SERVING PLAINVIEW, HICKSVILLE, AND LEVIT TOWN
9-year-old honored for saving brother's life
On July 18, New York State Senator Steve Rhoads proudly awarded the New York State Liberty Medal — the highest civilian honor bestowed by the New York State— to 9-year-old Carter Santelmo for his extraordinary bravery and quick thinking that saved his younger brother’s life.
Carter, who previously lived in Levittown, was honored for an act of heroism
that occurred during a family trip to Florida in April 2023. At just 7 years old at the time, Carter rescued his 4-year-old brother, Maxwell, who had slipped off his swim vest and unknowingly jumped into the deep end of a private pool without a lifeguard on duty.
Carter, wearing goggles and swimming nearby, spotted his brother floating unconscious, immediately pulled him to
the wall, and called for help. Thanks to Carter’s actions and the swift response of family members, Maxwell regained consciousness and made a full recovery.
Carter’s selfless actions, presence of mind, and strength in that critical moment were nothing short of extraordinary. At just seven years old, he demonstrated superhuman strength, sharp awareness, and unshakable love — becoming a real-life superhero in the eyes of his family and community.
“Carter’s courageous and instinctive actions at such a young age are nothing short of heroic,” said Senator Rhoads. “He represents the very best of New York — bravery, love for family, and a heart for others. It’s an honor to recognize him with the New York State Liberty Medal.”
The New York State Liberty Medal is reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional heroism, sacrifice, and humanitarian service on behalf of others. Carter’s life-saving efforts not only earned him this prestigious recognition, but he also received the highest civilian honor from the Palm Beach
County Sheriff’s Office in Florida.
Joining Senator Rhoads for the ceremony were members of the Nassau County Police Department and the Jones Beach Lifeguard Corps. In a special moment, the Jones Beach Lifeguard Corps presented Carter with a challenger coin in recognition of his bravery — a tradition reserved for those who embody valor and presence of mind under pressure.
Carter’s parents expressed deep gratitude and pride. “We are so proud of the young man he was, is, and will become. He’s going to be special and we can’t wait to see what he becomes. Thank you to Senator Rhoads, NCPD and the Jones Beach Lifeguards for taking the time to make him feel special and proud for saving his brothers life” they said.
Senator Rhoads also highlighted Carter’s story as a vital message on water safety. “Emergencies can happen in an instant. Thanks to Carter’s love, awareness, and quick action, his brother is alive today. His story will serve as an inspiration and a reminder to families everywhere.”
Man robbed outside Hicksville 7-11 store
A 31-year-old man was robbed outside a 7-11 store on Old Country Road in Hicksville on Monday, July 28. According to Nassau County Police, the victim was leaving the store at 3:25 a.m. when he was approached from behind by an unknown man, who hit the victim on the head with a blunt object. The robber then took the victim's e-bike and fled
west on Old Country Road. The victim was treated at a local hospital for his injuries.
The investigation is ongoing. Detectives request anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS or call 911. All callers will remain anonymous.
New York State Senator Steve Rhoads with Carter and Maxwell Santelmo
Levittown commander named to Veterans Hall of Fame
New York State Senator Steve Rhoads with Commander
On July 11, New York State Senator Steve Rhoads inducted Commander Matthew J. DeGregorio of VFW Post 9592 in Levittown into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. A Brooklyn native raised in Levittown, DeGregorio served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War as an Aircraft Maintenance and Crew Chief with the 602nd Fighter Squadron (Commando) in Vietnam and Thailand. He earned the National Defense Service Medal,
Vietnam Service Medal, and Air Force Good Conduct Medal.
As Post Commander, he has led countless efforts to support hospitalized veterans, ship care packages to deployed troops, assist military families, mentor youth, and champion veteran causes at every level of government. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Commander DeGregorio embodies a lifetime of service, sacrifice, and leadership.
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One-stop Passport Weekend at Town Hall
To help residents looking to obtain new passports, Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca announced that his office will offer a special one-stop Passport Weekend on Saturday, August 9, and Sunday, August 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at both Town Hall North in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South in Massapequa. Residents are required to book appointments in advance.
“Residents looking to apply for a new passport are invited to visit Town Hall during Passport Weekend to receive assistance,” said Town Clerk LaMarca. “We can help you with organizing your documents, obtaining a photo and submitting the documents for approval.”
Requirements for applying for a passport include:
• One 2x2 color photograph with a clear view of the applicant’s face against a plain white or light colored background. Photos will also be available for $10 at both Town Halls North and South during Passport Weekend.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship –Previously issued undamaged U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, Consular
Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, Naturalization Certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship.
• Proof of Identity – Naturalization Certificate, Valid Driver’s License (cannot have been issued or renewed in the last six months), Current Government ID (city, state or federal), Current Military ID (military and dependents).
• This service does NOT apply to Adult Renewals unless your Passport is expired for 5+ years.
Town Clerk LaMarca has offices located at Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road in Massapequa. Passport appointments are available Monday through Friday, from 9:30am to 3:30pm, and during this special Passport Weekend. For appointments in Oyster Bay, please call (516) 624-6324. For appointments in Massapequa, please call (516) 797-7962. For information on passport requirements and processing times, as well as instructions for passport renewals, visit www.travel.state.gov.
Animals come to life one block at a time at Lee Road School
First graders at Lee Road Elementary School worked together to form animals using 2D blocks on May 29 .Photo courtesy Levittown Public Schools
First graders at Lee Road Elementary School in the Levittown School District worked together to bring animals to life through colorful pattern blocks on May 29.
After enjoying the book “The Greedy Triangle” by Marilyn Burns, Jennifer McCarty's first grade class worked in pairs to create zoo animals using blocks of various 2D shapes. Students have been learning about the attributes of 2D shapes through lessons, and this hands-on activity encouraged the use of teamwork and problem-solving skills to mimic patterns. They then discovered that the blocks can be combined to build other 2D shapes.
Matthew J. DeGregorio
Levittown’s Lazy Days of Summer event
On July 19, Senator Steve Rhoads joined Assemblyman John Mikulin, Councilman Dennis Dunne, Sr., Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray, and Legislator Tom McKevitt at the Levittown Community Council’s 28th Annual Lazy Days of Summer at the Village Green. The event featured fun games, music, and entertainment, providing a great afternoon to connect with residents and celebrate the strong sense of community that makes Levittown special.
Earth Day artist honored by state senator
On June 27, Senator Steve
welcomed Hicksville Middle School student Angad Singh and his family to his district office to recognize Angad’s exceptional Earth Day artwork, which was featured in the New York State Senate’s Earth Day Poster Contest. Angad’s piece, along with other impressive student submissions from across the district, is now proudly displayed in the Senator’s Community Art Gallery — each one delivering a strong message about the importance of environmental stewardship and protecting our planet for future generations.
