SERVING PLAINVIEW, HICKSVILLE, AND LEVIT TOWN
TRAVELING SUMMER LUAU
Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti (rear, right) and Town Clerk Kate Murray (rear, center) greeted local residents during the Town of Hempstead Traveling Summer Luau on July 11, at Slate Lane Pool in Levittown. Also attending was New York State Senator Steve Rhoads.
Town adds online system for building permits
Save a trip to Town Hall! The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that the Town has added new projects residents can apply for through the online permit system which allows homeowners, businesses and contractors to fast-track the process of obtaining building permits. Through the online permit system, residents can apply for more than 20 types of fast-order building permits – all from the convenience of their home or office. The Building Division Portal, accessible via the Town’s website, streamlines applications for projects like fences, generators, sprin-
See page 6
Hicksville FD announces 9/11 observances
Hicksville Volunteer Fire Department Chief of Department Christopher Wright has announced plans for the community’s commemoration of the 25th remembrance of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
Family members, friends, firefighters and community residents are invited to gather on Friday, September 11, and Sunday, September 13, to remember those who lost their lives and honor the courage, sacrifice and unity demonstrated in the aftermath of the attacks.
“As we mark 25 years since September 11, 2001, we remain committed to ensuring that the lives lost, the sacrifices made and the courage shown on that day are never forgotten,” Chief Wright said. “We invite every member of our community to stand with us as we remember our fallen brothers, our neighbors and all those whose lives were forever changed.”
As the nation also observes America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, these solemn events will provide an opportunity to reflect upon the enduring values of unity, resilience and freedom that have sustained the United States through its greatest triumphs and most difficult challenges.
The Hicksville Fire Department invites the entire community to stand together in remembrance of the innocent lives lost, in support of their families and in solidarity against the hatred that fueled the attacks in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania.
“This remembrance is not only about looking back at the tragedy of September 11,” Fire Commissioner Robert Dwyer said. “It is also about recognizing the strength of our community, the dedication of our first responders and the responsibility we all share to teach future generations what happened and why we must always remember.”
Memorial Remembrance Mass
Friday, September 11, at 7 p.m. Holy Family Church, Fordham Avenue, Hicksville
The commemoration will begin with a Memorial Remembrance Mass at Holy Family Church. The community is invited to join members of the Hicksville Fire Department in prayer and reflection as they remember the somber events of September 11, 2001, and honor all those affected by the attacks and their lasting consequences.
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Free summer concert series at parks
The Town of Oyster Bay announces the return of “Music Under the Stars” –a free summer concert series – which kicks off on Tuesday, July 7, and features a wide variety of genres ranging from country to rock. All concerts begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted below. For comfort, residents may bring blankets, chairs and coolers. Performances are subject to change and will be held weather permitting. For additional information, call (516) 797-7925, visit the Town’s website at www.oysterbaytown.com/summer or Facebook page @ TownofOysterBay.
Summer Concert Series:
Saturday, August 1
Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park & Beach, Oyster Bay. Decadia Performing hits from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s
Tuesday, August 4
John J. Burns Town Park, Massapequa. “National Night Out” featuring Tennessee Whiskey Chris Stapleton Tribute and Bell Bottom Revival Lainey Wilson Tribute
Wednesday, August 5
Ellsworth W. Allen Town Park, Farmingdale. “The Allmost Brothers Band” tribute to the Allman Brothers Band
Saturday, August 8
Ellsworth W. Allen Town Park, Farmingdale. “In The Air Tonight.” The premier Phil Collins & Genesis concert experience
Tuesday, August 11
John J. Burns Town Park, Massapequa. “Classic Stones Live” The Greatest Rock and Roll Tribute in the World
Wednesday, August 12
Syosset-Woodbury Community Park, Woodbury “The Main Event.” A tribute to the legendary Barbra Streisand starring Jill Gioia.
Saturday, August 15
John J. Burns Town Park, Massapequa. “Yellow Brick Joel: The Tribute Concert” Featuring David Clark as Billy Joel & Bill Connors as Elton John
Poet laureate to appear at Open Mic series
The Hicksville Open Mic series returns on Sunday, August 10, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hicksville Public Library, welcoming poetry lovers, writers, and storytellers for an evening of creativity and community.
The evening will feature a special guest appearance by Kristen Lee, the Teen Poet Laureate of Nassau County, whose work has earned recognition for her powerful voice. Lee is a rising senior at Herricks High School and will hold the title for one year. Lee will headline the event by reading a set of poetry before the community open mic.
The bi-monthly Open Mic has become a welcoming space for both seasoned performers and first-time participants to share poetry, music, spoken word, and other works in an encouraging atmosphere. Nassau County Poet Laureate Emerita Paula Curci said, "The Hicksville Open Mic is about bringing people together through the arts." Curci is one of the three hosts of the event, which includes Hicksville’s own honored en plain air artist and poet Kirk Larsen and Dr Robert Windorf, an award-winning writer and educator.
The event is free and open to the public. Audience members are encouraged to attend, and performers are invited to participate in the open mic following Kristen Lee's featured pre-
sentation or participate as active listeners. Registration for the event on the Library’s event calendar is encouraged; sign up for the open mic is on arrival.
The Hicksville Public Library is located at 169 Jerusalem Avenue, Hicksville. The event is free and open to the public. To pre-register please go to https://hicksvillelibrary.libcal.com/ event/15269399
NY Islanders “Learn to Play” hockey clinic
The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that a special New York Islanders ‘Learn to Play’ Hockey Clinic is returning to the Town of Oyster for children ages 5 – 9 and includes 8 on-ice training sessions. Part of The Future Islanders Program, this ‘Learn to Play’ clinic introduces the game of hockey to young children and serves as a transition program for first-time players interested in house leagues.
“We are pleased to partner with the New York Islanders to offer this exciting clinic for children looking to learn the fundamentals of hockey in a fun environment,” said Town Councilman Anthony Monteleone. “This Future Islanders program, taught by former players and coaching staff from the New York Islanders organization, includes hands-on training skills and all neces-
sary equipment in the early stages of learning hockey.”
The ‘Learn to Play’ clinics will be offered on Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m. or Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. at Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center, in Bethpage, beginning August 5. Each session runs 1 hour. Registration is $295 per child and includes full hockey equipment to first time participants (jersey, stick, gloves, helmet, skates, shoulder pads, pants, shin guards, equipment bag.) There will also be special appearances by Isles alumni Arron Asham and Radek Martinek.
