Issuu

Friday, August 7, 2026

Vol. 86, No. 32

SERVING PLAINVIEW, HICKSVILLE, AND LEVITTOWN

Second Annual Senior Health Fair

New York State Senator Steve Rhoads, right, recently hosted his second annual Senior Health Expo and Resource Fair at Levittown Hall. New York State Senator Steve Rhoads welcomed more than 300 seniors to Levittown Hall on Saturday, August 1, for his 2nd Annual Senior Health Expo & Resource Fair, an event dedicated to connecting older adults with valuable services, health resources, and opportunities to stay engaged in the community. The event was buzzing with excitement and energy

as attendees visited more than 40 resource tables featuring organizations offering veterans' services, Medicare assistance, home care resources, grant opportunities, wellness programs, and other essential support. Seniors also took advantage of free blood pressure screenings, enjoyed complimentary refreshments, live music, bingo, trivia, cornhole, giant Jenga, crosswords, and

fellowship throughout the day. Senator Rhoads' office also hosted a Tech Help Table, where interns assisted seniors with smartphones, tablets, and other devices by answering questions, giving safety tips, and helping them navigate everyday technology with greater confidence. Two featured presentations were well received, including See page 6

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Poet laureate to appear at library Open Mic series The Hicksville Open Mic series returns on Sunday, August 10, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hicksville Public Library, welcoming poetry lovers, writers, and storytellers for an evening of creativity and community. The evening will feature a special guest appearance by Kristen Lee, the Teen Poet Laureate of Nassau County, whose work has earned recognition for her powerful voice. Lee is a rising senior at Herricks High School and will hold the title for one year. Lee will headline the event by reading a set of poetry before the community open mic. The bi-monthly Open Mic has become a welcoming space for both seasoned performers and first-time participants to share poetry, music, spoken word, and other works in an encouraging atmosphere. Nassau County Poet Laureate Emerita Paula Curci said, "The Hicksville Open Mic is about bringing people together through the arts." Curci is one of the three hosts of the event, which includes Hicksville’s own honored en plain air artist and poet Kirk Larsen and Dr Robert Windorf, an award-winning writer and educator. The event is free and open to the public. Audience members are encouraged to attend,

Kristen Lee, the Teen Poet Laureate of Nassau County and performers are invited to participate in the open mic following Kristen Lee's featured presentation or participate as active listeners. Registration for the event on the Library’s event calendar is encouraged; sign up for the open mic is on arrival. The Hicksville Public Library is located at 169 Jerusalem Avenue, Hicksville. The event is free and open to the public. To pre-register please go to https://hicksvillelibrary. libcal.com/event/15269399

Campers make most of science PAGE 4 Three arrested for drugs, weapons PAGE 3

Friday, August 7, 2026

This Week at the Art exhibit planned for Syosset Public Library Jericho Public Library Friday, August 7, at 10:00 a.m.

Simply Stronger with Balance (VIRTUAL) Instructor: Mindy Vasta Handheld weights, resistance bands and balls will help improve strength, flexibility, and coordination. Includes a balance segment to enhance posture, core strength, and proper alignment of muscle groups. Exercises can be performed sitting or standing. Equipment recommended but not required. Registration needed. Register at syossetlibrary.org. The Zoom link will be sent out once you register.

Tuesday, August 11, at 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday Trivia Nights! (At Salute in Plainview) Join us at Salute in the Plainview Shopping Center and get ready to put your wits to the test and your drinks to the side (for just a second) – it’s bar trivia night! Your chance to flex your knowledge, compete with friends, and win epic bragging rights. Whether you’re a pop culture guru, a sports fanatic, or just here for the fun, there’s something for everyone. Grab your team, grab a drink, and let the trivia games begin. Gift card prizes will be given to the first place and second place winners of each round. Registration needed. Register at syossetlibrary.org.

Tuesday, August 11, at 7:30 p.m.

Evening Book Discussion (IN-PERSON) Join Lisa Hollander, Readers’ Services Librarian, for an in-person discussion of the New York Times bestselling novel, “All the Colors of the Dark” by Chris Whitaker. Copies of the book will be available at the Circulation Desk one month before the discussion. No registration needed.

Thursday, August 13, at 2:00 p.m.

Mary Tyler Moore (IN-PERSON) Presenter: Marc Courtade, retired arts director Mary Tyler Moore’s characters challenged gender stereotypes and norms. She is credited with helping to define a new vision of American womanhood. Moore remains a beloved performer, a true legend of television. No registration needed.

Thursday, August 13, at 7:00 p.m.

Writing Workshop: Memoir Writing (VIRTUAL) Presenter: Erin Coughlin, award-nominated writer and producer, and author of “Pop and Fizz’s Double Feature Movie Night Guide” Learn how to develop and strengthen your very own unique, page turning memoir. Find out how to create a purposeful, memorable story that resonates with your target audience. Registration needed. Register at syossetlibrary.org.

Friday, August 14, at 10:00 a.m.

Friday, August 14, at 2:00 p.m.

Movie at the Library (IN-PERSON) Join us for a movie at the library. Check our website for the movie that will be shown. Go to syossetlibrary.org.

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Seascape by Fortunate Anthony. Fortunate is a member of the Soundview Artists Group. The Soundview Artists Group will present an art show at the Jericho Library beginning Saturday, September 5th, and continuing through Wednesday, September 30. There will be a reception held at the Jericho Library on Saturday, September 26 from 2-4 which is open to the public. Soundview Artists is a group of 14 painters who have become friends over the years because of shared passion for beauty and the desire to improve skills as artists. The group attends art league demonstrations, paints outdoors, takes classes and

workshops, and exhibits at libraries. Artist Fortunate Anthony, a member of the group, will also present a solo show at the Jericho Library in October. The exhibit will begin Saturday, October 3, and will continue through Friday, October 30. There will be a reception at the Jericho Library on Saturday, October 10, from 2-4 which is open to the public. The very lovely Nathalie Levin is curator of the Jericho Library and has been an asset to the Jericho community and local artists in every way.