Rhoads
Bethpage students learn about water conservation
Sixth grade students from the Bethpage school district recently visited the Bethpage Water Disrict for a behind the scenes educational program about advanced water treatment.
The Bethpage Water District recently impressed students with a special behind-the-scenes tour and a new interactive program designed to foster water conservation awareness. The initiative also deepened their understanding of where their drinking water comes from and the steps they can take to protect this vital resource.
This year, over 150 students from nine classes took part in this immersive experience at one of the District’s stateof-the-art water treatment facilities at Plant 6 (Motor Lane). The District has one of the most advanced suburban water treatment facilities in New York State – and possibly the nation. Through this initiative, students gained critical insight into the importance of water conservation and the role they play in preserving high-quality drinking water for future generations.
“It is essential for students to see firsthand where their drinking water comes from,” said Bethpage Water District Commissioner Teri Black. "By experiencing the process, they gained a realworld understanding of the technology and expertise that goes into delivering high-quality water to their homes. This initiative was informative and empowering. All District Commissioners hope it inspires these students to appreciate and conserve water in their daily lives."
Students gained insight into the cutting-edge water treatment processes that ensures the high quality drinking water we provide to residents meets
or exceeds all local, state, and federal guidelines. Superintendent Michael J. Boufis emphasized the importance of the Bethpage Water District’s pioneering technology in the industry: “We are proud to be the first in the country to implement this advanced system. Our investment in this technology ensures that our residents and customers will always have access to high-quality drinking water.”
A key contributor to the success of the program was Bethpage Union Free School District’s Science Enrichment Coordinator and 21st Century Program Manager Lorraine Marcis. She was instrumental in advancing this partnership, and expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, “This collaboration with the Bethpage Water District transformed the way students are engaging and learning about the world around them. Seeing the process firsthand fostered curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for the importance of water conservation in their everyday lives.”
Students visiting the facility saw the full water treatment cycle from sourcing groundwater to final purification –learning about the equipment and technology used throughout the process. Innovative learning tools, including interactive displays and an educational mobile unit, provided a dynamic and stimulating approach to water education.
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Made the honor roll or Dean’s List? Scored an internship or study abroad opportunity?
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Flag Day at Abbey Lane School Summer events at the Levittown Public Library
Levittown Public Library outdoor summer concerts take place in the Town of Hempstead’s Levittown Veterans Memorial Park located across from the library’s front entrance. In the event of inclement weather, they will move inside the library on a first come, first seated basis.
Outdoor Music
Thursday, July 17, 7:00–8:30 p.m.
Summer Outdoor Concert–Steely Band: Performing Steely Dan’s hits and B-sides.
Outdoor in-person concert. If inclement weather concert moves indoors. No tickets or fee.
Thursday, August 7, 7:00–8:30 p.m.
Summer Outdoor Concert–The Legendary Murphys: Classic rock and roll music featuring male and female vocals.
Outdoor in-person concert. If inclement weather concert moves indoors. No tickets or fee.
Tuesday, September 16, 7:00–8:30 p.m.
Summer Outdoor Concert–Foreign Journey: A tribute band playing the best of Foreigner and Journey. Outdoor in-person concert. If inclement weather concert moves indoors. No tickets or fee.
Indoor Music
Monday, August 4, from 2:30–3:45 p.m.
Summer Indoor Concert: Vic Vincent: Teen idol hit songs from the 50s–70s.
Tickets required. Reserve tickets at www.levittownpl.org-Upcoming Events. This program will be in person. No fee. Outdoor Movie
Tuesday, August 19, 8:00 p.m.
All Age Program: Outdoor Movie –“Moana 2:” The outdoor movie will take place on the lawn next to the library staff parking lot. Please bring your own chairs/blankets and snacks. Rain date: Tuesday, August 26, at 8:00 p.m. Rated PG. 1 hr. 40 min. Animation/Musical.
No registration or tickets required. No fee.
Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray (rear, second left) attended the Abbey Lane Elementary School Flag Day Concert on June 13. Also attending was Nassau County Legislator John Ferretti.
From Despair to Hope: Conquering Peripheral Neuropathy with Westbury Acupuncture
“It’s as though I’m stepping from razor blade to razor blade.”
“It feels like my feet are under attack by fire ants.”
“Like I’m walking on wet paint with rolled up socks.”
And you’re in this kind of pain all the time.
“It’s relentless, keeping you up at night and preventing you from doing even the most mundane tasks. used to take for granted, like wearing shoes and going grocery shopping. Two of my three children were getting married last year and I wasn’t even sure I was going to be able to attend their weddings,” shares Rose W. Rose was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy in 2015, a degenerative condition affecting almost 5% of people over the age of 55.
chemotherapy, over 23% of neuropathy cases are classified as idiopathic. In layman's terms, the cause is unknown. This was the case with Rose. “Basically every question I had was met with an ‘I don’t know.’ It was depressing to say the least.”
rate in treating neuropathy! I just had to call, and I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am that I did.”
tailor treatments based on a number of factors including the severity of your neuropathy, how long you’ve had it, whether or not there are any underlying factors, things of that nature. It’s because of these personalized treatment programs that we’re seeing such incredible results!”
Four months after treatment, Rose is back at work and thriving. “Being back at work isn’t even the most exciting part,” exclaims Rose. “Not only was I able to attend my son’s wedding, but I could walk down the aisle! It was the most magical moment and I have Jae Won to thank for it. To think, I might’ve missed that.” Rose held back tears.
“My doctor sat me down and said, ‘Rose I’m so sorry to tell you this, but you have peripheral neuropathy. I’m going to prescribe you gabapentin to manage the discomfort but overall, neuropathy is untreatable.’ My first thought was, ‘we can cure cancer but you can’t stop my feet from hurting?’ It felt like a cruel joke.”
While neuropathy can be caused by a number of things
Eventually, Rose was forced to quit her job because the numbness had started to set in and prevented her from driving.
Fortunately for Rose, she came across an article in the local newspaper featuring Jae Won Kim L.Ac and his innovative approach to treating peripheral neuropathy. “At first, I thought it had to be a sham. After so many specialists told me there was no hope, here was this acupuncturist in the
Jae Won Kim, founder of Westbury Acupuncture, says that cases like Rose’s are incredibly common. “Almost all of my neuropathy patients have been told at one point or another that there is no hope. I like to think I specialize in offering hope.”
To quote the New York Times, “Chinese medicine proves itself where Western medicine fails.”
