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Mid-Island Times (12/14/18)

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SERVING PLAINVIEW, HICKSVILLE, AND LEVIT TOWN

TOYS FOR TOTS

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino (front row third from left), and members of the Tow Board announced the success of the Town of Oyster Bay’s Toys for Tots Collection Drive and commended the United States Marines Corps for their continued service to our nation’s children. Pictured with the Town officials are Retired Major Chuck Kilbride (front row center), Nassau County Police Department PBA President & Toys for Tots Co-Chairman James McDermott and Toys for Tots Assistant Coordinator Sergeant Andrew Diaz.

Chamber has big plans for new year

Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce president Andrew Lamkin is looking to make a few changes for the upcoming year. Some of the changes include growing the Chamber’s membership numbers, holding additional workshop classes, and putting together networking events.

Lamkin, who is principal in

the Law Firm, Andrew Lamkin P.C., said that in 2019 he wants the Chamber to hit a few new milestones.

“We’re looking to grow our current membership of 222 members to include more businesses in 2019,” said Lamkin. “We want to increase our networking events for members and hold newly scheduled workshops.”

He said that the Chamber will

also look to update their platform to promote additional services and products to the community as a whole.

Other plans for the new year include the Chamber working together with Plainview-JFK High School to create internship programs for students.

“It is important that high school students get a sense of the working

See page 17

Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced that two people and two businesses were arraigned on a 52-count grand jury indictment for the alleged illegal possession, transportation, commercialization of dangerous wildlife, including common snapping turtles, Gila monsters and Mexican beaded lizards.

DA Singas said on September 10, following a monthslong investigation and pursuant to a warrant, law enforcement agents from the Nassau County SPCA, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Nassau County fire marshals, and the NCDA Investigations Bureau searched the premises of Reptile Rage, a pet store in Levittown, and discovered several dangerous reptiles, including a six-foot-long Asian monitor lizard.

During the search, authorities allegedly discovered Defendant Dellecave, the owner of Reptile Rage, did not possess a required permit for an Asian monitor lizard or several other exotic animals. The lizard was also allegedly housed in an unlocked enclosure in the front of the store that could easily have been opened by any member of the public. In addition to their bite, water monitors are known for using their tails and sharp claws as weapons.

Later in the day, SPCA officials went to Dellecave’s Seaford home where they allegedly found defendant Cammarata, Dellecave’s nephew, with a Gila monster lizard crawling out of a square storage container inside his vehicle.  Gila monsters are one of only two venomous lizards in the world, and while their bites are not deadly, they are extremely painful. Currently, there is no antivenin for Gila monster bites.

Following a further search of the vehicle, three Gila monsters, one alligator, two dwarf caimans, five Mexican beaded lizards, a 9mm silver handgun, shotgun, ammunition, and controlled substances were also allegedly recovered.

According to the District Attorney, the investigation revealed the defendants allegedly imported some of the reptiles from Florida, where they are legal, into New York where they are illegal, for several years.

In total, 83 animals, valued on the black market at

See page 17

Kindergarten registration

If you have a child/children residing in the Levittown School District and was born between Dec. 2, 2013 and Dec. 1, 2014, they will be eligible for kindergarten for the 2019-2020 school year. Please contact Arlene Mege at 516434-7058, Central Registration, at Levittown Memorial Education Center to place your name on the list to receive a kindergarten package for registration. All packages will be mailed out at the beginning of January in 2019.

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Toys for Tots program a success at Town Hall

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino (front row, third from left), Councilman Joseph D. Muscarella (back row, second from left), Councilman Anthony D. Macagnone (left), Councilwoman Rebecca Alesia (back row, second from right), Councilwoman Michele M. Johnson (right), Councilman Louis B. Imbroto (back row, center), Councilman Thomas P. Hand (back row, left), Town Clerk James Altadonna Jr. (back row, right), retired Major Chuck Kilbride (front row, center), Nassau County Police Department PBA President & Toys for Tots Co-Chairman James McDermott, and Toys for Tots Assistant Coordinator Sergeant Andrew Diaz, Vinny Diglio (second from left).

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The Town of Oyster Bay recently announced the success of the Town of Oyster Bay’s Toys for Tots Collection Drive and commended the United States Marines Corps for their continued service to our nation’s children.  During a recent ceremony, Retired Major Chuck Kilbrid, Nassau County Police Department PBA President & Toys for Tots Co-Chairman James McDermott

and Toys for Tots Assistant Coordinator Sergeant Andrew Diaz thanked the Town Board for its support. Major Kilbride presented plaques to both the Town Board and Vinny Diglio  in memory of Councilman Macagnone’s longtime assistant Mary Diglio, who, for many years worked to ensure the success of the Toys for Tots program in the Town of Oyster Bay.

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Missing adult from Hicksville

Nassau County Police Missing Persons Squad detectives are investigating a missing vulnerable adult that occurred on Monday, December 10, at 3:30 pm in Hicksville.

According to detectives, Donald Morck, 89, was last seen leaving Stop and Shop located at 530 W. Old Country Road.  He is a male white, 5’8” tall, 150 lbs. with white hair and blue eyes.  He was wearing blue jeans, a blue jacket and a baseball hat.  Donald is operating a grey 2017 Honda Accord with a New York registration FPL4965.

Detectives request anyone with information regarding the above missing person to contact the Nassau County Police Department Missing Persons Squad at (516) 573-7347 or to call 911.  All calls will remain anonymous.

LIRR parking garage to reopen in January

The Hicksville parking garage near the Long Island Rail Road has had a troubled history over the past few years. The structure has been closed for repairs on multiple occasions due to cracks in its foundation, ceiling leaks, and concrete rubble falling on vehicles parked in the lot.

After being closed on September 12th, for $13.9 million in repairs, the Town of Oyster Bay announced that the parking facility will reopen in early January.

“It is going to be a happy new year for commuters who utilize the Hicksville train station as repairs to the parking garage are nearing completion and the facility will be reopening the first week in January,” said Town Supervisor Joe Saladino. “While this problem didn’t develop on my watch, I’m happy to deliver these results and thank commuters for their patience.”

The 1,441-space parking garage was initially set to open by the end of this year, but some unexpected delays caused the Town to push the reopening date to the January date.

“We had a few issues with the drying time of the new waterproofing systems, due to the colder than average fall tempera-

tures,” said Public Works Commissioner Richard Lenz. “Everything will be set to go by the start of the new year.”

The biggest issue that contractors endured was removing and replacing the concrete slabs that lined the inner portion of the parking garage.

“Those slabs now have joints that allow the concrete to withstand weather-related expansion and contraction without cracking,” said Lenz. “Additionally, there was installation of more material to further restrengthen the concrete as well as the use of solar lighting instead of the traditional electric lighting.” During the course of the repair work, many LIRR commuters had taken to using town-run shuttle buses to get the station.

Lisa Santelli, who had been utilizing the shuttle buses the past three months, said she was happy to hear the news that the parking garage would be reopen to the public.

“I much prefer to drive my car to the station and park there instead of relying on the buses,” said Santelli. “Hopefully they’ll more no more problems with the garage, as has been the case these last few years.”

Donald Morck

St udent leaders selected for seminar

Douglas

The Levittown Public Schools is pleased to announce that sophomores Natalie Chua and Danielle Tear from Division Avenue High School and Nick Bonavita and Emily Zhang from General Douglas MacArthur High School have recently been selected to represent the district at the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar, to be held at Adelphi University in June of 2019.

The goal of the seminar is to empower high school sophomores to develop their leadership talents while partici-

pating in hands-on leadership and team building workshops. The students will also have the opportunity to meet state leaders and sophomores from other high schools while learning how to make a positive impact in their community. The students were chosen through an in-depth selection process at their high school’s comprised of a nomination, essay, and interview and for having embodied core HOBY values including volunteerism, integrity, excellence, diversity, and community partnership.

Division Avenue High School sophomores Natalie Chua (left) and Danielle Tear will attend the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar at Adelphi University this June.
General
MacArthur High School sophomores Nick Bonavita (left) and Emily Zhang will attend the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar at Adelphi University this June.
Photos courtesy of the Levittown Public Schools

Long IsLand: East Meadow | East Northport | Garden City | Holtsville Jericho | Lake Grove | Lake Success* | Lynbrook | Massapequa | North Hills North Woodmere | Sayville | West Babylon | Westbury Westchester: Armonk | White Plains neW Jersey: Englewood | Woodcliff Lake *A Memor y Care Only Community

GC Tech seniors make post-grad plans

Seniors enrolled in Levittown’s Gerald R. Claps Career and Technical Education Center heard from admission representatives from various institutes and colleges on Nov. 28 and Nov. 30 as part of GC Tech’s college days. Coordinated by guidance counselor Dominick Campagna, the visits were formatted differently from a mini-college fair. Students signed up for the schools they were interested in and sat in small groups with representatives to get the best out of the experience.

During the two days, institutes and

colleges that were present included the Electrical Training Center, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, Five Towns College, Johnson and Wales, Lincoln Tech, LIU Post, Nassau Community College, New England Institute of Technology, NYADI The College of Automotive and Diesel Technology, Suffolk Community Auto, SUNY Farmingdale, and Queensborough College.

“I visited three tables – New England Institute of Technology, Lincoln Tech

Let’s taLk today.

and the Electrical Training Center,” said senior Bryan Kavanagh, who is enrolled in GC Tech’s police science program. “I thought it was pretty cool because they guide you on how to make the right decisions in life. They talked about the college and really gave me a lot of good information to think about.”

GC Tech offers programs in automotive technology, computer animation, construction management, cosmetology, culinary arts, electrical technology, landscape design and management, medical/intro

to health occupations, and police science/ emergency medical technician. Each of the institutes and colleges that were represented during the college days have articulation agreements with GC Tech. Those who have successfully completed their program in their respective area, have the opportunity to earn discounted tuition and/or credits toward their college degree with these institutes and colleges.

Photos courtesy of the Levittown Public Schools

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Martin Rivera, executive director of admissions at NYADI (right), spoke with GC Tech seniors Dillon Sudweeks (left) and Zachary Martin.
GC Tech seniors heard from Lincoln Tech admissions representative Jay Lawrence.

Levittown group raises funds for homeless veterans

New Ground Inc., of Levittown, has announced that it raised over $260,000 at its 18th Annual Groundbreakers’ Celebration, making it their most successful fundraiser to date in the history of the agency. Over 225 friends and supporters gathered at the Garden City Hotel on November 8, 2018 to support New Ground’s critical work assisting struggling veterans and families on Long Island caught in the vicious cycle of homelessness.

It was a special evening filled with good friends, food and entertainment. Guests enjoyed a wonderful performance by the Roosevelt High School Choir in recognition of New Ground’s families and a color guard presentation by the 1st Marine Corps. District in honor of the agency’s Veterans Program.

This year’s event honored Valley Bank and Joseph Burns, senior VP at the Bank with the Groundbreakers’ Award for their ongoing commitment to see New Ground’s veterans and families succeed. Also recognized this year were Kay McKiernan with the Máiréad M. Barrett Founder’s Award and John P. Clarke, Esq. with the Thomas Whalen Memorial Award. Both Kay and John have been longtime volun-

teers and supporters of New Ground veterans and families, ensuring all will continue to reach their goals and achieve future independence and self-sufficiency.

“New Ground is truly grateful for the support of our honorees, partners, sponsors, and volunteers who are the reason why the gala was so incredibly successful this year,” said Shannon Boyle, executive director of New Ground. “And because of the resounding success of the Gala, we are able to continue expanding New Ground’s programs to an even greater number of homeless veterans and families on Long Island. We are so appreciative to everyone for making a difference for our neighbors most in need.”

The event was co-chaired by Matt & Marguerita DeLuca, New Ground Advisory Board members, and Lloyd Neck Harbor residents, as well as New Ground Board member Chris Salute, a resident of Bayville and professor at LIU Post. The evening would not have been possible without the generosity of all those involved including the event’s top sponsors: Thomas & Eileen Lamberti, Chris & Sheryl Albanese, John P. Clarke, Esq., Matt & Marguerita DeLuca, and Ed & Sheila McDougal.

Edward McDougal, New Ground Board president; John P. Clarke, Esq., honoree; Kay McKiernan, honoree; Joseph Burns, honoree; and Shannon Boyle, executive director of New Ground.

Christmas & New Year’s Services

Worship Warms The Heart

All are welcome at our church services We are the church for All people.

Sunday, December 23rd

10:30 am - Traditional Christmas Service

Monday, December 24th

7:00 pm - Candlelight Service

Woodbury United Methodist Church

“Open Hearts ~ Open Minds ~ Open Doors” 577 Woodbury Road, Woodbury, NY (516) 692-7179

ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLA CHURCH

129 Broadway, Hicksville, NY 11801 • (516) 931-0056

Dear Parishioners,

If only this Christmas the world would see the joy of the season isn’t under a tree –a big costly present no one can afford, but only in worship of You, O Lord.

If only this Christmas the world would hear not jingling sleigh bells or noisy reindeer, but, rather, the voices of people in prayer, giving their thanks for Your loving care.

If only this Christmas the world would feel the thrill that can come from giving that’s real-like offering gifts, which through their simplicity, leave room for a glimpse of the Holy Nativity. 2018

Sincerely yours in Christ, Fr. Jim, Fr. Andres, Fr. Frank, Fr. Benjamin And the Sisters and Staff of St. Ignatius Loyola Parish.

CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE 2018

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

Monday - Dec. 17 - Tuesday Dec. 18th 9:30 - 10:00 a.m.& 7:30 -8:30p.m.

Saturday - December 22 ~ 3:00 - 4:30 a.m.

CHRISTMAS MASSES

Christmas Eve

Monday, December 24

Mass in Spanish in Church 7:30 p.m.

Mass in English in Church 12:00 Midnight

Christmas Day

Tuesday, December 25

All Masses in Church

Regular Confession - Dec. 1, 8, & 15th 4:00-4:45pm

Mass in English Church 4:00 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.

7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:00 am and 12:30 p.m. NO EVENING MASS

2:30 pm Mass in Spanish (Church)

NEW YEAR’S SCHEDULE

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

Saturday December 29th - 4:00 - 4:45 p.m.

New Year’s Eve Mass

Monday December 31st - Mass in Church 5:00 pm Mass in Spanish - 7:00 p.m.