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.

Nassau County Police arrested three men in Jericho after they allegedly were in possession of weapons and illegal drugs on Friday, July 31. According to detectives, Criminal Intelligence Rapid Response Team (CIRRT) officers, observed three men exit their vehicles in the parking lot of 86 Jericho Turnpike. Police say the men then opened a large wooden crate and transferred numerous rifles into their vehicles. After an investigation, police arrested Gilberto Rivera Lopez, 45, of New Cassel, Rudi W. Rivera Lopez, 30, of Central Islip and Manuel Gutierrez Pineda, 33, of New Cassel. Police say that further investigation revealed the men were in possession of a white powdery substance believed to be cocaine, a forged Social Security card, several knives, three machetes and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Gilberto Rivera Lopez is charged with six (6) counts of Failure to Safely

Rudi Rivera Lopez

Manuel Gutierrez Pineda

Gilberto Rivera Lopez

Store Firearms 1st Degree, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 5th Degree, Loitering 1st Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th Degree and Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument 2nd Degree.

Rudi W. Rivera Lopez is charged with four (4) counts of Failure to Safely Store Firearms 1st Degree, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 5th Degree, Loitering 1st Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th

Degree. Manuel Gutierrez Pineda is charged with four (4) counts of Failure to Safely Store Firearms 1st Degree, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 5th Degree, Loitering

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Friday, August 7, 2026

Three arrested on drug, weapons charges

Friday, August 7, 2026

Campers make most of science at STEM 2026 Camp

Students enjoyed learning about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics during the Levittown's School District's STEM Camp. BY GARY SIMEONE It was another great summer at the STEM Camp 2026 in the Levittown School district as campers enjoyed two full weeks of engaging and fun educational activities. The camp, which ran from July 13th–24th at the Wisdom Lane Middle School, engaged students in inventive engineering, space-related and other intriguing activities including ‘Battle of the BOTS’ and ‘Blast Off Builders.’ The camp directors were Siobhan Schneider (4th grade teacher Abbey Lane School) and Kevin McDermott, who is Director of Science and Technology for the Levittown school district. Schneider said that there were approximately 120 campers from the Levittown school district who attended

the camp. “The campers who were in the third to eighth grade level rotated between multiple exploratory activities and fun engaging games throughout the day,” said Schneider. “We had eighteen Levittown staff members and fifty five high school volunteers who helped put together and run the activities.” The daily activities were broken up between grade levels from grades 3-5 and grades 6–8 who engaged in a variety of activities throughout the camp session. There were five different sets of activities that the third to fifth graders participated including Attraction: Sparks & Space, Blastoff Builders, Space Sprouts, Lunar Landing and a variety of funfilled outdoor games. “In our Lunar Landing STEM chal-

The kids enjoyed outdoor activities as well as classroom challenges. lenge, students designed and built a spacecraft that let their eggstronaut land safely without cracking,” said Schneider. “This activity allowed them to perform experiments and gain hands on experience that introduce the concepts of gravity, force and inertia.” The other activity she said was a popular feature was the Space Sprouts, where campers became NASA-inspired engineers whose mission it was to grow food on Mars. “Throughout the week they investigated how to keep plants warm, conserve water and protect crops from Martian dust storms while designing and testing their own Mars plant’s habitat.” There were four key activities in the 6th–8th grade level including Battle of the Bots, Innovative Engineering,

STEM Challenge of the Day and outdoor games. The campers showed a strong interest in the Innovative Engineering session, where they designed and constructed water-bottle rockets that were blasted off unit the sky at the end of the week. In the STEM Challenge of the Day, students used their engineering skills to help a space alien turkey make a safe landing. “Students were allowed to work independently or as a team to explore the concepts of gravity as they designed and tested and improved upon a device that slowed their turkey’s descent from a designated height while meeting the challenges criteria and constraints,” said Schneider.

Legislator supports Jericho Cares drive Nassau County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker (D – Plainview) invites community members to support Jericho Cares’ fifth annual back-to-school drive – an event through which the not-for-profit organization is seeking to raise $15,000 to provide new sneakers for deserving local students in our region.

Jericho Cares was launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, and since that time, the 501c (3) organization has formed a network of volunteers to aid families in need by providing clothing, food and other basic supplies. They also help families celebrate birthdays and holidays and have grown to serve families within a 20-mile radius

of Jericho. “The fact that Jericho Cares has already raised more than 60 percent of their $15,000 goal is not just a testament to the tremendous generosity of our neighbors, but a tribute to this incredible organization’s passion for making a positive impact,” Deputy Minority Leader Drucker said. “I’m proud to

Attention students!

support Jericho Cares in their latest endeavor – one that will ensure young students will step into a new school year with confidence and ready to succeed.” Individuals interested in donating can do so at https://jerichocares.networkforgood.com/projects/302727-2026back-to-school-drive .

