SERVING PLAINVIEW, HICKSVILLE, AND LEVIT TOWN
TOYS FOR TOTS KICKOFF
Local officials attended the Toys For Tots Kickoff at Millers Ale House in Levittown, Saturday, November 14, with Major Chuck Kilbride -United States Marine Corps and Founder of Toys for Tots. Above, Leg. John Feretti, County Legislators Rose Marie Walker and James Kennedy and his children Logan and Emma; Jim McDermott, President of Nassau County PBA and his son Collin, Marines Gun. Sgt. John Sardine, Raul Pillo; Drew Reynolds, Chris Nevins, and Lance Wolff,of Millers Ale House; Ramon Miller, President, Tier Rats and Frank Sammartano.
Amazon driver charged with grand larceny
Edward Seyfert
An Amazon driver who worked out of the company ’ s Bethpage warehouse was arrested for grand larceny by Nassau County Police on November 13.
According to detectives, police investigated a larceny of approximately $5600.00 worth of merchandise from the warehouse, located on 80 Grumman Road West. Police say that the merchandise was being loaded onto one of the
delivery trucks but was being rerouted to another location.
Amazon driver Edward Seyfert, 48, of Deer Park allegedly brought the stolen items to his home in Deer Park and police say he threatened physical bodily harm to a 28-year-old male coworker to not tell the authorities. No injuries were reported. Proceeds recovered included a television and chair.
Deferment for water treatment in Hicksville
The Hicksville Water District has received a compliance deferral from New York State allowing the District additional time to install the necessary infrastructure upgrades to treat for 1,4-dioxane. The two-year deferral process is only available to those water providers throughout the state that have shown significant progress in installing the now required advanced oxidation process (AOP) treatment system for the removal of 1,4-dioxane to meet the newly established maximum contaminant levels (MCL).
“We have been working on solutions to this issue well before the state started the process to regulate 1,4-dioxane,” said HWD Chairman William Schuckmann. “Our driving principle is to provide our residents with the highest quality water possible, period. The state’s action levels are extremely conservative in nature so your water remains safe to consume while we complete this herculean effort to improve our already high-quality water for future generations.”
According to the Health Department, “The MCLs are set well below levels known to cause health effects in animal studies. Therefore, consuming water with PFOA, PFOS or 1,4-dioxane at the level detected does not pose a significant health risk. Your water continues to be acceptable for all uses.”
On August 26, the New York State Health Department finalized regulations establishing MCLs for 1,4-dioxane at 1 part per billion (ppb) and for PFOA and PFOS at 10 parts per trillion (ppt). While PFOA and PFOS are not a concern of the District’s at this point in time as any detection to this point has been below the state’s MCL, 1,4-dioxane is present at 10 of the District’s 14 well sites above or nearing the state’s MCL.
To make the capital improvements necessary to install AOP treatment at each of these well sites, the District is in the middle of making a more than $70 million investment. The District already has its first two AOP treatment facilities online at Plants 1 and 4.
“We are working as quickly as possible to finish construction on the remaining treatment facilities, added Commissioner Schuckmann. “Our goal is to have all of this treatment up and running well before the two year extension expires, and, in the meantime, will make operational changes to ensure we are limiting any potential exposures to these contaminants as much as possible.”
Rob’s Run planned for November 29 at Stillwell Woods
All smiles (although you can’t tell behind the masks!) as they announce plans for this year’s edition of the Lynn Gartner Dunne LLP Rob’s Run are (left to right) John Dunne of Lynn Gartner Dunne LLP, GLIRC Executive Director Sue Fitzpatrick, Robert P. Lynn, Jr. of Lynn Gartner Dunne LLP, CDD Director of Development Debbie Patey, CDD Executive Director Jay Silverstein & Christopher A. Renke of Lynn Gartner Dunne LLP
One of the first “live” running races on Long Island since March will be held on Sunday morning, November 29 at Stillwell Woods in Syosset – the 28th annual Lynn Gartner Dunne LLP Rob’s Run Cross Country 5 Kilometer Race.
The lead sponsor of the event is once again the prestigious Mineola law firm of Lynn Gartner Dunne LLP. The charitable beneficiary is once again the Center for Developmental Disabilities to help fund the work that they are doing with “special” children and adults.
Rob’s Run will once again be staged by the Greater Long Island Running Club (GLIRC) under the direction of veteran race administrators Sue Fitzpatrick and Jim Murray, who are hard at work putting together the pieces of this individual and team competition that continues to be Long Island’s premier cross country event....and a perfect way to enjoy the beauties of Stillwell Woods.
As in the past, Rob’s Run is dedicated to the memory of Rob Lauterborn, an extraordinary human being, talented runner, and good friend, who was taken from us at far too young an age.
Working with Nassau County,
GLIRC has developed specific protocols to assure the safety of the participants in the age of COVID-19. The entire event will be staged outdoors, with no indoor closed air venue used as a staging area. Runners will be required to wear masks before the start and immediately after crossing the finish line. Staff and volunteers will be masked at all times. The runners will go out in waves, seeded so that the fastest runners will be starting first, so as to ensure that there will be few or no instances of runners passing each other on the course, and that there will be no congestion at the finish line. There will be no awards ceremony after the race; it will be conducted via a Facebook/Instagram livestream a few days later.
“We have been working diligently to make sure that this will be an enjoyable return to running for the Long Island running community and, perhaps more to the point, that the event will minimize any risks of COVID-19 transmission,” observed GLIRC Executive Director Sue Fitzpatrick. “Safety is our Number 1 concern and our Number 1 priority.”
For more information, call the GLIRC office at (516) 349-7646.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Email: Editor@GCNews.com
Thank you for support
To the Editor:
During the past 2 months you may have seen our members from the Bethpage Butehorn Brothers VFW Post outside of 7-11 and the Dunkin Doughnuts store in Bethpage selling our Poppies.
Your generous donations this year were greatly appreciated by the Post. As always, an added bonus is getting to say hello to so many wonderful residents and making new friends. This is our main fundraising opportunity and your donations allow us to help support veterans in need and others such as Long
Island Cares and our own Bethpage charities. Once again, we thank you for always supporting us each year.
A special event is happening for a Bethpage resident this year as well. This December 4th, Post member Bud Rosch will be turning 100 years old. Bud is just one of the many veterans that have earned our deepest gratitude and we wish him all the best and especially a very Happy Birthday on December 4th.
Thank You to all the residents. Commander George Hudak,
Arrest for gun possession
Nassau County Police arrested a Queens man for Criminal Possession of a Weapon after a traffic stop in Levittown on Thursday, November 12.
According to police, officers from Bureau of Special Operation observed a 2017 Nissan Altima traveling eastbound on Hempstead Turnpike with excessive window tints. During the traffic stop, police say the driver was in possession of a substance believed to be marijuana.
The passenger, Mario Perez, 31, of Rockaway, was allegedly in possession of a handgun. He was arrested without incident.
The driver was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th Degree, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd Degree and multiple traffic infractions. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Perez was charged with Criminal
Possession of a Weapon 2nd Degree and Criminal Possession of a Firearm and was to be arraigned.
Do you have a ser vice to advertise? Early deadline
The deadline for this newspaper will be one day early next week due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Please send your news items to editor@ gcnews.com by Monday at noon for publication in the November 27th issue. Classified ads may be placed by noon on Monday at 516-294-8900. For more information please call 516931-0012
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Butehorn Brothers Post #4987
Mario Perez
Thanksgiving Food Drive helps those less fortunate
BY GARY SIMEONE
The giving spirit was alive and well on a cold Tuesday morning at the Woodbury Jewish Center, as volunteers collected non-perishable food items for the annual Island Harvest Thanksgiving Food Drive.
