SERVING PLAINVIEW, HICKSVILLE, AND LEVIT TOWN
Thousands of oysters restock harbor
The Town of Oyster Bay, along with The Nature Conservancy, Pew Charitable Trusts, and Friends of the Bay to provide an early holiday gift to Mother Nature as 50,000+ surplus commercially-grown oysters were entered into the harbor. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the shuttering of local restaurants for long periods of time, commercial oyster growers have been faced with a larger than normal surplus of mature oysters. Rather than discard these perfectly healthy bivalves, they will be placed in protected areas of Oyster Bay Harbor, where they will help naturally clean and filter local waterways while
spawning additional shellfish to help build back the depleted Oyster population.
“Rather than land on dinner plates, these oysters are headed into the harbor due to the lack of demand at local restaurants during this public health pandemic,” said Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “By placing these oysters in protected areas of the harbor, we strengthen the resiliency of our waterways and boost shellfish reproduction. These oysters will also help to naturally absorb wave action for shoreline stabilization while cleaning and filtering local waterways and spawning additional
shellfish to help build back the depleted the oyster population.”
This project partners the Town with the Pew Charitable Trust and the Nature Conservancy as part of their Supporting Oyster Aquaculture and Restoration (SOAR) Project. Under this initiative, more than 100 shellfish companies will be supported during these tough times, and over 200 critical shellfish farming jobs will be preserved across the country, all while simultaneously planting over five million oysters across seven states! In addition to all the environmental ben-
See page 15
Christmas popup franchise has its roots in Levittown
BY GARY SIMEONE
What would the Christmas holiday season be without the colorful lights, decorations, ornaments and all of the presents under the tree. A Christmas popup store franchise that originated in Levittown has made it easier for customers to do all of their holiday shopping in convenient locations.
The franchise is called Everything Christmas, and the very first store location was opened in Levittown in 2007.
“My wife and I worked in retail for a number of years, and after noticing all of the popup Halloween store models every year, we decided to open our own Christmas-themed location,” said Howie Franks, founder and CEO of Everything Christmas.
He and his wife Pam opened their first store in the shopping center on Hempstead Turnpike that houses the King Kullen grocery store, Domenico’s Italian Restaurant and Dortino’s Bakery.
“We had owned a discount store in Suffolk County for a number of years, and with the rent and all the other expenses, it was tough making ends meet,” said Franks. “My wife and I both love the Christmas holiday, and seeing that’s it’s always the busiest and most profitable season of the year, we opened a store that only sold Christmas themed items .“
After opening the first location thirteen years ago, the husband and wife team have opened four stores in different locations every year. They began franchising the Everything Christmas brand name five years ago.
Last year, there were multiple store locations not only on Long Island, but in other states around the country, including New Hampshire, Minnesota and North Carolina.
Franks said that he chooses stores with bigger square footage that have gone out of business or moved locations, similar to the Halloween store models.
“We usually take over bigger stores because of all of our inventory and the merchandise we hold” said Franks. “This year, we’ve moved into a location previously owned by a Pier 1 Home Goods store, a clothing store that went out of business and an old pharmacy location.”
The popup stores that have “popped up” on Long Island this
See page 15
Town of Oyster Bay officials, with members of conservancy groups, with some of the oysters that were placed in Oyster Bay harbor.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Don't defund the police
To the Editor:
As the topic dominated TV ads leading up to the the 2020 Election, many residents have called my office to inquire about my position regarding defunding the police.
I'm writing to categorically reject this idea on the record.
Nassau was just ranked the safest county in America by U.S. News & World Report, and our commitment to a well-trained, well-funded police department is non-negotiable towards maintaining this designation.
From a public safety standpoint, defunding the police is dangerous.
Defunding the police means fewer uniformed officers to patrol the streets, slower response times for emergencies, and reduced resources for specialized units to pursue leads. Defunding the police also means a lower clearance rate, or solve rate, with less available personnel to investigate and solve crimes as we have seen in NYC.
We are just a few years removed from MS-13's apex, and are still dealing with gang arrests as of last month. We still have a substance abuse crisis fueled by narcotics being distributed in our communities. Despite decades of PSA's and education, drunk driving still claims far too many lives. Home burglaries and auto thefts continue to menace residents from the north shore to the south shore.
Progress has been made on all of these counts, but defunding the police will only hinder our efforts to amelio-
rate these issues and more. Moreover, in areas where the cacophony of voices calling to defund the police is the loudest, crime has increased significantly. Murders in New York City rose 79 percent last month compared to last year, shootings are up 52% in Chicago from the same time last year, and killings in Minneapolis were up 95% as of July.
Nassau has avoided these types of staggering statistics seen in other cities, and our crime rate last year was at historic lows; defunding the police will certainly reverse this trend.
From a public health standpoint, defunding the police is counterproductive. We often have short memories, yet during the first wave of COVID, it was our men and women in law enforcement who stepped up enormously to help tackle major community issues.
Transporting patients for medical care? Keeping overcrowded hospitals safe? Taking care of our most vulnerable citizens? Making house calls for seniors? Risking their health and their family's health?
Our police department did not blink during a historic crisis, and is poised to help us get through the second wave.
It is because our department has sufficient resources that members can go above and beyond their duties of strictly enforcing the law during this public health crisis. And as COVID hospitalizations again reach record highs across the nation, we all benefit because they can.
Lastly, defunding the police will have
severe political ramifications.
What began as a fringe idea has infiltrated the main stream of American consciousness during election season. TV ads, mail pieces, Facebook promotions, and so much of the dialogue of the last few months has revolved around this topic.
And so many elected officials across the nation who deserved re-election were dragged down through association with a concept they never endorsed. Defunding the police stands in direct contrast with keeping our communities safe. And with only 24% of Americans supportive of the idea in an Economist poll, it's also antithetical to what residents want.
Now, I both acknowledge and appreciate the important conversation taking place in this country about law enforcement reform. In fact, I spoke out publicly in June about it.
Nassau County is home to the greatest police force in the country, yet every police department, inclusive of ours, can benefit from the thorough exploration of new ideas.
It's why I support equipping police officers with body cameras. It's why I authored and passed my bill with Legislator Bynoe to explore creating a mental health response unit within NCPD, to ensure we humanely and effectively protect our most vulnerable residents. It's why I support increased
hiring of officers of color to ensure our police force resembles the community it serves. It's why I support increased and regular training for all officers, including crisis intervention. And it's why I agree with advocates that the county should further open up the process under the Governor's Executive Order 203 to the community at large, and share expanded data and information.
We can and should have a conversation about these opportunities and more to establish improved policing; defunding the police will not get us closer towards this goal.
Additionally, the conversation about budgetary priorities is one I support: adequately funding social services like housing, mental health, and drug addiction should be at the top of every elected official's priority list. It's why nationally I support ending tax loopholes for America's largest corporations to ensure Amazon and others pay their fair share, and ending tax breaks for billionaires. But a blanket cut from police is not the way to solve a fiscal issue, and I proudly join my legislative colleagues on both sides of the aisle in solidifying a majority of lawmakers to ensure that we do not defund the police here in Nassau County.
Joshua A. Lafazan, Nassau County Legislator, District 18
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SHS student selected as winner of playwriting competition
Syosset High School senior Michelle Jin
Photo courtesy of LifeTouch
Syosset High School student
Michelle Jin was selected as a winner for the New York State Theatre Education Association’s (NYSTEA)
2020 Student Playwriting Competition.
Michelle, a senior who is active in Syosset High School’s theatre program and hoping to major in playwriting in college, submitted her original play for consideration by a panel consisting of individuals from theatre and theatre education. It was chosen as one the top student plays in the state and will be recognized at NYSTEA’s Annual Student Conference in January 2021.
Although winning entries are traditionally performed during the annual conference, this year’s conference will be held virtually. All winning plays will be recognized at the conferences opening ceremony, and will be given the opportunity to be performed at the 2022 conference.
NYSTEA is an advocacy organization that works together in alliance with other arts education organizations to promote educational theatre and theatre education for all children throughout New York State.
Music students spread holiday cheer
East Broadway Elementary School chorus students, under the direction of Alexia Castle, showcased their vocal talents in a video performance of “Frosty the Snowman” during the Levittown Public Schools’ Dec. 9 Board of Education meeting.
Photo courtesy of the Levittown Public Schools
Mouthwatering gourmet pizzas and pasta specialties will have you coming back time and time again. Our complete catering menu includes heroes as well as all types of pasta and Italian specialties by the tray.
Students at Lee Avenue Elementary School in Hicksville are displaying acts of
A winner was chosen at each grade level for their design and message. The winning elves will be displayed on the school’s “Giving Tree” located in the main lobby. Winners also chose a stuffed animal from the tree to take
Congratulations to the following students:
• Kindergarten- Sophia Gallo
• 1st Grade- Mark Ridgwell
• 2nd Grade- Gurleen Toor
• 3rd Grade- Gabriella Fortini
• 4th Grade- Ethan Kim
• 5th Grade- Angelia Fortini
The Acts of Kindness Elf contest is part of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, a schoolwide initiative to reduce bullying and make schools a more positive place to learn and develop.
Save Our Town Of Oyster Bay
HAPPY HOLIDAYS NEIGHBORS - Regarding SYOSSET TOXIC LANDPOTENTIAL AMAZON LOCATION - 305 Robbins Lane. Lots 251, 252.
Remember Supervisor Saladino promised INDEPENDENT TESTING in June 2018 - Never Happened! Now SALADINO has decided that a 200,000 square foot AMAZON WAREHOUSE is good for Syosset without your input. How do you feel about that? Call Deputy Supervisor Greg Carman at 516624-6350 and DEMAND A PUBLIC HEARING. The Town must follow the NYS Regulations for an Environmental Impact Statement or face Legal Action by the Public.