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Hicksville Water Conservation Poster Contest

Friday, August 7, 2026

The Hicksville Water District (HWD) recently held an awards ceremony to celebrate the 39 winners of the District’s 2026 Water Conservation Poster Contest. An annual tradition in the District, the poster contest is held for elementary students in the Hicksville Public School District, Holy Family School and Trinity Lutheran School. Students create posters on which they illustrate ways in which they and their families can conserve water around their homes. It serves as a great way to foster an appreciation for protecting the community’s water source within local youth as we move into peak water use season and far beyond. “Our annual water conservation poster contest is one of our favorite traditions at the Hicksville Water District,” said HWD Chairman William Schuckmann. “Water is our

L E G A L

N O T I C E S

Hicksville Water District Chairman William Schuckmann (sixth from back left), Commissioner Karl Schweitzer (fourth from back left), Commissioner Nicholas Brigandi (fifth from back left), Superintendent Paul Granger (third from back left), and Treasurer Vincent Abbatiello (third from back right) celebrated the 39 winners of the 2026 Water Conservation Poster Contest. most precious resource, and it is incredibly important that we conserve it today and far into the future. Events like this help us bring this message to Hicksville’s future leaders, making us more confident than ever that our water is in good hands for years to come.” Hundreds of posters were submitted to the District this year, making the 2026 contest the most popular yet. With the so many submissions to choose from, these winners represent the very best of the best:

Kindergarten and First Grade

• Sarah Ahmed, Woodland Avenue Elementary • Zoya Owais, Burns Avenue Elementary • Oliver Kara, East Street Elementary • Jacob Maldonado Hernandez, Old Country Road Elementary

• Ava Murphy, Trinity Lutheran School • Eve Bailey, Holy Family School • Simrat Nanda, Lee Avenue Elementary • Parta Loxha, Dutch Lane Elementary

Second Grade

• Zunayrah Ahmad, Burns Avenue Elementary • Andrew Sun, East Street Elementary • Arnika Kajamugan, Old Country Road Elementary • Sofie Gosal, Trinity Lutheran School • Genesis Nasir, Holy Family School • Austin Leonardo, Lee Avenue Elementary • Darai Sagastizado, Dutch Lane Elementary •

Third Grade

Carissa Albano, Burns

Avenue Elementary • Zaviyar Ghori, Woodland Avenue Elementary • Tessa Carroll, East Street Elementary • Daniela Jimenez Garcia, Old Country Road Elementary • Michael Benny, Fork Lane Elementary • Sydney Cuadra, Trinity Lutheran School • Haley O’Connor, Holy Family School • Jesslyn James, Lee Avenue Elementary • Manveer Kaur, Dutch Lane Elementary

Fourth Grade

• Harjaap Singh, Burns Avenue Elementary • Michael Ross, East Street Elementary • Abigail Alas Lopez, Old Country Road Elementary • Eman Bangush, Fork

Lane Elementary • Skyler O’Mara, Trinity Lutheran School • Declan Butler, Holy Family School • Sehaj Nanda, Lee Avenue Elementary • Bora Loxha, Dutch Lane Elementary

Fifth Grad

e • Manreet Kaur, Burns Avenue Elementary • Thaira Loarte Melgarejo, East Street Elementary • Mia Colindres Obanda, Old Country Elementary • Mehdi Syed, Trinity Lutheran School • Annabella Razzano, Holy Family School • Hazel Jimenes, Lee Avenue Elementary • Victoria DeTiberus, Dutch Lane Elementary

Second Annual Senior Health Fair From page 1 an interactive tai chi demonstration highlighting its many health benefits and an informative estate planning seminar. Together, they provided participants with practical information, valuable insights, and tools to better prepare for the future. "Our seniors have spent a

lifetime building our communities, and they deserve every opportunity to age with dignity, independence, and confidence," said Senator Rhoads. "This Expo was designed to be a one-stop shop where seniors could access important health screenings, connect with resources and services, learn about programs available to them, receive technology assis-

tance, and enjoy a day of fun and fellowship with friends and neighbors. Seeing more than 300 seniors come together for a day of learning, laughter, and connection was truly inspiring. Ensuring our seniors have access to the support, services, and information they need— and deserve—will always be one of my top priorities. Thank you to every organization,

volunteer, and attendee who helped make this event such a tremendous success. We look forward to making next year's Expo even bigger and better." Senator Rhoads also thanked the dozens of community organizations, healthcare providers, nonprofit partners, and volunteers whose participation made the event possible.

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Terrific Kids at Lee Road School

Grand opening

Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti (seventh right) and Town Clerk Kate Murray (third right) congratulated Lee Road Elementary School students Caleb Lineman, Kennedy Gunnip, Luke Marino-Barnett, Joanna Guan, Emma Mergel, Adam Murgoci, Brianna Greco, Scarlett Cippoletti, Averie Santo, and Bryden Mateiko as they were named “Terrific Kids” by the Levittown Kiwanis. Also attending were Levittown Kiwanis President Linda Crozier and members Pat Carney, Mary Murphy Schmidt, Phyllis Camillone, and Diana Mortagua; Principal Jami Anspach; Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance Michael Fabiano; and Nassau County Legislator Kayla Knight.

Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti (left) greeted owner Harry Singh during the grand opening of Bolla Market, located on Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown, on June 25.

Blood drive planned for August 13 With hospitals facing a nationwide blood shortage, the Town of Oyster Bay invites residents to attend a Blood Collection Drive on Thursday, August 13, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Town Hall North, located at 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay. Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh stated, “Blood supplies are critically needed for local hospitals to meet the demand and continue saving lives. Please consider participating in this Blood Drive to help bolster our blood

banks and ensure as many people as possible can be helped. Together, we can give the gift of life though a simple blood donation.” Appointments are preferred for the Town’s Blood Drive. To qualify as a donor, a person must be between the ages of 17 and 75 years old (16 with parental permission and 76 or older with a doctor’s note), weigh at least 110 pounds and not have donated blood within the last 56 days. Anyone who received a tattoo within the past three

months is ineligible to donate. It is recommended that donors eat well (low fat) and drink fluids in the days before the Blood Drive. All donors will receive a voucher for a free Blizzard at Dairy Queen, and donors who enter their email addresses will receive two free New York Islanders tickets via email one week after the donation drive. Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino added, “It’s quick, easy, and safe to donate a single pint of blood which can save up to three lives. Donating blood is

an incredible way for all of us to pitch in and give back, to help ease the burden of our Healthcare Heroes as they continue to provide lifesaving efforts.” For additional information regarding the Town’s Blood Drive, contact (516) 624-6380. To make an appointment to donate at this Blood Drive, sign up today at www.oysterbaytown.com/ blooddrive.

