Syosset Advance (7/5/19)

T HE C LASS OF 2019

Syosset High School seniors graduated on June 26th at ceremonies at Hofstra University. Above, graduates exit the ceremony after receiving their diplomas. See page 12

Environmental Town Hall on July 30th

New York State Senator Jim Gaughran will be holding an Environmental Town Hall on Tuesday, July 30 from 7-9 pm at the Gold Coast Public Library, 50 Railroad Ave., Glen Head. The event will be focused on environmental issues. Senator Gaughran will update constituents on what legislation was passed this session including the Climate Leadership And Community Protection Act (CCPA). He will answer questions, and take suggestions on what else can be done to protect our environment.

Hospital partners with TOB on skin cancer prevention

BY RIKKI N. MASSAND

On Thursday June 20 administrative officials from Syosset Hospital at 221 Jericho Turnpike invited the business community and residents to June’s Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce general meeting. Inside the hospital’s conference room, the theme of the meeting turned to celebrations of connectivity, community outreach and awareness. Earlier in the day on June 20 Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Town Councilman Steve Labriola, and other elected officials participated in a press conference with Syosset Hospital/ Plainview Hospital to promote the 16 sunscreen dispenser sites now available at local pools, Community Park, and golf courses.

According to Christine Patti, community relations manager for Syosset Hospital, the kickoff with sunscreen dispenser promotion is a start to this summer’s community events by Syosset Hospital and the Town, including free skin cancer screenings and educational programs scheduled for July and August.

“We participated in an event at Syosset Woodbury Community Park this afternoon as Syosset Hospital has partnered with Plainview Hospital and the Town of Oyster Bay. If you have been to area beaches or pools lately, you will see our partnership with the town providing free sunscreen available in dispensers at local parks, pools and golf courses. Today we kicked off this program

at the Community Park with the director of Syosset Hospital and Town Supervisor Saladino joining us to speak about the importance of skin cancer prevention, which is very important to us at the hospital. Here on Long Island we have so many pools, beaches and parks that we really need to take care of ourselves and wear sunscreen,” she said.

Alan Goldberg, who is chairman of the Chamber’s 2019 Syosset Street Fair Committee, said Mike Palazzolo of Island Signs & Graphics (235-O Robbins Lane) was the vendor who printed and built signage for the sunscreen dispenser promotion. “It is cool that we have members of the local business community chipping in for the cause and the project,” Goldberg said.

Maureen Nickel, owner of BrightStar Homecare in Woodbury, is the Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce vice president. She welcomed the 45 local businesspeople and Northwell Health administrators gathered at the Chamber meeting and noted that for Town of Oyster Bay residents, emails were sent out on June 20 regarding community events sponsored by Syosset Hospital and Plainview Hospital. “Many of our (BrightStar’s) local patients are either those who have Alzheimer’s/dementia or orthopaedic problems, and/or both and the majority of them would be in their 80s. From my first hand experience in dealing with people, so many patients who have come

See page 4

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Transformative bill

To the Editor:

One of the final transformative bills that the New York Legislature passed in the waning days of the legislation session is the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act ‘CLCPA’ This law will transform the way in which New York powers itself, shifting away from toxic, dirty fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy sources.

It is a sweeping plan to address one of the pressing issues of this generation -- our climate is changing, we live on an island, and we must take steps to reverse generations of pollution.

Our environment is our most precious resource. But it’s also a finite resource. One we must proactively protect, through subtle changes to our habits like switching to reusable bags in place of plastic, and encouraging investments into clean energy.

Not only will this legislation change the way we heat our homes, fuel our cars, and power our buildings, but it will create good-paying jobs and grow our economy. It protects communities that have long been burdened by pollution; neighborhoods that were swept underwater during Superstorm Sandy, and generations to come of children who will breathe cleaner air, enjoy safe drinking water, and reap the benefits a protected environment has to offer.

The CLCPA will help reverse centu-

ries of pollution.

Like many transformative policies, the CLCPA has its skeptics. There are those who quite simply do not believe that our climate is changing, our tides rising, our air harder to breathe. There are those who think protecting our environment is too costly a price to pay, an unworthy investment.

I too, remember when skeptics doubted mandatory seat belts, when critics questioned the need for labeling pesticides used on our fruit, when smoking was considered safe. The safety of our roads and our health was ultimately too important. Those policies went into effect, and we are safer for them.

It is cheaper, easier, and smarter to fix a problem before it exacerbates past the point of being able to fix. Superstorm Sandy cost the United States $65 billion in damage. One storm. $65 billion. It set parts of our region back decades; some areas are still recovering. Our nation faces dozens of severe storms like Sandy each year. What if our behavior and our actions could prevent, or slow, these natural disasters from taking place?

Years from now, our children and our children’s children will thank us for this promise we are making, to leave them with a cleaner environment than the one we inherited.

New York State Senator Jim Gaughran

Bus trip to Sands Casino

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas will host a bus trip to Sands Casino in Bethlehem, PA, on Tuesday, July 23.

Cost: $43 per person, which includes the driver’s tip

Slot Play: $30 slot play.

Time: Please arrive at 8:30

am. Return approx. 8:30 pm.

Parking: # 999 So. Oyster Bay Road (dead end)

Reservations: Call Barbara at (516) 935-5576

Please make checks payable to CDA.  The first to pay is the first on the bus, etc.

Do you have a ser vice to advertise?

Our Ser vice Directory is sure to bring results. Call 516-294-8900 for rates and information.

Free skin cancer screenings

County Legislator Joshua

and Dermatology,

For the second consecutive year, Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan (Woodbury), in partnership with Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg and Dr. Eve Lupenko, is scheduled to provide free skin cancer screenings for residents of the 18th Legislative District on the afternoon of Monday, July 8.

According to experts, skin cancers are the most common type of cancer,

and the American Cancer Society estimates that 5.4 million cases of basal and squamous skin cancers are diagnosed each year.

Screenings will take place from 3–6 pm and appointments are required. Contact Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology at 516-364-8200 or visit greenbergcosmeticsurgery.com to schedule an appointment.

Nassau

Lafazan (Woodbury, center) with Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery

Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg (right) and Dr. Eve Lupenko (left).

This Week at the Syosset P ublic Library

Friday, July 5 at 10:30 AM

Let's Chat

Presenter: Beth Matlin, MSW

Meet with other seniors to discuss the common challenges and issues we encounter growing older in today’s society. Free no registration required.

Thursday, July 11 at 2:00 PM

The History of Impeachment

Presenter: James Coll, Adjunct Professor of American and Constitutional history at Nassau Community College and Hofstra University and a retired NYPD detective This lecture will help us look at the constitutional process of impeachment and when it has been used in the past. This is a non-partisan discussion.

Friday, July 12 at 2:00 PM

The Charismatic Peter O'Toole

Presenter: Marc Courtade,

executive director, Huntington Arts Council

The lecture will discuss Peter O’Toole’s rise to fame in the 1962 epic film  “Lawrence of Arabia.” An Irish bookmaker’s son, he was known as much for his hell-raising as for acting. His film career spanned over forty years. He made many excellent films such as  “Becket” and  “The Lion in Winter” and many awful ones, but he never gave a dull performance. O’Toole had the most Academy Award nominations with no wins. He was given an Honorary Oscar in 2003 for lifetime achievement.

Programs will take place at the Syosset Public Library.   225 South Oyster Bay Rd. Syosset. For more information, go to www. syossetlibrary.org

Are you a professional?

Our Professional Guide is sure to bring results. Call 516-294-8900 for rates and information.

Village School bids farewell to f ifth-graders

The Village Elementary School family extends a fond farewell to our fifth-graders. It wishes them all the best as they continue on their journey to South Woods Middle School and the many new opportunities and challenges ahead.

Hospital partners with TOB on skin cancer prevention

From page 1

to Syosset Hospital for their orthopaedic needs, especially their hips and knees, patients but were going somewhere else prior. We can’t say enough of their team here and in surgery. We thank Syosset Hospital for being a part of our community,” Nickel said.

On Sunday, July 21 Northwell Health Syosset Hospital is hosting its Heart & Soul 5K and Fun Run.

“We co-host this event in conjunction with Plainview Hospital as it will be at Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School. Some of our very generous sponsors in the room include our bronze sponsor, Russell P. Green from RPG Wealth Management, and Jose Viera from Naot Footwear in Woodbury Village (host for the July 18 Chamber of Commerce meeting). We have many great sponsors and vendors involved as we really try to promote local businesses in our community. Thank you so much for working to promote the 5K and fun run prior to it for kids under 12. After the race we

old an exciting raffle, and anyone registered to run in the race gets entered into the raffle,” Patti said. Prizes will include gift cards and game tickets to the Long Island Ducks.

A half-dozen staff members on hand to welcome the Chamber at the June 20 meeting work in both Northwell Health locations of Syosset and Plainview. Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs of Syosset and Plainview Hospitals (Northwell Health) Dr. Alan Mench was a physician in private practice in the community for over 35 years, with his office on South Oyster Bay Road off of Woodbury Road.

“You’ll hear a lot about Plainview and Syosset and I am sure most of you get the sense that we are sister hospitals. Prior to becoming full-time Northwell Health administration I had my practice on the Syosset and Plainview border. Welcome, and we are here to serve you,” Dr. Mench said.

Syosset Hospital’s Chief Nursing Officer and Associate Executive Director of Patient Care Services Marianna

Town installs new member to Board of Ethics

The Town of Oyster Bay recently insatlled Hal Simon of Plainview as the newest member of the Town of Oyster Bay’s Board of Ethics.  Mr. Simon will serve on the panel through December 31, 2022.

Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino stated, “I welcome Mr. Simon to the Board of Ethics and thank him for volunteering his time to serving the public on this important committee, which helps advance accountability and transparency at Town Hall.  To restore the public’s trust in government, my

administration has appointed this new independent Board of Ethics, as well as an Inspector General who once worked with the CIA, FBI and DEA.  Together, we demand the highest level of ethics and accountability in government.”