From the hours of 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., community members pulled up in their vehicles to help load boxes with an assortment of healthy staples, such as canned goods, breads, cereals, boxed stuffing mix and instant mashed potatoes.
“I am always amazed at the generosity and compassion of the people in this district. It knows no bounds,” said County Legislator Josh Lafazan, who helped to organize the event. “Particularly during these turbulent times for everyone’s family that people continue to take time out of their lives and resources out of their wallet to give to the less fortunate is truly remarkable.”
The event was held in the center’s parking lot, and
everyone maintained their social distances and wore masks while dropping off food items.
“This is a true drivethrough contactless event as a result of COVID,” said Lafazan. “The holidays are a difficult time in normal years, let alone during the pandemic. Our goal is to make the holidays as joyful as possible for those who are food insecure or struggling financially. “
Lafazan said that a recent food drive was held at the same location a few months ago, and Island Harvest organization was able to collect over a thousand pounds of food.
“We expect to match that same haul of a thousand pounds today and what’s really special is that kids from the high school told us not to leave because they wanted to contribute at the end of their school day.”
He added that the team of volunteers would stay the extra time until the school bell rang.
Austin Lebo, County Legislator Josh Lafazan, Rena Thomas
Syosset Schools cut ribbon on new Fitness Center
The Syosset Board of Education, district administration and local officials celebrated the opening of a new stateof-the-art Fitness Center on Friday, November 13, by cutting a bright red ribbon in the new space located at Syosset High School.
Senator Jim Gaughran and Legislator Joshua Lafazan were in attendance, along with a limited number of Syosset students and coaches. The event was limited in size to abide by all health and safety precautions currently in place due to the pandemic.
The state-of-the-art fitness center will amplify the Syosset physical education, health and wellness, and athletics programs. The facility provides space for instruction, weight training, circuit training, and cardio conditioning, in addition to new locker rooms, restrooms facilities and athletic offices. The equipment for the facility was selected not only to help students advance physically, but also to keep them safe. The machines were chosen to build the strength specifically needed for each sport, helping to prevent injuries on the field.
Under trained supervision, students are currently using the fitness center during physical education classes during the school day and for off-season strength and conditioning after school. The fitness center is currently operating at a limited capacity so that all health and safety protocols can be followed.
The new Fitness Center is approximately 8,200 square feet and will offer the following features:
• Cardio machines, including ellipticals, treadmills, and stationary bikes
• Pendulum plate loading strength equipment
• 8 free weight racks
• Medicine balls, plyo boxes, strength bands, conditioning ropes, kettlebells, and mats
• New locker rooms and bathroom facilities
In February 2018, the voters of the Syosset Central School District approved the construction of a new weight room and fitness center for Syosset High School as part of a capital project improvement plan. The addition of the new Fitness Center follows the completion of a new 8-lane track and artificial turf field, the addition of two new tennis courts and refurbishment of the exiting courts, and updates to the pool facility.
“The District is deeply grateful for the support of the Syosset community and to Senator Jim Gaughran and Legislator Joshua Lafazan for assisting in securing grants to aid in the purchase and installation of the state-ofthe-art fitness equipment for our new facility that will serve Syosset students for years to come,” remarked Dr. Tom Rogers, Superintendent of Schools.
The new building addition is located where temporary building structures, or “portables”, once stood that housed the old weight room. The location of the facility provides quick access to the new 8-lane track and artificial turf field just completed last year. An abundance of natural light from a wall of windows and a modern, open design featuring the school’s bold red and black colors make the space inviting and engaging for students.
Legislator Joshua Lafazan presents a “big check” to Board President Tracy Frankel and Superintendent Dr. Tom Rogers to represent the Nassau County grant money he secured for the purchase of and installation of equipment for the fitness facility.
From left: Trustee Carol Cheng, Board V.P. Rob Gershon, Trustee Chris Ulrich, Trustee Susan Falkove, Superintendent Dr. Tom Rogers, Board President Tracy Frankel, Senator Jim Gaughran, Legislator Joshua Lafazan, SHS student Lilah Grubman, SHS student Victoria Cawley, SHS student Dan Greenfield, Board Trustee Andy Feldman.
Senator Gaughran, Legislator Lafazan, Syosset Board of Education members, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tom Rogers and Syosset High School students cut the ribbon at the new Fitness Center.
Senator Jim Gaughran presents Board of Education President Tracy Frankel with a proclamation.
Photos courtesy of the Syosset Central School District
DISCOVER THE FINEST IN SENIOR LIVING
The Bristal Assisted Living has been serving seniors and their families in the tri-state area since 2000, offering independent and assisted living, as well as state-of-the-art memory care programs. We are committed to helping residents remain independent, while providing peace of mind that expert care is available, if needed. Designed with seniors in mind, each of our communities feature exquisitely appointed apartments and beautiful common areas that are perfect for entertaining. On-site services and amenities include daily housekeeping, gourmet meals, a cinema, salon, plus so much more. Discover a vibrant community, countless social events with new friends, and a luxurious lifestyle that you will only find at The Bristal.
A focus on diversity in Bethpage
ENERGY
Hannah Park, a first-grade student at Central Boulevard Elementary School in the Bethpage School District, created a passport during a “Holidays Around the World” unit to celebrate students’ cultures and holidays on Nov. 13. Photo courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District
First-grade students in Alexandria Olsen’s ENL class at Central Boulevard Elementary School in the Bethpage School District created passports to celebrate a “Holidays Around the World” unit on Nov. 13. The unit was designed with each students' culture and family background in mind. Their first "trip" was to India, where the class learned about Diwali.
“The students are loving the fact that they are learning about their friends' cultures,” said Ms. Olsen.
This Week at the Syosset Library
Friday, November 20 at 2:00 p.m.
Thanksgiving: The Day Before & the Day After Cooking Class
Presenter: Chef Rob Scott
Enjoy Chef Rob Scott’s cooking class and make green onion pancakes with
crispy turkey and cranberry hoisin sauce and caramel apple pie taquitos. Register at www.syossetlibrary.org/ live-streaming. Once you register, you will receive a Zoom link, an ingredient list, and a recipe.
Thinking outside the box
BY LAUREL FRIED
We not only think outside the box, but we also enhance the box.
In these challenging times around the world, our country has transformed greatly. Since last spring, we have all adjusted to a new method of work, education, entertainment, and prayer. Many of us have new fashion accessories such as rhinestone sparkle masks and purple vinyl gloves while others may just have plain blue or white masks. As we are all trying to adjust our daily lives to this
new normal, many organizations and establishments have found creative approaches to coping with the pandemic.
Temple Or Elohim, A Community Reform Congregation, (TOEACRC), acted swiftly to ensure its members would be able to continue to enjoy the religious, educational, and social traditions that have been our hallmark for more than six decades. We instituted new methods for observing Shabbat, celebrating Bar and Bat Mitzvah and the High Holy days this
year. Unlike most Reform Temples in Nassau County, TOEACRC has offered in person services, enabling our congregants to pray in their sanctuary and see their friends and clergy in a CDC safe world as well as in the comfort of their own homes via livestream. Further, we created a hybrid approach to our Hebrew School program, offering both in-person socially distanced classes and real-time digital study via Zoom and Skype. All these new guidelines for the building and the congregants were designed by TOEACRC’s own COVID-19 Task Force comprised of doctors, microbiologists, pharmacists, and other healthcare workers.
While we all try to find ways to safely socialize, TOEACRC has launched a series of in-person and digital events designed to bring us together and lift our spirits. On the afternoon of Sunday, October 18, we turned our parking lot into a club as singer songwriter Robert Appleblatt and popular local band Vinyl Frontier entertained attendees with music from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s for a few hours. People were delighted to have the chance to be out of their houses and mingling with friends.
“What an amazing experience” said Gale Gluck.