“Acupuncture has been treating complicated, chronic conditions like neuropathy for thousands of years,” shares Jae Won. “I start with a foundation based on this time-tested science and my clinical experience. I then
If you or someone you love is suffering with chronic pain that presents as burning, tingling, or ‘pins and needles,’ or you’ve recently been diagnosed with Peripheral Neuropathy, it’s important to know that there are options.
There is hope. Call (516) 500-8281 to schedule an initial consultation or visit WestburyAcupuncture.com to read more incredible success stories.
Exhibit showcases artwork across a variety of mediums
Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School’s (POBJFKHS) Art Department recently hosted its first-ever AP art show, celebrating the exceptional creativity and dedication of its advanced placement art students. The June 3rd event featured an opening reception attended by parents, staff, students, and community members, all eager to admire the students’ impressive work.
The showcase highlighted a diverse display of talent across multiple mediums including computer graphics, draw-
ing and painting, fashion, photography, and sculpture. From digital designs to handcrafted sculptures, the exhibit underscored the students’ hard work and the high quality of POBJFKHS’s AP art program.
Guests enjoyed light refreshments while exploring the exhibit, which transformed the school into a vibrant gallery for the afternoon. This inaugural event was spearheaded by art teacher Ms. Jen Beinlich, who hopes to turn this art show into an annual tradition.
The exhibit was a showcase of the wonderful artwork the school’s AP Art program has produced over the school year.
A variety of mediums were represented, including fashion.
POBJFKHS hosted its inaugural AP Art Show exhibition on June 3.
Francis Hospital & Heart Center… nationally ranked in 7 adult specialties
Year after year, St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a national leader across multiple specialties. With exceptional physicians and an unrivaled patient experience, St. Francis sets the standard for superb care and expertise.
No other hospital on Long Island has been nationally ranked for Heart & Vascular as often as St. Francis—now 18 times by U.S. News.
chsli.org/st-francis-hospital
Free summer concert series at parks, beaches
The Town of Oyster Bay has announced the return of “Music Under the Stars” – a free summer concert series – which kicks off on Tuesday, July 1, 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, please call (516) 797-7925, visit the Town’s website at www.oysterbaytown.com/summer or Facebook page @TownofOysterBay.
August Concert Series:
Saturday, August 2: John J. Burns Town Park, Massapequa - The Beat Goes On: Cher Tribute featuring Lisa McClowry
Tuesday, August 5: John J. Burns Town Park, Massapequa - Tribute to Beatles, Zeppelin
and Doors by Magical Mystery Doors
Wednesday, August 6: Plainview-Old Bethpage Community Park, Plainview - The Main Event: A tribute to the legendary Barbra Streisand starring Jill Gioia.
Saturday, August 9: Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park & Beach, Oyster Bay - Dr. K’s Motown Revue: America’s #1 authentic Motown Revue Band
Tuesday, August 12: John J. Burns Town Park, Massapequa - The Doo Wop Project: America’s Premiere Doo Wop Group
Wednesday, August 13: Syosset-Woodbury Community Park, WoodburyHalf Step Playing the music of the Grateful Dead
Saturday, August 16: John J. Burns Town Park, Massapequa - Dalton presents the Zac(h)s: Celebrating the Music of Zac Brown Band and Zach Bryan
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LEGAL NOTICES
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Notice of formation of Grippy Sock Vacation, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/19/2025. Office location: Nassau. SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Caitlyn Darcy: 5 York Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
NASSAU
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Notice of formation of DAY-TODAY SENIOR CARE CONSULT & SERVICES LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/06/2025. Office location: NASSAU. SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to CHARLES DAY: 46 GULL DIP ROAD, RIDGE, NY, UNITED STATES, 11961. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
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Plainview Old Bethpage Chamber hosts barbecue
On June 18, Senator Steve Rhoads attended the Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce Barbecue. The annual event featured delicious food, lively music, and great company. Senator Rhoads enjoyed the opportunity to connect with members of this vibrant business network and celebrate the strong spirit of community that defines Plainview-Old Bethpage.
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Submissions from students of all ages are welcome!
Learning shines in Levittown’s summer programs
Summer means collaboration and creativity in Levittown Schools as students enjoyed activities at Camp Invention and STEM Camp, hosted at Jonas E. Salk Middle School.
Third, fourth and fifth graders were guided by their imaginations in Camp Invention, which challenges students with tasks that require engineering-based solutions. At various stations, pairs problem solved as they crafted ramps for toy cars and skateboards, made cardboard claw machines, created DNA strands with bendy wire or found the best way to balance a pingpong ball while walking. Volunteer peers helped guide
each session.
Robots can be seen facing off in STEM Camp, as teams of students assembled and programed fourwheeled vehicles. Coding and engineering skills were kept fresh as teams tried to push opposing robots out of a makeshift court and race down the hallways. In another challenge, STEM Camp students propelled smaller vehicles forward with the force from a deflating balloon.
In the wrap up of the two-week program, students enjoyed the sunny weather with water-themed obstacles to keep cool.
In STEM Camp, robots faced off in a small arena.
Physics were part of the fun at Camp Invention as students designed ramps.
Friends had their robots share a hug before facing off in STEM Camp.
Levittown students collaborated to solve problems at Camp Invention, hosted at Jonas E. Salk Middle School.
Hazel Caldon and Jaden Wang carefully passed a ping pong ball.
Photos courtesy Levittown Public Schools
Boat Bike Tours’ Netherlands Islandhopping: Discovering Living History in Enkhuizen
BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE
GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM
On Day 8 of our Boat Bike Tours’ Islandhopping Netherlands tour, we wake up in Enkhuizen, back where we started. We have breakfast and have to disembark by 9:30 am but we are able to leave our luggage on board for a couple of hours, giving me time to explore a bit before I need to take the train back to Amsterdam and the Schiphol Airport.I really appreciate this bit of time since I hadn’t a chance to explore Enkhuizen when we first arrived (I recommend coming a day before the ship sails so you have more time), so enjoy wandering around this morning.
I find myself at the Zuiden Kerk (church) – magnificent yet simple and unpretentious, awesome yet approachable; ancient yet modern, the painted wooden ceiling shaped like the upside down bottom of a boat. It is Sunday morning and people are gathering for service as the organmeister plays Pacobel.
I find my way to the Zuiderzee Museum, an open-air living history museum village that re-creates daily life around the Zuiderzee before the sea was turned into a lake - the Ijsselmeer where we have just sailed – when the dam was built in 1932. You stroll the cobble streets and explore 140 historic buildings collected from places in the former Zuiderzee region.
