Mid-Island Times (6/27/25)

SERVING PLAINVIEW, HICKSVILLE, AND LEVIT TOWN

HOMETOWN HERO EVENT

Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray attended the Levittown Baseball and Softball Hometown Hero Event on June 7, at Fred Neist Field in Levittown. Also attending were Nassau County Legislator John Ferretti and New York State Assemblyman John Mikulin.

Hicksville schools named best for music education

Hicksville Public Schools is proud to announce that it has been named a Best Community for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation for the 10th year in a row. This national distinction highlights the district’s sustained dedication to high-quality music instruction and its commitment to the arts as an essential part of

a well-rounded education. Each year, the NAMM Foundation recognizes school districts across the country that demonstrate exception-

See page 8

HMS celebrates 100 years of history

Hicksville Middle School marked a historic milestone this June as students, staff and community members came together to celebrate the school’s 100th anniversary. On June 12 and 13, students explored a captivating gallery walk that highlighted a century of education, growth and community spirit.

The exhibit traced the school’s evolution from its early days as a high school serving Long Island to the vibrant middle school it is today. Students explored vintage photographs, artifacts and historical displays that showcased the lasting impact the school has had on generations of learners. From the 1920s through the present day, the display honored the friendships, passions and futures that have been shaped within the school’s walls.

“This wasn’t just about looking back, it was about connecting with the legacy we’re a part of,” said Hicksville Middle School math teacher Anthony Licari, who advised the project. Coordinated by members of the school’s student council, the gallery walk was a student-led effort that brought history to life for their peers. “The students really enjoyed putting this together. They especially loved seeing what life was like in the 1920s through the 1950s and comparing it to today,” Licari added.

The centennial celebration will continue in the coming weeks with a special assembly featuring the historian from the Hicksville Public Library, who will share additional insights into the building’s past and its role in the community over the decades.

Hicksville Middle School students examining the exhibit on the 100th anniversary of the school.

Wisdom Lane’s

Terrific Kids

Ayaz Syed, Mason Vieux, Sadie Villaume, and Liam Zulewski as they were named “Terrific Kids” by the Levittown Kiwanis. Also attending were Levittown Kiwanians Pat Carney, Phyllis Camillone, Linda Crozier, and Diane Mortagua; Principal George Mauer; Principal John Avena; Assistant Principal Craig ArveloShaw; and Nassau County Legislator John Ferretti.

Sanitation collections modified for holiday

Town of Oyster Bay sanitation and S.O.R.T. Recycling collection schedules will be modified for the observance of Independence Day on Friday, July 4.

“There will be no sanitation or recycling collection on Friday, July 4th for residents who normally receive Town service,” Town Councilman Lou Imbroto said. “Residents who generally

receive Town pickup on Fridays will have their collections done the next day, Saturday, July 5th.”

The Councilman added that Town offices will be closed on July 4, but beaches, parks and pools will remain open. For more information, visit the Town’s website, www.oysterbaytown. com.

Levittown Chamber Spotlight on Business

BY DON PATANE, LEVITTOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Levittown Chamber of Commerce would like to introduce  a brand new member  Lisa Latimer, owner of Lisa Latimer Consulting, who started building her online business  four years ago from  her home  in Levittown  while homeschooling her two children with her husband, two cats, and pit bull Thor who is along for the ride.

Latimer graduated from Nassau Community College, where she focused on Communications, and continued to pursue this field during her brief time at Queens College. She operates lean as a solo entrepreneur, utilizing organic marketing on social media and strategic collaborations/partnerships.

Latimer says that she has always been fascinated by marketing and buyer psychology, but being the marketing and sales team for your business demands curiosity, creativity, and adaptability.

As her business grew, she found two common elements that can’t be ignored prevail when it comes to effective marketing and sales -- emotional intelligence and mindset.

The best advice she ever received is, "Relationships are where all good, meaningful things begin."That’s the heartbeat of her work: helping busi-

nesses and organizations increase revenue, retain top talent and build deeper client loyalty through EQ-infused strategy rooted in psychology and human behavior

Latimer’s mission now is to bring everything she has honed in the digital world back home, to support local businesses and their teams in creating results that are both profitable and personal.

Latimer asks certain questions, for example “Are you and your employees ready to move at the speed of AI while giving your clients/customers what they’ll crave more than anything within the next 3 years?”

Latimer says “AI isn’t a trend, and its capabilities are currently where most assume it will be in the next 5-10 years. It’s already impacting how your clients engage with businesses forever. They’ll demand the speed and convenience that AI offers, but with time, they’ll crave and reward those leaning into emotional intelligence and human connection with loyalty.”

Latimer says  that when you work with her, you get more than a strategy— you get future-proof insight, emotional precision, and a growth plan that aligns with your values and your bottom line.  Because the future of business isn’t just smart. It’s deeply human.

Latimer is offering a strategic firststep option exclusively for Chamber members. It is a focused, results-driven session that allows you to experience the value of working together before committing to a longer-term engagement, where you walk away with deep insights to act on right away.

In her free time, Latimer enjoys weight training, catching up with friends, and enjoying local Long Island parks, beaches, and dining.

You can contact her at (516) 5138161or email her at  lisa@lisalatimerconsulting.com , or find her  on her personal profile Lisa Latimer on Facebook. To become a member of the chamber visit levittownchamber.com.

The Bethpage Board of Education will hold its Reorganization Meeting on Tuesday, July 1, at  7:30 p.m. in the Administration Building.

Let your voice be heard!

Is there an issue in your community you want to discuss? Want to respond to something you saw in our paper?

Then write a letter to our editor and bring it to everyone’s attention! Send your letter to editor@gcnews.com and we’ll publish it for you!

Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray (second left) congratulated Wisdom Lane Middle School students Angelo Inzerilla, Jocelyn Rizzo, Matthew Smith, Layla Soto,

Lisa Latimer

Career Day at Gardiner’s Ave. School

Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray greeted fifth grade students in Mr. Centonze and Ms. O’Connell’s classes during the Gardiners Avenue Elementary School Career Day and Touch-A-Truck event on May 5. Also attending was Principal Jared Vanderbeck and Nassau County Legislator John Ferretti.

Bethpage High School celebrates new milestone in performing arts

BY GARY SIMEONE

It was a day of celebration on Wednesday, May 28, as a group of performing arts students at Bethpage High School were inducted into the school’s first-ever chapter of the International Thespian Society (ITS.) The new chapter was a first of its kind at the school, which prides itself on it’s stellar music and performing arts programs.

Brent Chiarello, director of Fine & Performing Arts at Bethpage High School, said the ITS is an organization that has been around since 1929, but made its debut this year at the school.

“It is the first year that the organization is brought to our school, thanks in large part to the Educational Theatre Foundation, which sponsors these types of programs and organizations,” said Chiarello. “A certain criteria had to be met for our students who are active on stage and in school productions in order for them to gain entry to this very prestigious society.”

Twenty-one students in total in grades 10–12 were inducted for the first time into the ITS this school year. They each satisfied the necessary requirements by being active in a number of

school plays and onstage productions. The students are now considered active lifetime members in the International Thespian Society.

The school held a ceremony on the 28th where the chapter’s student officers, Ava Mirabelli (president), Ben Maciel-Seidman (vice president) and Haley Flaherty (secretary/treasurer), spoke about the history and mission of the ITS. Their remarks were followed by a candle-lighting ceremony, during which each officer symbolically lit a candle representing one of the core ITS values.

“The launch of an ITS chapter at Bethpage is a significant step in recognizing the talents and achievements of student artists,” said Chiarello. “Students who are inducted into the Society will be entitled to many perks and benefits including being able to connect with other thespians around the country and world “

The International Thespian Society was established in 1929 and has been honoring student achievement in theatre throughout the globe. There are currently 2.4 million students across the world who are active members of the ITS.

Youth group honors fallen heroes

New York State Senator Steve Rhoads led the remarkable Youth Group from St. Pius X Parish in Plainview at Long Island National Cemetery to begin Memorial Day weekend with purpose and reflection. Early in the morning, they joined hundreds of volunteers to place American flags on the graves of our fallen heroes— each one a small yet meaningful tribute to those who gave their lives in service to our country. As the group walked among the rows of headstones, the experience served as a powerful and humbling reminder of the true meaning of Memorial Day: honoring the sacrifice of those who fought and died to defend our freedoms.