“It was a wonderful event. It was great seeing everyone in person again.” said Mark Natelson.
“Everyone is having so much fun and smiling” said Rose Bruy.
As the months grow colder, we’ve introduced a number of new weekly programs to help our members cope and stay connected with each other
and clergy including Chanting From The Torah and Meditation and Stress Relief – both led by our Cantor. Just recently the cantor led a class on “The Temple of the Body and the Temple of the Soul. This was originally created by Rebbe Nachman of Breslov and it allowed us to reduce the anxiety in the different parts of our body and to become one with ourselves.
The Rabbi has moved her regular weekly Torah Study classes online, with the usual insights and lively conversations continuing as if everybody were in the same room. In one of the recent sessions, we learned about how Noah was chosen to build the ark and why he was asked to bring just two of each animal. Our Rabbi also participated in a Multi Faith forum held on Zoom in which 450 Bellmore Merrick students were able to reap the benefits of the collective wisdom of 6 of our local faith leaders. The children came away with a deeper understanding of both the different perspectives and commonalities amongst the major religions and we can only hope that they will help us move away from intolerance and discrimination in our world.
As the weather gets colder the Temple and congregants will be trying to initiate further programs for all those involved. For instance, a Zoom Chanukah Baking class with a limited amount of in person attendees is being organized by the Director of Education. The dream of all of us members and non- members is that this crisis comes to an end sooner than later. Be well, healthy and stay safe!
Upcoming events at the Jericho Public Library
Monday, November 23
4:00 p.m.: Flex & Tone with Mindy Vasta- Put on some comfortable clothing and join Mindy for this exercise class while in the comfort and safety of your home.
7:00 p.m.: Fit & Fabulous with Linda Ray- Join Linda for this evening exercise class designed to get you Fit & look Fabulous!
Tuesday, November 24
10:30 a.m.: Storytime with Ms. LizAges 2-5
11:00 a.m.: Guided Meditation for Self Healing with Patricia AndersonJoin Pat for one or all of the meditation sessions to bring harmony and balance into your life.
2:00 p.m.: News Currents with Elinor Haber- Join Elinor to participate in this informal current events
discussion. Talk about topics of the day - the international, national and local scene. There will be lots to discuss!
7:00 p.m.: Maker Hour with STEMtastic (Ages 7-12)- Your child’s creativity will be unleashed as they tinker, engineer, and invent in this STEM based program.
Wednesday, November 25
1:00 p.m.: Watercolor
Demonstration with Chuck Van Horn- Learn watercolor techniques, tips and tricks. There will be time for questions and critiques.
Thursday, November 26
Library Closed, Thanksgiving Day
For all events, go to www.jerichopubliclibrary.org /events/month to register.
Online Zoom Shabbat
Students spread gratitude this Veterans Day
Students and staff celebrated Veterans Day throughout the Levittown Public Schools on Nov. 10. Classes found creative ways to recognize and appreciate all those who have served in the military for our freedom.
At East Broadway Elementary School, third-graders in Nicole Nulty’s class drew pictures of a folded American flag and sang patriotic songs. East Broadway fifth-graders in Katie Winkelman’s class talked about what it means to be a veteran, and students shared stories about the veterans in their lives. Each student also received a card with information about Veterans Day, shared the information as a class and wrote the information on a worksheet. They then created acrostic poems about veterans.
Kindergarten students at Gardiners Avenue School in Mary Jo Bergersen’s class shared information about hometown heroes, veterans from the community and family members who are veterans. Each student also created a poppy wreath to display in their window at home, decorated an American flag as they practiced the Pledge of Allegiance and created a Wall of Gratitude. Throughout the day, the kindergartners discussed bravery, gratitude, patriotism and respect, and gained a true understanding of how veterans and their families made sacrifices for our freedom.
Lee Road third-graders in Jennifer Lores’ class also shared stories about the veterans in their lives and discussed the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day. The class read an article
Gardiners Avenue kindergartner
Jameson Esposito shared information about his military father with his class for Veterans Day.
about why Veterans Day is celebrated each year on Nov. 11 and created thank you cards for veterans that they personally know. Second-graders at Summit Lane Elementary School in Lori McGill’s class also showed their gratitude through letters. They wrote to a Navy veteran and asked questions about his time in the military. Afterwards, the letters were collected into a book to give to the veteran. Summit Lane also has two Walls of Honor on display. One wall honors first responders and the other honors veterans. The Wall of Honor includes photos of parents, siblings, grand-
parents and more, all of whom have served in the military.
Sixth-grade students in Caroline Kind’s English language arts class wanted to honor veterans this year in a creative way. Through class discussion, Mrs. Kind learned that many students in the class had veterans in their families. The class brainstormed ways that they could deliver their gratitude safely and decided to create a video using Google Slides. The video featured student-made slides with words of thanks for the veterans and also included the names of veterans in the students’ lives.
“This year, students and staff face many challenges, but it is so important to make this year the most memorable year ever exposing all of the positive aspects in our lives,” said Mrs. Kind. “I’m hoping this project helped to make this year just a little more special.”
Through all these important class lessons and activities, Levittown students developed a better understanding of the meaning of Veterans Day and the sacrifices that veterans made to protect our freedom. Photos courtesy of the Levittown Public Schools
East Broadway fifth-graders showed off their acrostic poems about veterans.
Gardiners Avenue kindergartner Sofia Mendez created her poppy wreath.
East Broadway third-grader Christopher Cohen with his folded American flag drawing.
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Hicksville Marching Band students place in state competition
Samantha Mason placed fourth in the Advanced Flute category and also performed in the Virtual Ensemble.
Several Hicksville High School students received awards for participating in the New York State Field Band Conference Individual and Ensemble Competition. Congratulations to Samantha Mason, who placed fourth in the Individual Advanced Flute Performances, and to Nisarg Shah, who placed fourth in the Individual Advanced Saxophone Performances.
Nisarg Shah placed fourth in the Advanced Saxophone category.
Hicksville color guard students designed their own performance, which won them first place in the Advanced Visual Ensemble category. Congratulations to Alejandro Gonzalez, Kevin Sandoval, Sarah Chavez, Arianna Nelson, Nicole Rubio, Calypso Henriques, Cassidy Flanagan and Alexa Gomez.
To participate in the competition,
Samantha Mason and Brandon Baade performed Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind” in the New York State Field Band’s Virtual Ensemble.
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Brandon Baade played the sousaphone as part of the Virtual Ensemble.
students were required to submit video recordings of themselves performing to the New York State Field Band Conference. Awards were then announced during a virtual ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 1.
“Our students at Hicksville have continued to demonstrate their dedication and passion to marching band and have overcome the obstacles of a unique year,” said Hicksville Marching Band Director Kerri Barnett. “I am very proud of our students
for fully designing, choreographing, and performing in each of their productions, and they have represented the Hicksville community beautifully.”
The New York State Field Band Conference also featured a Virtual Ensemble, which was a collaboration of students from more than 40 schools in the state, including Hicksville students Samantha Mason and Brandon Baade. Photos courtesy of the Hicksville School District
The Hicksville color guard placed first in the Advanced Visual Ensemble category.
Levittown student musicians take talents to state level
Division Avenue senior Danielle Tear (left) and MacArthur senior Emily Zhang were selected to participate in the 2020 virtual All-State Conference this December.
Four seniors from Levittown Public Schools were recognized as 2020 AllState participants and/or alternates by the New York State School Music Association. Due to the pandemic, the AllState Conference which usually is held in Rochester, NY, will be held virtually this year. Students will perform in a virtual concert with their respective ensembles this December.