On June 18, 2019, the Town Board unanimously appointed Mr. Simon as the newest member of the Board of Eth ics.  Mr. Simon, a corporate supervisor for Ben’s Kosher Delicatessen establish ments, works professionally to stream line operations and maximize team per formance.

Are you a professional?

Our Professional Guide is sure to bring results. Call 294-8900 for rates and information.

Vasquez, RN, addressed the business community on June 20 to update them on Syosset Hospital’s standing among regional healthcare facilities.

“It’s a great opportunity for all of us who work at the hospital to get to meet the community. You and your employees are the people that we serve and it’s good for you to get to know us as well. Syosset Hospital as well as Plainview Hospital, Northwell Health, are here to serve you. We are continuing to provide predominantly Orthopaedics and surgery here at Syosset Hospital but we also maintain a very robust Ophthalmology program with addressing over 6,000 eye cases annually. We also have a pain management program and a fully active emergency department,” Vasquez said.

She explained Syosset Hospital’s certifications in Orthopaedics, as the hospital was recently recertified in spine surgery by the Joint Commission. Syosset Hospital is certified in knee, hip and bariatrics as well, plus advanced diabetes.

“We are always continuing to look for opportunities to raise the bar on the services we provide for the community,” Vasquez told the Chamber audience. Syosset Hospital Northwell Health’s James Baker, who is completing five years on the board of directors of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce, commended the business community and liaisons on the outreach in Syosset, “giving us the opportunity to work with each other and really share what we do best.” Baker, a Rockville Centre resident, also welcomed Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce members at the June 20 meeting and said Syosset Hospital strives to provide the best healthcare experiences.

The next Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce meeting is scheduled for Thursday July 18, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. at Naot Footwear (7965 Jericho Turnpike) in Woodbury Village, behind Chase Bank and in between Starbucks and Ben’s Kosher Deli.

Syosset students join elite scholars from across country

Two Syosset CSD students, both of whom attend Nassau BOCES Barry Tech, were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society recently. They are Justin Cardno (right), who is studying police science and criminal justice, and Matthew Lin, who is studying computer game design and programming.

Four Syosset CSD students attending Nassau BOCES Barry Tech were recently inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS). These outstanding scholars earned membership in the distinguished organization through superior academic achievement, dedicated community service and the enthusiastic endorsement of their teachers.

The 2019 NTHS inductees are: Justin Cardno, who is studying police science and criminal justice at Barry Tech; Robert Dowd, an aviation operations student; medical assisting student Erin Lim and Matthew Lin, who is studying computer game design and programming.

“Nassau BOCES is extremely proud of our NTHS scholars,” said Dr. Carla Theodorou, executive director of the Department of Regional Schools and Instructional Programs. “Barry Tech students have the advanced technical knowledge, integrity and maturity that will give them an advantage in new and emerging industries. Our students

represent the best of what our region will need to support the growing tech industries on Long Island.”

Membership in the NTHS is the nation’s highest honor for excellence in career and technical education. These students have consistently distinguished themselves by exemplifying exceptional qualities, such as honesty, leadership, responsibility and good character. They are the embodiment of the NTHS vision, “success favors the prepared mind.”

The NTHS is recognized by business, industry and education as the standard for student achievement and leadership in career and technical education. Membership in the NTHS helps students find success in today’s highly competitive workplace by encouraging scholastic achievement and cultivating a desire for excellence. Members are awarded personalized letters of recommendation for employment, college admission and scholarships, and have their diplomas and training certificates stamped with the official NTHS seal.

Advertise in our papers!

If you own a business or have a service to provide, we’ll create professional advertisements to promote it and help you be seen by thousands of local readers! Call 1-516-294-8900 to inquire!

Apollo anniversary celebrated at Children’s Museum

Long Island Children’s Museum will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the moon landing in a variety of programs this week … from science workshops to story time and cooking programs. Come celebrate this historic achievement at LICM.

Mash-up Banks

Monday, July 15 through Friday, July 19 at 1, 1:40, 2:20 and 3 p.m.

Join us in the inner lobby for some animal mash-up fun as you create your own coin bank. Save your coins in a oneof-kind animal mash up creation. Use paint, foam and a variety of materials to make the ultimate creative creature!

Ages: 3 and up. Fee: $5 with Museum admission ($4 LICM members).

Calling Young Scientists:

Marvelous Moon

Monday, July 15 at 1:30 and 3 p.m.

Calling Young Scientists! Our moon orbits around the Earth just as our planet orbits around the sun. It reflects light back to us, controls our tides and goes through phases. Come celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo Moon Landing as you learn more about this beautiful satellite.

Ages: 5 and up. Fee: $4 with Museum admission ($3 LICM members).

Green Teens

Tuesday, July 16 and Thursday, July 18 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Explore the worlds of science and nature with the Green Teens this summer in Our Backyard! Each week, dig deeper into the unknown through hands-on learning experiences on alternative energy, water, habitats, and more. This program is made possible with the support of National Grid.

Ages: 3 and up. Free with Museum admission.

stART (Story + Art)

Tuesday, July 16 and Thursday, July 18 from 1-1:30 p.m.

Join us each week as we read childhood classics and introduce new favor-

ites; followed by a take-home, book-inspired craft. This week we’re reading “Rocket Countdown” by Nick Sharratt. After the story, create your own rocket glider to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing!

Ages: 3-5. Fee: $3 with museum admission ($2 LICM members).

Kid Chat: Candid Conversations About

Caring for Children

Wednesday, July 17 at 10 a.m.

Join in guided conversation where mothers and other caregivers can have open dialogue and socialize with one another as their child plays in the TotSpot area. Space is limited to facilitate conversation flow. This month’s topic: Summer Fun

Free with museum admission.

Music and Movement

Wednesday, July 17 from 11:30 a.m. – noon

Enjoy creative movement exercises and interactive sing-alongs that get little bodies moving to the rhythm.

Ages: 5 and under. Fee: $3 with museum admission ($2 LICM members).

Whimsical Wind Chimes

Wednesday, July 17 at 3 p.m.

Come learn about the history of wind chimes and the concepts of balance and movement. Experiment with patterns and make your own beaded wind chime to add to your garden.

Ages: 5 and up. Material fee: $5 with Museum admission ($4 LICM members).

Kids in the Kitchen Family Series

Friday, July 19 at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

LICM’s popular Early Childhood program expands in the summer to welcome older siblings who enjoy time in the kitchen. Little chefs use real cooking tools (with some help from adults) as we make easy, yummy, kid-friendly snacks from start to finish. Learn about healthy eating and fun ways to stay active with a new exercise activity every week! This week’s healthy treat:

Mini Moon Pizza.

This program made possible with the support of Cohen Children’s Medical Center/Kohl’s Care.

Ages: 3-8. Material fee: $5 with museum admission ($4 LICM members).

Citizen Science: Monarch Larva Monitoring

Project

Friday, July 19 at 2 p.m.

Come be a citizen scientist and study monarch butterflies in LICM’s Milkweed Garden. By measuring plants, rainfall and monarch eggs you will be collecting real data that scientists at the University of Minnesota Monarch Lab can analyze! Your data will help them understand butterfly migration and will help conserve this threatened species. Each Friday afternoon meet at the front desk to collect information and see how these plants are habitat for visiting monarchs.

This program is made possible with the support of the Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives at Arizona State University.

Ages: 4 and up. Free with Museum admission.

Apollopalooza

Saturday, July 20 from noon to 3 p.m.

On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 landed on the Moon. Come celebrate the anniversary of this momentous step in space history as you learn about astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, explore rocket science, and more!

Ages: 3 and up. Free with Museum admission.

STEM Discoveries

Sunday, July 21 from noon to 2 p.m.

Come explore the worlds of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Create, experiment, and tinker as you spark your curiosity. This week we’re celebrating the moon landing by making moon phase crowns.

Ages: 4 and up. Free with Museum admission.

Messy Afternoon

Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21 from 3:30-5 p.m.

We’ll be up to our elbows in oobleck, clean mud and slime … and we hope you’ll join us for the type of artistic activities that everyone loves, but not one likes to clean-up after. Except us!

Ages: 18 months – 4 years. Free with museum admission.

Summer Exhibit: Mash-up Menagerie

Monday, July 1-

Sunday, September 1

Walk through the mouth of a whion (whale + lion), slide down an elester (elephant + rooster) and manipulate the legs and eyes of an octamoose (octopus + moose) in this summer exhibit devoted to creativity and imagination.

Join artist-in-residence Scott Larrabee in a summer of creative collaboration. Visitors are confronted with the frames of mixed-up animals and challenged to help finish these fantastical beasts. What type of hide would these hybrid creatures have? Should their coloring be neon bright or camouflage? Over the course of eight weeks, animals evolve through visitors’ imagination and design ingenuity.

Families are encouraged to return throughout the summer to contribute to the growth of the Museum’s mapcap menagerie and watch the changes these creatures undergo on a daily basis. All ages. Free with Museum admission.

All activities will be held at the Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Avenue, Garden City, NY. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Museum Hours: Daily from 10 am.-5 p.m. in July-August (except national holidays). Museum admission: $14 for adults and children over 1 year old, $13 seniors, FREE to museum members and children under 1 year old. Additional fees for theater and special programs may apply. For additional information, contact 516-224-5800.

UNESCO Natural Monument, Lipizaner Horses, Medieval City of Piran Complete the Gems of 8-day ‘Emerald’

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

When I signed up for Biketours. com’s guided eight-day “Emerald Tour of Slovenia’s Gems” bike tour, I was expecting sprawling landscapes and quaint villages. What I wasn’t expecting was to be surprised each day by some unique attraction. The final days of the trip bring us to the stud farm in Lipica where the famous Lipizaner horses, so identified with Vienna, Austria, were first bred, to Skocjan Caves, so special as to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the enchanting medieval city (and surprising beachtown) of Piran.

