Issuu

Friday, August 28, 2026

Vol. 86, No. 35

SERVING PLAINVIEW, HICKSVILLE, AND LEVITTOWN

Town to collect DVDs for troops, children’s hospitals

Town to host annual Bluefish Tournament If hours of fishing followed by a tailgate party with food, raffles, awards and prizes sounds like a perfect day to you, then you’ll want to sign up right now for the 40th Annual Town of Oyster Bay Bluefish Tournament, scheduled for Sunday, September 20, and hosted by the Town of Oyster Bay. The post-tournament tailgate party will take place on the beach at Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay. “The Bluefish Tournament

The Town of Oyster Bay is again collecting DVDs for those deployed and serving overseas in the United States Armed Forces as well as movies for children’s hospitals. The Town of Oyster Bay has announced a partnership with Massapequa-based “Big Hy for Heroes” to collect DVDs for those deployed and serving overseas in the United States Armed Forces as well as movies for children’s hospitals. Donations will be accepted during the month of September and then delivered to Chaplains, Commanding Officers, Sergeant Majors and Sergeants around the globe to distribute

to troops and arrange movie nights this holiday season. Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino stated, “The Town of Oyster Bay is proud to partner with Big Hy for Heroes for our Annual DVD Collection Drive and send thousands of DVDs to troops serving around the globe as well as to children receiving care in local hospitals. Help support these brave men, women and children by donating DVDs.”

The Big Hy for Heroes organization was founded in 2002 by Massapequa resident and WWII veteran Hyman Strachman who, along with his son Arthur Strachman, personally began sending DVDs to U.S. troops overseas. Over the years, Big Hy for Heroes has shipped hundreds of thousands of DVDs all around the world and continues to do so today. Exciting, suspenseful, comeSee page 6

The Mid-Island Times & Levittown Times is Published every Friday by Litmor Publishing Corp. Periodical Postage paid at Hicksville, N.Y. 11801 Tel 931-0012. USPS 3467-68 Postmaster: Send Address Changes to: The Mid Island & Levittown Times 821 Franklin Ave., Suite 208, Garden City, N.Y. 11530. Meg Norris Publisher

is a great all-day sporting event with wonderful prizes and great camaraderie,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “Join us for this fun day of tranquility on the water, the adrenaline rush of feeling that first big tug on your fishing line and the spirit of competition as you try to beat the tournament record and compete for prizes.” The tournament runs from 4:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is open to anglers of all ages. All contesSee page 6

Town plans 9/11 Memorial Ceremony The Town of Oyster Bay invites residents to the Town’s Annual September 11th Memorial Ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, at 7:00 p.m. at TOBAY Beach. “This year marks the 25th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, and to honor those we have lost we invite all residents to join us at our annual September 11th Memorial Ceremony. This

remembrance ceremony features music, religious readings, a light tribute, and a reading of the names inscribed on the Town’s 9/11 wall,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “We will also unveil new names inscribed on both the Town’s September 11th Memorial and the ‘Walls of Honor,’ recognizing those who made the ultimate sacrifice due to 9/11-relatSee page 6

National Night Out held in Bethpage PAGE 5 Levittown Swim Association Finals PAGE 10

Bethpage schools recertified by Google

Friday, August 28, 2026

Grand opening

Senator Steve Rhoads joined the Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce and Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz to welcome Dom’s Famous Chicken Fingers to Plainview.Dom’s is bringing its popular menu and delicious chicken to the Plainview community. Senator Rhoads congratulates the team on its new location and looks forward to seeing Dom’s become a great addition to the local business community!

Car crash causes fuel spill on Berry Hill Rd. A traffic accident caused a fuel spill on Berry Hill Road on Tuesday, August 18, at 12:05 p.m. in Syosset. According to Nassau County Police, a 28-year-old male was operating a 2006 Toyota Corolla traveling northbound on Berry Hill Road in the vicinity of Schoolhouse Lane when he accidentally veered into the southbound lane, sideswiping a box truck. During the collision, the box truck overturned, result-

ing in a fuel spill. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), Nassau County Emergency Service Unit (ESU), Motor Carrier and the Syosset Fire Department responded. The driver of the Toyota sustained minor injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation and treatment. There were no other injuries reported at the scene.

Yes! I want to subscribe! ☐ 1 yr............ $20

☐ 2 yr ...........$40

Address E-mail

Zip

Phone Send To:

Litmor Publishing Corp 821 Franklin Ave., Suite 208 Garden City, N.Y. 11530

☐ 3 yr ...........$50

* Please add $10 per year for delivery out of Nassau County

Name

City

☐ Credit card ☐ Check enclosed

☐ Mid Island Times ☐ Bethpage Newsgram ☐ Syosset Advance ☐ Jericho News Journal

Card # Name on card Exp. Date

CVC #

Bethpage Union Free School District has once again been recognized as a Google for Education Reference District, reaffirming the district’s commitment to innovation in using technology to enhance teaching and learning. Photo courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District Bethpage Union Free School District has once again been recognized as a Google for Education Reference District, reaffirming the district’s commitment to innovation in using technology to enhance teaching and learning. Bethpage was the first school district on Long Island to earn the Google Reference District designation, recognizing its pioneering use of Google tools, including Google Workspace for Education and Chromebooks. Since then, the district has continued to expand the role of technology in the classroom, giving students and staff access to tools that support collaboration, creativity and real-world learning. Google recently refreshed the initiative as the Google for Education Reference Program and introduced a new recertification process that requires participating schools and districts to demonstrate continued use of Google tools through a case study. John F. Kennedy Middle School Computer Literacy teacher Shannon Tedesco led Bethpage’s recertification effort, which resulted

in the district successfully retaining its status as a Google for Education Reference District. The designation recognizes Bethpage’s exemplary use of Google for Education tools and places the district within a select community of Reference Institutions. As part of the program, Bethpage will have opportunities to participate in beta testing of new tools and provide direct feedback to Google on features, programs and products under development. Superintendent of Schools David Schneider has long championed the district’s partnership with Google. Before becoming superintendent, Mr. Schneider served as Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Technology, where he oversaw the implementation of Bethpage’s 1:1 Chromebook initiative and the introduction of Google G Suite for students and staff. He also helped bring Google ExploreEDU to Bethpage, giving school technology professionals an opportunity to explore emerging tools and their applications in the classroom.

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, 2026, to remember those who lost their lives and honor the courage, sacrifice and unity demonstrated in the aftermath of the attacks. 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 or byy 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.” 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. 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 “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.”

Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti (left) and Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll greeted Joe Piscopo prior to his August 16, 2026 performance at East Village Green in Levittown, part of the Town’s Free Summer Concert Series. For a full line-up of summer concerts please visit https://townofhempsteadevents.com/.

91-Day CD or IRA CD

3.92

APY 1,2

$1,000 minimum deposit

Great rates like ours are always in season. To qualify you must have or open any Flushing Bank Complete Checking account2 which provides you with access to over 55,000 ATMs, ATM fee rebates, mobile banking, and mobile check deposit. For more information and to find out about our other great offers, visit your local Flushing Bank branch, call 800.581.2889 (855.540.2274 TTY/TDD) or visit FlushingBank.com.

Small enough to know you. Large enough to help you.® 1) APY effective June 2, 2026. Annual percentage yield assumes principal and interest remain on deposit for a full year at current rate. Minimum deposit balance of $1,000 is required. New money only. New money is defined as money not currently on deposit with Flushing Bank. Funds cannot be transferred from an existing Flushing Bank account. Premature withdrawals may be subject to bank and IRS penalties. Rates and offer are subject to change without notice. 2) A Flushing Bank Complete Checking account with a $5,000 minimum balance is required to receive the advertised APY. Certain fees, minimum balance requirements and restrictions may apply. Fees may reduce earnings on these accounts. A checking account is not required for IRA accounts. A minimum deposit of $25 is required to open the Complete Checking account. The offer is subject to change or termination without prior notice at any time. Speak with a branch representative for details. Follow us on