Are you aware the DEC and DOH came out with test results in June 2020? Read the June fact sheet on “Save Our Town of Oyster Bay” on Facebook page. It clearly states the DEC “Recommends a CLEANUP of the Brownfield Site”, not a REMEDY PLAN. It also lists “CYANIDE” as a Contaminant, But that Disappears in the November DEC Fact Sheet.
In November, a New Fact Sheet came out advising the Public about a 45-Day Comment Period. Magic has OCCURRED in 5 months by the DEC. MYSTERIOUSLY, now it’s being called a REMEDY PLAN and Syosset Park LLC, the Applicant, has recommended an Alternative: “Putting a Cover System on top of Toxic Land. That is Not a Cleanup! This is Unacceptable! And CYANIDE has been taken off the Fact Sheet that you are being asked to review and comment on! In addition, as you can see, the DEC and DOH state that “[the] site does not pose a significant threat to the public.” The Center for Disease Control does not agree, as quoted in Newsday. “As determined by the investigation, contaminants of concern at the 39-acre site include copper, cyanide and certain semivolatile organic compounds known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soil,” the DEC said in a statement. Exposure to these chemicals and compounds can cause health problems ranging from eye and throat irritation to organ damage and death, depending on the level of exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health.”
The ABOVE DISCREPANCIES call for a New 45-Day Comment Period with Accurate Information provided to the public!
WRITE the DEC and DEMAND FULL REMEDIATION. The Current Comment Period ends January 11, 2021. Write and Demand Full Remediation by Amazon. They have the MONEY!
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233
Phone: (518) 402-9622 | Email: kerry.maloney@dec.ny.gov Visit: https://www.dec.ny.gov/data/ DecDocs/C130002/
CALL - Senator Jim Gaughran, Legislator Drucker, Legislator Lafazan and Assemblyman Lavine to DEMAND FULL REMEDIATION on OUR BEHALF! Call Gaughran - 516-922-1811, Drucker - 516-5716216, Lavine - 516-676-0050, Lafazan - 516-571-6218. Communications to the above listed PUBLIC SERVANTS, asking them to COMMUNICATE this REMEDY PLAN to PUBLIC, has fallen on DEAF EARS. The NASSAU COUNTY Commissioner of Health and County Executive Curran has NOT Responded to requests to their office.
ELECTIONS MATTER 2021
Advertisement by Save Our Town of Oyster Bay - Elections Matter on Facebook. 516-477-9508.
Students and staff kick up spirit
Division Avenue junior Christian Ramirez helped his grade level secure the win in the school’s field goal kick event.
The Division Avenue High School community in the Levittown Public Schools participated in Spirit Week from Dec. 7-11. In the middle of the week, the Student Council hosted a field goal kick event. Students and faculty members took part in a friendly competition on the school’s football field to determine the greatest field goal kickers among them. Ten points were earned for every kick that made it through the uprights and extra points were awarded for distance.
Division Avenue students and staff participated in a field goal kick event.
Two boys and two girls, along with one faculty member per grade level represented each class during the event. To end the tournament, Christian Ramirez made a kick from the 25 yard line to secure the win for the juniors with 390 total points. The seniors earned second place with 340 points, sophomores were crowned third place winners with 140 points and freshmen took home 75 points.
Photos courtesy of the Levittown Public Schools
Virtual GAP program for developmentally disabled
The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that Town’s Group Activities Program (GAP), open to residents age 5 and over with developmental disabilities, is going fully virtual beginning in January. The GAP program, which is administered through the Town’s Department of Community and Youth Services, provides a unique social-recreational experience for developmentally-disabled children and adults.
“The Town of Oyster Bay is proud to offer this wonderful program, which consists of game nights, entertain-
ment nights, and even virtual field trips,” stated Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “These experiences provide a safe means of interaction and offer both children and adults a wonderful opportunity.”
The program runs on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and is open to Town of Oyster Bay residents. For more information about the Town’s GAP Program, call the Department of Community & Youth Services at (516) 797-7948.
to 50-70% off suggested retail over 10,000 pendants, earrings, rings, bracelets something for everyone
Long Island’s original jewelry discount store for over 40 years
Jericho Library gets four stars
The Jericho Public Library is proud to announce that the national publication Library Journal designated us as a Four Star Library of 2020, 1 of 3 in Nassau County and 1 of 34 in New York State.
This is based on: Patron Visits, Circulation of Library Materials, Program Attendance, Public Computer Use, and Wi-Fi Sessions.
Monday, December 21
4:00 p.m.: Flex & Tone with Mindy Vasta - Put on some comfortable clothing and join Mindy for this exercise class while in the comfort and safety of your home.
7:00 p.m.: Fit & Fabulous with Linda Ray - Join Linda for this evening exercise class designed to get you Fit & look Fabulous!
Tuesday, December 22
10:30 a.m.: Storytime with Ms. Liz (Ages 2–5)
11:00 a.m.: Guided Meditation for Self Healing with Patricia AndersonJoin Pat for one or all of the meditation sessions to bring harmony and balance into your life.
2:00 p.m.: News Currents with
Elinor Haber - Join Elinor to participate in this informal current events discussion. Talk about topics of the day - the international, national and local scene. There will be lots to discuss!
Wednesday, December 23
1:00 p.m.: Watercolor Demonstration with Chuck Van Horn - Learn watercolor techniques, tips and tricks. There will be time for questions and critiques.
Thursday, December 24
12:30 p.m.: Early ClosingChristmas Eve
Friday, December 25
Closed - Christmas Day
For all events, go to www.jerichopubliclibrary.org /events/month to register.
This Week at the Syosset Library Upcoming Virtual Events at the Jericho Public Library
Friday, December 18 at 2:00 p.m.
The Tragedy & Trials of the NYC Triangle Shirt Factory Fire
Presenters: Howard Ehrlich & Harvey Sackowitz, professors, St. John’s University
Relive the events of the hundreds of immigrant women who tragically died in one of New York’s worst disasters. Learn about the many changes in safety and building codes that came about as a result of this tragic event. Join us via Zoom from the link on the Virtual Calendar - www. syossetlibrary.org/live-streaming. No registration is needed.
Monday, December 21 at 2:00 p.m.
The Hollywood Blockbuster:
How Steven Spielberg and George Lucas Changed the Movies with Professor Brian Rose Presenter: Brian Rose, retired professor of communications, Fordham University
Spielberg’s “Jaws” and Lucas’ “Star Wars” helped launch the careers of the most influential directors of our time. They introduced the age of the modern blockbuster which featured elaborate special effects and thrilling spectacle. This presentation will look at their four decades of filmmaking and discuss how they changed the movies. Join us via Zoom from the link on the Virtual Calendar - www.syossetlibrary.org/ live-streaming. No registration is needed.
Syosset HS fall production to be livestreamed
The Syosset High School Association of Creative Thespians’ (ACT) fall production, “One Stoplight Town” by Tracy Wells, will be live streamed this Friday, December 18 at 7 p.m. for a one-time only performance. Breaking away from the virtual-style productions that have been taking place during the pandemic, the show was produced and filmed in-person at the high school with all health and safety protocols followed.
The Theatre Arts program was able to revitalize an old TV studio at the high school to use as a film studio for this and future projects. District audio-visual technicians, as well as the teachers and students from the Syosset High School stage design and construction classes, collaborated to revamp the space. The play was filmed from three different camera angles and edited by a team of five students with previous editing experience.
Syosset Coordinator of Theatre Arts
Gene Connor served as an onset medic/ COVID compliance officer for films and commercials this past summer, and was able to utilize his knowledge to keep the high school cast and crew safe and healthy
during filming. They all followed the same safety protocols for the production that are being utilized by the film industry on their film shoots.
“This has been a true labor of love by the students and staff to keep theatre alive and growing despite all of the swirling change outside,” remarked Connor. “The show is all about change and how it affects us, but it also teaches us that not all change is bad. I think the students involved in this production have learned that through this production. Yes, we’ve had to change from the way we would normally produce a play, but we've been able to continue telling stories and bringing theatre arts to the Syosset community.”
The comedy “One Stoplight Town” is a look at how change affects us all as the progression of time is traced in a small town after the first stoplight is installed. The Syosset High School’s production is the New York State premiere of the play. Information on purchasing tickets to access the live stream is available on the homepage of the Syosset School District’s website.
New assisted living facility opens in Levittown
With local dignitaries in attendance, Village Green hosted a ribbon cutting event on Tuesday, December 1, to commemorate the opening of Levittown’s all-new assisted living and memory care community.
“We were delighted to have Nassau County representatives and Levittown Chamber of Commerce members join our leadership staff in a celebration of our official opening,” says Caitlin Convery, Village Green executive director.
Participating dignitaries included Jon Michael Probstein, president of the Chamber of Commerce, plus current and incoming members of the Board of Directors Don Patane, William Powell, Gary Tarlov, and Rose Drummond.
Distinguished elected officials also were in attendance:
Nassau County Legislator John Ferretti Jr.; Councilman Dennis Dunne Sr.; Town Clerk Kate Murray; plus a representative from County Executive Laura Curran's Office.
In addition to Convery, Village Green leadership team representatives included Chris Randell, Jennifer Hanson, Jessica Pascuzzi, Matthew Gillis, Jennie Berger, Lisa Santiago and Sara McNicholas.
Located at 90 Schoolhouse Road, Village Green offers exceptional private senior living apartments and service-rich community amenities in the heart of Levittown.
Residents and families say the dedicated assistance with the activities of daily living and specialized care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia makes this all-new community truly unique.