Day 5: Štanjel – Lipica – Divaca (30 miles/48 km)

Our fourth day of riding brings us first to the lovely village and botanical garden in Sežana, which is at the stop of a high hill (all castles are), in a very quaint village.

We stop in a nearby village to buy food for lunch and picnic in a rather scenic spot under a tree just next to a cemetery.

Then it’s on to the stud farm of Lipica, where we visit these beautiful thoroughbred Lipizaner horses whose glistening white coats and gentle, graceful dancing have earned them a worldwide reputation. The history of the Lipica horses is closely linked to the Vienna riding school, because this part of the country used to be part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. They continue to breed and train the famed horses here.

Founded some 430 years ago, this is claimed to be the oldest stud farm in the

world. The Archduke of Austria bought it in 1580 - the Turkish Empire had invaded and Austrians needed horses for the military. They bred the local karst horse – well built, muscular, intelligent, long lived –with Spanish stallions and later Arabian and Italian stallions.

We get to visit the stables and learn

that the white color is the result of selective breeding from the 1750s, but not all the horses are white.

We visit the stables, the Lipikum Museum, the museum of carriages, an art gallery, and on the way out, see the horses in pastures, tree avenues (they used to plant trees in honor of the horses that were sent to Vienna).

There are other experiences available here (including a luxury hotel and casino), but we have arrived at the end of the day. We finish the day’s ride at the Hotel Malovec, where the owner, a butcher, also

See page D2

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

UNESCO Natural Monument, Lipizaner Horses, Medieval City of Piran Complete the Gems of 8-day ‘Emerald’

Continued from page D1

opened a restaurant (he also owns the Hotel Kras where we stayed in Postojna). I have a massive t-bone steak.

Day 6: Divaca – Muggia (23 miles/38 km)

This day offers the most varied of experiences, beginning with a hike through Skocjan Caves (a UNESCO natural monument), biking 39 km through countryside to the picturesque town of Muggia on the Bay of Trieste, where we arrive early enough in the afternoon to get to swim in the Adriatic (or we can take the ferry into Trieste).

Visiting the Skocjan Caves is no less spec-

tacular than the Postojna Caves (minus the thrilling train ride) but the experience is quite different - this is more of a hike, but unbelievably spectacular – the highlight is walking over a bridge 45 meters above a roaring river.

Ranking among the most important caves in the world, the caves, one of the largest known underground canyons in the world were designated a UNESCO natural world heritage site in 1986.

What distinguishes Škocjan Caves from other caves and places it among the most famous underground features in the world is the exceptional volume of the underground canyon and the Rika River that still rushes through. An

underground channel is 3.5 km long, 10 to 60 m wide and over 140 m high. At some points, it expands into huge underground chambers. The largest of these is Martel’s Chamber with a volume of 2.2 million cubic m, believed to be the largest discovered underground chamber in Europe and one of the largest in the world.

The existence of the cave has been known since ancient times (and the area is rich with archeological sites), but concerted exploration of Škocjan Caves began in 1884. Explorers reached the banks of Mrtvo jezero (Dead Lake) in 1890. Silent Cave (Tiha jama) was discovered in 1904, when some local men climbed the 60-metre wall of Müller Hall (Müllerjeva dvorana). Then, in 1990, nearly 100 years after Dead Lake was discovered, Slovenian divers managed to swim through the siphon Ledeni dihnik and discovered 200 m of new cave passages.

The cave is colossal, other worldly, that takes your breath away as you walk through in the course of this 2-hour, 2 km tour, during which we will climb/descend some 500 steps.

There are two main parts to the cave that we get to visit Thajama (Silent Cave), the part that was discovered in 1904, and “Water Murmuring” Cave (more like water roaring), which has been opened to tourists since 1933.

We are marched through the cave (they have an extraordinary number of visitors each day) and periodically stop for the guide to give us narration. We are informed about the collapsed ceiling in the Silent Cave, the result of an earthquake 12,000 years ago.

The canyon’s most spectacular sight is the enormous Martel Chamber. The Great Chamber is 120 meters long, 30 meters high. It takes 100 years for 1 cm of stalagmite to grow, and we see the biggest “dreamstone,” Giant, 15 meters tall.

We see a square pool of water which was

carved by the first explorers and the original stairs that were carved with hand tools by these early explorers – mind-boggling to contemplate. They originally came into the cave following the river, to find a supply of drinkable water for Trieste.

We walk over the suspension bridge, 45 meters above the river – an incomparable thrill. Prone to flooding, as recently as 1965, the river rose 106 meters higher, almost to the ceiling, so the entire cave would have been underwater. You almost swoon with the depth below and height above and space all around – you feel so small. Looking back to the other side, the flow of people coming down the lighted trails look ants.

At the very end, there is an odd area where tourists from a century ago used to actually carve names into the rock.

We come through the enormous opening –there is an option to take a cable car back up, but I am delighted to continue to hike. You come upon a dazzling view down to the rushing water flooding through an opening in the rock. You again get a sense of scale by how small the people are nearest to the rushing water.

It’s very cool in the caves and you should wear decent footgear and a hat (water drips down).

(Skocjan Cave is open daily, but you enter with an organized tour at specified times; 16E/ adults, 12E/Seniors & students, 7.5E children, travelslovenia.org/skocjan-caves/)

With a cheer of “Gremo!” (“Let’s go”), from Vlasta, our guide, we’re off.

Vlasta is good natured and good hearted, patient and considerate. She knows how to organize and keep us in order without being tough, and has a great sense of humor.

We picnic again, this time along the country road (not as scenic as yesterday’s cemetery)

amid sounds of a new highway.

Our ride today, 42 km, is mostly downhill, some of it along the seacoast, to get to Muggia, on the Bay of Trieste, where we overnight at the Hotel San Rocco, a very pleasant seaside hotel in the marina (with its own swimming pool).

We arrive about 3:30 in the afternoon and have the option to take the convenient ferry (half-hour) to Trieste (I had come through Muggia (and Trieste) the week before on the Venice-Trieste-Istria biketour.). I decide to have a leisurely afternoon, enjoying swimming in the Adriatic off the stone beach, and then walking through the picturesque town.

A few of us took the ferry into the city of Trieste in Italy - once an important port with its worldly flair and wonderful atmosphere –where you could visit the castle, cathedral and Piazza Unita central square.

We have a farewell dinner at a delightful waterfront restaurant in the plaza outside the hotel Vlasta, our guide -ever patient, considerate, excellent humor, knowledgeable, she asks us to vote, “Democracy rules,” and tailors the experience to what the group wants – will be leaving us after she delivers us to our end-point in Piran the next day and presents us with certificates of completion of the tour.

Day 7: Muggia – Piran (23 miles/37 km or 30 miles/48 km with side trip)

Today’s ride, 46 km from Muggia to Piran, brings us along the coastal road on a new cycling path following a former railway line. There are beautiful vistas of Slovene coast (Slovenia has only 44 km of shoreline).

We ride through Koper, a major port city, which also has a picturesque old town and Tito Square, one of few squares still with Tito’s name. There is a beautiful Romanesque cathedral and a town hall and a market.

There is an exquisite view of Izola from top of trail at first of three tunnels which were built for trains, and now is used for the rail-trail.

We stop at a restaurant in the fashionable resort of Portorož before riding into the adjacent

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

village of Piran, on the tip of a peninsula. On my prior trip, we had come to Portoroz but not as far as Piran, and now I see how enchanting this tiny Venetian harbor village is.

Our hotel, the Art Hotel Tartini (very chic, it prides itself on looking artfully unfinished), overlooks the massive piazza, and is steps away from the rocky border that serves as a beach for people to swim in the Adriatic. The hotel has beautiful outdoor patio/bar and rooftop bar. My balcony overlooks the main square.

I go off to explore – finding myself on this last full day in Slovenia much as the first: climbing fortress walls that oversee the city.

I visit the historic church and walk the Town Walls (2E to climb) that offers a spectacular view of the Peninsula (it occurs to me the symmetry of ending my Slovenia biketour the same way I started, looking down at the city from castle walls). The fort dates from the 10th century – the Venetians ruled for 500 years.

I go off to swim before meeting our group for our last dinner together, at the Ivo restaurant, right on the water where we are treated to a gorgeous sunset.

The next morning, I have more time to enjoy Piran before I catch my bus at the Portoroz bus station for the airport in Venice.

There is a pirate festival underway, and a Slovenian Navy battleship in the harbor (very possibly in celebration of the end of World War I a century earlier).

Art is everywhere in this whimsical, free-spirited place (women go bare-breasted; people change their bathing suits in public).

A free bus takes me one-third of the distance back to Portorose and I walk the rest of the way, along the glorious waterfront, to the station where I wait for the bus (flixbus. com) that will bring me back along much of the route I first traveled, back to Marco Polo International Airport in Venice, a chance to review in my mind the marvelous sights and experiences of the bike tour.

(I booked this 8-day “Emerald Tour of

Crossing the bridge 45 meters above the river in the colossal Skocjan Caves, so special as to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage site © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Slovenia’s Gems” guided bike tour through BikeTours.com, a broker which has an excellent catalog of well-priced guided and self-guided bike and bike/boat trips, mostly in Europe, and has very attentive counselors. Biketours.com, 1222 Tremont Street, Chattanooga, TN 37405, 423-756-8907, 877-462-2423, www.biketours. com, info@biketours.com)

© 2019 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

What’s different and fun this enjoyable summer!

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

Summer is here and the fact is that there is a lot more to summer than pool parties and barbecues. It’s beach time, it’s time to travel and it is time to explore new lands. For many of us it includes vacation time which means that we are free and unencumbered to do what we want to do when we want to do it.