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1 Friday, August 7, 2026 Discovery

August 7, 2026

Biking the Katy Trail: From Cliffside Pictographs to the Stirring ‘Social History of Missouri’ Mural BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM Day 3 of our six-day Wilderness Voyageurs Katy Trail bike tour 240miles across Missouri is the most scenic, most interesting, easiest ride, and the most dramatic for what we see. The day starts with pictographs left by the Indigenous people who populated this place for centuries before Lewis & Clark or Daniel Boone ever laid their eyes on this land, and ends with a mirror held up to Missourians, at the State Capital building where we see Thomas Hart Benton’s stirring “Social History of Missouri” mural. The 38.7 miles we ride from Rocheport to Jefferson City (Missouri’s capital), is almost entirely flat – a mere158 ft rise, 200 ft. decline. It also turns out to be my favorite part of the Katy Trail – much of it has gorgeous limestone cliffs and forest on one side and views of the Missouri River on the other. We set out from the base of the 200foot high limestone Manitou Bluffs that towers above the bike trail. They were once sacred to Native American tribes and we spot remnants of pictographs. They are easy to miss, but I am intent to find them (look for the marker that gives the description). What you do see most prominently is the symbol that looks like the Nike swoosh. A short distance further, we veer off the Katy Trail for a quarter of a mile to see The Big McBaine Burr Oak Tree. The largest burr oak tree in Missouri, it is 287-inches around, 90 feet tall with a 13-foot spread, and 350-400 years old. Coming into Jefferson City, we

Ryan Clearwater, chief of staff to Missouri’s Speaker of the House, gives us a tour of Thomas Hart Benton’s mural, “A Social History of the State of Missouri” © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com leave the Katy Trail onto a spur and bike up an extraordinary spiraling ramp onto the bridge over the Missouri River. Jefferson City, population 42,838, is the most urban part of our ride – and having just come from such rural areas on the protected carless rail trail, it is a bit of culture shock to be riding on city streets. Once we are settled into the Marriott Courtyard Hotel (the only chain hotel of our trip), our guide James Oerding offers to drive us to the State Capital Building, encouraging us to seek out the Thomas Hart Benton Murals that wrap around the walls of the House Members’ Lounge. “A Social History of the State of Missouri,” Thomas Hart Benton’s famous mural, is more of an indict-

ment than a glorification of Missouri’s history. It was 1934, in the midst of the Great Recession, when Benton got the $16,000 commission - “a prince’s ransom” at the time, equivalent to $300,000 today and more money than the governor earned. Completed in December 1936, the state legislators immediately regretted having commissioned it and even considered painting it over, but feared humiliating defeats if they admitted their misjudgment. The story of this extraordinary mural is being related to us by the Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House, Ryan Clearwater, who we chanced to ask if we can visit when we find House Members Lounge locked. Instead of noble figures, Benton showed ordinary men and women

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

who built Missouri, using real Missourians including his own family, as models for the 200 figures. He also showed its villains. Instead of noble deeds and historic events, it depicts slaves being whipped and auctioned; a trader giving whiskey to an Osage Indian; a Mormon being tarred and feathered; a settler being lynched; Huck Finn and runaway slave Jim; Jesse James robbing a bank, and Frankie shooting Johnny, who did her wrong. Scenes depict Missouri’s transition from frontier to factories, the Civil War to the Great War; people struggling during the Great Depression. The last scene, In the bottom corner, portrays Tom Pendergast, at the time the state’s powerful political boss. Then two years after the mural was done, Pendergast went to federal prison for corruption. Benton came back to make some changes. “Benton put Pendergast in the mural to let every representative and senator and the public know how some got into office,” Clearwater remarks. “The mural got mixed reviews slavery, tar and feathering, lynching, murder, robbery,” Clearwater notes with an air of understatement. “They had wanted history. When it was unveiled, they talked about painting it over. But they had spent $16,000 and felt they wouldn’t get reelected, so they said, ‘We should learn from past.’” Wilderness Voyageurs, Ohiopyle, PA, 15470, 800-2724141, wilderness-voyageurs.com. ________________________________ © 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved.

Discovery Friday, August 7, 2026

S T A R G A Z E R S

The Perseids Are Coming! BY DENNIS MAMMANA Week of Aug. 9-15, 2026 August has become one of my favorite months for several reasons. For one thing, the blistering heat of the desert where I live is nearing an end. Thankfully! Another reason is that the Milky Way appears to arch beautifully overhead after dark. And finally, I get to watch one of the two best meteor showers of the year as it reaches its peak this month. I’m referring, of course, to the famous Perseid meteor shower. It’s been a couple of years since we’ve had a Perseid display without interference from bright moonlight, so I’m especially looking forward to this one. The Perseid shower occurs each August when the Earth slams into dusty debris expelled by the ancient Comet Swift-Tuttle. As this cometary litter falls into our upper atmosphere, it is incinerated and produces the phenomena we know as meteors (aka “shooting stars” or “falling stars”). Most meteors are specks of interplanetary dust (known as “meteoroids”) no larger than a grain of sand. They slam into our atmosphere at more than 100,000 miles per hour and are extinguished in a dramatic burst of light. When this happens, we call it a “meteor.” The Perseid shower can produce as many as one or two meteors every minute. So when and where should we look? The “when” part is easy to answer: Astronomers expect this year’s shower to reach its peak during the predawn

Perseid meteor shower is expected to peak during the predawn hours of Thursday, Aug. 13. hours of Thursday, Aug. 13. Where to look is another matter altogether. Meteors will appear to fall all around the sky, but if you watch carefully and trace their paths backward, you’ll discover that most appear to radiate from one general area in the sky.

