Mid-Island Times (4/25/25) by Litmor Publishing

SERVING PLAINVIEW, HICKSVILLE, AND LEVIT TOWN

'Back the Blue' ribbon campaign

LIRR parking lots to close during construction

Several projects that are parts of the greater Downtown Hicksville Revitalization Initiative will break ground this spring. As a result, beginning Saturday, May 3, two commuter parking lots (H-5 and H-6) along the north side of the Long Island Rail Road in Hicksville – between Newbridge Road and Broadway – will be closed to the public due to construction. Alternative parking is located at the Town of Oyster Bay Parking Garage (100 Duffy Avenue, Hicksville) and at exterior lots.

• The Underline: Transformation of the area under the train trestle, between Newbridge Rd. and Broadway, with new pavers, lighting and amenities for pop-up shops and outdoor cafes.

• Broadway Beautification Upgrades: New lighting, trees, benches, trash cans, and crosswalks.

In a display of support for law enforcement, the Town of Oyster Bay is launching a ‘Back the Blue’ Ribbon Campaign in recognition of National Police Week (May 11th – 17th). This nationwide observance honors the brave men and women in blue who risk their lives to protect our communities, as well as those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Free blue ribbons are available for residents to show their support to ‘Back the Blue’ by displaying blue ribbons on homes, business-

es, storefronts, trees, and mailboxes.

“This campaign is a powerful way to say, ‘thank you’ to the courageous men and women in blue who put their lives on the line every day,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “At a time when law enforcement officers continue to face unfair criticism and even calls to defund the police, it’s more important than ever to stand up and show our gratitude.”

“We are proud to live in the safest large suburban county in America, and that’s

because of the dedication and sacrifice of our police officers,” added Councilman Lou Imbroto. “When you call 911—whether for a burglary, a health emergency, or to protect your family—our officers are the ones who answer that call. Let’s show them we’ve got their backs.”

Get Your Free Blue Ribbon!

Residents who would like a complimentary blue ribbon from the Town of Oyster Bay can request one by calling (516) 624-6380.

Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino said, “With millions of dollars from the public and private sectors being invested into Hicksville, we’re enhancing and transforming the business district into a vibrant downtown. In the meantime, we advise commuters who utilize the Hicksville train station to take note of these parking lot closures, and plan ahead.”

The downtown Hicksville revitalization projects will include:

• Festival Plaza: Construction of a raised walking path with landscaping, seating areas, and safer pedestrian connection to LIRR station

• Kennedy Park Expansion: Transforming an existing parking lot into green space for outdoor activities like concerts and pop-up vendors

The first privately funded project in downtown Hicksville’s renaissance was completed at 35 Broadway, a vacant office building that now offers 18 housing units and commercial space. In November 2024, Alpine Development broke ground for a $111 million privately funded project at 99 Newbridge Rd., featuring 189 residential units with retail and restaurant space. Four additional projects from the private sector will break ground in 2025 and 2026, including:

• Fieldstone at N. Broadway, featuring 104 new residential units along with retail and restaurant space.

• West Cherry Townhouses, featuring 10 new residential units.

• West Cherry Street Development, featuring 20 new residential units.

• Chroma Paint, featuring 30 residential units along with a rooftop restaurant.

Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilman Louis Imbroto and Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato, joined by representatives of the Nassau County PBA, Detectives Association, Superior Officers Association and Correction Officers Association officials.

Bethpage Baseball Opening Day

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino joined NYS Senator Steve Rhoads and County Legislator Rose Walker in attending The Bethpage Baseball Association’s Opening Day Ceremonies at Borella Field. Led by Commissioner Dennis Baggia, the organization has started a #RALLYFORHAILEY, in honor of remarkable teammate and pitcher Hailey Giebel, who has been battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia. For more information, please visit www.bethpagebaseball.org

Lev-IT holds Opening Day

Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray joined members of the Rubber Ducks tee-ball team during the Lev-IT Opening Day Ceremonies on April 5, at Fred Neist Field in Levittown. Also attending were Nassau County Legislators John Ferretti and Tom McKevitt, and New York State Assemblyman John Mikulin.

Four women arrested for series of burglaries

Four young women from Romania were arrested on Tuesday, April 15th in connection with a series of residential burglaries which took place in several communities during March and April.

According to Nassau County Police, the four entered multiple residences and stole a large amount of US Currency and personal belongings before fleeing the scene. These incidents occurred at

the following times and locations:

• March 14 at a residence located on Mecham Avenue, Elmont

• March 14 at a residence located on Biltmore Avenue, Elmont

• March 17 at a residence located on Essex Road, Bethpage

• March 17 at a residence located on Gates Avenue, East Meadow

• March 17 at a residence located

on Gates Avenue, East Meadow

• April 15 at a residence located on Abbey Lane, Levittown

• April 15 at a residence located on Eileen Avenue, Planview

Following an investigation with the assistance of US Customs and Border Protection, Nassau County Police Electronics Squad, the Chicago Police

Department and the New York City Police Department, all four women were identified as Cristina Tanasie, 25, Cornella Chiciu, 34, Ioana Miclescu, 21 and Alina Antonescu, 36, who were all arrested on April 15. All four defendants are charged with two counts of Burglary 2nd degree. Cornella Chiciu was also charged with 5 more counts of Burglary 2nd Degree.

Cristina Tanasie

Alina Atonescu Cornella Chiciu

Loana Miclescu

BRUCE A. BLAKEMAN NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE

PATRICK J. RYDER POLICE COMMISSIONER

COME CELEBRATE

Nassau County Police Department's

Hicksville Water: Main flushing starts this week

The Hicksville Water District (HWD) will be flushing water mains throughout its service area as a part of its regular Distribution System Maintenance Program starting on April 27 through May 2 between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. to minimize the impact on the community. The flushing will be focused in the northwest quadrant of the District service area, which is west of Broadway and north of Old Country Road. Residents should remember that their water is absolutely safe to drink during this period.

“Our ability to distribute drinking water to more than 48,000 residents is highly contingent on the integrity of our water mains,” said HWD Chairman Nicholas Brigandi. “Or semi-annual flushing program helps to clear mains

STREET PARADE

including

• Block Party

• Live Music

• Antique Cars

• Horses

• Motorcycles

• Pipe Bands

• Helicopter Flyover and so much more!

PARADE STEP-OFF: 2:00pm

STARTING POINT:

Wantagh Avenue at Beltagh Avenue in Wantagh

ENDING POINT:

Beech Street and Park Avenue. Block party will take place at Railroad Avenue immediately after from 3:00pm-8:00pm.

Meadowbrook

Dentistry

The HWD regularly flushes its water mains to protect the integrity of the water supply and to continuously provide residents with the high-quality water they have come to expect every day. Flushing allows the District to guard against possible accumulation of dissolved iron in water mains that has occurred during the past year. The flushing program also provides an opportunity for the District to check for leaks and test water pressure. Additionally, the HWD is able to determine the water’s pH level and color, as well as make exact calculations on rates of water flow, which only adds to its importance in the District’s water distribution practices.