Protecting Loggerhead Turtles

Edisto Beach, S.C., protects its loggerhead turtles every summer by keeping lights off its beaches so that the sea turtles can nest and hatch some new hatchlings peacefully. The Town of Edisto Beach, which is about 44 miles south of Charleston, has a web site that says that hatchlings make their way into the Atlantic Ocean after they emerge from their nests. They encourage visitors to be mindful to keep the

beaches free from debris of all kinds. Clean beaches help the hatchlings make their way into the ocean without interference. This is especially helpful as hatchlings face numerous predators once in the water and surviving to adulthood is a difficult feat. If you are new to Edisto, you may notice the turtle nests on the beach as they are marked with wooden sticks and orange tape to protect the nests. As the nests become mature, those involved with the Edisto Beach Loggerhead Turtle Project create a runway of sorts from the head of the nest down toward the water. This helps guide the turtles into the water. Visitors can watch the sea turtles but are reminded to keep their distance and asked not to disturb the process by taking any flash photos. Scientists note that from May to mid-August, loggerheads come ashore to deposit approximately 120 eggs in a nest cavity in the

dry sand dune system. Sixty days later, loggerhead hatchlings emerge from the nest at night and head to the ocean. Nests hatch from July through the end of October. These incredible reptiles got their name from their oversized head, which looks a bit like a big log. They have a large, reddish-brown, hard shell, a pale yellow underbelly (or ‘plastron’) and four flippers with two (or sometimes three) claws on each. If you want to learn more about sea turtles, check out the Edisto Beach State Park and attend one of their many turtle walks. (edistrobeach.com) Did you know that:

- A female loggerhead sea turtle may travel thousands of miles to nest her eggs on the same beach where she herself hatched as a baby.

- Newly hatched loggerheads are only two inches long, but grow into 3-foot-long, 250 lb. adults.

- Sea turtles use the moon and stars’

reflections on waves to find their way back to the ocean.

- Loggerhead sea turtles are on the international endangered species list.

- This species has been on Earth for 110 million years.

Tennessee Williams & Stony Brook

The iconic windmill that is currently located on the campus of Stony Brook Southampton won designation as a Literary Landmark from United for Libraries, a division of the American Library Association. The 300-year-old windmill was granted landmark status because it was once the residence of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tennessee Williams in the summer of 1957. Williams is most famous for writing “A Streetcar Named Desire” and “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.” He was the one

See page D6

Social Security Reduction Isn’t Chiseled in Stone

BY TOM MARGENAU

ARF! ARF! ARF! That’s not a dog barking. It’s the acronym for a little-known Social Security rule that may help some people who retired at age 62 and took reduced benefits but then decided to return to work and now wonder if their reduction is permanent. Because of ARF, it isn’t. ARF stands for “adjustment to the reduction factor.” It’s a software program built into Social Security Administration computers that kicks in after you reach full retirement age to compensate for benefits not received prior to FRA due to the Social Security earnings penalty.

Before I explain how the ARF works, I’ve got to give a little background, starting with a quick overview of the earnings penalty. SSA calls it the “retirement earnings test.” But I prefer to call it a penalty because, well, you get penalized if you are a Social Security beneficiary under full retirement age who is working and trying to make a few extra bucks.

Specifically, the law says that one dollar must be withheld from your Social Security checks for each two dollars you earn over a certain threshold that changes every year. The 2019 threshold is $17,640. So, to give a really simple example, if Hank is working and plans to make $21,640 in 2019, then $2,000 must be withheld from his Social Security checks in 2019. ($21,640 minus $17,640 equals $4,000, divided by two equals $2,000.)

Now, some more background. The law says that if you start your Social Security checks before full retirement age, your benefit will be reduced five-ninths of 1% for each of the first 36 months of reduction and five-twelfths of 1% for any additional months. That’s a bit too convoluted for what I am trying to explain in this column. I am going to keep things simple by saying that your benefit is reduced about one half of 1% for each month you start benefits before your full retirement age.

For example, let’s say that Hank’s full retirement age is 66. But he started his benefits when he was 65. That’s 12 months early, so his Social Security benefit was reduced by about 6%. In other words, at age 65, Hank started getting about 94% of his full retirement age benefit. And with that bit of background, I can close the circle on my ARF explanation. In my above examples, I said that Hank started getting a 94% benefit rate when he took his Social Security at age 65. And because his earnings exceeded the penalty threshold, I pointed out that $2,000 had to be withheld from his 2019 benefits. Let’s assume his monthly check is $1,000. In other words, SSA held back two of Hank’s Social Security checks in 2019 because of his excess earnings.

Once Hank turns 66, the ARF program kicks in. That program says Hank’s ongoing permanent benefit can

only be reduced for those months he actually received a Social Security check before he turned his full retirement age. In our example, Hank only received 10 Social Security checks in 2019. So instead of the initial 12-month, or 6%, reduction, Hank’s ongoing benefit is adjusted to give him only a 10 month, or 5%, reduction. In other words, starting at age 66, Hank will get a 1% boost in his Social Security check. Actually, the ARF program usually isn’t finished running until several months after full retirement age, but it will be retroactive to the month of FRA.

That was a very simple explanation of how ARF works. But in the real world, things aren’t always that simple, as illustrated in the following question and answer.

Q: I recently started my Social Security at age 62. I get $1,650 per month. Now, out of the blue, I’ve been offered a job that will pay me $35,000 annually. I think I’m going to take the job. But I’m in a quandary what to do about my Social Security. Can you advise?

A: Well, you’ve essentially got two options. You could simply withdraw your Social Security claim. (Anyone has up to 12 months after filing for benefits to change his or her mind.) If you do that, you’d have to repay any Social Security benefits you’ve received so far. Then, later on whenever you want (probably at age 66), you would re-file for your Social Security. It would be like you are just starting all over again.

Your other option would be to continue receiving Social Security benefits and let the earnings penalty and ARF provisions take their course. You will probably be due all, or almost all, of the remaining benefits you are due in 2019. But in 2020, 2021 and 2022, you will lose one dollar in benefits for each two dollars you exceed the earnings threshold for those years. I’m guessing that will be roughly $7,500 that will need to be withheld from your Social Security checks for each year. You said your benefit rate is $1,650 per month, or $19,800 for the year. That means that even though you will be making $35,000 from your job, you will still get about $12,300 in Social Security benefits each of the years 2020 through 2022.

In 2023, the year you turn age 66, the earnings threshold goes up to about $47,000. Your $35,000 salary is less than that -- meaning no penalty can be applied to you so you will be due all your Social Security checks from January 2023 on

Then, at age 66, when the ARF kicks in, your benefit rate will be adjusted to remove the reduction factor for those months you didn’t get a check between age 62 and 66. I won’t bother trying to do the precise math, but I’m guessing instead of the initial 25% reduction you took for starting your benefits at 62, you

will end up with something like a 15% reduction. So I bet your monthly benefit will go up from the current $1,650 to maybe $1,900 per month.

I’m not a tax guy. So I didn’t even consider what the tax implications would be if you took the second option and continued receiving benefits while

you work. From only a Social Security standpoint, option two seems like an attractive choice. But you should talk to a tax expert to get the full picture.

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has the answer. Contact him at thomas.margenau@comcast.net. COPYRIGHT 2019 CREATORS.COM

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers on page D5

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

‘Revolutionary Summer’ Brings American Revolution to Life at New-York Historical Society

The New-York Historical Society, the oldest museum in New York, is kicking off a Revolutionary Summer on July 4, with free admission for kids 17 and under. A Museum-wide exploration of Revolutionary War times, Revolutionary Summer presents outdoor events every weekend featuring characters from the era; 18th-century art and artifacts; a diorama of the Continental Army; and a host of programs for all ages, including trivia nights, a DJ evening, and a Revolutionary Drag Tea Party. On select weekends, visitors can explore

replica—made of custom woven linen and wool fabrics—was created as part of a collaboration between MoAR and Colonial Williamsburg. The Tent is staffed by MoAR educators, who lead visitors on an immersive tour through history. ((July 4–7, 26–28,  August 16–18, 23–25, September 13–15)

A host of special installations and artifacts are on view at New-York Historical as part of Revolutionary Summer. One of the highlights is a recently discovered watercolor painting of the 1782 Continental Army encampment at Verplanck’s Point,

The centerpiece of Revolutionary Summer at New-York Historical Society is a replica of George Washington’s Headquarters Tent, on display in the outdoor courtyard

a replica of George Washington’s Headquarters Tent at an outdoor Continental Army encampment, meet Living Historians portraying soldiers and spies, and learn about the many facets of camp life during the War for Independence.

“We’re so excited to welcome visitors to New-York Historical this summer with a full line-up of fun ways to experience the Revolutionary era,” said Dr. Louise Mirrer, president and CEO of the New-York Historical Society. “Revolutionary Summer celebrates the outstanding, revolutionary times that ignited the birth of our country with everything from a scavenger hunt to the chance to meet George Washington.”

George Washington’s Headquarters Tent: The centerpiece of Revolutionary Summer is a replica of George Washington’s Headquarters Tent, on display in New-York Historical’s outdoor courtyard on select weekends. The original Tent is on display at the Museum of the American Revolution (MoAR) in Philadelphia. Often called the “first Oval Office,” the Headquarters Tent was where Washington and his most trusted staff plotted the strategy that ultimately won the Revolutionary War. On loan from MoAR, this painstakingly detailed, hand-sewn

The Space at Westbury, Long Island’s newest state of the art concert hall and special event center, is the perfect place to see your favorite stars and to stage your next special event.

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New York—the only known eyewitness image of Washington’s Headquarters Tent during the Revolutionary War— on loan from MoAR. Other highlights include a camp cot used by Washington at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777; John Trumbull’s iconic painting of Washington that he gave to Martha Washington in 1790; and a pipe tomahawk gifted by Washington to Seneca Chief Sagoyewatha. Also on display is a diorama depicting the

See page D6

Upcoming Attractions at The Space at Westbury Theater

250 Post Avenue Westbury, NY 11590

Attraction tickets available online at Ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 800-745-3000. Tickets can be purchased for all shows at The Space box office Fridays from 12pm-6pm and show nights from 5-9pm.