The outdoor museum was opened by Queen Beatrix in 1983 as an extension of the indoor Zuiderzeemuseum, which opened in 1950 (the indoor museum doesn’t open until noon so I have to miss it). Most of the buildings
Plan to spend at least 2-4 hours at the Zuiderzee Museum, an openair living history museum village in Enkhuizen that re-creates daily life around the Zuiderzee before the sea was turned into a lake © Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
are authentic while others are reconstructed replicas of actual buildings. A complete village, you can wander around and visit a windmill, lime kilns, fish-smoking house, steam laundry, drugstore, pharmacy, basketmaker, blacksmith, cheese warehouse, school (where wooden shoes are lined up outside the classroom), even a hairdresser, and visit the working post office. The harbor is a replica of its layout on Marken. From April to November you can see life in the village of Urk as it was in 1905, meet residents and watch traditional activities, like old games and building clog boats, and demonstrations of crafts such as rope-making, cooperage, basket making and herring being smoked.
The Indoor Museum, “a treasure house of the Zuiderzee,” which opened in 1950, consists of a string of 17th century buildings (original and
replicated), some of which were used by the Dutch East India Company. Here, various collections are presented with a modern approach: you can cive into a ‘Sea of Stories’ and experience life on the former Zuiderzee in this interactive exhibition. A popular attraction is the ‘Schepenhal’ (ship’s hall), which allows visitors a closeup view of historic ships. The indoor museum also displays artifacts from the Zuiderzee cultural past, including paintings, furniture and traditional local costumes (‘klederdracht’). (Unfortunately, it opens at noon and I did not have the time to visit.)
Both ‘indoor’ and ‘outdoor’ museums have several restaurants located in National Heritage sites, like the Hindeloopen Pub, the Amsterdam House and the Pepper House on the Wierdijk.
22E (56E for a family); plan to spend 2-4 hours at the outdoor museum.
GOING PLACES NEAR AND FAR
[Note: if you are combining the boat bike tour with a stay in Amsterdam, you may want to get the Iamsterdam city card, which includes admission to the Zuiderzee Museum, https:// www.iamsterdam.com/en/whats-on/ calendar/museums-and-galleries/ museums/zuiderzee-museum]
Zuiderzee Museum, Wierdijk 12-22, 1601 LA Enkhuizen, https://www. zuiderzeemuseum.nl/.
Getting to Enkhuizen
I am relieved to see how amazingly easy it is to get to the embarkation point in Enkhuizen from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport (especially since I arrived by plane on the same day as the boat departed): just walk down to the train (every 15 minutes) to the Central Station, a quick switch to the train to Enkhuizen ((every half hour) for the hour-long, comfortable and scenic ride. The trick is to “check in” with a credit/debit card, or purchase a ticket (14-16E) before you go through to the train by tapping on a pole (a conductor will double check on the train), then when you depart the train, tap it on the pole again, and the correct amount is debited. (If you don’t pre-purchase, the conductor can charge you an extra 50E; I did forget but the conductor was extremely kind in helping me buy the ticket online.) Then it’s just a five minute walk from the train station to the ship. You can purchase tickets in the vending machines at the stations or online on https://www.ns.nl/en/ journeyplanner#/. This website can also be used to check the timetable. Getting back to the airport is equally easy – we are asked to leave the ship by 9:30 am (but I am able to
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GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....
Boat Bike Tours’ Netherlands Islandhopping: Discovering Living History in Enkhuizen
Continued from previous page
store my luggage there, so I could visit the city until 11).I time my touring to get back to the ship, pick up my stuff to get the 11:39 am train to Central Station in Amsterdam, then a quick switch to the train to Schiphol with more than the three-hours before my flight at 7:05 pm.
Boat Bike Tours
This was my second trip with Boat Bike Tours (I had the best time on their Bruges-Amsterdam boat-bike-tour – utter perfection with the biking, the barge boat, the sights along the way; be sure to plan to spend at least a day in Bruges before the bike tour).
Boat Bike Tours, which is based in Amsterdam, got its start when Channel Cruises Holland, a barge tour operator founded in 1977, added biking to its itineraries in response to guests asking for traditional Dutch activities. The new cruise-and-cycle concept was so successful that it was spun off as its own brand in the mid-1990s. Between 2000 and 2020, the company added more itineraries and ships. Last year, Boat Bike Tours merged with Islandhopping, a Croatiabased operator which also specializes in cruise-and-cycle travel (I loved the boat-bike trip in Greece that I took with Islandhopping). Together, the merged company, while operating under their own names, offers more than 70 itineraries in 15 countries, and has opened a North American sales office in Fairfield, Connecticut.
“With half of our guests coming from North America now, it makes sense to have an office here,” said Jana Tvedt, Director of Sales, North America for Boat Bike Tours. “We’re available when needed and familiar with what Americans and Canadians are looking for in destinations, experiences and ships. And we’re always happy to work with travel advisors, groups and charters.”
Each season, the company leases some 50 ships including barges, motor
yachts and sailing ships, ranging in category from comfortable to superior. Biking styles include guided for casual riders and independent (self-guided) for seasoned cyclists, with touring bikes, e-bikes and mountain bikes available depending on the destination.
The big news is that Boat Bike Tours will be offering a newly built ship for 2026, Magnifique X, an all-suite ship accommodating 32 passengers, giving the company a new deluxe, superior category. In addition to the bigger cabin, the itinerary is also enhanced with upgraded amenities, support van, included lunches, more inclusions for sightseeing. The itinerary goes from Amsterdam to Paris with one night hotel stay in Amsterdam, then biking to Bruges, then a motorcoach transfer to Paris where there is a hotel stay. (Bookings are open.)
Itineraries range from five to 15 days, with most being eight days, and cater to a variety of budgets and interests, from historic cities and landmarks to picturesque natural landscapes and the world’s best wines.
The Boat Bike Tours concept is to enable guests to connect with local people, culture and nature, while traveling by smaller boat and by bike also takes guests beyond tourist hotspots and minimizes environmental impacts. (We noted that our sailing ship, Leafde fan Fryslân,
used biodiesel.)
People in period dress bring to life the village of Urk as it was in 1905, in the Zuiderzee Museum, an open-air living history museum village in Enkhuizen that re-creates daily life around the Zuiderzee before the sea was turned into a lake © Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com
Among its most popular itineraries for North American travelers:
Amsterdam to Bruges: Cruise and ride through the Dutch countryside of Zeeland and western Flanders in
the town centers of Split and Dubrovnik, and experience the culture and nature of more sparsely populated islands like Brač, Hvar, Korčula, Lastovo, Mljet and Šipan. E-bikes help with hilly and mountainous terrain.
Cochem to Metz: Follow the Moselle River through Germany, France and Luxembourg, passing endless vineyards and stopping to taste local wines. See enchanting old cities like Cochem and Bernkastel, the once-imperial Roman Trier, the stunning waterfalls of Saarburg, the Gothic cathedral of Metz and welcoming villages in between.