Slight variations in water pressure or color may occur during the flushing process, the latter of which may affect certain water uses such as laundering of clothes. If the water in your home does become discolored, it can be solved quickly by running your cold-water

For more information and assistance, please contact the Hicksville Water District at 516-931-6469 or info@

SUNDAY, APRIL 27TH

PARADE BEGINS

2:00PM

Rain date: Sunday, May 4, 2025

O u r t e a m i s e a g e r t o g i v e y o u t h e k i n d o f e y e - c a t c h i n g s m i l e t h

r s

D e n t a l C r o w n s & B r i d g e s

E m e r g e n c y D e n t i s t r y , N i t r o u s O x i d e , I V S e d a t i o n & m u c h m o r e

THE AM YISRAEL CHAI TOUR

Tours of Nova, Kibbutzim and the "Car Cemetery“, while working to repair communities.

•Picking vegetables to support the Israel Food Bank (Lecket)

•Packing groceries for residents in need

•Meeting with Israelis both southern and northern borders

•Visits to Jerusalem, Masada, Jordan River Sefad, and Elijah’s Cave

•Work on an archeological dig

•Youth and adult bar/bar mitzvah opportunities.

•And much more!!

• Friends and non members welcome!

Levittown Prom Dress Boutique Nominations sought for Hicksville Hall of Fame

Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray (third left) visited the Levittown Memorial Education Center to check out the annual Levittown School District Dress Boutique, where students can browse and choose from hundreds of donated prom dresses, shoes, suits, accessories, and more.

NASSAU COUNTY

NOTICE OF SALE

The Hicksville Public School District is currently accepting nominations for the 2025 Hicksville High School Hall of Fame. Established in 1985, the Hall of Fame honors graduates who have made significant achievements in their careers or communities, serving as role models for the Class of 2025 and all current students.

The district is seeking individuals who have not only excelled professionally but have also made substantial contributions to their communities. Those wishing to nominate a candidate should submit the nominee's name, address, phone number,

graduation year, profession, community involvement and any honors or achievements. Nominators should also describe what makes the candidate exceptional and include their own name, address and phone number.

Nominees must be available to attend the Hicksville High School graduation on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 5 p.m.

All nominations must be submitted by May 15, 2025, and mailed to: Ms. Sabaa Daly, Assistant Principal, Hicksville High School, 180 Division Avenue, Hicksville, NY 11801-4800

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NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF SALE

NASSAU COUNTY

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS II INC. MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005-AR8, -againstJEFFREY RAMAN, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS II INC. MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005-AR8, -againstJEFFREY RAMAN, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on May 4, 2022, wherein THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS II INC. MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005-AR8 is the Plaintiff and JEFFREY RAMAN, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on May 6, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 4041 JEAN AVENUE, BETHPAGE, NY 11714; and the following tax map identification: 46-483-21. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDING AND IMPROVEMENTS ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT BETHPAGE, TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST RAJESHWARI SINGH; HARENDRA SINGH; ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a 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 May 21, 2025 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 4336 Hicksville Road, Bethpage, NY 11714. 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

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY CORPORATION

Notice of Formation of Total Sports and Performance Baseball, LLC. Arts of Org filed with SSNY: 03/21/2025. Office: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC for process and shall mail copy of process to LLC: 181 N Delaware Avenue, Massapequa, NY, 11758. Purpose: any lawful act.

NASSAU COUNTY

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY CORPORATION

$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 85174

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 008546/2015. Oscar A. Prieto, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

Notice of Formation of Day To Day Senior Care Consult & Services LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/06/2025. 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 Charles Day: 100 Duffy Ave, Hicksville NY 11801. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Town offers free boating safety seminars

The Town of Oyster Bay is encouraging residents to take advantage of free Boating Safety Seminars being offered 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

LEGAL NOTICES

NASSAU COUNTY LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

Nationstar Mortgage LLC, Plaintiff, -against-

Janice Roberson, State Financial Acceptance Corp. its successors and/or assigns, Madison Home Equities, Inc. a/k/a Madison Resources Ltd., American General Finance, Inc., its successors and/or assigns, Nassau County Clerk, Defendants. Index No.: 614125/2024

Filed: August 9, 2024 SUMMONS

Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the county in which the mortgaged premises is situated TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT(S):

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your Answer or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the attorneys for the plaintiff within twenty (20) days after service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service; or within thirty (30) days after service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York; or within sixty (60) days if it is the United States of America. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT

THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to expunge, from the record, a Mortgage dated March 27, 1995 and recorded in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office on December 13, 1995 in Liber 17123, Page 379 as assigned, a Mortgage dated April 2, 1999 and recorded August 3, 1999 in Liber 19773, Page 224 and a Mortgage dated July 9, 1999 and recorded in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office on October 13, 1999 in Liber 19923, Page 239 as assigned, and to compel the determination of claims to the real property located at 132 Oak Avenue, Hempstead, NY 11550 with a tax map designation of Section 36, Block 077, Lot 1

Dated: Bay Shore, New York August 8, 2024 FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISS WEISMAN & GORDON, LLP

/s/BY: Linda P. Manfredi

Attorneys for Plaintiff 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, New York 11706 (631)969-3100

Our File No.: 01-100134-T01

No Paper? No Justice

Weigh the advantages of legal advertising in Litmor Publishing's Community Newspapers For information on rates and coverage call 516-294-8900

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:

Tuesday, April 29th & Wednesday, April 30, 2025 from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. at Marjorie Post Park Community Center

(451 Unqua Road, Massapequa Park).

Sunday, May 18, 2025 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Town Hall North (54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay).

Participants must be at least 10 years old to register. While the seminars 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, please call (516) 677-5350. To register, visit https://oysterbaytown.com/safeboating

Boutique offers free dresses for prom

Soon-to-be prom-goers in the Levittown School District had their dress shopping made easy as the district’s social workers organized the annual Dress Boutique, offering free dresses and accessories to those in need.

Social workers from each school united to bring this event to the Levittown Memorial Education Center. In the Panther Room, racks were filled with eye-catching dresses while tables displayed options for shoes, jewelry and acces-

sories. Raffles also featured prize bundles for lucky winners. All offerings were made possible by generous donations from members of the Levittown community, including Jovani, which donated 175 dresses for the occasion.

Social workers from across the Levittown School District organized the annual Dress Boutique at the Levittown Memorial Education Center on March 27. Photo courtesy Levittown Public Schools

NASSAU COUNTY

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Formation of DELCO MARKET LLC filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 3/27/2025. Office loc.: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The address SSNY shall mail process to Jaswinder Singh, 70 Somerset Ave., Hicksville, NY 11801. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Formation of APNA EASTERN MARKET LLC filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 3/27/2025. Office loc.: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The address SSNY shall mail process to Jaswinder Singh, 70 Somerset Ave., Hicksville, NY 11801. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

John F. Kennedy Middle School students explore printmaking

Students at JFK Middle School recently explored the art of printmaking in Ms. Jamie Bula’s Art 8 class.