Job training opportunities available through town

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that job training opportunities are currently available through the Town’s Workforce Partnership. The Workforce Partnership offers eligible job seekers the opportunity to advance their careers with grant funding for training and certification through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act. Training opportunities are available in various fields.

Town Councilman Andrew Monteleone stated, “We’re proud to offer a wide variety of training and certification opportunities at our Career Centers in Hicksville and Massapequa so residents may find gainful employment and achieve financial stability. I encourage eligible individuals to take advantage of this great program and call to speak to a career counselor today!”

The eligibility requirements include:

• At least 18-years-old

• Eligible to work in the United States

• Resident of the Town of Oyster Bay, North Hempstead or the City of Glen Cove (some exceptions may apply.) AND must be at least one of the following:

• Low-income individual

• Dislocated worker

• Veteran

Contact the Town of Oyster Bay Workforce Partnership at (516) 797-4560 to schedule your appointment with a career counselor at the Massapequa Career Centers located at 977 Hicksville Road in Massapequa. For more information, please visit www.thewp.org.

Bethpage High School's International Thespian Society held an induction of students into the newly formed chapter.

WHAT DOES ‘HEALTH SYSTEM’ EVEN MEAN? IT MEANS A BIG DIFFERENCE FOR YOUR HEALTH.

A health system is more than a doctor. In our case, it’s 320+ locations with the exact same high standard of care. It’s integrated medical teams that achieve the best patient outcomes. It’s leading the charge in medical discoveries. It’s the lowest mortality rates in the nation. It’s being named #1 for quality care in the U.S. Our health system has the best doctors, and the best doctors are just the beginning.

health starts with a better

Salk Middle School Class of 2025 moves up

Graduates, now high schoolers, shook hands with trustees and administrators.

The Jonas E. Salk Middle School Class of 2025 officially became the General Douglas MacArthur Class of 2029 after moving up on June 11.

Eighth graders processed onto the MacArthur field as family and loved ones cheered and waved from the bleachers. The eighth grade chorus sang the national anthem before Principal John Zampaglione congratulated graduates on the momentous occasion.

“Today is a day of reflection and excitement,” Mr. Zampaglione said. “It marks the end of one journey and the beginning of another.”

Superintendent of Schools Todd Winch addressed the class and reminded them of the possibilities that lie ahead. “Now, with high school comes new challenges, new opportunities and new possibilities for your future,” he said.

Class President Zachary Henschel gave the eighth grade address. “We

were all on the same boat, figuring it out together,” he said. “Over these past three years, we’ve grown so much –we’ve learned lessons both inside and outside the classroom.”

Several awards issued to deserving students included the President’s Educational Excellence and Achievement awards, Academic Excellence, Outstanding Citizenship, New York State Triple “C” Awards, the New York State Comptroller’s Achievement Award, Scholar Athlete Awards, the Levittown Kiwanis’ Patricia M. Kelly and Lester I. Smith awards, and the RISE Character Awareness Award.

Graduates shook hands with trustees and administrators before receiving their diplomas. The ceremony was concluded with a performance of “Rise Up” by Andra Day from the eighth grade chorus.

Class President Zachary Henschel gave the eighth grade address.

Daniel Levy led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Jonas E. Salk Middle School’s eighth grade graduates processed onto the General Douglas MacArthur High School field during their moving up ceremony on June 11.

The eighth grade chorus opened the ceremony with the national anthem.

Photos courtesy Levittown Public Schools

From Despair to Hope: Conquering Peripheral Neuropathy with Westbury Acupuncture

“It’s as though I’m stepping from razor blade to razor blade.”

“It feels like my feet are under attack by fire ants.”

“Like I’m walking on wet paint with rolled up socks.”

And you’re in this kind of pain all the time.

“It’s relentless, keeping you up at night and preventing you from doing even the most mundane tasks. Things that I used to take for granted, like wearing shoes and going grocery shopping. Two of my three children were getting married last year and I wasn’t even sure I was going to be able to attend their weddings,” shares Rose W. Rose was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy in 2015, a degenerative condition affecting almost 5% of people over the age of 55.

“My doctor sat me down and said, ‘Rose I’m so sorry to tell you this, but you have peripheral neuropathy. I’m going to prescribe you gabapentin to manage the discomfort but overall, neuropathy is untreatable.’ My first thought was, ‘we can cure cancer but you can’t stop my feet from hurting?’ It felt like a cruel joke.”

While neuropathy can be caused by a number of things

including diabetes and chemotherapy, over 23% of neuropathy cases are classified as idiopathic. In layman's terms, the cause is unknown. This was the case with Rose. “Basically every question I had was met with an ‘I don’t know.’ It was depressing to say the least.”

Eventually, Rose was forced to quit her job because the numbness had started to set in and prevented her from driving.

Fortunately for Rose, she came across an article in the local newspaper featuring Jae Won Kim L.Ac and his innovative approach to treating peripheral neuropathy. “At first, I thought it had to be a sham. After so many specialists told me there was no hope, here was this acupuncturist in the

article claiming a 90% success rate in treating neuropathy! I just had to call, and I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am that I did.”

Jae Won Kim, founder of Westbury Acupuncture, says that cases like Rose’s are incredibly common. “Almost all of my neuropathy patients have been told at one point or another that there is no hope. I like to think I specialize in offering hope.”

To quote the New York Times, “Chinese medicine proves itself where Western medicine fails.”

“Acupuncture has been treating complicated, chronic conditions like neuropathy for thousands of years,” shares Jae Won. “I start with a foundation based on this time-tested science and my clinical experience. I then

tailor treatments based on a number of factors including the severity of your neuropathy, how long you’ve had it, whether or not there are any underlying factors, things of that nature. It’s because of these personalized treatment programs that we’re seeing such incredible results!”

Four months after treatment, Rose is back at work and thriving. “Being back at work isn’t even the most exciting part,” exclaims “Not only was I able to attend my son’s wedding, but I could walk down the aisle! It was the most magical moment and I have Jae Won to thank for it. To think, I might’ve missed that.” Rose held back tears.

If you or someone you love is suffering with chronic pain that presents as burning, tingling, or ‘pins and needles,’ or you’ve recently been diagnosed with Peripheral Neuropathy, it’s important to know that there are options.

There is hope. Call (516) 500-8281 to schedule an initial consultation or visit WestburyAcupuncture.com to read more incredible success stories.

Division champions

Syosset fifth grade girls win the St. Edward CYO senior division 2025 volleyball championship! The team was led by coaches Yamille Mason and Ryan Johnson. It was a tie-breaking game with the Syosset girls winning the finals 25-17.

Hicksville schools best for music

From page 1

al efforts to ensure access to music education for all students. Hicksville joins an elite group of districts that consistently prioritizes and invests in music as a vital component of student development.

“Receiving this honor for ten years in a row is a testament to the dedication of our music educators, the support of our administration and Board of Education, and the passion of our talented student musicians and the entire Hicksville community” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton. “We believe music is a vital part of a well-rounded education, and we are thrilled to see our district recognized on the national

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Kiwanis holds Road Rally

stage.”

Chad Wyman, supervisor of fine arts for Hicksville Public Schools, added, “This recognition reflects the heart of our music program, a deep belief in the power of music to inspire, connect, and empower our students. Our dedicated staff works tirelessly to create meaningful musical experiences, and we are incredibly proud of our students' achievements both in and out of the classroom.”

Extensive research continues to underscore the value of music education. Studies show that students who engage in music programs experience cognitive and academic benefits such as improved speech processing, stronger reading skills, enhanced memory and increased attention. Music participation also nurtures social-emotional skills, including collaboration, problem-solving and the ability to give and receive feedback. Notably, the benefits of early musical training can last well into adulthood, with improved neural processing observed even decades later.

The Best Communities for Music Education designation is based on a rigorous application process, which evaluates factors including funding, qualified music educators, curriculum standards and overall access to music instruction.

On May 10, New York State Senator Steve Rhoads joined the Levittown Kiwanis Club for their 12th Annual Road Rally—an “Amazing Race”-style competition that sent teams across town solving clues and completing navigation challenges. The event was once again a tremendous success, raising an impressive $12,500 to support local initiatives. The Levittown Kiwanis Club continues to be a cornerstone of community service, organizing events that uplift children, families, and strengthen neighborhood bonds. Special thanks to Event Chair Esta Lachow for her outstanding leadership and dedication in making this year’s rally such a success. Senator Rhoads was proud to once again show his support for Levittown Kiwanis, the Levittown community, and this fun, impactful event.

