Mid-Island Times (01/01/21)

HICKSVILLE FIREFIGHTER HONORED

SERVING PLAINVIEW, HICKSVILLE, AND LEVIT TOWN Plainview Hospital doctor receives first dose of COVID vaccine

BY GARY SIMEONE

It was a memorable occasion on Tuesday, December 15 as a doctor at Plainview Hospital was one of the first frontline workers to receive the coronavirus vaccine. Dr. Nicolas Hernandez, a physician who specializes in family medicine, was one of hundreds of Long Islanders who received the initial dose of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The preventative vaccine is meant to be taken in two-dose regimen three weeks apart.

Dr. Hernandez said there were two main reasons he chose to be one of the first people to receive the vaccine.

Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (D - Plainview) joined his Legislature colleagues on Monday, Nov. 23 in congratulating Hicksville Fire Department Lieutenant Andrew Niemczyk and Captain Chris Moskos Jr. for their life-saving response to a recent house fire.

On Monday, Sept. 28, Lieutenant Niemczyk and Captain Moskos rushed to the scene of an early-morning house fire on Sutherland Road in Hicksville. Once on scene, they swiftly

located and rescued a 90-yearold resident who had collapsed in her kitchen. Thanks to their rapid response and assistance from a neighbor who alerted authorities, the resident was

rushed to Nassau University Medical Center for treatment and is on the road to recovery. Fire operations were under the command of Chief of Department Gary Lewis.

Fire at Lutheran Church

A fire damaged the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Levittown on Christmas morning, according to Nassau County Police.

According to police, Eighth Precinct officers responded to a call for a fire at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, located at 2323 Hempstead Turnpike. Upon arrival, police

observed the building was partially engulfed in flames. The building was unoccupied at the time of the fire. No injuries were reported at scene.

The Levittown Fire Department responded and was assisted by several other fire departments including those from Wantagh, East Meadow and Bethpage. Which consisted of

approximately fifteen  pieces of apparatus and 125 firefighters. No criminality is suspected at this time. Investigation is ongoing.

The church, which is almost seventy years old, sustained damage to its attic and extensive smoke and water damage throughout.

“I wanted to have an added layer of protection because of my work here at the hospital, and it was a personal decision to me because I have lost two family members to the virus,” said Dr. Hernandez. Back in March, when the virus was ramping up in New York, Dr. Hernandez and his wife became infected around St Patrick’s Day.

“I had a particularly nasty case with the fever, lethargy and the dry cough. The symptoms lasted for about ten days, and it was the sickest I’ve ever been in my life.” He said that around the same time period, his grandfather, who was in a nearby nursing facility, caught the virus and ended up being transported to the hospital.

“He came to the hospital in April, and we tried doing all we could, but he was an older man in his 80s with underlying health conditions. He died from COVID-19.”

Dr. Hernandez said that in July, his wife’s mother, who had medical conditions herself, caught the virus and died later that month at 59 years of age.

As far as the side effects from the initial dose of vaccine, he said that he hadn’t experienced major symptoms from the injection.

“The first day after I received it, I was little bit woozy, and then I had a bit of body aches and a headache the following two days. My arm was a little sore at the injection site, but two Advils took care or that. By last Thursday, I was feeling pretty good.”

Dr. Hernandez said since he has been vaccinated, the hospital has been working in weekly shifts to vaccinate other frontline workers and emergency staff. He said that seven people were being vaccinated at a time in fifteen-minute intervals.

As far as the new cases of COVID-19 in the hospital, Dr. Hernan-

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Seasons Greetings

To the Editor:

Season’s greetings to all! As this challenging year comes to a close, it is important to reflect on the many lessons we have shared and to highlight how we as a community came together and learned to adapt to our “new normal” – a world categorized by masks, tests, protocols, and an “abundance of caution” under which we have lived for nearly a year.

With unprecedented levels of unemployment not seen since the Great Depression, we were confronted with a new reality characterized by food insecurity, concerns over access to health care, risk of homelessness or foreclosure, remote learning, and isolation. Through it all, we have witnessed unparalleled compassion, generosity, and kindness.

As we contemplate what lies ahead in 2021, I would like to share with you my reflection on some of the most meaningful moments – snapshots of fortitude, bravery, and selflessness in times of adversity – that I have been privileged to share with our community this past year.

Almost immediately after the onset of the pandemic, our selfless, brave first responders, healthcare workers, and essential workers became frontline heroes in battling COVID-19, placing the health and safety of others above that of their own each day. Advanced Cardiovascular Diagnostics worked tirelessly in partnership with my office and many local community organizations to provide numerous opportunities for COVID-19 diagnostic and antibody testing. In recognition of the contributions and sacrifices of our hometown heroes at Plainview Hospital, the Plainview Volunteer Fire Department, the 2nd and 8th Precincts of the Nassau County Police Department, and Central Island Rehabilitation and Nursing, I am proud to have partnered with Northwell Health to rename a portion of Old County Road as “Heroes Way.” No words or deeds will ever adequately express the eternal gratitude our community shares for their commitment and dedication. I am hopeful that this lasting monument will serve not only as a tribute to their heroism but as a comforting reminder to all that in times of crisis, our first responders will always be there, and that together, our community can overcome any hurdles we face.

Tragically, some of our frontline health care workers succumbed to COVID-19.  In an effort to ease the financial burden on their loved ones, I introduced legislation that would defer the payment of real estate taxes until such time as their estate has been legally established. As numbers of those infected with COVID continue to spike, I am hopeful that this legislation will be enacted.

In response to the alarming increase in food insecurity right here in Nassau County, my office partnered with Island Harvest to hold food drives throughout the district to collect thousands of pounds of much-needed food items for donation. None of it would have been possible without the continued generosity of residents who, despite their own personal financial hardships, found ways to keep giving to others in need. Through donations of food and by giving of their time in partnership with Mid Island Y JCC, students and community volunteers also participated in Neighbors Helping Neighbors, responding readily to the growing need to shop for groceries for senior citizens and other immunocompromised individuals.

One of the biggest challenges our community faced was the rapid daily stream of constant, ever-changing information we received. To help keep residents informed, my office partnered with hospitals, local Chambers of Commerce, community centers, and libraries. Offering virtual programs and communicating on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and by email, allowed residents every opportunity to stay in touch and stay informed of critical updates regarding health information for adults and children, financial relief programs, stress management, domestic violence and abuse, all-hazard storm and disaster preparation and tax exemptions. Virtual activities like storytime helped to keep children and families engaged. I encourage anyone who has not already done so to sign up to receive email alerts and follow my office on social media for the latest updates and upcoming virtual events. These methods proved especially helpful during Tropical Storm Isaias, when more than 400 residents requested and received assistance through my office.

During the holiday season, the American Academy of Pediatrics, New York Chapter 2, the Aarti Foundation, Always Orthodontics of Syosset, and MJ Beanz of Plainview helped to support a successful Toys for Toys drive to donate toys to those children whose families, more than ever before, are struggling this year. I am grateful for the generosity and support of the many benevolent residents of our community who made the holidays a bit merrier and brighter at a time when it is needed most. I have been inspired this year by the countless achievements of the resourceful and magnanimous members of my district. Though it will not be possible to recount all of the extraordinary examples of resilience and generosity exhibited by residents of my District, I have been fortunate to witness the mutual passion shared by members of the Jericho community in advocating for the Jericho Family Support Center. No fight is ever easy, but my decision to show compassion and support Nassau County residents in need of a place to call home

was one made with confidence, careful deliberation, and a clear conscience. Access to safe and affordable housing is an inalienable human right.

Throughout Nassau County, many residents live in comfortable, even luxurious, homes while many others residing in neighboring communities cannot afford to do so. This is a clear example of economic disparity in Nassau County. I am proud to have introduced legislation to identify and expose the existence of racial covenants in property deeds, as well as a hotline for reporting housing discrimination, and I will maintain my commitment to socioeconomic and racial equity by continuing to work with the real estate industry to offer education and training on diversity and inclusion.

For the majority of homeowners in Nassau County, challenges persist, and many residents experience difficulty in paying their property taxes. In many cases, residents own homes that are either newly constructed or have undergone significant improvement. Due to a serious flaw in the existing New York State Real Property Tax Law, these properties do not receive exemptions, such as the five-year phase-in, known as the Taxpayer Protection Plan, enacted to blunt the impact of reassessment in Nassau County.  However, Nassau County does not possess the requisite legal authority to enact legislation to change existing exemptions or to enact new exemptions, so I’ve taken my battle to Albany, and I’m going to keep fighting until residents affected by this anomaly receive much-needed relief.

As the new year approaches, the development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines is truly encouraging. However, we must continue to fight this pandemic by wearing face masks whenever we are outside or inside with anyone other than the members of our respective households, maintaining social distancing, washing our hands frequently, and limiting social gatherings.

This coming year, residents can expect to see my continued commitment

to providing the highest possible level of constituent service. To do so, I will continue to provide residents with timely virtual updates by social media, emails, and through virtual programming. Technology is critical in keeping us connected and informed, and as such, I plan to introduce legislation to make the mandatory trainings required of County employees more efficient and cost-effective by mandating virtual options.

As always, I will bear in mind the concerns expressed to me by the residents whom I represent regarding development in our area. I will carefully evaluate these concerns with respect to any project seeking a PILOT tax break from the Nassau County IDA. While the Nassau County Legislature does not award PILOTs, my commitment to the health and safety of all Nassau County residents will remain my top priority.

Though our celebrations may have looked quite different this year, I hope you all enjoyed a Happy Hanukkah, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy Kwanzaa. Most of all, I wish you and your loved ones a safe, healthy, and happy New Year, and I look forward to serving you in 2021.