What’s different and fun this enjoyable summer!

C ontinued from page D3

who wrote, “I have always depended on the kindness of strangers” (1947) in “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Williams was born on March 26, 1911, in Columbus, Mississippi, the son of a shoe company executive and a Southern belle. His given name was Thomas Lanier Williams but his friends gave him the nickname “Tennessee” because of his deep southern accent. In 1927, Williams got his first taste of literary fame when he took third place in a national essay contest sponsored by The Smart Set magazine. In 1929, he was admitted to the University of Missouri where he saw a production of Henrik Ibsen’s Ghosts and decided to become a playwright. He died in New York City in 1983 at the age of 71.

The Sounds of Summer

I am an early morning riser and on summer days at sunrise I like hearing the birds’ songs outside my window. I like hearing the chirp-chirp-chirps and I like this time of day before the cars in my neighborhood start heading off to work and the deliverymen start arriving in their big trucks with their many packages. I especially like hearing the one mockingbird that has taken up residence in a tree outside my home. He sounds so close to my window that sometimes I feel as if he is singing only for me. At first I wasn’t sure what type of bird it was and then I spotted him – a medium-sized gray bird with a little white. I looked up some information on allaboutbirds.org and this is what I discovered: Northern mockingbirds have long legs and tails, and short, rounded wings. They continue to add new sounds to their repertoires throughout their lives. A male learns around 200 songs during its life. Northern mockingbirds sing all through the day and often into the night. Most nocturnal singers are unmated males which sing

more than mated males in the daytime. Singing at night is more common during the full moon. Northern mockingbirds usually sing from February through August, and again from September to early November. A male may have two distinct repertoires of songs: one for spring and another for fall. The female Northern mockingbird also sings although she usually sings more quietly than the male does. She rarely sings in the summer and usually only when the male is away from the territory. She sings more in the fall, probably to establish a winter territory. It sounds like 10 or 15 different birds singing outside my window but it’s the Northern mockingbird. I’ll take early summer mornings and the Northern mockingbird’s songs any time. It’s music to my ears.

Making Some Simple Foods

When time is tight and I want a salad that’s quick and easy to make I go to my simple salad. Tossing some baby spinach leaves into a bowl, I add some slices of onion, cucumber and tomato. I usually add a few croutons just because I like the taste and the crunch of them. I pour in a little of my favorite salad dressing which happens to be French dressing and I tap a little Italian seasoning on top. Mixing it all up with my knife and fork, I dig in and that first bite of my simple salad tells me that nothing compares to a freshly made salad. It’s delicious. If I want a quick dinner to go with my salad I pull out my largest pot, add some split chicken breasts that have been rinsed well in cold water and let them boil for a while in my partially covered pot. Toward the end I add a cup or two of noodles and let everything cook for about 20 minutes. I’ve got a complete meal for my family and I haven’t even had to turn on the oven. The meal is nutritious and pretty quick when we’ve just spent a summer’s afternoon at the pool and people are hungry. Shortly afterwards we turn on the TV

or watch a movie that we have all been meaning to watch for a while.

How About a Scavenger Hunt?

It is summertime and time for an educational scavenger hunt in New York City Paula Danziger’s book, “Remember Me to Harold Square.” Kendra Kaye, who is 15 years old and getting ready to go into the tenth grade, is dreading a summer with her younger brother, Oscar, and with the son of her parents’ friends. Frank lives on a cattle farm in Wisconsin and has never seen the Big Apple. It’s made worse because all Kendra’s friends are out of town. They have six weeks together to explore museums, landmarks like the Empire State Building, churches, neighborhoods, New York food and more. The hitch is that it has to be done as a team. The prize is a trip for the whole team –a trip to England. Frank’s curiosity is piqued and he finds as much new things to do as Kendra and Oscar. Even Oscar turns out to be a lot of fun as the summer and the scavenger hunt progress. Their excursions include a Mets game in Flushing. The book is geared primarily toward young adults but anyone can pick up and enjoy “Remember Me to Harold Square.” Paula Danziger, whose first book was titled, “The Cat Ate My Gymsuit,” featured characters that were largely based on her experiences from childhood. She’s also known for her numerous “Amber Brown” books. Danziger, who was born in Washington, D.C., grew up in New Jersey and was a teacher for many years before deciding to become a full-time writer. Danziger once told Marguerite Feitlowitz in an interview for Authors and Artists for Young Adults, “My life as an author began as a small child when I realized that was what I wanted to do and started mentally recording a lot of information and observations. That’s also when I started to develop the sense of humor and the sense of perspective that allows

me to write the way I do.”

Making New Summertime Friends

A friend and I were chatting recently with my friend Alex who was born in Greece and grew up in South Africa. He came to New York City in July 16 years ago when he was 18.

He went to schools in South Africa that had the British influence. Alex told us a funny story. He lived with relatives in Astoria, Queens, for the first year that he lived here in the U.S. A week after he arrived in New York he went to a donut shop for a snack. Approaching the waitress, Alex asked her for a glass of water in his best British accent. He wanted to be polite and speak properly since that’s how he was taught to speak and he wasn’t after all, hanging out on the streets with his best buddies. The waitress said, “What??” Alex quickly realized that she wasn’t used to hearing such refined accents in Astoria so he adjusted - he said “a glass of water” in a more down to earth type of voice and then she understood. From then on Alex tried to speak a basic type of English to fit in. I told him that I always hear a slight British accent when he speaks that he sounds nice. He sounds a bit like Harry Styles and Simon Cowell. Laughing, Alex said he will probably always have a slight accent. I asked what he missed about South Africa and right away he said, “Not the heat, that’s for sure. But I do remember many fun days when my family and I played on the beaches and splashed in the waves of the Indian Ocean. And there are some absolutely beautiful sunsets in South Africa.”

Professional comedy writer Robert Orben has said, “A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in.”

C ontinued from page D5

Verplanck’s Point encampment and the Hudson River shoreline, providing visitors with a 360-degree view of the scope and scale of Washington’s forces.

Revolutionary Summer also showcases historic documents from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, including an original 1823 William J. Stone facsimile of the Declaration of Independence; a broadside from King George III

announcing the armistice and officially ending the war; and a letter by Martha Washington detailing domestic life in the aftermath of the Revolution.

Special programming includes: Independence Day Celebration : Celebrate the Fourth of July exploring George Washington’s encampment. Enter his Headquarters Tent, meet the man himself and experience where the future first president strategized, dined, and slept while MoAR staff describe his daily life. Also on tap: singalongs

with the Hudson River Ramblers; fife and drum corps music; a one-woman play about Deborah Sampson, the woman who disguised her gender to enlist in the Continental Army; familyfriendly food for purchase; and Living Historians portraying soldiers from the Continental Army, as well as John Adams, who’ll read the Declaration of Independence.  Free Admission for kids age 17 and under.

Living History Weekends: Outdoor Continental Army

Encampment: Every weekend, visitors of all ages can explore a recreation of the Continental Army’s encampment in New-York Historical’s courtyard, located on 76th Street, around the corner from Central Park West.  Free with Museum Admission.n. For additional information about  Revolutionary Summer and its related programs, visit  nyhistory.org/ revsummer

Want to learn more? The Museum of the American Revolution  in

Philadelphia explores the dramatic, surprising story of the American Revolution through its unmatched collection of Revolutionary-era weapons, personal items, documents, and works of art. Immersive galleries, powerful theater experiences, and interactive digital elements bring to life the diverse array of people that created a new nation against incredible odds. Visitors gain a deeper appreciation for how this nation came to be and

feel inspired to consider their role in the ongoing promise of the American Revolution. Located just steps away from Independence Hall, the Museum serves as a portal to the region’s many Revolutionary sites, sparking interest, providing context, and encouraging exploration. The Museum is a private, non-profit, and non-partisan organization. For more information, visit  www.AmRevMuseum.org or call 877.740.1776. (See also:  Philadelphia’s

New Museum Immerses You into Drama of America’s Revolutionary War). The New-York Historical Society, one of America’s preeminent cultural institutions, is dedicated to fostering research and presenting history and art exhibitions and public programs that reveal the dynamism of history and its influence on the world of today. Founded in 1804, New-York Historical has a mission to explore the richly layered history of New York

REAL ESTATE WATCH

TCity and State and the country, and to serve as a national forum for the discussion of issues surrounding the making and meaning of history.

New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West (77th Street), New York, NY 10024, 212-873-3400,  nyhistory. org

What a landlord can do when a tenant stops paying rent

his column was formulated after I met my client, who I have been doing business with for 14-plus years, at an evening event. He and his wife will remain nameless due to the fact they had to go to court to have his tenant evicted due to nonpayment.

This tenant had been living in my client’s other space on his property for many years. Rental payments had been timely in the past, but then a few years ago she began to become tardy in her remuneration to my client.

It became a real issue when his tenant just stopped paying, even though her salary was over $100,000. I asked, “What was the reason for not paying?” My client didn’t know and wasn’t given any explanation.

From years of experience with tenants, there is an important factor called communication and everyone being on the same page when it comes to having rapport and long-term business relationships as a landlord. Of course, from the beginning, you have to lay down the ground rules in your lease and explain to your tenant how things will work. The most important item is paying the rent on time.

I have always said that if your tenant(s) has any issues, loss of job, potential divorce, sickness or whatever their real reasons are, that they should be upfront and candid about their situation and that they should let you know at least a week or more before rent is due.

I firmly believe that the majority of tenants are honest people, but sometimes events occur to make them not pay, but even worse, communication with their landlords can either lead to heated conversations or none at all.

