SERVING PLAINVIEW, HICKSVILLE, AND LEVIT TOWN
Bethpage HS students complete EMT program
Bethpage students were able to see an EMT helicopter and the gear inside at the Nassau County EMS Academy.
Free Country Fest concert rescheduled to Aug. 3
Due to inclement weather, the Town of Oyster Bay is rescheduling its Country Fest featuring three country music tribute acts to Monday, August 3, at 8 p.m. at John Burns Park in Massapequa. Originally scheduled for Saturday, July 18, Country Fest will feature the Ultimate Eric Church Experience, Good Stuff Tribute to Kenny Chesney and Fastest Girl in Town Tribute to Miranda Lambert.
For more information, call the Town’s Department of Community & Youth Services, CAPA Division, at (516) 797-7925. For day-of weather-related updates on all concerts and movies, visit the Town of Oyster Bay on Facebook (facebook. com/townofoysterbay).
This school year, 12 Bethpage High School students had a rare opportunity: to graduate from high school already qualified to work in emergency medicine.
The students were enrolled in Bethpage's first-ever EMT program, offered through the district’s 21st Century program. The certification course met two evenings a week from 6 to 9 p.m. for eight months, combining lecture with handson lab work and medical training. Coursework covered trauma care, life-saving medical procedures and rapid patient assessment. Students also had the opportunity to shadow EMT professionals during emergency room rotations.
The program was led by certified EMT educator Peter Shanhai, whose combination of expertise and enthusiasm left a lasting impression on students.
“Our teacher is one of the most incredible teachers I've ever met,” said senior Paridhi Miglani. “ He worked as an EMT through 9/11. I truly wouldn’t have passed this class without him. He always brought such a positive energy to the classroom and taught with excitement that made us want to be there every day.”
The course culminated with students sitting for the certification exam
through the Nassau County Emergency Medical Service Academy. This week, four students took the exam and all four passed. The remainder of the class will sit for the exam later this summer. Several students also plan to pursue the national certification exam, allowing them to work as EMTs in other states during their college years.
Students came to the program with a range of goals. For Benjamin Maciel-Siedman, who begins the premed track at Davidson College in the fall, the handson clinical experience was invaluable. “I learned so much during the ER rotations and getting to see what emergency medicine is actually like in real life,” he said. For Miglani, the motivation was equally practical: “I wanted to have an alternate income stream in college."
For all 12 students, the certification means leaving high school with a credential that is both immediately employable and genuinely meaningful to their communities.
To learn more about Mr. Shanhai’s journey as an EMT, you can read his interview with Bethpage’s student-run newspaper, The Eagle’s Cry: https:// eaglescry.net/9734/features/tec-investigates-newemt-course-at-bhs/
Burns Ave. School hosts annual book fair
Students at Burns Avenue Elementary School recently had the opportunity to dive into the world of reading during the school’s annual Scholastic Book Fair. Sponsored by the PTA, the event allowed students to browse a wide selection of titles spanning a variety of genres and interests. With colorful displays and plenty of choices, the event fostered enthusiasm for books while bringing the school community together in support of student reading.
Get rid of your unwanted items by placing an ad for them in our Classifieds! We have reasonable rates, and you’ll have prompt results! Call our Garden City office at 294-8900 for rates and other info.
Library to host social media celebrity
Hicksville Library will host local social media celebrity–the “Voice of Long Island”—Blake Grossman of Grossman World on Saturday, July 25 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Community Room of Hicksville Library at 169 Jerusalem Avenue in Hicksville.
Grossman will share details about his meteoric rise to fame: his signature style, the nostalgic videos that kickstarted his fanbase, and where he plans to take Grossman World in the future.
A Q&A will follow the presentation, so attendees can bring questions.
This event is free and open to the public, though registration is encouraged due to limited seating. Free parking is available in the Library parking lot. The building is wheelchair accessible.
HazMat Collection,
Homeowners’ Cleanup Days
The Town of Oyster Bay has announced the Town’s S.T.O.P. (Stop Throwing Out Pollutants) and Homeowners Cleanup Days for this summer, with dates scheduled for weekends in July and August. Residents can drop off materials at the Old Bethpage Solid Waste Disposal Complex, located at 101 Bethpage-Sweet Hollow Road in Old Bethpage.