Arnold W. Drucker (D-Plainview) Nassau County Legislature, 16th District

Telehealth for the New Year

To the Editor:

As we send off 2020 and look ahead to the new year, millions of Americans still wait anxiously in their homes for a bit of holiday cheer. As seniors and lower-income patients in particular continue to quarantine in the hopes of distancing themselves from the spread of COVID-19 in my community, their social and psychological needs largely go unmet. They are among those most unable to connect with their loved ones - to alleviate the stresses that come hand-in-hand with being the populations most vulnerable to

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Afternoons with the Authors

Virtual Author Visit With: Alka Joshi

Debut novelist Alka Joshi joins us to discuss the writing of her 2020 bestselling novel and Reese Witherspoon book club pick “The Henna Artist,” following the journey of 17-year-old Lakshmi as she seeks to find independence in 1950’s Jaipur.

Free. No registration required. Join via Zoom from the link on the Live Streaming Events Calendar - www. syossetlibrary.org/live-streaming

Virtual Author Visit With: Emily Henry

Emily Henry joins us to discuss the writing of her instant New York Times bestselling novel  “Beach Read” (2020) and give us a sneak peek at her forthcoming release  “People We Meet on Vacation” (2021).

Free. No registration required. Join via Zoom from the link on the Live Streaming Events Calendar - www. syossetlibrary.org/live-streaming

Blood drive at Woodbury Jewish Center

Roll up your sleeves during National Blood Donor Month and help save lives on Tuesday, Jan. 12, with Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan (Woodbury) the Woodbury Jewish Center and the Affinity Health Plan by donating blood from 3–9 p.m. at the Woodbury Jewish Center, located at 200 South Woods Road, Woodbury.

“During National Blood Donor Month, we recognize the contributions of so many people that do their part to ensure Nassau County’s blood reserves are safe, secure and plentiful,” Legislator Lafazan said. “There’s no better way to fulfill your New Year’s resolution to give back to the community by visiting the Woodbury Jewish Center and rolling up your sleeve to give the gift of life.”

Eligible donors must have an ID with a signature or a photo, weigh at least 110 pounds, have had no tattoos in the last 12 months and be ages 16-75 years of age (16-year-old donors must have paren-

tal consent. Donors over age 76 must bring a doctor’s note.) O-negative and B-negative donors are especially needed in addition to all other blood types.

In compliance with COVID-19 prevention protocols, donors must wear a face mask or covering; have their temperature taken before donating; and must be 14 days symptom-free if they have recovered from COVID-19. Individuals that are currently observing self-quarantine restrictions or that have tested positive for COVID-19 or experienced symptoms in the last 14 days are not eligible to donate at this time.

Visit https://donate.nybc.org/donor/ schedules/drive_schedule/285838 to schedule a time to donate. Appointments are recommended, and walk-ins will be taken if the drive capacity permits.

For additional information, contact the New York Blood Center at 1-800-9332566 or visit www.nybc.org/coronavirus.

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Alka Joshi Photo by Garry Bailey Emily Henry Photo by Devyn Glista St. Blanc Studios

Syosset schools track rising COVID cases

BY RIKKI N. MASSAND

At the Syosset Central School District board meetings held in November and December, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Thomas Rogers outlined the district’s plans for dealing with rising Covid-19 infection rates. On December 8, the Mount Sinai South Nassau Rapid Testing site at Syosset High School commenced operations, with potential of administering 50 to 60 “rapid” COVID antigen tests per day in the four afternoon hours (2p.m. through 6 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, that the site was to be open.

In November, Dr. Rogers introduced New York State’s Micro-Cluster Strategy, which was implemented in mid-October. The Micro-Cluster Strategy provides a complex formula for deciding whether schools will close. The Micro-Cluster Strategy identifies areas where the positivity rate went up sharply and the reasons for the increase. Three cluster zones are considered: Yellow, Orange, and Red zones. Micro-Cluster Strategy identifies areas where the positivity rate went up sharply and the reasons for the increase.

As of December 10, Governor Cuomo announced new metrics for entering cluster zones. According to the New York State website’s updated metrics, one of the leading standards to enter a

Yellow Zone now is a 3% positivity rate on a seven-day average over the last ten days. The area must also be in the top 10% in the state for hospital admissions per capita over the past week and experience week-over-week growth in daily entries.

A geographic region requires a 4% positivity rate on a seven-day average over the last ten days. It needs to be in a sector that reached an 85% hospital capacity to enter an Orange Zone. They need to be 21 days away from reaching 90% hospital capacity on the rate mentioned above after a 50% increase in hospital capacity for an area to become a Red Zone.

Prior to the December meeting’s update, the first criteria for a geographic area to enter a Yellow Zone were if the positivity rate was greater than 2.5% on a seven-day running average for ten days. The positivity rate needed to be greater than 3% to enter an Orange Zone and greater than 4% to enter a Red Zone.

Dr. Rogers explains that without specifics on positive test rare data and the hospital “fill rate” for a localized area, district administrators were unsure of where Syosset was in terms of how close to being in a Yellow Zone. As displayed online on the New York State Education Department Schools’ Report Card, dis-

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tricts have provided the positivity level data and the case data per zip codes within the school district.

On November 16, Dr. Rogers offered a concerned take: “It doesn’t appear that we will be in a yellow zone immediately. But cases have been going up sharply in the last week or so, which is worrisome.”

Since September 8, over 150 people in the Syosset learning community have been placed into quarantine. Syosset has gotten 17 cases that were more than 14-days-old as of November 14. According to Dr. Rogers, as of late in the fall semester there had not been further COVID-19 transmission through the school environment.

“This is not an invitation to take more risks,” he said. “We are on the right side of the risk line.”

In a zip code that has greater than 10,000 people, there must be greater than five cases per day on average. In a zip code with less than 10,000 people, there must be an average of greater than three instances per day.

Closing of schools will be done on a school-by-school basis. Syosset schools are not in a Yellow Zone yet, but if they do enter it and want to continue in-person instruction, Mount Sinai Hospital must test 20% of students and staff every two weeks for COVID-19 and will

use the school campus as a testing site. At the end of the two weeks, the positivity rate is compared to the surrounding areas’ positivity rate. If the school has a lower rate, it will be allowed to remain open.

“We would think that this is likely to occur because we don’t believe schools are a place where there’s a lot of transmission,” Dr. Rogers said.

Continuous testing will continue for as long as the school remains open. In the Syosset School District, 20% of the population would be about 1,700 or more because it includes the staff. However, this only consists of students and staff that are on-site.

Contact tracing is put into action every time a positive case of COVID-19 appears, involving building principals, building staff, and bus surveillance. The board can interview staff about procedures in classrooms to determine the source.

“The board has invested deeply in getting kids back into in-person education,” Rogers said. “We don’t want to lose the value of that investment in in-person education by having to close.”

The district is tracking all individuals who have tested positive and who have been quarantined. Detailed data can be found on the Syosset School District’s website.

School Board to meet

Douglas Ellliman Real Estate brokerage is pleased to welcome Laurell Frein to its Long Island management team, where she will serve as branch manager of its Syosset office.

Laurell Frein joins Douglas Elliman as the branch manager of its growing Syosset office, which was recently relocated into a beautiful high-tech facility at 277 Jericho Turnpike. With over 19 years of experience, she most recently served as the former sales manager of Daniel Gale’s Huntington office, and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role.

The Syosset Board of Education will meet on Monday, January 11 at 8 p.m. at South Woods Middle School, Syosset, for its monthly meeting.

Pedestrian struck in parking lot

Nassau County Police said that a 63 year-old woman was struck by a car in a parking lot at 401 South Oyster Bay Road on Monday, December 28 at 12:00 p.m.

The woman was transported to a local hospital with a serious head trauma and was in critical condition. The operator of the vehicle that struck her remained at the scene.

Laurell Frein

POB Chamber supports food pantry during pandemic

BY RIKKI N. MASSAND

In 2020, the Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce supported the Rudman Family Food Pantry at the MidIsland Y-JCC with generous donations collected and money raised through fall and early winter raffles and creative fundraising initiatives.

Through separate raffles and fundraising/donation efforts, the PlainviewOld Bethpage Chamber brought in $5,125 for the Rudman Food Pantry. Thanks to a 100% match from the UJA Federation, the donation was doubled to a stellar $10,250 before year’s end.

Each year, the Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber supports a local charity. In 2020, the Rudman Food Pantry was the selection, but an unforeseen surge in the needs it serves because of the pandemic’s economic and emotional turmoil, has forced the Pantry to strive harder in assisting Long Island’s homebound seniors and low income families. The Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber’s efforts came through at just the right time.

The Chamber’s fundraising goal was set as $5,000 for the Food Pantry in 2020, but as the COVID-19 pandemic hit, safety precautions and restrictions on activities throughout the year presented several challenges. Typically much of the monies are collected during the Chamber-sponsored and hosted annual Fall Festival -- a day long weekend event from usually 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — and at the annual Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber Holiday Party, as well as from raffles at monthly networking events.

This year, none of these events were possible. The Chamber leaders persevered to support the Rudman Food Pantry, so a new path was forged to

help the food pantry and community members it serves. Unfortunately, since March of 2020, monthly requests for assistance coming in to the Rudman Food Pantry have tripled. The pandemic year only exacerbated food insecurity problems people were facing, from financial limitations to supporting their continuous employment as many small businesses on Long Island and across the country cut their workforces drastically.

Approximately half of the people serviced by the Rudman Food Pantry at the Mid Island Y JCC are under the poverty line or are near poverty levels, and many receive monthly assistance with food and nutritional needs from the pantry.

Mid Island Y JCC administration explained that most others who are above the poverty level but have recently turned to the food pantry for support and supplies “can get by under normal circumstances, but are struggling now because of the current pandemic’s crisis...we receive new requests every single day.”

In addition to non-perishable foods, household supplies and personal care items, the Rudman Family Food Pantry now has volunteers shopping for and delivering perishable groceries.