Lee Ave. School dedicates “Kindness Rocks” Garden

Students, families and friends of Lee Avenue Elementary School in Hicksville recently gathered in front of the school to honor the memory of longtime Hicksville educator Mary D’Andrea with the dedication of a special “Kindness Rocks” garden.

The garden features hand-painted rocks created by Lee Avenue students, each adorned with inspirational messages and bright artwork. The rocks surround a central stone that reads, “Learn, Play, Be Kind,” a message that reflects the spirit of kindness and community that Ms. D’Andrea championed throughout her 25 years as a Lee Avenue teacher.

Lee Avenue Principal Christopher Uccellini welcomed the crowd and shared heartfelt remarks about the importance of being helpful, supportive and kind. The ceremony was made even more meaningful with a student performance of the beloved classic, “Here Comes

Students from Lee Avenue Elementary School recently gathered in front of the school to honor the memory of longtime Hicksville educator Mary D’Andrea with the dedication of a special “Kindness Rocks” garden. Photos courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools

the Sun” by The Beatles. The “Kindness Rocks” garden will remain a lasting symbol of Ms.

D’Andrea’s legacy and the positive impact she made on the school community.

June 27, 2025

New York Historical’s ‘Blacklisted: An American Story’ Offers Sobering Lessons for Today

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

Get out of the heat this summer and feel your blood boil – come to New York Historical’s new exhibit, “Blacklisted: An American Story” and be horrified by the recognition that the assault of civil liberties, democracy, Rule of Law happening today has happened before, and not all that long ago.

The intersection of politics, art, and culture that shaped America’s Red Scare is showcased in  Blacklisted: An American Story, a traveling exhibit created by the Jewish Museum Milwaukee, on view at the New York Historical through October 19. Expanded by The Historical, the exhibition builds on the story of the Red Scare and the blacklisting of screenwriters and directors known as the Hollywood Ten, along with countless others who were impacted.  Blacklisted shows how global politics and concerns over the Cold War were used to justify antisemitic, racist and anti-worker crackdowns domestically, and how the government crushed artistic expression in the 1940s and 1950s to reverse social justice movements.

“Our aim with  Blacklisted  is to prompt visitors to think deeply about democracy and their role in it,” stated Dr. Louise Mirrer, president and CEO of The New York Historical. “The exhibition tackles fundamental issues like freedom of speech, religion, and association, inviting reflection on how our past informs today’s cultural and political climate.”

“Swearing Loyalty.” New York Historical’s new exhibit, , “Blacklisted: An American Story,” the anti-democratic scourge that developed out of the postWorld War II Red Scare, raises horrifying parallels to today. © Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com

When the exhibit was first developed in 2016, and then opened in Milwaukee in 2018, “no one could have anticipated” how uncomfortably close to what is taking place in the United States today, with book bans, loyalty oaths, people seized from the street by masked men without badges or warrant, shutting down of research and education, and the attacks – a la Cultural Revolution – on academics, scientists, intellectuals, lawyers and journalists, while political violence and terror is allowed to surge.

“We also couldn’t have anticipated the rise of antisemitism now, as then,” Mirrer said at the opening reception. “This is an uncannily timely and meaningful show that hopes to teach about courage and American traditions, and how

precious our democracy is.” She said she hoped the exhibition would spark “discourse as we think about who we are as Americans. History has power to change lives.”

The exhibit, which makes starkly clear the connection between the “anti-Communist” crusade and the link with antisemitism, racism and anti-unionism, was first produced and organized by the Jewish Museum Milwaukee in 2016 (before Trump was elected), opening in 2018. It generated some revelations for the exhibit’s curator Ellie Gettinger, who we met at an opening reception at New York Historical in front of the section noting the Blacklist never actually ended, it just gradually faded into disuse.

“People think the Red Scare was McCarthy, but we showed it was not

one individual, it was so many – in government, in industry – so many throughout American society,” Gettinger said. Why weren’t the people who were persecuted protected by the First Amendment? “Because it wasn’t the government. It was the industry. Even the Hollywood studios controlled by Jews.”

She reflected, “In 2018, so many were shocked [by the exhibit and parallels to today]. People are really disturbed now, feeling politically impotent and overwhelmed. We have to keep fighting.”

Just as today, a culture that engendered empathy, compassion and understanding of others becomes the enemy of those who want to keep power and profit. It is no accident that Trump and the MAGAs have effectively rendered illegal so-called DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) and CRT (critical race theory) in school curricula, admissions and hiring, and going after academia, research institutions, legal firms, and media, just as in Mao’s Cultural Revolution.

“The Blacklist flourished when political and corporate interests superseded First Amendment rights. Freedoms of speech, association and assembly – all protected under the First Amendment - became casualties. Each of the three branches of government – executive, legislative and judicial-prioritized national security over civil liberties. Their actions exposed the dangers of unchecked political power in the US. Numerous industries purged employees suspected of being sympathetic to communism. Hundreds of people lost their jobs, and thousands stood by silently, afraid of jeopardiz-

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GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

New York Historical’s ‘Blacklisted: An American Story’

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ing future employment.

“Supporters and critics of the Blacklist both claimed they were fulfilling their patriotic duty. The Hollywood Blacklist shaped the nation’s political and cultural landscape for decades to come.”

The Blacklist impacted, even destroyed lives.

We met Julie Garfield in front of the portrait of her father, John Garfield, she lent to the exhibit, an acclaimed, dashing Hollywood leading man in such patriotic films as “Pride of the Marines” (the uniform he wore in that movie is on display). She wrote her father’s blacklisting “killed him, it really killed him. He was under unbelievable stress. Phones were being tapped. He was being followed by the FBI. He hadn’t worked in 18 months. He was finally supposed to do ‘Golden Boy’ on CBS with Kim Stanley. They did one scene. And then CBS cancelled it. He died a day or two later.”

Garfield wasn’t the only one. There is a list of those who “whether by heart attack or suicide, all were killed by the relentless pressures of inquisition,” wrote Alvah Bessie, screenwriter and one of the Hollywood Ten.

Blacklisted features more than 150 artifacts, including historical newspaper articles, film clips, testimony footage, telegrams, playbills, court documents, film costumes, movie posters, scripts, and artwork.

Among the personal objects on view are Blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo’s Academy Award Oscars for  Roman Holiday— originally awarded only to co-writer Ian McLellan Hunter since Trumbo was prohibited from working in film under his own name—and  The Brave One, awarded to the fictitious Robert Rich (one of his pseudonyms). Trumbo finally received his Oscar for “The Brave One” in 1975,

20 years after it had been awarded and his wife, Cleo Trumbo, accepted his Oscar for “Roman Holiday” posthumously in 1993, 40 years after the film’s release.

Also on view is Lauren Bacall’s costume from How to Marry a Millionaire, a 1953 film released during the height of the Blacklist. Bacall was one of the founding members of the Committee for the First Amendment, which initially supported the Hollywood Ten.

The exhibit draws clear connections between antisemitism and racism at the heart of the “Red Scare” “The House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC) included avowed segregationists and antisemites, with the larger objective of “the preservation of the established social order disrupted by New Deal initiatives and World War II” displaying a pamphlet, “Today... Hollywood. Tomorrow...the Whole Country.”

“HUAC members Rep. John Rankin (D-Mississippi) and Rep. John S.Wood (D-Georgia) advanced a reactionary white supremist agenda.” Rankin defended the Ku Klux Klan’s racial violence and terror, asserting “the KKK is an old American institution.” Wood added “threats and intimidations of the Klan are an old American custom, like illegal whiskey-making.”

We associate the era with Senator Joseph McCarthy, but as the exhibit points out, McCarthy “was only one of many who used the politics of Redbaiting to gain political leverage and power.”

The Hollywood Ten were found in contempt of Congress for refusing to answer questions, and sentenced to prison for up to one year. The claim of First Amendment protection was rejected by the lower court, but by the time their case reached the Supreme Court, two liberal members died and the Supreme Court declined to hear their case.

