participants in the study who followed the MIND diet -- even moderately later in life -- did not have cognition problems, according to a paper
published on Sept. 14 in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Lead author Klodian Dhana, assistant professor at Rush, found that some people can maintain cognitive function despite an accumulation of the plaques and tangles in their brain, suggesting diet can play a role.
In the study, researchers examined the associations of diet -- from the start of the study until death -- with brain pathologies and cognitive functioning in 569 older adults who participated in the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center’s ongoing
Continued on page 6
BY CLAIRE LYNCH
My friend, Janie, is a big proponent of going to book clubs. She goes to three different groups each month - at the public library, at the senior center and in someone’s home. People take turns hosting book club meetings and Janie likes the socializing aspect of going there. She gets to meet different people, discuss a good book in a friendly circle of fellow bibliophiles and hang out for a while.
I asked her if going to book clubs ever got boring and right away she said, “No way. We talk about different books and different people attend the meetings. There are regular members but there are other people who come and go. There’s always something new going on and this retiree likes that.”
My brother, Phil, also likes book clubs and I was surprised because while I’ve always known that he’s a reader, I didn’t think he was a book club type of person. He worked fulltime for 40+ years and there was no way while working that he would have set aside the time to go.
He commuted to that job and often stayed late at work to meet various deadlines. Plus we relatives knew that Phil enjoyed participating in outdoorsy types of hobbies. Swimming, fishing and boating always piqued his interest and he’d always invite friends and relatives to join him.
Once Phil retired he had the time not only to go to the library but to commit to the monthly book club that met there. It wasn’t far from his home so he started attending it on a monthly basis and he likes the various comments people make about the book of the month.
With 23 people in the group including men and women from all different backgrounds people had no problem giving their opinions about the books they were reading.
The book they discussed the first time Phil went was “Low Tide” which is book 1 of The Forgotten Coast Florida Suspense Series by Dawn Lee McKenna. Phil likes mysteries. The book’s summary says:
“In the quaint, coastal town of Apalachicola, FL, sinister things are afoot, as sinister things tend to be. Meet Lt. Maggie Redmond. Bold. Honorable. Damaged. And welcome to Maggie’s
hometown in the Florida Panhandle.
“Here you’ll find oystering and shrimping, Little League, and backyard barbeques. Sprawling historic homes, simple cottages and strong families. But in a town where everyone knows everyone, there are an awful lot of secrets … It’s up to Maggie and Sheriff Wyatt Hamilton, her best friend, boss and the man she’s falling for, to solve the puzzling, and often dangerous crimes.”
They had a lively discussion about “Low Tide” so Phil was happy with that book club meeting. His wife, Kathy, goes to a book club held at the senior center and enjoys those gatherings. She prefers reading historical fiction and anything non-fiction because Kathy says she “likes learning new things.”
One of her favorite historical fiction books the group discussed was Marie Benedict’s “The Other Einstein,” a novel that came out in 2016. It’s the story of a talented woman overshadowed by her husband.
Kathy later told us that the comments were lively and many participants said they liked Mileva “Mitza” Maric, Einstein’s first wife, who was a brilliant mathematician and physicist in her own right. She shared many scientific theories with him such as the theory of relativity but Albert Einstein usually got the credit for the innovative theories.
Kathy said she gets something out of every meeting because she never knows who she will be chatting with and she likes the different comments people make about the book being discussed. Different viewpoints help give different perspectives.
She added that it’s good for married couples to go to different groups and meet new people rather than always being involved in the same groups, book clubs included. At my book club the last book we discussed was “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” This novel by Mark Twain came out in 1885 and is a sequel to “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.” It’s known for its use of vernacular language and its portrayal of life in the pre-Civil War South.
A primary theme in “Huck Finn” is freedom and both Huck and Jim both seek that although they have very different ideas about what freedom means. We talk about how Huck wants his free-
dom and Jim does, too, and each person who comments has a slightly different view on it.
Jack, the man in my book club, said he’d read Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn in elementary school and he always envied the characters’ desire to run away and be his own person. Jack said the last sentence of Huck Finn underscores how much Huck wants to be an independent person and while on the subject of Mark Twain, he mentioned a funny part in the Tom Sawyer book.
Tom gets his friends to whitewash Aunt Polly’s fence even though he was supposed to do it. In other sections he talks about the crushes he had on Becky Thatcher and Amy Lawrence. He’s got an active imagination, that’s for sure.
“Huck Finn” is a more serious book overall but it also has some funny scenes. Huck and Jim come across the Duke and the King, who claims to be the Dauphin, the rightful heir to the French throne. As they journey down the Mississippi River Huck and Jim realize they are nothing more than a pair of con artists.