Since they have possession, going to an L&T court (landlord and tenant court) becomes the solution of last resort to proceed with an eviction. But it’s not always an easy road to take and costs time and money, if you are not taking on the task yourself and have to hire and L and T attorney (I have a pit bull of an attorney who can assist you).

Recently, I have had another client who had to do this with a tenant who had been paying for many years, but unfortunately loss of employment became a problem in paying the rent. It wasn’t so much about not paying, but the lack of straightforward and honest communication to figure out a plan and a way to pay something.

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

The landlord made every attempt to try to settle the rent payments, but the tenant promised and never delivered. The deadlock escalated and then all discussions became futile and ceased, which made L&T court the only option.

These two situations could have been made easier for both parties, if a level playing field was created by having a common denominator, called communication and discussions, but in both instances, the tenants not coming to the table to talk caused the breakdown.

In deference to tenants, however, there are some bad landlords out there who really could not care less about their tenants or their properties, but only care about making money, which can cause tenants not to pay or pay less.

But sometimes new landlords who constantly have difficulty with bad, or what I call “professional tenants” who find ways not to pay, can make some into bad landlords. But then if you can’t take the heat, get out of the fire of being a landlord and take your money and make other types of investments, REITs (real estate investment trusts), tax liens, discount mortgages, purchasing notes, etc., where direct contact with tenants is eliminated.

There is always some type of risk when putting your money in some type of investment, and as I say, “no pain no gain,” “no risk, no reward!” You can always choose to put your money into triple tax-exempt bonds, but the return will never be like other types of invest-

ments. Yet for older adults, this may be the safest place to park their money.

Most important in being a landlord is to screen your tenants in the proper fashion by asking pertinent questions. Then again if you are in an area where Section 8 or any other type of social program tenants with vouchers are, one must be extremely careful and cognizant of what you can and cannot ask them.

It is a very complicated and involved process and I will not get into it in this column. You can always reach out to me for a consultation. This is why it is crucial for a landlord to seek out a knowledgeable and professional real estate broker, who should know what questions to ask. The broker still gets paid by the local or state agency and relieve landlords of most of the responsibility of doing a job that they really shouldn’t be involved with.

Moreover, qualifying tenants under other situations is a job for a seasoned professional broker and not for a landlord, unless they are very experienced. But then again, we get paid by the tenant, so it costs nothing and there is less risk in hiring us, since our job is to seek out potential tenants, by eliminating those who don’t meet the necessary qualifications. Nevertheless, we can never guarantee how an excellent tenant paying her rent from the start will do in the future, due to unforeseen circumstances that might and do occur.

I am sure everyone or most everyone has heard of the term, “slumlord.” These landlords could care less about their tenants or their well-being and do whatever they can to keep their properties in disrepair, whether it be not providing heat, utilities or keeping unwanted pests (roaches, mice or rats) at a minimum.

They are earning income, but consistently refuse to keep their rentals in “a habitable condition,” making it difficult for their tenants. On the other

hand, there are good and caring landlords who want to keep their buildings in proper working order.

There are very complicated and difficult issues: rent control, rent stabilization and new potential laws on the agenda that are causing some landlords to have reduced or insufficient income to fix and upgrade their investment properties, even for some who live in their own buildings.

This discussion requires state and federal politicians to sit down and figure out the answers and solutions, to possibly come to a win-win conclusion. What I see sometimes, however, are parties that are not serious about solving anything, because it involves real work, discussions and communications, which is severely lacking in some environments. So being a landlord poses some risks, but the rewards are worth it if you have the knowledge, thick skin and can handle the potholes.

Philip A. Raices is the owner/broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave., Suite 180, in Great Neck. He has earned designations as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI) and also as a Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS). 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 WWW.Li-REalEstate.Com as well as a “free” value analysis of what your home might sell for in today’s market without any “strings” attached. He can also provide a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality or Our Seller’s or Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider when Selling or Purchasing your Home. Just email or snail mail(regular mail) him with your request with your name, email and cell number and he will send it out ASAP. For a consultation, he can be reached by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@ TurnKeyRealEstate.Com to answer any of your questions or concerns.

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Experienced. Available to take care of your elderly loved ones. Excellent references, honest and reliable. Call 347-882-4753

Full Time Seasonal Help/Laborer

• Mon.-Fri.from 6:30am – 2:30pm.

• Must be 18 years of age or older, must have

Driver’s License. • Starts immediate through Labor Day possibly longer. Please send in or drop off resume

TUESDAY,JULY

WEDNESDAY

HIRING!

Blank Slate Media has an immediate opening for:

INBOUND / OUTBOUND SALES

Slate Media - Litmor Advertising Group is a fast growing group of 11 award-winning weekly newspapers and 2 websites. This is a direct hire, full time permanent position with aggressive commission-based compensation and full benefits.

Responsibilities:

• Contact existing and potential customers about advertising in our 11 newspapers and on our website as well as sponsoring company events

• Handle customer inquiries

• Document and update customer records based on interactions

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

Qualifications:

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

• Ability to build rapport with clients

• Ability to prioritize and multitask

• Positive and professional demeanor

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Benefits:

• Salary plus commission

• Contact management system

• Advertising agency quality ads

ANNOUNCEMENTS

A PLACE FOR MOM has helped over a million families find senior living. Our trusted, local advisors help find solutions to your unique needs at no cost to you. Call: 1-800-404-8852

GET DIRECTV! ONLY $35/ month. 155 Channels & 1000s of Shows/Movies on Demand (w /SELECT All Included Package). PLUS Stream on UP to FIVE Screens Simultaneously at No Additional Cost. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

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.

ACTIVITIES

ANTIQUE LOVERS TAKE NOTE

BRIMFIELD’S Famous Outdoor Antique / Collectibles Show, 4,000 Dealers, starts Tuesday July 9. Info on 20 individual show openings www.brimfield.com July 9-14, 2019

MARKETPLACE

A.T. STEWART EXCHANGE CONSIGNMENT SHOP

********************

TURN YOUR TREASURES INTO CASH!

Come to Consign/Stay to Shop!

109 Eleventh Street, Garden City 516-746-8900

Antiques-FurnitureJewelry-SilverMirrors-Lamps-ArtworkChinaCrystal-Collectibles Tuesday-Friday 10-4 Saturday 12-4 (10% Sr. Discount Tues) All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical Society Email: store@atstewartexchange.org

Like us on Facebook & Instagram

MARKETPLACE

INVITED ESTATE SALES BY TRACY JORDAN

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

Contact for more info: info@invitedsales.com or Call: 516-279-6378 to schedule a consultation or receive more information. www.invitedsales.com

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

RARE RECORD COLLECTIONS WANTED: Autographs, memorabilia, obscure artists. All sizes / categories. House-calls, drop-offs. All About Records 396 Rockaway Ave #E Valley Stream Charles 516-945-7705 groupssound@aol.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

AUTOMOTIVE

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

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!

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

APARTMENT FOR RENT

GARDEN CITY BORDER

APARTMENT: Spacious, Bright 2BR Apt $1,785.00 + Electric. Gated Parking / Garage Available, Laundry Room, Air Conditioning, Hardwood Floors, LIRR, NO BROKER FEE. www.gcbapts.com Voice or text: 516-524-6965

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

ROOM FOR RENT

MINEOLA: Large furnished room, private entrance, share bath, own TV, microwave and fridge, A/C, radio w/tapes, no pets/smoking. $735 month all utilities included plus 1 month security. References required. 516-747-3463

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

HOMES FOR SALE

GARDEN CITY Looking for a condo but don’t want to pay the common charges plus?

We have a great home for you! This is a unique attached house on one side only with incredible features! A great place to live! Yes it needs some TLC but it has a Living Room, Kitchen, 3 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths, Patio in rear. Interesting backyard setting along beautiful green nature trail. Take a hike on the serene trail after a long hard day. Great area close to mall, near sport fields, restaurants, transportation. Own quiet dead end block. Patio & Garage. Enjoy! $475,000. Call: Artist Cove Realty: 631-277-4843

OAKDALE

Magnificent 5000 sq ft Custom Built Home with Water Views throughout the home. Gourmet kitchen, 4 BRs, 2.5 Baths, crown molding, wood floors. Private Beach and room to park your large boat. Too much too mention! Must See ! $1,300,000. Call Artist Cove Realty 631-277-4843 or email: artistcove@aol.com

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

OPEN HOUSE

AQUEBOGUE

Saturday July 6

1:00pm 3:00pm 355 Tuthills Lane Ranch on 1/2 acre. Great Rm, Gourmet Kitchen, 3 Brs & 2Baths. Attached 2 car garage & full basement. IG pool with deck. New Kitchen, roof, windows & flooring. $489,000. Colony Realty, Carll Austin 516-658-2623

AQUEBOGUE

Sunday July 7

1:00pm 3:00pm 31 Lovers Lane Baywoods! Deeded Bay Beach & Deeded Boat Slip! Beautifully landscaped for Privacy.

Cape 4 BRs, 2 Baths, LR, Formal DR, Family Rm/Fireplace & EIK. IG Pool w/new deck around it. Full Basement & 2.5 Car Garage. Reduced !! $675,000. Colony Realty, Carll Austin 516-658-2623

OUT OF TOWN REAL ESTATE

JAMESPORT

Cedar Shingled Ranch with Seaside S.Jamesport Setting. Large backyard with room for pool. Spacious LR. Put your own style & ideas onto this blank canvas. Great Location! Close to the marina, numerous sandy beaches & playground. Wine country & fabulous North Fork restaurants. $405,000. Colony Realty. 631-722-5800

NEW MANUFACTURED HOMES in active adult 55+ landlease community in historic Smyrna Delaware. Close to Rehoboth Beach and Dover Downs. Low Taxes. 302-659-5800 or www. BonAyreHomes.com

RIVERHEAD

By the Beach. Big & Beautiful Custom Built Home. This one is move in ready & immaculate Entertain to your heart’s delight & enjoy the great flow of the Open Floor Plan. Low maintenance property w/no HOA. Nanny’s quarters & separate attached Legal Professional Office/Handicap access presently in use as a Dental Office. Live, Work & Play on the Beautiful North Fork. Reduced! $639,000. Colony Realty 631-722-5800

CLASSIFIEDS Call 294.8900

SERVICES

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Unlimited Voice. NO CONTRACTS.