FB1835_Summer 91-Day CD Ad_Mid Island Times_r1.indd 1

Flushing Bank is a registered trademark 6/16/26 3:17 PM

Friday, August 28, 2026

Hicksville Fire Department Town hosts Joe Piscopo plans 9/11 remembrance

Friday, August 28, 2026

Bethpage senior earns Girl Scout Gold Award

Anjali Ponugupati recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting, for a project that combined two things important to her: STEM education and giving younger students access to opportunities to explore it. Photo courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District Bethpage High School senior Anjali Ponugupati recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting, for a project that combined two things important to her: STEM education and giving younger students access to opportunities to explore it. The Gold Award recognizes Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts who identify an issue in their community, investigate its root causes and develop a lasting solution. Earning the award requires at least 80 leadership hours working on a

sustainable service project. For Anjali, the path to the Gold Award began years before she started planning her project. She joined Girl Scouts as a third grader at Charles Campagne School and became a Brownie alongside several classmates. Many of those girls remain active in her troop today, and Anjali is the first among them to earn the Gold Award. “As soon as my Gold Project got approved last year, the other girls were motivated to start,” Anjali said. “At least two or three more in my troop are lined up to get their award, too.” For her project, Anjali developed and led a series of six robotics workshops for elementary and middle school students at the Bethpage Public Library. Using LEGO robotics kits and iPads, she introduced participants to robotics, electrical engineering, programming, problem-solving and teamwork. “The first day was introducing the kids to what robotics is, and then as the classes went on, I taught them about electrical engineering, programming and working together as a team,” she said. “Each session was meant to be an hour, but eventually the kids were so into it, they ended up lasting two hours!” One young participant's determination particularly stuck with her. “There was one girl I remember specifically. She hadn’t finished her robot, and there were only two minutes left in class,” Anjali recalled. “She said, ‘I have to continue this.’ She went to her mom and said, ‘I don’t care what happens, I’ll pay her if I have to. I’m staying here!’” The idea grew out of Anjali’s own longtime interest in science and engineering. At Bethpage High School, she serves as vice president of research and design for the Regal Eagles robotics team, founded the school’s Biology Olympiad and has earned recognition for her science research at both the Long Island Science and Engineering Fair

Catholic Daughters plan theater trip Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Queen of Angels #869 Hicksville invite you on a bus trip to see “Joshua” live on stage at the Sight & Sound Theater, Lancaster PA on Tuesday November 17. The bus separts at 7:30 a.m. It will arrive back to Long Island at approximately 9 pm. You are welcome to bring coffee and snacks for the ride. The bus will make one quick stop each way during this trip. Please arrive by

7:15 a.m. to board the bus. Parking at 999 South Oyster Bay Rd (dead end street), Bethpage. Cost is $200 per person (minimum of 40 people) includes a buffet lunch at Dienner’s Country Restaurant. Please make checks payable to CDA #869. The first to pay is the first on the bus. For reservations call Barbara at (516) 935-5576. Payment is due by October 10.

(LISEF) and the New York State Science and Engineering Fair (NYSSEF), as well as several other science research awards. Through conversations with family friends, however, Anjali learned that younger students in neighboring communities do not always have the same access to STEM and robotics opportunities she has had through Bethpage schools. Outside programs can also cost families hundreds of dollars. “My overall goal was to make my program free of cost completely,” Anjali said, “and to introduce kids to the fun part of STEM.” Creating a lasting impact is an important component of the Gold Award. Anjali worked with her Regal Eagles teammates and advisers at Bethpage High School to ensure the workshops would not end with her own project. The team has agreed to continue offering similar workshops as part of its community service initiatives in the years ahead. Anjali also set out to measure what students gained from the experience. Participants completed the same survey at the beginning and end of the workshop series, allowing her to compare their understanding and attitudes toward STEM. “Because they were primarily elementary-age kids, their first survey responses were mostly ‘I don’t know,’ ‘Maybe,’ ‘This is cool,’ things like that,” she said. “By the end of the program, though, they were giving full paragraph answers explaining that they had learned so many things. Some kids went out of their way to list all the things they had learned.”

During the final workshop, Anjali gave the students an open-ended challenge: Use what they had learned throughout the program to design and build something of their own. “They went beyond what I was thinking they would,” she said. The survey answers combined with the design plans the participants created for their final projects gave Anjali something even more valuable than statistics. She could see students thinking differently about what they were capable of building. In June, Anjali was formally presented with the Girl Scout Gold Award during a ceremony hosted by Girl Scouts of Nassau County. She also received numerous certificates and citations recognizing her achievement, including recognition from local and state officials and a certificate from the White House. As she begins her senior year and prepares for college, Anjali plans to continue pursuing the interest that inspired her Gold Award project: STEM. She hopes to study biomedical engineering, with a particular interest in regenerative medicine technology. Georgia Tech currently sits at the top of her college list. “My brother went there. I love the campus and their life there,” she said. “They have the best program for what I want to go into. That’s my dream.” After nearly a decade in Girl Scouts and more than 80 hours devoted to her Gold Award project, Anjali’s advice to younger Girl Scouts considering a project of their own is simple. “Don’t overthink it,” she said. “Just pick something you’re really passionate about.”

One ad can go so far... Advertise your services in our Professional Guide or Service Directory today and be seen in these five newspapers:

Call 516-294-8900 today to learn more!

BRUCE A. BLAKEMAN presents NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE

FREE SUMMER

CONCERTS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 7:00PM On August 4, Senator Steve Rhoads joined local families, neighbors, law enforcement officers, and community members in Bethpage to celebrate National Night Out, an annual event dedicated to strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Upcoming Events at the Jericho Public Library Friday, August 28

2:00 p.m.: Better Sleep, Calmer Nights: Tools for a Restful Mind with Arthur Danziger Poor sleep impacts energy, mood, patience, and overall well-being, often bringing frustration and helplessness. This workshop is for those who struggle to fall asleep, wake with a racing mind, or feel exhausted in the morning. It explores common barriers to rest--like worry, tension, and looping thoughts--and offers simple, practical techniques to calm the body and mind. Rather than promising perfect sleep, the focus is on gentle, realistic tools to make nights feel easier and less stressful. Participants will leave with a better understanding of nighttime overthinking, a handout of step-by-step calming strategies, and a more constructive approach to sleeplessness. 4:00 p.m.: Back-to-School Craft Corner (Grades K–3) Children will make a fun craft with the help of our teen volunteers.

Tuesday, September 1

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.: Mandarin Bilingual Story Time (Ages 18 Months–5 Years) Join us for a 30-minute program that consists of nursery rhymes, puppets, songs, stories, and movements in English and Mandarin Chinese. Does not require a Mandarin background.

Wednesday, September 2

7:00 p.m.: Chess (Grades 2–5) Learn different moves and develop skills to become a proficient chess player.

Thursday, September 3

4:00 p.m.: Art Workshop with Art Teacher Amy (Grades 1–6) Follow along with Art Teacher Amy as she leads you through creating your own masterpiece in the style of great artists.

Are you a professional?

Our Professional Guide is sure to bring results. Call 294-8900 for rates and information.

EISENHOWER PARK

Weather permitting, call 516-572-0200 for up-to-date information.

• FREE ADMISSION • BRING CHAIRS • PARKING FIELD #6

Friday, August 28, 2026

National Night Out

Friday, August 28, 2026

6 L E G A L

N O T I C E S

DVDs for Town plans “Endless Summer” troops concert, fireworks show From page 1

dy and classic DVDs are among the most requested by the troops for movie nights. Children’s movies are needed for local hospitals. Residents can donate DVDs at any of the following locations from September 1– 30: • Town Hall North – 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay • Town Hall South – 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa For more information on the DVD Collection Drive for U.S. Troops and local children’s hospitals, please call (516) 624-6380.

9/11 Ceremony From page 1

ed illness.” The town’s 9/11 Memorial – featuring a steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center – is inscribed with the names of residents lost on September 11, 2001. The Walls of Honor monument expands each year with newly inscribed names of those who lost their battle with 9/11-illness caused by exposure at Ground Zero. For more information, visit the Town’s website at www. oysterbaytown.com or contact the town’s Department of Community & Youth Services at (516) 797-7925.

From page 6 During the final days of summer, there are often bittersweet feelings at the approach of fall. But at Town Park Point Lookout, the summer is ‘endless’ as Long Island’s own Mike DelGuidice returns to the Town of Hempstead’s big stage on September 5 for a Labor Day weekend concert and fireworks show. Supervisor John Ferretti and the Hempstead Town Board welcome all residents to the “Endless Summer” Concert and Fireworks Show on Saturday, September 5, at Town Park Point Lookout. Gates open at 3 p.m. and admission and parking are free. In addition to the epic rock anthems and original hits performed by Mike DelGuidice, the Town of Hempstead’s ‘Endless Summer’ concert will feature the annual BBQ cookoff competition, food trucks, a kids’ zone, craft vendors and more. Following Mike DelGuidice’s performance, enjoy a spectacular fireworks display and a drone show to cap off an exciting evening by the

Are you a professional? Our Professional Guide is sure to bring results. Call 294-8900

N O T I C E S

4 p.m. DJ Tommy Nappi of 103.5 KTU will also provide pre-concert music and entertainment. The main event on stage will begin approximately 7:30 p.m. The “Endless Summer” Concert and Fireworks Show caps off an exciting summer of activities hosted by Supervisor Ferretti and the Town Board, including weekly luaus at community pools and an expanded slate of community concerts and children’s shows. As the fall season approaches, there is more to come …for a full listing of upcoming Town of Hempstead programs, please visit townofhempsteadevents.com. “This summer has certainly been a memorable one,” Ferretti said. “From celebrating America’s 250th birthday at the Salute to Veterans event, to bringing Hawaiian-style luaus to community pools, to dancing the night away at the Mid-Summer Concert to tonight’s ‘Endless Summer’ program, we are providing our residents of America’s largest township with a variety of events to enjoy together!”