New Year’s Day

Tuesday, January 1 - Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God 9:30 am, 11:00 & 12:30 pm

Firing up creativity with ceramics

General Douglas MacArthur High School students enrolled in one of the four Ceramics I courses led by teacher Lynn Spinnato, and put their competition faces on for the school’s annual ceramic mug competition. The students began the handle phase of their mug project as they molded, dried, and began carving designs into their creations on Nov. 20.

With light music playing in the background, the students worked diligently in the relaxed environment. Spinnato walked around the classroom to offer suggestions and help. After shaping their mug handles, the students used a blow dryer to dry out the clay to make the handle easier to attach to the mug itself. To determine their designs, students went online for inspiration and carefully carved into their sculpted mugs.

The Ceramics I classes will continue to work on their mugs during the upcoming weeks in which they will dry

out their mugs and fire them to completion. Spinnato anticipates the mugs being done before the December break for judging. A first, second, and third place winner will be determined by art faculty members at the school and be awarded a secret prize, a certificate, and have their name and photo on the school announcements.

Open to students in grades 9-12, Ceramics I allows the high schoolers to explore the properties of clay in relation to pottery and ceramics. Through engaging projects, the students learn various hand building techniques and how to utilize surface decoration techniques.

“I really like making new things every class and working on my projects,” said sophomore Salvina Tramontana. “It’s fun. I created a coil pot, which was my favorite project so far.”

Spinnato also teaches a Ceramics II course during the school year which is open to students in grades 10-12 and builds upon the skills from ceramics.

Sophomore Corinne Jacobson worked on her mug handle during class.
Sophomore Colleen McNally dried her mug handle with a blow dryer.
MacArthur freshman Jack Schneider molded his mug.
From left: Sophomores Salvina Tramontana, Nicole Joyce, Callie Koeppen, and Zoey Quinn worked hard on their mugs.
Ceramics teacher Lynn Spinnato helped sophomore Salvina Tramontana with her mug handle.

Elementary students talk cells at MacArthur High School

Fifth graders at Levittown’s Summit Lane Elementary School are furthering their research on cells with the help of General Douglas MacArthur High School science teacher Dr. David Friedman. Fifth graders in Deborah Breen’s class visited MacArthur High School on Nov. 20 to participate in a hands-on lab with both plant and animal cells in the high school science lab. The two other Summit Lane fifth-grade classes will visit the science lab after Thanksgiving.

Before beginning their observations, Dr. Friedman educated the students on the parts of a microscope. Each group of two to three students had their own microscope to get an up-close look at its function and parts. Together, the class labeled the microscope on a worksheet and discussed how the magnifying function works. Dr. Friedman and Ms. Breen handed each group a glass

slide and a piece of a leaf. The students learned how to put the slide together and place it carefully under the microscope where they observed the plant cells under the different magnifying settings. They then drew their observations on their worksheet.

Dr. Friedman walked around the room to help the students get their slides in focus as the class excitedly spoke about what they observed. After focusing on plant cells, the class shifted their attention to animal cells. Dr. Friedman handed each group a pre-prepared slide containing a drop of blood from either a bird, cat, camel, frog, or human. The students utilized the ocular lens of the microscope to observe the cells up close. This visit to the lab was one of many that elementary school students throughout the Levittown Public Schools take during the school year.

Photos courtesy of the Levittown Public Schools

graders Lindsey Araujo (left) and Jaila Santana learned how to create a plant slide during a visit to the MacArthur High School Science Lab.

MacArthur High School science teacher Dr. David Friedman

helped Summit Lane students with their lab

Fifth grader Daksh Sharma received an up-close look at a leaf at the MacArthur High School Science Lab.
Fifth graders Javier Garcia (right) and Chris Castora worked together to create a plant slide.
Summit Lane teacher Deborah Breen helped fifth graders Mackenzie Restivo (left) and Alyssa Jules with their microscope.
Fifth
(left)
on plant and animal cells.

December 14, 2018

FavoriteWinter Holiday Places for Family Travel

There are lodgings you choose to hang your hat after skiing, and then there are lodgings you choose because they are absolutely enchanting, especially for the winter holidays, which have the added delight of providing proximity to great skiing – ideal for families when not everyone’s cup of tea is skiing. Here are some of our favorite places to spend the winter holidays:

Mountain Top Inn & Resort, where we had the most delightful Christmas last year,

Horse-drawn sleigh ride across a field at the Mountain Top Inn& Resort in the Vermont countryside is like a Currier & Ives painting come to life © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

is breathtakingly enchanting, complete with rides on a horsedrawn sleigh gliding across its expansive fields, a Currier & Ives landscape come to life. The setting, on 350 acres with a 740-acre lake, and ringed  by the Green Mountain National Forest, offers its own 60 km cross-country ski trail network; a small old-fashioned (natural) skating pond; snowshoeing (twilight tours available); snowmobiling; spa; hot tub; fire pits; and the coziest fireplaces. It’s also a 30 minute drive to Killington Mountain for downhill skiing (shuttle transportation available, 8:30 am, returning 4:30 pm; reserve

in advance). Mountain Top Inn & Resort, 195 Mountain Top Road, Chittenden, Vermont 05737, 802483-2311,  www.MountainTopInn. com

The Sagamore , a grand historic hotel dating back to the 1880s that sits on a private 70-acre island on Lake George, is a sensational self-contained resort in one of America’s oldest tourism destinations. It is just 45 minutes from Gore Mountain, one of the best ski destinations in the East, certainly in New York State (a shuttle is provided); also nearby is West Mountain (downhill skiing, tubing, night skiing) and Crandall

GOING PLACES NEAR AND FAR

Park (cross country skiing, night skiing). The full-service resort offers ice skating, snowshoeing, indoor pool and spa, special holiday activities, ( www.thesagamore. com, 866.384.1944)

Mohonk Mountain House has been enchanting guests for more than 100 years. Founded by the Smiley Family in 1869, the Victorian castle resort, a National Historic Landmark, is set on cliffs overlooking a lake, nestled in the Hudson Valley surrounded by 40,000 acres of pristine forest, only 90 miles north of New

See page D2

Favorite Winter Holiday Places for Family Travel

Continued from page D1

York City. Mohonk offers a worldclass 30,000 sq. ft. “eco-friendly” spa, indoor pool, a spectacular skating pavilion, rock climbing, 85 miles of trails for snowshoeing and crosscountry skiing. New winter “wellness” programming is designed to help guests combat the “winter blues” and embrace the beauty of the season, with new mindfulness offerings that include fireside meditation, winter forest bathing and mindfulness lectures. If you can pull yourself away from its warm embrace, downhill skiing in the Catskills (Hunter Mountain, Belleayre, Windham) is an hour away. (844-2078372, www.mohonk.com)

Now an Omni Hotels resort, the elegant Mount Washington Hotel, “a favorite New England retreat of presidents, poets and celebrities,” is just across the road from New Hampshire’s largest ski area, Bretton Woods (yes, that famous mountain hotel where world leaders signed the 1944 Treaty of Bretton Woods ending the gold standard in, fittingly, the Gold Room), with numerous trails and glades and three terrain parks. The grand resort has its own cross-country skiing on the golf course; one of the longest zip line tours in New England (year-round); a full-service 25,000 sq. ft. spa; two 4-diamond dining rooms (one is a former speakeasy) and sleigh rides. (www.omnihotels.com/hotels/brettonwoods-mount-washington)

Stockbridge, Massachusetts is another utterly picturesque New England village which is like a Norman Rockwell painting of Americana – in fact, its Main Street is immortalized in Rockwell’s “Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas” that includes the Red Lion Inn, where we stayed one Christmas – so much character!   The Red Lion has been welcoming travelers to the Berkshires since 1773, one of New England’s few inns that has been operated continuously since before 1800. It is beyond charming –with early American furnishings, much of which has been in place for a century. It has hosted five presidents and other notables including Nathaniel Hawthorne, William Cullen Bryant, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.  And much to do in Stockbridge, including the not-to-be-missed visit to the Norman Rockwell Museum, as well as Arrowhead Museum, the home of Herman Melville, in Pittsfield. (www. redlioninn.com).

We were able to combine our delightful holiday stay at the Red Lion with downhill skiing and snowboarding at  Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, the largest ski and snowboard resort in southern New England (37 Corey Road, Hancock MA 01237, www.jiminypeak. com, 413-738-5500).

A great source for fascinating places is Historic Hotels of America, www.historichotels.org and  www. historichotelsworldwide.com, where you can find the perfect destination

hotel or resort, intimately connected to the heritage, the people, the personality of the place, wherever you are headed.  Skiing, a Great Way to Spend the Holidays

Skiing (and snowboarding) is the great equalizer for families, something that is adventurous and gets the adrenalin rushing, where you feel a satisfied sense of accomplishment, and where kids can show up their parents. The resorts, especially the selfcontained ones built around a small village with cute cafes and boutiques, all do a superb job of being festive. And there’s nothing better after a vigorous, bracing day on the slopes, than coming back and getting cozy in the condo with hot chocolate, or smore’s over a firepit, or a steamy Jacuzzi, or setting out for the skating rink or hopping a gondola to a mountaintop restaurant.

Park City, Utah, goes all out for the holidays and the town itself is utterly charming with sensational restaurants, boutiques, and you can fly out in the morning to Salt Lake City and be on the slopes, just 35 minutes away, by 1 pm.   Park City Mountain celebrates the holiday season with Snowfest: a 16-day winter festival, Dec. 22-Jan. 6, featuring après ski events, musical acts, village entertainers, and activities including ice sculptures, s’mores roasting, meet-and-greets with the avalanche dogs and more. Activities will be presented at both the Park City Mountain Village and Canyons Village each day. On Monday,

Dec. 24, Park City’s 56th annual Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade takes place, a tradition as old as the resort itself, when 100 Park City instructors ski down with lit torches creating a beautiful scene on the Mountain, joined by Santa Claus. The resort, the largest in the US with 7300 acres of terrain, two distinct base areas, nine hotels, two dozen restaurants and a new eightpassenger gondola, does an excellent job of interconnecting with Park City itself, a most charming Western town. Book 7 days in advance online for discounts on lift tickets; check out holiday packages, events and lodging and updates on terrain and weather reports at ParkCityMountain.com (Also visit snow.com for info on all the Vail Resorts.)

The Hyatt Centric  at the Canyons base, which has been a superb lodging for our stay and has its  own lift for ski in/out convenience, and is just a five-minute walk to the shops and restaurants, let us use the outdoor heated pool, hot tubs, sauna and lockers after we were checked out. Our two-bedroom condo (the hotel has 27 two-bedroom suites, which can be turned into 3 bedroom suites, and 15 one-bedroom suites) is unbelievably spacious, outfitted with every possible amenity including a full-kitchen, a dining table that seats eight, three TVs, a Jacuzzi bathtub in the master bedroom, four balconies, windows everywhere there open up to the gorgeous outdoors, and washer/dryer (so convenient when

you ski).The hotel also offers a free nighttime shuttle into historic Park City (parkcity.centric.hyatt.com).

Similarly, Lake Placid is a charming village that is the hub for Whiteface in the Adirondacks in upstate New York. Plenty to do, from the Olympic ice skating oval and museum downtown, to Olympic venues (you can even do bobsled, skeleton, biathalon, go up the Ski Jump towers, cross-country –even if there is someone in the family who doesn’t ski, or even if do, there is so much to enrich a trip. (Try to also fit in a hike through Ausable Chasm, incredible in winter).  It’s not for nothing SKI Magazine named Lake Placid #1 ski town for Off-Hill activities.

We loved our festive holiday stay at the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort, which offers a shuttle bus up to Whiteface, but also is a hub for all that Lake Placid offers: walking distance to the Olympic Oval ice skating rink and museum or ice skate on Mirror Lake just outside the resort; lovely shops and restaurants, and the local “toboggan roller coaster.” Also dogsledding across the frozen surface of Mirror Lake and guided snowshoeing at Mt. Van Hoevenberg. (www.goldenarrow.com, 844-209-8080)

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

Other favorite New York State ski destinations: Gore Mountain in the Adirondacks (North Creek is a delightful village to stay), Belleayre, Windham, Hunter Mountain in the

Catskills. (See Ski New York, www. iskiny.com, for more ideas.)

Other favorites for the holiday vibe as well as great skiing: Smugglers Notch (a complete, self-contained

WRITER’S CORNER

mountain destination that is tops for families), Mount Snow, Stratton (now part of Ikon Pass) and Okemo (now See page D5

The 2018-19 Hofstra Men’s Basketball Season

The 10/28 Newsday headlines blared away: “HOFSTRA TARGETS NCAA: WRIGHT-FOREMAN KEY TO MAKING MARCH MADNESS.” I disagree. Wright-Foreman and defense will send Hofstra to the Promised Land.

I offer the following two comments before proceeding to an analysis of this and last year’s team.

1. Although the team’s goal should be to win games, the ultimate goal is to win the CAA tournament – and that should be reflected in the team’s philosophy and overall preparation during the season.

2. Players should understand that the magic word in defense is INTENSITY! And this is where bench help comes into play.

Well, what about last year? They had close to a dream team – Rokas (leading rebounder in the country), Wright-Foreman (CAA Player of Year), Pemberton…etc. It was indeed a dream team, but perhaps from an offensive perspective. They went 19-12, finished third in the CAA, and got knocked out in the first round. Scoring during the season was not a problem but they

were consistently inconsistent when it came to defense. The team was further hampered by Rokas’s poor defensive play and his inability to shoot fouls and make layups.

I’ve come to believe that most teams still don’t get it about defense. Case in point: The Knicks recently realized that the team performed better with a defensive guard as opposed to their offensive guard. HELLO! The Nets had the same problem several years ago with their outstanding offensive player Williams who couldn’t guard his grandmother.

Well, what about this year’s team?

The back court with Justin WrightForeman (JWF), Buie, and Ray is dynamic and absolutely solid. Small forward Pennington is a scoring machine but has yet to prove himself defensively. The forecourt is questionable: transfers 6’10” Jacquil Taylor and 6’8” Dan Dwyer along with returnee Trueheart provide little to the offensive with questionable defense. The back court led by superstar all-American candidate JWF may be able to carry the club and overcome any deficiencies upfront…and this will be determined as the season goes forward.