Changing Habits

“Guilty until proven innocent,” one section proclaims unnervingly in light of today’s events, as we see people being rounded up by masked goons and thrown into jails or deported to third countries without the ability to prove their innocence. “The role of hearsay and the assumption of guilt in the hearings became central to the ongoing operation of the Hollywood Blacklist throughout the 1950s...HUAC’s targets had no recourse, they could not sue for libel or challenge the damage to their reputations and livelihoods.” They were even blacklisted for pleading the Fifth.

It is shocking to see films that were tagged for blacklisting:

“The Best Years of Our Lives,” was blacklisted for portraying “the upper class in a bad light.” The FBI noted, “The banker was portrayed as a mean, avaricious individual,” and the film contained Communist propaganda and “subversive half-truths.”

“It’s a Wonderful Life,” was deemed “subversive!” “This picture represents a rather obvious attempt to discredit bankers,” the FBI analysis stated.

Best picture winner “Gentleman’s Agreement,“ starring Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire and John Garfield, in which Peck plays a journalist who poses as a Jew to expose antisemitism, was blacklisted. “A Police Lieutenant is party to antisemitism .This was a deliberate effort to discredit law enforcement.”

“Pride of the Marines” was blacklisted because screenwriter Albert Maltz “had the actors say everything possible to ‘provoke doubts’ concerning representative government and free enterprise; they accused employers of everything from racial prejudice to a conspiracy to scuttle the GI Bill of Rights.”

This being New York City, the New York Historical put its own stamp on the exhibit with a reference to the 1920s anti-immigrant (antisemitic) Palmer

raids and Emma Goldman’s deportation, and a whole section on New York Theater and the Blacklist, in which it is shown that the city’s theater community pushed back.

Playwright Arthur Miller, so famous for his Tony Award-winning play, ”The Crucible,” in which the Salem witch trials were a metaphor for McCarthyism, wrote, “We are at times ruled by the collective fear of each other and of those who may take away our rights and persecute us.”

The New York Historical, 170 Central Park West (77th Street), New York, NY 10024, 212-873-3400,  nyhistory.org

Also see:

Jewish Museum: A brilliant companion to “Blacklisted,” is the exhibit at the Jewish Museum, Ben Shahn, On Nonconformity, who used his art for social justice in ways that are unnervingly relevant today. (On view through Oct. 12). Also, a phenomenal exhibit, “The Book of Esther in the Age of Rembrandt,” (on view through Aug. 10) (Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Ave &, E 92nd St, thejewishmuseum.org, (212) 423-3200; free admission on Saturday).

Anne Frank The Exhibition  immerses visitors in a full-scale recreation of the Annex rooms, fully furnished, where Anne Frank, her parents and sister, and four other Jews spent two years hiding to evade Nazi capture. Four exhibition galleries and more than 100 original collection items from the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam immerse through video, sound, photography, and animation On view through October. Tickets at AnneFrankExhibit. org. (Center for Jewish History, 15 West 16th Street, New York, cjh.org.)

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

BY CHARLYN FARGO

Healthy eating, working out daily, losing weight -- it’s all in the habits, the tiny little habits that add up over time to be big habits.

James Clear, author of “Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results,” defines a habit as a routine or behavior that is performed regularly -- and in many cases, automatically. Changes that seem small and unimportant at first will compound into remarkable results if you’re willing to stick with them over time, he writes.

Clear isn’t talking specifically about

healthy eating habits, but good habits overall. When it comes to eating and working out, this approach can help to achieve remarkable results.

As we assess our own habits when it comes to eating or exercising, here are tips for breaking some bad habits and creating good habits:

No. 1: Reduce exposure. If you don’t want to keep sabotaging your diet with dessert, don’t bring the chocolate chip cookies and ice cream home. Instead, pack your cart with fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Prep meals and snacks ahead so there isn’t the temptation to grab fast food.

No. 2: Make it unattractive. Put a picture of yourself at the weight you were happiest at on the refrigerator. Add your steps and goals to get there.

No. 3: Make it difficult. Increase the number of steps between you and unhealthy eating. And conversely, make it easier to eat healthier. Have a scale on the kitchen counter to weigh portions. Make it easier to go to the gym or work out at home.

No. 4: Make it unsatisfying. Working out with a friend increases accountability. Letting a friend know you’re trying to lose

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What makes these Summer months so special

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

Ray Bradbury’s book titled, “Something Wicked This Way Comes” was published in 1962 and in the prologue he wrote, “Consider August, a good month: school hasn’t begun yet. July, well, July’s really fine: there’s no chance in the world for school. June, no doubting it, June’s best of all, for the school doors spring wide and September’s a billion years away ...” Kids have a lot to ponder: how they will spend their summer days whether it would entail swimming in a pool, fishing at a river or lounging in a chair at home and reading a good book. It’s a lot to think about. Here’s what else I like about summer.

Vibrant green houseplants

Last summer my sister, Michelle, gave me some Ferns and the Dieffenbachia plants as a birthday present. They came in a garden dish with other assorted plants and since I don’t have much of a green thumb, only the Ferns and Dieffenbachia plants survived. The Variegated Ivy didn’t make it. But wow, did the Ferns and Dieffenbachia survive! The dish, which is a pretty 9-inch ceramic one, looks great. It’s a medium-sized dish garden. All summer I keep it outside on my porch, in partial sun, and the trick I’ve discovered is only watering it once a week. In the past with other plants I’ve had a tendency to be oversolicitous meaning I overwater them, thinking I’m doing the right thing, but it’s not such a great idea because certain houseplants really like to dry out thoroughly between waterings. I’ve made Sunday

my day to water this plant and sticking to that schedule has been the answer. I don’t like losing houseplants to overwatering and I’m not partial to decorating with artificial houseplants so this dish garden has been a bright spot on my porch. When the cold weather months approach I bring this dish inside and place it near a window but not too close to a drafty window so it gets the right amount of sun each day.

Dieffenbachia plants prefer diffused sunlight or partial shade but occasionally they will tolerate full shade. This is what makes dieffenbachia a good houseplant. It thrives in temperatures between 60 and 75°F. Its nickname is the “dumb cane” or “leopard lily” plant and how it got those nicknames I’m not sure. I’ve always been partial to Dieffenbachia plants. My mother always kept some potted Dieffenbachia plants on stands near the dining room window, the one that faced west, and they were always hardy. They added greenery and tranquility to the room and our guests always noticed our beautiful houseplants.

Tossing around a baseball

Each summer I’m reminded that the leisurely summer months are here and kids don’t have to think about the first day of school for a while. Today when I see kids tossing around a baseball it brings me back to the days when my father would oil the baseball gloves we kept in our garage in Rockville Centre. He would oil them and try to break them in for my three older brothers then a few years later for the three of us girls. So these days, whenever I

smell a well-oiled baseball glove, I’m reminded that it is, indeed, summer. On rainy summer days when my siblings and I couldn’t toss around a baseball, we’d stay inside and play board games and hands of cards. Or we would head downstairs to our finished basement and start playing a game of ping pong. One game would lead into the next and it was a fun way to pass the time. When we grew tired of that we’d check out the paperback novels my parents kept on a big set of wooden bookshelves in our den. Picking up some interesting-looking books, I’d smell the scent of the old paperbacks and wonder what stories these paperback books held. Old baseball gloves and old paperbacks evoke certain memories, always of summer days spent hanging around the house as a kid looking for something to do or those times when my sisters, friends and I were getting ready to start an impromptu game of baseball in front of our houses. We were kids, after all, with all the time in the world on those lazy summer days.

Illuminating night skies

Looking out my window one recent

Tips to plan a summer adventure

summer night I saw a light bouncing off a pond close by and for a moment I thought it was a bevy of fireflies dancing in the distance. My mind thought back to when I was a child growing up in Rockville Centre and sitting on our patio after dinner we’d wait and watch for sunset when the fireflies’ dance would start in earnest. Asking my dad for some glass jars with holes propped into the top, my sisters and I would run around the back yard chasing the fireflies and hoping to catch some magic. We liked the fireflies that danced around our back yard and patio because they never stung us. Nor did they bite us. Those were good things. And our parents liked the fact that they didn’t eat any of the plants or vegetables they had in their garden. They weren’t pesky pests. Technically fireflies are not flies - they are actually beetles. They use bioluminescent light to communicate with each other, primarily to attract mates but sometimes to signal alarm or send a warning or even to attract food.