Registration is now open and space is limited. For more information, please visit www.newyorkislanders.com/ learntoplay or contact amateurhockey@newyorkislanders.com or call (516) 501-6764.
Kristen Lee, the Teen Poet Laureate of Nassau County
Children’s Snapper Derby returns to TOB
The Town of Oyster Bay invites residents to attend the Town’s 4th Annual Children’s Snapper Derby to be featured at the famed Bluefish Tournament on Sunday, September 20, at Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay.
“This fun family event is open to youngsters ages 14 and under with fun prizes and awards for winners, as well as giveaways for all participants,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “This fun event provides a great opportunity to introduce children to the wonderful recreational sport of fishing.”
The Snapper Derby will take place between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., during the Town’s Bluefish Tournament, at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park by the fishing pier. There is a $15 registration entry fee. Participants are invited to bring their own equipment, including poles and bait, as supplies are limited. Children
will be placed into two age groups, ages 7 and under, and 8–14. Winners will be based on number of snappers caughtcatch and release only - with awards and prizes being given out for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for each age group. Family fun activities will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
“We are thrilled to bring this fun event to Theodore Roosevelt Park and invite all children who enjoy fishing to sign up and participate,” said Town Clerk Rich LaMarca. “There will be free refreshments, shirts and raffles for all participants, as well as awards and prizes for top winners.”
Registration is available online at www.oysterbaytown.com/sports as of July 28. For more information on registration, residents can contact the Town’s Recreation Office at (516) 797-7945.
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Town hosts Passport Day
Town Supervisor John Ferretti
and Town Clerk Kate Murray
assisted Levittown residents Thomas Lagnese and Doreen and Kenneth Bacotti as they participated in Passport Day on July 18 at Hempstead Town Hall. Passport Day provides residents with an opportunity to utilize the Town’s passport office – the largest passport acceptance facility in the nation – on a convenient weekend date. For more information about the Town Clerk’s Office, please visit hempsteadny.gov/town-clerks-office or call (516) 812-3046.
Hempstead
(right)
(left)
Community Council celebrates Lazy Days of Summer
The Levittown Community Council welcomed families, friends, and neighbors to the annual Lazy Days of Summer Festival, held on Saturday, July 11, at East Village Green. The beloved community tradition once again brought residents together for an afternoon of fun, entertainment, and community spirit.
The free family festival featured live entertainment, children's activities, games, community organizations, and opportunities for neighbors to reconnect while enjoying one of Levittown's signature summertime events. Families also came together in support of local charitable efforts
by contributing non-perishable food items and personal care products for those in need, continuing a tradition of giving back to the community.
"The Lazy Days of Summer Festival is one of the highlights of the year for our community," said Pat Patane, President of the Levittown Community Council. "It is wonderful to see neighbors of all ages spending time together, supporting local organizations, and celebrating what makes Levittown such a special place to call home."
The Levittown Community Council extends its sincere appreciation to the many volunteers, sponsors, local organizations, entertain -
The jousting competition with the "knights"
ers, elected officials, and community partners whose support helped make this year ’ s festival a success. Their dedication and generosity continue to strengthen the sense of community that has defined Levittown for generations.
The Council also thanks the residents and visitors who attended the event and helped create another
memorable day filled with laughter, friendship, and hometown pride. For more than two decades, the Lazy Days of Summer Festival has served as one of Levittown's premier family events, bringing the community together each summer while celebrating the values of volunteerism, civic engagement, and neighborhood spirit.
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The bowling lane
The kids enjoyed creating sand art.
The petting zoo
Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti (second left) and Town Clerk Kate Murray (second right) greeted members of Mrs. Quinan’s first grade class during the Abbey Lane Elementary School Flag Day Ceremony on June 15.
Flag Day ceremony Blood drive planned for August 13
With hospitals facing a nationwide blood shortage, the Town of Oyster Bay invites residents to attend a Blood Collection Drive on Thursday, August 13, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Town Hall North, located at 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay.
Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh stated, “Blood supplies are critically needed for local hospitals to meet the demand and continue saving lives. Please consider participating in this Blood Drive to help bolster our blood banks and ensure as many people as possible can be helped. Together, we can give the gift of life though a simple blood donation.”
Appointments are preferred for the Town’s Blood Drive. To qualify as a donor, a person must be between the ages of 17 and 75 years old (16 with parental permission and 76 or older with a doctor’s note), weigh at least 110 pounds and not have donated blood within the
last 56 days. Anyone who received a tattoo within the past three months is ineligible to donate. It is recommended that donors eat well (low fat) and drink fluids in the days before the Blood Drive. All donors will receive a voucher for a free Blizzard at Dairy Queen, and donors who enter their email addresses will receive two free New York Islanders tickets via email one week after the donation drive.
Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino added, “It’s quick, easy, and safe to donate a single pint of blood which can save up to three lives. Donating blood is an incredible way for all of us to pitch in and give back, to help ease the burden of our Healthcare Heroes as they continue to provide lifesaving efforts.”
For additional information regarding the Town’s Blood Drive, contact (516) 624-6380. To make an appointment to donate at this Blood Drive, sign up today at www.oysterbaytown.com/blooddrive.
Hicksville FD announces 9/11 observances
September 11 Memorial Ceremony
Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 10 a.m. Strong Street Fire Station Memorial, Hicksville
On Sunday, September 13, the Hicksville Fire Department will gather at the September 11 memorial located at the Strong Street Fire Station. The ceremony will begin promptly at 10 a.m. with the presentation of colors.
The memorial was erected in honor of Ex Chief Terrence Farrell and Honorary Chief George Howard, both of whom lost their lives while participating in rescue efforts on September 11, 2001.
Ex Chief Farrell was a member of Citizens Engine Company No. 3 and an elite member of
the New York City Fire Department’s Rescue Company 4.
Honorary Chief Howard was a former Captain of Emergency Company No. 5 and a member of the Port Authority Police Department’s Emergency Services Bureau assigned to John F. Kennedy International Airport.
In addition to Ex Chief Farrell and Honorary Chief Howard, the Fire Department will recognize the following individuals who once called Hicksville home and who died either on September 11, 2001, or from illnesses suffered as a result of the attacks:
Nancy Bueche, Mark Colaio, Stephen Colaio, Terrence Connolly, Scott Fusco, Gilbert Granados, Ronald Kerwin, William Leahy, Thomas McHale, Thomas Pedicini, Raymond Pfeifer, Steven Policino, Kenneth Rice III, Brian Terrenzi, Walter Weaver, Arlene Zuzzolo
“The names read during this ceremony represent far more than a list,” Program Chair and Honorary Captain Michael Kretz said. “Each name represents a life, a family and a connection to Hicksville. Our program has been carefully prepared to honor them with the dignity, respect and grati-
tude they deserve.”