The club’s record at the time of the

preparation of this article was 7-3 with two tough losses coming against NCAA ranked opponents. The back court tandem of JWF and Buie (who I touted three years ago) probably ranks near the top in the nation. Buie’s defensive play has made a significant impact. Taylor may be able to hold his own in the middle against the other big men in the CAA. The team is also playing some man-to-man offensive which is good news since a well-coached opponent would again decimate their zone defense as was demonstrated in their win over Cal State Fulterton where a guard scored 38 points, including 8 open 3-pointers. Coach Mihalich has apparently settled on a 8-man rotation which will hopefully be enough to carry the team. Bottom line: I’ve gone from being concerned to being cautiously optimistic. It should be an interesting and exciting 3+ months.

I should note that this may be a do-or-die year since the club is topheavy with upperclassmen and only one freshman along with three sophs. Furthermore, unless Coach Mihalich and his staff have a significantly abovepar recruiting year, the team’s front court will have difficulty competing

against Division III opponents next year.

Attending Hofstra games for me still remains the best sports buy in the New York Metropolitan area; it’s even cheaper than going to the movies. There is ample free parking, easy access in and out of the Mack Sports Complex, the concession stands are not a rip-off ($3.50 for a dog, $3.00 for a soda, etc.), and there isn’t a bad seat in the house. Did I mention that its $6 for seniors and children, and the whole exciting atmosphere is conducive to family attendance? Many home games last year turned out to be thrillers. Share it this year with someone you care about.

In the meantime, my “Basketball Coaching 101” book is still out in the marketplace at either amazon.com or createspace.com for $17.95. It makes an excellent New Year’s/Christmas gift. Consider buying the book – I really do need the royalty money to help subsidize my gambling habits.

Visit the author at: www.theodorenewsletter.com or on his Facebook page at Basketball Coaching 101

The Sagamore, a grand historic hotel dating back to the 1880s, is set on a private 70-acre island on Lake George © Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com

Is That Social Security Glass Half Full or Half Empty?

It’s always fascinating to me how people can look at the same situation and see things totally differently. For example, I look in the mirror and see Brad Pitt’s slightly older brother starting back at me. But my wife looks at me and sees a grizzled old Gabby Hayes look-alike!

But I digress. We’ve all heard of the proverbial “Is the glass half full or half empty?” question. That’s kind of what I’m talking about. Some people see the positive side of things. And some see only negatives. And given the nature of this column, I’m thinking about how this relates to Social Security-related scenarios. Coincidentally, my email inbox this week contains several examples of this.

Q: I just turned 70 and finally started my Social Security checks. My first check had a Medicare premium deducted from it. But I have been billed for Medicare every three months since I turned 65. And I’ve already paid the premium they took out of my check. This is just another example of why the government can’t do anything right! Will I ever get this money back? Or am I just another victim of government ineptitude?

But then, the same week, I got this email.

Q: I signed up for Medicare, but not Social Security, when I was 65. I have been paying my Part B premiums quarterly ever since. I recently turned 68 and started my Social Security checks. They took my Part B premium out of my check. But the problem is that I already paid that premium through the quarterly billing process. I assume they will eventually catch this error and pay me back, right?

A: Yes, you are right. This is a very common occurrence for folks who start their Medicare first and then, a few years later, sign up for Social Security. This is a simplistic explanation, but it basically works like this. The people who send you the quarterly billing statements for your Part B premiums are a different group than the people who arrange for the premiums to be deducted from your Social Security check. But every month, they exchange their records. Once that exchange happens, and they notice that you’ve paid Medicare premiums for the same month(s), they will reimburse you. And here is another kind of Social Security scenario where two people see essentially the same situation very differently.

Q: I am 67 and about to file for my Social Security. I went online and checked my Social Security earnings record. I was shocked to discover that record is missing two years of earnings from the early 1980s.

I immediately went to my Social Security office and they told me that it is too late to make any corrections. So does that mean because some bureaucrat was asleep on the job 40 years ago, my Social Security check is going to be shorted because of these missing earnings? Government bureaucracy! Don’t you just love it?!

And then there was this email.

Q: I am 60 and starting to make some plans for my Social Security. As part of that process, I checked my records online. Everything seemed fine. But I did notice that there was a gap in my earnings from 1979 until 1981. This was obviously very early in my life. I think at the time I was working for some fast-food restaurants and not making that much money. Can I assume that this will have little if any affect on my eventual Social Security retirement benefit?

A: Yes, you can assume that. And so should the guy who sent that first email. And now let me explain how all this works.

First, I don’t want my readers to think that Social Security earnings records are full of gaps and errors. Actually, just the opposite is true. I remember seeing statistics that say there is a 98 percent chance that your earnings records are correct and up to date. Still, when you talking about records for virtually every working person in this country, even a 2 percent error rate means more than a few records have glitches.

That’s why people are encouraged to check the earnings statement that Social Security occasionally mails you, or to go online to the Social Security website and check them yourself. As a general rule, the law says you have three years to make corrections to your earnings record. But that law also says that the records can be corrected at any time if the correction will make a difference in the amount of someone’s Social Security benefit.

So now let’s apply these rules to the scenarios presented by the two emailers. Because a Social Security retirement benefit is figured using a 35-year base of inflation-adjusted earnings, in both cases it is highly unlikely that the missing earnings from so long ago will be part of that 35-year base of earnings. So the second guy was right. It’s no big deal and nothing to worry about. And the first guy should know that if for some fluky reason, his missing earnings from almost 40 years ago become relevant to his Social Security benefit, he can work with his local Social Security office to try to correct the records.

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has the answer. Contact him at thomas.margenau@comcast.net. creators.com.

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

Favorite Winter Holiday Places for Family Travel

part of Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass) in the Northeast (see SkiVermont.com);  Heavenly and Northstar around Lake Tahoe, California; Vail, Breckenridge (a historic town), Keystone Resort

Savannah, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida. The islands are a popular resort playground, offering a mix of natural beauty, rich history and quaint charm, coupled with the allure of inviting yearround weather (winter temps are in the low 60s). Visitors are enchanted

(sensational for families, easy to reach from Denver International Airport) in Colorado. Great source for ski holidays, Ski.com, a ski-specializing travel agency.

Warmer-Weather Winter Favorites

St. Simons Island is one of Georgia’s Golden Isles, lying midway between

by the natural canopy of mossdraped live oaks and the memorable Tree Spirits, hand-carved images of weathered faces that immortalize the area’s sailors who lost their lives at sea. The King and Prince, a member of Historic Hotels of America, offers a complete resort experience, including

Taking a trail ride at Pine Ridge Dude Ranch © Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear. com

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

Favorite Winter Holiday Places for Family Travel

oceanfront dining, beachfront activities to horseback riding, tennis, biking and fishing. A variety of tours are available that provide samplings of the area’s history and culture, whether by foot, bike, trolley or boat. There are five oceanfront pools including a heated pool; enjoy golf at its famous The King and Prince Golf Course, and tennis. What I especially love is the opportunity to explore St. Simons – especially by bike. There are also dolphin cruises, shrimp boat excursion, kayaking, historic trolley tours of the island. Take

time to explore Fort Frederica National Monument (which was an entire settlement, dating from 1736), Christ Church, and St. Simons Lighthouse & Museum. (www.kingandprince.com, 800-342-0212; member of Historic Hotels of America, historichotels.org.)

Eau Palm Resort in Manalapan, on Palm Beach Island, is a very special place. An intimate ocean retreat, it is both luxurious and comfortable; traditional and modern; playful and indulgent. Situated on the sweeping back drop of Florida’s Gold Coast with seven private Atlantic beachfront acres, magnificently landscaped with lush

gardens and exquisite pools,  it is one of only two Forbes Five-Star resorts in Palm Beach and eight in Florida. The award-winning Eau Spa is not to be missed. The resort offers an imaginative array of activities, from stand-up paddleboarding, to snorkeling in aquamarine waters, to surfing lessons, tennis. Borrow a complimentary cruiser bike to explore Palm Beach on a fabulous recreational trail. Palm Beach also offers many wonderful museums and historic attractions also, like the Flagler Museum; try to fit in a visit to the Palm Beach Zoo and the Palm Beach Science Museum if you can pull yourself from the beach and the stunning pools. (www.equpalmbeach. com, 800-328-0170).

One of our favorite places is the Colony Hotel & Cabana Club, Delray Beach, Florida – if  Cole Porter were a hotel, it would be this one, and just steps away from Delray Beach (I think one of the nicest, most scenic beaches on the Florida’s Atlantic coast); the hotel even has its own private beachfront country club. Delray Beach is a sumptuous confection of art and culture, once voted “America’s Most Fun Small Town.”  Among the features are complimentary breakfast buffet; wifi at hotel & club; fitness room; weekend live entertainment; walk to beach and access to private beach club with a saltwater pool). (www.thecolonyhotel. com , 561-276-4123, 800-552-2363; a member of Historic Hotels of America, historichotels.org.)

Another way to get into the spirit of “America’s Most Fun Small Town” is a stay at the Crane’s BeachHouse Hotel & Tiki Bar, which puts you right in the middle of all the activity Delray Beach offers, including a short walk to the beach, and yet makes you feel so far away, in some tranquil, private tropical retreat. It’s whimsical and fun. A fabulous buffet breakfast is served under the thatch roof of the tiki bar. (cranesbeachhouse.com , 561-278-1700, 866-372-7263).

Leave time to explore Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Wakodahatchee (best birding anywhere), Loxahatchee (kayak or canoe in the Everglades, look for alligators!) and Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens.

The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs is wrapping up its centennial celebrations with the recent unveiling of its largest, grandest holiday gingerbread display ever, a 13 ½-foot-tall, 11x11120-square-foot gingerbread replica of the original 1918 Broadmoor resort. Situated at the gateway to the Colorado Rocky Mountains in Colorado Springs, The Broadmoor and its Wilderness Experience properties of The Ranch at Emerald Valley, Cloud Camp and Fishing Camp encompass 5,000 acres. The resort campus has 784 rooms, suites and cottages. It includes championship golf courses, a Forbes Five-Star spa and fitness center, indoor pool, nationally recognized tennis staff and program, 24 retail boutiques and 10 restaurants and 10 additional cafes and lounges,

C
Colony Hotel, Delray Beach, Florida is a luscious confection that has you singing Cole Porter songs © Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com
Eau Palm Resort in Manalapan, on Palm Beach Island, is an intimate ocean retreat, luxurious and comfortable; traditional and modern; playful and indulgent, situated on seven private Atlantic beachfront acres, magnificently landscaped with lush gardens and exquisite pools © Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com
The Bobsled Experience: Lake Placid is the only area in the Northeast where you can experience bobsled, luge and skeleton. You get to “slide” with a professional driver and pusher © Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com

Friday, December 14, 2018

A Special Section from Litmor Publications & Blank Slate Media

How to build a holiday giving budget

Spending time with loved ones and reflecting on all of the blessings the previous year has bestowed is a great way to celebrate the holiday season. But giving, entertaining and traveling are part of the season as well, and that can leave many people wondering how to finance their holiday season.

Many people admit to spending more than they initially intended to spend during the holiday season, leaving them with sizable bills to pay come January. This trend is dubbed the “holiday hangover,” and MagnifyMoney found that Americans racked up an average of $1,054 of debt during the 2017 holiday season, a 5 percent increase over 2016.

Recent data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York says consumer credit card debt stands at $808 billion. A portion of that ongoing debt is accumulated during the holidays — but it doesn’t have to be. By establishing a budget and a plan to pay down their debt, consumers can gift without grief.

The first step to establishing a holiday shopping budget is to make a list of all the people with whom you intend to exchange gifts. Jot down charitable gifts and entertaining/social expenses as well. With paper in hand, it can be easier to visualize just how many people are on the gift list, making it easier to allot a certain amount to each person. Friends and coworkers may receive less than family members.

Next think about a total dollar amount to earmark for the holidays. This amount is something that you should be able to comfortably pay off in full at the end of the holiday season —

no more than a month or two after New Year’s Day.

Do not feel obligated to purchase more than one gift for each person on your list. Parents who want to have a few extra items under the tree for their children or who have to finance presents from Santa Claus can set aside more money to make such purchases. However, these gifts should also be factored into the overall budget.

It’s important to keep track of spending even after the budget has been created. This way you can see if you are adhering to your budget. Record gifts as you would checks in a register. Take home receipts and tally your spending to see if it aligns. Make adjustments as necessary if you are on track to go over your budget.

When budgeting, keep in mind the potentially inflated costs of hot items for the year. It can be tempting to splurge on the latest video game console, but will it be obsolete in a few months? Budgeting and frugal buying go hand-in-hand.

Budgets do not need to remain fixed from year to year. If this year was a banner year in terms of finances, you may be able to afford more. If it wasn’t, you may have to cut back. True friends and close family members should understand that the value of the gift is not based on its price tag.

Budgeting is important for holiday spending. With a budget in hand, consumers can avoid holiday hangover and potential financial ruin for months to come.

Holiday gift ideas for avid gamers

Video games have a strong and enduring fanbase. Since their inception in the early 1970s, video games have been a popular component of personal recreation and culture.

The Entertainment Software Association’s annual report says 65 percent of homes in the United States own a gaming device, while 48 percent own “a dedicated game console.” The report also indicates consumers spent $25.5 billion on gaming in 2015, with $16.5 billion on gaming content alone.

Although video games originated as arcade entertainment and one- or two-player games that were enjoyed exclusively in one’s home, they’ve expanded to be technical wonders that can connect gamers with other fans from all around the globe. Today’s multiplayer online games feature participants from all walks of life who connect via their gaming consoles, computers, tablets, and smartphones.

The holiday season is a prime time to outfit gamers with new gear. When shopping for gifts for gamers, keep these suggestions in mind.

• New console: Gamers have more console options than ever before. Shoppers can choose between the ultra-portable Nintendo Switch; the Xbox One X, which boasts 4K capability; and the PS4. For those who don’t know where to start, a console upgrade can be the way to go.

• Controller charger: Video game controller chargers and docks can give renewed power to controllers. Thanks to a charger, controllers will

always be powered up and at the ready when it’s time for hardcore play.