Student teacher Ms. Melanie Acaiturri (pictured here with a student) designed the lesson and led the students through each step.

LEGAL NOTICES

NASSAU COUNTY

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Notice of Formation of JP Ventures Squared LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/06/2024. 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 Allen Williams: 5 Brewster St, #503, Glen Cove, NY 11542. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Eighth grade students at John F. Kennedy Middle School recently explored the art of printmaking in Ms. Jamie Bula’s class, guided by student teacher Ms. Melanie Acaiturri. The project introduced students to a handson artistic process that required careful planning, creativity and precision.

For this lesson, Ms. Acaiturri encouraged students to think critically about their designs, focusing on the importance of negative space. They began by sketching their ideas on paper, ensuring that their final compositions would translate well into stamps. Once their drawings were finalized, they carefully carved their designs into rubber blocks, creating the negative relief needed for printing. The final step was the most exciting—applying ink to their custom-made stamps and pressing them onto paper, bringing their designs to life.

Ms. Acaiturri, who designed this les-

son herself, selected printmaking as the focus because it was both accessible and new to the students. “I wanted to introduce students to printmaking because it’s a versatile process that encourages creativity and experimentation,” she shared. “By designing and carving their own stamps, they could engage with the material in a hands-on way, gaining a deeper appreciation for the artistic possibilities of printmaking.”

Printmaking holds a special place in Ms. Acaiturri’s artistic journey. She first encountered the medium in middle school and later rediscovered her passion for it in college. Her enthusiasm for the artform was evident in the classroom as she guided students through each step, ensuring they felt confident in their work.

To see more of the incredible artwork coming out of JFK Middle School, follow the JFK Art Studio on Instagram @jfk_art_studio.

Art teacher Ms. Jamie Bula gives the students some pointers on how to spread the paint evenly on their stamps.

Town hiring coaches, refs for summer

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that the Town is looking for experienced basketball coaches and referees for the Summer Youth Basketball Program, designed for boys and girls in 3rd through 8th grade.

“This is a great opportunity for basketball enthusiasts to have some fun over the summer while making a positive impact on the youth in

our community,” said Town Councilwoman Laura Maier. “Coaches can start as young as age 16, allowing them to have a meaningful summer job while receiving hands-on experience and making a difference.”

All coaches must have a minimum of two years’ experience playing basketball and/ or coaching a prior team. All referees must have at least two

years’ experience in refereeing basketball games. Coaches must be available to coach at least one game per week, as well as one practice per week. Coaches will be given the opportunity to set up practice at a time that works best for themselves and their team.

The basketball program will run Monday, June 16, through Thursday, August 13, (final two

program

weeks are allotted for any necessary makeups) and evaluations will begin June 7. The program will run at Haypath Park in Old Bethpage, Plainview-Old Bethpage Community Park and Syosset-Woodbury Community Park. For more information, prospective applicants should contact the Town’s Department of Parks, Recreation Division, at (516)797-7945.

Conversational, opinionated, wordsmith?

Camping Adds Special Dimension to National Parks Experience

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE

GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

National Parks Week, this year April 19-27, is a great time to start planning for a camping holiday in national parks, especially since because of understandable popularity, you need to make reservations early.

Pro Tip: You can purchase a 2025 America the Beautiful--the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass providing access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks, wildlife refuges and forests, for $80 from the USGS store (https://store.usgs.gov/) and from LL Bean (https://www.llbean.com/llb/ shop/1000010294).

Seniors can purchase a lifetime version, the America The BeautifulThe National Parks and Federal Lands Senior Lifetime Pass, for $80 (plus $10 fee), from https://store.usgs.gov/ lifetime-senior-pass. At many sites the Senior Pass provides a discount on Expanded Amenity Fees (such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours).

Campspot’s 15 Top Trending Parks for Campers

To celebrate National Park Week (April 19–27, 2025,) Campspot, a leading booking platform for private campgrounds, dug into traveler data to reveal the Top 15 Most-Searched National Parks for 2025, based on check-in dates throughout the year.

With economic uncertainty still shaping how Americans travel in 2025, more adventurers are seeking out experiences that feel meaningful—but still affordable. Camping near national parks continues to rise in popularity

Sunrise in Devil’s Garden, Arches National Park. Camping adds immeasurably to the already spectacular experience of visiting our national parks. With the national parks likely to be exceptionally popular this year plan and make reservations early. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

as travelers seek fresh air, epic views, and budget-friendly alternatives to traditional vacations. Whether you’re planning a last-minute getaway or your big summer adventure, here’s where travelers are headed—along with where to camp nearby:

Trending National Parks to Visit in 2025

1. Yosemite National Park: With its granite giants, towering waterfalls, and legendary trails, Yosemite National Park in California is the definition of iconic. Whether you’re chasing views from Glacier Point or strolling through Yosemite Valley, this park is a stunner in every season. Book early—it’s a favorite for a reason. Where to camp:

Indian Flat RV Park

Golden Pines RV Resort

2. Yellowstone National Park: The first national park in the world

is still one of the most awe-inspiring. Spanning across Wyoming with portions in Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone and its bubbling geysers, colorful hot springs, and vast wildlife sightings (bison! bears! elk!) make every visit feel like a real-life safari. Add in stunning canyons and wideopen meadows, and you’ve got a wild, wonderful trip waiting. Where to camp:

Yellowstone Hot Springs

Henry’s Fork RV Park

Sugar City RV Park

See More Campgrounds Near Yellowstone National Park

3. Glacier National Park: Alpine lakes, snow-capped peaks, and over 700 miles of trails? Glacier National Park in Montana is high on drama— in the best way. Hop on the Goingto-the-Sun Road for an unforgettable drive, or hike to hidden lakes for pure

GOING PLACES NEAR AND FAR

solitude. Summer is prime time, but shoulder seasons offer quieter beauty with fewer crowds. Where to camp:

Columbia Falls RV Park

Glacier Peaks RV Park

Whitefish RV Park

4. Grand Teton National Park: Craggy peaks, serene lakes, and a skyline so sharp it cuts through the clouds—Grand Teton National Park is Wyoming’s quieter showstopper. Kayak on Jenny Lake, catch a sunrise over the Snake River, or just enjoy the view with a picnic. Bonus: you’re close enough to Yellowstone to hit both in one trip. Where to camp:

Sugar City RV Park

Idaho Sky RV Resort

Henry’s Fork RV Park

5. Sequoia National Park: Come for the massive trees, stay for the peaceful forest vibes. Sequoia National Park in California is home to General Sherman (the largest tree on Earth) and hundreds of other giants that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. It’s also great for stargazing, scenic drives, and uncrowded trails. Where to camp:

Kings River RV Resort

Creekside RV Park

Kern River Sequoia RV Resort

6. Acadia National Park in Maine brings serious charm where the mountains meet the sea. Hike Cadillac Mountain for one of the first sunrises in the U.S., bike the historic carriage roads, or explore tidepools along the rugged shoreline. Fall colors here are unreal. Where to camp:

Boothbay Craft Brewery

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™

Camp-Resort: Androscoggin Lake

7. Great Smoky Mountains

Continued on next page

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

Camping Adds Special Dimension to National Parks Experience

Continued from previous page

National Park: This trending national park’s misty peaks and rolling hills are home to wildflowers, waterfalls, and a crazy amount of biodiversity. With no entrance fee, it’s America’s most-visited park. Where to camp:

Cove Creek RV Resorts

Mountaineer Campground

Pigeon Forge RV Resort

Gateway RV Campground

Creekside RV Park

Camp Riverslanding

8. Rocky Mountain National Park: Reach new heights—literally. With elevations over 12,000 feet, this trending national park in Colorado is a hiker’s heaven. Think alpine tundra, glacier-fed lakes, and elk sightings around every corner. Trail Ridge Road offers stunning panoramic views, especially at sunset. Where to camp:

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ CampResort: Estes Park

Poudre River Resort

Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains

Base Camp at Golden Canyon

9. Hot Springs National Park: Blending history with hot water, this top national park in Arkansas is as quirky as it is relaxing. Stroll the historic Bathhouse Row or hike forested trails before soaking in the therapeutic springs. It’s like stepping into a vintage spa town with a dash of outdoor adventure. Where to camp:

Hot Rod Hill RV Park

Hot Springs Off-Road Park

10. Arches National Park: Otherworldly red rock formations and over 2,000 natural arches make this a can’t-miss stop in Utah’s canyon country. Sunrise and sunset bring the landscape to life with shifting colors, and even short hikes lead to jaw-dropping payoffs. Bring water—it’s hot, dry, and totally worth it. You also need to purchase timed-entry reservations during peak season. Where to camp:

Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway

Sun Outdoors North Moab

Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway

Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown

Up the Creek Campground

11. Joshua Tree National Park: Where two deserts collide, weird and wonderful things grow. Sitting between the Mojave Desert and Colorado Desert, Joshua Tree National Park in California sports signature trees, giant boulders, and cosmic night skies, making it a magnet for artists, stargazers, and climbers alike. Sunrise hikes and campfire nights here are something special. Where to camp:

Joshua Tree RV Campground

Desert Drifter RV Resort

The Sands RV & Golf Resort (55+)

Coachella Lakes RV Resort

Indian Wells

12. Zion National Park: Towering red cliffs, dramatic canyons, and trails like Angel’s Landing and The Narrows—Zion

brings the wow at this trending national park in Utah. Ride the park shuttle for easy access, then lace up for adventures that range from family-friendly strolls to heart-pounding scrambles. Where to camp:

Kanab RV Corral

Kaibab Paiute RV Park and Campground

Hitch-N-Post RV Park

Cross Hollow RV Resort

Dark Sky RV Campground

13. Indiana Dunes National Park: A lakefront surprise in the Midwest, Indiana Dunes offers sandy beaches, sweeping dunes, and lush inland trails. Great for swimming, birdwatching, or just a laid-back beach day near Chicago. Where to camp:

Oak Lake RV Resort

Tippecanoe River Run

14. Olympic National Park: Rainforests, mountain peaks, and the wild coastline of Washington—Olympic National Park’s diversity is unreal. You can hike a glacier one day and walk the beach the next. Don’t miss Hoh Rain Forest or Hurricane Ridge, and keep an eye out for elk, eagles, and tidepool treasures.

Where to camp:

Pedder Bay RV Resort & Marina

Sooke River Campground

The Campground at Jefferson County Fairgrounds

Cove RV Park

15. Everglades National Park: Welcome to the swamp (the good kind). The Everglades National Park in Florida is home to gators, manatees, and miles of slow-moving rivers and marshland. Explore by kayak or airboat and experience one of the most unique ecosystems in the U.S. Don’t forget the bug spray! Where to camp:

Key Largo Kampground

Sun Outdoors Key Largo

Sun Outdoors Islamorada

KOA’s List of ’14 Must See National Parks’ Kampgrounds of America has published its own list of “14 Must-See National Parks” (no surprise with the overlap with

Campsite’s trending parks) with the KOA campgrounds that are nearby, compiled by Matt Kirouac (https://koa.com/blog/ must-see-national-parks/). Kirouac’s list includes:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Townsend/Great Smokies KOA

Holiday

Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg KOA

Holiday

Cherokee / Great Smokies KOA

Holiday

Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain

KOA Holiday

Yellowstone National Park

Livingston / Paradise Valley KOA

Holiday

Red Lodge KOA Journey

Cody KOA Holiday

Dubois / White River KOA Holiday

Yellowstone Park / Mountainside KOA Journey

Yellowstone Park / West Gate KOA

Badlands National Park (Badlands / White River KOA Holiday)

Saguaro National Park (Tucson / Lazydays KOA Resort)

Hot Springs National Park (Hot Springs National Park KOA Holiday)

Haleakalā National Park Carlsbad Caverns National Park (Carlsbad KOA Holiday)

Crater Lake National Park (Lemolo Lark / Crater Lake North KOA Holiday)

Death Valley National Park (Lake Isabella / Kern River KOA)

Glacier National Park

West Glacier KOA Resort

Whitefish / Kalispell North KOA Holiday

St. Mary / East Glacier KOA Holiday

Zion National Park (St. George / Hurricane KOA Journey)

Rocky Mountain National Park

Estes Park / Rocky Mountain Park KOA Holiday

Grand Lake / Rocky Mountain

National Park KOA Journey

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon / Williams KOA

Journey

Williams / Exit 167 / Circle Pines KOA

Holiday

Joshua Tree National Park (Palm Springs / Joshua Tree KOA)

“Camping is a high-value travel experience, offering opportunities to disconnect and spend time with friends and family in nature,” says Kampground of America. “The majority of the campgrounds in our system have cabins onsite that are an easy entry point for travelers seeking to benefit from time spent outdoors while enjoying creature comforts. We know that most campers are travelling less than 200 miles to go camping, it is a high-value way to explore the national parks and local communities nearby and certainly lower expense than other forms of travel.”

Use the Find a KOA locator (https:// koa.com/find-a-koa/). The koa.com website also has really helpful articles.

Camping Season Underway in New York State New York State offers some of the most exciting camping experiences in the country – from the star-studded nights of the Adirondacks and the Catskills to the tranquil sunrise vistas along the shores of the St. Lawrence River. State parks like Watkins Glen and Letchworth State Park offer a variety of camping options, from parking your RV, or renting a cozy cabin or cottage, to pitching a tent beneath the celestial canopy.

Discover private campgrounds, many of which can be conveniently booked through CampNewYork.com or explore the public campgrounds managed by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Department of Environmental Conservation. (Book NYS Park campsites at https://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com/)

Random thoughts about my cat, Bette Davis

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

A few years ago when we were looking to adopt a kitten from a non-profit animal shelter on Long Island we came across a black and white “tuxedo” cat that we would name Bette Davis. We saw her at four weeks but we had to wait until she was three months old and had been vet checked before we could take her home.