S.T.O.P. Program - Saturday, August 8, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.: collects various hazardous materials, including: asbestos material (double bagged); automobile batteries; automobile tires (with or without rims); brake and transmission fluids; drain and oven cleaners; fire extinguishers; fares; fluorescent bulbs; gasoline; pesticides and insecticides; oil-based and latex paint; outdoor gas grill propane tanks; photo chemicals; rechargeable and button batteries; small aerosol cans; smoke detectors; solvents; spot removers; thermostats; waste motor oil and antifreeze; and wood preservatives.
“Improperly disposing of products such as waste oil, oven cleaner or paint thinner could contaminate your water supply,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “Anything poured on the ground or put into cesspools, storm drains, or recharge systems can work its way down to the aquifer or our waterways.”
Homeowners Cleanup Day –
Saturday, July 25, & Saturday, August 22, from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.: collects non-hazardous waste only, including: air conditioners; all e-waste; campers; boats and boat trailers (proof of ownership required - oil, gas, other fluids and batteries removed); clean, broken concrete; large metal items; propane tanks and propane torches; tires; and yard waste.
“With the start of spring, many residents begin to clean out their yards and may have large amounts of yard waste and other non-hazardous debris to dispose,” said Councilman Tom Hand. “Residents can bring items such as used tires, fence posts, clean broken concrete or yard waste to our Homeowners Cleanup.”
Free Paper Shredding ServicesSaturday, July 25, & Saturday, August 22, from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.: provides residents an opportunity to destroy unwanted documents in a safe and secure manner. Residents only, no businesses, can bring up to four bankers’ boxes of paper to the shredding program.
The Town’s S.T.O.P. and Homeowners programs are open to residents within the Town’s Solid Waste Disposal District. Proof of residency is required. For more information, including a full list of what is accepted at these programs, visit www. oysterbaytown.com/cleanup or call (516) 677-5848.
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Blake Grossman
Hicksville School Board holds reorganization meeting
Members of the 2026–2027 Hicksville Board of Education
Back row (left to right): Trustees Patricia Bulerin, Annette Beiner, Mary DwyerJohnson and Kim Raspanti
Front row (left to right): Secretary Ryan Chaplin, President Erin Guida and Vice President Linda Imbriale.
On July 8, the Hicksville Public School District Board of Education held its annual reorganization meeting. During the meeting, newly elected trustees Ryan Chaplin, Mary DwyerJohnson and Kim Raspanti were sworn in for their new terms.
Also, the Board voted to appoint Erin Guida to serve as president, Linda Imbriale to serve as vice president and new trustee Ryan Chaplin to serve as secretary for the 2026–2027 school year. Photos courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools
Are you a professional? Our Professional Guide is sure to bring results. Call 1-516-294-8900 for rates and information.
Newly elected Hicksville Public School District trustees (left to right) Kim Raspanti, Mary Dwyer-Johnson and Ryan Chaplin were sworn in for their new terms at the July 8 meeting.
Robbins Lane Field Day a success
Everyone enjoyed the tug-of-war!
On Thursday, June 18, Robbins Lane Elementary School held its Field Day which was a huge success from start to finish! The weather cooperated, the energy was high, and everyone brought their enthusiasm and team spirit. We had Team Red, Blue, Orange and Green representing. Participants raced, cheered, laughed, and gave their all in every event. From relay races to tugof-war and everything in between, the morning was filled with friendly competition, great sportsmanship, and plenty of memorable moments. It was wonder-
ful to see teamwork, encouragement, and determination on display throughout the event among the classes.
A special thank you goes out to the RL teachers and staff who helped make the event run smoothly. The smiles, laughter, and school spirit seen throughout the day were a true reflection of what makes our community so special. The PTA provided Field Day shirts to all students and staff, and provided pizza and Ralph’s Ice for all students afterwards to celebrate.
Off to the races!
The Green Team is ready to compete.
The Orange Team had a great time.
The Blue Team celebrates.
RIGOROUS ACADEMICS
High achievement in every subject.
SCIENCE & MATH MASTERY
Hands-on learning. Real-world thinking.
ELITE
HIGH SCHOOL PLACEMENT
Guidance for success at the next level.
LEADERSHIP & CHARACTER
Forming values. Building confident leaders.
July 24, 2026
Viking’s Leisurely Danube Cruise from Regensburg to Budapest
BY
GERI BAIN FOR TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM
From our chaise lounges on the sundeck, we watch an ever-changing landscape: vineyards terraced into steep hillsides, imposing mountaintop castles, small villages built around soaring churches, and long stretches of forest and grasslands. We are cruising through Austria’s Wachau Valley on the 190-passenger Viking Tor, one of Viking’s virtually identical “Longships” that ply the Upper Danube between Germany and Hungary.