They try to learn and perform
Shakespeare particularly scenes from “Romeo and Juliet” and “Richard III” and that was pretty funny but Huck didn’t like it when he knew for sure they were trying to steal money from the Wilks nieces. As the story slowly unfolds, Huck’s conscience is revealed. What I liked about both Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn is the way Mark Twain portrayed their characters. What’s most memorable is the humor in each bookand the various escapades the boys got into. I’d say they are typical teenagers but each character is pretty unique. Twain’s descriptions live on even years after the books first came out.
BY TOM MARGENAU
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a column about some of the most common questions I receive. This week, I thought it would be interesting to write a column answering some of the more unusual questions I get. Or to clarify, they may be unusual to you. But not to me. In the 50-plus years I’ve been dealing with Social Security issues, I don’t think there is a single question I haven’t been asked many times before!
Q: I am an 85-year-old woman in Tucson. I recently took a friend to one of our local Social Security offices where she had an appointment to resolve a Medicare matter. While I was waiting in my car in the office parking lot, I noticed many young people who appeared to be in their 20s and 30s entering the office. What kind of benefits could they be applying for?
A: They most likely were not there to file for any Social Security benefits. They were there to get a replacement Social Security card. (People are losing their cards all the time.) A very high percentage of the workload in any Social Security office is just that -- helping young people replace a lost Social Security card.
Q: I am getting my Social Security benefits, which I started at age 70. My 62-year-old wife is about to sign up for Social Security. She was a stay-athome mom for much of our marriage, so her own Social Security benefit is very small. She will get much more on my record. Does that mean she simply forgoes her own benefit and just files for spousal benefits on my account?
A: No. She will be paid her own benefit first. Then that benefit will be supplemented with whatever extra spousal benefits she is due on your record. And as I’ve pointed out many times in this column, her spousal benefit will be based on your full retirement age benefit, not your augmented age 70 benefit. Although if you die first, her widow’s benefit will be based on your higher age 70 benefit.
Q: My father died several years ago. After he passed, the Social Security office contacted my mother and helped her file for widow’s benefits. Recently, my wife’s father died. But nobody ever contacted her mother, and she eventually got in touch with Social Security herself to file a widow’s claim. Can you explain why their cases were handled differently?
A: Yes, I can. Although there are all kinds of variables that could come into play, here is a very broad outline of how widows’ claims are usually handled.
If a woman was getting only spousal benefits on her husband’s record before he died (meaning she didn’t have any Social Security of her own), then once the Social Security Administration learns of her husband’s death, she will be automatically converted from wife’s benefits to widow’s benefits. No application is needed.
If a woman was getting some benefits on her own record and some additional spousal benefits on her husband’s record (meaning her name is already attached to her husband’s Social Security account), then the SSA will likely contact her to help her file for widow’s benefits.
But if a woman were getting only her own retirement benefits and no spousal benefits from her husband, then after he dies, the ball is in her court, so to speak. In other words, it would be up to her to contact the SSA to file for widow’s benefits.
Q: As we all know, more than a few men have had multiple wives. If such a guy dies, will all those women get widow’s benefits on his record?
A: It’s possible, but not probable. Why? For a couple of reasons. Some of those ex-wives will likely have remarried. And once they do that, they won’t be due any Social Security benefits on the prior husband’s account. Also, if any of the exwives worked, they might be due higher benefits on their own record.
Q: My partner and I have been living together for almost 30 years. But we’ve never gotten married. We think of ourselves as a common-law couple. We are both getting close to our 60s and are now starting to think about Social Security. I always made more money than she did. If I die, will she get any widow’s benefits on my record?
A: As a general rule, Social Security follows state law concerning the legality of a marriage. So, if the state you live in recognizes common law relationships and considers you married, then the Social Security Administration will also consider you married and pay your partner widow’s benefits after you die. But if your state doesn’t recognize common law marriage, you could be in trouble. Of course, you could make things much simpler for Social Security purposes if you just got legally married.
Q: We have a conservatorship for our two grandchildren. Our son and his wife are just unable to take care of these kids. When we recently signed up for our Social Security benefits, they told us the grandkids can’t get dependent benefits on our records. Why not?
Correction
In the “Social Security And You” article from Aug. 15, 2025 there was an error. The last sentence in the 10th paragraph which read “That’s what sunk former President George W. Bush’s carve-out privatization plan in the 1990s.” should instead have said “in the early 2000s.”
A: Social Security law says children can only get benefits on a grandparent’s record if both natural parents are deceased or disabled. Apparently, that’s not the case in your situation. Your only other option would be to adopt these kids. If you did that, they would be eligible for benefits on your Social Security records.
Q: I’d like to learn more about the rate of interest earned by the Social Security trust funds. Where can I find that information?