Town to host annual Bluefish Tournament From page 1

L E G A L

shores of the Atlantic. “At the Town of Hempstead, the summer truly is ‘endless,’” Ferretti said. “We’re celebrating Labor Day weekend in style with a special party by the beach, bringing back our hometown star Mike DelGuidice to the stage and capping it all off with an amazing fireworks display and drone show.” In honor of Labor Day, Ferretti will also lead a special tribute to the Town of Hempstead’s dedicated workforce. “I’m thankful every day for the hardworking men and women of the Town of Hempstead’s CSEA Local 880 workforce,” Ferretti said. “They are the backbone of America’s largest township and are the reason why we are able to provide residents with top notch services and exciting programs such as this.” Prior to the Mike DelGuidice concert and tribute to essential workers, the Town of Hempstead will host its annual inter-departmental BBQ cookoff contest. A kids’ zone, along with food trucks and craft vendors will be open starting at

tants must be pre-registered. The entrance fee for the tournament is $40 per fisherman. All those who register before September 14th will receive a tournament long sleeve shirt, and all participants will be automatically entered into the door prize raffle. There will be a grand door prize raffle of an inflatable boat and motor courtesy of Property Tax Reduction Consultants. Registration can be found online at www.oysterbaytown.

com/sports. In-Person Registration is offered at Causeway Bait & Tackle in Wantagh, Hi-Hook Bait & Tackle in Huntington, and Duffy’s Bait & Tackle in Glenwood Landing. The Town of Oyster Bay is also hosting an in-person registration from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on September 19, at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park. Registration forms can also be mailed to: Town of Oyster Bay Department of Parks Attn: Jackie Devlin Bluefish Tournament 977 Hicksville Road Mass-

No Paper? No Justice

apequa, NY 11758. Along with plaques, winners of 1st through 15th places will receive gift certificates in the following amounts: 1st Place - $2,000; 2nd Place - $750; 3rd Place - $500; 4th Place - $400; 5th & 6th Places - $300; 7th & 8th Places - $100; 9th & 10th Places $100; 11th thru 15th Place - $100. Prizes subject to increase based on registration. Raffle winners must be present to receive their prizes, which will be presented at the tailgate party scheduled for 4:15 p.m.

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

Alyson DeStefano SUBMITTED BY DON PATANE The Levittown Chamber of Commerce would like to introduce Alyson DeStefano, who works at YES Community Counseling Center, a non-profit, community-based agency that has been serving individuals on Long Island since 1977.DeStefano is the Project Coordinator of the Levittown Community Action Coalition, a substance use prevention and awareness coalition founded in 2015 that exists within YES CCC. DeStefano began working at YES in 2022 as a summer camp counselor. In 2023, she began an internship role in the Prevention Department and was fortunate enough to join the staff full time later that year and in 2025, took on the role of Project Coordinator for the Levittown Community Action Coalition. DeStefano’s background with a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in industrial-Organizational Psychology was the perfect fit for YES CCC, allowing her to examine human relationships and motivations outside the clinical lens and analyze societal trends such as drug misuse, anxiety, family dynamics and helping connect individuals with resources they need. DeStefano says “The overall mission of YES Community Counseling Center is to help increase awareness

about personal and community issues, prevent and treat substance misuse, and promote healthy families and a safe community. We assist young people, adults, and families in our effort to enable them to develop to their potential. While Levittown Community Action Coalition’s mission through the use of prevention, education, and engagement campaigns, likewise aims to create a safe, healthy and secure community for children and adults where untimely deaths are reduced and fewer lives are affected by addiction.” When asked what is the best advice you have ever received from someone, DeStefano replied “The best advice I have received is a simple sentiment held by my family. When anything becomes a bit too overwhelming, have a cup of tea. The process is grounding, as it forces us into a pause even for just a few minutes. Regulating our bodies and minds is essential to our overall wellbeing. Sometimes, doing something comforting and familiar can set us back on track to our goals.” DeStefano lives and grew up in Massapequa Park and is fortunate to have her family close by and who she sees on a regular basis. On a side note, she was and is Irish Dancer a skill she said she will have for life. She also likes spending time listening and learning about music, going to concerts and having family movie trivia nights. Something else to note, most services offered by YES Community Counseling Center are free of charge, while some are based on a sliding scale. YES also takes most insurance and holds to the principle that no client will be denied services based upon an inability to pay. Participation in the Levittown Community Action Coalition is on a volunteer basis, and no payment is required to contribute. Any community member who would like to get involved in raising awareness on substance misuse in Levittown is encouraged to contact me at lcac@yesccc.org. If anyone is interested in contacting DeStefano at YES CCC and the LCA Coalition note the following: Email: lcac@yesccc.org ..Instagram: @lcacoalition.. Phone: (516) 719-0313 ext. 223

BRUCE A. BLAKEMAN presents NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE

FREE SUMMER

CONCERTS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 7:00PM

LOS LOBOS

EISENHOWER PARK

Weather permitting, call 516-572-0200 for up-to-date information.

• FREE ADMISSION • BRING CHAIRS • PARKING FIELD #6 294-8900 • www.gcnews.com • Litmor Publishing's Community Newspapers

Friday, August 28, 2026

Levittown Chamber of Commerce Spotlight on Business

Friday, August 28, 2026

Levittown Swim Association Finals

Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti (second left) and Town Clerk Kate Murray (right) attended the Levittown Swim Association Championship Finals on August 16, 2026 at Jerusalem Avenue Pool in Levittown.

Register now for pickleball lessons The Town of Oyster Bay has announced registration is now open for instructional pickleball lessons tailored for adults this fall. Lessons are two hours long and run for four weeks, aiming to introduce participants to the fundamentals of pickleball or enhance the skills of those already familiar with the game. Sessions are separated into beginner, advanced beginner, and intermediate levels. Town Councilman Lou Imbroto said, “What makes pickleball truly special is its accessibility. It’s a sport that welcomes players of all ages and abilities, providing a low-impact yet exhilarating way to stay active and socialize. Whether you’re playing for

fitness, recreation, or competition, pickleball offers endless opportunities for enjoyment.” Registration is now available online at: www.oysterbaytown.com/ sports. Participants must upload proof of residency (tax or utility bill) and a valid identification card such as a driver’s license. The registration fee for residents is $100 and $150 for non-residents. Participants are asked to wear sneakers and bring their own paddles and pickleballs as only a limited number of equipment will be available to borrow. For more information, please call (516) 797-7945 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com/pickleball.

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 caught catch 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.

ATTENTION STUDENTS! We invite you to send details of your academic achievements, along with your name and contact info, to editor@gcnews.com for a chance to be featured in our paper! Submissions from students of all ages are welcome! Rustic wood board image © Rinet IT on Flickr. Some rights reserved. Image has been modified from its original version. https://www.flickr.com/photos/159161473@N04/25220242127

The Bethpage Educational Foundation has announced its Hall of Fame inductees for 2026: Stacy Aronowitz Bethpage High School, Class of 1992 Dr. Jaydeep Bhatt Bethpage High School, Class of 1994 Michael Florio Bethpage High School, Class of 1997 Maryanne McGrath Past PTA President Patrick McCaffery Bethpage High School, Class of 1985 Greg Patsos Bethpage High School, Class of 1984 Anthony Riccardi Bethpage High School, Class of 1998 2002 Boys Basketball Team

The dinner in their honor will be held on Saturday, October 3, at 7 p.m. at Bethpage High School. All community members are invited. The cost to attend is $90 and all proceeds go to the Bethpage Educational Foundation which supports Bethpage schools with scholarships, programs and enhancements. You can find more information on the school district website at: www. bethpagecommunity.com Past honorees have included journalists, novelists, generals, artists, first responders, former staff members and civic leaders. You can see all the past inductees at www.bethpage.ws/HOF. If you need more information about the upcoming ceremony, call 516-644-4001.