The approximately 30-minute memorial service is expected to include:
• A color guard procession led by representatives of the United States Marine Corps League, Port Authority Police Department, New York City Fire Department and Hicksville Fire Department
• A procession of Hicksville firefighters led by the Nassau County Firefighters Emerald Society
• Performances of the national anthem and “God Bless America” by Freddie McFarland of the Levittown Fire Department
• Personal reflections from New York State Senator Steven Rhoads and Nassau County Legislator Rose Marie Walker
• Blessings and prayers offered by the Reverend Christopher Sullivan, Pastor of Holy Family Church
• The tolling of the bell for those who once called Hicksville home and died on September 11, 2001, or from illnesses suffered in the years that followed
A member of the United States military will play “Taps” as officers of Citizens Engine
Company No. 3 and Emergency Company No. 5 place memorial wreaths.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, residents will be invited to place a single carnation at the base of the memorial as a personal expression of remembrance.
“We hope families, friends and residents will join us for both the Mass and the memorial ceremony,” Honorary Captain Kretz said. “Their presence helps demonstrate that, even after 25 years, Hicksville continues to remember and continues to stand beside the families of those we lost.”
Commemorative 9/11 T-Shirt Sale
The Hicksville Fire Department is offering commemorative 25th-anniversary September 11 T-shirts for purchase online at: https://hicksville-fd. itemorder.com/shop/home/
Prices generally range from $25 to $50, depending upon the selected brand and style. 100% of the profits from each sale will be donated to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
The shirts will be available for a limited time, from August 1 through August 16.
“The Tunnel to Towers
Foundation continues the spirit of service and sacrifice that was so clearly demonstrated on September 11,” Chief Wright said. “We are proud that a portion of every commemorative shirt purchase will support its important work.”
Fire Department Seeks Assistance Reaching Families
The Hicksville Fire Department invites the families of those being remembered to participate in the memorial program.
Family members who are interested in participating or providing information are asked to contact the Remembrance Committee at 516-933-6445.
Information is also available by visiting www.hicksvillefd. com, through the Hicksville Fire Department’s Facebook page or by emailing Hicksvillefd911comm@gmail.com.
“We want to make every effort to reach the families connected to the Hicksville residents being honored,” Chairman Kretz said. “Their participation and guidance are important to us, and we encourage them to contact the Department as plans for the remembrance are finalized.”
Town adds online system for building permits
kler systems, solar panels, and more – and now includes permits for residential pools, including aboveground or semi-inground pools without the addition of other structures (other than required fencing).
“The online permit system allows applicants to sub-
mit materials, track progress, schedule inspections, and receive updates – all without having to come to Town Hall,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “Since the original rollout, we now accept commercial solar, commercial plumbing, and residential pool
permits. In addition, the online system now accepts elevator license affidavits and renewal payments. We will continue look toward adding new projects for added convenience to our residents, businesses and contractors.”
The online portal also pro-
vides step-by-step instructions, checklists, and a full list of eligible permits. Homeowners can create an account, while contractors can request activation online. For more details, visit oysterbaytown.com/buildingportal.
Bethpage teens earn Girl Scout Gold Award
Girl Scouts of Nassau County recently celebrated Bethpage residents Kaitlyn O. and Shannon W., who were among the 67 young women from across Nassau County to earn the Girl Scout Gold Award this year. The Gold Award is the highest achievement in Girl Scouts and recognizes young women who identify a real problem in their community, build a team, and create a lasting, sustainable solution. They were honored at the 2026 Gold Award Ceremony at The Inn at New Hyde Park.
“The 2026 Gold Award Girl Scouts are an extraordinary group of young women, and what they have accomplished goes far beyond the projects they completed,” said Rande Bynum, CEO of Girl Scouts of Nassau County.
“Through this experience, every one of them built real, transferable skills in leadership, problem-solving, public speaking, and project management that will give them an edge in college, in their careers, and in every community they are a part of for the rest of their lives. We are so proud of each of them, and of the lasting impact they have already made right here in Nassau County.”
Girls in grades 9–12 begin their Gold Award journeys by identifying a civic or social issue that holds personal significance to them. From there, each girl builds a team, develops a plan, and leads that team to implement a sustainable solution designed to continue creating impact long after her direct involvement ends. Through programs established at local schools, books donated to library collections, community installations, and digital resources with global reach, these young women leave behind something lasting. Along the way, Gold Award recipients develop into innovative problem-solvers, empathetic leaders, confident public speakers, and focused project managers, building resourcefulness, tenacity, and decision-making skills that give them a meaningful edge personally and professionally.
Kaitlyn’s Gold Award, A Beneficial Bed & Breakfast, addressed childhood obesity by targeting two key root causes: skipping breakfast and inadequate sleep. She designed a website, printed educational pamphlets, and hosted
Shannon Williams
comprehensive six-hour presentation sessions at public pools, with pre- and post-surveys documenting a student knowledge increase from 79.3% to 100%.
Shannon ’ s Gold Award, Making Memories, Building Families, addressed the emotional challenges foster children face when transitioning into adoptive families. She designed and distributed custom scrapbook kits to help families document their unique stories and bonds, personally attending a special adoption event within the New York City Court system and interacting with families to discuss capturing milestones and celebrating special days.
According to recent research, Gold Award Girl Scouts are more likely to fill leadership roles at work and in their personal lives and are more civically engaged than their non-Girl Scout peers. Eighty-seven percent (87%) of Gold Award Girl Scouts agree that earning their Gold Award gave them skills that help them succeed professionally. Seventy-two percent (72%) said earning their Gold Award helped them get a scholarship. And the impact does not stop there. Ninety-nine percent (99%) of Gold Award alums go on to take on leadership roles in their everyday lives.
For more information about Girl Scouts of Nassau County or to learn how to join, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit gsnc.org.
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 7:00PM
Upcoming Events at the Jericho Public Library
Saturday, August 1
10:00 a.m.: Dinosaur Storytime (Ages 3–5)
Roar your way through a dinosaur themed storytime. Enjoy stories, songs and dinosaur craft. This program is intended for children who are able to separate from their caregivers.