For our first three days the focus has been on two medieval German Bavarian cities: Regensburg, where we boarded the ship, and Passau. This morning, the Danube itself takes center stage. On and off, Teo, our charismatic cruise director, shares insightful stories and context about the Danube, which runs “from the Black Forest to the Black Sea.” As the longest river in Europe after the Volga and the only one to flow west to east, the Danube has been a major highway for goods and ideas since pre-Roman times.
Landmarks trigger colorful stories. Passing the ruins of Aggstein Castle, Teo tells of one infamous owner who hijacked passing ships for ransom and often cruelly “disposed” of the crew and seized their goods. Those vineyards we see? They produce dry white Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, and other acclaimed wines and grapes often harvested by hand due to the steep terrain.
Gliding through the Wachau Valley in our moving hotel is a mag-
ical way to experience this iconic region. Its leisurely pace is the reason my husband and I chose Viking’s “Romantic Danube” itinerary. Unlike many Danube cruises, this one-week sailing overnights in each of its three main destinations. This gives us time to experience Regensburg, Vienna and Budapest in the evening when the squares and riverside walks are romantically lit. It also provides ample time to relax in a cafe and join some of Viking’s optional excursions (at added cost), which range from e-bike tours to day trips to nearby cities.
Our cruise starts in Regensburg, a medieval city whose town center was largely spared by WWII bombs. After checking in, we walk along the river to the graceful Stone Bridge and stop by the Historische Wurstkuchl, a restaurant serving traditional
bratwurst since the 12th century.
Back on board, we learn that cookies and local pastries are on tap 24/7 at coffee/tea stations near the library, and meals are served both in the full-service dining room and buffet-style, in the indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace. Each meal brings a selection of regional specialties and international dishes. This evening’s choices include a tasty Bavarian potato soup, pork tenderloin and sauerbraten.
On our walking tour the next morning, we see evidence of Regensburg’s long history; the remains of a Roman wall and City Gates from 179 AD and its Old Town Hall, dating back to 1245. That evening, as we sail to Passau, we enjoy operatic arias enacted by local performers.
We wake up in Passau, happily docked in the city center. The first
stop on our walking tour is a giant vertical ruler that marks the height of the flood waters at high water years. Interestingly. this lower part of the city is a trendy art district. We walk up steep narrow streets to Saint Stephen’s Cathedral. It has the world’s largest Cathedral pipe organ which, though under restoration, still sounds quite powerful.
Our cruise through the Wachau Valley the next day stops at the vineyard-surrounded Gottweig Abbey, a Benedictine monastery founded in 1083, where we sample local wines.
We arrive in Vienna in time to enjoy a “Viking privileged access” concert at elegant Strauss House, where Johann Strauss once lived and we are excited to have two full days in Vienna ahead of us. Our guided walking tour of the city starts at Hofburg Palace, once the winter residence of the powerful Habsburg family and still home to the Vienna Boys Choir and Lipizzaner stallions.
In Budapest, we dock steps from elegant Andrássy Avenue, the Champs-Élysées of Budapest, and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge that connects the Buda and Pest sides of the city. That evening, sitting on deck, looking out at stunning Buda Castle, we agree that our cruise has been all we’d hoped for and more.
The Basics: Prices for the seven-night Danube cruise start at $2,399 and include one excursion in each port, beer, wine and soft drinks with meals, port fees and taxes, and on-board lectures and entertainment. Contact your travel agent or Viking River Cruises, 888-4231412, http://www.vikingrivercruises. com
In Budapest, the Viking Tor longship docks steps from elegant Andrássy Avenue, and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge that connects the Buda and Pest sides of the city on our “Romantic Danube” river cruise © Geri Bain.
BY DENNIS MAMMANA
Week of July 26 - Aug. 1, 2026
In a couple of weeks, I’ll be telling you about the annual Perseid meteor shower. It should be a good one this year since moonlight won’t reduce our view. Of course, if you’ve read my column regularly, you already know that stargazers will almost always see more meteors in the hours before dawn than during the evening, so that means we must rise early or stay awake all night.
I know either can be quite a challenge for some, so this week I present to you an opportunity to practice getting up early and heading outdoors. Not for meteors -- though you will almost certainly spot some early Perseids in the early morning sky -- but to see two planets that haven’t been visible during the evening hours for quite a while.