BRUCE A. BLAKEMAN presents NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE

FREE SUMMER

CONCERTS MONDAY, AUGUST 31 7:00PM

Fall basketball, volleyball, badminton programs The Town of Oyster Bay invites residents to take part in the Town's Fall Athletic Programs for basketball, badminton, and volleyball, beginning in September, at the Hicksville Athletic Center. All athletic programs run for 10 weeks, are co-ed, and are open to individuals 18 and over. “The Town’s athletic programs offer a great opportunity for residents to take to the court, improve their skills, and make new friends,” said Town Councilman Tom Hand. “We have various sessions scheduled for each sport, giving residents several opportunities to have fun while staying active.”Basketball pickup games will be held on Thursdays from 9:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturdays from 8:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., and Sundays from 8:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., beginning on September 27. The Basketball program is 10 weeks long and costs $40 for residents and $75 for non-residents. Badminton will feature two sessions for registrants to choose from. Classes start September 27. Session 1 takes place Tuesdays from 9:00 p.m. to 10:20 p.m., Fridays from 9:00 p.m. to 10:20 p.m., and Sundays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Session 2 takes place Mondays from 10:40 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., Wednesdays from

10:40 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., and Sundays from 8:50 p.m. to 10:50 p.m. The Badminton program is 10 weeks long and costs $90 for residents and $125 for non-residents. Volleyball will be split into two sessions. The first session will be held on Mondays from 9:00 p.m. to 10:20 p.m., Wednesdays from 9:00 p.m. to 10:20 p.m., and Saturdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The second session will take place on Mondays from 10:40 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., Wednesdays from 10:40 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., and Saturdays from 8:50 p.m. to 10:50 p.m.. The volleyball program is 10-weeks long, costs $90 for residents and $125 for non-residents, and is scheduled to begin on September 28th. Registration is easy-simply visit oysterbaytown.com/sports to sign up. Registration opens Wednesday, September 2, for residents at 5:00 p.m., and Wednesday, September 9, at 9:00 a.m. for non-residents. Town of Oyster Bay residents who have not used the signup portal will need to upload proof of residency (tax or utility bill) and a valid ID (like a driver’s license). Class schedules are subject to change, and if a session is cancelled, make-up days will be offered. For more information, call (516) 797-7945 or email tobparks@oysterbay-ny.gov

See what's happening at your library!

From classes to lectures and concerts to movie screenings, there's never a dull day at your local library! Check this paper each week for fun and informative all-ages activities, all for free or cheap!

with

Opening

DJ Duo

EISENHOWER PARK

Weather permitting, call 516-572-0200 for up-to-date information.

• FREE ADMISSION • BRING CHAIRS • PARKING FIELD #6

Friday, August 28, 2026

Educational Foundation Hall of Fame inductees

1 Friday, August 28, 2026 Discovery

August 28, 2026

21c Museum Hotel St. Louis Embodies,

Preserves City’s History, Culture, Community BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM It’s become my practice to arrive at least a day early for a tour or cruise – to take into account any unforeseen travel delays but also to spend at least a day to explore. With a 6:30 am pick up time for my Wilderness Voyageurs six-day bike tour on the famed Katy Trail 240-miles through Missouri, this wasn’t even an option. My first step is always to seek out a Historic Hotels of America member property because I know staying in a historic hotel will enhance my appreciation for a destination – these properties are integral to a place, even characters that typically play a part in its story, are always architecturally and culturally interesting and can be depended upon to be walking distance or close proximity to the what want to explore. That was definitely the case for my stay at the 21c Museum Hotel in St. Louis, with a marvelous story, gorgeous architecture, set amid the city’s important historic and cultural structures, and most importantly, a delightful 20-minute walk to Gateway Arch National Park, which was top of my list to see. But it had something more: an important art gallery, that, I learned, was the essence of this hotel brand of six 21c Museum Hotels. The 10-story, Renaissance Revival-style building was originally constructed by architects Louis LaBeaume and Eugene S. Klein in 1926 as a central branch of the St. Louis YMCA in 1926, which operated until 2017. 21c Museum Hotels, which has

Art is a distinct element of the 21c Museum Hotel in St. Louis, a Historic Hotels of America member, where there is a gallery open 24/7 to the public and a proud heritage in the community since 1926 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com several hotels, revived the 10-story YMCA building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, preserving its historic architectural elements like the original indoor pool, billiards room, and gymnasium and reasserting the space’s relevance as a gathering point in the heart of St. Louis. The hotel became an official member of Historic Hotels of America in 2023. Today, the 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis is a 173-room boutique hotel which is not just a hotel with an art gallery, but houses a major contemporary art museum. It features 14,000 square feet of curated gallery space (much of it in what used to be the basketball court, and open free of charge to the public 24-hours a day (guests have to use their room card in the elevator to access the room floors).

Paying homage to its YMCA roots, the 10,500-square-foot full-service Locust Street Athletic and Swim Club boasts a stunning, tiled indoor four-lane lap pool you might confuse for a millionaires’ mansion, sauna, steam rooms and offers spa services. Other features include the Spanish-inspired Idol Wolf restaurant serving Iberian-inspired dishes; the Good Press Café; a stunning lobby bar, a lounge with pool table. The 21c Museum Hotel, besides being integral to St. Louis’ historic and cultural attractions and close by the Gateway Arch National Park, Old Courthouse, CityGarden, and riverfront, is close by to St. Louis’ key sports destinations: Energizer Park soccer-specific stadium and 32-acre urban sports district; Enterprise Center, an 18,096-seat indoor arena

G O I N G P L A C E S N E A R A N D F A R

that is home for the St. Louis Blues professional hockey team and hosts major concerts, family shows, and basketball tournaments. It is also a short ride away from Busch Stadium, the 45,000-seat stadium that is home base for the Cardinals baseball team. There are currently six 21c Museum Hotel locations operating in the United States, managed as part of the Ennismore and Accor collection: Louisville, Kentucky (Flagship); Bentonville, Arkansas; Durham, North Carolina; Lexington, Kentucky; Kansas City, Missouri; and St. Louis, Missouri 21c Museum Hotel, 1528 Locust St., St. Louis, MO 63103, reservations: 888831-7077, 21cMuseumHotels.com A member of Historic Hotels of America since 2023, 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis has been named to these Historic Hotels of America Top 25 Lists: The 2025 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America for a Romantic Proposal The 2025 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Best of Adaptive Reuse List The 2024 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Best of Adaptive Reuse List Historic Hotels of America® is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation with the mission to increase the preservation, recognition, and celebration of the finest historic hotels in the USA. Find Historic Hotels of America members when you travel: https:// www.historichotels.org/us, 800 678 8946. _________________________________ © 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com.

Discovery Friday, August 28, 2026

S T A R G A Z E R S

A Sky Full of Pictures BY DENNIS MAMMANA Week of Aug. 30 - Sept. 5, 2026 Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! That’s what Dorothy and her friends were worried about in “The Wizard of Oz,” but you’ll find none of them in the night sky. Understandably, beginning stargazers quickly become frustrated because they cannot see in the sky the images they find portrayed on celestial maps. It’s always wise to keep in mind the words of my former boss: “The constellations look no more like their namesakes than the George Washington Bridge looks like the Father of our Country.” As you’ll read quite frequently in these articles, I recommend forgetting about these images; instead, create your own. These we call “asterisms,” groups of stars we connect in our imaginations to create pictures. Two of the most famous asterisms are the Big and Little Dippers, each resembling a rectangular bowl attached to a bent handle. It’s much easier, however, to create simpler pictures; over the years I’ve found many geometrical figures, letters of the alphabet, and even numbers among the stars. Low in the eastern sky after dark these early September evenings, you’ll

find a group of four equally bright stars that form an almost perfect square. It represents the abdomen of Pegasus, the flying horse from ancient Greek mythology, but you’ll most likely never see that. This area is known instead to modern skywatchers as the Great Square of Pegasus, and once you find it, it’ll be hard ever to miss again. To the lower right of the square lies another geometrical figure. It’s rather faint and supposedly forms one of the fishes of Pisces, but it’s more easily recognized as a small circle of stars. Connected to the lower left of the Square of Pegasus are two strings of stars that form a long V or, as one might imagine, a cornucopia. This represents Andromeda, the daughter of Cassiopeia and love interest of Perseus, who rode the winged horse Pegasus to save her from a horrible sea monster. But I’m sure you’ll agree a cornucopia is much easier to see! To her left you’ll find an easy group of five stars in a zig-zag pattern. These are the stars of Cassiopeia, and they form an almost perfect letter W in the northeastern sky. And all the way to the right side of the eastern sky lies another letter: Y. This is a rather tough one, but it lies in the middle of Aquarius, the water-bearer, a constellation I’ve never been able