Staff and executives of Village Green Assisted Living join local dignitaries for a grand opening ribbon cutting.
We’re
Syosset High School cast members of “One Stoplight Town” pose on stage during production of the play to be live streamed Friday, December 18.
Photo courtesy of the Syosset Central School District
Lee Road students light up with knowledge
Lee Road Elementary School fourth graders from the Levittown Public Schools recently engaged in a hands-on lesson all about energy. The students learned about what an electric circuit is and were provided with materials to build a simple circuit of their own. The circuits had a battery and an electric current running through them that would light a small lightbulb. The fourth graders enjoyed putting together their circuit and seeing their success come to light.
Photos courtesy of the Levittown Public Schools
Lee Road fourth-grader Micah Palmer with his simple circuit.
Lee Road fourth-grader Isabella Geary successfully lit her lightbulb.
VFW selects Hicksville Middle School Patriot Pen winners
Three students from Hicksville Middle School were named as winners in the 2020 Patriot Pen Contest. Pictured here are (left to right) first place winner Najwa Sahar, Lina Rguigue, who won second place, and Talib Shah, who won third place.
Hicksville Middle School students recently participated in Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The Patriot’s Pen program is designed to foster patriotism by allowing students the opportunity to express their opinions on democracy based on an annual theme. Hicksville Middle School students wrote essays on the theme, “What is Patriotism to Me?”
Veterans from the William M.
Grouse VFW Post 3211 in Hicksville read the student essays and selected the student winners. Congratulations to Najwa Sahar in grade 7, who was selected as the first place winner. The second place winner was Lina Rguigue in grade 8, and the third place winner was Talib Shah in grade 7. Congratulations to their social studies teachers, Mr. Joseph Hartig and Mr. Kevin Boyle, for encouraging their students to participate and excel.
Fourth-grader Aiden Hu learned how to build a simple circuit.
First graders
launch pumpkins in
Students working together to make the most effective catapult for their pumpkins.
In an effort to commemorate the holidays in the classroom, first-grade students at Old Bethpage Elementary School in the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District created pumpkin catapults—challenging them to acti-
classrooms
vate their engineering skills while planning and sketching their method of construction. Students were encouraged to think creatively, rendering innovative designs and fostering an imaginative learning environment.
To assemble their pumpkin catapults, students chose from various materials provided, including popsicle sticks and rubber bands, testing different kinds of designs for effectiveness. Once tested, students measured three different trials, recording the data with each trial, and noting improvements they could make to the design to improve effectiveness. The practice of trial and error allowed students to learn from their mistakes and create design changes that taught them the importance of adjustments and growth.
The goal of this activity was to encourage these aspiring scientists to work diligently on their design plans and reflect as they moved through the project. Through working independently, students focused their attention on the design process, adjusting and learning the most effective methods throughout each of their attempts. The skills they utilized are reinforced each day within their classrooms, fostering a positive and encouraging learning environment that promotes creativity and innovation.
Town offers Toddler Arts and Crafts program
Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Michele Johnson announces that a Toddler Arts & Crafts Program will be offered during the months of January and February. This 6-week program offers classes at the Town’s Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center Community Room and Hicksville Athletic Center, and is open to children ages 2 through 4. Registration will take place on January 6, 2021, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Hicksville Athletic Center, 67 South Broadway, in Hicksville.
“The Town’s Toddler Arts & Crafts Program is a wonderful way to help
support your toddler’s development through nurturing their artistic expression,” said Councilwoman Johnson. “Classes will certainly fill up quickly as this program offers children a great wintertime activity”
The Toddler Arts & Crafts Program is 6 weeks in duration, beginning January 26, and residents who sign their toddler up for the program must choose one class per week, per child. Classes will take place on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. (two-year-olds only); Tuesdays at 11 a.m. (three and four-year-olds); Wednesdays at 10 a.m. (two-year-olds
only); Wednesdays at 11 a.m. (three and four-year-olds); Thursdays at 10 a.m. (two-year-olds only); and Thursday at 11 a.m. (three and four year olds).
Each class is approximately 30 to 45 minutes long. The cost of the program is $25 per child who is a Town resident, and $30 per child whose care giver is a Town resident but not the child. Space is limited and upon registration, the child’s birth certificate and a tax or utility bill will be required to validate age and proof of residency. A guardian must be present during the class. A smock and supplies will be provided
Attention students!
Graduated from school? Have an outstanding GPA? Made the honor roll or Dean’s List? Scored an internship or study abroad opportunity?
with enrollment.
Due to COVID-19, class enrollment will be limited to allow for proper social distancing and temperatures will be checked upon arrival. Masks must be worn by children and caregivers for the length of the class. Daily cleaning and sanitizing takes place prior to and after classes.
The Toddler’s Arts & Crafts Program is run by the Town’s Parks Department, Recreation Division. For further information, please call (516) 797-4125, and hit prompt ‘2’.
We invite you to send details of any of these things and more, along with your name and contact info, to editor@gcnews.com for a chance to be seen in our paper!
Learning through the holidays
Lee Road third-graders created their own persuasive writing pieces about where Santa should go on vacation.
Third-graders Natalie S. (left) and Keira E. displayed their Multiplication Menorahs.
Third-grade students in Jennifer Lores’ class at Lee Road Elementary School prepared for the holidays with engaging lessons as part of their writing and math units. The students learned about the power of persuasive writing through a Christmas challenge where they had to persuade their reader to agree with them on where Santa Claus should vacation. They thought of vacation spots such as the Bahamas, Aruba and Texas and had to support their writing with descriptive reasons and details. To accompany their writing pieces, the stu-
VFW names winners in 2020 Voice of Democracy Contest
Three students from Hicksville High School were selected as winners in this year’s Voice of Democracy Essay Contest. Pictured left to right are first place winner Patrick LaBarca, Faiqa Ali, who won second place, and Melanie Unger, who won third place.
Hicksville High School students participated in the Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Competition sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Each year, students write an essay focused on an annual theme. This year’s theme was “Is this the Country the Founders Envisioned?”
Veterans from the William M. Gouse Jr. VFW Post 3211 in Hicksville read the student essays and selected the student winners. Congratulations to freshmen, Patrick LaBarca who was selected as the first place winner at Hicksville High School. His audio essay will be submitted to the regional competition which includes all Nassau County
School Districts. Congratulations to freshmen Faiqa Ali who was selected as the second place winner, and Melanie Unger who was the third place winner.
Congratulations to their social studies teachers: Ms. Lauren Cardello, Dr. Andrea Maxeiner, Dr. Stephanie Piscitelli, and Ms. Heather Stavrinadis. In spring of 2021, William M. Gouse Jr. VFW Post 3211 will recognize these students’ accomplishments. The first place winner usually reads their essay aloud to the gathered veterans and local politicians and community members. This spring, the event may be virtual.
dents also colored their own Santa Claus in a creative vacation outfit.
During math, each student created their own Multiplication Menorah featuring multiplication equations on each candle. The activity helped students practice multiplying by a specific number. Afterwards, the class displayed their persuasive writing pieces, Santa creations and Multiplication Menorahs outside of the classroom for all to see, just in time for the holidays.
Photos courtesy of the Levittown Public Schools
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Superintendent visits class
Hank Grishman answers questions from the students in the Exploring Childhood 2 class.
Jericho Superintendent Hank Grishman recently visited Judy Ornstein’s Exploring Childhood 2 class virtually. The class studies government with an eye toward public policy issues that affect children and families. “For obvious reasons, this year we are spending a bit of time talking about how different levels of government work together
to decide on policies regarding schools during the pandemic,” said Ornstein.
Mr. Grishman popped in to the class to answer questions about how decisions are made about contact tracing, school sports, and how they are done in consultation with county and state authorities.
Thousands of oysters, saved from dinner, get new lives
From page 1
efits, commercial growers will also be reaping the economic benefits of this partnership during a time where most people and businesses have been struggling, with sales decimated within the last nine months due to the global pandemic.
Councilman Lou Imbroto added, “Protecting our natural assets is critically important for the Town, and by restoring our shellfish populations, we ensure that we are working to keep our waters clean. Quite simply, there is no Oyster Bay without oysters!”
Christmas popup has roots in Levittown
From page 1
year include ones in North Massapequa, in Farmingdale, in Lake Grove at the Smithhaven Plaza and a franchisee location in New Hyde Park.
Franks said that he usually opens the stores on the Friday before Thanksgiving and closes them on the first week of January with a big end-of-season halfoff sale for customers.
As far as the merchandise he stocks,
there’s pretty much everything Christmas related that lines the shelves.
“We have all of the outdoor and indoor decorations, ornaments including personalized ones and novelty items like Elf on the Shelf Christmas mugs and pillows. We also have the traditional staples like wreathes, bows, garland and hats and stockings.”
To find out more about Everything Christmas, you can visit their website, everything-Christmas.com.
NOTICE OF FORMATION
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Get Dirty Designs LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/19/2020. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The Post Office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her is: United States Corporation Agents INC, 7014 13th Avenue Suite 202, Brooklyn, New York 11228.
The principal business address of the LLC is: 151 West Old Country Rd. Apt 2 Hicksville, NY 11801. Purpose: any lawful act or activity MIT 5905
6X 11/27,12/04,11,18,25,01/01/2021
AMENDED ORDER DIRECTING SERVICE
PURSUANT TO CPLR §308(5)
At an I.A.S. Part of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Nassau, at the Courthouse, 400 County Seat Drive, Mineola, NY, on the 23rd day of November, 2020.