A: You can find out everything you
Continued on next page
If you or your spouse is 65 or older, with joint ownership, have you checked to determine if you are receiving your Star Exemption? If not married all owners must be 65 or old. This is applied only to your primary residence and not vacation homes. Determining whether it is your primary residence includes voting, vehicle registration and the length of time that you reside there yearly. Income limitations are $500,000 or less for Basic Star credit and $250,000 or less for the STAR exemption $107,300 for the Enhanced Star $110,750 for 2026). If one spouse passes the other surviving spouse can retain the Enhanced Star Exemption if they are at least 62 years of age by December 31 in the year that their age eligible spouse passed away. If not, then the surviving spouse can apply for the Enhance Star when they turn 65.
Owners who had enrolled before 2015 were eligible to receive the exemption to reduce their school taxes. However, you can apply for the Star Credit, whereby the money will be directly deposited to your bank account.
There are other special situations that allow the Star Exemption. If you are a trust beneficiary to shift ownership of your home to trustees, but still live in the home, you will still receive the Star benefit. So providing the home’s ownership to children, but still is the beneficiary of the trust, then the surviving spouse is still considered the owner and will get the Star Exemption.
If there is a life estate, on party has a life tenancy (they will owner the home for the rest of their life).
BY PHILIP A. RAICES
The other party called the remainderman, will become the owner after the life tenant passes. The deed will show that the remainderman has ownership, but will only take title upon death of the life tenant. The life tenant still has the Star Exemption based on their qualifications.
You can receive your Star Exemption by check or direct deposit to your bank account. When switching to direct deposit, you benefit will be more. This will also eliminate delays, lost checks and having to cash a check waiting for it to clear. Benefits for the Basic Star can be from $350-$600. The Enhanced Star provides a benefit of between $700$1500.
It would be prudent to ask your accountant for help to ascertain your eligibility where for the Basic Star or Enhanced Star Exemption. Depending on your locality, some areas have much larger benefits. Today, every bit of savings can assist those families and individuals, who are eligible and this will be crucial and beneficial in reducing their real estate taxes.
Long Island homeowners pay some of the highest taxes in the U.S. Approximately 60-70% of your real estate taxes are school taxes on Long Island. The Star Exemption is one way to gain some relief to reduce your overall costs on taxes. Most important, as of 2025, the Salt deduction will increase
from $10,000 to $40,000 allowing most homeowners to have additional deductions to their income taxes. If you are a homeowner of single or multi-family home, townhome, condo or coop and have not ever registered and applied for the Basic Star Exemption, I would advise you to look into the process. There is no cost to do this. Why leave money on the table each year and not gain the reduction in our every increasing Long Island real estate taxes.
More information can derived from: www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/star/ stardd-qa.htm#general Reference tax. ny.gov
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 industry and has earned 3 significant designations:
National Association of Realtors Graduate Realtors Institute (what I consider a Master’s degree in real estate).
Certified International Property Specialist - expert in consulting and completing international transactions.
National Association of Realtors Green designation: eco-friendly low carbon footprint construction with 3-D printed foundations, Solar panels, Geothermal 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 at your leisure on your own. However, for a “FREE” no obligation/ no strings attached 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
bit.ly/4bXWVu6 (facebook.com) bit.ly/4inVqaR (X.com) bit.ly/4bVSwrs (linkedIn) bit.ly/4inVK9z (Instagram) bit.ly/4bQH14x (YouTube)
Continued from previous page might want to know about the financing of Social Security and the operation of the trust funds from the Social Security Administration actuaries. It’s all online. Do a Google search for “Social Security Office of the Chief Actuary” and once at their site, just start noodling around.
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.
COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM
BY MARY HUNT
Bread has a certain shelf life, beyond which it can go stale, become moldy and, in a short time, inedible. It is possible to extend its delicious lifespan once you understand the ins and outs of how to store bread.
It’s the starch in any baked goods that makes them become stale. Exposure to air and heat can make the starch crystallize or degrade more quickly. Trapped moisture is what hastens the process of mold growth.
Store-bought sandwich bread and other commercial bakery products can have a much longer useful life because they are made with preservatives. Homemade or bakery artisan bread that is preservative-free can turn stale or become moldy much more quickly.
It’s a storage problem. If you don’t like throwing out the rest of the hardened, stale or even moldy bread pieces, I have some ingenious tips to keep bread fresher for longer -- up to the very last fresh, delicious crumb.
For bread that has just been baked (or purchased at the supermarket or bakery) that you intend to use up within 48 hours, leave it out, completely uncovered if homemade, or in the packaging it came in at room temperature. The crust on freshly baked bread will remain at its best texture for at least one day, if not two full days. If you have made or purchased multiple loaves you know you will not consume within 48 hours, freeze them, following the steps that follow.