Tuesday, August 4
9:30 a.m.: Adult Walking Club (Weather Permitting)
All levels, all abilities are welcome. Join us for a 45 minute walk around the neighborhood. It’s an opportunity to get some exercise, meet new people, spend time with a friend and enjoy some conversation.
10:30 a.m.: Mini Masters: Ancient Animals (Ages 3 to 5 Years)
Three to five-year-olds and their caregivers will have fun exploring famous artworks and making their own art in this program designed especially to support early childhood learning. Caregiver must attend with child.
11:00 a.m.: VIRTUAL: Guided Meditation with Patricia Anderson
Join Pat for one or all of the meditation sessions to bring harmony and balance into your life. Learn the beautiful practice of Jin Shin Jyutsu
to help your body heal and keep you relaxed.
7:00 p.m.: Maritime Smuggling on Long Island: From Pirates to Rum Runners with Bill Bleyer
Listen to a PowerPoint lecture by historian, author and former Newsday reporter Bill Bleyer to learn why pirates like Captain Kidd were attracted to Long Island at the turn of the 18th century and how a visit by Kidd to Gardiners Island led to him dying on the gallows in London. And learn why Long Island was so attractive to bootleggers during Prohibition that the Atlantic Ocean off the South Shore became known as Rum Row and was frequented by bootleggers like William “The Real McCoy” McCoy who supplied gangsters like Al Capone and Dutch Schultz.
Wednesday, August 5
10:30 a.m.: Tuney Tots Music and Movement (Ages 18 to 36 Months)
Join us for this high energy music & movement program using lots of colorful props with little ones favorite tunes while learning about colors, numbers, shapes, body awareness, and more!
2:00 p.m.: (RESCHEDULED)
Book to Film Discussion: “It Ends with Us” by Colleen Hoover
Watch the film It Ends With Us,
then join Reference Librarian Lisa J. for a brief discussion and comparison to the book by Colleen Hoover. Copies of the book are available at the Circulation Desk.
4:00 p.m.: On the Beach Cupcakes (Ages 8–12 Years)
Create your own beach party! Decorate beach themed cupcakes with edible sand, buttercream waves and sun loving characters.
Thursday, August 6
10:30 a.m.: Songs for Baby’s Day (Ages Birth to 30 Months)
Come and enjoy this literacy building, fun, and educational musical storytime!
1:00 p.m.: HYBRID: The Passionate Reader with Mary Hirdt: “All the Way to the River: Love, Loss and Liberation” by Elizabeth Gilbert
All the Way to the River: Love, Loss, and Liberation is a raw memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert about her intense, romantic relationship with her best friend, Rayya Elias, who was dying of cancer. The book explores their love, shared struggles with addiction (including sex and love addiction), grief, and Gilbert's path to recovery and spiritual awakening, detailing a journey from codependency to liberation. It's a deeply personal and often difficult account of love,
loss, and finding freedom through profound heartbreak.
4:30 p.m.: Adventures in Art: Buried Treasures of Ancient Egypt (Grades 1–6)
Dig deep into the past and think like an archeologist as you explore the art of Ancient Egypt, then have fun making your own creation.
7:00 p.m.: Movie: “Toy Story” (Rated G. 1 hr., 21 min)
To infinity... and the library! Join us in August for the first four Toy Story movies and enjoy a fun-filled adventure with Woody, Buzz, and all their friends. Attend any screening to enter the raffle for a chance to win movie theater tickets for a family of four! One raffle winner will be selected from all entries on August 27.
Friday, August 7
10:30 a.m.: Baby & Toddler Play Time (Ages 3 Months to 3 Years) Enjoy playtime at the library with your baby or toddler! Little ones can explore, play, and interact with other children during this relaxed, unstructured time, while caregivers enjoy special moments together. We’ll provide a variety of fun toys and board books in a warm, welcoming space for everyone to enjoy. No registration necessary!
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. ProgramSaturday, 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, 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, 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.
With current events, announcements, restaurant reviews, puzzles, and much more, there’s always something for everybody to enjoy!
STEM Camp inspires students to reach for the stars
Students in the Levittown Schools STEM Camp summer program showed off their engineered habitats capable of growing plants on Mars alongside high school student volunteers.
Students in grades 3–8 explored the wonders of science, technology, engineering and mathematics through the Levittown School District's engaging STEM Camp summer program from July 13–24, where this year's space-themed activities challenged campers’ creativity and problem-solving skills.
Third through fifth grade students immersed themselves in hands-on engineering challenges inspired by space exploration. Campers designed Mars rovers using pasta, launched homemade stomp rockets, explored electricity and magnetism by building electrical circuits similar to those used aboard the International Space Station, and engineered habitats capable of growing plants on Mars. They also put their understanding of gravity, force and inertia to the test by designing spacecraft to safely land their “eggstronauts”during a lunar landing challenge. Outdoor games rounded out the experience with astronaut-inspired activities that promoted teamwork.
Sixth through eighth graders expanded their engineering and technology skills through advanced STEM challenges that included designing water bottle rockets while learning about NASA's history of space exploration and the engineering design process. Students also built and programmed robotic vehicles capable of navigating obstacles and completing challenges. Daily engineering activities encouraged students to apply concepts such as gravity and drag by designing devices to safely land a “space alien turkey,”while outdoor STEM games reinforced communication and critical thinking through interactive team challenges.
Throughout the program, student volunteers from Division Avenue and General Douglas MacArthur high schools played an important role assisting with activities, encouraging younger campers and helping create a fun, welcoming environment for all.
The students’ custom-built robot was ready to take on a challenge.
Soon-to-be third graders watched closely to see whether their spacecraft creations would safely land their “eggstronauts.”
High school student volunteers kept the excitement going as they kept students cool with water sprayers.
Third graders Kaira Shah and Lina Dunninger created rockets with help from their 11th grade peers, Emily Sudberg and Sahrina Choudhury.
Photos courtesy Levittown Public Schools
Biking through History on the Katy Trail is Particularly Special During America’s 250th
BY KAREN RUBIN
Biking 240 miles across Missouri on the Rails to Trails Conservancy’s Hall of Fame Katy Trail is more about “being” than “seeing”. That is, the ride itself is glorious free-wheeling cycling, and when you finish the day’s ride in one of the charming, historic towns you get to “see”. You experience the towns and ports that grew up with the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad (known as the K-T) and the Missouri River boats that declined with the drop in rail and river traffic. These places that bring us so much delight today might well be ghost towns except for new life breathed into them by the thousands of cyclists who come through on the Katy Rail Trail, like Rocheport, population 239.