Danielle Tear from Division Avenue High School was selected to perform the cello in the string orchestra, while Emily Zhang from General Douglas MacArthur High School was selected to perform the Bb clarinet in the symphonic band. In addition, Jelissa Montesdeoca and Daniel Purcell, both from General Douglas
MacArthur seniors Jelissa Montesdeoca (left) and Daniel Purcell were selected as alternates in the 2020 virtual All-State Conference.
MacArthur High School, were recognized as alternates for soprano II and bass I, respectively.
As a result of the current health crisis, the All-State selection process was different than previous years but was still highly competitive. Current seniors who performed an All-State solo at the Spring 2019 NYSSMA Festival and who were
selected to an All-State ensemble, either as a participant or an alternate, were accepted this year. In addition, current juniors who received high scores at the 2019 festival as sophomores, were eligible to be recommended by their teachers and those who qualified were selected as well to join the 2020 ensembles.
Photos courtesy of the Levittown Public Schools
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GRUMMAN'S HAZARDOUS WASTE HAS CONTAMINATED THE BETHPAGE AREA FOR DECADES
The contaminant plume continues to grow. Numerous toxic substances have been detected in the water, soil and soil vapor.
Blood drive on December 7
To help hospitals meet the ongoing and pressing need for blood during the coronavirus pandemic, the Town of Oyster Bay will be holding a Blood Collection Drive on Monday, December 7 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hicksville Athletic Center, located 167 S. Broadway in Hicksville. All donors will receive ‘Free Blizzards’ vouchers for Dairy Queen, which can be redeemed at their Massapequa, Levittown, Huntington or East Northport locations.
“Blood donations are extremely important during normal times to help secure any necessary blood transfusions for patients. During this pan-
demic, blood supplies have dwindled tremendously and are critically low, so this blood drive, the largest upcoming drive in our local area, will be critical to help our local hospitals meet demand and continue their life-saving operations during these extraordinary times,” said Town Councilwoman Laura Maier. “Please consider participating in this blood drive and help bolster our blood banks so that as many people as possible can be helped.”
The Town’s Blood Drive will operate by appointment only, with no walk-in donations accepted. Social distancing and sanitary protocols will be in place
to maintain the health and safety of all donors. To qualify as a blood donor, a person must between the ages of 17 and 75 years old (16 with parental permission and 76 or older with a doctor’s note), weigh at least 110 pounds and not have donated blood within the last 56 days. Anyone who received a tattoo within the past 12 months is ineligible to donate. It is recommended that volunteers eat well (low fat) and drink fluids in the days before the Blood Drive.
“Donating blood is a quick, easy, and safe process, and the pint of blood you donate will never be missed from your body, as it is quickly reproduced within
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your body,” Councilman Steve Labriola added. “If you have family members or friends willing to donate, please ask them to support our effort this year, as this initiative is more vital than ever to help make sure that our local hospitals can meet the excessive demand during the coronavirus pandemic and continue to save the lives of as many people as possible.”
For additional information regarding the Town’s Blood Drive, contact the Town Board Office at (516) 624-6304. To make an appointment to donate blood at this Blood Drive, sign up today at https://bit.ly/3nkkhjF.
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20, 2020
Black Friday, Cyber Monday Bring Gift of Travel Within Reach
BY KAREN RUBIN
TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM
There can be nothing more full of hope and promise for the future in this holiday season for a traveler than a gift that speaks to that wanderlust. The holiday spirit is manifesting differently this year, but nonetheless splendorous.
And travel companies offer Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals which can make that bucket list that much less costly but still as valuable. There are so many that you should just check the websites of travel companies, tour operators, hospitality companies you are interested in, but here are some examples:
&Beyond is offering 20% discount on its series of ‘7 Wonders in 7 Days’ itineraries designed to offer a longer stay in one destination with less travel time for travel dates through Dec. 15, 2021. Each itinerary includes conservation and community experiences as a way to do good while travelling. The discount will apply to a selection of itineraries across Africa and South America on inquiries made on Cyber Monday (Nov. 30) only. https://www. andbeyond.com/cyber-monday/
G Adventures is offering up to 21% off select worldwide tours (like Costa Rica, Iceland, Peru), $1 upfront deposits and 21% off My Own Room (gaadventures.com, 800-280-5214).
REI (which I love for clothing and specialized equipment, especially when they offer sales) is also an adventure travel company, and is offering 10 percent off 2021 private departures
Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals put travel to such bucket-list destinations as Iceland within reach. This holiday season, travel companies are finding novel ways to bring destinations, cultures and travel experiences to you, from virtual encounters to links to local artisans © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
booked by Nov. 23. For groups of four or more, the cost per person is actually the same as our regular trips. Call for an estimate: 877-326-0470, travel@rei. com.
Hurtigruten’s Black Friday sale offers savings up to 50% off pp, and book with discounted deposit of $500 pp. Hurtigruten operates premium expedition cruises on small, purpose-built, hybrid ships designed specifically to sail in remote waters and reduce carbon footprint to Alaska, Antarctica, the Caribbean & Central America, Greenland, Iceland, North America, the Northwest Passage, Norway, South America, and Svalbard (Hurtigruten.com, 888-412-2590)
The White Elephant Resorts portfolio, including Jared Coffin House, The Cottages, The Wauwinet, White Elephant, and the Boat Basin in Nantucket, and newly opened White Elephant Palm Beach in Florida (debuted November 4), will offer 20% off the best available rate on bookings made from Black Friday through Cyber Monday for travel through Dec. 31, 2121. (www.whiteelephantresorts. com/ Booking code: Cyber) Island Outpost properties in Jamaica, Strawberry Hill and The Caves, is offering 30% off bookings (minimum two nights) made from Black Friday through Cyber Monday (for travel January 4-December 19, 2021, with hol-
GOING PLACES NEAR AND FAR
iday blackouts).
The Meritage Resort & Spa and Vista Collina Resort & Spa will offer 21% off all two-night bookings made from Black Friday through December 1, 2020 for travel through April 30, 2021. The Meritage Collection will also donate $21 per stay to the First Responders Children’s Foundation to support the families of first responders. https://meritagecollection.com/ specials/black-friday-offer
Gift the gift of genealogy: start tracing roots for a future trip to discover heritage. Ancestry.com is offering 20% discount on gift memberships (through Nov. 25). Then, trace your family story on genealogy tours, created in collaboration with Ancestry, where each trip includes an AncestryDNA® kit and pre-trip family history review and a genealogist from AncestryProGenealogists® accompanies your tour group to answer questions about your heritage. (https://www. goaheadtours.com/travel-styles/heritage-tours,800-590-1161; check Black Friday deals).
Heritage tours are a whole genre. Here’s another: Dromoland Castle, a 16th century castle-turned-hotel set in the countryside of County Clare, Ireland is offering a new genealogy package for families looking to trace their Irish roots. After filling out their family history, the in-house genealogist, Lorna Maloney, will host a private 45-minute Zoom call to give a genealogy review, then prepares the full results along with next steps on familial connections or travel sugges-
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GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....
Black Friday, Cyber Monday Bring Gift of Travel Within Reach
tions. This can take place over Zoom or, ideally, at the Castle over tea and scones. The genealogy package starts at £220 for the Zoom conference, and nightly rates at the hotel start at $367 per night, double occupancy. (dromoland.ie)
Travel Gifts That Don’t Require Travel
Context Travel (contexttravel.com), known for erudite cultural walking tours, is featuring online cooking classes: Italian Cooking with Gina Tringali, Cooking with Clementine Haxby. Other seminars feature music and art. You can give the gift of learning with a Context gift card (https://conversations.contexttravel.com/products/context-conversations-gift-card)
The South Africa-based adventure, ecotourism and safari company, &beyond, is offering a slew of travel gifts that don’t require travel, including virtual experiences such as three-hour safaris; private, one-on-one sessions with conservation and marine experts; a virtual, interactive birding masterclass with leading birding specialists; virtual cooking masterclasses; a safari-themed children’s party; virtual session with certified nature and forest meditation therapy guide; yoga sessions; a virtual tango lesson; authentic African handicrafts and luxury accessories; or give a voucher for future travel (www.andbeyond.com/maga-
BY CHARLYN FARGO
Those of us over 30 lose approximately 3% to 8% of our skeletal muscle mass each decade, and more over the age of 60. That’s a bit shocking, isn’t it? That muscle loss can lead to frailty, type 2 diabetes, physical disability and even mortality.