An asterism is a group of stars that a skywatcher can connect in their imagination to form an image. to make out. It’s not that tough to create others from the thousands of stars visible on a clear night. When I was a kid, a few friends and I used to make up our own images in the sky and give them silly Latin-sounding names. For example, the Square of Pegasus looked like an elevator, so we called it “Boxus Ascendum” or “Boxus Descendum,”

depending on whether it was rising or setting. And the zig-zag of Cassiopeia reminded us of an escalator, so we called it “Starius Movium.” OK, so I was a bit of a nerd, but I learned my way around the night sky and had fun doing so. You can as well! Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com. . COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM

L O S T I N S U B U R B I A

Having the Time of My Shoes BY TRACY BECKERMAN Like many women I know, I have a vast array of shoes. Unlike clothing, shoes, for the most part, continue to fit whether you gain or lose weight, so they are the bright spot in a sometimes cruel and taunting closet. For this reason, women take their shoes very seriously and many will spend quite some time organizing their shoes by height, color or occasion. Personally, I organize mine by the amount of time I can spend in them before my feet fall off. Take, for example, my regular everyday boots, which I call my 10-hour shoes. I can wear these all day without a problem as long as I get some breaks in between and am not scaling Mt. Everest. Then I have my three-to-five-hour shoes. These are generally for one occasion out with minimal walking involved. I call them my three-to-fivehour shoes because they are really good until that three-hour mark but can suddenly, without warning, turn on me between the fourth and fifth hour and become merciless instruments of podiatric torture.

My one-hour shoes are generally for sitting and the occasional posing so people can admire them before I sit again. There is really no walking involved in these shoes, except maybe to the bathroom, and even then, I will endeavor to hold it in rather than have to teeter my way across the room to go and use up even seven minutes of my precious 60-minute time limit. Then there are my five-minute shoes. Why, you might ask, would someone buy shoes they can only wear for five minutes? If you’re a woman, you probably don’t need to ask this. But for the rest of the population, five-minute shoes can best be described as those unbelievably gorgeous and obscenely expensive shoes you had to buy because they winked at you seductively from the store window and just happen to go perfectly with a new party dress you just got. When you bought them at the store, you had no idea they were five-minute shoes because you only had them on for two or three minutes and were walking around on rugs with Tempur-Pedic cushioning (they plan it that way) so that you couldn’t really know how they would feel in the real world. But then

you wear them with your new party dress, go to an event and discover after five minutes that they are so incredibly painful to actually wear, you immediately become crippled and will need to be rescued by a llama -- standing by in case of emergency -- who will carry you around the event for the rest of the night while he spits on the other guests. Most shoe store salespeople will not tell you that you are looking at five-minute shoes. They show you the fine workmanship and tell you how great they make your feet look and complement your calves. So there you are, strutting around the shoe store in your slinky shoes and your sweatpants hiked up over your knees like you are the queen of some fancy Pilates class, while a good-looking salesguy who looks at ugly feet all day tells you they make your legs look great. What the heck are you supposed to do? Of course you buy them, wear them to some fancy event, and the next thing you know, you are riding around on a rescue llama. Fortunately for me, I have fine-tuned my five-minute shoe radar and rarely fall prey to the seduction of the killer

shoe. But when I do, I know I always have my 24-hour pink fuzzy slippers to fall back on. Tracy Beckerman is the author of the Amazon Bestseller, “Barking at the Moon: A Story of Life, Love, and Kibble,” available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble online! You can visit her at www. tracybeckerman.com. COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM

Crossword Answers

Meeting & greeting at book clubs BY CLAIRE LYNCH There are so many genres of books out there that at my book club we’ve got a good choice of things to talk about. Sometimes we read modern fiction books and at other times someone gets the idea to read some “oldies but goodies.” Either way we end up having very lively discussions and I always enjoy hearing other people’s perspectives on the books. A recent older book we read recently is called “Walking Across Egypt.” Written by Clyde Edgerton and published in 1987, the story is about 78-yearold Mattie Rigsbee and the people she comes across in her hometown. It’s set in a small town in North Carolina and Mattie’s children are grown and living their own lives. She befriends the dogcatcher, Lamar, when a stray dog comes along and she doesn’t know what to do with him. They chat, become friends and Mattie cooks some homemade meals for him. As they talk it comes out that Lamar’s orphaned nephew named Wesley is a troubled teenager and he’s in reform school. He could use a friend so Mattie starts visiting Wesley and helps set him on the right path. This book is all about whether or not people can change - and about friendships that stretch across the generations. “Walking Across Egypt” was so popular that a movie version of it came out in 1999. Book club member Pamela suggested we read one of Anne Tyler’s older novels so we chose “Breathing Lessons.” Published in 1988, the action is set in one single day in the life of Maggie and Ira Moran. They are on a road trip from Baltimore, Maryland, to Deer Lick, Pennsylvania, to attend the

funeral of a friend. On their journey they both reflect on the ups and downs of their marriage. It has a happy ending in that they are content with their life and their marriage although life isn’t perfect. This book won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1989 and in 1994, a TV movie based on the book was made for the Hallmark Hall of Fame. It starred James Garner and Joanne Woodward as Ira and Maggie Moran. As we discussed this novel at our book club Pamela said how hard it must be to tell a whole story in one day’s time. Writers have different challenges whether it is the plot, the pacing of the story, character development, the setting or more. Is it a cold, snowy day on a mountaintop or is it a family trip to the Caribbean? The weather and other elements can help make the feeling of a story a cold one or an endearing one. Someone named Artie mentioned reading Anne Rice’s books about the vampires but generally speaking we aren’t into reading horror stories or vampire books. He said reading about vampires is a form of escapism and we laughed at how he put it but he has a point - it’s true that the whole genre of vampire fiction gives readers the chance to escape by hearing about characters that are way out there. We discussed how great Anne Rice’s stories are - and how creative she was. Before Rice started writing her stories in the 1970s many people were familiar with Dracula and those types of vampires but she made her vampires more human. It was in 1976 that Rice’s book, “Interview with the Vampire,” came out and a more modern version of a vampire became known. Louis de Pointe du Lac was profiled in this

book and later Lestat de Lioncourt was famous as the charismatic French nobleman-turned-vampire who is the main character in Anne Rice’s “The Vampire Chronicles.” Artie added that Tom Cruise played the lead role of Lestat in the 1994 vampire film. Some of us said that’s all very interesting but we still weren’t bowled over by vampire books so even though everyone was congenial we moved onto other subjects. A newer book that held pretty much everyone’s interest in my book club was “Tom Lake,” out in 2023. Written by Ann Patchett, “Tom Lake” is set in 2000 and is about three adult daughters who meet on their family’s cherry orchard in northern Michigan while their mother, Lara, tells them the story of her youthful summer romance. The man eventually became a famous Hollywood actor. Over the years they’d heard bits and pieces of this story but never knew the whole story. Emily, Maisie and Nell had been too young to hear all of the juicy details. The famous actor was Peter Duke and their mother shared the stage in “Our Town” at a theatre company named Tom Lake. That was during the 1980s but Lara ended up marrying someone else and having her family. Rachel in my group said she liked “Tom Lake” because although it’s a fictional story, the three daughters realize their mother had a life before she had her children. “It’s funny when we grow up and realize that sometimes our parents had ‘secret lives’ before they even had us,” Rachel said. “I won’t give any spoiler alerts but suffice it to say that as adults now, they understand that Lara’s life has had many different seasons to it.” We usually talk about one mem-

oir every year and last year it was “My Lucky Life in and Out of Show Business” by Dick Van Dyke. He went from being a Midwestern radio announcer to a Hollywood star - known for such movies as “Mary Poppins” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” plus “The Dick Van Dyke Show” was on TV in the 1960s. Van Dyke’s memoir came out in 2011 and at my book club we got a kick out of recalling our favorite scenes from “The Dick Van Dyke Show” as he played opposite Mary Tyler Moore. And “Mary Poppins” when Bert looks around London and tells the Banks children, “There’s the whole world at your feet. And who gets to see it but the birds, the stars, and the chimney sweeps.” Meeting monthly at my local public library, the moderator is a staff member who compiles and distributes our book list for the calendar year. She also facilitates the meetings which means starting off the discussion and then helping to keep everyone on track. We have a great time at my book club and whether it’s an oldie or a new book, a great story always has a way of staying with you.

Get Results With A Classified Ad As Summer Ends!

Place an ad in our Classifieds for reasonable rates and great visibility.

Call our Garden City office at 294-8900 for more information.