Call 1-855-977-7198 or visit: http :/ / tripleplaytoday.com / press

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

AFFORDABLE NEW SIDING! Beautify you home! Save on monthly energy bills with beautiful NEW SIDING from 1800 Remodel! Up to 18 months no interest. Restrictions apply 855-773-1675

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

AQUATEC

LAWN SPRINKLERS

SPRING TURN ONS

Backflow Device Tests

Free Estimates

Installation Service/Repairs

Joe Barbato 516-775-1199

ARIS HOME IMPROVEMENT

All phases of repairs inside and out Roofing, Driveway, Siding, Masonry, Brick, Kitchen, Bathrooms, Extensions, Patios, Fencing, Porch, Basement, etc. Licensed and Insured. Call Aris or Vicky 516-406-1842

SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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

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

PAULIE THE ROOFER STOPPING LEAKS IS MY SPECIALTY!

Slate & Tile Specialists

All types of Roofing Local References

Licensed & Insured

516-621-3869

HEALTH SERVICES

FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC

Dr. Ann Marie D’Angelo

PMHCNS-BC

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Advanced Practice Nurse Care Manager

Assistance with Aging at Home /Care Coordintion

Nursing Home & Assisted Living Placement

PRI / Screens / Mini Mental Status Exams

Medicaid Eligibility and Apllications

516-248-9323

www.drannmariedangelo.com

901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530

SERVICES

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

STRONG ARM PAINTING

Interior & Exterior Tape, Spackle, Sheetrock, Molding.

Residential and Commercial Bonded and Insured

FREE ESTIMATES

516-538-1125 www.strongarmcleaningny.com

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

SERVICES

CLEANING

CLEANING AVAILABLE

Houses and Apartments. Flexible days and hours. Experienced, reasonable prices. Very good references. Own transportation. Please call 516-272-5154

GARDEN CITY WINDOW CLEANING HOME WINDOW CLEANING INTERIOR/EXTERIOR SERVICE BY OWNER Fully Insured/25 yrs experience 516-764-5686 631-220-1851

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

SERVICES

COMPLETE DEMOLITION/ JUNK REMOVAL SERVICE: Strong Arm Contracting Inc. We Remove and Demo Anything. We Take it Down, Take it Apart & Take it Away and Leave Your Home or Business Swept Clean. Residential/Commercial Bonded/Insured Free Estimates. 516-538-1125

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 1-800-943-0838

CLASSIFIEDS Call 294.8900

Place an ad for anything you need in our classifieds section! Call 294-8900 for rates and information.

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!

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

9 Ideas for a Frugal (Not Cheap!) Wedding

I get a lot of mail on the subject of weddings. I get stories of joy, tales of woe, great ideas and even a blooper from time to time.

In 27 years, I cannot recall a single time I’ve heard from a bride or groom saying they wished they’d spent more money on their wedding.

The best wedding mail comes from frugal brides and grooms who are anxious to share their fabulous frugal ideas with future couples!

LEAN GUEST LIST

Dear Mary: Our first guest list included everyone we knew. As the list grew (and grew), we realized that would be a really bad idea. Without intending to do so, we got very close to inviting people who would then feel obligated to attend a wedding for people they didn’t really know that well. We decided to whittle that list, seeing our wedding as a more intimate event rather than a big everyone-we-know blowout.

From where we started, we got the list down to 25%. Best decision ever. Our wedding was manageable, affordable and exactly what we wanted -- an intimate celebration of joy. -- Debbie

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

FIERY RECEPTION

Dear Mary: For a wedding reception that is out of the ordinary, have a bonfire rather than a sit-down meal. My husband and I did this, and people still talk about how much fun our wedding was. We changed clothes after pictures and started a big fire at my grandmother’s house. We roasted hot dogs and marshmallows and had side dishes brought by family members. It was the best potluck ever because we requested our favorite family dishes. By shopping in bulk for hot dogs and buns, we came out to about $200 on food. -- Rochelle GO FRUGAL ON PHOTOS

Dear Mary: I had my guests take pictures at the event, and we sprang for a professional portrait session before the wedding. Instead of spending $1,200 to $5,000 on a wedding photographer, it cost us $200 to go to a park and have professional portraits taken in our wedding attire. This would also make a great gift to the couple from a family member who wants to contribute. -- Diane BIBLIO BRIDE

Dear Mary: The local library has lots of books on

BY MARY HUNT

weddings, from making your own dress and accessories, to wedding cakes, invitations and writing your own vows. Not only that, libraries can make beautiful and inexpensive venues for a ceremony celebrating any literature-loving couple. -- Mary Clare BALLOONS INSTEAD OF FLOWERS

Dear Mary: I skipped decorating with flowers at my wedding and decorated with balloons instead. This allowed me to get creative with shapes, sizes and colors, and it saved us a bundle of cash. Kids had a ball with them at the reception. -- Jean WHITE BRIDES(MAID) DRESS

Dear Mary: My wedding dress was actually a bridesmaid dress in ivory. It was a beautiful designer gown, and it only cost $250 including alterations. My guests were surprised when I said it was a bridesmaid dress, not a true wedding dress. When I was shopping for it, I found a wider variety of choices for high-end bridesmaid dresses than wedding gowns, and they were all a fraction of the price. -- Elizabeth

PERFECT TIMING

Dear Mary: We saved by holding our wedding ceremony and reception at lunchtime on a Friday. We rented out a small restaurant for 40 close friends and family members. We arranged to bring in wine, and the restaurant made a batch of sangria to serve with the meal. The total cost of the wedding and reception was about $2,500, far less than it would have been during primetime on a Saturday night. -- Liz

UNIVERSITY MUSICIANS

Dear Mary: Rather than fork out a large sum for professional musicians, consider the music department of a local university. Find out if the school has a student ensemble available to perform music for a wedding. We did this and had the most amazing group of young ladies playing stringed

instruments. We loved them and their music! They played during the entire reception, and it was awesome. While they didn’t come with a set fee, we tipped each member generously and still saved a ton of money on our reception music. -- Jonette

Mary invites questions, comments and tips at EverydayCheapskate.com, “Ask Mary a Question.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of Debt-Proof Living, a personal finance member website and the author of the book Debt-Proof Living, Revell 2014. To find out more about Mary visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www. creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2019 CREATORS.COM

Syosset HS conducts commencement for Class of 2019

Graduates exit the ceremony after receiving their diplomas.

During the 61st Syosset High School Annual Commencement, held on June 26 at Hofstra University, over 470 seniors stepped up to the podium and accepted their high school diplomas.

Students marched into the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex as the High School Orchestra played “Pomp and Circumstance”, after which members of The Adelettes performing a stunning rendition of “The StarSpangled Banner”.

This year’s class was highlighted with two National Merit Scholars, nine National Merit Finalists and 30 Commended students; as well as a Regeneron Science Talent Search Finalist and three Regeneron Scholars.

Syosset High School Assistant Principal Mr. Raymond Gessner delivered the welcoming remarks on behalf of the High School administration and

acted as the emcee for the evening.

Citing the theme of the 2019 yearbook he stated, “Be bold in expressing your ideas, be brave in following your dreams, and use your beauty to be an inspiration to everyone you meet.”

Superintendent Dr. Tom Rogers encouraged the students to dream big and find their passions. “Each of you has dreams, ideas, plans…” he stated. “Don’t just follow the ones you can achieve. Pursue the ones that inspire you.” Board of Education Trustee Ms. Anna Levitan further emphasized the significance of passion in her remarks to the graduates. “It is passion that separates those who are able to weather adversity from those who cannot”, she stated. “It is passion that allows someone to rise up to great challenges.”

Board of Education Trustee Mr. Chris Ulrich focused on the pursuit of

wisdom. “My hope for you as you go forward in life is that you will always seek wisdom.”

Class of 2019 Student Government President Sahil Rustami and Senior Class President Charles Zandieh presented the class gift, a variety of amenities for the school courtyard, after a lighthearted banter from the podium.

Class Speaker Diya Chadha spoke about her educational journey during her time at Syosset. “Syosset gave us passion, inquisitiveness and thoughtfulness.”, she said, and advised the graduates to “Take the education that Syosset gave you, use your voice, and make some change.”

Salutatorian Sabrina Eager expressed her gratitude for the education she received in Syosset, stating “Having teachers who believed in me and my potential gave me the confidence to know I had a voice worth listening to.” Valedictorian Cooper Scher spoke about the transformation during the four years of high school, and those to come in the future, stating “Don’t forget that the foundations of our characters were formed during the transitional four years [at Syosset].”

During the ceremony, the Elisabeth T. Babcock Award, PTA/STA Scholarship Awards, and Personal Achievement Awards were presented

Valedictorian Cooper Scher (right) and salutatorian Sabrina Eager.

Class of 2019 members Sahil Rustami (left) and Charles Zandieh present the class gift.

Syosset HS conducts commencement for Class of 2019

to deserving students. In a touching moment, Mr. Gessner took a moment to recognize and thank three graduates who plan serve our country, Andrew Giovinco, who will be entering the Airforce Academy, and Matthew Majoy and James Galvin, who will be

entering Reserve Officer Training Corp programs.

The commencement culminated with each student receiving their diploma and the traditional cap toss.

Photos courtesy of the Syosset School District

Superintendent Dr. Tom Rogers poses with the Syosset Board of Education members.