• Content gift card: Gift-givers can offer gift cards to favorite video game stores and online gaming content, including Steam. Steam is a digital distributor platform for PC gaming that also features social networking services.

• Gaming headsets: The right headset can immerse gamers more fully in the sounds and actions of their favorite games. An attached microphone enables gamers to keep in contact with multiplayers.

• Classic game cartridge system: Retro game systems enable classic game enthusiasts to plug in their old cartridges and output them to the TV over HDMI.

• Wireless controllers: If the console didn’t come with a wireless controller, it’s time to upgrade. Wireless versions enable players to move wherever they need to and not be restricted by the length of a cable.

• Gaming keyboards: A gaming keyboard puts those who do the bulk of their gaming on PCs or streaming computer displays over TV in greater control.

• Sound bar: Turn that action into impressive sound with a sound bar hooked up to the television. Built-in bass or a separate subwoofer can amplify the tone even further.

There are many options for getting coveted gifts for gamers this holiday season.

Gifting those with special needs

The holiday season is an exciting time of year. Charitable efforts and the exchange of gifts with friends, family members and colleagues add to the warmth of the holiday season, when many people make extra efforts to show their loved ones just how much they’re appreciated.

The National Organization on Disability says nearly 54 million Americans have physical, sensory or intellectual disabilities. The Canadian Survey on Disability indicates 13.7 percent of Canadians lived with a disability at the time of polling. Millions of people may need assistance, but that doesn’t mean they enjoy the holidays any less. In fact, this merry time of year is an ideal time to bring even brighter smiles to the people who may benefit from some extra love and affection.

Technology

Advancements in technology have opened up entire new worlds for people with disabilities. Audio books can help people with conditions of the eye or fading vision further explore their love of reading. Home assistants, such as Amazon Echo and Google Home, can simplify life for people with mobility issues. With a vocal prompt, lights can be turned on, products ordered, music streamed, and even calendar appointments reviewed. Such devices can be programmed for medication reminders, too.

Accessibility gifts

In their desire to gift someone with special needs, individuals can speak with guardians or therapists to find out which products or services may be most useful. Perhaps someone who is wheelchair-bound can benefit from ramps and

grab bars for getting around. Certain products can make bathing or showering easier, and help people retain some measure of independence.

Motion-activated lights or digital devices can help manage functions around the house. For example, the Ring doorbell provides a video and audio feed so a person can see if it’s necessary to make it to the door, and alert the person on the other side of the door if it may take some time for the resident to make it there.

Sensory gifts

Children and adults who have autism, sensory processing disorder or other conditions with a sensory component may need specialized gifts. Stim and fidget jewelry, for example, can help channel energy into something that will not be overly distracting. Putty, slime and doughs can be good for helping busy hands.

People who cannot cope with loud noises or crowded situations can benefit from noise-cancelling headphones. A small tent or playhouse is ideal for a child who needs a safe place for a retreat to recharge. A soothing sound and light machine can help adults relax.

Traditional gifts

Many traditional gifts are equally appropriate and appreciated. Gift cards to favorite restaurants or supermarkets, for example, may compel people who prefer routines to step outside of their comfort zones. Subscriptions to streaming services or monthly clubs can keep gifts arriving all year long as well. The right gifts can help individuals with disabilities fully enjoy the holidays.

Baking shortcuts for time-pressed entertainers

‘Tis the season for baking cookies, cakes and other treats. However, during the holiday rush, it’s easy to get side-tracked or tired, and perhaps even a little bit overwhelmed by all the things to do in such a short period of time. Holiday baking doesn’t have to add to seasonal stress. With these tips and shortcuts, there will be plenty of sweet treats for the family.

Stick with tested recipes

Although holiday bakers may want to branch out a bit with their culinary creativity, recipes that have previously been prepared with great success can take some of the work out of holiday baking. Preparing recipes you recall preparing in the past is much easier than trying something new. If you’d like, add sparkle to old standards, such as decorating oatmeal or chocolate chip cookies with colored sprinkles.

Cookies are fast-baking

Did you know that cookies were originally made to test oven temperatures? Culinary historians say that cookies were first made to test if an oven was hot enough to bake other goods. Today, cookies can be whipped up in mere min-

utes. Make a batch of dough and then freeze or refrigerate it, thawing it when the time comes to bake. Also, think about baking one day and decorating the next if pressed for time.

Embrace colored candy melts

Icing can be tricky to master. Simply heating colored candy melts and pouring over cakes or painting onto cookies

can add festive appeal to desserts. Candy melts even come in many different colors and can be combined to achieve the tint desired.

Keep ingredients in top form

Don’t let poorly performing ingredients or a lack of supplies be your undoing. Butter can be softened quickly in the microwave when needed for recipes.

Includes Coffee • Tea • Soda

Mixed Green Salad/Caesar Salad

Antipasto/Tomato & Mozzarella

Assorted Pinwheels

One Large Calzone per Table with side of sauce

Unlimited Pizza with Toppings

$24.00

Add a Pasta Course

$26.00 per person

Add a Chicken / Eggplant Entreé

$32.00 per person

Open Bar (3) Hours vs. Bar Tab

Add $20.00 per person

APPETIZER SELECTIONS

ANTIPASTO

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

ASSORTED BAKED PINWHEELS

$70

$60

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

BRUSCHETTA

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

$60

TOMATO MOZZARELLA $70

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

VEGETABLE PLATTER

$55

Assorted vegetables served with a blue cheese dip

18” DESSERT PLATTER

Combination of Jr. Cheese Cake, Cannoli, Chocolate Decadence and Rice Pudding $60

Grimaldi’s Cannoli Platters (15 cannolis) $45

Eggs can be brought to room temperature by allowing them to sit in a bowl of warm water. Ensure that brown sugar stays soft by putting a piece of sliced bread in the container. Don’t forget to stock up on other baking staples, such as vanilla and almond extracts, baking powder/soda, molasses, and confectioner’s sugar.

Don’t bake from scratch

Not all recipes need to be made from scratch. Boxed cake mixes can be embellished and turned into delicious desserts without much fuss. Substitute melted butter for oil, buttermilk for water, and add an extra egg for a rich cake. Mix in chocolate chips or nuts or experiment with garnishes for a festive look.

Parchment paper is key

Line cookie sheets or cake pans with parchment paper for easy dessert release and quick cleanup. Parchment paper and even foil can help lift cakes or cookie bars out of pans so they look neat and do not stick.

Holiday baking can be made much easier by employing a few tricks of the trade.

Join Us Before or After Any Islander Game at the Colliseum and Present Your Ticket to Your Waiter & Recieve 15% OFF TOTAL BILL *Offer Good game day only

We Delivers through UberEATS & Door Dash

18” SALAD SELECTIONS

House

Caesar

Chopped

Portobello

$70

$60

$70

$70

Mediterranean $70

Add Fresh Mozzarella $10

Add Grilled Chicken $12

Add Salami $10

ENTREÉ SELECTIONS

Half Full

Chicken Parmigiana $50 $80

Chicken & Vegetables

$50 $80

Chicken Marsala $55 $90

Sausage & Peppers $45 $75

Eggplant Parmigiana

$40 $70

Eggplant Rollatini $45 $80

Penne Primavera $40 $65

Penne Ala Vodka

Penne Bolognese

Linguini white or red

Clam Sauce

PIZZERIA

What to get the beer drinker on your holiday list

Craft beer is having its moment. According to the Brewers Association, the craft brewing industry experienced a 5 percent growth in 2017 and now accounts for more than 23 percent of the $111.4 billion beer market in the United States.

Craft beer drinkers’ devotion to beer is perhaps only matched by their love of exploring new beers. The popularity of the geosocial networking service and mobile phone application Untappd, which allows its roughly seven million users to check in as they drink beers and share those check-ins with friends, is a testament to the passion many craft beer drinkers have for beer. Holiday shoppers with craft beer afficionados on their shopping lists can consider these gift ideas when shopping for that loved one who loves nothing more than hoisting a pint.

• Pressurized growler: Craft breweries sell beer in cans and bottles, but many craft beer enthusiasts prefer to take their favorite ales home in growlers. Growlers are glass bottles, often gallon-sized, that contain beer poured directly from the tap. This may make the beer taste more fresh than it might out of cans or bottles, and it provides beer lovers with that unmistakable draft beer taste. Beer sold in traditional growlers may not stay fresh for more than a couple of days. But a pressurized growler can keep beer carbonated and fresh for weeks.

• Beer making kit: Craft beer en-

thusiasts who love to study how beer is made may appreciate a beer making kit. These kids typically are designed for novices, though shoppers also can find more advanced kits for beer lovers who have already begun to make their own ales, stouts and lagers. When shopping for a beer making kit, be sure to buy one that suits the space your loved has available. Some kits are ideal for apartments, while others require more space to set up.

• Magnetic bottle opener: Magnetic bottle openers save beer loves the hassle of finding that ever-elusive bottle opener. Easily attached to the refrigerator, magnetic bottle openers can be customized with a loved one’s name and some even include a pocket that catches bottle caps as beers are opened. Small magnetic bottle openers make great stocking stuffers.

• Beer glasses: Though it might seem insignificant to non-beer drinkers, the glass in which beer is served goes a long way toward ensuring its flavor is fully enjoyed. Beer glasses are shaped differently for a reason, and craft brewers often give ample thought to the shape of the glasses their beers will be served in. Ensure your loved one is getting the most out of his or her favorite beer by purchasing a set of glasses from his or her favorite brewery.

Options abound when buying gifts for the beer drinker on your list this holiday season.

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Great gifts for beloved seniors

Gifts for seniors do not have to be a challenge to find. Many services and items will be ideal.

By the time they reach senior status, many adults have amassed a ton of stuff along with their irreplaceable knowledge. Come their golden years, grandparents and other aging loved ones probably don’t need much in the way of material possessions, which can make it challenging to find them holiday gifts.

Finding great gifts for seniors may take a little more effort, but with these ideas at the ready, it’s likely gift-givers can make this holiday merry for everyone on their shopping lists.

Family photo memories

Many seniors love to talk about their life histories. What better way to be the catalyst for conversation than to create a photo album that chronicles their lives? Photos can be included alongside historical documents, such as old school projects, military discharge papers, awards, and even genealogical information. Photo puzzles, photo calendars and any home decor with a photo printed on it are variations on this theme.

Assistance gifts

Seniors want to remain as independent as possible. By giving items that help them do just that, you can bring smiles to their faces.

One idea is motion-sensing light switches and fixtures. If and when nature calls in the middle of the night, hallways or bathrooms can be illuminated effortlessly.

Shower and bathroom grab bars are another idea. These provide extra security and stability when getting in and out of the shower or when using the toilet.

For seniors who just need a little extra reach, a grab tool can easily

snag packages from a top shelf or pick up items that may have dropped to the floor, eliminating bending or straining.

Practical technology

Seniors may not be as immersed in technology as young people, but they purchase their share of gadgets and increasingly rely on tech to get through the day. To free up more time for rest and relaxation, invest in an iRobot Roomba Robot Vacuum. This simple device will clean floors easily, moving from room to room without the need for a bulky canister or upright vacuum.

Consider an easy-to-use tablet, pre-loaded with handy applications. Grandparents can use video chatting to keep in touch with grandchildren living across the country. Easily refill prescription medication with a pharmacy app just a click away. Stream favorite movies or channels through video streaming sites, like Netflix or Amazon Prime. Tablets tend to be lightweight, portable and user-friendly.

Personal care

Even independent seniors may benefit from a little extra companionship and assistance when family members are not able to make frequent visits. Hiring a visiting care worker, who can do everything from organizing pills to making dinner to tackling some laundry, can provide the help seniors need with their daily errands.

Seniors are a thriving and growing demographic. It may seem challenging to purchase gifts for older loved ones, but with a little know-how, it’s easy to find the right present.

HOLIDAY MENU 2018

APPETIZERS

Colossal Shrimp Cocktail

Platter Sm/Lg

Stuffed Mushrooms

Lobster Tail

Frutti Di Mare

Mini Crab Cakes

Mini Beef Wellington

Antipasta Platter Sm/Lg

Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Cheese Platter Sm/Lg

Fruit Platter Sm/Lg

MAIN

Beef Wellington

Prime Rib Roast

Beef Tenderloin Roast

Bone-In Pork Roast

Fresh Roast Turkey

Spiral Smoked Ham

SIDES

Herb Stuffing • String Beans

Roasted Carrots

Brussels Sprouts w/ Pancetta

Creamed Spinach • Mashed Potatoes

DESSERT

7 Layer Chocolate Cake • Cookie Platter

Assorted Pies • Apple Crisp

No orders, changes or phone add-ons accepted after WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 19th

Homemade dinner rolls for those with gluten allergies

Holiday dinners vary depending on the household, but certain staples seem to pop up no matter where you sit down to enjoy your holiday meal. Dinner rolls are one such staple, as few things supplement a hearty holiday meal better than freshly baked homemade dinner rolls.

Men and women with gluten aller-

gies may want to avoid traditional dinner rolls, but holiday hosts can take steps to ensure everyone gets to enjoy dinner rolls regardless of their dietary restrictions. The following recipe for “Dinner Rolls” from Jeanne Sauvage’s “Gluten-Free Baking” (Chronicle Books) is a gluten-free version of a beloved holiday staple.

Dinner Rolls

Makes 18 rolls

4 tablespoons granulated sugar

2 cups warm milk (about 110 F)

2 tablespoons active dry yeast

3 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons xanthan gum

4 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

2 extra-large eggs

1⁄4 cup neutral-flavored oil such as rice bran or canola

2 teaspoons vinegar, preferably apple cider

Melted unsalted butter for brushing

Tapioca flour for dusting

Brush 18 standard muffin cups (one 12-cup pan and one 6-cup pan) with melted butter and dust with tapioca flour.

In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of the sugar into the warm milk. Whisk in the yeast to dissolve. Set aside to proof. The mixture will get foamy. If your kitchen is warm, the mixture will foam quickly, so watch it to make sure it does not overflow the bowl.

In a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, xanthan gum, baking powder, salt, and remaining 3 tablespoons sugar.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the eggs on medium speed until foamy, about 3 minutes. Add the oil and beat for 2 more minutes. Reduce the speed to low, add the vinegar and beat to combine. Add the yeast mixture and beat to mix. Add the flour mixture and beat to combine, then increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 3 minutes longer.