During early dawn this week, early risers have the chance to see the only two planets of our solar system whose names begin with the letter M: Mars and Mercury.
Before sunrise, look midway up in the eastern sky, and you’ll spot a fairly bright reddish-orange light. Many people may think that’s the Red Planet, but I assure you it’s not. It’s actually a star named Aldebaran, and it marks the fiery red eye of Taurus, the bull. Betelgeuse, in Orion, the hunter, also
Mercury & Mars at Dawn
appears the same color.
It’s true that Mars also appears reddish-orange, but at this time, it appears 1.5 times fainter than Aldebaran and can be found to its lower left. Because it’s so faint, you may have a tough time seeing its color easily, but aim binoculars or a small telescope in its direction and its ruddy hue will become quite apparent.
Mars changes its distance from Earth, and therefore its brightness, quite dramatically over its orbit around the sun. It can go from about 35 million miles from us at its best oppositions; the next of these won’t occur until September of 2035, when it will lie just 35.8 million miles from us. That will be a great time to view the planet with a small telescope, but right now, Mars lies nearly 186 million miles from us and appears quite small and faint.
The other planet visible in the early morning hours this week is the elusive planet Mercury. I use the word elusive because this planet is the closest to the sun of all our solar system’s worlds and, as such, never strays far from its glare. With its orbital motion combined with that of the Earth, Mercury flips from dusk to dawn about every three or four months, but it’s always rather tough to spot.
It’s been said that the great 16th-cen-
Mars and Mercury will be visible before sunrise this week.
tury Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, who overturned the longheld notion that the Earth occupied the center of our planetary family, had never actually seen this world with his own eyes. Now I don’t know if this is true, but it makes sense given what we know about weather conditions in Eastern Europe and how challenging
LOST IN SUBURBIA
Biting Off More Than I Can
BY TRACY BECKERMAN
My husband and I were having dinner at a lovely restaurant one night when I stopped eating mid-plate.
“I’m done,” I said.
“What? Why?” he asked.
“This pasta and shrimp is delicious, but I’m full. I can’t eat any more.”
“Take it home,” he said.
“Where? Who’s going to eat it? When?”
“Our house. Me. Later,” he replied.
“But we’re not going to be here this weekend.”
“I don’t know,” he said. “What is this, the Seafood Inquisition?”
I scowled. I hated to waste food when we ate out, but I also hated when we brought it home and nobody ate it and then it turned into the Leftovers from the Black Lagoon. Before I know it, the fridge starts to smell, then the whole kitchen starts to stink until finally the only way to decontaminate it is to bring in one of those crime scene cleaning teams.
I wouldn’t have made a big stink about it, but we have a long history of
this kind of thing. When the kids were little, there were always leftovers. We would bring it all home, and in no time, we would have the Mac and Cheese from Mars in the fridge. Of course, the kids thought it was a cool science experiment when the food turned green, and they wanted to bring it into school to show their teachers until I reminded them there was a “no spore” policy in the school.
Anyway, after much debate with my husband at the end of our dinner out, I ended up bringing the food home, where, unsurprisingly, it languished in the refrigerator for a week before I threw it out. By that time, not only did the refrigerator smell, but the whole downstairs smelled like a shrimp boat in the bayou after a storm, and nothing I did seemed to get rid of the stench.
I tried baking soda, air freshener, burning candles, burning incense, and I even contemplated throwing the whole fridge out the window. I debated opening the door and all the windows to let the fresh air in, but I couldn’t decide if it would be better to be devoured by mosquitoes or be killed by the noxious odor
Mercury is to spot.
This week you can achieve something even the great Copernicus never could ... but you’ve got to get up pretty early to do it!
Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com. COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM
Chew
of the rotten shrimp. Thankfully, the smell did start to dissipate on its own, but it still stubbornly lingered in the air for over a week, and I had to wonder how much the smell might affect the resale value of my house. I thought we might be in trouble unless we sold it to a fisherman.
Then one night not long after the big stink, my husband walked in the door from work and immediately covered his nose with his scarf.
“Whoa, it absolutely stinks in here,” he said.
“I know,” I said with a sigh.
“I thought you got rid of the shrimp?”
“I did,” I replied.
“Then why does it smell so bad again?”
I sighed again. “The dog went and rolled in something really nasty outside.”
“Well, there’s one good thing,” he said. I looked at him and narrowed my eyes.