But the good news is we can turn that around.
Researchers in the U.K. found that a simple task of eating vitamin C-rich foods, such as citrus, berries and vegetables, can turn that muscle loss around. Simply put, vitamin C protects skeletal muscle during aging.
The research was reported in the October 2020 issue of The Journal of Nutrition, analyzing data of vitamin C intakes from a seven-day food diary of more than 13,000 men and women (ages 42-82) in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition. Researchers also looked at the vitamin C in their blood. The results showed that those with the highest amounts of vitamin C had the greatest skeletal muscle
zine/10-gifts-that-dont-require-travel/, andbeyondsafarishopping.com/)
Travel Gifts that Give Back
Many major travel companies that adhere to the principles of sustainability and responsible travel also are deliberate about giving back to communities and conserving heritage and resources. Among them Pure Adventures, Overseas Adventure Travel (Grand Circle Foundation, www.oattravel.com/ oat-difference/grand-circle-foundation), Butterfield & Robinson and The Travel Corporation (ttc.com), which is a family of 40 travel and hospitality companies.
TTC’s charitable foundation, TreadRight, is using holiday gift giving to benefit its project partners and sustainable initiatives around the world – artisans and conservation projects hard-hit by the collapse of international travel. TreadRight is bringing these artisans to you:
Laboratorio Giuditta Brozzetti is a TreadRight project partner in Italy which works to preserve the ancient weaving tradition of the Perugia region, while empowering local women through employment. Shop woven goods including runners, bags & clothing (www.brozzetti.com/en/shop/)
Clean & Proud, based in Malawi, collects plastic waste and recycles it into practical and beautiful goods. Shop pouches, wallets, totes & other goods made from recycled plastic (https://
cleanandproud-recycling.com/shop/)
Proyecto Titi is a TreadRight project partner in Colombia working to protect the critically endangered cotton-top tamarin. Shop totes, ornaments & novelty items (www.proyectotiti.com/en-us/Shop)
Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco is a TreadRight project partner in Peru which works to preserve the ancient weaving tradition of the Cusco region, while empowering local women through employment. Shop woven goods including runners, bags & clothing (www.textilescusco.org/shop-categories)
Manitobah Mukluks Storyboot School is a TreadRight project partner in Canada which empowers Indigenous elders, artisans, and youth by teaching the traditional Canadian Indigenous art. Shop mukluks, moccasins, dreamcatchers, jewelry & more (www.manitobah.ca/collections/storyboots#storyboot-section)
Ock Pop Tok Village Weavers is a TreadRight project partner in Laos which supports local artisans and preserves the cultural heritage. Shop woven goods including clothing, bags, jewelry & home goods (www.ockpoptok.com/ shop-online/)
Butterfield & Robinson also has a foundation that supports conservation and cultural projects (https://www.butterfield.com/about/we-give-back/) as well as an B&R Artisan Marketplace promotes the small businesses and independent artists that you would otherwise
encounter on trips (https://www.butterfield.com/br-artisan-marketplace/)
Give the Gift That Keeps Giving
Travel is a gift that keeps giving, living inside with memories and life-enhancing, life-changing experiences, with developing a global citizen value system, and forging bonds among family and friends. A way to immortalize those memorable travel experiences and family events is to create a photo book (the entire process online). MilkBooks.com, a New Zealand-based company, produces superb quality photo books and albums, offering great value, excellent customer service with online chats or by phone, and timely delivery (you need about 2-3 weeks), and offers discounts for first-timers.
Next: More Gift of Travel Ideas
© 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
mass. And conversely, those with the lowest amounts of vitamin C intake and blood levels had the lowest skeletal muscle mass.
The positive association between dietary and plasma vitamin C and muscle mass was found in both men and women.
The greatest contributions of different food groups to the daily vitamin C intake were from fruits, vegetables, fruit juices and potatoes, respectively. Fruits consumed included apples, apricots, avocado, bananas, berries, blueberries, citrus, figs/dates, grapes, melon, mixed fruits, peaches, nectarines, pears and plums. Vegetables included herbs, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, cucumber, green beans, peas and tomatoes.
Researchers wrote that to their knowledge, this was “the first study assessing the relation of dietary and circulating vitamin C with the sarcopenic risk factor of loss of skeletal muscle mass in a large UK cohort of both men and women of middle and older age.”
The researchers also referenced one study showing that “muscle atrophy
was reversed by reintroduction of vitamin C into the diet.”
The bottom line? Fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C are important to include in your daily diet, especially if you’re over 30.
Q AND A
Q: How can I reduce the amount of sodium in my diet?
A: A teaspoon of salt has about 2,300 milligrams of sodium. Health officials recommend between 1,500 and 2,300 milligrams a day of sodium. Most of us get far more than that amount. Fast food, restaurant food, processed foods such as bacon, ham, deli meat and sausage, chips, pickles and even ketchup all contain salt. The best way to lower your sodium is to eat more fresh foods, such as fruits and vegetables, which are naturally low in sodium. And remember: Fresh meat has less sodium than processed meat. Be sure to taste your food before using the salt shaker. Rinsing canned foods, such as beans, vegetables and tuna, before eating can reduce the sodium. You can also buy no salt added or reduced sodium versions.
Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with SIU Med School in Springfield, Illinois. For comments or questions, contact her at charfarg@aol.com or follow her on Twitter @NutritionRD. COPYRIGHT 2020 CREATORS.COM
It’s all about family and gratitude on Thanksgiving
BY CLAIRE LYNCH
Thanksgiving this year means fewer get-togethers because of the coronavirus pandemic and fewer people at each gathering but those of us in my family who are getting together will remember what the holiday is all about. It’s being together and being grateful for what we have.
Some anecdotes from last year’s get together are sure to come up. My niece, Kylie’s son, Chuck, was five years old at the time and when we all got together at his grandparents’ house (at my brother, Phil, and sister-in-law, Kathy’s house) and saw the 20-lb. turkey roasting in the oven, he was determined to get the wishbone.
His parents laughed and told Chuck to wait and enjoy the holiday meal with everyone which he did. He admired the side dishes - the stuffing, yams, cranberry sauce, etc., and he ate well but over dessert Chuck mentioned the wishbone again. He had seen his grandfather carving the meat and placing it on a large platter in the kitchen and ever since then Chuck was chomping at the bit to make his wish.
His Grandma Kathy explained that wishbones have to dry out for months before they can be snapped - to see who the winner is - and people often leave the wishbone for a year to dry out. She asked if everyone knew where the wishbone tradition came from.
No one who was there that day did so Kathy told us all how the term “wishbone” became popular. According to legend, the custom evolved into breaking the bone into two because there simply weren’t enough wishbones to go around. As a result, groups of two began to wish on the same bone and then snap it in half. The person who got the bigger half was declared the winner and granted their wish.
Many years ago the ancient Romans believed that chicken bones held the power of good fortune. When two people pulled apart a wishbone, the person left with the larger piece got the good luckor a wish granted.
In the mid-1800s, around the time President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday, people started talking about wishbones. They gathered around their roast turkeys and gave thanks. What hasn’t changed over the years, Kathy explained, are the rules: Each person grabs an end and gives a yank. If you get the bigger piece, your wish will be granted.