Constructed between 1987 and 2011, the Katy Trail – actually a linear state park 100 feet wide and 240 miles long - is the longest continuous recreational rail trail ina the United States, and draws cyclists from all over.
On our Wilderness Voyageurs Katy Trail bike tour, only one couple is from Missouri, the rest of us have come from Texas, Alabama, Indiana, California and New York, to enjoy one of the best rail trails in the country. It has the gentle slope of a rail line where there are ups and downs at all, marvelous rest stops (every 12 miles) complete with picnic tables, depotstyle benches under a canopy, where there are excellent placards describing the important history, pointing to the important sites and mile markers on the coming section, and giving clear map and directions and the state maintains the park immaculately.
Much of the trail follows the
Biking 240 miles across Missouri on the Katy Trail with Wilderness Voyageurs © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.co
Missouri River, with the river on one side and towering bluffs on the other, and takes us through forests, wetlands, valleys, prairies, open pastureland and rolling farm fields.
The Katy Trail is steeped in history, much of it following the actual route of Lewis & Clark’s expedition This place also figured prominently in the Westward expansion, One of my favorite sections is where we see pictographs left by the Indigenous peoples who had lived here for centuries before any of them.
Our first day’s ride is 38.4 miles from Clinton to Sedalia, a town that looks like it was set in a time capsule (and was used as the setting for the 1950s TV show, “Rawhide”). The historic Hotel Bothwell, built in 1927 at a cost of $400,000 and visited by Harry S. Truman, is so perfect for
this throwback experience with its old-timey features.
Day 2 is our longest, hardest ride, 50.5 miles, from Sedalia to Rocheport with the most ups/downs – 1,100 ft of elevation and 1,395 ft. declineand ends at a place of serenity and contentment.
We have two support stops, 12 miles apart, and a very long uphill before a two-mile downhill into Boonville and our lunch at the Boonville Visitor Center and River, Rails & Trails Museum.
Boonville was named for frontiersman Daniel Boone’s sons, who established a salt business here in the early 1800s. This was the first permanent American settlement west of St. Louis. More than 400 buildings are listed on the National Historic Register.
We end our ride in Rocheport, a trading post when Lewis and Clark’s expedition came through in 1804. Today, the whole town is a historic district inhabited by 239 residents.
This has been a really arduous ride, so when we arrive at the School House B’n’B at about 3 pm and congregate in its lush garden to enjoy beer and snacks, the most perfect peace washes over us.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the School House B’n’B is a restored three-story brick building built in 1914 that was a school until 1972 (though a school was on the site for 70 years before that). It was converted to a bed and breakfast in 1988.
At 5 pm we are taken to enjoy a tasting at the scenically located A Frame Wine Garden high on a bluff overlooking the river.
Wilderness Voyageurs arranges a private dinner at the Rocheport General Store restaurant where Chef Susan Schapira prepares a truly sensational meal for us.
And then the breakfast at School House B’n’B! Beyond scrumptious: croissant strata with bacon and cheese; maple lemon apple and pear salad; white chocolate banana muffin.
It is no wonder that the School House B’n’B was named “Missouri’s #1 traditional B&B.”
We set out from Rocheport for Jefferson City, for what proves to be the most scenic and interesting day. Wilderness Voyageurs, Ohiopyle, PA, 15470, 800-272-4141, wilderness-voyageurs.com.
Next: Indigenous Pictographs & ‘A Social History of Missouri’
© 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com
BY DENNIS MAMMANA
Week of Aug. 2-8, 2026
One of the most profound experiences a stargazer can have is to stand under the Milky Way on a clear August night far from city lights and see the wispy bunches of stars so tightly packed that they appear to the eye as a hazy band of light punctuated not only by bright individual stars but by tiny regions that appear as hazy clumps.
Aim binoculars or a small telescope toward these “faint fuzzies,” as astronomers affectionately call them, and you’ll walk the same celestial path as Charles Messier did two and a half centuries ago.
Messier was an 18th-century French astronomer who scanned the heavens in search of new comets, hoping that such discoveries would lead him to fame and fortune. He knew that comets often first appear as faint and colorless smudges of light that drift slowly among the stars, so that’s what he was seeking.
Along the way, however, he encountered dozens of such smudges that did not move. What these were he didn’t know and, quite frankly, he didn’t care. They weren’t comets, so to avoid wasting more of his time on them -- and to prevent other comet hunters from being similarly fooled -- he began to compile a list of all these false comets he encountered on his nightly watch.
A Celestial Mother Lode
This list has made Messier known to every stargazer around the world, since it contains more than a hundred of the most stunning sights in the heavens: star clusters, nebulae, galaxies and more. Considering that Messier used a telescope only four inches across for all these discoveries, every one is within range of today’s beginner scopes, and many to binoculars. Even the unaided eye will turn up a few, but you must be under a very dark sky for this to work.
One of the richest areas to find Messier objects, as we call them today, lies in the southern half of our August early evening sky. Here, among the stars of Scorpius, the scorpion and the teapot of Sagittarius, where the Milky Way appears its widest and most brilliant, you can find a true mother lode of cosmic showpieces.
Many of the faint fuzzies in this area are star clusters, families of dozens, hundreds or thousands of stars held together by gravitation. Some of the best are M11 (the 11th entry in Messier’s Catalogue), M6, M7 and M22. Others might be wispy clouds of gas and dust; M8, M16 and M20 are among the most spectacular of these diffuse nebulae where stars and planetary systems are continually being born.
Over his life, Messier discovered 13 comets, enough to be called by King Louis XV the “comet ferret.” Yet these never brought him the fame or fortune
he sought. Instead, it was his inventory of nuisance objects for which he is known worldwide.
Spending a night scanning binoculars or a small telescope along the Milky Way will turn up even more. It’s really something special to encounter these amazing objects among the starry sky. You may even wonder, as I often do, if
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Preparing for the Candy Apocalypse
BY TRACY BECKERMAN
“What’s with all this candy?” asked my husband, eyeballing a large stack of candy bags on the table.
“It’s for Halloween,” I replied nonchalantly.
“But Halloween isn’t for three more months,” he protested.
“I know,” I said. “But I had to get it now because of the Candy Apocalypse.”
“’Candy Apocalypse’?” he wondered aloud. “I’m not sure I want to ask.”
“Well,” I said, “rumor has it that there’s going to be a shortage of candy this year, so everyone is stocking up on chocolate early. I didn’t want to get to the store too late and discover all the candy was sold out and then have angry trick-or-treaters egg our house and toilet-paper our trees because all we have left are boxes of raisins.”