This spot is known as the shower’s “radiant” and is often named for the constellation against which it appears. That’s why this month’s shower is known as the Perseids; its radiant lies in the constellation of Perseus. Any meteors that seem to come from elsewhere are called “sporadic” meteors and are flecks of dust not part of the Swift-Tuttle swarm. To get the best view, drive away from city lights to the mountains, deserts or countryside. No equipment is required; all you need to enjoy the sky show is your eyes, but binoculars could be helpful to check out long smoke trails left behind by any exploding fireballs. You may also wish to take a lawn chair or sleeping bag, and a blanket or hot chocolate to keep warm -- yes, even in the summer -- so you can gaze skyward comfortably. Your biggest challenge will be just to stay awake! Can’t we go out during the evening to watch the show? Of course, but we won’t see much. Since the Earth is plowing into this cloud of dusty debris, our best view of the shower usually comes when we’re peering out the Earth’s “front window,” and that occurs just before dawn. Few sights are as thrilling as the fiery spectacle known as a meteor, and one of them is enjoying a shower of them. I hope you’ll make the effort this week to get away from city lights to enjoy one of nature’s most amazing spectacles: the Perseid meteor shower. Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com. . COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM

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

A Stinky Time in the Suburbs BY TRACY BECKERMAN In the time that we’ve lived in the ‘burbs, we’ve had a veritable parade of icky insecty things cavorting through our home. There were the things with a million legs that crawled up our bathtubs, the infestation of little black ants that marched through our kitchen, the termites that lunched on our wood deck, the Japanese beetles that stopped to smell my roses and then ate them, and a recent cave cricket reunion we hosted in our basement. None of these, however, were nearly as delightful as our new guests: the stink bugs. The first time I saw one, I had no idea what it was. Whatever they were, they were all over the house, and unlike most other bugs, these seemed to be in no hurry to go anywhere. They just meandered around the house like they owned the place. Since they weren’t contributing to the mortgage, my feeling was that they had no right to be there. Not sure what I was dealing with, I took a picture and emailed it to the pest control people.

“Looks like a stink bug,” said the pest guy. “That’s a weird name,” I said. “Why are they called that?” “’Cuz they stink,” he said. “Excuse me?” “When they get scared, they let out this stuff that stinks.” “Oh, like a skunk?” I asked. “Yeah, but worse,” he commented. “How could it be worse? It’s a little bug.” “Trust me,” he said. “Don’t scare them and don’t squash them. They stink if you squash them too.” I was beside myself. The pest people said they really didn’t have anything that would get rid of the stink bugs without killing off my family and half of the state too. I would have to tiptoe around my house to make sure I didn’t sneak up on any stink bugs and scare them or step on them. The problem is, I’m a bug squealer. When I see a bug, I squeal. I can’t help it. I come from a long line of bug squealers. It’s in my genes. The kids think it’s a riot. Whenever they hear me shriek, they announce, “There’s mom’s bug

yell. She must have seen a bug.” So, clearly if I saw a stink bug and shrieked, it would scare the bug, and he would stink. It was a stinky situation. Fortunately, after a while I got used to seeing them around the house, and I was able to curb my impulse to shriek. But I couldn’t help being nervous that I would accidentally step on one or inadvertently do something to scare it, and then my whole house would reek. I lived in perpetual fear of setting off the stink bug. Of course, I had never actually smelled the stink bug, and after a month of tiptoeing around them, curiosity finally got the best of me. One day when I spotted one strolling across the hallway, I scooped it up with a paper towel and took it outside. Then I pinched my nose and squashed it. It smelled ... like ... nothing. I un-pinched my nose and inhaled. More nothing. Either I got a defective stink bug, or it wasn’t a stink bug after all. “We have been living in fear for nothing,” I told my husband. “The stink bug is an imposter. It’s just some stupid beetle.”

He laughed. “Well, that stinks.” 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

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3 Friday, August 7, 2026 Discovery

W R I T E R’S C O R N E R

When a book club isn’t just reading, it’s fun, too BY CLAIRE LYNCH We read John Steinbeck’s “Travels with Charley: In Search of America” at a recent book club meeting and we had an interesting lively discussion. Published in 1962, Steinbeck left his home in Sag Harbor in September 1960 with just his French poodle named Charley and a camper that he had custom outfitted for his drive around the country. Taking a ferry from Suffolk County to New London, Connecticut, Steinbeck headed to Maine. Initially Steinbeck explains why he set out on this journey - a 10,000-mile road trip - and how he got ready. Part Two records the journey of Steinbeck and Charley as they traveled throughout Connecticut, to Deerfield, Mass., to Deer Isle, Maine and to Vermont. He said just outside of Bangor, Maine, he saw the sky in brilliant “colors of rose and lavender and purple” while observing the “frost-sharpened stars” shining directly through the lights. He’d witnessed the aurora borealis and was in awe of it. In Part Three, Steinbeck and Charley head west to Chicago, continue through the Midwest and on to the Pacific Northwest. On this road trip Steinbeck wanted to see and feel the landscape of America. Heading down to California for a visit in his hometown of Salinas, he reconnects with family and friends. Throughout his journey Steinbeck says Charley is an ice-breaker in striking up conversations with strangers. In Part Four, Steinbeck heads back to Long Island by way of Texas and Louisiana. The book has its funny moments plus its serious critiques of American culture and our changing society.