“They are also delivering premade meals to homebound seniors. Approximately, 400 meals will be delivered this week!” CEO of the Mid Island Y JCC Rick Lewis explained.

Several weeks ago, a Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber member reached out to Alan Goldberg, president of Water Solutions of Long Island, who serves as a Plainview-Old Bethpage Board member and its networking chair. The contact (anonymous donor) quickly donat-

A Food Pantry volunteer helping with the donations.

ed a $200 ShopRite gift card to be passed along to the food pantry.

Goldberg, along with Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber Administrator and freelance writer Barbara Mars, discussed taking the fundraising virtual and decided to use the $200 gift card for a Thanksgiving raffle -- thereby increasing the generous $200 donation into a much larger opportunity.

Collaborating with Chamber President Andrew Lamkin, a local elder law attorney, they come up with an eight-day assertive social media program reaching out to the Chamber as well as some local Facebook groups, and were able to raise $3,000, which was handed to Rick Lewis, CEO of the Mid-Island Y-JCC the day prior to

Thanksgiving for the immediate benefit of the Food Pantry.

Normally, a check is presented at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber BBQ event held each June. But with the holidays and heavy impacts on the economy over the past 10 months, time was of the essence. The ShopRite gift card was awarded to a lucky winner. But Chamber leaders then considered, why stop there with the 2020 Holiday Season approaching? The community’s needs with food insecurity in central Long Island as well as the dedication of those involved with the Rudman Food Pantry to address that continue.

Board member Alan Goldberg sug-

Continued on page 8

Rick Lewis, CEO of the Mid Island Y-JCC in Plainview, and Gail Warrack, director of Volunteer Services at the JCC

CEO of the Mid Island Y JCC Rick Lewis with Andrew Lamkin, president of the Plainview Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce.

POB Chamber supports food pantry during pandemic

CEO of the Mid Island Y JCC Rick Lewis with Andrew Lamkin, president of the Plainview Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce, and Gail Warrack, director of Volunteer Services at the JCC.

Continued from page 6

gested a more robust prize set, for a raffle drawing to be held on Christmas Eve ‘Eve’ -- Wednesday, December 23 -- with a check to be presented to the Mid Island Y JCC, to CEO Rick Lewis that day.

Goldberg asked five local businesses if they could donate gift cards and the response from all five, was “What do you need?”

As the call was eagerly answered, Goldberg immediately secured gift cards from a handful of local restaurants, “who, although are feeling the effects of COVID financially, always step up and give to the community” he said.

The Mid-Island Y JCC and the entire membership of the Plainview Old Bethpage Chamber sent its hearty Thank You’s to these local restaurateurs and business people:

Jeff Rumman of High Tide Taco Bar in Farmingdale; Ralph Galdorisi of Coliseum Kitchen in Plainview; Peter Spanos of Mario’s Restaurant in Plainview and Steven Cohen of Town Bagel in Plainview.

“These restaurant owners should be commended, and we hope patronized, by the community for always stepping up. Thank you to our anonymous member donor, who was the initial inspi-

ration. Additionally, Brian Bernstein, Manager of the Ridgewood Savings Bank in Plainview donated MasterCard Gift cards, as well, and Sherri Gillespie from MRG Marketing, donated a Gift Basket with a $100 value. A final prize was donated by Steve Mars from MSG Networks, a team autographed New York Islanders jersey which was a separate raffle,” said Chamber President Lamkin.

The sum of donations driven in by Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber efforts $3,000 and $2,125 were then added up, with the 100% match to make it $10,250. This donation was applauded by everyone involved and all food pantry volunteers. Goldberg noted that the generosity on display in the local business community will have twice the effect with the 100% match ballasting the funds raised.

“We’re thrilled to be able to put these donations to such good use, in the local community, supporting those who really need some help and hope now,” Chamber President Lamkin said last week, two days before Christmas.

For more information about the Plainview Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce, including membership opportunities in 2021, go to its website www.POBCOC.com, email info@ POBCOC.com, or call 516-937-5646.

This Week at the Syosset Library

Thursday, January 7 at 2:00 p.m.

The National Government v. the States: Who Wins?

Presenter: James Coll, adjunct professor of American and Constitutional history at Nassau Community College and Hofstra University, retired NYPD detective Few debates have been as lasting as the struggle to define the relationship between the states and the national government. Professor Coll will analyze the concept of federalism--the balance of power between these two structures. No registration is necessary. Join us via Zoom from the link on the Virtual Calendar - www.syossetlibrary.org/ live-streaming.

Thursday, January 7 at 7:30 p.m.

Virtual Author Visits: Natalie Zina Walschots

Bring your own beverage and zoom in to meet with the author of “Hench.” No registration is necessary. Join us via Zoom from the link on the Virtual Calendar - www.syossetlibrary.org/ live-streaming.

Friday, January 8 at 12:00 p.m.

Virtual Author Visit: Beth Harbison

Grab lunch and zoom in to meet with the author of “The Cookbook Club and other favorites. No registration is necessary. Join us via Zoom from the link on the Virtual Calendar - www.syossetlibrary.org/live-streaming.

Friday, January 8 at 2:00 p.m.

The Law in Films

Presenter, Greg Blank, filmmaker & video journalist. Some of the greatest movies ever made were about lawyers, the law and the courtroom setting. Films discussed will include “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Inherit the Wind,” “12 Angry Men,” “A Few Good Men,” “My Cousin Vinny,” “The Verdict,” “Philadelphia,” and “Judgement at Nuremberg.” No registration is necessary. Join us via Zoom from the link on the Virtual Calendar - www.syossetlibrary.org/live-streaming.

Monday, January 11 at 9:15 a.m.

Dancersize with Carol Rodriguez

This fitness class combines aerobic exercise with dance moves. Do it from the comfort of your own home. Register at www.syossetlibrary.org/live-streaming

Monday, January 11 at 12:00 p.m.

Beef & Butternut Squash Soup Cooking Class

Presenter: Chef Rob Scott

Make a warm, yummy stew, and learn some interesting cooking tips along the way. You can also get creative

and swap out some of the ingredients for other vegetables. Register at www.syossetlibrary.org/live-streaming. Once you register you will be sent a Zoom link, ingredient list and recipe.

Tuesday, January 12 at 3:00 p.m.

Afternoons with the Author: Virtual Author Visit with Alka Joshi

Debut novelist Alka Joshi joins us to discuss the writing of her 2020 bestselling novel and Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick “The Henna Artist,” following the journey of 17-year-old Lakshmi as she seeks to find independence in 1950s Jaipur. No registration is necessary. Join us via Zoom from the link on the Virtual Calendar – www.syossetlibrary. org/live-streaming.

Wednesday, January 13 at 1:00 p.m.

Virtual Simply Fit with Marilyn Bunger

This class is suited for the older adult. It combines basics of strength training and stretching. Register at: www.syossetlibrary.org/live-streaming

Thursday, January 14 at 2:00 p.m.

Best of the

Great American Songbook – Part 7

Presenter: Richard Knox

Continuation of a 10-part series about the most enduring American songs of the early to mid-20th century. Attend as many sessions as you wish. No registration is necessary. Join us via Zoom from the link on the Virtual Calendar - www.syossetlibrary.org/ live-streaming

Thursday, January 14 at 7:30 p.m.

Virtual Author Visits: Alix E. Harrow

Bring your own beverage and zoom in to meet the author of “ The Once and Future Witches. ” No registration is necessary. Join us via Zoom from the link on the Virtual Calendar - www.syossetlibrary.org/ live-streaming.

Friday, January15 at 12:00 p.m.

The Life of Betty White

Presenter, Sal St. George, playwright and film historian

Betty has the longest television career in history, spanning from 1949 until today. In 2011, Betty was voted the most trusted celebrity in America. Betty has starred in two classic sitcoms (“The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “The Golden Girls”). Join us as we learn the fascinating and inspiring story of the beloved author, humanitarian, and actress. No registration is necessary. Join us via Zoom from the link on the Virtual Calendar - www.syossetlibrary. org/live-streaming

Upcoming Virtual Events at the Jericho Public Library

Monday, January 4

4:00 p.m.: Flex & Tone with Mindy Vasta - Put

all levels including those nursing an injury or coping with a chronic problem. The results will surprise you!

and join Mindy for this

able

class while in the

7:00 p.m.: Fit & Fabulous with Linda Ray - Join Linda for this evening exercise class designed to get you Fit & look Fabulous!

Thursday, January 7

10:00 a.m.: Chair Yoga with Jolie Bosnjak - This practice is for

1:00 p.m.: A Booktastic Discussion with Lisa Jones, JPL Librarian: “ The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig - Nora Seed is faced with the possibility of changing her life for a new one. She must search within herself as she travels through the Midnight Library to decide what is truly fulfilling in life and what makes it worth living in the first place.

4:00 p.m.: Art Workshop w/Amy Penguin & Snowflake (Grades 1–6)We will learn how to draw a penguin catching snowflakes. There will be time to ask questions in this online class setting.

5:30 p.m.: Yoga with Joe - This yoga class is geared for all levels to reduce the stress in your life while keeping fit!

Friday, January 8

10:30 a.m.: Jump for Joy with Joyce Oddo (18 Months–5 Years) - Enjoy this lively program of music

and activities for you and your child! 4:00 p.m.: STEAM Class with the National Baseball Hall of Fame: Science on the Sandlot (Grades 3–6)The red stitches on the baseball not only hold the cowhide together, they also serve as aerodynamics. You will learn about this and more… like why a player wears batting gloves and hitters choke up on the bat.

For all events, go to www.jerichopubliclibrary.org /events/month to register

Hicksville resident commended College Notes

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino recently presented a citation to Mahesh Khadka of Hicksville for his active volunteerism. During this COVID19 pandemic, Mahesh coordinated a blood drive on behalf of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), New York Chapter. He also raised charitable funds and donated protective gowns, masks, sanitizer, over the counter medications, and groceries to impacted families throughout Long Island. Mr. Khadka has distributed similar goods to more than 550 families made available through social service organizations.