As her mom spoke, Kylie came up with a great idea. The microwave oven might solve the problem. Walking into the kitchen, Kylie took the wishbone and wrapped it carefully in a paper towel. Putting it on a plate in the microwave, she zapped it for 14 seconds. When Kylie took it out and checked on it, it seemed dry. She waited a few more minutes and when she was sure that it was dry enough, she said okay, Chuck and his brother, Danny, could have their wishbone competition.
A few of us watched as the boys planted their feet on the kitchen floor and with some very determined looks on their faces, they grabbed an end, pulled and snapped the wishbone. Danny won - he had the longer end of the wishbone. As young as the two boys were they’d already heard that they could make a wish before snapping it or basically whoever won would have good luck for months to come.
Those of us watching in the kitchen all clapped for the winner and when Phil and I looked at each other, we laughed. We both remembered asking for the wishbone at our grandparents’ apartment in Flatbush, Brooklyn. We spent many holidays at their place and we
eagerly looked forward to the wishbone each Thanksgiving.
My grandmother cooked a roast turkey every few months and whenever she was doing her cleanup she was in the habit of automatically putting the wishbone in a kitchen drawer for the future. When the next holiday came around she was ready. We six Lynch kids always wanted to snap the wishbone.
Last holiday Chuck and Danny’s cousin, Mary, told the family about how she had recently cooked a batch of cupcakes in the microwave. Mary’s dad, Paul, showed Mary, who’s eight, how to do it. Just for a change they baked some in the microwave rather than the oven.
Together they mixed the cake mix and Mary filled the six cups in the microsafe cupcake tray then placed it in the microwave for 2 ½ minutes. When Paul pulled the cupcakes from the microwave, they both said they smelled great and once they cooled, would be ready to be frosted. Mary took care of that job and added some sprinkles for effect.
My sister, Michelle, laughed and said that baking should always have been that easy but added, “Hearing that story and looking at all of these cakes and pies on the dining room table is making me fuller than I was before. We’ve had a
great celebration not just with the turkey but with the side dishes, too.”
On this Thanksgiving I think that it’s fitting to end this story with a holiday prayer of thanks. It’s actually a poem titled, “We Thank Thee” and was written by the Massachusetts philosopher, poet, author and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson in the 1800s. It goes:
“For flowers that bloom about our feet, Father, we thank Thee.
For tender grass so fresh, so sweet, Father, we thank Thee.
For the song of bird and hum of bee, For all things fair we hear or see, Father in heaven, we thank Thee …”
Sharing little stories with my relatives reminds me why Thanksgiving Day is so important. In unprecedented times or not, it’s a day when we can enjoy each other’s company and chat about the big and small things in our lives. It’s a chance to get together to reminisce and create new memories. It’s celebrating Thanksgiving with my immediate family and zooming with members of my extended family. Happy Thanksgiving to all!
BY TOM MARGENAU
I was just looking at a photo album with highlights of a memorable trip my wife and I took to Europe a few years ago. And in looking at a few of those pictures, something struck me that I can associate with some Social Security-related questions and concerns I get from readers.
One set of photos shows us outside the ornate gates of the Palace of Versailles near Paris. We were there at about 8:45 in the morning. The gates opened at 9. And we were the very first people admitted to King Louis XIV’s magnificent royal residence. As we wandered through the splendid rooms, we almost had the entire palace to ourselves. For example, when we were in the Hall of Mirrors, the most famous room in the entire palace (and one of the most opulent rooms in the world), we were all by ourselves! Not another soul was to be seen. As we wandered around, we sometimes wondered if they let us in by mistake on a day when the palace was supposed to be closed. It was downright eerie. But as we finished walking around inside the palace and stepped outside to tour the grounds, we learned the place was definitely not closed. At the entrance, there were what looked like a thousand people in line waiting to get in.
On another day in Paris, we were outside the Cathedral of Notre Dame. (This was before the disastrous fire devastated the famous landmark last year.) There were hundreds and hundreds of people in line waiting to get into the church. We definitely did not get into that line. Instead, we wandered around other parts of Paris. But we came back the next morning. We were there at 8 a.m. The doors were open, and we walked right in. And as with our visit to Versailles, we almost had the entire cathedral to ourselves. We wandered around for half an hour before others started to show up. And once again, when we finally got back outside, long lines were already forming.
And here is one more story. On another one of our days in Paris, we planned to visit the Louvre art museum. For a variety of reasons, we could not get there early in the morning. And sure enough, there were lines a mile long by the time we got there about 11 a.m.! But I had done lots of research before our trip and had purchased something called “The Paris Passport.” By having this pass, we not only got free entrance into a number of Paris landmarks, but we also were able to bypass the lines. So, we looked around, and we saw another entrance marked “Paris Passport holders.” And there was nobody in line at this entrance. And sure enough, we walked right up and immediately got into the museum and thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon there.
So, what do my travel adventures have to do with Social Security? Well, I hear from readers all the time about
Plan Ahead
problems they experience with long wait times when they call the Social Security Administration hotline (800-772-1213). There is no doubt that during this pandemic, when local SSA offices are closed, many more people are trying to reach the agency via the 800 number. So, wait times are bound to be longer.
But I think you could minimize your time on hold with the kind of planning I did during our European trip. Don’t call in the middle of the day! Live operators (trained Social Security reps) are available from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. from Monday through Friday -- no matter which time zone you live in. In other words, you can call from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. local time whether you live in Bangor, Maine or Honolulu, Hawaii. So, I suggest getting up bright and early and calling the SSA at 7 in the morning.
In some ways, I almost feel foolish having to recommend doing things early, whether it’s getting in line at a tourist attraction or calling a government office, because it just seems so obvious to me. But then, when I think of the thousands of people I saw in lines in Paris in the middle of the day or the millions of Americans trying to call the SSA and waiting on hold in the middle of the day, well, I guess I shouldn’t feel embarrassed pointing out what seems to be so apparent!
In addition to that, it’s probably not wise to call on a Monday. Many businesses and most government offices are busier on the first day following a weekend.
And here is another tip I just thought of: Social Security checks come out on the second, third and fourth Wednesday of each month. And I’m sure call volumes spike on those days, as many people always have questions about their Social Security payment. So, I’d suggest avoiding those days if you plan to call the SSA.
There is another time frame you might want to consider that is the opposite of my “get there early” travel advice. Try calling the SSA very late in the day. For obvious reasons, it would not have been smart of me to show up at places like the Palace of Versailles or the Louvre a half-hour before they close. But the SSA’s 800 number traffic tends to slow down near the end of each working day, so you could get your questions answered or your problems resolved during that last hour or so of the workday.
And I included my little travel story about doing research and obtaining the Paris Passport before our trip because of a recent conversation I had with a former colleague who now manages one of the SSA’s big telephone service centers. My friend contacted me following a column I wrote in which I relayed stories that readers had shared with me about problems they had getting through to the 800 number and then in dealing with the representative on the other end of the line once they got through.
She told me that, obviously, sometimes people don’t get the service they should expect. But then she said this: “Tom, you would be shocked how positively unprepared many people are when they call us!!” She shared a couple of stories.
“One lady called to file for widows benefits. She was unsure of her husband’s date of birth and death. And she
didn’t even have his Social Security number! Obviously, the call would have gone a lot more smoothly and quickly if she had all the information we needed. Another guy called to file for disability benefits. He was unclear about his work history and couldn’t give us the names of doctors and other medical professionals
Continued on next page
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
First off I want to wish all my readers a very relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday dinner with family and friends. However, if you have decided to get together, please, please wear your masks when not eating and be safe and healthy.