The merger of the company means that clients of either one can take advantage of a 3% loyalty discount when booking. Meanwhile, bike tours prove superb choices for solo travelers, and each departure offers at least one cabin with a reduced single supplement.
One of Boat Bike Tours’ most popular tours starts in Bruges and goes to Amsterdam © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
Belgium. Tour world-famous cities such as Amsterdam, Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges, as well as picturesque villages, a Dutch cheese farm, the windmills of Kinderdijk and the magnificent natural landscape along the Schelde River.
Split to Dubrovnik: Hop from island to island in the South Dalmatia region of Croatia by boat and e-bike. See
Eating For Diabetes
BY CHARLYN FARGO
Dairy often gets a bad rap. Some think it causes bloating or gas. Others think it’s inflammatory. The truth is dairy can be part of a healthy diet. The Dietary Guidelines recommend three servings of dairy a day.
But now Italian researchers have discovered that eating certain animal products -- including dairy -- could reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Researchers, led by Dr. Annalisa Giosue of the Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery at the University of Naples
Federico II in Naples, Italy, reviewed existing meta-analyses into the links between animal products and diabetes. The scientists browsed four databases -- Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Embase -- to uncover suitable studies that compare how different animal products could lead to or prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes.
The team found 175 studies of animal products and Type 2 diabetes. Their findings were presented at the recent annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Stockholm, Sweden.
Researchers found that drinking 7 ounces of milk per day was associated with a 10% reduction in diabetes risk and 7 ounces of total dairy was associated with a 5% reduction. Low-fat dairy was associated with a 3% reduction. Eating 7 ounces of yogurt was associated with a 6% reduction. Eating 1 ounce of cheese and 7 ounces of full-fat dairy had no effect on the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
The researchers found a 30% increase in risk with the consumption of 7 ounces of processed meat per day and a 22% increase in risk with the consumption of 7
Continued on page 5
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It’s fun reconnecting with old friends
BY CLAIRE LYNCH
I am big on high school reunions and college reunions. It’s fun to get together after 40 years or whatever the time has been and celebrate with a dinner and dancing at a restaurant or catering hall.
I’m also big on keeping in contact with the close friends I had in high school and college. After graduating we kept in touch for a while then lost touch for a few years since we were in different states.
My landing place two months after graduating was Fairfield University in Connecticut. One friend went to SUNY Oneonta and another went to Marist College in Poughkeepsie. Keeping track of all my friends was hard when I was getting immersed in freshmen orientation and attending classes at a new school.
During the Christmas break that first year some of us got together but I was also busy catching up with my relatives on Long Island and in Brooklyn. Still, over the years, we were able to get back in touch thanks to parents or the siblings of our friends.
Someone would run into someone we knew at the supermarket, at the beach or at church and say, “How’s Claire?” or something to that effect and so the reconnecting would begin.
My older sister, Michelle, is great about running into people in public, recognizing them as my old high school friends and saying hi. Michelle was just three years ahead of me at St. Agnes Cathedral High School in Rockville Centre so she knew many of the freshmen when she was a senior - and she certainly knew many of the classmates I had been fast friends with. Michelle is great remembering faces and names.
My mother also was good about passing along messages. She would run into the parent of one of my high school friends and say, “How’s Terry?” or something like that. That parent would relay the message and sure enough, in time we would reconnect.
Now with Facebook and other social
media the communications process is much improved. We can “friend” old friends on Facebook or send them a private message with our phone number and email address. Thanks to today’s social media, things often happen at lightning speed unlike 30 years ago when the “I’ll relay a message to Claire” method was common.
I like comparing it to the horse and buggy vs. cars but suffice it to say that messages would be passed on and eventually we would speak again by phone, text or email.
I had a hard time tracking down my friend, Patsy, who graduated from Long Island University-C.W. Post College with a Bachelor of Arts in the fine arts which included painting, drawing and sculpture. She then went to California because she likes the Golden State so much.
Through mutual friends I heard that Patsy was teaching Art to middle school students. Patsy only returned to the east coast every so often and we always seemed to miss seeing each other. We were like two ships in the night. The good news is Patsy did attend our 40th high school reunion so we connected there.
Many of my classmates headed out and engaged in some interesting careers. My friend Susie married, settled in the San Diego area and started her own advertising company. Another classmate went on to medical school and works as a physician in the Cayman Islands. Another classmate got his degree in marine biology and founded a marine construction business in the Bahamas.
Suffice it to say that I knew many of the students in my high school but I didn’t realize where all of my classmates were headed. I certainly didn’t realize all of the talent we had in that graduating class but from going to reunions and looking at our social media pages I’ve learned about so many of their accomplishments and contributions to society. It’s nice to see.
My friend, Gail, and I were chatting
recently and I told her how much fun it was working on the school newspaper. She was the editor and I was the associate editor so we got to collaborate on ideas for stories, themes, layouts and designs often.
I also mentioned how great it was that at the beginning of the school year she told a few of us girls that her dad would show us how to do layouts for the newspaper. We got together a few times on a Saturday that fall in Gail’s basement in Rockville Centre and her father showed us specifics.
He was the advertising manager for The NY Times his whole career so he had picked up a lot about the newspaper business along the way. As Gail said many times, “He had the newspaper business in his blood.”
Sure we had a moderator for the high school newspaper who gave us some tips but Gail’s father gave us lots of pointers and we were eager learners. We measured everything, laid it out on a large table, discussed headlines, inches, picas, etc. That was great. This was years before desktop publishing
software became available to the general public.
I’ve used that information so often over the years working in corporate public relations. Even though much of today’s info is done on the computer, we still have to know how a story will fit on the page - and how to create a beautiful design.
Adding photos or graphic elements adds a nice touch to the page and can help break up blocks of text.
My friend, Lynn, told her mom that a few of us were going to our junior prom in high school and she offered to give us some dance lessons. We thought that was a nice idea so I remember six of us getting together and learning some cool dance moves.
At first we laughed at ourselves because we didn’t feel like smooth dancers but eventually we got what Lynn’s mom was teaching us. By the time prom night arrived, we were much more sophisticated.
Whether it is in person or long distance by computer, it’s always fun to reconnect.
Social Security Disability Benefits and Incentives to Work
BY TOM MARGENAU
Q: I am 57 years old and getting Social Security disability benefits. I understand I can work and make $23,000 and still keep my disability checks. Is this true?
A: No, it’s not true. The dollar figure you cite applies to retirees who are under their full retirement age and working. They can work and earn up to $23,400 and still get all their retirement checks. So now let me explain some things to you about working while on Social Security disability.