More than 60 college students completed New York Institute of Technology’s rigorous Internship Certificate Program during fall 2020, earning valuable hands-on experience and developing skills in a wide range of work environments. Local students included:

Angelos Moukas of Hicksville (11801), who interned at R Shatarah Consulting Engineer with the position of drafter.

Mengheng Li of Hicksville (11801), who interned at ENS Security Inc. with the position of network security consultant.

Mustapha Gharib of Hicksville (11801), who interned at BBS Architects, Landscape Architects, and Engineers, PC with the position of mechanical engineer intern.

n

Kristen Aasheim of East Norwich and Rebecca Muha of Hicksville have been named to the Elmira College Dean’s List for the Fall 2020 Term. Full-time undergraduate students registered for at least 12 computable credit hours and earning a term grade point average of 3.6 or higher at the end of Term I or Term II are placed on the Dean’s List at the College.

n

Brian Birbrayer of Old Bethpage was named to the Honors List at Milwaukee School of Engineering for

the Fall 2020 quarter.

Undergraduate students on the Honors List have earned a GPA of at least 3.20 (out of 4.0) for this quarter and are not on the Dean’s List. Brian is studying for a Bachelor of Science in computer science.

n

Thanos Boulukos of Old Bethpage has been named to the Plymouth State University Dean’s List for the Fall 2020 semester. To be named to the Dean’s List, a student must achieve a grade point average between 3.5 and 3.69 during the Fall 2020 semester and must have attempted at least 12 credit hours during the semester. Boulukos is a communication studies major at Plymouth State.

n

Kiley Latham, Class of 2023, has been named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2020 semester at the University of Vermont. Latham from Syosset, is in the Grossman School of Business.

Hannah Kilmetis, Class of 2022, has been named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2020 semester at the University of Vermont. Kilmetis, from Levittown, is in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. To be named to the Dean’s List, students must have a grade-point average of 3.0 or better and rank in the top 20 percent of their class in their respective college or school.

POB alumni speak to students about STEM professions

Despite COVID-19 making this year different from previous years, Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District (POBCSD) Science Research students adapted, engaging with alumni to learn through virtual mentorship and resources. Alumni Lesya Horan ‘11, Robert Adelson ‘13, Dan Solnick ‘16, and Evan Lander ‘16 discussed the STEM field, offering advice and assistance to students through virtual methods. Students were able to gain a deeper understanding of scientific research in the professional world.

“We are so grateful to our incredible alumni who came back to visit via our virtual classrooms to be a great resource for our aspiring young professionals,” said Dr. Mary O’Meara, superintendent of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District. “Hearing from such successful graduates inspires our students, encouraging them to achieve at their highest potential. Our alumni exemplify the District’s profile of graduate attributes, accomplishing great success during their time here and beyond.”

The alumni focused on the professional fields in STEM through virtual interactive sessions, explaining what students should expect when they enter this field. Students heard their stories and were able to ask their own questions regarding the different areas of STEM. Each alumnus was able to bring a unique perspective to the discussion as they each study specific areas within the STEM field.

Lesya Horan ‘11, a PhD student in experimental particle physics on the ATLAS Experiment at the University of Chicago, mentored current junior, Jennifer Zhu, on a physics/astrophysics project. Together the team explored the properties of the Higgs boson particles to increase the significance of this type of data in the field of particle physics and to determine a quicker pathway to rediscover the Higgs particle.

Robert Adelson ‘13, a research data analyst at the Center for Alzheimer’s Disease/Institute of Molecular Medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, worked with senior Ben Yacht, on a computational microbiology project. The goal of their project is to identify genetic variants in the negative regulation B cell activation pathway that are related to Alzheimer’s Disease.

Dan Solnick and Evan Lander, finishing up at the University of Chicago and Columbia University respectively, tag teamed to mentor senior Ronald Cheng on a computational epidemiology project. Together they explored various topics in mathematics from statistics to probability and are working on a project that aims to combat problems with COVID-19 related data quality in the United States.

Dan Solnick, Class of 2016, is currently a student at the University of Chicago.

Lesya Horan, Class of 2011, a PhD student in experimental particle physics on the ATLAS Experiment at the University of Chicago.

Robert Adelson, Class of 2013, is currently working at the Center for Alzheimer’s Disease/Institute of Molecular Medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research as a research data analyst.

Evan Lander, Class of 2016, is currently a student at Columbia University.

NOTICE OF FORMATION

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF  Get Dirty Designs LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on  08/19/2020. Office location:  Nassau  County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The Post Office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the  LLC  served upon him/her is:  United States Corporation Agents INC, 7014 13th Avenue Suite 202, Brooklyn, New York 11228.

The principal business address of the  LLC  is:  151 West Old Country Rd. Apt 2 Hicksville, NY 11801. Purpose: any lawful act or activity MIT 5905

6X 11/27,12/04,11,18,25,01/01/2021

NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETINGS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2021

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

HICKSVILLE WATER DISTRICT

TOWN OF OYSTER BAY

TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Commissioners of the Hicksville Water District, Town of Oyster Bay and Town of Hempstead shall hold, unless otherwise notified, its regular meetings in 2021 at 5:00 p.m. at the offices of the Hicksville Water District, located at 4 Dean Street in Hicksville, New York. The first reorganizational meeting will be held on January 12, 2021 and then every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month thereafter at the same location and held the same time, unless otherwise posted.

All meetings of the Board of Commissioners of the Hicksville Water District are open to the public, however, in accordance with Executive Order 202.1 of 2020 issued by Governor Andrew Cuomo in response the Coronavirus COVID 19 crisis, the public will not be permitted to enter the District office and District building and instead the meeting will be opened to the public by means of remote audio access by placing a telephone call to 516.931.0184 by 4:00PM to obtain the remote audio access number and passcode information.

This access code will permit the public to listen, but not to com-

ment as this procedure complies with the Open Meeting Law as temporarily suspended and amended by the Executive Order. If any member of the public after listening to the audio broadcast of the meeting wishes to submit a comment, he or she may do so by sending the comment in the form of an email to the District Secretary at the following email address: info@hicksvillewater.org. Any such comments will be considered as correspondence at the next meeting of the Board of Commissioners.

This notice is being publicized and posted in accordance with the provisions of Section 104 of the Public Officers Law of the State of New York.

Dated: December 22, 2020

Karl M. Schweitzer, Secretary Hicksville Water District Town of Oyster Bay Town of Hempstead MIT 5906 1X 01/01/2021

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING BY THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 246, Section 246-12 of the Code of the Town of Oyster Bay, notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals has scheduled a public meeting, which will take place in the Town Hall Meeting Room, Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, New York, on JANUARY 7, 2021, at 7:00 P. M., to consider the following appeals:

BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 246, Section 246-12 of the Code of the Town of Oyster Bay, and New York State Executive Order No. 202.1, et. seq. notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals has scheduled a public meeting, which will take place in the Town Hall Meeting Room, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, New York, on JANUARY 7, 2021, at 7:00 P.M., to be held remotely, and the public has the ability to view or listen to such proceeding via live stream at www.oysterbaytown. com, and that such meeting will be recorded and later transcribed, to consider the following appeal:

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC

LEGAL NOTICES

MAY COMMENT ON APPLICATIONS.

COMMENTS TO BE HEARD ON THE NIGHT OF THE HEARING AND ENTERED INTO THE RECORD AT THAT TIME MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS BY 4 P.M. WEDNESDAY BEFORE THE HEARING, COMMENTS TO BE ENTERED INTO THE RECORD FOLLOWING

THE HEARING MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE NEXT WEDNESDAY FOLLOWING

THE HEARING DATE BY 4 P.M.

COMMENTS SHALL BE SENT EITHER:

VIA E-MAIL TO:

SCLONINGER@OYSTERBAYNY.GOV

VIA MAIL TO: ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

74 Audrey Avenue Oyster Bay, NY 11771

BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

APPEAL NO. 21-22

SYOSSET

RICHARD COOK: (A)

Variance to allow existing 4.79 ft. by 6.79 ft. shed, 10.29 ft. by 12.29 ft. shed and stone barbeque having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing 10.29 ft. by 12.29 ft. shed having less rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Variance to allow existing driveway having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.

E/s/o Townsend Dr., 114.64 ft. N/o Whetmore Dr., a/k/a 3 Townsend Drive, Syosset, NY

APPEAL NO. 21-23

SYOSSET

ROBERT BO TIAN: (A) Variance to allow existing roofed-over front portico having less average front yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to construct second floor side addition and rear deck having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance; also encroachment of eaves and gutters. (C) Variance to construct rear two story addition having less roof pitch than permitted by Ordinance. N/s/o Dawes Ave., 175 ft. E/o Humphrey Dr., a/k/a 16 Dawes Avenue, Syosset, NY

APPEAL NO. 21-24

SYOSSET

TODD KITAGAWA: Variance to erect 6 ft. high fence exceeding maximum height across side/front yard than permitted by Ordinance.

SE/ cor. of Alderwood Ln. & Colony Ln., a/k/a 2 Alderwood Lane, Syosset, NY

APPEAL NO. 21-25

SYOSSET

JASVIN MERCHANT: (A)

Variance to construct second story cantilevered addition, one story bump-out and portico with steps and landing having less average front yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to construct second story cantilevered addition having less side yard setback and aggregate side yards than permitted by Ordinance; also encroachment of eaves and gutters. (C) Variance to construct second story cantilevered addition, one story bump-out and front portico exceeding maximum building coverage than permitted by Ordinance. (D) Variance to construct second story cantilevered addition, steps and landing exceeding maximum gross floor area than permitted by Ordinance. (E) Amend Specific Plan as presented for Appeal No. 05-680 and granted by Decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals, dated December 15, 2005.