He shook his head. “I don’t think that would happen. You remember we live on a dead end and we only get about 10 trick-or-treaters each year?”
“You never know,” I said. “Remember a few years ago, we ran out
of candy and they TP’d the dog?”
“The trick-or-treaters didn’t do that,” my husband replied. “Our kids did that.”
I shrugged. What I didn’t tell my husband was that I wasn’t really worried about having enough candy for the trick-or-treaters. I was worried about having enough candy for me. The candy stash had to last me through Valentine’s Day and any possible chocolate emergency that might arise between now and then, including, but not limited to, a Candy Apocalypse.
In the past I’ve been conservative in my candy purchases and then had to resort to other means to meet my chocolate needs. Yes, I’m the mom who ate all her kids’ Halloween candy while they were sleeping and blamed it on candy fairies.
“They’re helping out the tooth fairy so you don’t get cavities,” I lied, like any self-respecting candy-thieving mother would do. Ten pounds later, though, the evidence would show up on my thighs, and we’d all know who the real candy bandit was.
Sadly, my kids eventually moved out of their trick-or-treating years, and then I was forced to over-buy candy for the local kids who came to our house. In the past we usually had enough leftover candy to keep me happy, but last year there was an unexpected surge of trick-or-treaters in our neighborhood, and we came dangerously close to running out of candy. Fortunately, I anticipated the crisis before it happened, and I turned off all the lights in the house to make it look like we weren’t home before the candy ran out.
“Well, I’m glad you thought ahead to make sure we’re covered,” said my husband.
“Yup,” I replied.
“And now we don’t have to worry about the dog being TP’d,” he continued.
“That’s right,” I said, nodding.
“And I know this has nothing to do with over-buying candy that you like so you’ll get all the leftovers.”
“Definitely not,” I agreed.
He nodded. “Great! But next year, can you also not over-buy some candy
that I like too?”
Tracy Beckerman is the author of the Amazon Bestseller, “Barking at the Moon: A Story of Life, Love, and Kibble,” available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble online! You can visit her at www. tracybeckerman.com.
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Messier would have been so bothered by finding them had he known what he was actually seeing.
Many astronomical objects cataloged by French astronomer Charles Messier are visible in the southern half of the early evening sky in August.
REAL ESTATE WATCH
Digital Identity and Privacy: The Next Big Real Estate Challenge
Buying or selling a home has always required trust. Buyers trust sellers to disclose material facts. Sellers trust buyers to protect confidential financial information. Lenders trust borrowers. Attorneys trust documentation. Realtors trust that every party is acting honestly throughout the process.
But in 2026, there is another form of trust that has become just as valuable—and far more vulnerable.
It’s called your digital identity.
While most homeowners worry about mortgage rates, home values, property taxes, or renovation costs, few realize that every real estate transaction now creates an enormous digital trail. That trail includes bank accounts, driver’s licenses, tax returns, employment records, credit reports, electronic signatures, emails, text messages, geolocation data, cloud storage, and even biometric identification.
The modern real estate transaction has become almost entirely digital. While technology has made buying and selling homes faster and more convenient than ever before, it has also created new risks that every homeowner should understand.
The next frontier of real estate isn’t just artificial intelligence.
It’s digital privacy.
Your Home Purchase Is Now a Digital Event
Twenty years ago, purchasing a home involved stacks of paper.
Today, nearly everything happens online.
Mortgage applications are completed electronically.
Bank statements are uploaded to secure portals.
Contracts are signed electronically.
Identification is verified digitally.
Title searches occur through online databases.
Closing documents are stored in the cloud.
Wire transfers are initiated electronically.
Every click creates data.
Every upload creates another digital record.
Every transaction leaves information that could potentially become a target for cybercriminals.
The convenience is remarkable— but convenience always comes with responsibility.
Your Digital Identity Is Worth More Than You Think
Most people think identity theft means someone opening a credit card in their name.
Today’s cybercriminals think much bigger.
A complete digital identity may
include:
• Social Security number
• Driver’s license
• Passport
• Mortgage information
• Banking relationships
• Property ownership records
• Tax returns
• Income verification
• Investment accounts
• Electronic signatures
BY PHILIP A. RAICES
Combined together, this information can be worth thousands of dollars on the dark web because it allows criminals to impersonate homeowners, apply for loans, redirect funds, or attempt sophisticated financial fraud.
For homeowners, protecting these documents is now just as important as locking the front door.
Wire
Fraud Continues to Be One of Real Estate’s Biggest Threats
One of the fastest-growing crimes affecting real estate transactions is wire fraud.
Here’s how it often works.
Cybercriminals gain access to email conversations between buyers, sellers, attorneys, lenders, or title companies.
Near closing, they send what appears to be legitimate wiring instructions.
The email often looks authentic.
The company logo is correct.
The language is professional.
The email address may differ by only one letter.
A buyer wires hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The money disappears.
Recovery is often difficult because fraudulent wire transfers can move internationally within minutes.
The safest rule remains remarkably simple:
Never rely solely on emailed wire instructions.
Always verify wiring information by calling a trusted phone number you obtained independently—not one provided in the email.
A five-minute phone call can prevent a devastating financial loss.
Artificial Intelligence Is Changing Cybercrime
Artificial intelligence is improving customer service, property searches, marketing, and valuation tools throughout the real estate industry.
Unfortunately, criminals are using AI too.
AI can now generate convincing phishing emails, realistic fake documents, cloned voices, and even deep-
fake video messages that appear authentic.
Imagine receiving a voicemail that sounds exactly like your attorney asking you to send funds immediately.
Or a video conference that appears to include your mortgage officer.
These scenarios are no longer science fiction.
They are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
The best defense is not fear—it is verification.
Slow down.
Confirm identities.
Ask questions.
Verify independently.
Public Records Are More Accessible Than Ever
Property ownership has always been public information.
What’s different today is accessibility.
With a few online searches, someone may be able to locate:
• Property ownership
• Purchase prices
• Tax assessments
• Mortgage filings
• Property boundaries
• Building permits
• Corporate ownership records
Most of this transparency serves legitimate purposes.
However, homeowners should be mindful of how additional personal information posted online— social media, public photos, vacation announcements, or location sharing— can combine with public records to reveal far more than intended.
Privacy today often depends less on hiding information and more on carefully managing what is shared.
What Buyers and Sellers Can Do Today
Fortunately, protecting yourself doesn’t require advanced technical knowledge.