PRESENT:
Hon. Joseph H. Lorintz, JSC. SARAHANNE ROSADO, Plaintiff, -against-
IRFAN HUSSAIN SHAH, Defendant
UPON reading and filing the annexed affidavit of Sarahanne Rosado, sworn to on June 10, 2020, affirmation of Christine A. Chester, Esq., dated June 10, 2020, and the Summons and Complaint herein, and it appearing that service of the Summons and Complaint herein, upon Irfan Hussain Shah, the defendant herein, pursuant to CPLR §308(1), (2), and (4) is impracticable.
NOW, upon motion of Christine A. Chester, Esq., the attorney for Plaintiff, for an order directing the manner of service of the Summons and Complaint upon Irfan Hussain Shah, the defendant herein, pursuant to
CPLR §308(5), it is ORDERED that the Summons with Notice containing a brief statement of the nature of the action and the relief sought be published in The Bethpage Newsgram, the newspaper most likely to give notice to the defendant, once in each of THREE (3) successive weeks.
ORDERED that the first publication of the Summons shall be made within thirty (30) days after the date of this order and service by publication shall be complete on the twenty-first (21st) day after the day of first publication.
ORDERED that a place where the defendant probably would receive mail cannot with due diligence be ascertained and the court dispenses with the mailing required in CPLR §316(b).
ENTER: Hon. JOSEPH L. LORINTZ, J.S.C.
Town collects toys at drive-in movie series
BN 7484
3X 12/04,11,18
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.
Name: 200 Oakwood Ave., LLC. County: Nassau. Secretary of State is designated as agent for service of process. Address for service and principal place of business: 100 Crossways Park West, Woodbury, NY 11797. Articles of Organization filed July 8, 2020. Any lawful business purpose.
JNJ 7951
6X 12/11,18,25,01/01,08,15
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.
Name: 232 Birchwood Ave., LLC. County: Nassau. Secretary of State is designated as agent for service of process. Address for service and principal place of business: 100 Crossways Park West, Woodbury, NY 11797. Articles of Organization filed September 7, 2017. Any lawful business purpose.
JNJ 7952
6X 12/11,18,25,01/01,08,15
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Town of Hempstead officials with US Marines hold toys donated to the Toys for Tots drive
There is a reason for the holiday season, and that reason is the spirit of giving! Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin and the Town Board today announced a partnership with the U.S. Marine Toys for Tots Foundation that invites all attendees of the Winter Drive-In Movie Festival at Town Park, Pt. Lookout to bring along an unwrapped toy to donate to a family in need. With holiday drive-in movies lined up each weekend until December 20, the toy drive will continue at each upcoming movie.
“As is standard for the Marines, they do an incredible job in collecting toys for families in need during the holiday season,” said Clavin. “Their selfless efforts bring smiles to hundreds of underprivileged children during this season, and that speaks volumes. Hempstead Town is proud to help this cause in any way possible, and my fellow members on the Town Board and I encourage all residents to donate an unwrapped toy while enjoying a festive drive-in movie.”
Toys for Tots drop-off boxes will be stationed throughout Town Park, Pt. Lookout parking lot for each upcoming drive-in movie. Attendees are encouraged to bring
an unwrapped toy to donate to the Toys for Tots Foundation at the contactless drop-off station located on the way into the park.
“A new unwrapped toy is a symbol of hope,” said retired USMC Major Chuck Kilbride. “Every toy collected is another chance to spread some cheer during the holiday season.”
The Hempstead Town Winter Movie Festival began on December 11, showing a different drive-in movie each day at Town Park, Pt. Lookout. The remaining schedule of movies is as follows:
• Almost Christmas – Friday, December 18 at 5 p.m.
• The Grinch – Saturday, December 19 at 5 p.m.
• Frozen 2 – Sunday, December 20 at 2 p.m.
In tandem with the drive-in collection announcement, the officials were also joined by the Master Plumbers Council of the City of New York, who donated $5,000 to the U.S. Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, who will be using the money to purchase enabling toys for special needs families, including Camp ANCHOR campers.
Get rid of your unwanted items by placing an ad for them in our Classifieds! We have reasonable rates, and you’ll have prompt results! Call our Garden City office at 294-8900 for rates and other info.
December 18, 2020
Where Holiday Lights Shine Brightest this Season
BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL
There is special need this year to bring light, warmth and cheer this holiday season. Destinations that have offered lighting displays and holiday events have taken special care to adapt them to meet health protocols. Here is a sampling: Holiday Lights Safaris at The Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo has officially flipped the switch on Holiday Lights 2020 which runs on select dates through January 10 bringing New Yorkers much-needed joy for the winter season. Tickets for Holiday Lights must be purchased in advance and are now available, https://bronxzoo.com/holiday-lights.
This year’s experience encompasses a larger area of the zoo and be organized to accommodate social distancing. With dozens more animal lanterns than last year, the zoo has created five geographically representative lantern safaris that include species from different regions of the world.
In addition to the wildlife lantern safaris and sprawling holiday illuminations, the new Luminous Garden features larger-than-life plants and animals unlike any other garden in New York including flowers, mushrooms, butterflies and other insects.
Entertainment includes ice carving demonstrations, costumed characters, stilt walkers, souvenirs, and seasonal treats and 12 fire pits where you can make your own s’mores.
All events and activities have been modified to meet the state’s safety guidelines. All guests over 3 years old are required to socially distance and wear face coverings, and all tickets are date-specific and must be purchased in advance online. For a full list of COVID-19 protocols, visit the
Zoo Lights presented by FPL SolarNow, illuminates Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society with more than one-million eco-friendly LED lights this holiday season (photo courtesy Palm Beach Zoo)
zoo’s Know Before You Go page. Visit bronxzoo.com/holiday-lights for information, tickets and the full schedule of activities.
Drive-Through Holiday Lights Display at Jones Beach State Park
The Magic of Lights 2.5-mile long drive-through holiday display at Jones Beach State Park, presented by New York Community Bank, takes place through Jan. 2. It features themed light displays using the latest LED technology and digital animations, including the drive-through Blizzard Tunnel as well as other returning favorites including 12 Days of Christmas, Winter Wonderland and The Night Before Christmas. The popular Toyota Mega Tree Spectacular also returns this season, featuring favorite holiday programming displayed across 240 feet of LED Christmas trees.
Magic of Lights is open daily from dusk and run through 10 pm Sunday through Thursday and until 11pm on Friday and Saturday.
Limited early bird tickets are available for a reduced price of $20 with a code while supplies last at www. Ticketmaster.com. Admission is $25 per vehicle in advance and $30 at the gate on Monday through Thursday and $35 Friday through Sunday. Buy tickets in advance for a contactless experience on-site. Receive $3 off weekday admission when you bring at least two non-perishable food items benefiting Long Island food banks.
Some of the evenings are designated as charity nights. Last year Magic of Lights’ philanthropy made a meaningful impact in local communities by raising more than $150,000 for local organizations in addition to collecting non-perishable food items, toys, books and coats for those who need it most.
For more information and a complete schedule visit www.magicoflights.com
Palm Beach Zoo Lights is ‘Wild’ Holiday Celebration Zoo Lights presented by FPL
GOING PLACES NEAR AND FAR
SolarNow, illuminates Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society with more than one-million eco-friendly LED lights this holiday season. The Zoo is open after regular hours on select nights from 6- 9 PM for a WILD holiday celebration featuring family fun, Santa, decadent treats, music and holiday charm.
Zoo Lights visitors can expect to have a safe, socially distanced and enjoyable experience including an evening stroll through the Zoo amid 1 million holiday lights and displays; a unique theme for each area; Santa’s workshop in the Florida Wetlands section; Fountain Plaza transforms into a North Pole dance floor where a DJ spins holiday hits; the Mayan Plaza shines with blue lights; the Tropics Café features festive holiday fare, there are food stations around the Zoo with seasonal treats and a s’mores fire pit.
Tickets for Zoo Lights are $14.95 for adults and $12.95 for children. Palm Beach Zoo Annual Members receive special pricing. Pre-sale tickets are available at www. palmbeachzoo.org/zoolights. For more zoo information, visit www. palmbeachzoo.org
Have a Colonial Christmas in Williamsburg, Virginia
Enjoy special holiday events throughout December at Colonial Williamsburg including caroling at the Courthouse, walking tours highlighting colonial Christmas decorations and the galleries of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, visits with Father Christmas, ice skating at the Liberty Ice Pavilion, the community Christmas Tree lighting with special readings of “The Night Before Christmas,” the Lighting of the Cressets on historic Duke of Gloucester Street with strolling musicians and tidings of good cheer Dec. 17 – 24, holiday
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Where Holiday Lights Shine Brightest this Season
feasts and meals, opportunities to shop for colonial gifts such as wreaths and centerpieces. The living history attraction remains open for daily holiday programs with special health protocols in place.
Event schedules and admission information is available at colonialwilliamsburg.org/holidays. Details on Colonial Williamsburg Resorts getaways, plus tavern and contemporary dining information are available at colonialwilliamsburghotels.com.
The Busch Gardens Christmas Celebration runs on select dates through Jan. 3 featuring new village entertainment, 15 coasters and rides, a Gingerbread Scavenger Hunt, festive holiday shopping, sweet culinary offerings, and meeting Santa in his Workshop.
Holidays in the Brandywine Valley Wilmington and the Brandywine
Valley is one of the most picturesque and historic places especially during the holiday season. Here are highlights:
Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens, one of America’s most lauded holidays light displays shines brightly in the Brandywine Valley through Jan. 10, with more than 500,000 sparkling lights, dancing fountains, an illuminated light show set to yuletide music and the 100-foot tunnel of light that pulses with changing colors. spreading holiday cheer throughout the gardens every night. Walk through this winter wonderland, stop into the conservatory for a dazzling display of holiday colors in every corner. Time your visit to sing along with Christmas carols as they’re played on the 10,010-pipe Aeolian organ, the largest ever constructed in a residential setting. To make a reservation and for more details, visit www.longwoodgardens.org
Decking the halls is a full-time job
for whoever decorates Henry Francis du Pont’s 175-room home for Yuletide at Winterthur. This premier museum of the American decorative arts, each room on the Yuletide Tour tells a story of how Americans have celebrated the holidays, starting back in the days when our nation was still young. There are sparkling trees, magical dollhouses, visits from Dickens and a number of holiday events (like the Yuletide Brunch with Santa) that tend to sell out early.