The only reason you are getting disability benefits in the first place is that you have been deemed to be unable to work. Or to put that another way, you are not getting Social Security disability just because you have a physical or mental impairment. You are getting those benefits because that impairment keeps you from working. In other words, the inability to work is the key to your eligibility for disability benefits. So, on the one hand, you normally shouldn’t be working at all.
On the other hand, there are all kinds of work incentives built into the disability program that allow you to try working while still collecting your disability checks -- at least for a while.
Those incentive provisions fill up about a 100-page book that the Social Security Administration produces. So, there is no way I can explain all of them to you in this column. But I can summarize the main provisions.
As a general rule, you can work for up to nine months, making as much money as you can and still keep getting your benefits. However, after those nine months, if you are still working and if you are making more than about $1,600 per month, there is a pretty good chance your disability checks will stop. If you want more information, go to www.socialsecurity.gov and under the “Publications” link, look for the pamphlet called “Working While Disabled -- How We Can Help.” It is an abbreviated version of the book I mentioned earlier.
Q: I have a 55-year-old son. He has had cerebral palsy since childhood, but he has managed to work off and on over the years. In fact, he worked enough that he got the required credits to qualify for disability benefits when his condition worsened and he had to stop working. But after a few years on disability, the Social Security people kept telling him there were special provisions in the law that allowed him to work and get disability checks. In fact, he was eventually making upwards of $15,000 per year. And now he has just received a letter today from Social Security stopping his disability benefits and telling him he’s been overpaid $32,000 and that he has to pay that back. How can they encourage him to go back to work and then turn around and tell him he’s no longer eligible for benefits and ask for
their money back?
A: I really feel sorry for you and your son and the problems he is now going through. Earlier, I mentioned that 100page booklet that explains the work incentives built into the disability program. That book is just the tip of the iceberg. All of these return-to-work provisions are just so darn convoluted and complicated.
I think those complications reflect a conundrum our society faces. On the one hand, we want to provide disability benefits to people who are truly disabled. On the other, we want to encourage them to work and become financially self-sufficient so they don’t have to rely on the government dole. And then sadly, those two goals can end up competing and causing problems. Your son is now facing the result of that competition.
What you and your son need to do right away is to deal with the alleged overpayment. My “Social Security: Simple and Smart” book, available from Amazon, has an entire chapter devoted to how to handle an overpayment. You really need to read that chapter. For now, I can tell you that your priority should be to file an appeal of the alleged overpayment. That involves calling the SSA at 800-772-1213 and filling out a form called a “Request for Reconsideration.” That will start the ball rolling in getting them to review your son’s case. As I said, these work incentive provisions are just so darn complicated that maybe another set of eyes reviewing your son’s case will come up with a different conclusion.
Q: I’m on Social Security disability. How do I get a ticket to work?
A: The “Ticket to Work” program is just one of the many work incentive provisions built into the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs. And to be honest, I don’t fully understand how it works. But if you simply Google “Ticket to Work,” you will find a ton of information. I copied the following from the Social Security Administration website:
“Ticket to Work connects you with free employment services to help you decide if working is right for you, prepare for work, find a job or maintain success while you are working. If you choose to participate, you will receive services such as career counseling, vocational rehabilitation, and job placement and training from authorized Ticket to Work service providers, such as Employment Networks (EN) or your State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency. The service provider you choose will serve as an important part of your “employment team” that will help you on your journey to financial independence. For more information, call the Ticket to Work hotline at 866-968-7842.”
Q: I’m on disability. If I win the lottery, can I keep my disability check?
A: Well, I guess winning the lottery is one way of avoiding all the hassles of trying to work while on disability. The answer to your question depends on the kind
of disability benefit that you are getting. If you are getting Social Security disability benefits, you could win a million dollars in the lottery and you’d still keep getting your disability checks. But if you are on SSI, which is a welfare program, and you win the lottery, your SSI payments would stop almost immediately.
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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Owning a home today isn’t just about the mortgage, taxes and insurance. There are other additional variables that come into play that adds to the ongoing cost of homeownership. Some may not take this into consideration when purchasing. Items like weekly and monthly maintenance, exterior services to maintain the outside of one’s home. These can be handled by the homeowner, assuming they have time. However, there are those bills that you do not have total control over, such as electricity, heating and water.
Homeowners look at their utility bills and wonder why they are so high. The problem is twofold. Many do not conserve efficiently. Lights left on in rooms, CAC on a lower than necessary temperature, especially when no one is home. Most modern thermostats can be controlled by your cell phone and can be setup to go on 15-30 minutes before you arrive home.
Over watering your lawn and taking showers longer than necessary can really increase your bill. You can try a Marine shower for guys, where you wet down, shut water off, then soap up and then rinse. However, this might not work so well with the ladies, especially if they have long hair, but if not it’s worth a try. Lowering the temperature on your hot water tank to 120 degrees will save some on your bill whether you have a gas or electric hot water heater.
Utilizing the proper technology, today, especially with LED lighting can be a real savings by minimizing and reducing your electric bills. Replacing old appliances with energy star rated ones will also contribute to your savings.
Having the most efficient air conditioning, quieter split-units will reduce your electric bill. Reducing the sunlight through windows by lowering shades and closing drapes during the hot summer days, will enable your units to work more efficiently and
Lowering your utility bills
BY PHILIP A. RAICES
keep your home cooler. Having a setback cellular controlled thermostat for summer and winter is one method of conservation. PSEG has a program whereby they will increase your thermostat during the summer for more savings.
For a noticeable savings during winter months try lowering your thermostat a few degrees per day to get used to a lower temperature. However, making sure the north side of your home, which is the coldest, is warm enough so existing pipes won’t freeze. You can purchase 24Volt wiring that you can wrap around outside faucets or exposed pipes so they do not freeze during winter months. If doing a renovation, you can add this wiring to any piping inside any walls facing north.
they provided me ones for my business at no cost. Determine if your attic or basement crawl spaces have adequate insulation. Fiberglass batts provide the optimum protection in those areas. However, foam or cellulose can be blown into exterior walls for maximum insulation. You should see a reduction in your heating bill next winter. Shop around to price whatever you plan to consider doing.
Due to the Big Beautiful Bill that was passed, this will be the last year by 12/31/25, that you can take advantage of 30% Federal 25D credits for installing solar panels, solar roofing tiles, solar water heaters, wind turbines, geothermal heat pumps, fuel cells, and home battery storage.
Green designation: eco-friendly low carbon footprint construction with 3-D printed foundations, Solar panels, Geothermal HVAC/Heat Pumps).
He will also provide a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality, and his Seller’s and Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider when Selling, investing or Purchasing your Home.