A frozen loaf of bread can taste just as
good as a freshly baked loaf when handled properly. The icy temperatures of your freezer prevent the dreaded starch degradation, holding the bread in a stable state.
To freeze entire loaves of bread, allow the bread to cool completely, then transfer to a large, durable freezer zip-type bag, press out any excess air and seal. If you prefer, you can wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in a small paper bag, and then transfer it to a heavy freezer zip-type bag.
Instead of freezing a whole, unsliced loaf, consider preslicing it. That makes your loaves easier to work with when you need to make a single sandwich or
piece of toast. This method works well with all kinds of bread, including bagels. (Never freeze bagels without slicing them in half first.) Some experts suggest placing a piece of waxed paper between slices to make it even easier to remove a single slice or two.
The prep of preslicing may seem time-consuming, but you’ll be grateful you did the work when it’s time for breakfast.
HOW TO USE FROZEN BREAD
Slices of frozen bread will thaw quickly, in 5 to 10 minutes, when placed on the
counter or cutting board. You can also place a frozen slice right into the toaster and proceed without any thaw time. It may take a minute longer to toast up, but it’s quite easy.
Allow a frozen unsliced loaf of bread to thaw (in the freezer bag) at room temperature for several hours or overnight on your countertop the night before.
To bring it back to fresh-out-of-the-oven bread, preheat the oven to 350 F for at least 20 minutes with a rack in the center position.
Once the oven has reached temperature, remove the loaf of bread from the bag and run it, very quickly, under cold water. You do not want to saturate the loaf, just lightly spray it evenly with cold water on all sides. This will create a tiny bit of steam in the oven, resulting in a crisper, fresher crust than placing a dry loaf in the oven.
Place the moistened whole loaf of bread directly on the oven rack and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the crust is crisp. Don’t err on the side of putting that loaf into a cold oven or even one that has not reached 350 F. It will stick to the rack and make a mess. But cold loaf on hot rack? Perfect.
Remove the perfectly crisped, refreshed loaf of bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a cooling rack before slicing.
Continued from page 2
Memory and Aging Project, which began in 1997. Participants were without known dementia, and all of them agreed to undergo annual clinical evaluations while alive and brain autopsy after their death.
Beginning in 2004, participants were given an annual food frequency questionnaire about how often they ate 144 food items in the previous year. Using the questionnaire answers, the researchers gave each participant a MIND diet score based on how often the participants ate specific foods. The MIND diet has 15 dietary components, including 10 “brain-healthy food groups” and five unhealthy groups -- red meat, butter and stick margarine, cheese, pastries and sweets, and fried or fast food. To benefit from the MIND diet, a per-
son would need to eat at least three servings of whole grains, a green leafy vegetable and one other vegetable every day (along with an optional glass of wine), snack most days on nuts, have beans every other day or so, eat poultry and berries at least twice a week and fish at least once a week. A person also must limit intake of the designated unhealthy foods, limiting butter to less than 1 1/2 teaspoons a day and eating less than a serving a week of sweets and pastries, whole-fat cheese and fried or fast food.
Based on the frequency of intake reported for the healthy and unhealthy food groups, the researchers calculated the MIND diet score for each participant across the study period. An average of the MIND diet score from the start of the study until the participant’s death was
used in the analysis/.
Researchers found that a higher MIND diet score was associated with better memory and thinking skills independently of Alzheimer’s disease pathology and other common age-related brain pathologies. They concluded that the diet seemed to have a protective capacity and may contribute to cognitive resilience in older adults.
The bottom line is that diet changes can impact cognitive functioning and risk of dementia (positively or negatively). It’s never too late to make diet changes to slow cognitive decline.
Q and A
Q: What are persimmons? Can you eat them?
A: Persimmons are an autumn fruit that are best known for predicting the
DON’T STORE BREAD IN THE REFRIGERATOR
It may seem like a good idea to store bread in the refrigerator but it’s not ideal. I have not discovered even one professional baker or seasoned home baker who even slightly suggests it’s OK to refrigerate bread. On the contrary, they seem to be uniformly horrified by even the suggestion!
The temperature of a refrigerator prompts immediate “starch degradation,” a process that accelerates moisture loss, causing the bread to become prematurely stale. It’s true that refrigeration will stave off mold, but even tightly wrapped bread stored in the refrigerator is going to harden, change in texture and flavor and quickly become stale.
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
weather. The story goes that the inside of the fruit reveals a white marking in one of three weather-predicting shapes: a knife shape, which forecasts a cold, “cutting” winter; a fork, which means a mild season; or a spoon, which represents lots of snow shoveling. (It was a spoon this year). The fruit itself is known for its intensely sweet flavor. It can be added to a salad or stir-fry, dipped in yogurt or eaten like an apple.