Distribute the dough equally among the prepared muffin cups and fill them about three-quarters full. With a sharp knife that has been dipped in tapioca flour, cut a deep slash in the top of each roll. Dip the knife in flour before each cut, and don’t worry if a little extra tapioca flour is left on top of the rolls.

Preheat the oven to 375 F. Let the dough stand in a warm, draftfree place to rise until doubled in bulk, about 40 minutes.

Brush the top of each roll with melted butter. Bake until the tops are a nice golden brown, about 20 minutes. If they start to brown too quickly, loosely tent the rolls with aluminum foil. Remove the rolls to wire racks to cool. If you are serving them immediately, it’s nice to put them in a tea towel-lined blanket to keep warm.

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

How to buy clothes as holiday gifts

Holiday shopping lists are being made, and there is a strong chance that clothing has made many of those lists. Year after year, apparel, along with technology and books, dominate the top giving categories, according to Nielsen Global Holiday Spending Expectations. However, before rushing out to buy that new sweater or pair of slacks, shoppers are urged to follow a few tips that can make clothing shopping easier.

• Mimic the recipient’s sense of style. Take your shopping cues from the types of clothing your loved one typically wears. Now is not the time to try to impart your own fashion sense on someone else. Enlist help if you’re not exactly sure of your loved one’s sense of style; retail associates are there to help.

• Stick with classics. Instead of mimicking his or her style, you can always select from classic apparel or general categories if they seem like they might be the right fit. Certain pieces, such as classic black pants or a skirt or a camisole and cardigan, always work seamlessly in a wardrobe. A gentleman might appreciate a new dinner jacket or blazer for those special occasions like a night out on the town. Opt for muted colors unless the recipient to make a statement.

• Find out the right size. This can take some investigatory work, but enlist other friends or family members to de-

termine which size clothing your loved one wears. Otherwise, do some subtle sleuthing. Indirectly inquire as to size in general conversation. Or you can be forthcoming and say, “I’d like to get you clothing as a gift, what sizes do you wear?”

• Discover his or her favorite stores. Through your relationship, you may have learned about your loved one’s favorite clothing stores. Such knowledge can give you a better sense of where to shop.

• Get gift receipts and learn the exchange policy. Even items purchased with the best intentions might not be right or fit correctly. Give the gift recipient an easy out by including a gift receipt with the present. This way he or she can exchange the gift for something else at full purchase price. Avoid retailers with especially stringent exchange policies.

• Enroll in a clothing subscription service. You don’t need to buy clothes to gift clothing. Another way to gift clothing is to enroll your loved one in a trial for a clothing service. Clothing services ask members a few questions, and then fashion specialists will choose select pieces to ship each month. The clothing can be kept or returned for new items. Clothing gifts are very popular. Gift-givers can help ensure they’re well received by selecting items with care.

The holiday season is a time of joy, hope and reflection. As families joyfully gather and reflect on years past, they are hopeful for the beginning of a new healthy and happy new year.

As we reflect on patients we’ve helped over the years, many home health aides stand out. Their joyful spirits transcend into their “above and beyond” caring nature.

One aide in particular this month, Adrianna, cared for her patient for six years. They spent many days dancing and praying together. Adrianna was irreplaceable!

It is truly fitting when an aide is referred to as angel. They give patients hope for a better tomorrow.

Happy Holidays to all of our patients, their families and our special angels! Questions? Write into cdeehan@betterhomecare.com; stop by, or call 516-318-6746.

Baby’s first holiday gifts

The holiday season is a magical time of the year for all age groups, but seems to be especially enjoyed by children. Even though infants and toddlers may not fully appreciate gifts under the tree or holiday lighting displays, that’s no reason not to make tots’ first foray into holiday giving any less special.

Shopping for babies can be challenging because gift-givers may not want to overwhelm new parents with much more stuff — considering their homes may already be inundated with baby gear. However, it’s difficult to resist the temptation to purchase adorable infant and toddler toys and trinkets, particularly when celebrating a child’s first holiday season. The following are some practical and thoughtful gift suggestions for shoppers who want to make children’s first holiday seasons as special as possible.

Activity chairs and mats

Young children who are not yet mobile require entertainment be brought to them. This can be achieved through the various activity chairs and mats designed to stimulate young brains. Children who are practicing tummy time skills can benefit from flat mats.

Once baby is holding himself up a bit, he can sit in an activity chair that has teethers, noisemakers and other colorful toys built right into the seat.

Age-specific toys

It is important for shoppers to check product age recommendations prior to purchasing. Examples of gifts that can be appropriate for newborns include soothing rockers and swings, nightlights and cuddly stuffed animal/pacifier hybrids. Teether rings or musical gifts may suit slightly older infants. Older tots may enjoy exercise saucers, bouncing swings or tactile reasoning toys, such as those that require matching shapes with openings in a toy.

Clothing

Within the first year of life, babies go through several growth spurts and will quickly outgrow their clothing. Parents will need to continually meet new wardrobe demands. Think ahead and buy clothing that will be needed in the near future, and consider the seasons in which they’ll be used. Tack three months onto the baby’s age and that is likely the size he or she will need next.

Classic gifts

Rockers have long been popular gifts for young children. While a little one may not be able to ride a rocker just yet, this can be a great addition to a nursery until it proves functional. Although a rocking horse is the standard, unicorns are currently having their moment, so a unicorn rocker can be a playful touch.

Santa says...

Personalized keepsakes

Placing the date and baby’s name on gifts instantly transforms them into collector’s items that can be cherished through the years. In addition to ornaments, think about engraving photo frames or make a photo book with all of the baby memories thus far.

Get to know favorite wines for giving

A glass of wine makes a nice accompaniment to a meal or something to enjoy and sip while conversing with friends in social situations. Many people have a favorite style of wine, and some even have a favorite vineyard. In addition, the popularity of wine makes it a versatile gift for the holidays or something to bring along to a holiday party as a hostess present.

Novice wine enthusiasts may be interested in learning more about wine so they can choose their wine selections for gifting and enjoyment more readily. According to the experts at Wine Enthusiast, learning to taste wine and differentiate between flavors is similar to appreciating art or music. Understanding the varietals can simplify the process of selecting wines.

• Cabernet Sauvignon: This is a full-bodied red grape heavily planted in the Bordeaux region of France. Cabernet generally has high levels of alcohol and tannins.

• Merlot: The smoothness and mild flavor of this red wine make it a great option for those who need an introduction to red wine. This wine is lower in tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon, and it tends to have a more fruity flavor profile as well.

• Cabernet Franc: This is a light- to middle-weight wine that features a high acid content and savory flavors.

• Malbec and Carménère: Similar to Merlot, these grapes originated in France but then made their way to other regions of the world. Malbec is most popular in Argentina, while Carménère is grown in Chile.

• Zinfandel: Although mostly associated with the rosé wine White Zinfandel, Zinfandel is actually a me-

dium-bodied red wine that originated in Croatia.

• Pinot Noir: Soft tannins and high acid give this light-bodied red wine its appeal. The grapes were first widely planted in France but can now be found elsewhere.

• Chianti: Chianti is the most famous Italian red wine in North America. It’s a dry red that pairs very well with food. Chianti, which comes from the Chianti region in Tuscany, is made exclusively with Sangiovese grapes, or at least 80 percent of them and other blends.

• Chardonnay: This is a medium- to full-bodied dry white wine. The Chardonnay grape is a white grape from the Burgundy region of France.

• Sauvignon Blanc: Citrus-driven and often light-bodied, Sauvignon Blanc is another dry white grape planted widely in France. It also is a parent grape to Cabernet Sauvignon.

• Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio: Pinot Grigio is a zesty, dry white wine that is particularly associated with Italy even though it originated in France, where it is thought to be a mutation of the Pinot Noir grape. Pinot Grigio skins are not green like other white grapes, but have a gray hue, hence the name.

• Reisling: Those who prefer a sweet white wine can opt for Reisling, which can be traced to Germany. It can be a good match for those who appreciate other sweet white wines, such as Moscato or Gewürztraminer.

There are many wines to tempt palates. When gifting, the selections mentioned above can tempt foodies and budding sommeliers alike.

Thank you for your business over these many years.

Seventh Street, Garden City, New York 11530 (between Franklin Avenue and Hilton Avenue)

(516) 746-2155 Fax: (516) 746-2032

Gifts for men

Women may feel that finding ideal gifts for men is akin to seeking the proverbial needle in a haystack. Catering to men’s interests can yield a good gift, but there are no guarantees. Enter a company that is designed to provide unique gifts that men actually have to work at unwrapping. Man Crates are themed gifts packed inside wooden crates. They’re nearly as fun to give as to receive because of the anticipation of watching the recipient unearth what’s hidden inside. In addition to the traditional crates, the company also offers gifts tucked inside ammunition cans, Jerkygrams and project kits that inspire DIY skills. Learn more at www.mancrates.com.

Gift-wrapping tips and tricks

Much of the focus of each holiday season is on gift-giving, but all those gifts will eventually need to be wrapped. Stacks of presents just waiting to be covered with paper and ribbon can overwhelm gift givers, prompting them to put off wrapping gifts until the last minute. Hesitant wrappers with a pile of gifts to wrap can use these tricks to make the process go smoothly.

Find inspiration

Instead of looking at wrapping as yet another chore, try to envision how the recipient will feel peeling open the paper and finding the gift inside. Wrapping can be the prelude to the gift itself, and intensify the anticipation. The wrapping paper or style also may draw on aspects of the gift itself. For example, a knit scarf can be placed in a crocheted stocking.

Handle oddly-shaped items

Wrapping rectangular boxes can be a snap, but what about something that’s round or full of angles? Think about placing oddly-shaped items inside another item to make the shape more uniform. Shoe boxes, coffee cans and even paper towel rolls can hold items. Then place the wrapping on these containers.

Cover prices

To enable easy exchanges or returns, do not cut off the price tags of gifts. Instead, place a festive sticker over the dollar amount, but leave the scan bar visible. This way the gift recipient can return the gift with ease if necessary.

Keep supplies at the ready

Devote a bin or bins to wrapping supplies and tools. Having scissors, paper, tape, ribbon, and more in a designated spot will cut down on having to hunt and peck when

it comes time to wrap. Martha Stewart suggests getting a rotary cutter to cut long straight or decorative edges on wrapping paper. Rotary cutters may be easier to use than scissors, especially when paired with a ruler.

Wrap on a firm surface

Devote a table or counter to wrapping gifts. This will keep the paper taut and neat and make it easier to cut and position. You risk tearing the paper or puncturing it when working on carpeting or bedding.

Color- or pattern-code gifts

It’s easy to visualize who gets what gift when each recipient has his or her own special wrapping paper. This is also a handy idea when wrapping gifts from Santa, as it will differentiate the Santa gifts from the ones being given by Mom and Dad.

With a few helpful pointers, wrapping gifts can be easy. And for those who prefer to skip the wrapping themselves, many malls and retailers offer complimentary wrapping for a small donation to charity.

including Colorado’s only Forbes FiveStar and AAA Five-Diamond restaurant Penrose Room. Other activities include falconry, guided mountain biking, hiking, rock-climbing tours, fly-fishing, paintball and more. The Broadmoor owns and manages attractions that include Seven Falls and The Broadmoor Soaring Adventure zip-line courses.

During the winter season, Broadmoor guests may choose from a wide selection of complimentary weekend activities and classes designed to enlighten, excite, educate—or simply enjoy, including cooking classes, wine and spirits demos, fly casting instruction, golf instruction, dance classes, fitness classes. Holiday activities include Christmas dining events, face painting, carnival games, laser tag, and story time. Nearby activities include: Bear Creek Nature Center, Cave of the Winds, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Children’s Museum, Florissant Fossil Beds, Hiking in  North Cheyenne Canyon, Manitou Cliff Dwellings, ProRodeo Hall of Fame, The Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center, Royal Gorge Bridge, World Figure Skating Museum and Hall of Fame, The Broadmoor Seven Falls, Western Museum of Mining, and World Ice Skating Arena. (www.broadmoor. com, 855-634-7711)

More Holiday Travel Ideas

Cruising is a great way for families to be together for the holidays. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises do a superb job for families, with spectacular entertainment, waterparks and other mind-blowing activities on board and age-appropriate children’s activity programs and dining options. These floating resorts bring families together around activities and interests, dining and entertainment, adding in the incalculable delight in exploring new places. Our family treasures our multi-generational reunion on a Carnival cruise during Christmas week that called at Key West and Cozumel (Mexico), both such colorful places. Your travel agent can best advise on choosing a ship, a cruiseline, an itinerary; also visit cruisecritic.com

Theme parks really deck the halls for the holidays, with parades, decorations, special activities. Our favorites include Universal Studios Orlando (loved our stay at the Loews Portofino), DisneyWorld (we had a really fun time at the Coco Key Hotel outside Disney, with its own waterpark and shuttle

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

transport to the park), Busch Gardens Tampa (an outstanding zoo as much as it is a theme park) and Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Close to home and an absolutely delightful theme park destination is Hershey Park (particularly great for families with younger kids): Its most festive seasonal event of the year,  Hersheypark Christmas Candylane includes 4 million lights in a choreographed light show, 45 rides and coasters, entertainment, a visit with Santa. “Hersheypark Christmas Candylane Package,” available on select dates Nov. 16 - Dec. 29, includes one night accommodations at  The Hotel Hershey (a grand, historic hotel) or  Hershey Lodge resort and one day Hersheypark admission for the whole family, milk & cookie delivery, admission for 1 vehicle to  Hershey Sweet Lights attraction. Also visit  ZooAmerica, an 11-acre zoo with 200 animals open year-round. (www. hersheypark.com, 717-534-3900).

Dude ranches are a hoot; no matter your age, you can’t help being a kid again. We had an entirely different holiday experience the Christmas we spent at  Pine Ridge Dude Ranch (formerly the Pinegrove Ranch, it was acquired this year by the former barn manager and two long-time guests). It’s an old-fashioned all-inclusive Catskills Mountains family resort with horses and a “Toy Story” cowboy vibe. So festive, warm, friendly and utterly delightful.  It’s a nonstop giggle for children of all ages. Parents will slip back into their own childhoods while making new childhood memories for their own kids. There are activities galore, indoor pool, even laser tag, archery, tubing, iceskating, plus nightly shows and entertainment, three meals daily plus snacks and the holiday atmosphere is so special. Riding horses over snowcovered trails is really special. They regularly offer specials for Christmas and holiday times (some families return each year). Pine Ridge Dude Ranch, 30 Cherrytown Road, Kerhonkson N.Y. 12446, Ulster County, 845-626-7345, reservations@pineridgeduderanch. com, www.pineridgeduderanch.com.