When my family and I brought her home I set Bette on the floor and let her roam around the house to get acclimated to her new surroundings. She found the soft little bed I’d bought her then slept for 24 hours. After her long sleep Bette got up and ate. That’s when she spotted the soft rubber ball and she chased that ball for hours watching it bounce off the walls and furniture. What an entertaining kitten I had. She certainly had lots of energy she needed to shake off.

Any time I happen to drape an apron over the back of a chair she will spot the apron strings hanging down and immediately start batting them, pulling on them, etc. I’m not sure what it is with cats and apron strings but they can play for hours with those strings.

It is inevitable. I don’t think twice about tossing an apron across a chair but that signals a go-ahead to Bette to start playing. She really seems pleased with herself when she manages to pull the apron all the way off the chair and onto the floor. It’s entertainment, that’s for sure.

Whenever there’s a pile of clean laundry I’ve placed on the couch before folding Bette jumps right on top and snuggles down. At first I usually don’t notice this but then when I walk past I see her comfortably ensconced in the clean laundry. I guess there is nothing as enticing to a cat as freshly washed clothes so they make themselves right at home.

The other day I was doing some sewing when guess who came along wondering what I was up to. At one point I placed the spool of thread on the table I was working at and Bette jumped up to play with it. She’d seen a bit of thread sticking out and it was tempting so she

grabbed it and scampered away and she was half-way across the living room before I caught her.

I had reached for the scissors and my hands were occupied with cutting some thread close to the cloth so even though I saw what Bette was up to, she gleefully ran off with my thread and she got about six feet away before I snatched her and the spool of thread I needed. She had a twinkle in her eye - I saw that - when she’d run away before I could stop her so she likes playing tricks on us whenever she can.

In another incident, a few months ago I decided to crochet a sweater for my sister, Susan, so I got several skeins of yarn and laid them on the couch. They were all different colors because I wanted to see which colors would work best. Choosing two colors of yarn, I left the other skeins on the couch. Once I got started on my project, I concentrated on what I was doing so I didn’t notice when Bette found a stray piece of yarn and started pulling at it. You guessed it - off she went.

Whenever the weather permits it my family and I use our screened-in outdoor porch a lot and Bette loves being outside on the porch. It must make her feel like she’s in “the wild.” Her ears perk up when she hears a bird singing in a tree nearby. I see her nose lift when there is a gentle cool breeze and she likes smelling the air. If a neighbor is cooking food on an outdoor grill she smells that, too.

Bette stays outside on a chair or lounge for several hours and if the weather is okay we let her do just that. She comes inside occasionally for food and water but she really enjoys being outside.

At sunset Bette knows it’s time to come inside so we call her, shut the door and she’s content knowing she has just enjoyed being “outside” all day. We never let her loose outside - there are too many dangers of predators such as other animals and cars driving by too fast. We keep Bette safe and enjoy her company. She likes pulling little pranks on the adults in the house.

I can tell Bette is glad to have a good home. She curls up in a cat tower, curls

up in a corner of the couch or she curls up on the foot of my bed and looks as comfortable as can be. She also looks as cute as can be. Sometimes she makes me want to take a little cat nap but most times I resist the temptation.

Over the years I’ve noticed that each cat has a different personality and what I like about Bette is her independence and feistiness. She knows what she wants whether it’s mealtime and she’s hoping for something special or whether it’s a good time to go outside on the screen-in porch and take a look at the world around her.

Bette likes to sleep during the day and stay up half the night which means that she also wants my family members to wake up at night and play with her but aside from that she’s a great pet.

Bette knows her name and she also seems to know the pet nicknames we call her: Sweetie, Muffin and Kitten are three of them and even though she’s not a kitten anymore, she is 10 years old, I’ve been known to call her that. We celebrate her birthday each February and she doesn’t get a birthday cake but she gets some cat toys and lots of extra attention. It’s all about the love.

Explaining Little Quirks in Social Security Law in 1,000 Words

BY TOM MARGENAU

I doubt if any of you have ever bothered to count, but my average weekly column comes out to about 1,000 words. I bring this up because the other day, a national newspaper asked me to write a one-time Social Security column for them. They told me that wanted me to answer five questions (of their choosing) and that they would give me 500 words of space in their publication.

I politely turned them down. I mean -- I suppose I could have done it. But because there are so many “ifs, ands or buts” associated with Social Security rules, I just don’t think I could have done them justice limiting myself to so few words.

I was thinking about this today when I got what many might think is a simple question from a reader. I’m going to spend the rest of this column (way more than 100 words) answering it. Here goes.

Q: I will be turning 62 on June 1, 2025. I applied for Social Security to start on that day. I was told that I was eligible for benefits in May. Why? Anyway, I assumed my first check would come in June (because I know benefits come one month late). But I just got my “award letter” and it said my first check will come in July! Can you explain what it going on?

A: Yes, I can explain. The answers are actually kind of interesting.

First, we come to a little quirk, not in Social Security law, but in general knowledge: You actually attain your next birth year on the day before your actual birthday.

For example, I was born on June 22, 1949. So as you might guess, my parents celebrated my first birthday on June 22, 1950. But if you think about it, I actually had lived one whole year on June 21, 1950. So on my “birthday,” I was really one year and one day old.

Now normally, that is an interesting but useless tidbit of knowledge. Even for Social Security purposes, it usually means nothing. For example, I started my Social Security benefits at age 63 in June 2012. The fact that I actually turned 63 on June 21 instead of June 22 meant nothing to my Social Security eligibility. June 2012 was still my first month of eligibility.

But this little birthday quirk means a whole lot if you happen to be born on the first day of the month, because it means you attain your age on the last day of the prior month. And that can give you an extra month of Social Security eligibility.

Let’s look at your case. You said you turn 62 on June 1, 2025. But you actually attain your 62nd complete year on May 31, 2025. May 2025 would normally be your first month of eligibility. So why will you be getting your first Social Security check in July? Well, that leads me to the next little quirk in the law.

To explain, I have to take you back to the early 1980s. Ronald Reagan was elected president. He and his advisers were

sort of like the President Donald Trump and Elon Musk of their day in that they were looking for ways to cut government spending. And because Social Security makes up one-fourth of the entire federal budget, if you were looking for ways to cut federal spending, it would be a good place to start.

But Reagan and his people weren’t foolish enough to unilaterally cut everyone’s Social Security checks. Instead, they looked for little ways to nibble away at the edges of the program. One idea they came up with was a small cut in benefits for people who started their Social Security at age 62. The rule they put in place said that you had to be 62 for an entire month before could get your first Social Security check.

So back to your case. For Social Security purposes, you legally turn age 62 on May 31, 2025. But that is only one day of the month. The first month you are age 62 for the entire month is June. That makes June your first month of Social Security eligibility. So why won’t you get your first check until July?