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. For comments or questions, contact her at charfarg@aol.com or follow her on Twitter @NutritionRD. .
COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM
BY DENNIS MAMMANA
Week of August 24-30, 2025
Two easy-to-find star groupings appear during late summer and early autumn. You can see them by going outdoors and facing north during early evening hours.
Look low in the northwest for the seven equally bright stars of the Big Dipper. Many people call this a constellation, but the Dipper is only part of a much larger constellation known as Ursa Major, the great bear. Interestingly, many cultures throughout history saw this celestial region as representing a bear.
The ancient Greeks described the Dipper’s “bowl” portion as defining the bear’s hind end and its “handle” as the long tail. I don’t know about you, but I’ve never seen a bear with a long tail. So how did the Greeks explain this anatomical oddity? When Zeus tossed the bear into the heavens, they said, he did so by swinging it by the tail, thus stretching it out into its current length. Those ancient Greeks had answers for everything!
Seeing a bear, though, is another matter altogether. That’s why the Dipper is such a handy “asterism” -- a group of stars that looks like something familiar. And the Big Dipper is useful
for finding the second easy-to-recognize star grouping: Cassiopeia (cass-eeOH-pee-uh).
This one you’ll find low in the northeastern sky. Rather than looking for the image of an ancient Ethiopian queen and mother of Andromeda, you’ll have better luck finding five stars that outline a nicely formed letter “W.”
Midway between these two star groupings lies Polaris, aka the North Star, easily the most important star of our night sky. That’s because, at this time in history, Polaris happens to stand directly above our planet’s north pole, so when you face this star, you’re facing true north. Keep in mind that your compass won’t point this way; it’s designed to point toward the magnetic North Pole, which, to much of North America, appears farther to the east.
In addition, the Earth’s rotational axis aims almost directly toward Polaris, so during the advancing hours of the night (and seasons of the year), this star never changes its position, while all the northern stars seem to revolve counterclockwise around it. That’s pretty handy, since we in the Northern Hemisphere have a unique direction finder available at all times.
You can use the Big Dipper to point your way toward Polaris by following two stars of its bowl (the two farthest
The Big Dipper and Cassiopeia are easy to find in the sky during late summer and early autumn.
from the handle) from its base to its top, and extend that line about five times their separation. There, you’ll find Polaris. And, if you continue that line forward to the other side of Polaris, you’ll encounter the easternmost star of Cassiopeia’s “W.”
What could be easier!
Notice that Polaris lies almost midway between the two asterisms. As the sky turns during the night (or through the seasons), you’ll see that the Dipper and Cassiopeia wheel counterclockwise around this star.
BY TRACY BECKERMAN
When we lived in the suburbs, my dog had a squirrel obsession. He would routinely sit by the deck door watching the backyard for squirrels like a guard at Buckingham Palace. Neither sleep nor hunger nor the sound of a killer Roomba approaching would tear him from his post, unless, of course, he heard the sound of food accidentally dropping on the kitchen floor. When a squirrel appeared, he would growl menacingly and finally erupt into a fit of hysterical barking until I let him outside to chase the interloper over the fence or up a tree. I can’t say I was unhappy about that. The squirrels ate my pumpkins and raided my bird feeders, so I was not really a fan. If Bowie wanted to chase the squirrels back to their squirrel lair so they could tell little squirrel stories about the mean squirrel-hating dog in our yard, it was OK by me.
When we left the suburbs, I thought
the squirrel issue was resolved. We moved into the city, and there was nary a squirrel to be found. It seemed our bothersome squirrel issues would be a thing of the past. But then we moved again, to a place near the water, and we discovered that there was something afoul.
Or, more specifically, a fowl.
In this latest move, we had unwittingly traded in squirrels for geese, the scourge of lawns and sidewalks everywhere. I woke up to the sound of geese honking. I went to sleep to the sound of geese honking. And when I went outside to shoo the honking geese away, I discovered a minefield of honking goose droppings.
According to multiple geese authorities, the average goose poops every 12 minutes, which translates to more than 100 times a day. ONE HUNDRED TIMES! This was somewhat horrifying and really more than I wanted to know about geese, but it at least explained the minefield outside.
When we first moved, the geese weren’t here. I suppose they had left for greener pastures. But about two months later they suddenly appeared, and the only member of our family who seemed truly excited about this ... was the dog. The dog had led a somewhat sheltered suburban life and had never actually met a goose before. So the first time I took him outside to do his business, he didn’t notice them. But then the geese honked and he suddenly perked up like a retriever on a hunt, waiting to go collect the birds his owner shot down. As my dog is, actually, a retriever, this wasn’t much of a surprise. What happened next was.