W/s/o E. Hillside Ln., 190 ft. S/o Edgewood Dr., a/k/a 52 E. Hillside Lane, Syosset, NY

APPEAL NO. 21-26

SYOSSET

JUSTIN MARINOFF: (A) Variance to construct new dwelling on lot having less width of lot at front property line and less front yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to install gas fireplace having less front yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Variance for parking in required front yard. N/s/o Warner Ln., 250 ft. W/o Split Rock Rd., a/k/a 54 Warner Lane, Syosset, NY

DECEMBER 28, 2020

BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK SYO 4373 1X 01/01/2021

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

Name: 200 Oakwood Ave., LLC. County: Nassau. Secretary of State is designated as agent for service of process. Address for service and principal place of business: 100 Crossways Park West, Woodbury, NY 11797. Articles of Organization filed July 8, 2020. Any lawful business purpose.

JNJ 7951

6X 12/11,18,25,01/01,08,15

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

Name: 232 Birchwood Ave., LLC. County: Nassau. Secretary of State is designated as agent for service of process. Address for service and principal place of business: 100 Crossways Park West, Woodbury, NY 11797. Articles of Organization filed September 7, 2017. Any lawful business purpose.

JNJ 7952

6X 12/11,18,25,01/01,08,15

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING BY THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 246, Section 246-12 of the Code of the Town of Oyster Bay, notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals has scheduled a public meeting, which will take place in the Town Hall Meeting Room, Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, New York, on JANUARY 7, 2021, at 7:00 P. M., to consider the following appeals:

BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 246, Section 246-12 of the Code of the Town of Oyster Bay, and New York State Executive Order No. 202.1, et. seq. notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals has scheduled a public meeting, which will take place in the Town Hall Meeting Room, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, New York, on JANUARY 7, 2021, at 7:00 P.M., to be held remotely, and the public has the ability to view or listen to such proceeding via live stream at www.oysterbaytown. com, and that such meeting will be recorded and later transcribed, to consider the following appeal:

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY COMMENT ON

APPLICATIONS.

LEGAL NOTICES

COMMENTS TO BE HEARD ON THE NIGHT OF THE HEARING AND ENTERED INTO THE RECORD AT THAT TIME MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS BY 4 P.M. WEDNESDAY BEFORE THE HEARING, COMMENTS TO BE ENTERED INTO THE RECORD FOLLOWING THE HEARING MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE NEXT WEDNESDAY FOLLOWING THE HEARING DATE BY 4 P.M.

COMMENTS SHALL BE SENT EITHER:

VIA E-MAIL TO: SCLONINGER@OYSTERBAYNY.GOV

VIA MAIL TO: ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS 74 Audrey Avenue Oyster Bay, NY 11771

BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

APPEAL NO. 21-19

JERICHO

LIBBY FRIEDMAN: (A)

Variance to allow existing deck exceeding maximum building coverage than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing pool filter having less side yard setback and front yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.

S/s/o Sullivan Dr., 268.91 ft. E/o Richmond Ave., a/k/a 27 Sullivan Drive, Jericho, NY

APPEAL NO. 21-20

JERICHO

FRANCESCA LABITA: (A)

Variance to construct roofedover front porch having less average front yard setback and exceeding maximum building coverage than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing air conditioning unit having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.

W/s/o Forest Dr., 243.93 ft.

S/o Fox Ln., a/k/a 158 Forest Drive, Jericho, NY

APPEAL NO. 21-21

JERICHO

SAHAR SORKIN: Variance to construct second story addition above garage exceeding maximum gross floor area than permitted by Ordinance.

N/s/o Marian Ln., E/o Fern Dr. E., a/k/a 43 Marian Lane, Jericho, NY

DECEMBER 28, 2020 BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK

JNJ 7953

1X 01/01/2021

Town holds STOP program

Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray (right) assisted Elena Satriano of Levittown as she participated in the Town of Hempstead Stop Throwing Out Pollutants (S.T.O.P.) Program on December 6, 2020 at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow. This program allows residents to dispose of harmful pollutants – such as antifreeze, drain cleaners and pesticides – in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.

Town offers

Toddler Arts and Crafts program

Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Michele Johnson announces that a Toddler Arts & Crafts Program will be offered during the months of January and February.  This 6-week program offers classes at the Town’s Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center Community Room and Hicksville Athletic Center, and is open to children ages 2 through 4.  Registration will take place on January 6, 2021, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Hicksville Athletic Center, 67 South Broadway, in Hicksville.

“The Town’s Toddler Arts & Crafts Program is a wonderful way to help support your toddler’s development through nurturing their artistic expression,” said Councilwoman Johnson.  “Classes will certainly fill up quickly as this program offers children a great wintertime activity”

The Toddler Arts & Crafts Program is 6 weeks in duration, beginning January 26, and residents who sign their toddler up for the program must choose one class per week, per child. Classes will take place on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. (two-year-olds only); Tuesdays at 11 a.m. (three and four-year-olds); Wednesdays at

10 a.m. (two-year-olds only); Wednesdays at 11 a.m. (three and four-year-olds); Thursdays at 10 a.m. (two-year-olds only); and Thursday at 11 a.m. (three and four year olds).

Each class is approximately 30 to 45 minutes long. The cost of the program is $25 per child who is a Town resident, and $30 per child whose care giver is a Town resident but not the child. Space is limited and upon registration, the child’s birth certificate and a tax or utility bill will be required to validate age and proof of residency. A guardian must be present during the class. A smock and supplies will be provided with enrollment.

Due to COVID-19, class enrollment will be limited to allow for proper social distancing and temperatures will be checked upon arrival.  Masks must be worn by children and caregivers for the length of the class. Daily cleaning and sanitizing takes place prior to and after classes.

The Toddler’s Arts & Crafts Program is run by the Town’s Parks Department, Recreation Division.  For further information, please call (516) 797-4125, and hit prompt ‘2’.

Bethpage students take part in Hour of Code

The Bethpage School District held the annual Hour of Code on Dec. 18, promoting computer science and coding among students in grades 3–5. The event kicked off with a broadcasted virtual message from Dave Schneider, superintendent of schools, Mike Spence, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, and Andrew Choi, director of technology.

Once the hour began, students utilized their Google Chromebooks to com-

plete a variety of coding challenges and were able to ask questions via Google Classroom. Prior to the Hour of Code, students completed activities to prepare for the challenge.

Hour of Code is a global movement introducing millions of students worldwide to computer science. The goal is to inspire students to learn more, feel empowered by newly found skills and fight stereotypes in the industry.

Doctor receives first Covid-19 vaccine

From page 1

dez said he is starting to see an influx of patients from earlier in the month.

“Three months ago, we had six cases in the hospital, now we are up to seventy new cases. We have had to open a whole floor for patients and the visiting restrictions have already been put in place. You can feel the tension and anxiety among our staff.”

He added that the ICU is already half filled with people who have been diagnosed with the virus.

“It’s not as bad as March or April because the medical staff has a better understanding of the virus and more treatment options than before. I think

the trickiest part of COVID is knowing when people first got it. From my experience, days seven through fourteen of the infection is the worst part. We’ve seen a lot of patients go downhill during that period.”

He said that just because he received the vaccine, he will not act irresponsible and not wear a face mask or other protective gear.

“Getting the vaccine doesn’t give you the license to give up on wearing a face mask or maintaining social distance. We do not want to go back to the tsunami of cases that we had in March and April, particularly with the holidays coming.”

Fifth-grade students at Kramer Lane Elementary School in the Bethpage School District participated in the annual Hour of Code event on Dec. 18.

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January 1, 2021

Driveable Winter Destinations: Ski New York’s Catskills

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

New York State is not only home to the most ski areas of any state (50), but also some of the best, which makes them particularly desirable this year when being outdoors - skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing –are some of the most healthful activities you can do, are driving distance accessible, and because you are staying within New York State, you don’t have to quarantine for 14 days on returning.

New York has been intense about COVID-19 protections, and has instituted regulations governing reduced capacity to afford social-distancing, mask-wearing (except for actively skiing or eating), instituting such things as cashless transactions, rules for riding the lifts, and limiting time in lodges and restaurants, and in some instances advance ticketing and reservations. But it also has meant pleasant modifications – more outdoor dining with heat, for example, plus cashless transactions.

But with the great demand for New York skiing, Scott Brandi, president of the NY Ski Areas Association recommends “Know before you go.” Check the sites in advance to check conditions and availability and book lift tickets and rental equipment in advance – for example, most holidays and weekends as well as season passes are sold out for ORDA areas but there may be availability for midweek visits (ISkiNY.com).

In just a few hours, downstate New Yorkers can be on the slopes in the Catskill Mountains, where three

Ski Windham Mountain in the Catskills, NY © Dave E. Leiberman/ goingplacesfarandnear.com

of the state’s most popular ski resorts are located:

Windham Mountain

Windham Mountain Resort, which began as a private club and preserves much of that same feeling, is a year-round destination in the Great Northern Catskills of Greene County, NY, less than three hours north of New York City, and now is part of Alterra Mountain’s IKON Pass program, which means passholders get priority in reservations during this period of on-mountain capacity restrictions.

Windham offers 1,600 vertical feet from a summit of 3,100 feet. Its 54 trails and six terrain parks provide 285 skiable acres, accessed by 12 lifts including a new high speed six-pas-

senger detachable lift and two highspeed quads. Windham also offers night skiing on six trails (45 acres). In the last 3 years, the resort has spent $12 million to improve the guest experience and offers beginner packages, lodging, dining options, an Adventure Park, and full-service Alpine Spa

Among the improvements this season: improved lift capacity, snowmaking and grooming; new a ski and snowboard simulator that offers guests the chance to ski or ride downhill race venues from around the world virtually while supporting the Adaptive Sports Foundation, a new equipment valet and quick tune up station; expanded Guest Services department and on-site call center; and upgraded booking system with

new software that will allow guests to bundle lodging stays with lift tickets, lessons and rentals in one easy transaction.