“What could possibly be good about it?” I asked.
He waved the air in front of the dog.
“At least the dog masks the smell of
the shrimp.”
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 2026 CREATORS.COM
“The first offer is often the best offer— but only if buyers show up.”
Every homeowner believes their home is special. After all, it’s where birthdays were celebrated, children were raised, holidays were shared, and countless improvements were made over the years. Emotional attachment is natural. Unfortunately, the real estate market doesn’t price homes based on memories—it prices them based on value.
One of the most common and costly mistakes I continue to see across Long Island is homeowners insisting on pricing their homes well above current market value. While every seller hopes to maximize their return, an unrealistic asking price often has the opposite effect. Instead of generating excitement and multiple offers, the property sits on the market, becomes stale, and ultimately sells for less than it could have if it had been priced correctly from the beginning.
The old saying in real estate has never been more accurate: “The market determines the price—not the seller.”
Long Island Is Not One Market
One of the biggest misconceptions among homeowners is believing that if a home sold for a record price in a neighboring town, theirs should command the same premium.
Long Island is made up of hundreds of micro-markets. A home in Great Neck faces different buyer expectations than one in Garden City, Huntington, Massapequa, Smithtown, Port Washington, or Babylon. Even within the same town, values can differ dramatically depending on:
• School district
• Property taxes
• Lot size
• Condition
• Age of the home
• Renovations
• Location on a busy versus quiet street
• Water views or proximity to transportation
Today’s buyers have unprecedented access to information. They compare dozens of listings online before ever scheduling a showing. If your home is priced significantly above comparable properties, many buyers simply scroll past it without ever stepping through the front door.
Buyers Are Smarter Than Ever
Artificial intelligence, automated valuation models, and online real estate portals have fundamentally changed the buying process.
Today’s buyers know:
REAL ESTATE WATCH
The Price is Wrong
BY PHILIP A. RAICES
• What neighboring homes sold for
• How long each listing has been on the market
• Previous asking prices
• Price reductions
• Tax history
• Estimated monthly payments
When buyers believe a seller is unrealistic, many don’t even bother making an offer.
Instead, they wait.
And wait.
Eventually, when price reductions begin, buyers often assume something must be wrong with the property.
Ironically, the very buyers who might have competed aggressively during the first week may no longer have any interest after the home has lingered on the market for several months.
The Critical First Two Weeks
The first 10 to 14 days after a home hits the market are the most valuable marketing period. This is when:
• New listing alerts go out.
• Serious buyers schedule appointments.
• Real estate agents notify their clients.
• Online traffic reaches its highest level.
• The greatest number of qualified buyers are actively watching.
If your home is priced correctly, this window often produces multiple showings, increased interest, and, in many cases, competing offers.
If it is overpriced, that momentum disappears almost immediately.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
Chasing the Market Down
Many sellers believe they can “test the market” by pricing high and lowering the price later if necessary.
This strategy rarely works. Instead, the market begins chasing the seller downward.
Consider this example:
A home’s true market value is approximately $1,100,000.
The seller lists at $1,275,000. For sixty days there are very few showings.
The price is reduced to $1,225,000. Still little activity.
Another reduction follows.
By the time the home reaches $1,099,000, buyers have already watched
the listing sit for months. Instead of viewing it as desirable, they wonder: “Why hasn’t it sold?”
Eventually an offer arrives—not at $1,100,000— but perhaps at $1,040,000.
The seller who hoped to gain an extra $175,000 ultimately accepts less than market value.
The Psychology of Competition
Human nature plays a powerful role in real estate.
When buyers believe they may lose a home to another purchaser, they often increase their offers.
Competition creates urgency.
Urgency creates stronger offers.
Stronger offers create higher selling prices.
Ironically, pricing slightly below market value in many desirable Long Island neighborhoods often results in a bidding environment that pushes the final sales price above asking.
Overpricing usually eliminates that competitive advantage.
Interest Rates Have Changed Buyer Behavior
While Long Island continues to experience limited inventory in many communities, affordability has become a major concern.
Higher mortgage rates have significantly increased monthly payments.
Every additional $50,000 added to an asking price can substantially affect affordability.
Today’s buyers are calculating monthly payments—not simply purchase prices.
Even well-qualified buyers are becoming more disciplined about what they’re willing to spend.
Condition Matters More Than Ever
Another pricing mistake occurs when sellers compare their home to recently renovated properties while ignoring differences in condition.