I had fully expected the dog would bark his head off and lurch at the geese -- which I assumed were just big squirrels with beaks to him -- scaring them away from the premises. But as he took a few steps forward and strained at the leash, a bunch of the geese turned and flew at us, paralyzing both the dog and me in terror.
Keep an eye on them over the next few weeks, and you’ll watch the Dipper gradually descend in the northwestern sky while the “W” ascends in the northeast. By next spring, you’ll be able to welcome the Big Dipper back to the northeastern sky while bidding Cassiopeia farewell until next fall.
Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com.
COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM
Now, I’ve done battle with wild turkeys, which I had always thought were the scariest birds in the ‘burbs. But they don’t hold a feather to an angry goose. Apparently, we had unwittingly trespassed on private goose territory, and this is not something that geese will tolerate.
At first I thought I might stand my ground with my faithful retriever by my side and show the geese who was the toughest bird. But as the geese flew at us, Bowie yanked the leash out of my hands and ran off to save his own skin. This really left me with no other option. So, I turned and flew the coop.
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
ONE CALL TO 516-294-8900 AND YOUR AD WILL APPEAR IN 6 LOCAL NEWSPAPERS. CALL TODAY FOR OUR VERY LOW RATES. www.gcnews.com
Garden City News • Mid Island Times Bethpage Newsgram • Syosset Advance Jericho News Journal • Floral Park Villager
DEADLINE FOR CLASSIFIED ADS IS TUESDAY AT 1:00PM.
2 EASY WAYS TO PLACE ADS:
1) Directly on website: gcnews.com & click on “Classified Order”
2) Email Nancy@gcnews.com
Please include your name, daytime phone number, address and ad copy.
Visa and MasterCard Accepted
HELP WANTED
NEPTUNE DINER IN SYOSSET
In Need of Experienced Servers
Please contact: 516-364-1970 or 347-696-5416
TAX SUPERVISOR
Armanino LLP. Garden City, NY. Tax Supervisor. Prep & review corp, partnership, & ind tax returns; Participate in planning & execution of engagements w/ team members on assignments; Mange mltpl client assignments & projs; Build strg relationships w/ clients & client personnel; Correspond w/ clients, team members, & mgmt on work statuses & inquiries; Rsrch cmplx tax matters; Handle & consult on tax rltd matters; Proactively identify & mitigate risks; Supervise, mentor, & dvlp less experienced tax staff by providing on-going & regular feedback; Participate in pro dvlpmt seminars & deliver entry lvl to intermediate trng. Job can be performed remotely from anywhere in the United States. Employee may reside anywhere in the United States. 4 yrs of exp in job offered or similar role. Bachelor’s deg (or frgn equiv.) in acctng or closely rltd field. $130,000.00/yr. Eligible to sit for the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam (150 university credits). Resumes to: Candi Brandt, Senior Manager, 2700 Camino Ramon, Suite 350, San Ramon, CA 94583.
SITUATION WANTED
A COMPANION and HOME HEALTH AIDE
20 years experience in home care, nursing homes. Seeking a position to care for the sick/elderly. Male or female patients. Experience with Dementia, Alzheimers, Stroke. References available. English speaking. Please call: 347-546-4133
NOVENA TO THE BLESSED MOTHER
Oh Most Beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven. Oh, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity.
Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me here you are my Mother.
SITUATION WANTED
CAREGIVER/COMPANION
Mature, reliable European woman seeks position as Companion/Caregiver. Please call Eva: 631-355-9017
ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-833-661-4172
DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Direct and get your first free months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918
GET BOOST INFINITE! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 844-329-9391
WE BUY HOUSES FOR CASH AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670
Oh Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power.
Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee (say three times).
Holy Mary I place this cause in your hands (say three times). Amen.
This prayer is never known to fail and is to be said for 3 consecutive days.
In Gratitude (E.H.)
OH BLESSED MOTHER OF THE SON OF GOD; Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity.
Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me you are my Mother.
Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity.
Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee (say three times).
Holy Mary I place this cause in your hands (say three times). Thank you for your mercy to me and mine. Amen.
(MAK)
Antique & Vintage Items
Jewelry-Crystal-Silver Furniture-Mirrors-Tabletop Artwork-Lamps
Consign, Shop or Visit the Yellow House 109 Eleventh Street Garden City 516-746-8900
Mon-Fri 10-4 (Wed to 6pm) Saturday 12-4 (entrance & parking in back)
Consignments by appointment atstewartexchange@tgchs.org All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical Society
INVITED SALES
BY TRACY JORDAN
Transform your space, maximize your value: Are you looking to add value to your property and enhance its appeal?
Look no further!
At Invited Sales, we offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet your needs:
Personal Property Appraisals and Evaluations: Get expert insights into the true value of your personal property.