Holiday Magic at the Brandywine River Museum of Art, through Jan. 10, is highlighted by the Brandywine Railroad O-gauge model train that travels nearly 2,000 feet of track, passing through factories, a farm, a small town, and even a carnival setting. Kids programs run all month long, including the Polar Express Read-Aloud Pajama Night and sensory-friendly mornings with the trains. Exciting new additions this sea-
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son are two model train sets once owned by Nicky and Jamie Wyeth, the sons of the renowned American artist Andrew Wyeth.
Visit https://www.visitwilmingtonde. com/plan/ to find all the events, plan a stay and learn about COVID-19 safety protocols in place.
© 2020 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com, www.huffingtonpost.com/author/karenrubin & travelwritersmagazine.com/ TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar. wordpress.com & moralcompasstravel. info. Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Tweet @ TravelFeatures. ‘Like’ us at facebook. com/NewsPhotoFeatures
Worried About Holiday Spending? This Is a Year to Think Differently
BY CARRIE SCHWAB-POMERANTZ
Dear Readers: Like so much in our lives this year, the holidays are going to be different for a lot of people. Family gatherings are likely to be smaller, if they happen at all. Money may be tighter, with very little available for gift-giving. Traditional celebrations may have to be scaled way back or put on hold. But while we all may feel a little disappointed by the changes made necessary by the pandemic, I like to think we can still have a meaningful holiday season.
Perhaps this year, rather than being caught up in the usual buying frenzy, we can take time to be more personal and give extra thought to what would be the most appropriate way to acknowledge friends and family given the current circumstances. It takes some creative thinking, but it might just make the whole experience of giving -- and receiving -- more meaningful than ever. Here are some ideas.
Focus First on Reaching Out
Just because we can’t all be together doesn’t mean we can’t make a special effort to reach out to the people who are important to us. And it doesn’t have to be about gifts. Of course, giving traditional gifts is fun, and I enjoy choosing what I think is ideal for someone. But you can show those you care about how much they mean to you in many ways that don’t have to cost a lot.
First make a list of the people you’d like to acknowledge. Start with those dearest to you. If you want to give them a traditional gift, think about what would be most appreciated. It’s not just about how much money you spend -- even if money isn’t an issue -- but rather about why you think a certain gift will be just right. For some on your list, a small token will be
meaningful. For others, sending a personal note that shows you’re thinking about them can be enough to bring them some holiday cheer.
Think About a Possible Long-Term Benefit of Your Gift
It’s fun to choose the perfect gift for someone and watch as they open it. But if you can wrap your gift in a long-term benefit -- something with a future focus -- it can be even more special.
One way to give your gift added meaning is to include some of your own financial know-how as part of the package. Everyone in your life -- from your youngest child to your parents or grandparents -- could likely use some extra help in managing their money. For instance:
-- The perfect sweater might make your teenage daughter momentarily happy, but attaching it to a clothing allowance that she’ll have to manage would give you the chance to teach her about budgeting, saving and spending wisely.
-- A piggy bank for a younger child could come with a savings account and a future trip to your bank to learn about how money grows over time.
-- Is someone on your list a student working part time or a young adult with a new job? How about helping them open a traditional or Roth IRA, maybe with some initial funding from you? You could even offer to match their contributions for a time. Get them started investing for the long term and you’ve given a gift with a potential lifetime of value.
Even older adults, perhaps your parents, might benefit from a gift of knowledge. If they’re struggling economically and you can help out in some way, that’s great. But if you can also help them budget more wisely and ensure they’re mak-
ing the most of their Social Security and Medicare benefits, that could make your gift even more valuable.
Even if they aren’t struggling, you could help them fine-tune specifics like insurance or estate planning by arranging for them to meet with the appropriate professional. That could open the door to important future conversations.
Add Extra Meaning to Money Gifts
A gift of cash is always appreciated. But you can give that money a meaningful context by earmarking it for a larger purpose or a long-term goal.
For example, opening and funding a savings or custodial account for a young person is a way to introduce personal finance and investing basics. Consider giving individual or fractional shares of stock to sweeten the deal. Creating or adding to a 529 plan for a child or grandchild is a gift to the parents as well as the child. Or if kids are already in college, you could offer to make a direct tuition payment to the school. Helping with student loans can ease the financial burden for college grads.
Another idea is to jump-start the process of saving for a big-ticket item like a car, computer or family trip. Or if you know that someone on your list has a cause or charity that’s of particular importance, you could make a donation in that person’s name.
Share an Experience
For a lot of us, one of the most difficult things right now is not being able to spend time together. But hopefully, that will change, so why not plan something you can look forward to? Whether it’s with a friend or family member, planning a special event together -- a dinner, a visit to the museum, a long weekend away -- can be the most perfect gift of all. If you can foot
the bill, that’s great. But if you can’t, sharing the cost as well as the experience can be just as thoughtful.
Stay Connected
Now, more than ever, we all need to know that others are there for us. The holidays can be a lonely time for some, and these days, the sense of isolation can be even greater. So, no matter how different your holiday celebrations may be this year, stay connected. Whether it’s a gift, a card, a photograph, a phone call or a virtual gathering, the spirit you share can make this a joyful time in spite of the challenges -- and help us all look ahead to brighter days.
Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz, Certified Financial Planner, is president of the Charles Schwab Foundation The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal or investment planning advice.
COPYRIGHT 2020 CHARLES SCHWAB & CO., INC. MEMBER SIPC.
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Being retired means always being put on hold
BY PAUL E. PEPE
I’ve been retired for a few years now. It was difficult at first, but I’m finally getting the hang of it, learning to fill my time with interesting hobbies that replace the busy workdays of the past. For the last fifteen years of my work time, I ran my office out of my Long Island home, which meant that people already accused me of being retired. The guys at the gas station seeing me there mid-morning would snicker when I said I was really working, and the post office clerks would smile when I told them that most to the mail I picked up at 10 a. m. was work related - honest! Ultimately, when I did retire and told them that, their response was, “How can you tell?”
All that aside, when I was working, my office as in the basement, and when other people (wife, daughters) were around, it made no difference to them, they just barged in and asked a question, or started talking, or rummaged around, heedless of the fact that I was busy typing, or on the telephone, or maybe just staring at a piece of paper trying to come up with some ideas. No, I was in the house, and therefore I was fair game.
“What difference did it make?” they would ask, so you take a minute here and there and besides, it’s important that I have you copy this recipe, or tell me where the Christmas cards are, or help me carry something upstairs. It’s not like the office is going anywhere, for heaven’s sake.
Would they do that if this was a real office, I wondered, then stopped and told myself that it WAS a real office. I
was making a living, I actually did business here.
It all fell on deaf ears, because no matter how I complained, I was still at home, and that made me fair game.
So, I retired, with some trepidation because you don’t just put aside forty years of everyday toil and not be concerned about it.
It took almost a year before I felt safe and secure in my new life. I have learned how to fill in the long days. One, you make them shorter by sleeping a little later, then there is the obligatory hour-long walk (ordered by the cardiologist), some banging on the piano, writing novels that will never be published.
However,other problems arose. People now tend to think that because they are still fully employed, and I am not, their lives are much more meaningful and productive and valuable.
I have this friend. For the sake of expediency, we’ll call him Tony. Actually, that is his name so we’ll call him Tony. He’s only a couple of years younger than me, but he still runs a highly successful public relations business.
So he calls me. And as soon as he does, he finds something urgent to talk to his secretary or assistant about. And I’m hanging on the phone listening ot this. He’s talking to them, and listening to me, but I know I’m going to have to say it all over again, so I shut up and wait until I have his full attention before continuing. Then his other phone rings and he puts me on hold.
There it is - HOLD! That almighty bugaboo. I wait, because among other things I have learned to be a little patient. Not a lot, but some. Eventually,
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he comes back and we resume our conversation. Sometimes he’ll forget I’m on the phone - waiting - and I’ll finally hang up and he’ll call me the following day and totally forget he left me hanging. But that’s okay, see, I’m retired and I have nothing better to do.
Then there are my daughters. Two very bright, attractive, successful young business women. One works for New York City, the other is a book editor. Both high profile, high pressure jobs.
They’ll call, and of course something else will come up, and there I am on hold again. I can’t tell you how much I hate the song “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head.” Is that the only song they can come up with for those of us who sit and wait on hold?
What’s even worse is voice mail. When I call them , they are never there, so I get these disembodied voices that I barely recognize coming from my own progeny and I leave a message (usually some wiseguy remark),and wait for them to return the call, and then have those disjointed conversations
with people going into their offices, or other phone calls coming in. But I love them and put up with it all because I am retired, right? And what else do I have to do with my time?
The best one of all occurred one rainy afternoon when I decided to lie on my bed and read the latest Robert Parker novel. My daughter (the book editor), calls and I pick up the phone and we talk for a few minutes and then she puts me on hold and I lie there reading , and the rain is pattering down and it is warm and comfortable, and I fall asleep with the phone in my ear.
The next thing I hear is shouting, and I’m disoriented and I finally realize what has happened, and I hear my daughter laughing at me and I can almost see her shaking her head.