Friday, August 28, 2026 Discovery

W R I T E R’S C O R N E R

Discovery Friday, Friday, August 28, 2026

S O C I A L S E C U R I T Y A N D Y O U

Disability Means Inability to Work BY TOM MARGENAU Q: I have a friend who has various disabilities. She has hearing problems, chronic arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney trouble and other issues. You name it, this poor woman has had it! Yet despite her medical conditions, she has been working most of her life. She plans to retire when she turns 60 in two months and then file for Social Security disability benefits. I have several concerns and questions. Can she file for disability even though she is voluntarily leaving her job? If so, can she file ahead of time so her benefits are waiting for her when she retires? If her disability claim is denied, will she be eligible for regular Social Security when she is 62? Also, will the pension she will get from her employer offset any Social Security benefits she might be due? A: The answers to your specific questions are: Yes; No; Yes; and No. But all those answers need to be qualified, so let me elaborate. The fact that she will be simply retiring from her job (as opposed to leaving for strictly medical reasons) does not really impact her potential eligibility for Social Security disability benefits. The only thing that matters is whether or not she meets the legal definition of disability for Social Security purposes. And that definition essentially says this: You qualify for Social Security disability benefits if you have a medical condition that is expected to last at least a year and that prevents you from working. In other words, the inability to work (not just the impairment itself) is the key to qualifying for benefits. So having said that, I will make this point. Back when I was 60 years old, I also had issues with high blood pressure, arthritis and kidney problems. But I was taking a variety of medications to help keep those problems in check. I doubt if I would have qualified for disability benefits because I was able to work despite my medical issues. But of course every person’s case is different. It may be that your friend’s problems are worse than mine were. Also, she should know that each separate condition may not be severe enough on its own to make her qualify for benefits. But the combination of all her impairments may push her over the line. Something she has going in her favor is her age. Disability evaluators might say that a younger person with conditions similar to hers could continue to work or be trained to do a less difficult job. But a 60-year-old woman will find it easier to qualify for benefits. But with that in mind, your friend cannot file for Social Security disability ahead of time. The reason why goes back to that basic definition of disabil-

ity. Again, the inability to work is the key to qualifying for benefits. If she filed tomorrow, for example, her claim would be immediately denied because she is still working. According to Social Security law, if you’re working (especially full-time), you’re simply not disabled -no matter how many medical problems you have. When your friend retires, she should make plans to file for Social Security disability benefits the very next day. If her disability claim is approved, she will start getting a monthly benefit that equals her full retirement rate. That’s essentially what a disability benefit is: your full retirement benefit. It’s just paid at an earlier age -- in your friend’s case, at age 60. If her claim is denied, she should appeal that decision. That’s simply a matter of filling out a few forms. But if even her appeals are denied, then she certainly can file for Social Security retirement benefits later on. She would just have to decide if she wants to wait until age 67 to get full retirement benefits or file anytime after age 62 and get reduced retirement benefits. Finally, the pension she gets from her employer will have no impact on her Social Security -- whether she gets disability benefits or retirement benefits. Q: I was injured on the job about a year ago. Shortly after that, I started getting disability compensation from the state. My Social Security disability claim has just been approved and my benefits have started. But they are nowhere near what I was promised. Do you know what’s going on? A: I can make a pretty good guess. There is a law that says the combination of your workers’ compensation payments and your Social Security disability checks cannot exceed 80% of your average monthly wage back when you were working. If the two benefits exceed that rate, one or the other has to be reduced. Which benefit gets offset varies from state to state. It sounds like in your state, it is the Social Security disability check that gets cut. The reason for that offset law should be pretty obvious. If a person could get more money from various disability programs than he or she was getting in salary, what would be the incentive to keep working? Q: I have been getting disability benefits since I was 58 years old. I am about to turn 65. When do I sign up for real Social Security? A: You are already getting “real Social Security.” Social Security disability benefits are as “real” as Social Security retirement benefits. The only difference is that one is paid because you have some medical problems. And the other is paid because you are old. And you will officially turn “old”

when you reach your full retirement age or 67 in your case. At that point, you will be automatically switched from the disability program to the retirement program. But because -- as mentioned in the answer to the first question -- a disability benefit equals a full retirement age benefit, your payment amount will remain the same. So the changeover from one program to the other will essentially be transparent to you. If you have a Social Security question,

Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Security -- Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Security.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon.com or other book outlets. Or you can send him an email at thomas. margenau@comcast.net. COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM

C R O S S W O R D P U Z Z L E

Answers on page 2

Why Mamdani’s policies are putting NYC real estate at risk BY PHILIP A. RAICES New York City has always been a city of extraordinary opportunity, but it has also been a city where real estate investors, homeowners, landlords, developers and tenants have learned to navigate a complicated economic landscape. Today, however, Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s housing policies are creating a new debate: Can government make housing more affordable without undermining the investment, construction and property ownership that keep New York’s housing market functioning? Mamdani’s supporters argue that his policies are necessary because housing has become unaffordable for too many New Yorkers. His administration has proposed an ambitious plan to create 200,000 new affordable rent-stabilized homes and preserve another 200,000 over the next decade, backed by a planned $22 billion capital investment over five years. Those goals are difficult to argue against. New York desperately needs more housing. The problem is that the way government regulates, taxes and subsidizes real estate can have consequences that are very different from its intentions. Policies designed to help tenants today can discourage investment tomorrow, reduce the supply of available apartments, increase costs for property owners and ultimately make housing even more expensive for people who are trying to enter the market.

Rent Freeze: Relief for some, risk for market

Perhaps the most controversial component of Mamdani’s agenda is the two-year rent freeze for rent-stabilized apartments. In June 2026, the Rent Guidelines Board approved a 0% increase for oneand two-year leases, affecting approximately one million rent-stabilized apartments. For tenants already living in these apartments, the policy can provide meaningful financial relief. But real estate economics does not operate in isolation. Owners of rent-stabilized buildings still have to pay property taxes, insurance, utilities, payroll, maintenance, legal expenses, heating, plumbing, roofing and capital improvements. Those costs do not automatically freeze because rents have been frozen. This creates a fundamental economic problem: when revenues are restricted while expenses continue rising, the financial incentive to own, maintain and improve rental property declines. Small landlords may be particularly vulnerable. Reporting has highlighted owners of smaller rent-stabilized buildings who say that rising insurance, maintenance and construction expens-

es have already placed significant pressure on their properties.

The Law of Unintended Consequences

Housing policy must consider what economists call the “second-order effect.” Suppose the government freezes rents to make apartments more affordable. That may help an existing tenant. But if landlords subsequently reduce investment, developers build fewer apartments and owners convert or sell properties, the city may have fewer rental units available several years later. That scarcity can push rents higher in the unregulated market. Indeed, Manhattan’s market-rate rental market remains extremely expensive. Recent reporting found the median Manhattan rent reached approximately $5,000 in July 2026, while available listings had fallen sharply from the previous year. That should concern policymakers. If the objective is affordability, New York needs to increase the total number of housing units, not simply regulate the price of a portion of the existing inventory.

Developers need an economic reason to build

This is where Mamdani’s housing agenda faces its biggest test. New York cannot regulate its way out of a housing shortage. The city reportedly needs approximately 700,000 additional homes over the next decade to meet existing and projected demand. The vacancy rate is extraordinarily low, while tens of thousands of rent-stabilized and public housing units remain vacant for various reasons. The answer therefore has to include construction. But construction requires enormous amounts of private capital. Developers look at land costs, labor, financing, insurance, taxes, zoning, permitting, construction expenses and projected rents. If the government increases costs or limits potential returns without making development substantially easier, developers will simply put their capital elsewhere.

Higher Taxes Can Affect Property Values

Another concern is the city’s new pied-à-terre tax, which targets certain expensive non-primary residences. The measure applies to qualifying high-value second homes, including condos and co-ops beginning at $1 million and one- to three-family properties

valued at $5 million or more, with the city expecting substantial annual revenue. Supporters argue that wealthy property owners can afford to pay more and that the additional revenue can help fund public services. Critics see something different: another layer of taxation that makes owning New York City real estate more expensive. The distinction matters because real estate is ultimately priced according to what buyers are willing and able to pay.

The Investor Is Not the Enemy

One of the most important conversations New York needs to have is about the role of private property owners. There is a tendency in political rhetoric to portray landlords and developers as the problem. Certainly, New York has irresponsible landlords. Some properties are poorly maintained. Some tenants have legitimate complaints. Government absolutely has a responsibility to enforce housing codes and protect residents from negligent or abusive ownership. Mamdani’s administration has emphasized precisely this objective, including stronger tenant protections and legal actions against negligent landlords. But bad landlords should not be confused with landlords generally. The overwhelming majority of housing requires someone to purchase it, finance it, insure it, maintain it and eventually replace its major components.