He will provide you with “free” regular updates of what has gone under contract (pending), been sold (closed) and those homes that have been withdrawn/ released or expired (W/R) and all new listings of homes, HOA, Townhomes, Condos, and Coops in your town or go to:
Your local utility company, PSEG on Long Island has had programs that provide more efficient replacements for specific older inefficient AC’s, dehumidifiers, and other appliances. They will also provide at no charge new Google Nest setback thermostats which will save you money on heating and CAC costs. Call them to ask about any of their available programs.
You are able to increase or decrease your home’s interior temperature directly from your cell phone. When not in a room, is there any need to continue leaving your lights on? I do not think so. Make sure you replace your incandescent bulbs with LED type bulbs. They will provide you the same lighting at reduced costs. Call your local utility to see if they will provide you replacements for free. They sometimes offer free efficiency surveys of your home. They have programs to provide you new energy star AC’s, dehumidifiers and other older appliances that waste energy. Previously,
Utility costs keep going up regularly as costs for producing the energy increases. The Clean Energy programs and tax incentives to industries for creating lower cost electricity have also been eliminated. This is the year to look at your home to see where your energy wasters are and make a concerted effort to make changes and take advantage of whatever tax savings there are while also reducing your carbon footprint, to save money and our planet.
Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 43+ years experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned 3 significant designations:
National Association of Realtors Graduate Realtors Institute (what I consider a Master’s degree in real estate).
Certified International Property Specialist - expert in consulting and completing international transactions.
National Association of Realtors
https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com and you can “do it yourself (DYI) and search at your leisure on your own. However, for a “FREE” no obligation/ no strings attached 15-minute consultation, as well as a “FREE printout or digital value analysis of what your home might sell for in today’s market without any obligation or “strings” attached call him at (516) 647-4289 or email: Phil@ TurnKeyRealEstate.com
You can now search at your leisure for properties at:
WWW.Li-RealEstate.com
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ONE CALL TO 516-294-8900 AND YOUR AD WILL APPEAR IN 6 LOCAL NEWSPAPERS. CALL TODAY FOR OUR VERY LOW RATES. www.gcnews.com
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DEADLINE FOR CLASSIFIED ADS IS TUESDAY AT 1:00PM.
2 EASY WAYS TO PLACE ADS:
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2) Email Nancy@gcnews.com
Please include your name, daytime phone number, address and ad copy.
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EMPLOYMENT
HELP WANTED
CUSTODIAL POSITION
Garden City Community Church Is seeking a dependable, self-motivated custodian to join our staff full-time. Some evening hours required. Previous custodial experience preferred but not required. Please email Liz controller@thegccc.org if interested.
SITUATION WANTED
CERTIFIED NURSE’S AIDE
25-30 years experience Honest and Reliable Assist with activities of daily living by serving meals, feeding patients as needed. Take care of patient’s personal hygiene by assisting with shaving, baths or showers. Available full time/part time, nights, weekends and overnight. If help is needed call Barbara: 917-442-5760
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NOVENAS/PRAYERS
NOVENA TO THE BLESSED MOTHER
Oh Most Beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven. Oh, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity.
Oh Star of the Sea, help me herein and show me here you are my Mother.
Oh Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power.
Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee (say three times).
Holy Mary I place this cause in your hands (say three times). Amen.
This prayer is never known to fail and is to be said for 3 consecutive days.
In Gratitude (M.T.F.)
OH BLESSED MOTHER OF THE SON OF GOD; Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity.
Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me you are my Mother.
Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity.
Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee (say three times).
Holy Mary I place this cause in your hands (say three times).
Thank you for your mercy to me and mine. Amen. (MAK)
Jewelry-Crystal-Silver Furniture-Mirrors-Tabletop Artwork-Lamps Consign, Shop or Visit the Yellow House 109 Eleventh Street Garden City 516-746-8900
Mon-Fri 10-4 (Wed to 6pm) Saturday 12-4 (entrance & parking in back) Consignments by appointment atstewartexchange@tgchs.org All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical Society
BURIAL PLOTS
PINELAWN MEMORIAL PARK
Selling one grave with two burial plots in the sold-out and highly sought after Garden of Remembrance section of Pinelawn Memorial Park in Farmingdale, NY. Call 516-375-6883 or email: loisgold123@icloud.com
INVITED SALES
BY TRACY JORDAN
Transform your space, maximize your value: Are you looking to add value to your property and enhance its appeal? Look no further! At Invited Sales, we offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet your needs: Personal Property Appraisals and Evaluations: Get expert insights into the true value of your personal property. Estate and Tag Sales: Simplify the process of selling estate items with our professional online and in-person tag sale services. Home Updates: From carpet removal to one-day floor refinishing and contractor services, we handle it all to refresh your home effortlessly.
Staging Services: Elevate your space with our curated selection of furniture, accessories, lighting, and decorative items for a stunning transformation. Explore our captivating before and after photos showcasing homes where we’ve added significant value, making them stand out in the market: Visit: InvitedSales.com today to discover how we can help you achieve your property goals!
Please Call: 516-279-6378
Or Text Tracy Jordan: 516-567-2960
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ROW ROW ROW
your own
CONCEPT2 ERG with rails. Gently used. Great condition. Great workout!
$850 firm Call: 516-747-4415
WANTED TO BUY
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Estates, Oriental items, Gold, Silver, Costume Jewelry, Dishes, Flatware, Watches, Clothing, Old Photos, Coins, Stamps, Records, Sports Cards, Pokemon Cards, Comics and Art. Immediate Cash Paid Call George 917-775-3048
TAG SALE
TAG SALE GARDEN CITY
Saturday, August 2 9:30am 2:00pm 337 Brompton Rd S Garden City, NY 11530
Contents of house Stickley Dining Room Set Quality items Patio Set, Garage Items and Much More!!
GARAGE SALE
PATIO SALE BETHPAGE
Sunday 8/3/2025
11:00 am to 5:00 pm (No Early Birds) 14 Manchester Drive Bethpage, NY
Something for Everyone! Electronics, Furniture, Kitchen & General items. ALL MUST GO!
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AUTOS WANTED
***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS
$Highest$ Ca$h Paid$ All Years /Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199 Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS 516-297-2277
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CAR??? Your car donation to Patriotic Hearts helps veterans find work or start their own business. Fast free pick. Running or not! Call 24/7: 1-833441-4496
WE BUY 8,000 CARS A WEEK
Sell your old, busted or junk car with no hoops, haggles or headaches. Sell your car to Peddle. Easy three step process. Instant offer. Free pickup. Fast payment. Call 1-855-403-3374
REAL ESTATE FOR RENT
APARTMENT FOR RENT
APARTMENT FOR RENT
Beautiful ground floor, 1 Bedroom apartment. Kitchen, Dishwasher, Full Bath, French doors, Central Air, Driveway.