Rocking Horse Ranch is a perennial family favorite. In the best tradition of Catskills resorts (all-inclusive) and dude ranch, it offers unlimited horseback riding, an indoor water park, live shows and entertainment, meals and tastings. Activities include bungee trampoline, rock climbing wall, mountain tubing, a spa and “exotic wildlife” exhibit (600

State Route 44/55, Highland, NY 12528, 800-647-2624, www.rockinghorseranch. com).

© 2018 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

Give Your Business Card To Some Prospective Clients

CLASSIFIEDS ...a sure way to get results.

ONE CALL TO 516-294-8900

AND YOUR AD WILL APPEAR IN 11 LOCAL NEWSPAPERS. CALL TODAY FOR OUR VERY LOW RATES. FAX: 516-294-8924

www.gcnews.com

Garden City News • Mid Island Times Bethpage Newsgram

• Syosset Advance • Jericho News Journal

Williston Times - Mineola Edition

New Hyde Park Herald Courier • Manhasset Times

Roslyn Times • Port Washington Times • Great Neck News

DEADLINE FOR CLASSIFIED ADS IS TUESDAY AT 1:00PM.

3 EASY WAYS TO PLACE ADS:

1) Directly on website: gcnews.com & click on “Classified Order”

2) Email Nancy@gcnews.com

3) Fax 516-294-8924

Please include your name, daytime phone number, address and ad copy.

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EMPLOYMENT

HELP WANTED

AFTERNOON CARE AIDE WANTED:

5 days per week, 12:00pm3:30pm, $15 per hour.

The Waldorf School of Garden City is seeking an aide to work part-time in the Early Childhood program. Previous experience working with children preferred. To learn more about the Waldorf Early Childhood program visit: www.waldorfearlyeducation. org

Interested parties should contact Keelah Helwig at: helwigh@waldorfgarden.org to arrange an interview.

Place an ad in our Classifieds for reasonable rates and prompt results. Call the G.C. office at 294-8900 for more information.

EMPLOYMENT

HELP WANTED

JOB OPPORTUNITY:

$17/hr NYC $14.50/hr LI

If you currently care for your relatives or friends who have Medicaid or Medicare, you may be eligible to start working for them as a personal assistant. No Certificates needed. 347-462-2610 or 347-565-6200

PART TIME SALES ASSOCIATE: St. Stephen’s Consignment Shop, Port Washington. Please help us further our mission “Good Deals and Good Works” in the community. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 12pm-4:30pm during the school year. Assist with sales and social media posts. Hourly wage, no benefits. Please email: office@ststephenspw.org

SECRETARY OFFICE HELP

Mineola Dental Manufacturing Company seeking mature, dependable person. 20 hours per week. 516-449-8530

TAX PREPARER PART TIME in Franklin Square. Experience needed. Retirees welcome. Call 516-358-9455 Fax resume 516-358-9483

SITUATION WANTED

AIDE AVAILABLE

•

Jim Augello 516-483-7383,ext 247 or email:Jaugello@sacredheartacademyli.org

EMPLOYMENT

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CARE GIVER: NEED A COMPANION or nursing assistant for your loved ones at home or in a health care facility?

Call 516-410-9943 for a NY State certified nursing assistant with excellent references !

COMPANION SERVICES

Available Monday Friday for the elderly. Licensed driver with own car will also do light housekeeping, cooking, driving errands, to and from doctor/ hospital appointments. Also available to pick up children from school/camp. Full or part time. Live out. Experienced with references available upon request.

Call EV 516-673-3479

HOME HEALTH AIDE will take care of your loved one in their home. Experienced & honest. Licensed driver with own transportation. Call Flo 352-262-6970

HOME HEALTH CARE AIDE

Irish trained woman with 10 years experience and excellent checkable references available. Honest and reliable. Licensed driver with own transportation. Please call 516-383-7150

INDEPENDENT HOME

HEALTH AIDE:

I am an independent home health aide, willing to travel and available all hours and days of week including some overnights if needed. Experienced health professional available to work as home care/companion. I offer care to elderly individuals and/ or those with limited abilities. I have previous work experience as an x-ray technologist and have developed sufficient patient care skills. To reach me, please call 516-726-0130

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HAVE AN IDEA FOR AN INVENTION /NEW PRODUCT?

We help everyday inventors try to patent and submit their ideas to companies! Call InventHelp, FREE INFORMATION! 888-4877074

CAREER TRAINING

AIRLINE CAREERS Start here. Get trained as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call AIM for free information 866296-7094

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CPAP MACHINE

Have a CPAP machine for sleep apnea? Get replacement FDA approved CPAP machine parts and supplies at little or no cost! Free sleep guide included. Call 866-430-6489

DIRECTV CHOICE All Included Package. Over 185 Channels! ONLY $45/month (for 24 mos.) Call Now Get NFL Sunday Ticket FREE! CALL 1-888-5346918 Ask us How to Bundle & Save!

FREON R12 WANTED:

CERTIFIED BUYER will PAY CASH for R12 cylinders or cases of cans. 312-291-9169. www.refrigerantfinders.com

GOT LAND? Our Hunters will pay top $$$ to hunt your land. Call for a free info packet & quote. 1-866-309-1507 www.basecampleasing.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS

LUNG CANCER? And Age 60+? You and your family may be entitled to significant cash award. Call 866-951-9073 for information. No risk. No money out of pocket.

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Anytime. Anywhere. No tanks to refill. No deliveries. The All New Inogen One G4 is only 2.8 pounds! FAA approved! FREE info kit: Call 866-971-2603

MARKETPLACE

INVITED

ESTATE SALES BY TRACY

Looking to sell items from your home?

Consider doing an Online Auction! Online Auctions reach more interested buyers than tag sales and can often sell for more than what you would make at an estate or tag sale.

Invited Estate Sales by Tracy Jordan can do both! You can sell your items online reaching potential buyers locally or globally as well as hosting a private sale from your home! Let us guide you on what items to put in auction including furniture, housewares, decorative items, jewelry, collectibles, coins, artwork and anything else you may no longer want or need. Our services can help you to maximize your selling experience whether you are selling 1 item or 500 items. 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.

Estate and Tag Sales Online Auctions

Cleanout and Moving Services

Home Staging Services Appraisals

NURSES AIDE/COMPANION Available to take care of your elderly loved one. Experienced with excellent references. Live in or out.

Light housekeeping. Please call 516-353-9686

Place an ad in our Classifieds for reasonable rates

Contact for more info: info@invitedsales.com or Call:

516-279-6378 to schedule a consultation or receive more information. www.invitedsales.com

JOIN AWINNING TEAM!

The Blank Slate Media-Litmor Publications Advertising Group, a fast-growing group of 11 award-winning weekly newspapers and two websites, is seeking an Inbound/ Outbound account executive to join our team!

Responsibilities:

• Sell by phone classified advertising that appears both in print and online

• Sell by phone display advertising, and event and contest sponsorships

• Provide customer service of existing accounts

• Document and update customer records based on interactions

• Develop and maintain a knowledge base of the evolving products and services

Qualifications:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Previous experience in customer service, sales, or other related fields

• Ability to build rapport with clients

• Detail oriented

• Good computer skills and be internet savy

• Ability to prioritize and multitask

• Positive and professional demeanor

Benefits:

• Salary plus commission

• Contact management system

• Advertising agency quality ads

• Health Insurance

• Paid holidays and vacation

To apply, email a resume and cover letter to sblank@theislandnow.com. Or call Steven Blank from Mon.-Fri. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 516.307.1045 ext. 201

a winning team!

multimedia account

Blank Slate Media, an award-winning group of weekly newspapers and websites, is seeking an account executive to sell display, web and email advertising as well as event and contest sponsorships.

Must have:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• A drive to succeed

• A passion for customer service

• Good computer skills and be internet savvy

• 2 years of outside sales experience. Previous media sales experience a plus

• Minimum of two years college

A car

CLASSIFIEDS Call 294.8900

MARKETPLACE

WANTED TO BUY

LOOKING TO BUY!

Oriental items, clothing, art, old & modern furniture, estates, jewelry, silver, glassware, dishes, old photos, coins & stamps, flatware. Call George 718-3861104 or 917-775-3048

TOP CASH PAID: JEWELRY, Furniture, Art, etc. Please call 718-598-3045 or 516-270-2128. www.iBuyAntiquesNYC.com

TAG SALE

*BROWSE *SHOP

*CONSIGN

A.T. STEWART EXCHANGE

CONSIGNMENT SHOP

China, Silver, Crystal, Jewelry, Artwork, Furniture, Antiques, Collectibles

Tues-Fri 10-4 Sat 12-4

Every Tuesday: 10% Senior Citizen Discount.

All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical Society 109 Eleventh Street Garden City 11530 516-746-8900

email: store@atstewartexchange.org

www.gardencityhistoricalsociety. org

WANTED! Comic books, toys, video games, Star Wars. 30’s through 90’s. Call 516-3133237 or email: trustey1@ gmail.com

PETS

PET SERVICES

A GARDEN CITY ANIMAL

LOVER doesn’t want to leave your precious pooch or fantastic feline alone all day. I’m reliable, dependable and will walk and feed your pet while you work or travel. Please call Cheryl at 516-971-3242

DO YOU HATE KENNELS? OR STRANGERS IN YOUR HOUSE?

HOME AWAY FROM HOME will care for your dog in my Garden City home while you are away.

Dog walking also available. Pet CPR & first Aid Certified. Numerous referrals and references. Limited availability. Book early! Annmarie 516-775-4256

AUTOMOTIVE

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REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

APARTMENT FOR RENT

FRANKLIN SQUARE

One and Two Bedroom Apartments starting at $1,400. Use of yard & driveway. No pets. LISA DP REAL ESTATE INC

Text or Call: 516-319-3647

GARDEN CITY BORDER

APARTMENT: Huge, bright 1 bedroom, new kitchen and bath $1,700 AND studio $1,325, 1 bath, dining area, gated parking, laundry, A/C. NO BROKER FEE, near LIRR. rentals@gardencityborder.com or 516-524-6965 (text or voice)

HOMES FOR RENT

NEW HYDE PARK

2 BR, close to LIRR, $2,200 including utilities. 516-437-0333 www.zillow.com/home/for rent /83047521

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VERO BEACH FLORIDA

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

DONATE YOUR CAR to Wheels For Wishes, benefitting Make-a-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call 631-317-2014 Today!

Last minute cancellation Luxury Oceanfront Condo 2 BR, 1650sf La Mer 5536 Highway A1A, Unit 210.

Rental available from Jan-April $6,500 per mo. 516-455-7630

OFFICE SPACE

GARDEN CITY

1565 FRANKLIN AVE

Large Windowed Offices in newly built professional suite. Conference room, reception, copier, pantry included. Ample parking available. Call 516-248-3048

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

HOMES FOR SALE

PLAINVIEW-MANETTO HILL ESTATES:

3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath, Split, Large Den, Hardwood Floors, New Roof, Quiet Cul-de-Sac. $599,888 Sparrow Realtors 516-2206417

S. FARMINGDALE : 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath, Ranch, Porch, Livingroom, FDR, Kitchen, Fireplace, Hardwood Floors, Large Attic, 2 Car Garage and Low Taxes. $389,888 Sparrow Realtors 516-220-6417

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

OUT OF TOWN REAL ESTATE

NORTH FORK UNIQUE NORTH FORK HOME FOR SALE. One of a kind custom built home located in private Mattituck/ Cutchogue neighborhood. 4 BR, 4.5 Baths. Two Master Suites, custom built-ins and mouldings, Brazilian cherry floors throughout, three car garage, full basement, custom gunite pool with bluestone / granite patio. Magnificent view of the Hamptons. $1.625. PRINCIPALS ONLY By appointment only: 917-217-6676

SEBASTIAN FLORIDA (East Coast)

Beach Cove is an Age Restricted Community where friends are easily made. Sebastian is an “Old Florida” fishing village with a quaint atmosphere yet excellent medical facilities, shopping and restaurants. Direct flights from Newark to Vero Beach. New manufactured homes from $114,900. 772-581-0080; www. beach-cove.com

SERVICES

EARTHLINK HIGH SPEED

INTERNET as low as $14.95/ month (for the first 3 months). Reliable High Speed Fiber Optic Technology. Stream Videos, Music and More! Call Earthlink today 1-855-970-1623.

GUARANTEED LIFE INSURANCE! (Ages 50 to 80). No medical exam. Affordable premiums never increase. Benefits never decrease. Policy will only be cancelled for non payment. 855686-5879

PASSIONATE FOODIE AVAILABLE

Soon to be empty nester, former culinary graduate looking to get back into my passion. Available to cook in your home or mine.

No time for grocery shopping? No problem, I will shop for you. References available. Call Elena 516-382-0393

SPECTRUM TRIPLE PLAY!

TV, Internet & Voice for $29.99 ea. 60 MB per second speed. No contract or commitment. More Channels. Faster Internet. Unlimited Voice. Call 1-855-977-7198

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

COMPUTERS

COMPUTER ISSUES? FREE DIAGNOSIS by GEEKS ON SITE! Virus removal, data recovery! 24/7 Emergency Service, in home repair/on line solutions. $20 off any service! 844-892-3990

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

AMBIANCE

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

*Handyman & Remodeling

*Kitchen Installations

*Furniture Assembly

*Finish Carpentry

*Minor Electrical & Plumbing

25year GC Resident

Lic & Ins H18E2170000 Call BOB 516-741-2154

SERVICES

AQUATEC

LAWN SPRINKLERS

Fall Drain Outs

Backflow Device Tests

Free Estimates Installation Service/Repairs

Joe Barbato 516-775-1199

BATHROOM RENOVATIONS

EASY, ONE DAY updates! We specialize in safe bathing. Grab bars, no slip flooring & seated showers. Call for a free in home consultation: 888-657-9488

CJM CONTRACTING, INC.