Luck often struck and we’d get one or two in each jar and take them back to our chairs to sit on the patio and admire them. We’d proudly show them off to our parents and they would smile at us and each other, knowing that having kids running around chasing fireflies is definitely a rite of childhood. The fireflies would flash their lights and in the darkness it always seemed magical - it always looked as if we had our very own light show. Later that night we’d fall asleep contently, dreaming about whatever adventures might unfold the next day.

Few people would deny summer is a season of relaxation. But that familiar laid back vibe does not mean summer also can’t be a time for adventure.

The definition of an adventure depends on who does the defining. To some, an adventure may entail relaxing on a boat as it sways back and forth on a serene lake or in a calm ocean. For others, adrenaline levels need to rise in order for an activity to qualify as an adventure. It’s perfectly alright for people to define adventure in their own unique way. However one chooses to define an adventure, the following are some summer adventure planning pointers that can make an upcoming excursion more enjoyable.

• Choose your destination and route. Heading off for parts unknown with no itinerary may seem like the ultimate adventure. However, a lack of planning

can quickly derail a getaway. Traffic, fellow tourists, lodging shortages, and other unwanted developments are all likely when vacationers do not plan ahead. By planning an adventure in advance, travelers can choose routes that are less likely to be overcome with traffic, book stays in memorable and comfortable accommodations and steer clear of crowded tourist destinations.

• Leave yourself some leeway. Of course, planning ahead does not require planning every second of each day you will be traveling. Leave yourself some wiggle room and free time to head off the beaten path if you so desire. Avoid making dinner reservations for each night you’re traveling, as doing so might lead you to prioritize making the reservation over exploring. Instead, build in some days and nights where you can go at your own pace

without having to rush to ensure you make it to a prearranged activity or dinner reservation on time.

• Pack food and beverages. Nothing can derail an adventure more quickly than thirst and/or a growling stomach. Going off the grid or enjoying an adventure without a schedule dictating your every moment is easier when you pack food and beverages. Depending on where you’re going, the nearest eatery could be far away, which means travelers who don’t pack food and beverages are likely to spend more time driving in search of sustenance than they are enjoying an adventure.

• Make a contingency plan. Road trips are not as predictable as excursions to resorts that make no secret about all guests can enjoy during their stay. Traffic, large crowds and weather can turn an adventurous road trip into

an exercise in managing frustration. A contingency plan that includes a detailed list of alternative activities and destinations can ensure an adventure does not become a nightmare if forces beyond your control present themselves.

• Ask for everyone’s input. Everyone, even solo travelers, can benefit from additional insight when planning an adventure. Parents can ask their children if there’s anything in particular they want to do during a trip so kids are equally excited about the vacation. Solo travelers can ask friends and family members for advice about potential activities and sights to see during their trip.

Planning a summer adventure can be its own enjoyable experience that heightens travelers’ anticipation for an upcoming trip.

BY TOM MARGENAU

There is probably no question I am asked more often than some version of this: “When should I file for Social Security?” And I’ve discerned from my emails over the years that there is no issue senior citizens fret over more than the answer to that question.

To answer it, many people prepare spreadsheets. They construct matrices. They buy books. They consult financial planners. And who knows, maybe they even get in touch with mystics, palm readers and other charlatans.

What they seem to be looking for is a magic answer. They want to believe there is some secret formula that, if they only knew it, would guide them to pick the absolutely perfect age to start their Social Security benefits.

Well, guess what, folks? There is no magic answer. There are no secrets. There are no special formulas. You simply have to sit down, maybe with a calculator and pencil and paper, and go over your options.

And what are those options? Well, you could start your retirement benefits as early as age 62. If you do that, your benefit will be reduced by 30%. In other words, you’d get 70% of your full retirement age benefit.

Or you could wait until your full retirement age and get 100% of your Social Security benefit.

Or you could file for your Social Security benefits anytime between age 62 and your FRA. (Your benefit is reduced roughly one-half of 1% for each month you start benefits before your FRA.)

Or you could wait until age 70 and get a bonus of about 28% added to your monthly benefits. (The bonus is two-thirds of 1% for each month you delay filing for benefits beyond your full retirement age. In other words, you could file anytime between your FRA and age 70 and get the calibrated bonus added to your monthly benefit rate.)

And by the way, there is absolutely no advantage to waiting beyond age 70 to file for your Social Security benefits.

So, you’ve got to choose sometime between the ages of 62 and 70 to start your benefits. And as I said, there is no secret or magic formula to help you make that decision. In its very simplest form, it comes down to this obvious choice. Do you want smaller monthly benefits but for a longer period? Well, then start those benefits sometime between age 62 and your full retirement age. Or do you want larger monthly benefits for a shorter period? Then you should wait to start your benefits sometime between your FRA and age 70.

To help you make that decision, think about a couple of things, like your health. If you’re active and robust and think you’ll still be kicking when you’re in your 90s, then it might be best to wait until 70 to

No Magic Answers

file for benefits. On the other hand, if you are like me and came out on the short end of the longevity gene pool (neither my dad nor any of my uncles lived until age 60), then it might make sense to file for Social Security as soon as you’re eligible.

And what about your financial well-being? For example, if you are doing well and have other sources of income, meaning your Social Security check is just frosting on your retirement cake, then maybe you should start benefits early. But if your Social Security is going to be your primary source of income in retirement, then you might want to maximize those benefits by starting them later.

And speaking of maximizing benefits, many retired men have told me that one of their primary retirement goals is to maximize potential widow’s benefits for their wives. If that is your concern, then if you wait until age 70 to file, your wife’s eventual widow’s benefits will include that bonus you get for delaying the start of your own benefits.

Having said all that, you’ve got to approach the decision of when to start your benefits, realizing that it’s a gamble. Or to put that another way, if you can tell me the date when you are going to die, then I can tell you the absolute best time to start your benefits. And since no one really knows that answer, no one really knows the best Social Security start date.

For example, I can’t tell you how many times over the years I’ve heard from a recent widow who told me something like this. “My husband insisted on waiting until 70 to get the highest Social Security benefit possible. He thought he was going to live until 100. And then he died at age 72. Gosh, I wish he had filed for his Social Security sooner!” (Of course, the bit of consolation I could give her is that she will get higher widow’s benefits based on his age 70 Social Security start date.)

And then on the other end of the spectrum is this story I heard from a sprightly old man in a local coffee shop. He said, “I took my Social Security at 62. And now I’m 95. If I knew I was going to live this long, I would have waited to start my benefits at a later age!”

So again, you never really know if you are making the right choice of when you should start your benefits. And with that in mind, here is another piece of advice I can give you. Considering all the factors I talked about earlier (and other possible factors I didn’t have space to mention), just make the best choice you can about when to file for Social Security -- and then live with it. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve heard from over the years who just fret and fret some more over that decision -- even after they made it. My advice: Don’t worry! Be happy! Make the decision and enjoy retirement!

Besides, I’ve also learned this over the years after having heard from thousands of readers about this issue. Most people trying to decide when to start their ben-

efits are not between a rock and a hard place -- Social Security speaking. They are between a pillow and a soft place. In other words, they really can’t go wrong no matter which decision they make. So, throw away those spreadsheets and stop reading tea leaves or gazing into crystal balls. Pick a Social Security start date and be happy. And finally, some shameless self-promotion. If you really want to consult something, buy my book, “Social Security - Simple and Smart.” There is a whole

Continued on next page

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

REAL ESTATE WATCH

What are your reasons and concerns for not selling?

There are a multitude of homeowners (approximately 65+ %), who had refinanced in 2021-2022 at historically low rates. This has been the major cause of the lack of inventory in satisfying the demand over the last few years up through today. However, I am quite sure from having conversations with many homeowners that they would move whether upgrading or downsizing, if they could keep their existing low rates. Unfortunately, this is not possible.

Those that need to sell are still far and few between to be able to quench the existing buyer’s thirst to become homeowners. There just aren’t enough choices. For the high prices that they must pay without sufficient choices, Their willingness to settle just isn’t there for many. Moreover, they may have a fear of purchasing a home that they are not in love with or the vibes aren’t there.

If you the homeowner have a large equity position in your home and are going to put a large down payment on the next property, then leaving that low interest rate shouldn’t be an issue. The smaller new mortgage that you will be approved for may not be a major impact on your finances even at the current 6.86% rate. You should consider that the first quarter of 2025, showed a yoy median sale price of $716,000 on Long Island, an increase of 10.1%. The median sale price per square foot is $453, a 10.2% increase.*

Selling in the current market and taking advantage of the continuing increases in prices actually reduces your cost on paper compared to the current mortgage rates. So giving up your low interest rates and paying more, will not cost you more, as you are making up the difference in the increases in yearly appreciation. Even though this analysis is only calculated on paper, you are still taking advantage and benefit of the greater appreciation that is currently occurring as

opposed to waiting.