Simple habits make a significant difference.
Use strong, unique passwords for financial accounts.
Enable multi-factor authentication whenever available.
Verify wiring instructions by telephone.
Monitor your credit regularly.
Freeze your credit if you are not actively seeking new loans.
Be cautious of unexpected emails requesting urgent action.
Store important documents in encrypted cloud storage or secure physical locations.
Update home network passwords and router firmware.
Reset smart home devices before moving.
Most successful cyberattacks don’t rely on sophisticated hacking.
They rely on human trust.
Awareness remains one of the strongest forms of protection.
Real Estate Professionals Have a Responsibility
Consumers increasingly expect their real estate professionals to understand digital security—not just contracts and negotiations.
Brokerages are investing more heavily in encrypted communications, secure transaction management platforms, cybersecurity training, and identity verification procedures.
Agents who educate clients about protecting sensitive information add value well beyond finding the right property or negotiating the best price.
In many ways, today’s Realtor serves not only as a market expert but also as a trusted guide through an increasingly digital transaction.
The Future of Digital Trust
Emerging technologies such as blockchain-based property records, decentralized digital identity systems, biometric verification, and AI-powered fraud detection may significantly improve transaction security over the next decade.
These innovations could reduce fraud, accelerate closings, and simplify identity verification while giving consumers greater control over their personal information.
As with any technological advancement, adoption will take time.
The goal isn’t to eliminate technology.
It’s to use technology wisely.
Final Thoughts
For generations, homeowners focused on protecting the physical aspects of their property—strong locks, alarm systems, insurance policies, and secure neighborhoods.
Today, protecting your home also means protecting your digital identity. Every online document, electronic signature, and financial transaction represents another piece of your digital footprint.
The good news is that awareness goes a long way. By staying informed, verifying requests before acting, and practicing sound cybersecurity habits, buyers and sellers can enjoy the convenience of modern real estate technology while minimizing unnecessary risks.
Continued on page 5
Working Women vs. Stay-at-Home Moms -- The Argument
BY TOM MARGENAU
Once again, I find myself in the middle of an argument that has been going on for decades, maybe longer: the friction that develops between working women and stay-at-home moms.
I’m not an anthropologist. Nor am I a social scientist. And I’m sure folks in those professions would be able to find all kinds of underlying causes for the resentment felt by so many working women towards their gender counterparts who, for whatever reason, spent their lifetimes as fulltime mothers and wives.
But this is a column about Social Security, not inter-gender politics. So why do I bring this topic up? Because Social Security rules can sometimes get in the middle of these heated discussions.
I’ve waded into the middle of this sea of disharmony in a couple of past columns. But some recent emails have caused me to do so once more.
Not long ago, I wrote a column in which I explained that a working woman will generally be paid her own Social Security benefit first. Only after that will they look to her husband’s record to see if she can get any additional benefits.
Part of that column included comments from a stay-at-home mom (now a grandma) who complained that she thought the benefits she was getting on her husband’s Social Security account were too small. And that triggered comments from more than a few working women.
One woman wrote to say: “These women, who claim that sitting at home all day changing a few diapers is a full-time job, should stop their griping. I do all that and I work 8 hours a day at Costco. And I won’t get half as much off my husband’s Social Security as these whiners will get!” Another woman wrote: “I wish I could sit at home all day living off a sugar-daddy husband and then get half of his Social Security when he retires. I work for a living and probably won’t get any of my husband’s Social Security!”
Those comments are just snippets of the hundreds of irate emails I’ve received over the years from working women who are upset that they oftentimes get reduced and sometimes no benefits from their husbands’ Social Security records. And then they find it doubly irritating that a woman who didn’t work outside the home gets to collect full Social Security spousal benefits from her husband’s or ex-husband’s account.
Whenever I get these kinds of emails, I think of my mother. I’ve shared her story before. And I guess it’s time to do so once again. It helps explain the Social Security rules.
My mom went through the last 25 years of her life carrying such a grudge against Social Security in general and a neighbor lady in particular.
My parents came from the wrong side
of the economic tracks and spent their lives trying to inch their way into the middle class. My dad was a janitor. But that job simply didn’t bring enough money into our household. So, my mom always worked outside the home. She spent much of her adult life doing clerical work in a hospital. She took time off to have four kids. But within a year of the birth of each of those kids, she was always back to work to help pay the rent and buy groceries. There was little money left over for what most people would consider the good things in life.
But speaking of those good things, our neighbors behind us across the alley were living the American dream. (That alley was like the proverbial “tracks.” It divided the rich side of town from the poor side.)
In their household, the husband and father was the vice president of a local bank. They had six kids. And his wife, although she had a degree in journalism, was a fulltime stay-at-home mom. She never had to work outside the home because her husband’s salary brought in more than enough money to keep them living in comfort. My brothers and sisters enjoyed playing with the banker’s kids. (They had really nice toys and stuff!) But our parents never mingled and never visited one another. They simply ran in different economic circles.
Long story short: Both the husbands eventually died. The banker’s widow (she was over 65 at the time) started getting a rather substantial widow’s benefit from Social Security. But my mom got a very small monthly widow’s check from my dad’s account. And that’s because she was getting her own Social Security retirement benefit, and that benefit offset her widow’s payments -- dollar for dollar.
And because of their respective economic circumstances, the banker’s widow received a significantly higher monthly Social Security benefit than the combined payments my mom was getting. And this simply irritated my mother to no end. By this time, I was working for the Social Security Administration, and if she asked me this once, she asked this a thousand times: “Why is THAT WOMAN across the alley, a woman who never worked a day in her life, getting more money than I am -- a woman who has spent 40 years working at a job and at home?”
I tried to explain to my mom that it all had to do with two of the basic concepts of Social Security. The first essentially says this: the more you pay into the system, the more you get out. And the second has to do with the reason behind spousal benefits -those benefits were always intended to be paid to women who were “dependent” on their husbands’ income.
The banker’s wife was just that: a “dependent.” She depended on her husband’s salary while he was alive. And so once he died, she was dependent on his Social Security.
My mom, on the other hand, had her own job and her own income. And because of that job, she received her own pension from the hospital where she worked and her own Social Security retirement benefit once she retired. In other words, she was not totally dependent on my father. But because my dad’s Social Security benefit was slightly higher than my mom’s retirement check, she did get a small widow’s supplement from Social Security. My mom never bought that argument.