Buyers pay premiums for homes that are:
• Move-in ready
• Updated kitchens
• Modern bathrooms
• New roofing
• Efficient heating and cooling systems
• Quality windows
• Attractive landscaping
If your home needs updating, pricing should reflect that reality.
Otherwise, buyers mentally deduct renovation costs—and then often sub-
tract even more for the inconvenience.
Listen to the Market, Not the Neighbors
One of the most common statements I hear is:
“My neighbor says my house is worth much more.”
Neighbors mean well.
Friends mean well.
Family members mean well.
But none of them are writing the check.
Only qualified buyers determine market value.
An experienced REALTOR® analyzes recent comparable sales, current competition, pending contracts, inventory levels, buyer demand, and local market trends before recommending an asking price.
That recommendation is based on evidence—not emotion.
Pricing for Maximum Exposure
The goal is not simply to put a home on the market.
The goal is to create maximum exposure among the greatest number of qualified buyers.
Proper pricing expands your buyer pool.
More buyers create more showings. More showings generate more offers. More offers frequently produce stronger negotiating leverage.
This strategy consistently delivers better results than starting too high and hoping the market catches up.
The Bottom Line
Every seller wants top dollar—and they should.
But top dollar doesn’t come from the highest asking price.
It comes from attracting the largest audience of serious buyers during those critical first weeks on the market.
The most successful Long Island sellers understand that pricing is not about wishful thinking; it’s about strategic positioning.
When your home is priced correctly from day one, buyers notice, agents respond, showings increase, offers multiply, and the market has the opportunity to reward you.
In today’s marketplace, the smartest pricing strategy isn’t asking “How high can we go?”
It’s asking:
“What price will generate the most excitement, the greatest exposure, and ultimately the highest net proceeds?”
That is where experience, market
Continued on page 5
BY TOM MARGENAU
Grocery Clerks, Managers and Maytags
Q: I want to share a little advice with your readers. I have had numerous dealings with my local Social Security office. And I have learned that you should never work with the clerks in the office. You should always ask for the manager if you want things done right.
A: The email this guy sent me actually went on a lot longer as he described the problems he allegedly encountered when dealing with the “clerks” in his local Social Security office. But there is no point in describing his issues to the rest of my readers. Instead, I’m going to comment on his “advice.” And to do so, I’m going to share a little story.
My wife and I were married in 1974. Our son was born in 1976 and our daughter in 1978. At the time of that second birth, we were living in Yakima, Wash. I was recently transferred to the Social Security Administration office there in the “Apple Capital of the World.” We were renting a small house that was actually a duplex. The owner, Floyd and his wife Ruth, lived in the other half.
Floyd was a nice guy, but I used to think of him as an “old codger.” Thinking back, I’d guess he was in his late 60s. I’m currently pushing 80. So who’s the even older codger now?
Anyway, Floyd and Ruth, a childless couple, kind of adopted us. They were constantly looking after us and trying to help us. And they especially doted on our 2-year-old son.
Their house was the first place we ever lived that did not have a washer and dryer. So we had to go buy a set. And Floyd quickly volunteered to take us to a local appliance store. He said that as a young and innocent couple, we needed his advice on how to deal with the business world. And as part of that advice, he told us: “Remember that you never deal with the grocery clerks. You always ask for the manager!” (By “grocery clerks,” he was referring to any front-line employee.)
We got to the store, and almost immediately, a “clerk” latched onto us and started showing us various washer/dryer combinations. We eventually ended up finding a pair that seemed to be just what we needed at a good sale price. I can’t remember now what it was, but for the sake of the story, let’s say the cost was $300.
Floyd turned to the clerk and said, “Just a minute, young man. I want you to get your manager.” He dutifully went off to find his boss, who eventually showed up. Floyd said to him, “These are my friends, Tom and Becky. They are a young married couple with two small children and not much money. I want you to give them a great deal.”
The manager looked at the sale tag
on the washer/dryer we were interested in and said, “At $300, this is the best deal in the store.” Floyd said we’d take it if he would throw in free delivery. The manager said he could do that. (There was already a little note on the sale tag that said “Free Delivery.”)
Floyd turned to me and said, “See, Tommy Boy, by dealing with the manager, I got you the best deal in the store, and I got you free delivery!”
Becky and I just rolled our eyes. The clerk and manager rolled their eyes. But old Floyd was just beaming because in his mind, we bypassed the “grocery clerk” and got the best deal possible from the manager!