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

This is obviously not a guarantee going forward; but as long as demand is greater than the existing inventory, then I don’t see prices decreasing, but rather I still see them increasing. There are variables, e.g. tariffs, wars; severe climate change that no one can predict their impact on appreciation and the price of homes. Moreover, if there is a major impact on the changing value of the dollar, then you will need more money to be able to purchase. Most important, one must keep ahead of whatever inflation is happening by utilizing the smartest investment strategies.

I believe that there are 3 obvious choices in shelter, purchasing, renting or staying with in-laws. Each person has to decide which makes more sense in the short and long term. There are gurus that say renting is now cheaper than buying and others say buying is still more advantageous. This will be predicated on your particular situation and where you want and need to reside. Job, family, health and financial issues will be determining factors. Comparing the local rental prices with the overall cost of purchasing will provide greater insight as to what direction to consider.

Leaving our area to relocate south and to the Midwest you will find median rentals being much less e.g. $1331 in Omaha, Nebraska than a comparable mortgage of $1992 plus insurance. Detroit, Michigan where rentals are $1295 and mortgages of $516.00 plus insurance. Then there are places such as New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami, Tampa, New Orleans, where mortgages are thousands of dollars greater than rentals when factoring in all the costs of ownership. Planning your move is ultimately the most cru-

SOCIAL SECURITY AND YOU

Continued from previous page

chapter in that book about when and how to file for Social Security benefits. 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

cial and critical consideration to contemplate, in order to come to a logical and pragmatic decision.

If you decide that renting is preferred and you are able to invest the entire or partial difference between the costs of ownership and rental costs will hopefully keep you ahead of inflation. Hire a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), which will be to your advantage in building your future wealth.

Paying cash for your next purchase and investing the difference in your sale price of your current home, in a well thoughtout commodity that will provide you a solid return will be a more advantageous path to consider pursuing. You will earn money on your investment plus whatever increases in appreciation that you will gain on your purchase.

The question is do you want to move or stay put. If you are a babyboomer, could you renovate as you age in place to accommodate your specific needs and wants? Or would you rather downsize to a smaller ranch style home, condo or coop? There are choices, but it must fit your lifestyle, as this might be your last move. It can be a challenging proposition and you need to ascertain the reasons to move or stay.

*Refin/Realtor.Com/Zillow

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)

BY MARY HUNT

EVERYDAY CHEAPSKATE

‘Cool’ Summer Tips, Tricks and Hacks

Whatever summer adventures you have planned -- to the beach, pool, campground or even your own backyard -these cool summer tips, tricks, hacks and DIYs will bring a smile to your face and, perhaps, even a sigh of relief. There’s still plenty of time to get out there and do summer like a champ!

NO. 1: PACK A FITTED SHEET

Take a fitted bed sheet with you to the beach. Do this as soon as you locate your spot. Spread out the sheet, turn up the corners and place something heavy on each one (the cooler, food basket, etc.) This will keep it spread out and all your gear -- and you -- corralled and free of sand without having to make sure you’re lying on a small towel.

NO. 2: BARBECUE COVER

Fold an old vinyl tablecloth in half and sew up the sides to make a cover for your outdoor barbecue grill.

NO. 3: NATURAL MOSQUITO REPELLANT

Here’s a charming way to persuade mosquitos to stay away from the picnic table: Cut a lemon or lime in half, then press whole cloves into the cut surface of each half. Place the studded citrus around the food. Mosquitos hate that spicy fragrance, but you and your guests

won’t. This also makes for a pretty addition to the table.

NO. 4: FIRE STARTERS

You’ll never worry about getting your campfire started when you pack a few of these nifty, absolutely free fire-starters. Just tightly stuff the empty cardboard tube from a roll of toilet paper with dryer lint! That’s it. Dryer lint catches fire easily and the cardboard roll will keep it lit long enough to start the firewood too.

NO. 5: SEASHELL BAGS

Use mesh laundry bags -- or even a mesh onion sack -- for gathering shells at the beach. They’re strong, waterproof and they sift out most of the sand by themselves. Rinse the bag and its contents under an outdoor faucet and you won’t get a speck of sand in the car or house.

NO. 6: SAND-FREE

ELECTRONICS

Stick your smartphone, iPad or other electronics inside a zip-close plastic bag and close it up. This will protect your phone from sunscreen, water, sand and all other outdoor hazards. Now, whenever that device lands in an environment that’s probably not great for phones, it will be safe. The touch screen works well even when it’s in the bag.

NO. 7: SAND-FREE FEET

Keep a container of baby powder in your beach bag. Before the kids get back

into the car or walk into the house, sprinkle a bit on their legs and feet. A quick rubdown will leave all of that sand at the beach and none of it will be in the car or house.

NO. 8: POCKET SAFE

Sew a coordinating washcloth to a beach towel along three sides and use hook and loop tape fasteners -- such as Velcro -- to close the fourth. Now, you and your kids have an instant pocket for keys, coins or suntan lotion.

NO. 9: WILL IT FLOAT?

Attach a cork to your key ring when you go boating, or to any other lightweight item you’d rather not sink to the bottom of the lake should you accidentally drop it in. Yes, corks float.

NO. 10: CRYSTAL-FREE ICE CREAM

This is not only a summer hack but one you’ll use year-round. Before you put that container of ice cream into the freezer, put the whole thing with the lid securely in place into a gallon-size zipclose freezer bag and zip it shut. For some unknown reason, even if the container is only partially full, it will not form crystals. No freezer burn!

NO. 11: COLD AS ICE WATER BOTTLES

Tired of trying to melt ice cubes to get them to fit into your water bottle before

heading outdoors? Do this: Fill your bottle partway with water the night before. Put the bottle in the freezer, but instead of standing up, lay it on its side. Now you’ll have all the ice you need inside, but plenty of room to add fresh water to fill it up.

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

Continued from page 2

weight can help motivate you.

No. 5: Make it obvious. Keep the cut-up fruit and vegetables in the front of the refrigerator. Make a big salad that you can portion and take to work.

No. 6: Make it easy. Invest in purchases that can help you lock in the right behaviors. Consider a bento box to take your lunch. Buy an ice pack or two to keep lunches cold. Can you invest in a treadmill at home to take the excuses out of going to the gym or walking in inclement weather?

No. 7: Use a habit tracker. Keep track of your workout streak or days without

dessert to motivate you to continue to avoid “breaking the chain.”

No. 8: Never miss twice. When you miss a day of working out or eating healthy, get back on track the next day.

No. 9: Master the decisive moment. Optimize small choices -- choosing a fruit cup over french fries or a salad with a vin-

aigrette dressing over a burger or a grilled pork tenderloin over breaded and fried -to achieve your goal of healthier eating.

No. 10: Use bundling to your advantage. Pair an action you want to do, like reading a book, with an action you need to do, like walking on the treadmill.

Before long, you’ll have built good habits into your daily routine.

Q and A

Q: What should I pack in my kids’ lunches to make them healthier?

A: The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate has some good guidelines. You want a mix of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy in that lunchbox. Think beyond sandwiches and pack

some crackers with fiber, string cheese, a carton of Greek yogurt, carrots and celery sticks with hummus, a hard-boiled egg and fresh berries. Or to be more traditional, pair a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on whole wheat, a cut-up apple or grapes, red pepper slices and a carton of milk.

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 June 29 - July 5, 2025

The Dog Days Are Upon Us

It won’t be long before we hear the TV meteorologist tell us we’re in the “dog days of summer” while offering no explanation whatsoever. If you’re like most people, you hear it, accept it and go on about your day. But did you ever wonder what that term actually means or where it originated?

It seems reasonable to suspect it comes from the seemingly lethargic behavior of our canine companions in the late-summer heat. If that’s your guess, well ... I’m afraid you’re barking up the wrong tree. No, like many words we use in our daily lives, the origin of the term lies not on Earth but in the heavens. It comes from ancient times and from a star we now call Sirius.