Chris Mullins. Specializing in general contracting including churches and cathedrals. All renovations, expert leak repairs, dormers / extensions, bathrooms, kitchens, basements, carpentry, roofing, flat shingle, attics, masonry, stoops, brickwork, waterproofing, pointing, windows, power washing, plumbing, electric. Small jobs welcome. Free estimates. Licensed / insured #H18C6020000. 516-428-5777

LAMPS FIXED $65

In home service. Handy Howard. 646-996-7628

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

SKY CLEAR WINDOW INC.

Window Restorations, Outdated Hardware, skylights, Andersen Sashes, new storm windows, wood windows, chain/ rope repairs, falling windows, fogged panes, mechanical repairs, wood repairs, restorations, all brands. Call Mr. Fagan, 45 years experience. 631-385-7975 www.skyclearwindow.com rob@skyclearwindow.com

WALK-IN BATHTUB

Stay in your home longer with an American Standard Walk-In Bathtub. Receive up to $1,500 off, including a free toilet, and a lifetime warranty on the tub and installation! Call us at 1-844286-6771

SERVICES

HEALTH & FITNESS

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

Z ACUPUNCTURE & HERBAL HEALING ARTS

Xiao Jun Zhou, L.Ac. NYS Licensed Acupuncturist/M.D.China.

U.S. National Board Certified Herbalist. 103 South Middle Neck Road, Great Neck, NY 11021

516-809-8999

AccuHerbZhou@gmail.com

Insurance Accepted PAINTING & PAPERHANGING

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING

Plastering, Taping, Sheetrock

Skim Cutting, Old Wood Refinish, Staining, Wallpaper Removal & Hanging, Paint Removal, Power Washing, Wood Replacement

JOHN MIGLIACCIO

Licensed & Insured

#80422100000

Call John anytime:

516-901-9398 (Cell) 516-483-3669 (Office)

MICHELANGELO

PAINTING & WALLPAPER

Interior, Exterior, Plaster / Spackle, Light Carpentry, Decorative Moldings & Power Washing. Call: 516-328-7499

SERVICES

PARTY HELP

LADIES & GENTLEMEN RELAX & ENJOY

Your Next Party! Catering and Experienced Professional Services for Assisting with Preparation, Serving and Clean Up Before, During and After Your Party Bartenders Available. Call Kate at 516-248-1545

TUTORING

MATH, SAT, ACT TUTOR: Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2 plus Trig, Pre-Calc, AP Calculus. Norm 625-3314

ENGLISH, ACT, SAT TUTOR: 25+ year experience Critical Reading, Writing, Grammar, Essays. Lynne 625-3314

PRIVATE TUTORING FOR GRADES K-6

Give your child a helping hand! Licensed NYC / NYS Dept of Education teacher available to tutor students grades K-6. Contact Audrey Sullivan, M.S.Ed 347-628-8872 (voice/text) seguenow@aol.com

TUTOR AVAILABLE

CORNELL PH.D. AND GARDEN CITY RESIDENT:

Does your child struggle with Middle School or High School Writing, Math, Reading, or SAT prep? I Can Help! Please call or text Sarah: 516-672-5663 or Email: sfd46@cornell.edu

INSTRUCTION

CLARINET, SAXOPHONE AND FLUTE LESSONS: Professional musician NYSSMA Adjudicator, motivating lessons in your home. All ages, beginner to advanced. NYSSMA Prep. Bernie Rose,Ph.D. 646-662-9373

PIANO LESSONS

By Ira Baslow. Experience the joy of playing the piano. Private lessons in your home, free no-obligation piano lesson, all levels, all styles, all ages. Beginners a specialty. 516-312-1054 www.iwantmypianolessons.com

CLEANING

STRONG ARM CLEANING:

Residential and commercial cleaning specialist, post construction clean ups, shipping and waxing floors, move ins and move outs. Free estimates. Bonded and insured. 516-5381125 www.strongarmcleaningny.com 1-866-We Junk It: All phases of rubbish removal & demolition. Residential, commercial, construction sites, kitchens, bathrooms, clean-ups, attics, basements, floods, fires. All size dumpsters. Same day service. Fully insured. Bob Cat Service. www.1866wejunkit.com 516-5411557

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

SERVICES

COLLEGE ARTS ADMIS-

SIONS: College Counseling in the Visual and Performing Arts. Dance, Musical Theatre & Drama. Film, Instrumental & Vocal Music. Audio Recording & Production. Theatre Technology & Production. Visual & Graphic Arts. Resume, Essays, Repertoire Lists. Michele Zimmerman. 516-353-6255 CollegeArtsAdmissions@gmail.com www.CollegeArtsAdmissions. com

COMPLETE JUNK REMOVAL/DEMOLITION SERVICE: Strong Arm Contracting Inc. We haul anything and everything. Entire contents of home or office. We clean it up and take it away. Residential/Commercial. Bonded/Insured. Free estimates. 516-538-1125

SERVICES

DISH TV $59.99 for 190 Channels $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installations, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Call 1-877-229-5789

NATURAL STONE RESTORATION & MAINTENANCE: Granite, marble, limestone, other natural stones; repair cracks & chips, remove stains & scratches, cleaning, polishing. Licensed/insured. Marlon 516-205-9635 www.naturalstonerandm.com naturalstonerestoration19@ gmail.com

OLD VILLAGE TREE SER-

VICE : Owner operated since 1989. 24 hour emergency service. Licensed / insured. Free estimates, member LI Arborist Assoc. Please call 516-466-9220

Last Hope Part of the Chewy.com Rescue Program

If you haven’t tried Chewy.com yet for your pet food and supply purchases, this is a great time to check them out. Last Hope is now part of their rescue program. For each new customer that makes a purchase, Last Hope will receive a $20 donation. Click on the ad below or go directly to the Last Hope page at https:// www.chewy.com/ rp/5941

SHOPPING FOR SUPPORT

Clipping pet item coupons for Last Hope is a great and easy way to give your support. Every coupon we receive helps to defray our costs, particularly for dog and cat food. They can either be dropped off at our adoption center at 3300 Beltagh Avenue in Wantagh, or mailed to Last Hope, PO Box 7025, Wantagh 11793. Please share our need with your friends and family. Thank you! Visit http:// lasthopeanimalrescue.org to read about Last Hope’s programs and to see the fabulous array of fantastic felines eagerly awaiting adoption into their forever homes!

Hicksville Marching Band takes third in NYS

Flanking at left and right, Hicksville BOE President Phil Heckler and Superintendent of Schools Marianne Litzman congratulate Hicksville High School Marching Band student leaders and director Brian Vollmer (second from left) and assistant director Joanna Rocco (second from right).

Congratulations to the Hicksville High School Marching Band, which finished third in New York State in the Large School Class 3 Division at the 45th annual New York State Field Band Conference held at the Syracuse Carrier Dome last month. The 99-member group was among more than 50 high school marching bands from across the state that participated.

Hicksville Marching Band leaders, such as captains, majors, and section leaders, were honored at the Nov. 28 Board of Education meeting for their

impressive accomplishment. This marked the highest the team has placed at the conference since the 2011 competitive season. During the conference, each band gave a seven- to 10-minute performance for a panel of 10 judges who evaluated them on their musical and visual presentation. Hicksville earned a score of 80.1.

Brian Vollmer and Joanna Rocco serve respectively as director and assistant director of the Hicksville High School Marching Band. Photos courtesy of the Hicksville School District

The Hicksville High School Marching Band performed at homecoming in October.
SPANISH TUDOR
MUSIC LESSONS

Bethpage students hit the right tune in All-County selections

JFK Middle School had 15 students selected to participate in the Nassau Music Educators Association All-County Festivals this upcoming January.

A total of eight students from Bethpage High School were chosen to play at the Nassau Music Educators Association All-County Festivals this January.

A total of 23 students from Bethpage High School and John F. Kennedy Middle School have been selected to perform in the Nassau Music Educators Association All-County Festivals this upcoming January.

Students were selected based on their NYSSMA scores from last spring and represent the individuals who achieved the highest marks. All the concerts will take place at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of LIU Post throughout the second and third weeks of January.

The JFK students set to perform include Joey Baskhker, Sara Bashker, Gayatri Bhat-Viola, John Dong, Haley Flaherty, Olivia Flaherty, Ashley Garner, Sophia Gianfrancesco, Jack Loo-

ney, Nicholas Morgan, Leo Miller, Ryan O’Connell and Lauren Zabrowski.

Representing the high school are Madison Buttice, Joyce Choi, Samir Gupte, William Katartzis, Soham Maiti, Valenni Passsaro, Emanuella Tsourous and AJ Vita.

In addition to the All-County achievements, students from both schools were also chosen to participate in the Long Island String Festival Association performances this winter. High school students Suchitha Channapatana, Doreen Dong and Soham Maiti and JFK students Thomas Cuzzo and Svetlana Mughnetyan will take the spotlight at this event.

Bethpage High School Coordinator of Music Leon Petruzzi congratulated students (from left) Suchitha Channapatana, Doreen Dong and Soham Maiti for being chosen to perform at the Long Island String Festival this winter.

Pet store charged with selling illegal reptiles

From page 1

approximately $10,000 were seized during the raid. Twenty of those animals are included in the charges in the indictment.

Anthony Cammarata, 27, of Levittown was  charged with:

• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (a C felony)

• Criminal Possession of a Firearm (an E felony)

• Illegal Commercialization of Fish, Wildlife, Shellfish, Crustaceans, and Wildlife (an E felony)

• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree (an A misdemeanor)

• Two Counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Sev-

enth Degree (an A misdemeanor)

• Ten counts of Possession and Transportation of Wildlife (a violation)

• 11 counts of Possession, Sale, Barter, Transfer, Exchange, and Import of Wild Animals as Pets Prohibited (a violation)

If convicted of the top count, he faces a maximum of three-and-half to 15 years in prison.

Douglas Dellecave, 50, of Seaford was  charged with:

• Illegal Commercialization of Fish, Wildlife, Shellfish, Crustaceans, and Wildlife (an E felony)

• 19 counts of Possession and Transportation of Wildlife (a violation)

• 21 counts of Possession, Sale, Barter, Transfer, Exchange and Import

of Wild Animals as Pets Prohibited (a violation)

If convicted of the top count, he faces a maximum of 1-1/3 to four years in prison.

“We have laws restricting the possession and transport of endangered and dangerous animals to protect public safety, the environment, and the animals themselves,” said DA Singas.

“This investigation not only uncovered not only a huge number of illegal animals, but unlawful weapons as well. I am grateful to our many law enforcement partners for their assistance in this case.”

Chamber plans

From page 1

world, and these internship programs will allow them to do that,” said Lamkin.

Another area that he will focus on is working together with local politicians including Nassau County legislator Arnold Drucker, Town of Oyster Bay Councilman Louis Imbroto, and Town Councilwoman Rebecca Alesia.

“We’d like to work with these local politicians concerning issues facing our residents and help to improve the lives of those in our community.”

Developing a new website for the Chamber of Commerce is also in the works for the new year, with an update to the organization’s operating manual and current bylaws.

Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

Friday, December 14,

NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court County Of Nassau

U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF9 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, V. ROBERT HETNER JR. A/K/A

ROBERT L. HERNER, JR.; ET. AL.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated August 03, 2018, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF9 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST is the Plaintiff and ROBERT HETNER JR. A/K/A ROBERT L. HERNER, JR.; ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Calendar Control Part, Mineola, NY 11501, on January 8, 2019 at 11:30AM, premises known as 93 BRITTLE LN, HICKSVILLE, NY 11801: Section 0045, Block 00279-00, Lot 00015:

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE AT HICKSVILLE, TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 023346/2010.

ROBERT F. HARPER, Esq.Referee. RAS Boriskin, LLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. For sale information, please visit www.auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.

MIT 5750 4X 12/07,14,21,28

NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court County Of Nassau

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST DEANNA SAMUELS, et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated October 18, 2018 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Calendar Control Part (CCP) Courtroom

of the Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501, on January 08, 2019 at 11:30AM, premises known as 74 HAVEN LANE, LEVITTOWN, NY 11756. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, SECTION 51, BLOCK 166, LOT 8. Approximate amount of judgment $321,751.36 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment for Index# 16-007652.

PAUL R. KING, ESQ., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC

Attorney for Plaintiff 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 MIT 5751 4X 12/07,14,21,28

NOTICE OF SALE

Supreme Court County Of Nassau HUDSON CITY SAVINGS BANK, Pltf. vs.

ATIQULLAH WAZIRI, FARIBA WAZIRI, Defts. Index #10267/14. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Dec. 8, 2016, I will sell at public auction in the Calendar Control Part (CCP) Courtroom of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019 at 11:30 a.m., prem. k/a 100 Princess St., Hicksville, NY. Said Property located at a point on the northerly side of Princess Avenue distant 1118 ft. westerly when measured along the northerly side of Princess Avenue from the corner formed by the intersection of the northerly side of Princess Avenue with the new westerly side of HicksvilleJericho Road (Broadway) as now laid out and widened; being a plot 59 ft. x 100 ft. Approx. amt. of judgment is $331,773,25 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

JENNIFER B. ETTENGER, Referee.

COHN & ROTH, Attys. for Pltf., 100 East Old Country Road, Ste. 28, Mineola, NY. #96043

MIT 5752

4X 12/07,14,21,28

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE

OF

SALE

Supreme Court County Of Nassau QUICKEN LOANS INC.,

Plaintiff AGAINST LAWRENCE COSTA, STEPHANIE COSTA, ANDREW COSTA, JARED COSTA, LOREN COSTA, BRENDA COSTA, et al

Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on October 18, 2017. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in the Calendar Control Part (CCP) Courtroom of the Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. on the 15th day of January, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. premises described as follows: All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Hicksville, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York. Said premises known as 5 Washington Avenue, Hicksville, N.Y. 11801. (Section: 12, Block: 321, Lot: 6). Approximate amount of lien $ 348,971.62 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 004170-15.