He won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1940 for “The Grapes of Wrath” and in 1962 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. Steinbeck is also well known for writing “Of Mice and Men” which was published in 1937. It later was made into a film. My friend, Lisa, suggested that we read “Theo of Golden” because it’s a different kind of story that personifies simple acts of kindness. Author Allen Levi self-published this book in 2023 and because so many people were talking about it, a big publisher issued “Theo of Golden” in 2025. Lisa told the group that the story is about Theo, an older widower who moves to small town Golden, Ga., and finds several portraits of locals hanging on a wall at the local coffee shop. He’s fascinated by all 92 of these drawings and asks if he can give each drawing to the person it belongs to. The coffee shop owners says yes and Theo goes about delivering the drawings. Sitting down and talking with each person, Theo has found a way to meet new people in this town and also finds out a bit of their life stories. He’s making new friends in Golden and connecting in a unique way. Lisa added that author Allen Levi, an Alabama native who was raised in Georgia, is a lawyer who left his job to write and to pursue a career as a singer-songwriter. Even though “Theo of Golden” wasn’t on our reading list for this year, every so often people tell group members about other books they’ve heard about or read recently because they are excited about the story and like to spread the word. Sometimes these books are added to the reading list for the following year

and other times people simply read them on their own. Many individuals are good about sharing something new that’s just come down the pike whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, etc. Even though it’s a bit off the track, it’s always an interesting diversion. Jeff, who’s a newcomer to my book club, said he heard about “All the Sinners Bleed” by S.A. Cosby. It’s about a Black sheriff named Titus Crown in a small town in Virginia who discovers a dark network of religious secrets and serial murders. As he’s investigating this the sheriff has to deal with his own past. Mark explained that this novel, out in 2023, is a crime and thriller book that can get pretty graphic so some people may be hesitant about reading it. The moderator agreed and said if people want to read it on their own, feel free to do so. Mark added that “All the Sinners Bleed” should be on Netflix soon. My friend, Fran, told the group about how she met Mick Jagger at a restaurant in Los Angeles in the 1970s. He was on tour and she was checking out the local hotspots. She bumped into Mick at the bar, they got chatting and they hit it off. She sounded like a groupie when she told Mick how much she loved the Rolling Stones and as Fran went on, some of us smiled hesitantly and raised our eyebrows a bit as Fran told this story. It sounded implausible although you never know. Sure enough Fran laughed and said okay, she was making this up but she has been to Los Angeles and she really does like the Rolling Stones. And she definitely wishes she’d run into Mick Jagger at the restaurant she went to

and liked very much. We all got a good laugh out of Fran’s fabricated story - and vivid imagination - then the moderator told us the next couple of books we’ll discuss in the months ahead. What’s great about book club meetings is it gives people a chance to meet and connect with people in the community they’ve never met before. These groups usually meet at the senior center, at the public library or in a neighbor’s home and they last anywhere from one to two hours. Sometimes people enjoy snacks but at my one-hour meeting we usually skip the snacks and get right to the business of discussing books. We give frank opinions on whether or not the book at hand was good and when someone says the book has been made into a movie, we like that. It’s great seeing a book we enjoyed reading played out as a movie on the big screen. Sometimes we disagree about who the lead characters should be and as we debate the issue, it’s all in good fun.

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

No Secret Code on Social Security Cards BY TOM MARGENAU I’m always amazed by the number of silly and outright dumb rumors about Social Security that are floating around out there. The latest one I’ve heard is the wackiest of them all. It would have you believe that there is a secret code on the back of Social Security cards. And if you can crack it, the Social Security Administration will send you a check for $3,500! You would think this is so preposterous that no one would believe it. And yet I’ve received about a half dozen emails from folks around the country asking me if it’s true. Obviously, it is not. Apparently, some very old Social Security cards did have a couple of symbols on the back of the card that were used as a kind of tracking system by those who printed the cards. But in our wacky world of viral online rumor-mongering, those simple tracking numbers turn into codes to secret stashes of cash the government is trying to hide from you. All of this reminds me of something I’ve written about before. I get a lot of emails from confused and maybe lonely people who are writing to me mostly out of desperation. They are almost always from older senior citizens, folks in their 80s and beyond, who are looking for more money from Social Security. These emails are especially sad, because there is usually nothing I can do for the questioners other than to say just that: “Sorry, but there is really nothing I can do.” Many times, especially when they have questions about their benefit amounts, I refer them to the Social Security Administration. After all, I am just one old retired guy sitting in his basement at a computer without access to anyone’s Social Security records. On the other hand, SSA has tens of thousands of trained employees who have all of your Social Security files at their fingertips. Almost always, when you have a question about your Social Security payments, you are better off going to the SSA than coming to me. Here are some examples of the kinds of emails I am talking about. Q: I am 84. I started taking my Social Security at 62. I have always been convinced I am not being paid correctly. I think I should be getting more. What can you do to help me? A: Sorry, I can’t do anything other than to tell you that it is extremely likely you are being paid the correct amount. The Social Security Administration has an exemplary track record of paying people exactly what they are due. Besides, if you really thought you were being paid incorrectly, the time to do something about it was when your benefits first started. You would have had 60 days to file an appeal of your benefit rate. But now, 22 years later, there is nothing you can do but relax and just accept the very likely fact that you are getting exactly

what you are due. Q: I’m 82 years old and have been getting Social Security for 20 years. I keep hearing that there is some kind of Social Security “do over” for old folks like me. Is that true? A: The only “do over” I can think of is a rule that lets people withdraw their Social Security claim and start over with a new one, but only if they do so within 12 months of filing their original claim. But for anyone beyond that one-year time frame (and you are WAY beyond it) -- sorry, but no “do-overs.” Q: Someone told me you are the “go-to guy” if we want to get an increase in our Social Security. My husband and I are in our 80s and would like to get more money. A: I’m sometimes my wife’s “go-to guy” when she wants little jobs done around the house. But when it comes to getting more from Social Security, I’m just not your guy. In fact, no one is. I’m sure you are getting all you are due from the system. Q: I am 80. I am getting my own Social Security. I was married to a gentleman many years ago for about 20 years before we got a divorce. Do you think I am due anything on his record? A: I’m sorry, but I really don’t have any idea. You need to call Social Security at 800-772-1213 and ask them. It would obviously help if you had your ex-husband’s Social Security number. But even if you don’t, with some other identifying information you probably can provide, they should be able to find his records. I can give you a few bits of general information. If your ex is still alive, you’d be due anywhere between one third and one half of his benefit rate (depending on factors I don’t know about your case), but only to the extent it exceeds what you are already getting on your own Social Security account. If your ex is dead, you could get your benefit supplemented up to 100% of his rate. Q: I am 75. My husband is 76. He gets $1,850 per month. I only get $740. I thought I was supposed to get half of his. What’s wrong? A: There probably is nothing wrong. I’m guessing you started your benefits when you were 62 years old. If you did that, then your spousal rate is closer to a third of his benefit rather than half. And one third of his benefit is about $610, so your own $740 rate exceeds that. If you did wait until age 66 to start your benefits, then I can’t explain why you are not getting more money. If that is the case, then you should call Social Security at 800-772-1213, Q: I am 81. When my husband died last year, they didn’t give me any of his Social Security. Can you tell me why not? A: Without having any access to your Social Security records, I can’t tell you