Well, you mentioned another little quirk in the law in your question to me. You correctly pointed out that Social Security checks come one month behind. So your first payment, the June payment, will be sent to you in July.

Did you follow all of that? Your birthday is on June 1, 2025. But you actually attain your age on May 31, 2025. You aren’t 62 for a full calendar month until June 2025, meaning your first Social Security check will come in July 2025. Did I explain all of that in 100 words? Not even close!

Now I’m going to throw in one more piece of the puzzle. These rules can also come into play for people born on the second day of the month -- but only for those who start their benefits at age 62. I will use my wife as an example.

My wife was born on Sept. 2, 1944. (And please don’t remind me that I married a woman who is five years older than me! What was I thinking?)

Anyway, she started her Social Security benefits at age 62. So she was 62 on Sept. 2, 2006. But because of the Reagan law mentioned earlier, October 2006 would have been the first month she was 62 for the entire month, meaning her first benefit would have been paid in November 2006.

But she got her first check in October 2006. Why? Because of that birthday anomaly we talked about earlier. She legally attained age 62 on Sept. 1, 2006. And so that meant she was 62 for the entire month of September, making that her Social Security eligibility month and giving her an initial Social Security check in October.

One final point: Please note that the “must be of age an entire month” Reagan rule applies only to those starting benefits at age 62. So if you start benefits at 62 1/2, or 66, or 70 or whatever, that little quirk in the law doesn’t come into play.

Phew! The “answer” part of this column was 1,045 words!

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.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

How was the performance of real estate in the first quarter 2025

The U.S. housing market was in a state of flux in the first quarter of 2025. Sales of existing homes hit a 10-month high in January before dropping in February, only to rise again in March. Home prices are increasing in most parts of the country, and mortgage rates have stayed between 6.5% and 7%, leading many homebuyers to postpone their purchase. During the first quarter of 2025, the median sales prices for residential properties in Nassau County increased year over year was as follows:

• Single-Family Homes: Median sales price increased by 9.8% to $810,000

• Condos: Median sales price increased by 21.3% to $770,000

• Co-ops: Median sales price increased by 12.2% to $336,500

The average increase across these property types can be calculated as: (9.8% + 21.3% + 12.2%) / 3 = 14.4%

Thus, the average increase in median sales prices was approximately 14.4%, and the median increase was 12.2%.

Inventory has continued to grow nationwide, with the total number of homes for sale up considerably from the same period last year. Buyer demand has softened within specific areas of the U.S., and properties are spending more time on the market as a result, forcing some sellers to slash prices as they adjust to changing market conditions. Although housing costs are up nationally, price growth is moderating, and with inventory at its highest level in years, buyers may face less competition and have more options in the months ahead.

The Housing Affordability Index in Nassau County decreased across all residential property types in Q1-2025 compared to Q1-2024:

• Single-Family Homes: Dropped by 8.8% from 80 to 73.

• Condos: Dropped by 17.2% from 93 to 77.

• Co-ops: Dropped by 10.7% from 197 to 176.

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

This indicates that housing affordability worsened in Q1-2025, with buyers needing a higher percentage of their income to qualify for median-priced homes under prevailing interest rates.

Inventory has continued to grow nationwide, with the total number of homes for sale up considerably from the same period last year. Buyer demand has softened slightly, and properties are spending more time on the market as a result, forcing some sellers in many areas to slash prices (not necessarily in Long Island) as they adjust to changing market conditions. Although housing costs are up nationally, price growth is moderating, and with inventory at its highest level in years.

From my observations over the last few years, real estate sales in the vast majority of states, cities, and towns is basically determined, first off by interest rates. However, other pertinent variables which are affected by those rates are the amount of inventory, increasing or decreasing, the local economy, existing jobs and what I call the fear factor, keeping buyers on the sidelines, as well as fomo (fear of missing out) for those that can afford to purchase.

I believe, the tariffs that have been imposed across the board, then paused, then on again, as I converse and have discussions with many people, that there is a fear factor that is occurring.

People (as well as small and large businesses), cannot plan consistently on their course of actions; and what is going to happen going forward in the short and long term for consumers and the business environment. The current flip-flopping of the switch on and switch off decisions to raise, pause and eliminate tariffs is an extremely confusing factor that the majority cannot see clearly and consistently in determining future planning.

We have literally pissed off and negated the trust and credibility of our long term allies. We have set in motion a dire and no turning back situation that may never resolve itself with respect to having trusting trade partners ever again. China is wooing those countries directly, which unless something changes with respect to our tariffs, it will be a losing battle for the U.S.

Come back next week for Part2

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

Calling all College students!

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)

Have an outstanding GPA, honor-roll, internship? Let us know about your transcending achievements then show your family, friends & neighbors! E-mail your most prized achievements, along with your name and contact info to: Editor@GCnews.com

Why Houseplants Turn Brown and How to Stop It

BY MARY HUNT

Not only do houseplants bring warmth and a sense of calm to a home, but they are also an inexpensive way to decorate. Keeping your beautiful houseplants looking healthy and green is the challenge. The most common question is: Why do the leaves turn brown?

According to the Smart Garden Guide, there are many reasons why the leaves on your indoor plants may turn brown:

-- Improper watering or fertilizing.

-- Transplant shock.

-- Environmental causes due to lighting, heat, drafts or humidity.

-- Pest or disease issues.

-- Natural causes such as acclimatization or age.

The first step in solving the problem is to determine where on the plant leaf the problem is occurring. Is it along the edges or on the tip of the leaf? Are there brown spots?

BROWN LEAF TIPS

When the tips of the leaves appear dried out, thin like paper and crumbly, that’s a good indication that you have a water or fertilizer issue going on.

Most houseplants take water up through the roots until it reaches the leaves, where it nourishes the plant through photosynthesis. If there isn’t enough water to go around, the leaf tips turn brown because they are the last in line.

The key to fixing watering problems is to know exactly how much water your plants need and then follow an appropriate watering regime. Some plants prefer their soil to be moist at all times, and oth-

BY MARY HUNT

Dear Mary: We would like to enlarge our small two-bedroom bungalow. Our kids are reaching the teen years, and we need more space. We have always budgeted our money.

We have $6,000 in our emergency fund and drive two paid-for cars, and our only debt is our mortgage. We have college savings accounts for our kids and tithe to our church. Our annual income is about $140,000.

We have five different bids, and they all came in about the same at $160,000 to add three rooms upstairs, plus a stairway. Even though I know adding 900 square feet will increase the value of our home, I feel queasy about increasing our mortgage debt. What is your advice for us? -- Sam and Edie

Dear Sam and Edie: I can understand that you are nervous about taking on a big new monthly payment, one that could well double what you are paying now -plus increased property taxes. Here’s a good way to find out if you can reasonably

ers like the soil to dry out slightly before they are given more water.

UNDERWATERING

Use your index finger to check soil moisture levels, and only water once the soil has dried out an appropriate amount for the plant you are growing. Then water thoroughly until excess water drains out the bottom of the container.