Modern stargazers know Sirius as a star we see during crisp, cold winter nights. It’s the brightest of all and, since it marks the constellation of Canis Major, the Great Dog, it’s long been known as the “Dog Star.”

Ancient stargazers kept a close watch on the heavens, not for scientific purposes but to glean messages or omens coming from the gods. In their observations they noticed that, during this especially hot season, Sirius would rise around the same time as the sun -- its “heliacal” (hee-LYE-ah-kahl) rising we call it -- and that both would drift across the daytime sky together. Of course, they couldn’t see the star in the bright daylight any more than we can today, but they certainly knew it was there.

And this is where the story gets interesting.

Many in the ancient world believed that it was the

heat and light of Sirius that combined with that of the sun at this time of year to produce the especially scorching conditions of late summer -- the “caniculares dies” or “dog days” -- as the Romans called them.

Today we know that, at a distance of 51 trillion miles, the heat Sirius provides us is negligible. However, ideas such as this die hard and have become ingrained into our culture. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if some people still believe this connection today, despite it being debunked more than 20 centuries ago by the Greek astronomer Geminus.

“It is generally believed that Sirius produces the heat of the Dog Days,” he wrote, “but this is an error, for the star merely marks a season of the year when the Sun’s heat is the greatest.”

Now if you’d like to watch the heliacal rising of Sirius as the ancients did, you’ll have to do so in August. This is because the Earth wobbles on its axis -- an effect called precession -- and over several millennia, the positions of celestial objects shift slightly. But if stars shone in broad daylight, we would now see those of winter -- including brilliant Sirius -- glistening halfway between the sun and the southern horizon at midday.

Of course, to see Sirius after sunset, we’ll have to wait a few months until the sun no longer appears along roughly the same line of sight. This occurs during the winter months and, when it does, we’ll see Sirius appearing as a sparkling stellar diamond rising in the southeast at dusk.

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

LOST IN SUBURBIA

Have Your Cake and Post It Too

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

“WAIT!” I yelled as everyone started to dive into their entrees. “Don’t eat yet!”

We were at the kind of fancy restaurant where the food isn’t just served, it’s strategically arranged on the plate and balanced precariously in a tower like a game of Jenga.

My husband stopped with his fork in mid-air and stared.

“Why?” he asked. “Is there something wong with the food?”

My daughter rolled her eyes. “No. Mom just has to take a picture of it so she can post it on Instagram.”

It was true. I had become one of those people who couldn’t just live my life. I had to document it and post it

online so other people could like it, share it and comment on it.

“It just looks so pretty,” I said sheepishly. “I want to show other people how yummy it looks!”

“Why?” asked my husband. “So they can lick their screen?”

I glared at him, although I kind of got his point. I wasn’t sure when I had gone from someone who just ate food to someone who set it up like a professional food photographer and then made everyone at the table wait while their food got cold so I could take the perfect drool-worthy picture. Then I had to decide whether or not it was better suited for Pinterest or Instagram. And then wonder if I should also share it on X and Facebook. With the right lighting, I knew could get 50 likes on a chocolate

lava cake. And that meant, of course, that I was either really popular or, at the very least, my dessert was.

The big question, though, was whether anyone out there actually cared about what I was eating. I didn’t routinely call up my friends and tell them everything I was having for dinner every night. So why would I post about it on social media? Was it pretty? Yes. But was someone going to think better of me because I had my french fries stacked over my teriyaki steak over a bed of wilted baby greens? I didn’t think so.

Still, I felt obliged to take a picture of it. I adjusted the plate and was setting up my shot when suddenly my son reached over, grabbed a fry and somehow ended up knocking the whole

tower of food over until it fell in an unappetizing heap on the plate.

We all stared silently at my plate. It was no longer a thing of exquisite culinary beauty. Now it was merely a flat pile of formerly glamourous food.

I sighed. My photo op was kaput.

“What am I going to do now?” I asked my family dejectedly.

My husband handed me a fork.

“You could eat it.”

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

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

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Please include your name, daytime phone number, address and ad copy.

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EMPLOYMENT

HELP WANTED

CUSTODIAL POSITION

Seeking a reliable professional individual to join our team as a full time custodian at Garden City Community Church, located at 245 Stewart Ave, Garden City. The position requires some evenings and weekends. Competitive hourly wage. Please send resume to: controller@thegccc.org

LEGAL SECRETARY

Garden City attorney seeks legal secretary to work full time or part time Excellent typing skills necesary; Reply to: LTJonesAtty@cs.com OR 516-747-1141

SITUATION WANTED

A HOME AIDE/CAREGIVER

Caring, Honest & Reliable woman with 10 years experience available to care for your elderly loved one. Personal grooming, dispense medications, cooking, cleaning.

Checkable references.

Licensed driver with own transportation.

Please call 516-383-7150

COMPANION HHA PCA

Seeking position overnight or weekends.

29 years experience with Parkinsons, Alzheimers, Dementia, Cancer Patients. References available upon request. Call Miss Browne 516-302-7564

COMPANION/CAREGIVER AVAILABLE

Honest, Reliable, Friendly, experienced Polish Woman is available for Companionship with elderly.

Flexible days and hours. Light Housekeeping, Laundry, Errands.

English speaking, Own Car. Call or Text 516-589-5640

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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

Appraisals and Evaluations: Get expert insights into the true value of your personal property.

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AUTOMOTIVE

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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

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PARTY HELP

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Your Next Party! Catering and Experienced Professional Services for Assisting with Preparation, Serving and Clean Up Before, During and After Your Party Bartenders Available. Call Kate at 516-248-1545

SERVICES

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Babysitting upon request

Call 516- 510-3093

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CLASSIFIEDS Call 294.8900

Tangy cheese gives this salad a kick

Chickpea, Feta and Orzo Salad

Summer party season requires having plenty of refreshing, and easy-to-prepare offerings for family, friends and other guests. Salads come in all shapes and sizes, and can feature a versatile mix of ingredients to help customize their flavor. They’re also refreshing and easy to prepare and serve on hot days or nights.

1 cup uncooked orzo Cucumber-thyme relish (see below)

“Chickpea, Feta and Orzo Salad” puts a Mediterraneanstyle twist on the summer salad. Feta cheese gives it richness and tang, while chickpeas pack a protein- and fiber-laden punch. Enjoy this recipe, courtesy of “Cooking Light® Fresh Food Superfast” (Oxmoor House) by the Cooking Light® kitchens. Serves 4

1 cup refrigerated pre-chopped tomatoes

1 16-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1) Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse under cold water. Drain well. While pasta cooks, prepare cucumber-thyme relish.

1⁄4 teaspoon salt 1⁄3 cup (1.3 ounces) crumbled feta cheese with basil and sun-dried tomatoes

2) Combine tomato and chickpeas in a large bowl, tossing gently; stir in pasta, salt, and cucumber-thyme relish. Add feta cheese; toss gently.

About to hit a milestone?

Share your life accomplishments with your neighbors! Put your engagement, wedding, or baby announcement in the paper. It's free of charge for subscribers! Email editor@gcnews.com

CUSTOM FRAMING

Two Nassau Blvd Garden City, N.Y. 516-538-4503

www.barnesgalleryframing.com barnesgallery@yahoo.com Hours: Tues - Sat 10 am - 5 pm

Do You Have a Service To Advertise?

Litmor Publications publishes the ads of service providers in our Classifieds, Professional Guide and Service Directory.

A 6-week agreement brings your specialty or service to the attention of the community. Let us begin listing you in our Next Issue. For More Infor and Rates, Call Nancy 516.294.8900 Advertising in the Professional Guide is only open to N.Y.S. Licensed Professionals.

Robotics team welcomes local leaders for demonstration

On June 13, the Bethpage High School robotics team, the Regal Eagles, hosted a special visit in their lab where they showcased their talents and shared their passion for robotics with local leaders and supporters, including Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Mr. Joe Saladino (seen at right).

On June 13, the Bethpage High School robotics team, the Regal Eagles, hosted a special visit in their lab where they showcased their talents and shared their passion for robotics with local leaders and supporters. The event was organized by Optimum, a proud sponsor of the Regal Eagles, and brought together local business leaders, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Mr. Joe Saladino, and a representative from the office of Senator Steven Rhoads.

The event highlighted not only the team’s technical expertise, but also their commitment to community involvement and educational outreach. The Regal Eagles delivered a compelling presentation on the scope of their work with FIRST Robotics, detailing the many skills and life lessons they’ve gained

through their participation. They also spoke about the ways the team gives back to the community through mentoring and advocacy for STEM education.