Accommodations are plentiful in the area: Windham has renovated rooms at The Winwood Inn, a quaint lodging property in the village of Windham owned and operated by the mountain. The restaurant, Tavern 23, has also been “renovated and reinvented” and features classic American comfort food.

New: Whisper Creek condominiums, high-end ski-in/ski-out lodging located steps away from Whisper Run on Windham Mountain. Building amenities include heated pool and hot tubs, club room and fitness center, ski locker-room with boot dryers and heated parking. Units comfortably accommodate 8 – 10 people and are perfect for extended family gatherings, wedding parties and special events. Whisper Creek is a short stroll away from the Alpine Spa and the Windham Mountain base lodge and within walking distance of the Mountain Bike Park and Scenic Skyride in the summer.  (518-734-3000)

Also, the historic Thompson House, literally around the corner, where we enjoyed our stay, has the charm of an inn with amenities of a resort (The Thompson House, 19 Route 296, Windham NY 12496, 518734-4510, info@ThompsonHouse, www.ThompsonHouse.com).

Windham Mountain, 19 Resort Drive, Windham, NY 12496, 800-7549463; to check conditions, call the Snow Report Hoteline 800-729-4766, info@ windhammountain.com, windhammountain.com.

Continued on next page

Driveable Winter Destinations: Ski New York’s Catskills

Hunter Mountain

Now part of Vail Resorts, Hunter Mountain, a legendary New York State ski resort and the closest major full-service resort to New York City, is also part of the EPIC pass, and among the COVID19 precautions and protocols that limit capacity on the mountain, EPIC Pass holders get priority in making reservations.

Four separate mountain faces encompass a wide variety of terrain which caters to skiers and riders of all ability levels.

Hunter rises from 1600 ft base to 3200 summit, a 1600-ft vertical drop, 320 skiable acres (expanded from 240), 67 runs (up from 59; 25% beginner, 30% intermediate, 30% advanced and 15% expert) ) serviced by 13 lifts (increased from 12). It offers 4 gladed areas, 4 terrain parks.

Hunter also has a 1000-ft long tubing hill, one of the longest in NY, with its own Magic Carpet surface lift.

In response to COVID-19, Hunter

has “reimagined” the resort experience, consistent with the policies and programs across the Vail Resorts brand.

Skiers are encouraged to use their own vehicles as their personal base lodge, since capacity is restricted. Transactions will be cashless; face coverings required at all times except when actively eating (EpicMix app makes it easier to manage Time to Dine). On-mountain restaurants are open but not bars. The equipment rental process has been streamlined, with seamless online booking, complimentary delivery service (so you skip the rental shop altogether).

On-mountain accommodations include The Kaatskill Mountain Club at Hunter Mountain (condos) and Liftside and Pinnacle condos in the village and there are many bnbs, inns, lodges nearby. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Fairlawn Inn, just a quarter-mile away from Hunter’s entrance. The historic, Victorian inn has been restored with modern amenities while keeping the charm and character of the original property. It is operating now with strict

COVID-19 safety protocols. (7872 Main St (Hwy 23A), Hunter NY 12442, 518-2635025, fairlawninn.com).

Belleayre Mountain

About three-hours drive from New York City, Belleayre Mountain is the nearest of three ski areas owned and operated by New York State’s Olympic Regional Development Authority, and included on ORDA’s pass programs. The ski area has been dramatically improved, turned into a four-season mountain destination. Among the improvements, the first gondola in the Catskills.

What I love best about Belleayre is its natural separation of beginners (from the mid-mountain to the base, with long beginner trails) and more advanced skiers. It affords a 1404 ft vertical drop from a 3429 ft summit, 51 runs on 175 skiable acres (longest is 2.2 miles; 22% beginner, 58% intermediate, 10% advanced, 10% expert), serviced by 8 lifts. Intermediates will enjoy Deer Run, which meanders through a beautiful part of the mountain. The ski resort also features five glades, one terrain park,

one progression park and one X-course. Cross-country skiers can enjoy 9.2 kilometers of ungroomed, unpatrolled trails.

There is no on-mountain lodging, but quaint inns and lodges nearby in Fleischmann’s, Pine Hill, Big Indian, Phoenicia, Shandaken and Margaretville (see www.belleayre.com/ plan-your-visit/lodging/) (Belleayre, Highmount, NY 12441, 800942-6904, 845-254,5600,  www.belleayre. com).

© 2020 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com,  www.huffingtonpost.com/author/karenrubin & travelwritersmagazine.com/ TravelFeaturesSyndicate/ Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar. wordpress.com & moralcompasstravel. info. Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Tweet @ TravelFeatures. ‘Like’ us at facebook. com/NewsPhotoFeatures

How to Successfully Stick to Your New Year’s Resolution --

BY MARY HUNT

More than half of Americans, reportedly, make New Year’s resolutions. And 88% of those resolutions end in failure, according to a study by British psychologist Richard Wiseman.

There is a reason for this fail rate, and once we understand it, we’ll be able to keep our resolutions long enough to make them stick.

The bottom line is that our brains cannot handle New Year’s resolutions when we rely too much on willpower.

The human brain is divided up into sections -- each one handling different aspects of brain function. The prefrontal cortex (the part located at the front, behind your forehead) is assigned the tasks of staying focused, handling short-term memory, solving abstract tasks and using willpower.

Here’s the problem: part of your brain cannot handle all of those things at the same time. It requires a huge amount of focus and willpower to change a learned behavior overnight, which is what a New Year’s resolution demands.

Bad habits are hard to break -- and they’re impossible to break if we try to break them all at once. The focus and willpower required are just too much for the human brain. It simply cannot deliver.

The human prefrontal cortex is like a muscle. It has to be trained. If you joined a local gym, you would never dream of starting out lifting a 300-pound barbell on your first session. You’d start with a 2-pound weight for a two-minute session, working up slowly to heavier weights and longer periods of endurance.

Trying to keep a New Year’s resolution to quit smoking or lose a bunch of weight based solely on willpower is expecting your prefrontal cortex to pick up the equivalent of a 300-pound barbell on the first attempt -- and to keep doing it for hours on end. It’s just not possible. Typically, New Year’s resolutions go something like this: I am going to lose 20 pounds; I’m going to get out of debt, stop smoking, get organized, give up sugar, or run 2 miles a day. Does anything there sound at all familiar? Those are abstract goals that your brain cannot handle.?They are too vague.

Here’s the secret for how to make your New Year’s resolution stick: Make the resolution a habit first. And break it down to a tiny habit to start.

Strong willpower is not a character trait, in my opinion. Accept it. And don’t make the mistake of dumping the idea of making a New Year’s resolution. Just don’t depend on willpower. Instead, depend on these four steps to make your New Year’s resolution stick:

STEP NO. 1

Pick only one resolution. You are more likely to succeed with only one. Accept it.?Analyze everything you’ve thought about changing and pick the one thing that’s most important to you.

STEP NO. 2

Take baby steps. Make the steps tiny, even ridiculously so. A good tiny behavior is quick and easy to do. Think: Walk for three minutes; do two pushups; floss one tooth. Any of those actions may sound useless, but this is the way to get started. Your brain will thank you by suggesting in due time that you increase that to a four-minute walk or that you floss two teeth.

STEP NO. 3

Become accountable. Write down what you want to change. That makes you more likely to succeed with your new habit. Tell others. Social support is beneficial. So is accountability.

STEP NO. 4

Give yourself positive feedback. Or, seek that from your accountability group. Reward yourself with things that make you feel great. Positive feedback will increase your success rate and strengthen your desire to keep going by taking on another baby step -and another, and another, all the way to permanent and glorious change!

Happy New Year, everyone!

Yes, Really!

Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” Tips can be submitted at tips.everydaycheapskate.com/. This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog and the author of the book Debt-Proof Living.

COPYRIGHT 2020 CREATORS.COM

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

Coffee, donuts & a missing rabbit’s foot

These past few months my friends and I have played lots and lots of board games. And played lots of Go Fish and Uno with younger relatives. As the months passed, we got the idea to Zoom and compare notes about things we’d never really talked about in depthour all-time favorite books and favorite movies.

Offhand no one guessed my favorite book, “The Great Gatsby,” but my friends were familiar with it from their high school reading days and having seen the movies. It was published almost 100 years ago but that’s okay because its many themes stand the test of time.

Amy’s favorite book is “The Shining” by Stephen King, the horror novel that mainly takes place in the fictional Overlook Hotel, an isolated, haunted resort in the Colorado Rockies. “The book came out in 1977 and the movie hit the big screen in 1980,” Amy said. “It caught my attention right from the beginning and I couldn’t put the book down.”

Nancy said, “’Sister Act,’ the 1992 movie, and ‘Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit’ in 1993 were hits for me. Seeing Whoopi Goldberg, Maggie Smith and Kathy Najimy singing their hearts out was great. I’m hoping for a ‘Sister Act 3’ very soon.” My friends and I asked each other, wrote down and kept track of what each other said but we laughed about that because it was just trivia we were talking about after all. Comparing notes was fun and we didn’t have to be so serious about everything.

Once things started opening up we decided to meet at a local coffee and donuts shop and made sure that we sat seven feet apart plus kept our face masks on when we weren’t eating our snacks or drinking our coffees and frappes.

Talking about everything under the sun, we covered current events and politics until that topic of conversation got touchy then we changed subjects. I looked forward to these informal get-togethers.

It was nice to get out for a while and good for our mental health. Seeing my friends was fun and safer than shopping in a mall. Being isolated month after month was wearing us down yet we knew why it was important for people to refrain from social gatherings.