OVERWATERING

Most often, brown leaf tips indicate underwatering. But overwatering can also cause this problem by pushing too much air out of the soil and into the plant leaves, which removes all the plant’s oxygen. If the brown leaves feel more mushy than stiff and papery, overwatering is likely the problem.

BROWN SPOTS

try to treat the plant with a recommended fungicide from a garden store, although it may be easier and less expensive to discard and replace it with a new, healthy plant.

ENTIRELY BROWN LEAVES

Sometimes, the leaves of a plant will fade into a yellow color and then turn brown, dry out and fall off. This usually happens to the lower leaves on a plant but can also happen to top leaves or those in the middle.

This can occur randomly or sometimes in patterns on the leaves. If left alone, often those spots and patches can fill in and take over the entire leaf. Brown spots are usually a sign of disease or insect pests.

INSECT PESTS

Good care of houseplants means checking them routinely for insect infestation or diseases and then treating them quickly. There is a range of options if you discover insect problems, from carefully picking insects off by hand to treating the problem with insecticidal soap.

DISEASE

In the case of fungal disease, you can

When this happens, it’s often just a sign of a plant shedding leaves as part of its aging process. It’s completely unrelated to its care.

Routinely grooming your plants to remove these dead leaves -- in the same way that you deadhead spent blooms on outdoor plants -allows the younger parts of the plant to receive more of the plant’s water and nutrition. It’s the circle of life and self-preservation in process.

To remove dead leaves that have not yet fallen on their own, use a sharp pair of scissors you have dipped in rubbing alcohol. Sharp blades minimize damage to healthy plant cells in the leaves, reducing the energy the plant must expend to heal the open wound.

NUTRIENT PROBLEMS

All plants need nutrients. It is essential for their growth and beauty. Indoor plants take that from the soil. But when

Debt and That Squished Feeling

afford to do this:

Figure out your new monthly payment, including taxes and insurance, using any online mortgage calculator. Starting now -- this month -- live as if you have already taken on this new expense. Start making this payment to yourselves, on time and without fail. Every month. How does that feel? Can you sleep? Stressed out of your mind? You’ll know in a few months if you can handle this.

It seems to me that you are in a fairly good financial situation. You have no unsecured debt; you are preparing well for the future; and you have a substantial income. I am concerned, however, that your emergency fund is kinda thin. You need at least six months of living expenses in that account.

All things considered, provided you are comfortable with the added expense and can quickly beef that emergency fund, this sounds like a reasonable risk that will improve your lives and increase your net worth too. This is exciting!

Dear Mary: I am retired and have a mortgage of $89,000 at 5% interest.

the soil becomes depleted, it’s necessary to replenish that with plant nutrients or fertilizer.

UNDERFERTILIZING

Lack of nutrients will cause plant laves to die from lack of nourishment.

OVERFERTILIZING

Giving a plant too much fertilizer is not good either. In fact, it is the second most common reason that leaves turn brown at the leaf tips, known as “fertilizer burn.”

SOLUTION

The way to keep your plants well nourished but not overfertilized is to use an appropriate fertilizer according to the directions on the package label. Don’t go overboard!

Should you see a whitish buildup of salt on the top of the soil, you need to thoroughly flush the buildup out of the soil. Set the plant in a sink or bathtub, and water it with distilled water until the water freely flows out of the bottom of the container.

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 Debt-Proof Living. COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

I have enough money in my 401(k) to pay off the mortgage. Should I do this? -- Ron

Dear Ron: I don’t have enough information to begin to advise you on this because it depends on your age, the total amount in your retirement account and how you have those funds invested currently. But I can give you some ideas to consider.

Like all investments, money in a 401(k) is money at risk. Even if you have selected low-risk investments, you could lose it.

Your debt, on the other hand, is a sure thing, and investing in it will give you a guaranteed return of 5% (the exact rate you are now paying). This is how that works:

Let’s say you are currently paying $4,000 a year in interest on your mortgage. If you take $89,000 from your account and pay it off, you get to keep that $4,000 every year going forward. That is your return on the $89,000 investment you made in your debt. It’s a sure thing, regardless of what happens to the market or real estate values, and a wise move if you have sufficient money to do that, which it appears

that you do.

Knowing your home is paid for offers a certain amount of security in the face of a changing economy.

However, if doing this would deplete your retirement account and you have many years ahead of you, it may not be wise for you to invest your money in this way at this time.

Especially in retirement, you need the security of readily available cash. I recommend you get sound advice from a fee-only financial planner. Hope that helps!

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of April 27-May 3, 2025

If you’ve been following my column for a while, you know that there are many kinds of constellations in the sky. You also know that most of these look nothing like their namesakes but are simply celestial representations of objects, animals and people.

We in the Western Hemisphere know of 88 constellations distributed around the heavens, passed down to us by ancient skywatchers. Represented among the stars are objects that include a crown, a microscope, a furnace and an air pump, as well as a few people such as a sculptor, an archer, a queen and a herdsman.

Also appearing there are quite a few animals, including two bears, a lion, a scorpion, a whale, a toucan -- even a housefly, for heaven’s sake! But some of these figures are pure fantasy; for example, a unicorn, a centaur and a winged horse.

One of my favorites of these is Draco, the dragon, known throughout the ancient world as a variety of mythical creatures. Ancient Greek mythology tells that it was associated with Ladon, the dragon guarding the Golden Apples of the Hesperides -- a formidable creature that Hercules had to defeat as one of his 12 Labors.

It’s not that tough to find in the sky

STARGAZERS

Finding the Celestial Dragon

once you locate the seven stars of the Big Dipper, high in the north just after dark this week.

If you follow the two stars at the end of the Big Dipper’s bowl downward, you’ll soon come to Polaris, the North Star. From Polaris emerge the handle and bowl of the Little Dipper, which is smaller, fainter and inverted from its larger cousin. If you live beneath or near the lights of a large city or have bright moonlight, you may not see it at all.

It’s between these two famous dippers that the dragon winds its way across the northern sky. Look for its string of stars that begins nearly between the Big Dipper’s pointer stars and Polaris. This end marks the tail of the dragon. Follow the string of stars downward until it snakes westward toward Polaris, where it makes another sharp turn and heads eastward once again.

At the lower end of the sinuous, dragonlike body lies a group of four stars that form the dragon’s head, but modern amateur astronomers instead refer to this shape as the “lozenge.”

The two stars at the back end of the Dipper’s bowl (closest to its handle) can be used as another pointer. If you follow them in the same direction, you’ll soon come to a medium-bright star known as Thuban, whose name (not coincidentally) comes from an Arabic word meaning “dragon.”

While it doesn’t look like a particularly important or interesting star, Thuban certainly was a few thousand years ago. Because of the nearly 26,000year wobble of our Earth’s axis (known as precession), this star, and not Polaris, served as the North Star while the Egyptians were building pyramids.

If we return 21 millennia from now, we’ll notice that Polaris has again drift-

ed away from the north celestial pole and see that Thuban has once again taken over as the North Star -- a sort of “back to the celestial future.”