5 minutes to Garden City LIRR
$2,200/month includes all Non-smokers, no pets Call: 516-619-6171
HOMES FOR RENT
FRANKLIN SQUARE HOME FOR RENT
4 Bedrooms, 2 Baths. No Pets. Available 9/15. Send your name & phone info to: Dinogogas@gmail.com
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You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-833-880-7679
BARNES GALLERY
Custom Picture Framing Two Nassau Blvd Garden City, NY 516-538-4503
Tuesday-Saturday 10-5
CONSUMER CELLULAR the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844-919-1682
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We can frame anything! Quality Care & Workmanship
Thousands of frames to choose from!!
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STEPHANIE A.
D’ANGELO, ESQ.
Elder Law, Wills & Trusts
Asset Preservation, Estate Planning, Probate & Estate Administration/Litigation 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530 516-222-1122
www.dangelolawassociates. com
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
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DO YOU KNOW WHAT’S IN YOUR WATER? Leaf Home
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PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES TODAY with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5 year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-877-5161160 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
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Call John anytime: 516-901-9398 (Cell) 516-483-3669 (Office)
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YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-833-549-0598 Have zip code of property ready when calling!
Blueberry Lemon Cornmeal Cobbler
Blueberries are out in full force when the weather warms. Blueberries are delicious freshly picked, and can be topped with some light cream for a refreshing dessert. Blueberries also are equally at home baked in muffins, breads and cobblers.
The following recipe for “Blueberry Lemon Cornmeal Cobbler” courtesy of “Vegan Cooking for Beginners!” with recipes curated by Publications International, Ltd., pairs the tang of lemon with the sweetness of blueberry for the perfect treat. It’s great for dessert or even served for brunch. Makes 8 to 10 servings
3 tablespoons boiling water
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
5 cups fresh blueberries
1⁄2 cup plus 1⁄3 cup sugar, divided
3 tablespoons lemon juice, divided
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 1⁄2 tablespoons finely grated lemon peel, divided
1) Preheat oven to 375 ° F. Spray 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Combine boiling water and flaxseed in small bowl. Let stand until cool.
2) Combine blueberries, 1⁄3 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, cornstarch, and 1⁄2 tablespoon lemon peel in large bowl; toss to coat. Spoon into
1⁄2 cup plain unsweetened soymilk or almond milk
2⁄3 cup all-purpose flour
1⁄4 cup fine-ground cornmeal
prepared pan.
3) Combine soymilk and remaining 2 tablespoons lemon juice in small bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Combine flour, cornmeal, remaining 1⁄2 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon peel, baking powder and salt in medium bowl; mix well. Add soymilk mixture, coconut oil and flaxseed mixture;
1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 cup coconut oil, melted
stir until just combined. Drop topping by 2 tablespoons into mounds over blueberry mixture.
4) Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until filling is bubbly and topping is golden brown. Let stand 30 minutes before serving.
Outstanding MacArthur HS seniors honored
Three students earned the prestigious New York State Senate Youth Leadership Award: Ronan Donnelly, Peter Muzio, and Aaron Cruz.
Senator Steve Rhoads recently awarded several outstanding MacArthur High School seniors with the New York State Senate Citizenship and Youth Leadership Awards—recognizing students who lead by example, uplift their communities, and inspire those around them.
Madison Anderson received the New York State Senate Citizenship Award for her exceptional leadership as Student Advisor to the Superintendent and her achievements as a standout athlete. Gianna Morales, with a GPA exceeding 101, was also presented with the Citizenship Award for her academic
excellence, athletic involvement, and dedication as a mentor. Gianna will attend NYU in the fall to pursue a career in pediatric medicine.
Three additional students earned the prestigious New York State Senate Youth Leadership Award: Ronan Donnelly, who is heading to Eastern Connecticut State University to study education and play lacrosse; Peter Muzio, an Eagle Scout, talented musician, and SHIELD Award recipient; and Aaron Cruz, a compassionate and driven student inspired by his sister’s health journey to pursue a career in medicine.
Salk students win patriotic essay competition
Patriot’s Pen essay competition.
Three students at Jonas E. Salk Middle School in the Levittown School District wrote to victory in a patriotism-themed essay competition hosted by the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 9592.
Answering the prompt, “How are you showing patriotism and support for our country?” students who volunteered to participate in the Patriot’s Pen competition described the ways they support their community. Eighth grader Cara
Campbell won second place, while sixth grader Scarlett Alston won third place and eighth grader Brynn Russett won fourth place. In their essays, each student wrote about the ways they step up at Salk, such as Campbell’s leading of the Builders Club as president, and how they use their voice to create change. The winners each received a scholarship and were honored at a ceremony hosted by the VFW Post 9592 at their hall in Levittown.
Jonas E. Salk Middle School students Scarlett Alston, Brynn Russett and Cara Campbell are winners in the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 9592’s
Photo courtesy Levittown Public Schools
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Levittown honors standout students at board meeting
Levittown School District trustees and administrators recognized standout students during the Board of Education’s final meeting of the school year on June 4.
In the Levittown Memorial Education Center auditorium, the district’s talented athletes received the spotlight. All County athletes from Division Avenue and General Douglas MacArthur High Schools, as well as girls lacrosse coach Sean Donnellan, who was named Conference Coach of the Year, received certificates of recognition as well as praise from their respective principals.
Alyssa Wunsch, a student at MacArthur High School, was recognized for her independent drive in pursuing copyediting. Her work got the attention of author Suzanne Phillips, for whom Alyssa helped edit one of her books.
Additionally, artists from all Levittown schools were thanked by trustees for their artwork, which were selected and framed to hang in Levittown Memorial and will be featured in next year’s district calendar.
Finally, administrators and trustees recognized this year’s student liaisons, Division senior Vidhi Patel and MacArthur senior Madison Anderson. Both students have displayed commitment by attending each monthly board meeting, where they shared the latest school happenings with trustees and acted as a voice to represent their peers. They received commemorative plaques. The district greatly appreciates the time Patel and Anderson have dedicated to Levittown Schools.
Photos courtesy Levittown Public Schools
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Division senior Vidhi Patel and MacArthur senior Madison Anderson, this year’s student liaisons, were recognized.
Division Avenue High School’s All County athletes and Conference Coach of the Year Sean Donnellan were recognized.
General Douglas MacArthur High School All County athletes were recognized at the June 4 Levittown Board of Education meeting.
Artists from all Levittown schools were thanked by trustees for their artwork, which were selected and framed to hang in Levittown Memorial.
Alyssa Wunsch, a MacArthur High School student who worked with author Suzanne Phillips to help edit one of her books, received recognition.
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