So that is my long way of telling you that it is almost always advisable to simply work with the Social Security representative that was assigned to you when you entered the office. The biggest reason for that is that in the vast majority of situations, our Social Security business is rather routine. Or rather, it may seem complex to you, but SSA representatives are trained to handle these matters, and it’s just an everyday job to them.
Having said that, there obviously are times when a Social Security matter gets very complex or gets all wrapped up in red tape. Readers will occasionally send me emails describing such a situation. Frequently, they have been waiting for months to get their case resolved. They are at their wit’s end and are confused and frustrated and upset.
I usually give these folks two bits of advice. First, I suggest they try to talk to a supervisor or manager. If that person is doing his or her job, they may be able to cut through the red tape and get to the bottom of the matter.
I also suggest that they contact their local Congressional representatives. Those folks always have someone on their staff who works on Social Security and Medicare matters. And I can tell you from experience that when an SSA office gets a “congressional inquiry,” that case gets moved to the top of the pile.
I have a little space left, so let me add a final note to my Floyd story. The washer and dryer we bought were just basic Maytag models. And they lasted us for more than 30 years! But a while back, even though those original Maytags were working just fine, we convinced ourselves we needed new and improved machines. I’m talking fancy electronic models that had all kinds of doodads and buttons and gizmos. They came with instruction booklets that had about as many pages as a short novel!
But here is the thing. After about a year, we still hadn’t completely figured out how the dang things worked. Bells and whistles and lights kept going on and off and we had no idea what they
meant. We got so frustrated that we sold them on Craigslist and went and bought a very basic non-electronic Maytag washer and dryer, almost exactly like the ones we bought all those years earlier in Yakima. And 20 years later, they are still working just fine!
Oh, and I promise I got no compensation from the Maytag Corporation for writing this column!
If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all
the answers. One is called “Social Security -- Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Security.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon.com or other book outlets. Or you can send him an email at thomas. margenau@comcast.net.
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Great story lines help strengthen the plot
BY CLAIRE LYNCH
People often think of the narrator in a story as the main person telling the story but in many instances there’s the narrator and then there is the focalizer which is a literary term meaning that’s a character who is seeing the story.
A good example of a narrator is Nick Carraway in “The Great Gatsby.” He tells us readers why Jay Gatsby and other characters often do what they do. His narrating has a way of moving the story forward and keeping things concise and that’s a good thing.
In “Sherlock Holmes,” the narrator is always Dr. Watson meaning he’s the one who speaks, but the focalizer is usually Sherlock Holmes who tells us his deductions and observations. Readers come to their conclusions based on what the focalizer tells us but that can mean an unreliable focalizer tells us information that isn’t quite true.
Nick Carraway is an example of this and so is the Narrator in the novel and the movie called “Fight Club.” He’s a nameless character and is simply referred to as The Narrator throughout the story.
Both narrating and focalizing are very effective in telling a story, it’s just a matter of different perspectives. Some people like hearing the story told from the narrator’s perspective and others prefer to hear what’s going on from a character’s perspective.
A good example of that is “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott. The March sisters are Jo, Amy, Meg and Beth. Each has her own personality and
Continued from page 3
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when they grow up, each one chooses what she wants her life to be like in Concord, Mass., during the Civil War.
Of the four sisters, Jo March is the storyteller. She has a way of telling it like it is and many of us readers can relate to her feelings and to her circumstances in life.
Jo says in the novel, “I’m always racing to the attic to scribble wild, sensational stories. We may be struggling with poverty in Concord, but as long as I have my sisters, my ink-stained cuffs, and my freedom, I wouldn’t trade this life for anything.”
The point of view in this novel constantly changes because we get each person’s perspective. A more modern mystery book with different points of view is “The Guest List” by Lucy Foley. Published in 2000, it’s set on a remote, stormy island off the coast of Ireland, the site of a glamorous destination wedding. Jules Keegan and Will Slater are the bride and groom. She is a successful London magazine publisher and he is a handsome and charming TV personality.
As the guests begin arriving by boat, a storm arises and communications are cut off. The wedding party gathers together and the plot picks up. I won’t spoil the story by giving away any details but suffice it to say that on this beautiful island a murder takes place.
Who dun-it is the name of the game and this book keeps us readers on our toes because we’re hearing the story from several different perspectives. Each guest seems to have a secret and some are more salient than others. The
story is fast paced and I like books that move along quickly.