“You fell asleep,” she says, “while I’m talking to you!” She can’t believe it and I try to tell her that it was only for a moment, and besides, she had put me on hold again. The bottom line, of course is that no matter how often I am put on hold, and for how long, I’m still retired, and that’s the best revenge.
BY TOM MARGENAU
I get a lot of emails from women who have questions about the widows benefits they are already getting. Or they have questions about the widows benefits they think they will be getting in the future. I’ve saved up a few of those and will answer them in today’s column.
Q: I am 70 years old. My husband has stage-four lung cancer. He is 72. He waited until he was 70 to start his benefits. He is getting $3,366 per month. I only worked on and off during our marriage, so my own benefit is small. And I took reduced retirement at age 62. I get $900 per month. I called Social Security to find out what I would get when my husband dies. The agent told me that because I took reduced retirement benefits, my widows benefit also would be reduced. She said she couldn’t give me an exact number, but figured I would get about $2,000 per month. I was a little uncomfortable with that information. So, I called again and talked to a different representative. This guy told me that I would get a full 100% widows benefit, but it would be 100% of my husband’s full retirement rate, not his age-70 rate. He said I would keep my own $900 and get about $1,625 in widows benefits to take me up to my husband’s full retirement rate of $2,525. Does that sound right to you?
A: Gosh, did you get some bum advice! Both Social Security representatives you talked to were wrong. When your husband dies, you are going to start getting $3,366 per month in combined widows and retirement benefits. I can help you understand this by dealing with the answers you got from the SSA reps.
The rep who told you that the reduction you took in your own benefits carries over to your potential widows benefits was just plain wrong. Your widows rate is essentially based on one thing only: your age when your husband dies. Because you are 70 (well above full retirement age), you are due a 100% widows rate.
And the guy who said that your widows rate is based on your husband’s full retirement benefit and not his augmented age-70 benefit was also wrong. It is true that wives do not share in those “delayed retirement credits” added to your husband’s Social Security check. But widows do.
So, your widows benefit is based on your husband’s full benefit at the time of death, including any delayed retirement credits he earned. That is why you will get $3,366 in combined benefits (your own $900 and $2,486 in widows benefits).
Q: My husband is 84, and he is dying. I am 81. He took benefits at 62. He is getting $1,591. I am getting my
Benefits for Widows
own smaller retirement benefit. It is $1,205. Someone told me that when he dies, I will start getting the difference between his benefit and mine in the form of widows benefits. In other words, I will get an extra $386. Is that right?
A: Actually, you will get a little more than that. You said your husband took benefits at 62. That means he is getting 75% of his full-retirement-age rate. But there is a rule that says a widow of your age is due 82% of your husband’s full retirement rate. If my little desk calculator is right, I figure his FRA rate is $2,122. And 82% of that is $1,740. So when your husband dies, you will keep getting your own $1,205 retirement check. And then you will get an extra $535 in widows benefits to take you up to the $1,740 level.
“BUT WAIT A MINUTE!” I can hear some of you saying. “In the first answer, you said a widow over full retirement age was due 100% of her husband’s benefit. And in the second answer, another widow over full retirement age was due only 82%. What gives?”
Here is the answer. Actually, they are both getting 100%. But it is 100% of what the guy was getting at the time of death. To further clarify, you have to remember this rule. If a woman took reduced retirement benefits, that reduction does not carry over to what she gets as a widow. But the reverse of that is not true. If the husband took reduced retirement benefits, that reduction he took does carry over to any widows benefits his wife will get.
So, in effect, both widows are getting a 100% rate. It’s just that the first one is getting 100 percent of her husband’s full benefit. And the second one is getting 100% of her husband’s reduced benefit (which, in her case, ends up at 82% of his full retirement rate.) I hope that makes sense!
Q: I’m confused. I am getting a combination of my own benefits and widows benefits. I’m 68 and still working. Every year, I get a Social Security letter telling me my own benefit is going up, but that my widows benefit is going down. I end up with the same amount. What’s wrong with this picture?
A: I can understand why that seems confusing. So, let me explain what is going on. You didn’t give me any amounts, but let’s say your own retirement benefit is $1,200 and your widows benefit is $2,000. When you are due two benefits, you don’t get both. You get the one that pays the higher rate. So, you are getting a check for $2,000 from Social Security each month. But there is a rule that says you must always be paid your own benefit first. So, on the SSA’s books, you are actually getting your own $1,200, and then you are getting $800 in widows benefits to take you up to the $2,000 rate you
are due. The money you are making at your job, and the Social Security taxes you are paying, increase your own retirement benefit each year but not your widows benefit (which was based on your husband’s earnings). So, let’s say that next year, your own retirement benefit goes up from $1,200 to $1,250. But you are still due $2,000 in widows benefits. So, next year, you will get $1,250 in retirement benefits and $750 in widows benefits. In other words, on paper, your
own benefit went up, and your widows benefit went down. But again, you are still getting your full widows rate.
If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has a book with all the answers. It’s called “Social Security: Simple and Smart.” You can find the book at creators.com/books. Or look for it on Amazon or other book outlets
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CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Are you working with the right broker or company?
BY PHILIP A. RAICES
Ihave come to the absolute conclusion that there is a huge disconnect between so many sellers, investors, purchasers, and even renters and those supposed professionals that they are working with when it comes to their financing and tenant needs and wants.
It is really no different than working with a real estate broker or salesperson when it comes to the knowledge that is necessary to guide the consumer through the process with many times the “curve balls” that are thrown into the transaction mix and the insane roadblocks that many in the real estate and mortgage industry don’t have the required and mandatory “two gloves” or, a map to guide them through and to strategize and come up with pragmatic and logical solutions to whatever issues come about while handling situations it in a professional manner.
I have seen and experienced the “slight of hand” that some try to put over on a client as I have heard so, so many stories about the tragic financial mistakes that have and are still being made just to make a deal close and have someone make a buck.
Why this still occurs and is allowed to happen perplexes me to no end and I can’t fathom or understand the reasons why. I have said many times in past columns that greed and the money that can be made very easily by deception and shortcuts and not servicing your client properly is much different than by working smart, expeditiously, and transparently and putting your client first in the amount of quality time and knowledge that one needs to have and that is always required properly conduct and perform your business and/ or job.
It will always come back to you either with satisfied clients, excellent income, and future referrals or disastrous less than stellar outcomes lead-
BY CHARLYN FARGO
It may come as a surprise, but what we choose to eat can affect our mood. And as we head into the holiday season, it may be important to think about what you’re eating. Fill up on antioxidants and minerals from fruits and vegetables, along with lean protein and healthy fats, and it will be easier to smile at life and your loved ones.
A 2017 analysis of studies published in the journal Psychiatry Research found that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, healthy fats and whole grains was associated with a decreased risk of depression. On the flip side, comfort foods like sweets may seem like they make you feel better,
ing to a poor reputation and probably loss and failure of your business and eventually quitting or the loss or firing of your job. Unfortunately, however, there are those that look for shortcuts and in the end what happens are bad reviews and no referrals, leading them to less income or worse no future income, and then like many, as I have just said, they leave the business forever or look for another job!
Doing the right thing will almost always provide you with a pristine well known and respected reputation that you have worked and earned so diligently with the correct and proper efforts, disciplined actions, and the sacrificing of your valuable time.
It doesn’t matter whether or not if it’s, real estate, mortgages, home inspections, construction, title companies, etc. or any type of business or job, one must realize and many do not, that the life-blood of business today, whether you believe it or not, are reviews and testimonials “right off the bat “as the number one way that you will be initially judged as to whether or not the consumer will call or contact you. Those calls or lack of will always have a major impact on the success or failure of your business. My thought and the way to do business has always been that way. It has always aided in our future business and referrals and increased incomes and profitability.
Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, 12-20 million jobs have been lost and so many may never be able to go back to their “normal job’ and most assuredly, “normal” way of doing business or doing their jobs. A multitude of people during the last 8+ months
have not pivoted or made a strong enough attempt and/or effort at changing the way they performed their businesses or a backup to earning money when they lost their job. Whatever way people were doing their businesses or handling their jobs changed all of a sudden overnight in the blink of an eye as the Covid-19 pandemic hit us like a bolder falling off a cliff! For some, it was and has been total chaos, the loss of their business and/or job, and a disruption in their normal way of life on a daily basis. Oh boy, what a wake-up call it has been and will be for those who have never thought about, created, or even had or made a plan during these most challenging and difficult months of uncertainty for so many here and around the globe. The last time we had a worldwide pandemic was the Spanish flu in 1918 whereby 675,000 Americans had perished and 50,000,000 people were lost around the globe to that insidious virus.
Today we have so much more technology and communication capability that they didn’t have back then. I firmly believe many more lives could have been saved with today’s pandemic if the proper preparation and plan was in place. It is no different than those in business today and on a job who unfortunately through no fault of their own were hit with a “one 2 punch” and didn’t know what to do, but more importantly never, ever had any contingency plans to be able to make sudden and quick changes through a plan of action in the event of the loss of income. I am quite sure everyone is more aware today than ever before and hopefully will be more (including our
Foods and Depression
but in reality, they lead to a sugar crash that can cause irritability. Limit your sugar and alcohol to lessen depression. Here are some foods to add to your holiday list of to-dos:
Probiotics. Preliminary evidence indicates a positive association between friendly gut bacteria (which probiotics promote) and a good mood. Add some kefir, kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut, tempeh or yogurt.
Antioxidants. A 2012 study found that those with depression had lower levels of antioxidant vitamins A, C and E. Snack on almonds, berries, bell peppers, carrots, grapefruit, leafy greens, oranges and tea.
government) prepared the next time, and there just may be a next time, but then again, if history repeats itself maybe they won’t!
Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 39 years experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned designations as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (G.R.I.) and also as a Certified International Property Specialist (C.I.P.S.). He will provide you with “free” regular updates of sold and new homes in your town via the Multiple Listing Service of Long Island (MLSLI) or go to http://WWW. Li-RealEstate.Com and you can “do it yourself (DYI) and search on your own. For a “FREE” `15 minute consultation, as well as well as a “FREE printout or digital value analysis of what your home might sell for in today’s tumultuous Covid-19 pandemic market without any obligation or “strings” attached. He can also provide a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality, and our Seller’s and Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider when Selling, investing or Purchasing your Home.
You can email or snail mail (regular mail) him with your request or ideas, suggestions or interview you for a specific topic and a Q & A for a future column with your name, email and cell number. He will email or call you back and respond to your request ASAP as long as he has your complete name, cell, email and/or full home or business address. Again, for a “FREE” 15 minute consultation, he can also be reached by cell @ (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@ TurnKeyRealEstate.Com or to answer any of your questions and concerns in selling, investing, purchasing, or leasing residential or commercial properties.
Tryptophan. This is an amino acid (found in turkey) that converts to serotonin, a brain chemical associated with improved mood. Serotonin is also associated with calmness, which is why some people think they relax, or even get sleepy, after eating a turkey dinner. Along with turkey, it’s found in broccoli, chicken, eggs, leafy greens, mushrooms, pumpkin seeds and soybeans.
Magnesium. Studies have linked low magnesium intake to depression, especially among younger adults. Have plenty of almonds, black beans, brown rice, cashews, dark chocolate, pumpkin seeds and spinach.
Omega-3s. These good-for-you fatty acids help take the edge off and simply help us be more agreeable. They are abundant in salmon, tuna, sardines, walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds.
Protein. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, which plays a crucial role in brain function and mental health. The best sources of protein are meat, poultry, seafood, beans, chickpeas, eggs, Greek yogurt, legumes and nuts.
Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with SIU Med School in Springfield, Illinois. For comments or questions, contact her at charfarg@aol.com or follow her on Twitter @NutritionRD.
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EMPLOYMENT
HELP WANTED
Help Wanted
$18.50 P/H NYC $16 P/H LI
$13.50 P/H UPSTATE NY! If you need care from your relative, friend or neighbor and you have Medicaid, they may be eligible to start taking care of you as a personal assistant under NYS Medicaid CDPA program. No Certificates needed. Phone: 347-713-3553
SITUATION WANTED
CNA / HHA / COMPANION
AVAILABLE
Experienced male or female aide available to take care of your loved one full time or part time 6hrs, 12hrs, 24hrs. Please call 516-688-9251
COLLEGE STUDENT AVAILABLE
20yr old college student available for babysitting, homework assistance, party help, etc, etc. Days and evenings through December. Please call Amanda at 516-493-6288
EMPLOYMENT
CAREER TRAINING
TRAIN AT HOME TO DO MEDICAL BILLING
Become a Medical Office Professional online at CTI! Get trained, certified & ready to work in months! Call 855-543-6440 (M-F 8am-6pm ET)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
HEARING AIDS!! Buy one/ get one FREE! High-quality rechargeable Nano hearing aids priced 90% less then competitors. Nearly invisible! 45 day money back guarantee! 833-4480751
ADOPTION
EMPLOYMENT
HELP WANTED
ELDER CARE Experienced woman seeks position to care for the elderly live in or live out. Certified HHA & certified child care. Excellent references. Please call 516-800-6442
MATURE LADY SEEKS employment as CNA. Home health aide, very reliable, hard working, willing to do background checks, 15 yrs nursing home experience. Please call 516-4101892 or 917-244-3714
CAREER TRAINING
COMPUTER & IT TRAINING program! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now! Now offering a $10,000 scholarship for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details! (844) 947-0192 (M-F 8am-6pm ET)
ADOPTION
Single woman looking to build her family by adoption. Any ethnicity welcome, expenses paid. Please call 347-470-5228 or my attorney: 800-582-3678 for information.
EVENTS
COVID-19 TESTING AVAILABLE
COVID-19 PCR Nasal Swab and /or ANTIBODY testing Mon, Wed & Fri in Floral Park Doctor’s Office without wait or lines. Scheduled by appointment. 516-488-1414
MARKETPLACE
A.T. STEWART EXCHANGE CONSIGNMENT SHOP
516-746-8900
Antiques-Furniture-Jewelry-Silver-Mirrors-LampsArtwork
Come to Consign & Stay to Shop Visit.... Our Shop
109 Eleventh St. Garden City Tues-Fri 10-4 (Wed till 6) Saturday 12-4
Our Website tgchs.org
Our Online Store stores.myresaleweb.com/ at-stewart-exchange Items to Consign? Email photos (with sizing info) to: store@atstewartexchange.org All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical Society Like us on Facebook & Instagram
MARKETPLACE
INVITED ESTATE SALES BY TRACY JORDAN is doing VIRTUAL TAG SALES and ONLINE AUCTIONS now! Sell the contents of an entire house or sell just a few things! You can host your own sale on invitedsales.com and Facebook and Instagram or we can do it for you. We can photograph, advertise and handle the winning pickups for you within a week! Don’t worry about your closing date, we can get your house ready on time! We are a one stop service for all your needs when you are moving or selling a property! Selling, donating, discarding and cleaning out services can be done to meet your time frame with minimal stress. Contact info@invitedsales.com for more information or call 516279-6378 to schedule a consultation or receive more information. Visit us at www.invitedsales. com for a listing of our upcoming Virtual Tag Sales and Weekly Auctions!
AUCTIONS
COOL OLD STUFF IN GLEN COVE VINTAGE SHOP. WINNER OF BEST OF NORTH SHORE 2020. GREAT PRICED items for Boat and Home. See ALL online: Wilsonsdrydock.com. For info / appt Please call 516-662-2821
WANTED TO BUY
I BUY OLD AMERICAN MOTORCYCLES Up to 1999. Call Dan 516-639-1027
MARKETPLACE
WANTED TO BUY
LOOKING TO BUY!
Estates, Oriental items, Gold, Silver, Costume Jewelry, Dishes, Flatware, Watches, Clothing, Old Photos, Coins, Stamps, Records, Toys, Action Figures, Comics, Art and Furniture. Immediate Cash Paid Call George 917-775-3048 or 718-386-1104
TOP CASH PAID: ESTATE CONTENTS ALL OBJECTS OF ART JEWELRY, ETC. Please call 718-598-3045 or 516270-2128
www.antiqueassets.com
PETS PET SERVICES
CHERYL’S PET SITTING SERVICE
Dependable pet sitter will walk and feed your precious pet while you work or travel. Also available to board small dogs. Many excellent references. Call 516-971-3242 AUTOMOTIVE
***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highest$ Ca$h Paid$ All Years /Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct Ca$h. DMV 10#1303199 Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS 516-297-2277 AUTOS WANTED
AUTO BUYERS! We visit you. Highest cash paid. Or donate, tax deduct + cash. DMV#1303199. Please call Luke 516-VAN-CARS OR 516-297-2277
SERVICES
CARS, TRUCKS, SUVS & VANS WANTED. Buying all years, running or not. NO TITLE, NO KEYS, NO PROBLEM! Same day service. CALL CASH CARS GUYS 631-417-5040
Call us last, we will match or beat any legit quote!
DRIVE OUT BREAST CANCER:
Donate a car today! The benefits of donating your car or boat: Fast Free Pickup 24hr response Tax deduction Easy to do! Call 24/7: 855-905-4755
REAL ESTATE FOR RENT
APARTMENT FOR RENT
MINEOLA
One bedroom
(Plus a bonus room)
Absolutely mint!
Asking $2000 Heat included Rummel Real Estate Call Mary Ann 516-606-3790
HOMES FOR SALE
x
GARAGE SPACE WANTED
Seeking an immediate safe garage rental for an Antique Car. Long Term. Please call Al: 516-284-9251
SERVICES
JACK’S CUSTOM FRAMING
We can frame anything! Quality Care & Workmanship
Thousands of frames to choose from!!
Over 30 years in business!
92 Covert Ave, Stewart Manor 516-775-9495
Roslyn Office space for SubletIMMEDIATE AVAILABILITY
Location: 1400 Old Northern Blvd. 2nd Floor, Roslyn NY 11576. Total approximately 700 sq feet. Two large interior offices, one about 250 sq feet and the second approximately 450 sq feet. Offered for rent at $1100 (per month). Within a large office suite on the top floor of a beautifully maintained building. Perfect for attorney, financial professional, or as a Long Island satellite office. INCLUDED: Shared kitchen, conference room, elect/ac/heat, common area cleaning and elevator. furnished (optional). Plenty of parking. Contact: Lisa Sicurelli, lsicurelli@ambabstract.com or call 516-626-0900.
PROFESSIONAL HOME ORGANIZER
Need help decluttering? Organizing?
Garden City resident who has a passion for organizing household items; toys, clothes, kitchens, garages, attics, basements. References available Call Liz Annese 917-679-5553
SUNFLOWER FINE ART GALLERIES MIRRORS
PICTURE FRAMING
Paintings
Art/Photo Restoration
Printing, Hanging Services
Shadowboxes, Smiles
6 A Terminal Road West Hempstead, NY 11552
www.sunflowerfineart.com
@SunflowerArtGuy 516-747-7406
ATTORNEY
STEPHANIE A. D’ANGELO, ESQ.