Estate and Tag Sales:
Simplify the process of selling estate items with our professional online and in-person tag sale services.
Home Updates: From carpet removal to one-day floor refinishing and contractor services, we handle it all to refresh your home effortlessly.
Staging Services:
Elevate your space with our curated selection of furniture, accessories, lighting, and decorative items for a stunning transformation. Explore our captivating before and after photos showcasing homes where we’ve added significant value, making them stand out in the market:
Visit: InvitedSales.com today to discover how we can help you achieve your property goals!
Please Call: 516-279-6378 Or Text Tracy Jordan: 516-567-2960
WANTED TO BUY
LOOKING TO BUY!
Estates, Oriental items, Gold, Silver, Costume Jewelry, Dishes, Flatware, Watches, Clothing, Old Photos, Coins, Stamps, Records, Sports Cards, Pokemon Cards, Comics and Art. Immediate Cash Paid Call George 917-775-3048
AUTOS WANTED
GOT AN UNWANTED CAR??? Your car donation to Patriotic Hearts helps veterans find work or start their own business. Fast free pick. Running or not! Call 24/7: 1-833441-4496
WE BUY 8,000 CARS A WEEK
Sell your old, busted or junk car with no hoops, haggles or headaches. Sell your car to Peddle. Easy three step process. Instant offer. Free pickup. Fast payment. Call 1-855-403-3374
AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER? STORM DAMAGE?
You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-833-880-7679
BARNES GALLERY
Custom Picture Framing Two Nassau Blvd Garden City, NY 516-538-4503
Tuesday-Saturday 10-5
CONSUMER CELLULAR
the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844-919-1682
JACK’S CUSTOM FRAMING We can frame anything! Quality Care & Workmanship Thousands of frames to choose from!! Over 30 years in business! 92 Covert Ave, Stewart Manor 516-775-9495
SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS! Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call: 877 988 7277
ATTORNEY
STEPHANIE A.
D’ANGELO, ESQ. Elder Law, Wills & Trusts Asset Preservation, Estate Planning, Probate & Estate Administration/Litigation 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530 516-222-1122 www.dangelolawassociates. com
AQUATEC LAWN SPRINKLERS
SYSTEM TURN ONS Backflow Device Tests Free Estimates Installation Service/Repairs Joe Barbato 516-775-1199
BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-833-807-0159
DO YOU KNOW WHAT’S IN YOUR WATER? Leaf Home
Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-247-5728
MADE IN THE SHADE CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS
Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Draperies
Top Brands at Discount Prices! Family owned & operated www.madeintheshadensli. com
516-426-2890 MASONRY
All types of stonework Pavers, Retaining Walls, Belgium Block Patios, Foundations, Seal coating, Concrete and Asphalt driveways, Sidewalks, Steps. Free Estimates
Fully Licensed & Insured #H2219010000 Boceski Masonry Louie 516-850-4886
PAULIE THE ROOFER STOPPING LEAKS IS MY SPECIALTY!
Slate & Tile Specialists All types of Roofing Local References Licensed & Insured 516-621-3869
PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES with Briggs & StrattonPowerProtect(TM) standby generators the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty 7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Briggs & Stratton 1-888-605-1496
$Highest$ Ca$h Paid$ All Years /Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199 Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS 516-297-2277
GET A BREAK ON YOUR TAXES! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind today at 1-855484-3467
PREPARE FOR POWER outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5 year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-877-5161160 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
SAFE STEP
North America’s
#1 Walk-In Tub.
Comprehensive Lifetime warranty. Top of the line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step:
1-855-916-5473
FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC
Dr. Ann Marie D’Angelo
PMHCNS-BC
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Advanced Practice Nurse Care Manager
Assistance with Aging at Home /Care Coordintion
Nursing Home & Assisted Living Placement
PRI / Screens / Mini Mental Status Exams
Medicaid Eligibility and Apllications
516-248-9323
www.familycareconnections.com
901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530
LI’S ACUPUNCTURE
Hicksville Acupunctuirst 30+ years of expert care for a wide range of conditions. Major Insurances Accepted. Senior discount available. CALL NOW 516-806-5538
Visit Us: acupliang.com
PAINTING & PAPERHANGING
INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING
Plastering, Taping, Sheetrock Skim Cutting, Old Wood Refinish, Staining, Wallpaper
Removal & Hanging, Paint Removal, Power Washing, Wood
Replacement
JOHN MIGLIACCIO
Licensed & Insured
#80422100000
Call John anytime: 516-901-9398 (Cell) 516-483-3669 (Office)
PROFESSIONAL PAINTER
Interior/Exterior Repairs, Spackls, Wallpaper, Mouldings & More!