Some critics compare Lucy Foley’s writing to Agatha Christie but I think she stands on her own. I enjoy Agatha Christie’s books but Lucy Foley has her own distinct writing style.
Another modern novel that lots of people like is “The Summer of Songbirds” by Kristy Woodson Harvey. The story, published in 2023, is about friends Daphne, Lanier and Mary Stuart. They met at summer camp when they were six years old, nearly 30 years ago, and have maintained a friendship and support network into their adult years.
June Moore is Daphne’s aunt and she has dedicated her life to running Camp Holly Springs. It’s on the verge of closing, however, because of June’s financial situation. The four women reunite to do what they can to save Camp Holly Springs. The three friends are set on doing whatever they can to save the camp not just for June but for future campers.
They know how much it means for girls to meet at a sleep-away camp and forge new friendships on leisurely summer days. How will this story end - with a happy conclusion for June and Camp Holly Springs or does the camp have to close its doors?
The story is told in alternating first-person perspectives from three points of view: Daphne, June and Lanier. They talk about second chances, starting over and persevering. Kristy Woodson Harvey has a way with words, that’s for sure.
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Another story on Netflix which is a sci-fi comedy-drama is “Resident Alien.” The show started in 2021 and finished its fourth and final season in 2025. The popular series stars Alan Tudyk as an extraterrestrial hiding as a Colorado doctor. In small-town Patience, he’s trying to blend in as he searches for his lost spaceship.
To hide in plain sight, he does a good job of assuming the identity of the town’s physician, “Dr. Harry Vanderspeigle.” He dons his white lab coat and the clinic receptionist puts patients in the exam rooms so he can get to work. The only person who can see straight through his human disguise is a local boy named Max.
I don’t usually like science-fiction shows but it was pretty amazing to see lead character Alan Tudyk play more than one role as the doctor and the alien. We, the audience, watch as the point of view constantly shifts between Harry’s alien logic and human emotions.
It took some great editing and splitscreen filming, but as Tudyk played both characters in the same scenes he made it look easy - and seamless - so kudos to him for doing a great job with the parts he played.
Different writers choose to give their stories a sense of immediacy by using different points of view - not just one voice - to tell the story. That helps heighten the suspense and the story moves along. One never knows what’s going to happen with each turn of the page.
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This Italian comfort food hits the
Lasagna with Zucchini and Meat Sauce
“Comfort food” is an umbrella term that refers to a wide array of dishes. For fans of Italian food, there may be no dish that fits the comfort food mold better than lasagna. Lasagna can be made with a wide array of ingredients, and each iteration of it qualifies as comfort food. That’s certainly the case with this recipe for “Lasagna With Zucchini and Meat Sauce” from Lines+Angles. Makes 9 servings
2 large zucchini, rinsed and trimmed Salt
12 dried lasagna noodles
1 pound ground beef
1 1⁄2 teaspoons ground black pepper
1 small green bell pepper, rinsed, trimmed and diced
1 onion, peeled and diced
8 ounces tomato paste
15 ounces canned tomato sauce
1) Preheat oven to 325° F. Coat a deep 9 x 13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2) Slice zucchini lengthwise into very thin slices. Sprinkle slices lightly with salt; set aside to drain in a colander.
3) Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the noodles and cook until al dente, 8 to 12 minutes. Drain, immerse in cold water to cool and drain again. Lay the noodles in a single layer on a baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap.
4) Meanwhile, in a large skillet, set over medium-high heat, cook and stir the ground beef and black pepper for 5 minutes. Drain excess grease from pan. Add in green pepper and onion; cook and stir until beef is no longer pink. Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, wine, basil, and oregano. If sauce is too thick,
spot
3 1⁄2 tablespoons red wine
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
1 egg, beaten
2 cups low-fat ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
add a small amount of warm water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer sauce for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently.
5) Meanwhile, stir egg, ricotta, and parsley together in a bowl and mix well.
6) To assemble lasagna, spread 1⁄3 of the meat sauce into the bottom of prepared pan. Then layer 1⁄3 of the cooked lasagna noodles, 1⁄3 of the zucchini slices, 1⁄2 of the ricotta mixture, 1⁄3 of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers ending with a layer of zucchini followed by a layer of noodles. Spread Parmesan cheese evenly over the top; cover with foil.
7) Bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil; increase oven temperature to 350° F, and bake an additional 15 minutes. Let stand for 5 or 10 minutes before serving.
Tip: This may be assembled a day ahead. Refrigerate until ready to bake.
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