why you aren’t getting widow’s benefits. But here is a guess. Is your own Social Security benefit rate higher? If it is, then you aren’t due any widow’s benefit because you are already getting more money on your own account. If that doesn’t apply to you, then I don’t know why you are not getting widow’s benefits. Call Social Security at 800772-1213 to find out. 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

The Long Island Market Keeps Proving the Experts Wrong BY PHILIP A. RAICES Every year, someone predicts that this will be the year Long Island’s housing market finally runs out of steam. Every year, the market seems to have other ideas. The second quarter of 2026 was no exception. As we entered the traditional spring selling season, there was no shortage of forecasts suggesting that elevated mortgage rates, affordability concerns, and economic uncertainty would finally cool our local housing market. Instead, what we witnessed between April and June was another reminder that Long Island real estate often follows its own set of rules. The numbers tell the story, but they don’t tell the whole story. Home prices continued climbing throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. Inventory improved modestly compared with the previous year, but not nearly enough to satisfy buyer demand. Well-priced homes continued attracting multiple offers, luxury properties enjoyed another outstanding quarter, and sellers remained firmly in the driver’s seat. Sound familiar? It should. This has become the defining characteristic of Long Island real estate— not simply rising prices, but an imbalance between supply and demand that refuses to go away. In Nassau County, the median sales price climbed to approximately $870,000 during the second quarter, while Suffolk County reached roughly $703,000. Those numbers represented healthy year-over-year gains, but what I find more significant is that they occurred despite mortgage rates remaining well above the historic lows buyers enjoyed only a few years ago. Conventional wisdom says higher interest rates should slow housing markets. On Long Island, conventional wisdom continues to collide with an inconvenient fact: there simply are not enough homes available for sale. I’ve spoken with buyers who have submitted offers on five, six, and even ten homes before finally succeeding. I’ve also spoken with homeowners who would gladly move—but hesitate because doing so means exchanging a mortgage below three percent for one approaching seven percent. That hesitation has created what economists now call the “mortgage lock-in effect.” Homeowners aren’t staying because they necessarily want to remain where they are. Many are staying because financially it makes little sense to leave. Every homeowner who decides

not to list a property becomes one less opportunity for a buyer. The result is a market where even a modest increase in listings still leaves inventory well below historical averages. That’s why more than half of Long Island homes continued selling above asking price during the second quarter. Buyers haven’t disappeared. They’ve simply become more patient, more strategic, and, in many cases, more realistic. Today’s buyers are expanding their search areas, considering homes that need updating, adjusting their wish lists, and understanding that flexibility often wins the day. The luxury market deserves special attention. Some observers assumed higher interest rates would dampen activity at the upper end of the market. Instead, luxury sales remained exceptionally strong throughout Nassau County and the East End. The Hamptons once again demonstrated why they remain one of America’s premier luxury markets, with average sale prices approaching $4.5 million and continued demand from buyers whose purchasing decisions are influenced less by mortgage rates and more by investment performance and lifestyle goals. Luxury buyers continue viewing Long Island as a desirable long-term investment—not simply a place to live. That confidence says something about our market. Of course, every success story has another side. For first-time homebuyers, this remains one of the most challenging markets in decades. Higher home prices. Higher mortgage rates. High property taxes. Those three factors create a difficult equation for young families trying to establish themselves on Long Island. Many continue renting longer than planned. Others receive financial assistance from family members. Some expand their search farther east or even beyond Long Island altogether. These aren’t just statistics. They’re life decisions affecting an entire generation of prospective homeowners. Commercial real estate also provided encouraging signs during the quarter. Office vacancy continued improv-

ing, particularly as healthcare providers expanded throughout the region. The continued conversion of older office buildings into medical facilities, residential developments, and mixed-use projects reflects a broader transformation taking place across Long Island. Our commercial market is adapting rather than declining. Retail properties have also remained remarkably resilient, supported by low vacancy rates and stable consumer demand. Taken together, these trends suggest that Long Island’s real estate economy remains fundamentally healthy. So where do we go from here? I believe the second quarter offered three important lessons. First, inventory—not interest rates—continues to be the single most important factor influencing our housing market. Second, buyers have shown remarkable resilience. They may adjust their expectations, but they have not abandoned the market. Third, Long Island continues benefiting from something that cannot easily be replicated elsewhere: strong communities, excellent schools, proximity to New York City, and an enduring quality of life that continues attracting families, professionals, and investors alike. Those fundamentals matter. Will the market eventually normalize? Probably. Will inventory improve? Eventually. Will appreciation continue at the same pace forever? Almost certainly not. Real estate has always been cyclical. But today’s market is very different from the housing boom that preceded the financial crisis nearly two decades ago. Lending standards remain significantly stronger, homeowners possess substantial equity, and distressed sales remain relatively uncommon. That’s an important distinction that is sometimes overlooked. As we enter the second half of 2026, I expect the market to remain competitive, although perhaps slightly less frenetic than during the extraordinary years immediately following the pandemic. Buyers may enjoy a few more choices. Sellers may need to price a bit more carefully.