It’s quite amazing, but not surprising that sellers, investors, purchasers of residential and commercial properties, and even renters will hire their best friends to represent them when in many instances that just might be the worst decision of their lives to do this. Of course, there are many professionals in our industry that perform extremely well with their best friends and all goes well. I applaud them for doing their most professional job at representing their buyer friends as they should always do with all their clients whether their best friends or not! There are presently approximately 1.4 million Realtors in the U.S. and 40,000 reside within Long Island’s expanded MLS now joined with the Hudson Gateway MLS servicing upstate NY, and we are now known as One Key MLS. However, this is far and few between with so many losing their friends, due to issues, problems, and glitches during the transaction process; and sometimes right from the get-go. My professional opinion this happens due to the lack of consistent day in day out training that is necessary and required to be, as we say, ” on the top of your game.”
The lack of pertinent and current knowledge, expertise, professionalism, and ethics is an issue and in so many cases discrimination is the culprit. (just check out November 19, 2019, a 3-year investigation by a Newsday Investigation on the practice of “illegally” steering clients where 68 Long Island brokers and agents got caught. Here is the link to the article. https:// projects.newsday.com/long-island/ real-estate-agents-investigation/ ). The majority of agents are of good substance and character that practice their business with ethical, client-first mindsets and common-sense practices. However, for many common sense
Did you hire the right broker?
BY PHILIP A. RAICES
is no longer common and many agents who may mean well by their clients lack sufficient knowledge to do their jobs properly.
There is a correlation between the quality of an agent and their incomes, so if you ask what they earned in 2019 and 2020 there just might be a substantial difference due to the Covid-19 pandemic and this is understandable. However, the lack of knowledge and being able to pivot their business in our “new norm” and earn a solid lucrative living has a lot of relevance to professional and ethical behavior. To some maybe it’s to create shortcuts to simplify the process to get their checks asap? But, maybe it’s just that it’s the path of least resistance, a quick and easy buck, possibly a hereditary thing passed down from generation to generation. No doubt and yes, your upbringing has so, so much to do with your behavior and how you approach and handle your business and your day-to-day job too!
day out, week in and week out and year in and year out will always benefit those that choose that very lucrative path. (I said this in last week’s column, lol).
Continued from previous page
who had treated him.”
And these were just two of many stories she shared with me. And in many ways, I can relate to her tales of unpre-
The path to “real estate gold” is available to those who put in the necessary and required effort, disciplined actions, perseverance, diligence, and the sacrifice of their valuable time! I see and experience this every single day as I go out and perform my business. I am not singling out just Realtors, but it runs the gamut of all industries and businesses and in many situations the lack of continuous mentoring and training within companies. It’s quality before quantity because once you know the best way to approach negotiating, or a task or sudden difficult situation you are much more prepared to handle and solve the issues that arise without calling for assistance or worse getting in trouble and breaking the law causing the repercussions of fines and potential revocation or suspension of licenses. Learning your trade from the beginning and continuing this by practicing and applying what you learn day in and
The real issues and problems arise when so many rush to achieve their C.E. (continuing education) of 22.5 credits every 2 years, and it’s in one ear and out the other; instead of taking a class once every month or every other month, so information will be absorbed properly and then you will have taken advantage of a much more efficient and slower absorption and learning process in understanding and creating a greater internal database of knowledge for future reference. Ask your Broker or salesperson when and how many times pre-Covid had they attended our June Long Island Board of Realtors and our Oct Technology Conferences at the Crest Hollow County Club? (only 800 attended the June 2019 conferences out of 27,000 licensed MLS agents!) Moreover, ask them if they have ever attended our National Association of Realtors and Triple Play Conferences, of course, pre-Covid, in November and December each year? Again, my professional opinion and years of experience have made me come to the conclusion that the lack of sufficient adequate and advanced training causes 99% of the problems, catastrophes, and failed transactions that could be avoided if proper knowledge was attained. If proper negotiations, dialogue, conversations, and transparency occur between all the parties there would be more successful sales. Hiring your friends can be a potentially slippery slope and because for most the sale or purchase of a home is the largest and most wealth-creating transaction that consumers are involved in within their lifetimes, so why would you want to jeopardize this most crucial financial event? So, you should ask yourself, do I want to lose a friend and the potential loss of a property that I will fall in love
with or keep my friend and hire a professional with the superior knowledge and expertise to successfully guide me through the complicated and many times the arduous process to a successful and happy ending? Obviously, the choice is always yours!
Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 38 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 properties.
Plan Ahead
paredness. I get emails everyday with inadequate information. For example, today’s inbox had this email: “Can I get any of my husband’s Social Security?”
That’s it. No other information. There is so much more I would need to know from
her before I could answer her question. So, as I did before our trip to Paris, do some research, and be prepared before contacting Social Security. Think through your situation; gather all the facts; and have everything in front of you
before you pick up the phone and call the SSA (or send an email to a columnist).
If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has the answer. Contact him at thomas.margenau@comcast.net. COPYRIGHT 2020 CREATORS.COM
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MARKETPLACE
A.T. STEWART EXCHANGE CONSIGNMENT SHOP 516-746-8900
Antiques-Furniture-Jewelry-Silver-Mirrors-LampsArtwork Come to Consign & Stay to Shop Visit.... Our Shop 109 Eleventh St. Garden City
Tues-Fri 10-4 (Wed till 6) Saturday 12-4 Our Website tgchs.org
Our Online Store stores.myresaleweb.com/ at-stewart-exchange Items to Consign? Email photos (with sizing info) to: store@atstewartexchange.org
All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical Society Like us on Facebook & Instagram
or Woodbury. www.bensdeli.net
MARKETPLACE
INVITED ESTATE SALES
BY TRACY JORDAN
is doing VIRTUAL TAG SALES and ONLINE AUCTIONS now!
Sell the contents of an entire house or sell just a few things! You can host your own sale on invitedsales.com and Facebook and Instagram or we can do it for you. We can photograph, advertise and handle the winning pickups for you within a week! Don’t worry about your closing date, we can get your house ready on time! We are a one stop service for all your needs when you are moving or selling a property! Selling, donating, discarding and cleaning out services can be done to meet your time frame with minimal stress. Contact info@invitedsales.com for more information or call 516279-6378 to schedule a consultation or receive more information.
Visit us at www.invitedsales. com for a listing of our upcoming Virtual Tag Sales and Weekly Auctions!
SELLING PLOT AT PINELAWN cemetery with tombstone. $16,000.
Please contact Elizabeth 917-334-0327
WANTED TO BUY
LOOKING TO BUY!
Estates, Oriental items, Gold, Silver, Costume Jewelry, Dishes, Flatware, Watches, Clothing, Old Photos, Coins, Stamps, Records, Toys, Action Figures, Comics, Art and Furniture. Immediate Cash Paid
Call George 917-775-3048 or 718-386-1104
TOP CASH PAID: ESTATE CONTENTS ALL OBJECTS OF ART JEWELRY, ETC.
Please call 718-598-3045 or 516270-2128 www.antiqueassets.com
MARKETPLACE
TAG SALE
GARDEN CITY INVITED ESTATE SALES BY TRACY
JORDAN
Monday November 23, 2020 9:30 a.m. 144 Euston Rd Garden City, NY 11530
Beautifully decorated home selling furniture, clothing, books, home decor, housewares, exercise equipment, electronics and much more...
Only 10 people will be let in the house at a time and sign in that morning. Please bring mask/gloves. Visit www.invitedsales.com for pictures & details!!