&
AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET. If you are overpaying for your
from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other
Freshly caught and prepared catfish is a notable dish in the American south. Catifsh is an oft-overlooked option elsewhere in the coun-
3⁄4 cup mayonnaise
1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
2 tablespoons capers
try, but more might pine for it if they knew of its mild, slightly sweet flavor that is similar to trout and white fish. Catfish is known for its firm, moist
1 tablespoon finely chopped shallots
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Juice of 1⁄2 lemon
1 tablespoon finely chopped scallions, greens only
1 1⁄2 tablespoons finely chopped celery
1⁄2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
1) In a small mixing bowl, blend all the tartar sauce ingredients. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
2) In a large, deep saucepan, heat the canola oil to approximately 350° F.
and dense texture, which holds up well in a variety of recipes. However, fried catfish remains a favorite way to prepare this catch. Dish up this recipe
Catfish
2 1⁄2 cups canola oil
2 cups buttermilk
1⁄4 cup hot sauce
1 tablespoon favorite spice mix
1⁄2 teaspoon creole seasoning
(St. Martin’s Press) by Neal Corman the next time
2 cups Universal Flour (see below)
4 7- to 8 ounce fresh catfish fillets
2 lemons, cut into halves or wedges
gently slide into the hot oil.
3) In a small mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, hot sauce, spice Mix, and creole seasoning. Set out the Universal Flour in a separate small bowl.
Universal Flour
Makes 3 1⁄2 cups
1 cup yellow cornmeal
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated garlic
1 tablespoon granulated onion
4) Place the catfish in the buttermilk mixture for 3 minutes. Remove and dust with the Universal Flour. Shake off the excess and
5) Fry the fillets for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown on one side. Flip and fry for 3 more minutes, or until golden brown. (Fry the fillets in two batches of two fillets each. They will be much easier to maneu-
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
ver.)
6) Remove the fried fillets to a large plate covered in paper towels. Blot with paper towels to dry.
7) Serve immediately with 1⁄4 cup of tartar sauce and a lemon half for each fillet.
1) Combine all of the ingredients in a medium bowl. Whisk together until incorporated. Transfer to a covered container. Store in a cool and dry place.
Traditional board gaming at Sy-Con 2023.
Sy-Con, an exciting, all-day pop culture convention, returns to Syosset Library for the fifth time on Saturday, September 6. Activities are planned for the young and the young at heart, including costume contests, a Taylor Swift tribute concert, opportunities to meet and take photos with favorite science fiction characters, crafts, and more. Activities begin at 10 a.m., continue until 4:30 p.m., and include:
An Artists’ Alley & Vendors 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Independent artists show and sell their work; courtesy of the Friends of the Library.
Food Trucks • 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Grab a bite, sweet to savory, from the
best local food trucks around.
A Video Game Truck & Table Top Gaming • 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Gaming in a full-size video game truck in the parking lot and in the library on the mezzanine with a variety of table top games ready to roll.
The 501st Legion & Empire Saber Guild Star Wars • 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Dark or light side? Stop by the lower level and meet your favorite Star Warsinspired costumed guests.
Totally Taylor: A Taylor Swift Tribute Concert • 11 a.m.
I Wanna Be the Very Best at Voice Acting Workshop • 2 p.m. Workshop and Q&A with Alyson
Cosplay at Sy-Con 2022.
Leigh Rosenfeld, professional anime voice actor.
A Cosplay Contest • 3 p.m.
Prizes for best individual costumes by age group: children, ages 0–12; teens, ages 12–17; adults, ages 18 and up; register onsite.
And there’s more! For a pre Sy-Con warm up, get your game on the night before at Sy-Con Hype Night: Family Game Show edition. Join us on Friday, September 5, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for an exciting lineup of interactive games and challenges to whet your appetite before the main event on Saturday! Activities include: a Team Trivia Tournament (teams compete head-to-head answering a series of trivia questions); OnePunch / Speed Trap
(a fast-paced challenge where participants must react quickly to prompts or questions); Family Feud / Jeopardy (classic game show formats featuring survey-style questions and quiz-style answers); Name That Tune (contestants listen to snippets of songs and race to identify the tune first); Great Emoji Race Mobile (a lively game where players decode or guess phrases and titles using only emojis, played on mobile devices for fast interaction); and Bingo / Trivia (a combined game mixing classic bingo with trivia questions).
For both events, children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult or guardian. For more information visit syossetlibrary.org.
For 25 years, we’ve transformed uncertainty into unwavering assurance, creating sophisticated spaces where care and comfort naturally intertwine. Because the best decisions often begin with ‘I’m not sure.’
When Expertise Meets Compassion – Confidence Follows
For a list of all locations in the tri-state area, visit: thebristal.com