Property Owners Have Choices

Real estate investors have several options when regulations become too restrictive. They can sell. They can stop renovating. They can convert their investment strategy. None of those responses increases housing supply. That is why policymakers should be careful about celebrating policies that appear to punish property owners without examining the longer-term economic consequences. Damage one part of the ecosystem and the effects eventually spread.

Mamdani’s housing plan has a positive side

It would be unfair to argue that everything Mamdani is doing is harmful to real estate. His administration has proposed ambitious housing construction and preservation goals. It has also announced a city-backed insurance initiative designed to reduce insurance costs for affordable and rent-stabilized housing, recognizing that insurance has become a major expense for property owners.

Those policies point toward a more productive solution: reduce the cost of creating and maintaining housing rather than simply restricting what housing can cost. That is the direction New York should pursue. Make zoning easier. Speed up permitting. Reduce unnecessary bureaucratic delays. Lower construction costs. Expand incentives for housing production. Encourage adaptive reuse. Convert obsolete commercial properties into residential housing where appropriate. Create incentives for landlords to renovate deteriorating buildings. And make it financially attractive for private developers to build hundreds of thousands of new units. For Part 2 come back next week 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 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

Friday, August 28, 2026 Discovery

R E A L E S T A T E W A T C H

Friday, August 28, 2026

CLASSIFIEDS

...a sure way to get results.

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 Garden City News • Mid Island Times Bethpage Newsgram • Syosset Advance Jericho News Journal • Floral Park Villager DEADLINE FOR CLASSIFIED ADS IS TUESDAY AT 1:00PM. 2 EASY WAYS TO PLACE ADS: 1) Directly on website: gcnews.com & click on “Classified Order” 2) Email Nancy@gcnews.com Please include your name, daytime phone number, address and ad copy. Visa and MasterCard Accepted

EMPLOYMENT SITUATION WANTED A HOME AIDE/CAREGIVER Irish Trained Caring, Honest & Reliable woman with 20 years experience available to care for your elderly loved one. References available Licensed driver with own transportation. Will travel. Please call 516-383-7150 CAREGIVER AVAILABLE Experienced, compassionate, and highly rated Certified HHA available to provide quality care and companionship for the elderly. Honest, dependable, and caring, with excellent work references and experience with Northwell Health. Available for live-in or live-out positions. Please call: 516-675-8270 COMPANION AVAILABLE Male/Female Aides available as Companion to take care of the elderly. Honest, loving, reliable with excellent references. Please call: 516-523-0697 or 516-688-9251 for more information.

ANNOUNCEMENTS DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof ! Sign up for Direct and get your first free months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918 GET BOOST INFINITE! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25 / mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 844-329-9391 WE BUY HOUSES FOR CASH AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670

MARKETPLACE

ANNOUNCEMENTS ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-833-661-4172 AUDIEN HEARING The world’s first hearing aid with touchscreen controls. No tiny buttons, apps or prescriptions. 45-day risk free trial. Free shipping. Lifetime support. More than 1.5 million happy customers. Call Audien 1-855-484-2093

Our Professional Guide will get you business from all across Long Island! Call 294-8900 for rates and information.

MARKETPLACE

AUTOMOTIVE

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

AUTOS WANTED

WANTED TO BUY

Antique & Vintage Items Jewelry-Crystal-Silver Furniture-Mirrors-Tabletop Artwork-Lamps Consign, Shop or Visit the Yellow House 109 Eleventh Street Garden City 516-746-8900 Mon-Fri 10-4 (Wed to 6pm) Saturday 12-4 (entrance & parking in back) Consignments by appointment atstewartexchange@tgchs.org All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical Society

Call 294.8900

LOOKING TO BUY! 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

AUTOMOTIVE 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

DONATE YOUR CAR TODAY Donate your car running or not. Support Patriotic Hearts for our Veterans and their Families! Free, fast pickup. May be tax deductible. Se habla Espanol. Call now: 844-4151229 GET A BREAK ON YOUR TAXES! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind today at 1-855484-3467 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

SERVICES AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER? STORM DAMAGE? 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

SERVICES END YOUR TAX WORRIES TODAY Let us make your tax problem our priority. Scared, stuck with high tax amounts? Our A+ tax professionals can help. Call for a FREE consultation. Call Priority Tax now 1-877-663-7719 INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don’t Accept the insurance company’s first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-888-454-4717. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider JACK’S CUSTOM FRAMING We can frame anything! Quality Care & Workmanship Thousands of frames to choose from!! Over 30 years in business! 92 Covert Ave, Stewart Manor 516-775-9495

ATTORNEY STEPHANIE A. D’ANGELO, ESQ. Elder Law, Wills & Trusts Asset Preservation, Estate Planning, Probate & Estate Administration/Litigation 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530 516-222-1122 www.dangelolawassociates. com

HOME IMPROVEMENTS AQUATEC LAWN SPRINKLERS SYSTEM TURN ONS Backflow Device Tests Free Estimates Installation Service/Repairs Joe Barbato 516-775-1199

SERVICES HOME IMPROVEMENT

SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

PAINTING & PAPERHANGING

BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-833-807-0159

PAULIE THE ROOFER STOPPING LEAKS IS MY SPECIALTY! Slate & Tile Specialists All types of Roofing Local References Licensed & Insured 516-621-3869

BRIGGS & STRATTON Prepare for power outages PowerProtect(TM) standby generators—the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty — 7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Briggs & Stratton 1-888-605-1496

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.

CJM CONTRACTING INC. Chris Mullins Specializing in General Contracting, Including Churches and Cathedrals ALL RENOVATIONS EXPERT LEAK REPAIRS Bathrooms, Kitchens, Basements, Carpentry, Roofing, Masonry, Brickwork, Pointing, Waterproofing, Power Washing FREE ESTIMATES LICENSED & INSURED SMALL JOBS WELCOME 516-428-5777 DO YOU KNOW WHAT’S IN YOUR WATER? Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-247-5728 MADE IN THE SHADE CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Draperies Top Brands at Discount Prices! Family owned & operated www.madeintheshadensli. com 516-426-2890 MASONRY All types of stonework Pavers, Retaining Walls, Belgium Block Patios, Foundations, Seal coating, Concrete and Asphalt driveways, Sidewalks, Steps. Free Estimates Fully Licensed & Insured #H2219010000 Boceski Masonry Louie 516-850-4886

SAFE STEP North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive Lifetime warranty. Top of the line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step: 1-855-916-5473 STRONG-ARM CONTRACTING D E M O L I T I O N — Kitchens, Bathrooms, Basements, Decks, Sheds, etc. JUNK REMOVAL—Furniture, Appliances, Carpeting WE CAN RIP OUT, REMOVE OR TAKE APART ANYTHING OR EVERYTHING IN YOUR HOME OR ON YOUR PROPERTY. Residential & Commercial Call: 516-538-1125 WELLINGTON MASONRY & CONTRACTING EXPERTS Driveways, Blacktop, Patios, Stoops, Concrete, Pavers, Brick Work, Retaining Walls, Stone Work, Sidewalks & Curbs. Financing Available wellingtonmasonry.com Call: Andrew: 516-659-1003 Frank: 516-316-5560

HEALTH SERVICES FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC Dr. Ann Marie D’Angelo PMHCNS-BC Doctor of Nursing Practice Advanced Practice Nurse Care Manager Assistance with Aging at Home /Care Coordintion Nursing Home & Assisted Living Placement PRI / Screens / Mini Mental Status Exams Medicaid Eligibility and Apllications 516-248-9323 w w w. f a m i l yc a r e c o n n e c tions.com 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530

Call 294.8900

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING Plastering, Taping, Sheetrock Skim Cutting, Old Wood Refinish, Staining, Wallpaper Removal & Hanging, Paint Removal, Power Washing, Wood Replacement JOHN MIGLIACCIO Licensed & Insured #80422100000 Call John anytime: 516-901-9398 (Cell) 516-483-3669 (Office)

A staple summer side dish with a fresh and tasty twist

Potato Salad With New Potatoes, Zucchini, Olives, and Almond Pesto

PROFESSIONAL PAINTER Interior/Exterior Repairs, Spackle, Wallpaper, Mouldings & More! Clean & Dependable Free Estimates Licensed & Insured #H0106110000 CALL SAL TODAY! 516-343-2152

SERVICES AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-833-323-0160 PEST CONTROL: PROTECT 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!

Let our Service Directory help you find the right company for the job!