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com. T.

Playing Chicken With My Dinner

The constellation Draco has been associated with numerous mythical creatures over the years.

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

“What do you want for dinner?” I asked my husband.

“How about fish?” he replied.

I shook my head. “I had fish for lunch. How about steak?”

“I’m sick of steak,” he said. “How about chicken?”

I nodded. “Chicken it is.”

My husband went outside to light the grill while I jumped in the car to go get the food. I had planned to run into the supermarket, get the chicken, and then go right back home. But when I got inside, I realized I needed a bunch of other things. Half an hour later, I checked out with all my groceries and went home. ...

Without the chicken.

“Ugh, I never bought the chicken!” I groaned as I finished unpacking the

bags. I scanned my receipt. No chicken. “What are you going to do?” my husband asked.

“Go back and get the chicken.”

I got back in the car and returned to the supermarket, purchased the chicken and went home. ...

Without the chicken.

“Oh my god! I did it again,” I sighed. “This time I remembered to buy the chicken, but I must have left it in the bag at checkout.”

“What are you going to do?” he asked again.

“Go back and pick up my chicken!”

I really couldn’t believe I had forgotten the chicken twice. I wasn’t usually that forgetful. Yes, I did forget to pick up my luggage at baggage claim once. And I also forgot to pick up my daughter from school once. And I did leave my son at Target that one time. So maybe I was a little forgetful. But based on this

track record, I’d probably forget that I was forgetful so I didn’t really have to worry that it might be a problem.

Cursing all the way to my car, I went back to the supermarket to get another chicken. I showed them my receipt and explained the situation, and they let me pick another one. Then I threw it in my cart and went home. ...

Without the chicken.

“Where’s the chicken?” asked my husband as I walked in the door utterly chicken-less.

I looked down at my empty hands and slapped my forehead.

“I can’t even believe it,” I replied. “I think I left it in the shopping cart.”

“Honey, do you have memory issues?”

“No, but apparently I have poultry issues.”

At this point, I wondered if I should change our dinner plan. But I had

already bought all the stuff to go with the chicken, and everyone was looking forward to it, so I decided I would give it one more shot. I got in the car one last time and went off, again, to the supermarket. When I got home, I held up a supermarket bag in triumph.

“Did you get the chicken?” my husband asked tentatively when I walked in the door.

“No,” I replied. “I decided we should have steak instead.”

“Why?”

“They were out of chicken.”

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

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EMPLOYMENT

HELP WANTED

RECEPTIONIST

DENTAL OFFICE

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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 herein and show me here 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 (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.

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Pecans add the perfect finishing touch

Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

Serves 4

Pecans can make any recipe better. Whether they add a nutritious crunch to oatmeal, star as the lead ingredient in pecan pie or give cookies that little something extra, pecans elevate the foods they touch.

In this recipe “Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes” from “Simply Scratch” (Avery) by Laurie McNamara, honey-covered pecans are the crowning touch on sweet potatoes, helping to make this side dish one to remember at any special meal.

2 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed

1 teaspoon olive oil

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

2 teaspoons chili powder

1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus a pinch

2 tablespoons honey

3⁄4 cup coarsely chopped pecans

1) Preheat the oven to 400° F.

2) Massage the olive oil onto the sweet potatoes and set them on a small baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour or until a knife glides through effortlessly. Let cool until safe to handle. Keep the oven on.

3) Halve the sweet potatoes horizontally and carefully scoop out the flesh into a medium bowl. Set the skins aside.

4) Add the butter, maple syrup, chili powder, cinnamon, and 1⁄4 teaspoon of the salt and use a potato masher to mash the filling until smooth.

5) In a small bowl, combine the honey, pecans, and a pinch of salt.

5) Place the skins side by side in a small baking dish. Spoon the filling in, dividing it evenly, and top with the honeyed pecans. Bake for 5 minutes. Serve warm.

Levittown Legion presents Americanism Awards

On April 4, the Levittown American Legion Post 1711 presented awards for Americanism to local community and civic leaders. Officials from the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County Legislature, and New York State Assembly attended to present honors to the nominees.

Hempstead Town Councilman Dennis Dunne and Town Clerk Kate Murray congratulated Dennis Darcy of Levittown. Darcy dedicated 25 years of service to the New York Police Department, including many hours at Ground Zero in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks. He is also a longtime coach and board member with the Levittown North baseball program. He also serves as an officer of the Post 1711 Sons of the Legion. Also attending were Levittown American Legion Post 1711 Post Commander Frank Marcinek, Nassau County Legislators John Ferretti and Tom McKevitt, New York State Assemblyman John Mikulin, and New York State Senator Steve Rhoads.

Hempstead Town Councilman Dennis Dunne and Town Clerk Kate Murray congratulated Danielle Azar of Levittown. Danielle has served 20 years as a teacher at Island Trees Memorial Middle School. In this role, she has also supported many local veterans’ causes, including the Patriot Pen Essay Contest, the Wounded Warrior Project, Valentines for Veterans, the Hall of Heroes, and annual 9/11 memorial ceremonies. Also attending were Levittown American Legion Post 1711 Post Commander Frank Marcinek, Nassau County Legislators John Ferretti and Tom McKevitt, New York State Assemblyman John Mikulin, and New York State Senator Steve Rhoads.

Hempstead Town Councilman Dennis Dunne and Town Clerk Kate Murray congratulated Nassau County Police Officers Anthony Lomonaco, Dominic Morales, Cole Anderson, and James Marra. The four officers recently responded to a local home where a 2-year-old child was found unresponsive in a swimming pool. They immediately administered life-saving care and, with the assistance of arriving medical personnel, saved the child’s life. Also attending were Levittown American Legion Post 1711 Post Commander Frank Marcinek, Nassau County Legislators John Ferretti and Tom McKevitt, New York State Assemblyman John Mikulin, and New York State Senator Steve Rhoads.

Hempstead Town Councilman Dennis Dunne and Town Clerk Kate Murray congratulated Ex-Captain William Yearsley of Levittown. William has served many years with the Levittown Fire Department, including with Ladder 6. He is also well-known for his dedication to the EMS and training programs, and being an overall mentor for fellow department members. Also attending were Levittown American Legion Post 1711 Post Commander Frank Marcinek, Nassau County Legislators John Ferretti and Tom McKevitt, New York State Assemblyman John Mikulin, and New York State Senator Steve Rhoads.

We don't do it for the attention.

We don't do it for the recognition. We don't do it for the personal gain.

And we certainly don't do it for the awards. We do it for you.

Catholic Health is the winner of Press Ganey’s 2025 HRO Foundation Award for exceptional reliability and patient safety.

At Catholic Health, we pursue the very best in health care for one reason only: you. Every single one of you that walks through our doors, every day. So, while we’re honored by this recognition, we also know there’s no finish line in health care. There’s always a new goal just over the horizon, and a new level of excellence for us to achieve for the health of Long Island.

Learn more at DedicatedtoBetter.org