The three of us - Amy, Nancy and I - all retired in the last few years so we could meet conveniently. We didn’t have to stick to a lunch hour or meet after work hours. We were glad about that.

True confessions: It turns out the donuts and frappes had too many calories so I had to step up my exercise program. In many ways 2020 wasn’t working out as I thought it would - it’s definitely been unprecedented - and this unexpected side effect of hanging around the local coffee and donuts shop presented a challenge.

Amy, Nancy and I deserve pats on the back because we took exercising seriously. Nothing was going to stop us from putting on our sneakers and walking for blocks at a time. We’d start out at the coffee shop and walk over to a park which had old trees and a picturesque feel about it.

Breathing in the fresh air felt great and knowing that we were being proactive health-wise felt good. For a while we’d walk around in a socially distanced way. Exercising in a small group lifted our spirits and slowly but surely I saw the pounds slipping away. My two friends said they were having similar results so we felt encouraged by our actions.

Once, before getting back into our cars, the three of us stood seven feet

apart and Nancy wanted to tell us a quick story. She recently told her grandson, five-year-old Ronnie, about the story of the missing rabbit’s foot. A few months before retiring from her Manhattan job, Nancy was commuting home one evening on the L.I.R.R. People often sit in the same seats and when her fellow passenger stood up to disembark, the chain of her green rabbit’s foot broke and it fell from her backpack to the floor.

The train’s doors opened and closed and its owner didn’t realize the rabbit’s foot was missing. Continuing east, Nancy wondered whether or not to pick up the lucky charm. She had to decide quickly because she was almost at her destination.

Scooping up the rabbit’s foot, Nancy stuck it in her pocket. She took it to work the next day and hoped she’d see her fellow passenger that evening. Five o’clock eventually rolled around and Nancy hopped onto her train at Penn Station. Before taking off, the owner of the rabbit’s foot got on and took her usual seat.

Turning and smiling, Nancy said, “I’ve got something for you.” Holding

up the rabbit’s foot, the young woman took it and grinned, happy to have her lucky charm back. “It fell on the floor when you left last night so I grabbed it,” Nancy added. The passenger thanked Nancy and they both started reading their newspapers.

Ronnie thought the story was great. He liked hearing the happy ending - that the rightful owner of the rabbit’s foot got her lucky charm back and that she had such a delighted reaction. In the days following, Ronnie told the story of the green rabbit’s foot to anyone who would listen. He got such a kick out of telling the punchline and his listeners enjoyed hearing the story.

The three of us friends agreed to meet another day to walk and chat. That night when I slept I dreamed of a small green rabbit’s foot that’d slipped from its owner’s grasp and gotten lost then landed on a magic carpet that returned it to its owner. In the end the rabbit’s foot glistened and it was on a silver chain that was super strong. I woke the next morning shaking my head at the bizarreness of the dream but pleased with its ending. All was well!

Full Retirement Age in 2021 and Beyond

BY TOM MARGENAU

I know many people are saying, “Good riddance” to 2020, partly due to political turmoil but primarily due to the deadly COVID-19 virus. But as for me, I have been dreading 2021. Why? It has to do with the increase in the Social Security full retirement age. And therein lies a story.

For the first half-century of the Social Security program, life was simple. You could wait until 65 to collect full benefits. Or you could take a reduced benefit as early as age 62. The term “full retirement age,” or FRA, didn’t exist and wasn’t needed.

But in the early 1980s, the Social Security program was reaching a financial crunch point. So, President Ronald Reagan, working with Congress, formed the bipartisan “National Commission on Social Security Reform.” I got involved in some of their meetings -- in a very minor role. And what was that role? Think “gofer” -- as in: “Yes, Senator, would you like a cup of coffee? I’ll see if I can get you one.” But, hey, at least I was in some of the rooms where commission meetings were taking place.

Anyway, one of the many recommendations to come out of those forums was a proposal to increase the Social Security retirement age from 65 to 67. But they didn’t do it overnight. It was to be phased in over an almost 50-year period.

And before I go on, let me dwell on that point a minute. I hear from many readers who tell me they plan to sign up for Social Security sooner than they wanted to because they are fearful that changes will be made to the program in the near future and they want to get “grandfathered” into the current system.

My advice: Do NOT make personal Social Security choices based on what you think Congress might do to Social Security in the next few years. There is no question that the program will be reformed in the not-too-distant future. But I will bet my next Social Security check that any major changes will be phased in over a long period of time (as happened in the 1980s) to give people a chance to adapt to them.

Back to the phase-in of the age-65 to age-67 retirement age. Here is the way it was set up. The retirement age remained at 65 for anyone born before 1938. But for people born in 1938, the retirement age was bumped up to age 65 and 2 months. For people born in 1939, it was 65 and 4 months. And the retirement age continued to go up in two-month increments until we reached people born in 1943. They had to be 66 to get full Social Security benefits.

And for reasons I’m not entirely sure of, the reform commission decided the age should plateau at age 66 for the next 11 years. In other words, the retirement

age is 66 for anyone born between 1943 and 1954.

That means for the past decade or so, I’ve been able to tell most of my readers that their retirement age is 66. I usually didn’t have to use the rather awkward phrase “full retirement age” because I could just say 66.

But now we are coming out of that 11-year hiatus, and the retirement age starts creeping up again. So, people born in 1955 have to be 66 and 2 months to get full benefits. People born in 1956 have to be 66 and 4 months. And once again, the age continues to climb in two-month increments until we get to people born in 1960 and later who have to be 67 to get full benefits.

So, the reason I have been dreading 2021 is that people born in 1955 are reaching full retirement age in 2021. And again, those folks have to be 66 and 2 months to collect benefits. That means for the next half-decade or so, instead of simply saying, “When you reach age 66, this or that will happen,” I am going to have to say, “When you reach your full retirement age, this or that will happen.” And then I’m probably going to have to explain what I mean by “full retirement age,” because lots of people aren’t familiar with it. Oh, well, who said the life of a Social Security columnist was simple?! And now here are some questions from people in the emerging 66-plus retirement category.

Q: I was born in 1955. I will turn 66 on March 1, 2021. But I know that to get my full benefit, I must be 66 and 2 months, which will be May 1, 2021. I want my full retirement benefit. So, when I file, do I put down March 1 as my starting date and let the SSA computers figure out my full age? Or do I put down May 1? Or because I know the May check will come in June, do I put down June 1?

A: None of the above. You will indicate April as your starting month. (For Social Security benefit starting purposes, you don’t worry about days, just the month you want your checks to start.)

Also, you don’t worry about when the check will actually show up in your bank account. You just worry about which month you want to be your first month of eligibility for Social Security checks. And if you want your full retirement rate, you normally would indicate May.

But in your case, we have an additional twist. There is a common law (not a Social Security law) that says you legally attain your age on the day before your actual birthday. So, you will legally reach age 66 and 2 months not on May 1 but on April 30. Because you reach FRA on that last day of April, you will indicate April as the month you want your benefits to start.

Q: I was born in February 1959. So, my full retirement age will be

age 66 and 10 months. But I want to start my benefits at age 62. Do I have to be 62 and 10 months to do that?

A: No. When they changed the full retirement age, they did not change the early retirement age. It remains age 62 for everyone, no matter what your FRA is. But you should know this. You will be assessed with a bit more of a reduction for starting your benefits at 62. The reduction has been 25% for people whose FRA was 66. But because of the

extra months between age 62 and your FRA (66 + 10 months), the age 62 reduction will be a bit more -- somewhere near 29%.

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has a book with all the answers. It’s called “Social Security: Simple and Smart.” You can find the book at creators.com/books. Or look for it on Amazon or other book outlets.

COPYRIGHT 2020 CREATORS.COM

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Adding value and a comforting environment in your home

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

Iwould like to take this time to wish all my readers a very safe, healthy and happy holiday season and a more safer, healthier, happier and potentially more “getting back to normal” and lucrative New Year in 2021.

I have visited so many homes over the years providing suggestions, ideas and solutions to what the particular homeowner could and should do to improve and add value to their home. Everyone has different needs and wants and everyone’s tastes are always varied and sometimes very unusual, eclectic or even way far out in left field. There are also those whose tastes are very artistic and very personal. However, this will almost always take away from the appeal and value of a home when it comes to selling. I use an analogy that some like vanilla, some like chocolate and some like butter pecan and then there are those that like rocky road and banana cherry split chip. So there are those that like things standardized without too much pizzazz, nothing too fancy. Then I will walk into a home and notice one wall that just projects itself out like it’s saying, “look at me.” Those bright red, blue, green or a specific or customized and outrageous vivid and glossy color makes the room really pop! The decorations, colors and design add a variety and personal touch and feeling to each and every home. However, due to its’ personal nature, these aren’t the specific things that will add true value and benefit to the home now or when selling. However, it will create and satisfy what the owners want their home layout and environment to look and feel like by imputing their specific visions, tastes and whims.

What does add value and benefit to your home are the “no brainer” most crucial and important items like updated or gut renovated kitchens, bathrooms and family rooms and/or finished basements, as well as roofs, windows and utility upgrades (heat, electric and oil to gas conversions and CAC split

units). However since the Covid-19 Pandemic raised its’ ugly head back in March of this year creating our current “new norm” has added to the mix, a new demand (mentioned in a previous column) and need by purchasers for home “office space” specifically for both the kids who are schooling mostly online as well as for parents who are working from home. Many of us are no longer traveling to our offices and may never go back, depending on the specific job, position or business and the reduction and/or elimination of the Covid-10 virus. In many ways the bright side of your situation is the huge sums of money and time that have been conserved and saved over the last 10 months in traveling, transportation costs (train, gas and car wear and tear and repairs). Greater production has been enabled from those working externally. The World Economic Forum and Summit October 20-23, 2020 expressed and discussed the following information:

BY CHARLYN FARGO

Sometimes it’s the smallest things that can help us reach our goals. Take breakfast, for example, if you struggle with making a quick, healthy breakfast, you may need to purchase a small skillet (for one or two, depending on your family size) to make a quick egg and veggie omelet or scramble in the morning. If you prefer a Smoothie in the morning, finding a place for your blender on the counter may be the solution for daily making a milk or yogurt-based healthy Smoothie (adding fruits and veggies) for a quick, grab-and-

• The number of employees permanently working remotely globally is set to double in 2021, according to a new survey by a U.S. technology research firm.