David H. Sloan, Esq., Referee. McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 145 Huguenot Street – Suite 210 New Rochelle, New York 10801 (914) 636-8900

MIT 5753

4X 12/14,21,28,01/04

NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court County Of Nassau CitiMortgage, Inc., Plaintiff AGAINST

Regina F. Perrotta a/k/a Regina F. Brandt, et al, Defendant Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated 4/27/2018 and entered on 4/30/2018, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Courtroom of the Supreme Court Mineola, 100 Supreme Court Drive, The Calendar Control Part (CCP), Mineola, NY on January 15, 2019 at 11:30 AM premises known as 77 Prairie Lane, Levittown, NY 11756. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County

of Nassau, State of New York, SECTION: 51., BLOCK: 154, LOT: 15. Approximate amount of judgment is $371,567.48 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 6475/2016.

For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www. Auction.com or call (800) 2802832.

Karen C. Grant, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISS WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 MIT 5754 4X 12/14,21,28,01/04

NOTICE OF SALE

Supreme Court County Of Nassau Nationstar Mortgage LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST Eunjung Kim a/k/a Eun Jung Kim, Hieoak Kim a/k/a Hie Oak Kim, et al, Defendant Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated 4/18/18 and entered on 4/19/18, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Courtroom of the Supreme Court Mineola, 100 Supreme Court Drive, The Calendar Control Part (CCP), Mineola, NY on January 15, 2019 at 11:30 AM premises known as 28 Chestnut Street, Hicksville, NY 11801. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, State of New York, SECTION: 12, BLOCK: 250, LOT: 39, 40, 41, 42, 43. Approximate amount of judgment is $491,703.40 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 2055/2013.

David H. Rosen, Referee

FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISS WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 MIT 5755 4X 12/14,21,28,01/04

NOTICE OF SALE

Supreme Court County Of Nassau DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR SOUNDVIEW HOME LOAN TRUST 2006OPT2, ASSET-BACKED

CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006OPT2, Plaintiff, Against ELISA INDIK, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 10/18/2018, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, in the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr., Mineola, NY 11501, on 1/15/2019 at 11:30 am, premises known as 28 Joyce Road, Plainview, NY 11803-3912, and described as follows:

ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Plainview, in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 0012 Block 00477-00 Lot 00002

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $819,900.87 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 612428/2017. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Index No.: 612428/2017

Charles Casolaro, Esq., Referee. Leopold & Associates, PLLC, 80 Business Park Drive, Suite 110, Armonk, NY 10504 Dated: 11/14/2018 PB

MIT 5756

4X 12/14,21,28,01/04

NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court County Of Nassau U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for Specialty Underwriting and Residential Finance Trust Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2006, Plaintiff, AGAINST

Gurinder Singh a/k/a Gurinder Kaur, Mangaljit Kaur a/k/a Mangaljit Singh, United States of America - Internal Revenue Service, Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC APO Capital One NA, Sutphin Drugs Inc.

DBA Briarwood Pharmacy, CACH LLC, General Utilities, Global Express NYCORP, Citifinancial Inc., Capital One Bank (USA), NA, Arrow Financial Services, LLC. its successors and assigns, Midland Funding LLC, Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC, Discover Bank, People of the State of New York, Defendants.

Index #: 607633/2017

Filed: 8/1/2017

SUMMONS

Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is situated.

TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT(S):

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your Answer or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the attorneys for the plaintiff within twenty (20) days after service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service; or within thirty (30) days after service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York; or within sixty (60) days if it is the United States of America. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

NOTICE

YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME

If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.

Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property.

Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF

(MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

Dated: August 1, 2017

Bay Shore, New York BY: Todd Falasco

FRENKEL, LAMBERT, WEISS, WEISMAN & GORDON, LLP

Attorneys for Plaintiff 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, New York 11706 (631) 969-3100

Our File No.: 01-079260-F01

MIT 5757

4X 12/14,21,28,01/04

NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court County Of Nassau CAPITAL ONE, NA, Plaintiff, vs.

THOMAS SABBAGH A/K/A

THOMAS J. SABBAGH, DARLENE SABBAGH A/K/A

DARLENE PORCELLI A/K/A

DARLENE M. SABBAGH A/K/A

DARLENE M. PORCELLI A/K/A

DARLENE MARIE SABBAGH, RALPH PORCELLI, Defendants.

NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT In pursuance of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the office of the County Clerk of Nassau County on April 13, 2018, I, Teresa Butler, Esq., the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on January 15, 2019 at Calendar Control Part Courtroom, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501, County of Nassau, State of New York, at 11:30 A.M., the premises described as follows: 149 Haven Lane Levittown, NY 11756

SBL No.: 51.-167-35

ALL THAT TRACT OF PARCEL OF LAND situate in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. The premises are sold subject to the provisions of the filed judgment, Index No. 16-003156 in the amount of $149,847.10 plus interest and costs.

Tammy L. Garcia-Klipfel, Esq. Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP

Plaintiff’s Attorney 700 Crossroads Building, 2 State St. Rochester, New York 14614 Tel.: 855-227-5072

MIT 5758

4X 12/14,21,28,01/04

NOTICE OF FORMATION: MASPETH 1A, LLC.

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on October 01, 2018. Office located in Nassau County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC located at 58 Barnyard Lane, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

BN 7340

6X 11/09,16,23,30,12/07,14

NOTICE OF FORMATION: MASPETH 1B, LLC.

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on October 01, 2018. Office located in Nassau County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC located at 58 Barnyard Lane, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577.

BN 7341

6X 11/09,16,23,30,12/07,14

NOTICE OF FORMATION: MASPETH 2A, LLC.

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on October 01, 2018. Office located in Nassau County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC located at 58 Barnyard Lane, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

BN 7342

6X 11/09,16,23,30,12/07,14

NOTICE OF FORMATION: MASPETH 3, LLC.

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on October 01, 2018. Office located in Nassau County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC located at 58 Barnyard Lane,

Roslyn Heights, NY 11577. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

BN 7343

6X 11/09,16,23,30,12/07,14

NOTICE OF FORMATION: MASPETH 4B, LLC.

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on October 01, 2018. Office located in Nassau County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC located at 58 Barnyard Lane, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

BN 7344

6X 11/09,16,23,30,12/07,14

NOTICE OF FORMATION: MASPETH 5A, LLC.

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on October 01, 2018. Office located in Nassau County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC located at 58 Barnyard Lane, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

BN 7345 6X 11/09,16,23,30,12/07,14

NOTICE OF FORMATION: MASPETH 5B, LLC.

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on October 01, 2018. Office located in Nassau County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC located at 58 Barnyard Lane, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

BN 7346

6X 11/09,16,23,30,12/07,14

NOTICE OF FORMATION: MOUNT ARLINGTON VILLAS, LLC.

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York

SSNY on October 01, 2018. Office located in Nassau County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC located at 58 Barnyard Lane, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

BN 7347

6X 11/09,16,23,30,12/07,14

NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court County Of Nassau SRP 2013-4, LLC, Plaintiff, AGAINST VASILIOS NOULAS, KELLY NOULAS, et al., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered on 11/1/2018, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, in the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr., Mineola, NY 11501, on 1/8/2019 at 11:30 am, premises known as 2 Corona Drive, Bethpage, NY 11714, and described as follows:

ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Bethpage, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 46, Block 461 and Lot 33.

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $175,507.45 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 613790/2017.

Jennifer B. Ettenger, Esq., Referee.

Richland & Falkowski, PLLC, 35-37 36th Street, 2nd Floor, ASTORIA, NY 11106

Dated: 11/8/2018 PB BN 7351 4X 12/07,14,21,28

Coding with the Grinch

Students at Charles Campagne Elementary School used their Google Chromebooks to join in on the district’s Hour of Code event on Dec. 4.

Third through fifth-grade students across the Bethpage Union Free District’s elementary schools displayed their computer science skills during the Hour of Code on Dec. 4.

The lesson was introduced through a live broadcast from the Bethpage High School television studio by Superintendent of Schools David Schneider, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Michael Spence, and Director of Technology Andrew Choi. The three administrators explained

the purpose of the Hour of Code and described what the students would be doing on their school-issued Google Chromebooks.

Students logged on to Code.org to complete missions with the Grinch.

Each student programed the Grinch and his dog Max through coding on the site to collect gifts, throw snowballs, and operate a sleigh.

Hour of Code is a global movement presented by Computer Science

Students at Kramer Lane Elementary School assisted one another in completing computer science programming with The Grinch during the district’s Hour of Code event on Dec. 4.

Education Week and Code.org, according to its website. The program reaches millions of students in more than 180 countries through a one-hour introduction to computer science and computer programming.

Through the district’s Hour of Code, students were able to ask questions to Mr. Schneider, Mr. Spence, and Mr. Choi via Google Classroom. Prior to Dec. 4, students completed lead-in activ-

ities surrounding computer science topics and skills.

“We hope the students enjoyed the Hour of Code and were as excited to collaborate as a district as the administrators were,” said Mr. Schneider. “Helping the Grinch was educational while combining the fun of the holidays!”

Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

Town to offer winter fitness classes

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that residents who are interested in maintaining or improving their levels of fitness over the cold and stagnant winter months will be able to register for the Town’s popular Co-Ed Fitness Classes.  The fitness classes are for individuals 18 years of age or older and will be held at the Hicksville Athletic Center.

“I’m proud to announce that the Town will once again be offering these excellent fitness programs, which provide a terrific outlet to enjoy exercising and staying in shape,” said Councilman Hand.  “Residents who take advantage of these classes will have the opportunity to stay physi -

cally active and engaged during the cold winter months, and will have the opportunity to meet a host of new people.”

This winter, residents will have the choice between Ballroom Dancing, Zumba, Yoga, Cardio Kickboxing, and Pilates, with each session lasting 10 weeks. Residents interested in registering for any of the four programs are encouraged to visit the Town’s Hicksville Athletic Center, located at 167 Broadway in Hicksville.  Registration is ongoing based on availability, as of November 30th, and class fees are $60 for residents and $70 for non-residents (checks or money orders only).

Ballroom Dancing:   Saturdays, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., beginning on January 12th.

Cardio Kick-Boxing:   Residents can choose one session, either Wednesdays (beginning January 9, 8:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.) or Thursdays (beginning January 10, from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.).

Pilates:   Residents can choose one session, either Mondays (starting January 7 from 8 p.m. to 9pm), Wednesdays (beginning January 9th from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.), or Saturdays (beginning January 12, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.) Please note that Saturday Pilates classes will take place at the Town’s Ice Skating Center in

Conversational, opinionated, wordsmith?

Bethpage.

Yoga:   Residents can choose one session, either Tuesdays (starting January 8, 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.), Wednesdays (starting January 9, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.), Saturdays (starting January 12, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.), or Sundays (starting January 13, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.).

Zumba:   Residents can choose one session, either Mondays (starting January 7 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.) or Wednesdays (beginning January 9 from 7:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.).

For more information, or to inquire about special holiday scheduling, call the Hicksville Athletic Center at (516) 733-8418.

We are looking for writers in our community to compose news articles on local topics, opinions, reviews, worthy places to visit on Long Island, and even fiction. We aim to feature at least one new article and writer each week in our Discovery magazine section. E-mail submissions: editor@gcnews.com

• Attach article and any photos (1MB), along with your name and contact info.

• Articles must be between 1,500 - 3,000 words. • Each writer will be reimbursed a stipend of $25.⁰⁰

Illustrations and messages spread holiday positivity

Second-grade students at Central Boulevard Elementary School colored and decorated brown lunch bags for local food banks during a “Thoughtful Thursday” lesson on Nov. 29.

Second-graders at Central Boulevard Elementary School decorated brown lunch bags that will be donated to local food banks for the holiday season.

Bethpage Union Free School District’s Central Boulevard Elementary School continued its monthly “Thoughtful Thursday” series on Nov. 29, when students prepared uplifting lunch bag donations for local food banks.

Students used their creativity and positive thinking to decorate brown paper bags in an effort to help spread holiday cheer. Many students illustrated rainbows, emojis and smiley faces on their bags while others colored messages of happy thoughts.

The focus of the activity was to

demonstrate how the smallest acts can have the biggest impact within the community. As a result of every classroom’s participation, more than 500 lunch bags were created.

“Thoughtful Thursday” occurs on the last Thursday of every month, when students and teachers wear “Choose Kindness” shirts and participate in activities to help reinforce the importance of being kindhearted and thoughtful.

Second-grade teacher Patricia Tierney directed students through a “Thoughtful Thursday” activity focused on decorating lunch bags for local food banks on Nov. 29.

Hicksville Pre-K Program lottery opens

The Hicksville Public School District offers its own Pre-Kindergarten Program. Enrollment is limited and acceptance into the program is lottery-based requiring completion of an application. The District PreKindergarten Program is housed at Burns Avenue, Dutch Lane and Woodland elementary schools.

To be eligible for the 2019-2020 PreKindergarten Program, children must turn four on or before Dec. 1, 2019. The pre-kindergarten calendar follows Hicksville’s school calendar. Each a.m. and p.m. session runs two and a half hours in length with a maximum enrollment of 18 children. Time preference

will be considered, but not guaranteed. Transportation is not provided. Applications can be obtained from the district’s website, www.hicksvillepublicschools.org, at the Hicksville Public Library, and at all seven district elementary schools. Applications must be returned in person or mailed to the attention of:

Ms. Susan Guiliano, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessments,

200 Division Avenue, Hicksville, New York 11801

Attn: Pre-Kindergarten Lottery

To be included in the lottery, appli-

cations must be received by 3 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 10. The lottery will be held on Thursday, Jan. 24 at 10 a.m. in the Board Room of the Administration Building. Applicants are welcome to attend the drawing in person. Following the lottery, families will be notified of the results.

Additional information regarding the District Pre-Kindergarten Program will be provided at an informational meeting on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019

at 10 a.m. in the Board Room at the Administration Building, located at 200 Division Avenue, Hicksville, NY 11801. Parents who are interested in learning about the Pre-Kindergarten Program are invited to attend.

Students who are not selected for the lottery will be placed on a wait list. The lottery-based Pre-Kindergarten Program is contingent upon passage of the school district budget.

Do you have a ser vice to adver tise?

Our Service Directory is sure to bring results. Call 294-8900 for rates and information.

Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

LEVITTOWN Lanes

FAMILY NIGHT

DON’T LEAVE THE KIDS, HOME! Let them Enioy 3 games of bowling with shoes and the buffet for $20 pp.

KIDS

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