Supervisor Saladino and Senator Rhoads’ office each presented the Regal Eagles with certificates of recognition, applauding their accomplishments and the positive example they set for youth in the region. Optimum further demonstrated their support by awarding the team with a generous check to help fund future projects and competitions.

The visit concluded with a live demonstration of one of the team’s robots, giving guests a firsthand look at the creativity, engineering and teamwork that power the Regal Eagles.

Photos courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

Supervisor Saladino and Senator Rhoads’ office each presented the Regal Eagles with certificates of recognition, applauding their accomplishments and the positive example they set for youth in the region.

Optimum demonstrated their support by awarding the team with a generous check to help fund future projects and competitions.

Supervisor Saladino praises the Regal Eagles for their achievements.

The visit concluded with a live demonstration of one of the team’s robots.

Bethpage Legion reopens with patriotic ceremony

Local dignitaries attended the reopening of the Archie McCord Post #86 of the American Legion.

The Bethpage American Legion marked the start of Memorial Day weekend with a powerful tribute to community, history, and patriotism. On Saturday, May 24, the rebirth of Archie McCord Post #86 was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its longtime home on Washington Street in Bethpage.

Post Commander Joe Minogue, a proud U.S. Air Force veteran, led the ceremony, joined by New York State Senator Steve Rhoads and Nassau County Legislator Rose Walker. Together, they cut the ceremonial ribbon to officially reopen the post—symbolizing a new chapter for an orga-

nization deeply rooted in Bethpage’s identity.

In her remarks, Legislator Walker highlighted the significance of the newly painted and relocated American flag repository—a repurposed U.S. Postal Service mailbox now decorated in the bold red, white, and blue of the American flag. Donated by Bob and Fred’s Auto Body and transformed into a striking symbol of national pride, the flag drop box provides a respectful location for the retirement of damaged or aged U.S. flags. “This isn’t just a box— it’s a reminder of the values we share, the service we respect, and the country we love,” Walker said.

The Post has a drop box for worn or damaged flags. Members of the community can drop off their flags there for proper disposal.

Senator Rhoads echoed that sentiment, calling the revitalized post “a cornerstone of community and remembrance.”

Commander Minogue took time to reflect on the deep history of the post and the sacrifices made by Bethpage’s own. “It is an honor to give this post back to the storied community of Bethpage,” Minogue stated. With emotion, he paid special tribute to the Bethpage firefighters who lost their lives in a tragic fire in May 1978, which engulfed Three Brothers Pool Store. “Their bravery and sacrifice are never forgotten,” he said.

That same evening, the American Legion Post hosted a lively and heartfelt

fundraiser to support its programs and future initiatives. Community spirit was on full display, with local restaurants generously donating food for the event. Guests enjoyed a night of fellowship and remembrance, highlighted by a live performance from local musician Barry Waller, whose music brought energy and emotion to the celebration.

The day’s events marked not just the reopening of a building, but the reaffirmation of a mission. As Bethpage heads into Memorial Day, the Archie McCord Post stands once again—strong, proud, and ready to serve.

Town seeks applications to honor veterans

The Town of Oyster Bay is now accepting nominations in order to honor veterans at the Town’s ‘Salute to America’ Celebration scheduled for Tuesday, July 8, at 7:30 p.m. at John Burns Park. Residents are invited to nominate extraordinary individuals who have made a positive difference in our veteran communities.

“The Town of Oyster Bay’s ‘Salute to America’ Celebration provides the ideal backdrop to recognize veterans and individuals who continue to actively serve in the community and advocate

for issues and concerns relative to veterans. The Town is proud to recognize and honor amazing individuals who have helped to shape our communities for the better through their continuing advocacy and exemplary community service each year,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “I hope residents will consider submitting a nomination of an individual who deserves special recognition for their continued efforts on behalf of the veteran’s community. I look forward to recognizing the efforts of outstanding individuals who have

impacted the lives of our veterans in an extraordinary way yet again this year.”

Nominations are being accepted in two different categories of recognition: Veterans Volunteer of the Year (awarded to a veteran) and Friend of Veterans Volunteer of the Year (awarded to a non-veteran).  All entries must include a supporting narrative describing the nominee’s on-going veterans related activities, and all nominees must be Town residents. All nominations must be postmarked no later than Monday, June 2, 2025.

Attention students!

Graduated from school? Have an outstanding GPA? Made the honor roll or Dean’s List? Scored an internship or study abroad opportunity?

Winners will be recognized as part of a special program during the ‘Salute to America’ Celebration, a patriotic evening of top flight musical talent and fireworks, which serves as a thank you to all of our veterans and active military for protecting the freedoms we enjoy each and every day as Americans.

To submit a nomination for the Veterans Awards, please visit www. oysterbaytown.com, email kfileccia@ oysterbay-ny.gov or call (516) 797-7925 for an application.

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!

Methodist Church celebrates 125th anniversary

On April 6, New York State Senator Steve Rhoads joined the faithful congregants of Hicksville United Methodist Church (HUMC) to celebrate an extraordinary milestone—125 years of unwavering service, compassion, and community leadership. For over a century, HUMC has been a beacon of hope in Hicksville, known for its deep commitment to volunteerism, its vital food pantry, and heartwarming toy drives that bring joy to countless families. Senator Rhoads proudly honored the church’s rich legacy and extended his heartfelt congratulations, wishing HUMC continued blessings and success for the next 125 years and beyond. Special thanks to Reverend Iwy Patel-Yatri, senior pastor, and her dedicated team for their tireless efforts and inspirational leadership.

Summer “Movies by Moonlight” at local parks

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that free ‘Movies by Moonlight’ will be offered in local parks on Thursday evenings this summer, beginning July 10. Residents are welcome to bring blankets and chairs when attending these family-friendly movies.

“Residents and families looking for a fun night need look no further than their backyards this summer as the Town is ready with a summer to remember,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “We’re thrilled to once again show family-friendly films at our parks, along with character meet and greets, inflatables, games and more.”

Seating and pre-movie activities will begin at 6:30 p.m. including character meet and greets at select movies, inflatables and games. All movies begin at sundown and are subject to change. They will be held weather permitting.

Woodland school enjoys Supermarket Science assembly

Students participated in the demonstrations, which taught science principles using everyday items.

Woodland Elementary School students were recently treated to a fun and educational experience this week with a Supermarket Science assembly.

The high-energy STEM show blended science, humor and hands-on learning into one thrilling performance.

The assembly captivated students with stunts, hilarious antics and a touch of magic, keeping them fully engaged

For additional information, please call (516) 797-7925 or visit the Town’s website www.oysterbaytown.com/summer  or Facebook page @TownofOysterBay.

Summer Movies:

Thursday, July 10: “Moana 2” at Marjorie R. Post Community Park, Massapequa

Thursday, July 17: “Wonka” at John J. Burns Town Park, Massapequa Thursday, July 24: “Despicable Me 4” at Harry Tappen Beach, Glenwood Landing

Thursday, July 31: “Toy Story” at Ellsworth W. Allen Town Park, Farmingdale

Thursday, August 7: “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” at Plainview-Old Bethpage Community Park, Plainview

Thursday, August 14: “Inside Out 2” at Syosset-Woodbury Community Park, Woodbury

from start to finish. Through experiments that utilized everyday grocery store items, they explored the importance of observation, testing and inquiry, essential tools for scientific discovery.

The show left a lasting impression, turning ordinary pantry staples into sources of scientific wonder.

Registration open for

Pilates in the Park

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that registration for the Town’s New Pilates in the Park program is now underway. This program will be held on Saturdays at Theodore Roosevelt Park beginning July 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and run for 10 weeks.

Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh stated, “Balencing wellness and athleticism, the Pilates in the Park program is perfect for all levels and abilities. Register today for an easygoing way to boost your core, improve posture, and reduce stress, all while enjoying the out-

doors at one of the most beautiful parks in the Town of Oyster Bay!” Registration is online at: www.oysterbaytown.com/sports. The resident fee is $60, and new participants must upload proof of residency (tax or utility bill) and a valid photo ID. The non-resident fee is $70. Participants must provide their own mat. Classes will take place in the grassy area near the seawall.

For more information, please call (516)797-7945 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com.

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