PETS
PET SERVICES
CHERYL’S PET SITTING SERVICE
Dependable pet sitter will walk and feed your precious pet while you work or travel. Also available to board small dogs. Many excellent references. Call 516-971-3242
AUTOMOTIVE
AUTO SERVICES
DETTAGLIO DETAILING:
Anthony Masia. Owner/Operator. Dependable, professional detailer. SUVs, vans, pick-ups also detailed at a higher price. We specialize in imports/Mercedes Benz, BMW, Audi, Jaguar & Maserati. $10 off with this ad. Call 631-612-7152
AUTOS WANTED
AUTO BUYERS! We visit you. Highest cash paid. Or donate, tax deduct + cash. DMV#1303199. Please call Luke 516-VAN-CARS OR 516-297-2277
AUTOMOTIVE
AUTOS WANTED
CARS, TRUCKS, SUVS & VANS WANTED. Buying all years, running or not. NO TITLE, NO KEYS, NO PROBLEM! Same day service. CALL CASH CARS GUYS 631-417-5040 Call us last, we will match or beat any legit quote!
DRIVE OUT BREAST CANCER:
Donate a car today! The benefits of donating your car or boat: Fast Free Pickup 24hr response Tax deduction Easy to do! Call 24/7: 855-905-4755
REAL ESTATE FOR RENT
OFFICE SPACE
GARDEN CITY
PRIME 7th STREET LOCATION
Two second floor windowed offices available.
285 sq ft 2 room suite overlooking 7th St., asking $1225/ month.
150 sq ft 1 room office, asking $725/month. Rent includes everything. Call Owner 516-510-9452.
SERVICES
JACK’S CUSTOM FRAMING
We can frame anything! Quality Care & Workmanship Thousands of frames to choose from!!
Over 30 years in business! 92 Covert Ave, Stewart Manor 516-775-9495
SUNFLOWER FINE ART GALLERIES
SERVICES
ATTORNEY
STEPHANIE A. D’ANGELO, ESQ.
Elder Law, Wills & Trusts
Asset Preservation, Estate Planning, Probate & Estate Administration/Litigation 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530 516-222-1122
www.dangelolawassociates.com
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
AMBIANCE
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
*Handyman & Remodeling
*Kitchen Installations
*Furniture Assembly
*Finish Carpentry
*Minor Electrical & Plumbing
28 year GC Resident
Lic & Ins H18E2170000 Call BOB 516-741-2154
AQUATEC
LAWN SPRINKLERS
FALL DRAIN OUTS
Backflow Device Tests
Free Estimates Installation Service/Repairs Joe Barbato 516-775-1199
FREE ESTIMATES
Extensions, Kitchens, Baths, Basements, Carpentry Work, Porticos, Siding, Dormers, Stone, New Construction & Conversions, Mason Work, Stone. Insured. Please Call 516-581-9146
SERVICES
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
JUPITER INTERIOR RENOVATIONS
All home improvements and remodels.
Over 20 yrs in business. We have our own custom millwork shop.
Great Prices Licensed and Insured for NYC and Nassau County Call Liam 347-996-7819
LEAK REPAIRS
24 Hour Service
Bathrooms, showers, Kitchens Call 516-668-5624
MADE IN THE SHADE
CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS
Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Draperies
Top Brands at Discount Prices!
Family owned & operated www.madeintheshadensli.com 516-426-2890
MIRRORS
PICTURE FRAMING
Paintings
Art/Photo Restoration
Printing, Hanging Services
Shadowboxes, Smiles
6 A Terminal Road West Hempstead, NY 11552
www.sunflowerfineart.com
@SunflowerArtGuy 516-747-7406
SERVICES
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
MASONRY
All types of stonework Pavers, Retaining Walls, Belgium Block Patios, Foundations, Seal coating, Concrete and Asphalt driveways, Sidewalks, Steps.
Free Estimates
Fully Licensed & Insured #H2219010000
Boceski Masonry Louie 516-850-4886
PAULIE THE ROOFER STOPPING LEAKS IS MY SPECIALTY!
Slate & Tile Specialists
All types of Roofing Local References
Licensed & Insured 516-621-3869
HEALTH
SERVICES
FAMILY CARE
CONNECTIONS, LLC
Dr. Ann Marie D’Angelo
PMHCNS-BC
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Advanced Practice Nurse Care
Manager Assistance with Aging at Home /Care Coordintion
Nursing Home & Assisted Living Placement
PRI / Screens / Mini Mental Status Exams
Medicaid Eligibility and Apllications 516-248-9323
www.drannmariedangelo.com 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530
PAINTING & PAPERHANGING
MICHELANGELO
PAINTING & WALLPAPER
Interior, Exterior, Plaster / Spackle, Light Carpentry, Decorative Moldings & Power Washing. Call: 516-328-7499
CLEANING
CLEANING SERVICE
AVAILABLE for Apartments, Houses and Offices. Over 15 years experience. Great references. English speaking. Own transportation. I’ll make everything sparkle.... Call Elsa 516-288-6974
HOUSE CLEANING:
Excellent service, with great references, reliable, own transportation, English speaking. Call Selma 516-690-3550
SERVICES
CLEANING
HOUSECLEANER AVAILABLE
Mon.-Fri., Own transportation. English speaking. Excellent references. 15 yrs exp. Gisella 516-850-1180
PROFESSIONAL HOME & OFFICE CLEANING
You’re just one call away !! from a clean home or office. Thorough and Professional Cleaning at affordable rates! Call today for Free Estimate Anna: 516-360-8340
SERVICES
A & J MOVING & STORAGE:
Established 1971. Long Island and New York State specialists. Residential, Commercial, Piano & Organ experts. Boxes available. Free estimates. www. ajmoving .com 516-741-2657 114 Jericho Tpk, Mineola NYDOT# 10405
DISH TV
$59.99 for 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Call 1-800-609-9405
Love to write?
We are looking for articles on local topics, opinions, ideas, nice places to visit on Long Island, and even fiction. In our Discover magazine section, we will try to feature one new article and writer each week. Each writer will be reimbursed a stipend of $25.00, and articles should be between 1,500 and 3,000 words. If you want to be published and be part of an issue of Discovery, you may submit your article to: editor@gcnews.com
SERVICE DIRECTORY
Greater LI Running Club honors Bert Jablon
Bert Jablon is retiring from the executive board of the Greater Long island Running Club after decades of service on the Board. Bert and his wife Myra will be sticking around as volunteers, but at age 93, Bert felt that it was time to move on from the Board.
The Board, represented by Club President Mike Polansky, Club Vice President Mindy Davidson, and Club Executive Director Sue Fitzpatrick, presented him with a special plaque and a gift certificate to his favorite restaurant in VERY grateful acknowledgment of his service to the Club.
The plaque reads as follows:
To honor and commemorate your many years of serving on the GLIRC Executive Board and being an integral part of the Long Island running community and its history. With deep appreciation for your commitment and enthusiasm to the Club and the running community.
“At the end of the day it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished.... It’s about who you’ve lifted and who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.”
~Denzel Washington
Club Vice President Mindy Davidson (left) and Club President Mike Polansky (right) present the plaque to Bert (center) at his Syosset home.
Grimaldi’s Gift Certificate Sale!
For Every $50 Grimaldi’s Gift Certificate Purchased, Receive a $20 Complimentary Gift Certificate.
Available ONLY Monday, November 23 through Sunday, November 29 Cash Only!
Gift certificates are $50 denominations only in order to receive a complimentary $20. Maximum purchase amout $250. Cannot be redeemed for gratuity. Only one redeemed per table, per visit. Change will be in a gift certificate form. $50 gift certificates Do Not Expire. $20 complimentary gift certificates are valid from 1/2/21 to 12/30/21
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.*
GRIMALDI’S PARTIES ARE BACK!!
The safety and protection of our customers and employees is Grimaldi’s top priority. Masks are required to and from tables please.
50 Guests or Under We Are Open For Inside Dining at 50% Capacity You must wear a mask to and from the tables. Thank you for your cooperation Now Accepting Reservations For Parties of 6 or More
TAKEOUT & DELIVERY
SUNDAY - THURSDAY 12-9
A $25 fee will be applied if canceling within 3 hours of reservation.