• According to their results, the percentage of permanent remote workers will rise from 16.4% to 34.4%.

• This would have ramifications in areas from retail to real estate.

• Here is the link to read more in depth info: https://www.weforum.org/ events/the-jobs-reset-summit-2020

My professional opinion and belief is that more and more families will focus their attention about and within the home. Working at home is and will be a priority. However being comfortable like never before will also be a major point of interest and technology will continue to play a major role

in creating a more alluring, educational, interactive and fun environment. Until vaccines are widely distributed and the vast majority of the population is inoculated, living and playing in and around the home will be a focal point. Besides an area for office space, family rooms and/or finished basements will no longer be an option, but a necessity, it will be a value added benefit to a majority of those families who will demand and search for. Although humans are by nature social creatures, the Covid-19 Pandemic has forced many and enabled others to pivot, to figure out and pursue another path and deal with and get use to a different alternate reality of coping with our “new norm.” Being happy while being comfortable and somewhat satisfied with one’s surroundings will be tantamount in dealing with the lack of social interaction. For sure it isn’t a healthy situation for so many, especially when you have all of a sudden gone from a successful business or job to having it all disappear overnight. Here is a very helpful link to help you deal with stress and its’ related symptoms: https://www.stress.org/2020/12

I have been advising my clients to take up and focus a greater amount of time on their families as well as existing hobbies or try something new e.g. checkers, chess, scrabble, crossword puzzles, hangman, mad lips or any game(s) that might be interesting and challenging. Moreover, the need for the aforementioned family rooms and/ or finished basements. The Covid-19 infection rates will continue to soar locally, domestically and around the globe, during the next 3-6 months. Your home will more and more of a cherished bastion, a fortress and destination for greater security, comfort and healthier surroundings for a house is not a home until it is lived in.

As we stay within our homes, next

spring the garden will be a sanctuary and a source for a release from stress, frustration and sadness by taking one’s mind off our current insidious Covid19 Pandemic. As the days and months pass, we will emerge from the frigid and snowy winter months, like hibernating bears, yearning for the fresh air of spring and the warmth of the summer sun.

Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 39 years experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned designations as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (G.R.I.) and also as a Certified International Property Specialist (C.I.P.S.). He will provide you with “free” regular updates of sold and new homes in your town via the Multiple Listing Service of Long Island (MLSLI) or go to http://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com and you can “do it yourself (DYI) and search on your own. For a “FREE” `15 minute consultation, as well as well as a “FREE printout or digital value analysis of what your home might sell for in today’s tumultuous Covid-19 pandemic market without any obligation or “strings” attached. He can also provide a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality, and our Seller’s and Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider when Selling, investing or Purchasing your Home.

You can email or snail mail (regular mail) him with your request or ideas, suggestions or interview you for a specific topic and a Q & A for a future column with your name, email and cell number. He will email or call you back and respond to your request ASAP as long as he has your complete name, cell, email and/or full home or business address. Again, for a “FREE” 15 minute consultation, he can also be reached by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@ TurnKeyRealEstate.Com or to answer any of your questions and concerns in selling, investing, purchasing, or leasing residential or commercial property.

go, protein-rich breakfast.

Think about what you struggle with. If it’s daily exercise, start 2021 with a plan. My doctor recently shared with me that walking three times a week leaves too many options to “wait until tomorrow.”

It’s better, he says, to just plan on walking every day, closing the door to the “tomorrow” excuse. Maybe you need to find a new place for the treadmill or hang a speaker nearby to be able to play your favorite music or podcast while you exercise. It may be helpful to lay your workout clothes and tennis shoes the night before,

COPYRIGHT 2020 CREATORS.COM Removing

so it’s easier to get started on your workout. Even a simple thing like having a cold bottle of water waiting in the refrigerator may be the little push you need to exercise. If you’ve tried any of the home meal services, such as Hello Fresh or Home Chef, you know they try to apply this idea of making it easier to cook at home. Taking the work out of making dinner - everything is in the bag ready to cook - helps you accomplish your goal of eating less take-out.

I’ve found this works in my own life, whether it’s healthier eating and consis-

tent exercise, or crossing an item off my to-do list. A clean desk helps me stay on track and tackle the next project. It’s a simple thing, but if I don’t organize my desk, I can’t find the papers I need to guide me through the next assignment.

Challenge yourself to make a list of your goals - then find something to make it easier to accomplish. You’ll be on your way to accomplishing that goal.

Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with SIU Med School in Springfield, Illinois.

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infection and communicability, to chronic conditions and comorbidities alike.

Lacking financial and logistical means, many are even foregoing face-to-face consultations with physicians on complicated and long-term medical needs.

It is for these reasons that I ask your readers to squeeze a little something extra into their mailboxes this year: smart devices, with which low-income senior patients can virtually interface with their own trusted doctors, families, and friends. Apart from minimizing risk in healthcare settings by preventing unnecessary hospitalizations and deal-

ing with medical complications without delay, these phones, tablets, and laptops will also allow our patients to participate in online activities with peers and broadly engage a more hospitable world. While we wait for vaccines to make their way through healthcare professionals, other essential workers, and nursing home residents slated for priority access, an electronic means of developing a different sort of immunity - an immunity to the challenges presented by isolation and neglect - is the next best New Year’s gift.

I know from personal experience that Long Island’s benevolent spirit is derived from the generosity of our communities. As you replace your electronics with

newer models and give back to charities this holiday season, please consider donating your gently used devices to TeleHealth Access for Seniors, a 501(c) (3) student-led nonprofit in which I’m deeply involved. With help from communities like Bethpage, we have donated over 3,000 devices to 105 partner clinics in 26 states since March 2020. We also have a team of dedicated volunteers that staff a multilingual live tech support line for device recipients, as well as a team that designs guides on everything from setting up a Zoom call to ordering grocery delivery. At telehealthforseniors.org/donate , you can either donate devices or contribute to our GoFundMe page in just a

Let your voice be heard!

couple of clicks, making sure to select the referring state from which you’re donating. All donations are tax-deductible, and with assistance from donors like you, our 450 student volunteers have raised over $150,000 for seniors, veterans, and underprivileged patients in need, striving to ensure that their quality of life is not compromised by the ongoing pandemic. Every donation counts, and in the holiday spirit, I would greatly appreciate your support.

Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year,

Vignesh Subramanian TeleHealth Access for Seniors

Is there an issue in your community you want to discuss? Want to respond to something you saw in our paper? Then write a letter to our editor and bring it to ever yone’s attention! Send your letter to editor@gcnews.com and we’ll publish it for you!

WE ARE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FOR LUNCH AND DINNER Sun - Thurs 11:30-9pm Fri & Sat 11:30-10pm

The Entire Grimaldi’s Staff would like to wish Everyone a Happy Healthy 2021!

HOLIDAY PACKAGES

Available November 20, 2020 - January 3, 2021 for lunch and dinner • Take out only

PACKAGE #1 $80 Plus Tax

• (2) 18” regular pizzas • 1/2 tray chicken parmigiana • Complimentary Bottle of Cabernet or Pinot Grigio

PACKAGE #2 $115 Plus Tax

• (2) 18” regular pizzas • 1/2 tray Caesar salad

• 1/2 tray chicken parmigiana • Complimentary Bottle of Cabernet or Pinot Grigio

PACKAGE #3 $145 Plus Tax

• (1) 18” regular pizzas • 1/2 tray Caesar salad • 1/2 tray chicken parmigiana • 1/2 tray penne ala vodka • Complimentary Bottle of Cabernet or Pinot Grigio

*Additional items may be purchased at regular menu price. *Toppings available for additional cost; may not be combined with any other coupon, discount, offer or Groupon; prices do not include tax or gratuity; available for take out only; no substitutions.*

CATERING MENU

APPETIZER SELECTIONS

ANTIPASTO

$80

Homemade mozzarella, oven roasted sweet red peppers, genoa salami, sicilian olives

ASSORTED BAKED PINWHEELS

$70

Variety of spinach, pepperoni, buffalo chicken and sausage and bacon rolls, served with a side of sauce

GRIMALDIS ORIGINAL RECIPE

BUFFALO WINGS

$80

Buffalo wings tossed with our homemade buffalo sauce. Served with celery and carrots and choice of blue cheese or ranch

BRUSCHETTA

$70

Seasoned chopped tomatoes, topped with a parmesan dusting served on crustini bread

TOMATO MOZZARELLA

$80

Large slices of tomato and fresh mozzarella with a basil pesto drizzle over a bed of greens

18” DESSERT PLATTER

Combination of Jr. Cheese Cake, Cannoli,

Chocolate Decadence and Rice Pudding $80

Grimaldi’s Cannoli Platters (15 cannolis) $75

18” SALAD SELECTIONS

House $80

Caesar $70

Chopped $80

Spinach $80

Portobello

$80

Mediterranean $80

Add Fresh Mozzarella $15

Add Grilled Chicken $20

Add Salami $15

ENTREÉ SELECTIONS

Chicken Parmigiana

Half Full

$55 $95

Chicken Marsala $60 $100

Eggplant Parmigiana $55 $95

Eggplant Rollatini $55 $90

Penne Ala Vodka $50 $80

Penne Bolognese $55 $90

TAKEOUT & DELIVERY

SUNDAY - THURSDAY 11:30-9

FRIDAY & SATURDAY 11:30-10