But I don’t see evidence of a dramatic correction. Instead, I see what Long Island has demonstrated repeatedly over the past several years—a housing market built upon limited supply, consistent demand, and enduring confidence in the communities we call home. Perhaps that’s the biggest lesson from the second quarter. The experts keep waiting for Long Island’s market to behave like every other market. Long Island keeps reminding us that it rarely does. 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

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Call 294.8900 Add some sweetness to your morning waffles

Coconut Flour Waffles and Coconut Milk with Blueberries

PAINTING & PAPERHANGING 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)

PARTY HELP LADIES & GENTLEMEN RELAX & ENJOY Your Next Party! Experienced Professional Services for Assisting with Preparation, Serving and Clean Up Before, During and After Your Party Call Kate at 516-248-1545

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!

Our Service Directory will get you business from all across Long Island! Call 294-8900 for rates & info.

Breakfast has long been touted as the most important meal of the day. While that may or may not be true, a hearty breakfast is certainly something to enjoy. Weekday mornings might be a bit too busy to enjoy something more complex than a bowl of cereal, but come the weekend, a homemade and hearty break-

fast can make for a great start to a Saturday or Sunday morning. When such an opportunity presents itself, a little something sweet, like this recipe for “Coconut Flour Waffles and Coconut Milk With Blueberries” from Lines+Angles, can make for a great departure from standard weekday breakfasts. Makes 4 servings

For the waffles: 4 large eggs 1 tablespoon maple syrup or coconut sugar 1 pinch salt 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted 1⁄2 cup coconut milk 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1⁄2 cup coconut flour 1⁄4 teaspoon baking powder 1⁄4 cup fresh blueberries, lightly crushed Cooking spray

1) For the waffles: Preheat a waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions. 2) Combine the eggs, sweetener, salt, coconut oil, coconut milk, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl, whisking until thoroughly combined. 3) Add the coconut flour, baking powder, and crushed blueberries, beating well until no longer lumpy. Let stand for 10 minutes. 4) Spray waffle iron with cooking spray. Ladle batter into the

iron and close. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden and crisp. 5) Remove from iron and keep warm to one side, covered loosely with aluminum foil. Cook remaining waffles in the same fashion. 6) To serve: Stack waffles on plates and top with blueberries.

To serve: 1⁄4 cup fresh blueberries

Tip: For a lower carb count, replace the blueberries with blackberries or raspberries.

Love to write?

We’re looking for writers in our community to compose articles on local topics, opinions, reviews, worthy places to visit on Long Island, and even pieces of fiction. We aim to feature at least one new article and writer each week

in our Discovery magazine section. Email submissions: editor@gcnews.com

• Attach article and any photos (1MB), along with your name and contact info. • Articles must be between 1,500 - 3,000 words. • Each writer will be reimbursed a stipend of $25.⁰⁰

Friday, August 7, 2026

CLASSIFIEDS

Friday, August 7, 2026

CLASSIFIEDS

Call 294.8900

Friday, August 7, 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

*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 MASONRY

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

Our Professional Services

• Driveways • Blacktop • Patios • Stoops • Concrete

• 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

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

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 and Rates, Call Nancy 516.294.8900

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

www.MpaintingCo.com

516-328-7499 Licensed & Insured

PAINTING/POWER WASHING

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

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 7, 2026

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Friday, August 7, 2026

Photo Rendering

AVAILABLE | Hicksville | 43 Twinlawns Avenue* $1,650,000 | Web# 1021036

Make Your Move This Summer. Summer can bring new opportunities and fresh beginnings. With multiple properties already sold and under contract, strategic marketing, local expertise, and a proactive approach continue to deliver successful results for clients.

Tamanna Jaggi

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson O 516.921.2262 | M 516.468.8294 tamanna.jaggi@elliman.com | tamannajaggi.elliman.com

AVAILABLE | Hicksville | 145 Bethpage Road | $1,588,000 | Web# 1020956

Platinum Award Recipient, Top 9% of Agents Company-Wide In 2025 3

#18 Agent By Volume | #19 Agent By GCI

Gold Award Recipient, Top 15% of Agents Nationwide in 2023

President’s Circle Award Recipient, Top 16% of Agents Nationwide in 2022 ²

The NYC Journal’s Top 50 Under 50, 2022 **

#2 Agent in Syosset Office, 2021

Long Island Board of Realtors (LIBOR) YPN Top 20 Under 40, 2019

Scan to learn the value of your home

elliman.com

110 WALT WHITMAN ROAD, HUNTINGTON STATION, NEW YORK 11746. 631.549.7401. © 2026 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PROPERTY LISTINGS ARE DEEMED RELIABLE, BUT SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. IF YOUR PROPERTY IS CURRENTLY LISTED WITH ANOTHER REAL ESTATE BROKER, PLEASE DISREGARD THIS OFFER. IT IS NOT OUR INTENTION TO SOLICIT THE OFFERINGS OF OTHER REAL ESTATE BROKERS. WE COOPERATE WITH THEM FULLY. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY .*RANKINGS AT DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE FOR SALES TRANSACTIONS IN 2022 AND 2023.**RANKINGS AT DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE FOR SALES TRANSACTIONS IN 2020. ¹ACHIEVEMENTS BY THE LONG ISLAND BOARD OF REALTORS, INC. (LIBOR) AT THE YOUNG PROFESSIONAL NETWORK (YPN)’S 8TH ANNUAL“20 UNDER 40 RISING STARS IN REAL ESTATE” IN 2019. ²50 OF THE BRIGHTEST DISRUPTORS, THOUGHT LEADERS AND EXPERTS IN THEIR INDUSTRIES BY THE NYC JOURNAL, 2022 3 COMPANY-WIDE AWARD RANKINGS AT DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE FOR 2025.

UNDER CONTRACT | Melville | 3 Blueberry Court $848,000 | Web# 1014108