Upcoming Events at the Jericho Public Library

Tuesday, July 9 at 7:00 PM

Talk About BooksAn Evening Book Discussion with Fran Cohen

“ The Immortalists ” by Chloe Benjamin

If you knew the date of your death, how would you live your life? In this captivating family saga, we explore the line between destiny and choice.

Listeners are welcome.

Wednesday, July 10

Bus Trip:

Storm King Sculpture Garden

There are a few spots left: sign up today at the Circulation Desk

Cost:  $120 per person - Non Refundable

Includes: Narrated tram tour, walking tour, lunch at a waterfront restaurant, transportation and gratuity.

Explore the 200 carefully placed sculptures on display at the Storm King Sculpture Garden. Enjoy a narrated tram tour of the inherent beauty of Storm King's dramatic landscape of natural woodlands, native grasses, hills, meadows, wetlands and ponds. This will be followed by a walking tour of some selected sculptures on Museum Hill.

Approximate return time 6:30 PM.  Please park on the street while away on an all day trip.

Friday, July 12 at 2:00 PM

Movie: “The Upside” (Comedy/Drama)

A comedic look at the relationship between a wealthy man with quadriplegia and unemployed man with a criminal record who’s hired to help him. Starring Kevin Hart, Bryan Cranston, Nicole Kidman.

Rated PG-13. 2 hours, 6 minutes.

Saturday, July 13 at 9:30 AM-3:30 PM

Empire Safety Council Defensive Driving

For drivers of all ages.

Cost: $28  - No Refunds. In person registration ONLY.

A check payable to “Empire Safety Council” must be submitted when signing up at the Circulation Desk.

Thursday, July 18 at 2:00 & 7:00 PM

Movie: “The Mustang”

(Drama)

The story of Roman Coleman, a violent convict, who is given the chance to participate in a rehabilitation therapy program involving the training of wild mustangs. Starring Matthias Schoenaerts, Jason Mitchell, Bruce Dern.

Rated R. 1 hour, 36 minutes.

Wednesday, July 24 at 7:00 PM

Movie: “Memoir of War” (Drama)

Marguerite must navigate through the hardships of the Liberation after losing her husband and starting a relationship with the enemy during the War. Starring Melanie Thierry, Benoit Magimel, Benjamin Biolay. Subtitles/ French.

Not Rated. 2 hours, 7 minutes.

Monday, July 29 at 2:00 PM

Movie: “Little Women” (Drama/Romance)

Four sisters come of age in America in the aftermath of the Civil War. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s novel with a new generation. Starring Florence Pugh, Meryl Streep, Emma Watson. Not Rated. 1 hour, 43 minutes.

Wednesday, August 14

Bus Trip: “Annie Get Your Gun”

There are a few spots left and open to all:

Annie Get Your Gun at the Bay Street Theatre in Sag Harbor Cost:  $122.00 per person (Non Refundable)

Includes: Ticket, transportation and gratuity.  Lunch is on your own.

Irving Berlin’s “ Annie Get Your Gun ” is one of the best-loved musicals of Broadway’s Golden Age. It tells the story of sharpshooter Annie Oakley, who starred in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, and her tempestuous romance with fellow sharpshooter Frank Butler.

Space is limited. Register at the Circulation Desk.

Please park on the street while away on an all day trip.

Programs will take place at the Jericho Public Library: 1 Merry Lane, Jericho.

For more information, go to www. syossetlibrary.org

Assistant Principal Ray Gessner address the audience.

The traditional cap toss.

NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court

Nassau County

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON AS TRUSTEE FOR CIT MORTGAGE LOAN

TRUST 2007-1, Pltf. vs.

GIRJADAYAL GAYADIN

A/K/A GAYADIN

GIRJADAYAL, et al, Defts.

Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered April 24, 2078, I will sell at publication auction on Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. in the Calendar Control Part (CCP) Courtroom of the Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr., Mineola, NY prem. k/a 45 Adams Street, Oyster Bay, NY

a/k/a Section 27, Block 1, Lot 203. Said property beginning at a point in the Southerly side of Adams Street, which said point of beginning is 179.76 ft. Easterly from the intersection of the Southerly side of Adams Street with the Easterly side of Lexington Avenue; and from said point of beginning; being a plot 62.50 ft. x 157.23 ft. x 62.21 ft. x 163.26 ft. Approx. amt. of judgment is $807,112.69 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction. com or call (800) 280-2832. Index #000093/14.

KEVIN GLYNN, Referee. COHN & ROTH, Attys. For Pltf., 100 East Old Country Rd., Mineola, NY. #97147 SYO 4290 4X 06/28,07/05,12,19

NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court Nassau County WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, DBA, CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR CARLSBAD FUNDING MORTGAGE TRUST, Plaintiff -against-

DONALD H. GABIS, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated August 21, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at (CCP) Calendar Control Part Court Room of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr., Mineola, NY on July 30, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. premises situate, lying and being at Syosset, Town of Oyster Bay, Nassau County, State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the Westerly side of Humphrey Drive, distant 200 feet Southerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the Westerly side of Humphrey Drive and the Southerly side of Edward Drive; being a plot 50 feet by 193.77 feet by 50.12 feet by 190.35 feet. Section: 15 Block: E Lots: 14 and 15

Said premises known as 15 HUMPHREY DRIVE, SYOSSET, NY

Approximate amount of lien $378,945.94 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. 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 Number 002012/2014.

CHARLES CASOLARO, ESQ., Referee

David A. Gallo & Associates LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 99 Powerhouse Road, First Floor, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577

File# 7254.8525

SYO 4291

4X 06/28,07/05,12,19

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING BY THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 246, Article III, Section 246-18-E of the Code of the Town of Oyster Bay, notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals has scheduled a public meeting, which will take place in the Town Hall Meeting Room, Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, New York, on JULY 11, 2019, at 7:00 P. M., to consider the following appeals:

BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

APPEAL NO. 19-356

SYOSSET

MIR IQBAL: Variance to allow existing rear wood deck with trellis having less rear yard setback, exceeding maximum building coverage and gross floor area than permitted by Ordinance.

W/s/o Joyce Ct., 102 ft. W/o Wendy Rd., a/k/a 3 Joyce Court, Syosset, NY

APPEAL NO. 19-357

SYOSSET

ARLENE TOSCANO: (A) Variance to allow existing deck having less average front yard setback (Patricia Lane), side yard setback and exceeding maximum building coverage than permitted by Ordinance.

(B) Variance to allow existing shed having less side yard setback and rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Variance to allow existing 5 ft. high PVC fence exceeding maximum height in front yard than permitted by Ordinance. NW/ cor. of Loretta Dr. & Patricia Ln., a/k/a 2 Loretta Drive, Syosset, NY

APPEAL NO. 19-358

SYOSSET

ROBERT & KARIN

WEINSTEIN: (A) Variance to construct second story cantilevered addition exceeding maximum building coverage

than permitted by Ordinance.

(B) Variance to construct second story cantilevered addition and existing raised brick patio exceeding maximum gross floor area than permitted by Ordinance.

W/s/o Spruce Ln., 235.74 ft. N/o Evergreen Dr., a/k/a 10 Spruce Lane, Syosset, NY

APPEAL NO. 19-296

SYOSSET

MATTHEW & MINI

THOMAS: Variance to construct second story addition having less side yard setback, aggregate side yards and roof pitch than permitted by Ordinance; also encroachment of eaves and gutters.

E/s/o Clarissa Dr., 281.39 ft. S/o Ava Dr., a/k/a 11 Clarissa Drive, Syosset, NY

JULY 1, 2019 BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK

SYO 4292 1X 07/05

NOTICE OF NAME CHANGE

NOTICE is hereby given that an order granted by the Supreme Court, Nassau County, on the 20th day of June, 2019, bearing Index Number 19/000625, a copy of which may be examined at the office of the clerk, located at 240 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York, grants me the right to assume the name of Michelle Joan Carmen. The city and state of my present address are Woodbury, NY; the month and year of my birth are July 1953; the place of birth is New York, New York. My present name is Michele Joan Carmen. SYO 4293 1X 07/05

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF HENG XING 3719 LLC

Arts. Of Org. filed with Secy.

Of State of N.Y. (SSNY) on 03/06/2019 Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 33 Kettlepond Rd., Jericho, NY 11753 which is also the principal business location. Purpose: any lawful activity.

JNJ 7919

6X 06/14,21,28,07/05,12,19

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING BY THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 246, Article III, Section 246-18-E of the Code of the Town of Oyster Bay, notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals has scheduled a public meeting, which will take place in the Town Hall Meeting Room, Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, New York, on JULY 11, 2019, at 7:00 P. M., to consider the following appeals:

BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

APPEAL NO. 19-355

JERICHO

HUSSIAN RIZVI: (A) Variance to construct second story addition having less roof pitch than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing shed exceeding maximum height than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Variance to relocate existing shed having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.

N/s/o Seaman Rd., 85.62 ft. W/o Halsey Ave., a/k/a 135 Seaman Road, Jericho, NY

JULY 1, 2019 BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK

JNJ 7920 1X 07/05

$730,000

19 Niagara Drive, Jericho

Sold Price: $1,380,000

Date: 05/29/2019

5 beds, 4 Full/1 Half baths

Style: Colonial # of Families: 1 Lot

Sold Price: $1,250,000 Date: 04/26/2019  5 beds, 4 Full/1 Half baths

Colonial # of Families: 1

Lot Size: 69x159

Schools: Syosset

Total Taxes: $33,361

MLS# 3096530

20 Cortland Avenue, Jericho

Sold Price: $915,000

Date: 03/28/2019

4 beds, 2 Full/1 Half baths

Style: Colonial # of Families: 1

Lot Size: 82x127

Schools: Jericho

Total Taxes: $14,009

MLS# 3095742

Sold Price: $530,000

Date: 06/07/2019

3 beds, 2 Full baths

Style: Ranch # of Families: 1

Lot Size: 114x180

Schools: Syosset

Total Taxes: $17,419

MLS# 3099076

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