Elder Law, Wills & Trusts
Asset Preservation, Estate Planning, Probate & Estate Administration/Litigation 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530 516-222-1122 www.dangelolawassociates.com
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
AMBIANCE
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
*Handyman & Remodeling
*Kitchen Installations
*Furniture Assembly
*Finish Carpentry
*Minor Electrical & Plumbing
28 year GC Resident
Lic & Ins H18E2170000 Call BOB 516-741-2154
FREE ESTIMATES
Extensions, Kitchens, Baths, Basements, Carpentry Work, Porticos, Siding, Dormers, Stone, New Construction & Conversions, Mason Work, Stone.
Insured. Please Call 516-581-9146
LAMPS FIXED $65
In home service. Handy Howard. 646-996-7628
LEAK REPAIRS
24 Hour Service
Bathrooms, showers, Kitchens Call 516-668-5624
SERVICES
MADE IN THE SHADE
CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS
Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Draperies
Top Brands at Discount Prices! Family owned & operated www.madeintheshadensli.com 516-426-2890
MASONRY
All types of stonework
Pavers, Retaining Walls, Belgium Block Patios, Foundations, Seal coating, Concrete and Asphalt driveways, Sidewalks, Steps.
Free Estimates
Fully Licensed & Insured
#H2219010000
Boceski Masonry Louie 516-850-4886
SERVICES
HEALTH SERVICES
FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC
Dr. Ann Marie D’Angelo PMHCNS-BC
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Advanced Practice Nurse Care Manager
Assistance with Aging at Home /Care Coordintion
Nursing Home & Assisted Living Placement
PRI / Screens / Mini Mental Status Exams
Medicaid Eligibility and Apllications 516-248-9323
www.familycareconnections .com 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530
CLASSIFIEDS
SERVICES
PAINTING & PAPERHANGING
MICHELANGELO
PAINTING & WALLPAPER
Interior, Exterior, Plaster / Spackle, Light Carpentry, Decorative Moldings & Power Washing. Call: 516-328-7499 CLEANING
PROFESSIONAL HOME & OFFICE CLEANING
You’re just one call away !! from a clean home or office.
Thorough and Professional Cleaning at affordable rates! Call today for Free Estimate Anna: 516-360-8340
SERVICES
A & J MOVING & STORAGE:
Established 1971. Long Island and New York State specialists. Residential, Commercial, Piano & Organ experts. Boxes available. Free estimates. www. ajmoving .com 516-741-2657 114 Jericho Tpk, Mineola NYDOT# 10405
DISH TV
$59.99 for 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Call 1-800-609-9405
Love to write?
We are looking for articles on local topics, opinions, ideas, nice places to visit on Long Island, and even fiction. In our Discover magazine section, we will try to feature one new article and writer each week. Each writer will be reimbursed a stipend of $25.00, and articles should be between 1,500 and 3,000 words. If you want to be published and be part of an issue of Discovery, you may submit your article to: editor@gcnews.com
Place an ad for anything you need in our classifieds section! Call 294-8900 for rates and information.
Local college students were among the more than 1,500 New York Institute of Technology students named to the university’s Spring 2020 Presidential Honor List. To qualify for the Presidential Honor List, a student must achieve a minimum semester GPA of 3.7 and complete at least 12 credit hours without any incomplete grades. Here are the local New York Tech students who made the list:
Bethpage
Julia Andor, Shannon Capuano, Stephanie Contreras, James Fitzpatrick, Chandrika Kumari, Leonidas Papadopoulos, Joseph Pereira, Navleen Singh
Glen Head
Elan Adhami, Bernadette Gunther, Isabella Moshe, Sana Naeem, Shelby Tesoriero
Hicksville
Kierstin Bloom, Akil Boby, Fardeen Choudhury, Kanika Gupta, Ryan Harran, Melissa Adrita Kamruzzaman, Zarmina
College Notes
Khan, Raghav Khurana, Rajvee Leuva, Olga Muka, Eboni Odom, Tej Patel, Rithvik Peeriga, Sabrina Popal, Mandip Prajapati, Nabiya Qureshi, Sakina Rahim, Gurpreet Singh, Sukhpreet Singh, Sukhraj Singh, Yurika Takadachi
Jericho
Serin Ahn, Luqman Bandagi, Rishi Kumar, Shiveen Kumar, Mehreen Majeed, Federica Moreschetti, Baizeed Mosfique, Srikrishna Prasad Levittown
Bhargava Arunachalam, Jessica Fusaro, Alex Heras
Old Bethpage
Abraheem Ahmad
Plainview
Bora Apack, Thomas D’Agostino, Maha Essani, Shannon Firooz, Sameer Kazi, Alexandra Kideris, Christine Lee, Angad Sudan
Syosset
Craig Carras, Sayyada Dewji, Robert
Doxey, Samiha Gaffar, Thomas Goldrick, Charon Hu, Salam Jalili, Ryan Ma, Mabin Mathew, Kevin Park, Sona Santy, Derick-Louie Trinidad, Lynnie Yang Woodbury
Arhum Ahmed, Joshua Collet, Robert Kula, Siem Satti, Karanbir Singh n
Janis Chen of Syosset, Carly Scognamiglio of East Norwich and Olivia Belluomo of Plainview qualified for the Fall 2020 Dean’s List at Belmont University. Eligibility is based on a minimum course load of 12 hours and a quality grade point average of 3.5 with no grade below a C. n
Three local students have been named Presidential Scholars for the Fall 2020 semester at Clarkson University.
Paolo Antonio Martino of Jericho, a freshman majoring in business studies, was named a Presidential Scholar for the Fall 2020 semester at Clarkson University.
Claudia Cathleen Scala of Glen Head,
a freshman majoring in civil engineering, was named a Presidential Scholar for the Fall 2020 semester at Clarkson University.
Timothy Maxwell Elicks of Syosset, a freshman majoring in mechanical engineering, was named a Presidential Scholar for the Fall 2020 semester at Clarkson University.
Presidential Scholars must achieve a minimum 3.80 grade-point average and carry at least 14 credit hours.
n
Tyler Scognamiglio of East Norwich, a junior majoring in civil engineering, was named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2020 semester at Clarkson University.
Dean’s List students must achieve a minimum 3.25 grade-point average and also carry at least 14 credit hours.
n
Jordan Blank of Plainview graduated from The University of Tampa on Saturday, Dec. 5. Blank graduated with a Bachelor of Science in marketing.
HOLIDAY PACKAGES
Available November 20, 2020 - January 3, 2021 for lunch and dinner • Take out only
PACKAGE #1 $80 Plus Tax
• (2) 18” regular pizzas • 1/2 tray chicken parmigiana • Complimentary Bottle of Cabernet or Pinot Grigio
PACKAGE #2 $115 Plus Tax
• (2) 18” regular pizzas • 1/2 tray Caesar salad
• 1/2 tray chicken parmigiana • Complimentary Bottle of Cabernet or Pinot Grigio
PACKAGE #3 $145 Plus Tax
• (1) 18” regular pizzas • 1/2 tray Caesar salad
• 1/2 tray chicken parmigiana
• 1/2 tray penne ala vodka • Complimentary Bottle of Cabernet or Pinot Grigio
*Additional items may be purchased at regular menu price. *Toppings available for additional cost; may not be combined with any other coupon, discount, offer or Groupon; prices do not include tax or gratuity; available for take out only; no substitutions.*
CATERING MENU
APPETIZER SELECTIONS
ANTIPASTO
$80
Homemade mozzarella, oven roasted sweet red peppers, genoa salami, sicilian olives
ASSORTED BAKED PINWHEELS
$70
Variety of spinach, pepperoni, buffalo chicken and sausage and bacon rolls, served with a side of sauce
GRIMALDIS ORIGINAL RECIPE
BUFFALO WINGS
$80
Buffalo wings tossed with our homemade buffalo sauce. Served with celery and carrots and choice of blue cheese or ranch
BRUSCHETTA
$70
Seasoned chopped tomatoes, topped with a parmesan dusting served on crustini bread
TOMATO MOZZARELLA
$80
Large slices of tomato and fresh mozzarella with a basil pesto drizzle over a bed of greens
18” DESSERT PLATTER
18” SALAD SELECTIONS
House $80
Caesar
Chopped
Spinach
Portobello
Mediterranean
Add Fresh Mozzarella
$15
$70
$80
$80
$80
$80
Add Grilled Chicken
$20
Add Salami $15
ENTREÉ SELECTIONS
Chicken Parmigiana
Chicken Marsala
Eggplant Parmigiana
Eggplant Rollatini
Penne Ala Vodka
Half Full
$55 $95
$60 $100
$55 $95
$55 $90
$50 $80
Grimaldi’s Gift Certificate Sale! For Every $50 Grimaldi’s Gift Certificate Purchased, Receive a $20 Complimentary Gift Certificate. Available ONLY Monday, December 14 through Thursday, December 24 Cash Only! Gift certificates are $50 denominations only in order to receive a complimentary $20. Maximum purchase amout $250. Cannot be redeemed for gratuity. Only one redeemed per table, per visit. Change will be in a gift certificate form. $50 gift certificates Do Not Expire. $20 complimentary gift certificates are valid from 1/2/21 to 12/30/21
Combination of Jr. Cheese Cake, Cannoli, Chocolate Decadence and Rice Pudding
Penne Bolognese
$80
Grimaldi’s Cannoli Platters (15 cannolis) $75
GRIMALDI’S PARTIES
ARE BACK!! 50 Guests or Under
$55 $90
We Are Open For Inside Dining at 50% Capacity
You must wear a mask to and from the tables. Thank you for your cooperation Now Accepting Reservations For Parties of 6 or More
A $25 fee will be applied if canceling within 3 hours of reservation.
The safety and protection of our customers and employees is Grimaldi’s top priority. Masks are required to and from tables please.
SUNDAY - THURSDAY 11:30-9 FRIDAY & SATURDAY 11:30-10