Hot dogs and hamburgers garner a lot of attention at a backyard barbecue. But there’s more to backyard gatherings with family and friends than hot dogs and hamburgers, as hosts and guests alike know that various side dishes also are staples of summertime get-togethers. Homemade side dishes can up the ante at backyard barbecues, particularly when such

gatherings are potluck affairs. While store-bought sides can suffice, preparing foods at home allows cooks to experiment with ingredients. Potato salad is a backyard barbecue staple, and this recipe for “Potato Salad With New Potatoes, Zucchini, Olives, and Almond Pesto” from Lines+Angles offers a fresh and tasty twist to this popular side dish. Makes 4 servings

For the pesto: 3 cups basil, leaves only 1⁄2 cup whole blanched almonds 1⁄2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt 1⁄2 cups extra-virgin olive oil

For the salad: 1 3⁄4 pounds new potatoes 2 zucchinis, halved and sliced 1 1⁄4 cups black olives, pitted 1 small handful basil, leaves only Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper

1) For the pesto: Combine the basil leaves, almonds, Parmesan, garlic and salt in a food processor. 2) Blend on high until broken down and finely chopped. Scrape down the sides of the

processor if needed. 3) Continue to blend on a low setting, drizzling in the olive oil through the feeder spout until the pesto comes together. Adjust seasoning to taste and chill until needed.

Friday, August 28, 2026

CLASSIFIEDS

Friday, August 28, 2026

CLASSIFIEDS

Call 294.8900

Friday, August 28, 2026

SERVICE DIRECTORY GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Call 294.8900

MASONRY

CUSTOM FRAMING

Family Owned & Operated | Fully Insuredd

CJM Contracting Inc.

Specializing in General Contracting, Including Churches & Cathedrals ALL RENOVATIONS, EXPERT LEAK REPAIRS Bathrooms • Kitchens • Basements • Carpentry Roofing • Flat Shingle • Attics • Masonry Stoops • Brickwork • Waterproofing • Pointing Windows • Power Washing • Painting FREE ESTIMATES • LICENSED & INSURED • SMALL JOBS WELCOME

CHRIS MULLINS (516) 428-5777

LIC. #H18C602000 Liability, Disability & W/C INS.

WINDOW TREATMENTS

Two Nassau Blvd Garden City, N.Y.

Contracting LLC

516-538-4503

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

MASONRY • PAVING • CONCRETE 516.850.4886 WWW.BOCESKI.COM PAINTING/POWER WASHING

PAINTING PROFESSIONAL PAINTER Interior/Exterior

Clean & Dependable Free Estimates

Licensed & Insured: #H0106110000

*CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS TOP BRANDS AT DISCOUNT PRICES* WE BRING THE SHOWROOM TO YOU FREE CONSULTATION

516-426-2890

WWW.MADEINTHESHADENSLI.COM

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

Repairs, Spackle, Wallpaper, Mouldings & More! Clean & Dependable Free Estimates Licensed and Insured #H0106110000

Please call Sal today! (516) 343-2152

CUSTOM FRAMING

JACK’S CUSTOM FRAMING Over 30 Years in Business We can frame anything! Quality Care & Workmanship Thousands of frames to choose from

516-775-9495 92 Covert Ave., Stewart Manor HOURS: Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 @jacks_custom_framing jackmccullough@me.com

PAINTING & WALLPAPER est. 1978

Interior and Exterior • Plaster/Spackle Light Carpentry • Decorative Moldings Power Washing 516-385-3132 New Hyde Park

Sweeney Custom Painting and CARPENTRY

• INTERIOR / EXTERIOR • B. Moore Paints • Power Washing • Dustless Sanding Vacuum System • Taping • Spackling • Plaster Removed • New Drywall

516-884-4016 Lic# H0454870000

DEMOLITION AND JUNK REMOVAL

MASONRY & CONTRACTING EXPERTS Family Owned & Operated Since 1992 Serving All of Nassau County, Suffolk County, and NYC

Our Professional Services

• Pavers • Brick Work • Retaining Walls • Stone Work • Sidewalks & Curbs

Financing Available • Monthly Payment Options • 60-Second Pre-Qualification • Doesn’t Affect Credit Score

Call Andrew: (516) 659-1003 Call Frank: (516) 316-5560

wellingtonmasonry.com NYC License #213379 • Nassau County #204667 Suffolk County #HI-73174

516-328-7499 Licensed & Insured

PAINTING/POWER WASHING

MASONRY

• Driveways • Blacktop • Patios • Stoops • Concrete

www.MpaintingCo.com

Do You Have a Service To Advertise? Litmor Publications publishes the ads of service providers in our Classifieds, Professional Guide and Service Directory. A 6-week agreement brings your specialty or service to the attention of the community. Let us begin listing you in our next Issue.

For More Info & Rates, Call Nancy 516.294.8900

Advertising in the Professional Guide is only open to N.Y.S. Licensed Professionals.

DEMOLITION OF Kitchens - Bathrooms - Basements - Garages - Decks - Sheds Fences - Awnings - Pools - Patios - Playsets Gazebos - Concrete Stoops - Patios - Walkways Gutter Cleaning - Power Washing Yard Cleanups - Small Tree Removal - Land Clearing JUNK REMOVAL Furniture - Appliances - Carpeting Any or All Household Items Construction Debris-Garbage Entire Contents of Home or Office Complete Cleanouts of Home, Office Storefront, Basement, Attic, Garage, Shed $25 Off With This Ad

WE CAN RIP OUT, REMOVE OR TAKE APART ANYTHING OR EVERYTHING IN YOUR HOME OR ON YOUR PROPERTY WE CLEAN IT UP AND TAKE IT AWAY

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Family Owned in Business Since 1999

FREE ESTIMATES

LICENSED & INSURED

516-538-1125

220 South Service Road, Roslyn Heights, NY 11557

Call 294.8900 LAWN SPRINKLERS

ROOFING

• System Turn-Ons • Backflow Device Tests • Free Estimates • Installation • Service/Repairs

CARPENTRY

Sweeney Custom Carpentry and PAINTING

New Doors Crown Molding Old Plaster Removed Window Molding New Drywall Installed Base Molding Picture Frame Molding Rotted Wood Replaced

Joe Barbato (516) 775-1199

516-884-4016 Lic# H0454870000

JUNK CAR BUYERS

NO KEYS! NO TITLE! NO PROBLEM!

WE BUY JUNK CARS & TRUCKS

FREE SAME DAY REMOVAL • 7-DAY / 24 HOUR • FREE PICK-UP CALL OR TEXT NOW

(516) 497-8898 TOP $$ PAID FOR YOUR CAR OR TRUCK

WWW.JUNKCARBUCKS.COM

PROFESSIONAL GUIDE

Get the news everyone’s reading!

Stay informed about your community with a weekly subscription to our newspaper. With current events, announcements, restaurant reviews, puzzles, and much more, there’s always something for everybody to enjoy! The Garden City News • Bethpage Newsgram Jericho-Syosset News Journal • Syosset Advance The Mid-Island Times & Levittown Times Floral Park Villager

Litmor Publishing Your Community, Your Newspaper (516) 294-8900

Call 294.8900

Professional Services Guide

HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT

Family Care Connections, LLC

• Nurse Geriatric Care Manager • Assistance with Aging at Home • Assisted Living & Nursing Home Placement • Elder Care Consulting & Counseling • Medicaid Application & Consulting Services • Real Estate & Housing Options for Aging

Nassau (516) 248- 9323

Queens (718) 470- 6300

Dr. Ann Marie D’AngeIo, DNP, PMHCNS Dr. Frank G. D’Angelo, JD, Ph.D, M.Div

901 Stewart Ave., Ste. 230 • Garden City, NY 11530 www.FamilyCareConnections.com

ATTORNEY

D’Angelo Law Associates, PC Stephanie A. D’Angelo, Esq.

Your Trusts & Estates Attorney • Wills & Trusts • Estate Administration • Estate Planning • Asset Protection • Elder Law • Probate • Real Estate Nassau (516) 222-1122

Queens (718) 776-7475

901 Stewart Ave., Ste 230 • Garden City, NY 11530 www.DangeloLawAssociates.com

Call 516-294-8900 and let us begin listing you in our Professional Guide. Deadline is Monday, 12 Noon.

11 Friday, August 28, 2026

SERVICE DIRECTORY

T:9.83" Friday, August 28, 2026

THE MOST #1 RANKED SPECIALTIES IN THE U.S. And the most specialties ranked in the top 10 in the U.S.* Diabetes & Endocrinology

Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery

Gastroenterology & GI Surgery

Orthopedics

Rehabilitation

Pulmonology & Lung Surgery

Psychiatry

Urology

Rheumatology

Geriatrics

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Better health starts with a better health system.

Learn more about what makes us #1 *2026-2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals, our rankings reflect data from: Tisch Hospital, Kimmel Pavilion, NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn, NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island. Four-way tie for the most #1 national rankings; two-way tie for the most top 10 national rankings.

T:11.3"

Neurology & Neurosurgery