She would say: “Your dad worked all his life, and I should be getting his Social Security now that he’s gone.” In other words, she wanted her own full retirement benefit and a full widow’s benefit from my dad’s account. And many working women today send me emails making the same points my mom did 50 years ago. I tried to explain to my mom, and I still
Continued on next page
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
BY TOM SCHENKEL
A trip to your barber can be thought of as a task on your must do list. One can usually tell when it’s time to make that visit. In my case, it was time to visit Primo. He was my local barber of choice, and I found him, as always, to be both capable and interesting.
The fact that Primo had cut my hair on my wedding day gave us a sense of connection. My visits were more than just functional tasks. We were friends. He always inquired about my wife and family, and I sensed that he was truly interested in the updates.
Primo always managed to keep our conversation interesting without interjecting too many of his own private thoughts or opinions. He knew that I was a local teacher and occasional-
Digital
Continued from page 3
Primo: Barber Extraordinaire
ly I would even encounter students from my classes. As the years went by, Primo started to refer to me as the professor. He and I would even discuss different authors and various works of literature. On more than one occasion, I would comment on Primo‘s interesting choice of books. He was a classicist and it was not uncommon to find him reading college textbooks. He was, indeed, a very well read man.
One day our conversation drifted onto the topic of vacation. I told him about our annual trip to the Amish country and of our little adventures. He listened thoughtfully and then lapsed into a moment of pensive silence. “Now it’s your turn, Primo. What did you do on your vacation?” He appeared to be glad that I had asked.
“I went to Milan, Italy to see the
opera. It was a very special trip. I dressed up in my finest suit and overcoat with a silk scarf around my neck. Then I took a limousine to La Scala to see a Puccini opera. When I arrived, I told the box office that I wanted the best seat in the house. I didn’t cringe when the man told me the price and I was personally escorted to my seat. It was magnificent! Everyone was so nice and treated me as if I were someone very special. Never did anyone suspect,for a moment, that I was only a barber. When the opera ended, the limousine driver transported me back to my hotel. It was a magical night! “ “That’s an incredible story, Primo, what an experience.” I know that he was very pleased by my reaction. Because of our friendship through the years, he knew that it would mean
REAL ESTATE WATCH
something special to me. How many times in life do we have an opportunity to fulfill our dreams and fantasies? Not many, I suppose, but this well read, highly cultured man did. For one day, Primo had managed to take on a mysterious persona and live out his dream of being someone special. He also had managed to let the world view him through a different lens and escape from his daily routine.
As I entered the house, I was greeted by my wife with, “Let me see your haircut, dear. Oh good, he did a nice job. You look as nice as the day I married you.” I thought to myself, how happy I was to have a barber who could please my wife’s critical tastes. Now that’s an accomplishment for the ages!
Identity and Privacy: The Next Big Real Estate Challenge
In the years ahead, the value of a successful real estate transaction won’t be measured solely by the purchase price or mortgage rate. It will also be measured by how securely your personal information travels from contract to closing.
Because in today’s marketplace, safeguarding your digital identity has become just as essential as safeguarding the keys to your new front door.
P.S. When you’re planning your vacation, Never ever post any photos on any sites. If you do, the criminal and devious thieves will see them and know that you are away. This will allow them to rob and vandalize your home.
However, I suggest that you go out
Continued from previous page
try to explain to those sending me emails today, that if the law allowed them to get both a retirement benefit and a dependent spousal benefit, where would we draw the line? Why can’t all working people in
and purchase a camera bell as well as a camera or two for your home, to make sure you record your valuables, e.g., paintings, jewelry (unless you have a safety deposit box at your local bank, etc.
Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate. 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
SOCIAL SECURITY AND YOU
this country, both men and women, claim their own Social Security benefit AND spousal benefits from their husband or wife? Gosh, if we had been paying every working person in this country both their own retirement benefit and a dependent’s benefit from their spouse, the Social Secu-
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
rity program would have gone belly up a long time ago!
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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LOOKING TO BUY!
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TAG SALE
INVITED SALES
BY TRACY JORDAN
Thursday, August 6, 2026
9:30 a.m.
154 Wellington Rd. Garden City, NY 11530
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Visit www.invitedsales.com for pictures & details!!
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ATTORNEY
STEPHANIE A. D’ANGELO, ESQ. Elder Law, Wills & Trusts
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SYSTEM TURN ONS
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Installation Service/Repairs
Joe Barbato 516-775-1199
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Frank: 516-316-5560
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Dr. Ann Marie D’Angelo PMHCNS-BC Doctor of Nursing Practice
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Medicaid Eligibility and Apllications
516-248-9323
www.familycareconnections.com
901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530
SERVICES
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Chicken-fried finger foods
Best-Ever Steak Fingers
Country-fried or chicken-fried are terms given to breaded and deep-fried poultry and meat. In fact, chicken-fried steak is an institution in the American south, where thinly sliced cuts of cubed steak are prepared in this way and served with country gravy and biscuits. There’s not much room for improvement in this classic… or is there? In “Best-Ever Steak
Veggie oil for frying
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons all-purpose steak seasoning, divided 1 cup buttermilk
1 egg 4 pounds beef cube steak
1) Preheat oven to lowest temperature.
2) Pour 1 inch oil into a large cast-iron or other thick-bottomed skillet. Turn heat to medium low. Place the flour in a shallow pan. Sprinkle half the steak seasoning over flour, and mix together.
Fingers,” chicken-fried steak gets a makeover into easily picked up finger foods tailor made for dipping in a savory sauce. They are perfect for picnics and meals on the go. Dig in, courtesy of “Lord Honey Traditional Southern Recipes with a Country Bling Twist” (Pelican Publishing) by Chef Jason Smith. Makes 9 servings
Dipping sauce
1 cup mayo
1⁄2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1 package dry Italian salad dressing
2 tablespoons dried dill
3) Cut steak into 1-inch strips. Add the rest of the steak seasoning, rubbing into each piece. Turn heat to medium on skillet. Place each strip in the flour mix, then into the milk and egg mix, then back into the flour. Shake off excess and place each strip on a plate. Repeat until all strips are coated.
4) Sprinkle a few drops flour over oil. If it sizzles, it’s ready to fry. Using tongs or a fork, place strips side by side in hot oil. Don’t crowd the pan, or it will cool the oil.
5) After about 2 to 3 minutes, when strips start to brown on bottom, turn over. When second side is brown, remove and place on a cooling rack that has been set on a cookie sheet. Set the sheet in the preheated oven. Repeat until all fingers are cooked.
6) In a bowl, whisk together all dipping sauce ingredients.
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