The Town of Oyster Bay has formed a partnership with Massapequa-based “Big Hy for Heroes” in an effort to collect DVDs for those deployed and serving overseas in the United States Armed Forces. Donations will be accepted October 1 through November 15, and then delivered to troops around the world. See page 14.
BY RIKKI N. MASSAND
In response to scrutiny of Public Service Electric & Gas (PSEG) Long Island’s and LIPA’s failures this summer -- including breakdowns in communications and providing information to residents literally “left in the dark” -- New
York State Sen. James (Jim) Gaughran released a record of 3,243 comments of Long Island residents within his district.
Sen. Gaughran represents Long Island’s North Shore communities in Senatorial District 5, from Glen Cove and Oyster Bay to Syosset, Huntington and Northport. Following Tropical
Storm Isaias on August 4, over 645,000 Long Island residents lost power and many suffered through power outages lasting over two weeks, including their inability to receive and transmit communications in working from home and remote
See page 13
Postmaster: Send Address Change to: The Syosset Advance, 821 Franklin Ave., Suite 208 Garden City, N.Y. 11530 • Meg Norris, Publisher
BY RIKKI N. MASSAND
At the Jericho Board of Education’s meeting held virtually and broadcast online on Thursday, September 17, district leadership commented on hiring 70 new schools’ staff members including over 35 new teachers for the start of academic year 2020-’21.
Board of Education President William Ferro announced that circumstances this year are unprecedented, leading to a higher degree of preparations for this September.
“In order to be prepared for the school year, we were fortunate enough to hire more than 35 new teachers and faculty members. On behalf of our entire Board of Education I welcome you all into the Jericho family, and I hope your first few weeks of instruction have been absolutely wonderful -- although hectic. Please know you are always a part of the Jericho family and this board of education supports our faculty and our schools’ administration. We are here for you and we know you will do a great job, so welcome!” Ferro said.
Superintendent of Schools Hank Grishman said he wished the 70 new members of the district’s staff could be physically welcomed during a live Board of Education meeting or in-district setting, under any conditions other than the pandemic presents right now.
“The folks we have hired will really enhance the work we do in our district, and we’re very excited to welcome all of them to join us now in the most challenging of times. We say welcome, and thank you for joining us,” Grishman stated.
As of Friday, September 11, 2020 the total enrollment of Jericho Public Schools was 3,146 students. Superintendent Grishman says the enrollment is monitored daily, and Assistant Superintendent of Personnel & Educational Operations Dr. Benjamin Ciuffo stays on top of enrollment totals, “so the numbers are accurate and to ensure our staffing matches where the needs are,” he noted.
Salaries and wages of the new hires will be reflected for fiscal year 2020-’21, with submissions on the financial impacts to Jericho calculated during its budget procedures in December and early next year. For September, news from the preceding school year’s financial performance and reporting prevailed.
In his monthly Superintendent’s Report, Grishman thanked the
See page 13
To the Editor:
My husband and I have lived in Jericho for over fifteen years. We selected Long Island in order to give our children a yard, proximity to extended family and space to grow. We selected Jericho for its diversity, its community and its top education. What has happened to our community in regards to the family transition shelter at the old Hampton Inn during the last few months is heartbreaking, no matter what side you support. There are floods of mis-information, and polarizing views. Neighbors are arguing about core values, and our children have been exposed to this hate and animosity. All of this is occurring during a time of unprecedented anxiety across our entire country, and at a time when we should be working together to ensure physical and mental health. It is an extremely sad time. Whatever your individual views (left or right, personal or community, positive or negative) there are some questions that we should be all asking. Let us focus on the families that would be moving into this facility.
We are lucky in Nassau County to have a relatively small homeless problem. It is still a problem, and especially for those that are experiencing homelessness. Before the conversion of the Hampton Inn, the county has handled individual families who are experiencing homelessness in a sensitive and deliberate way. They work to find them temporary housing in their current community. This allows students to continue in their schools without interruption (and even without others knowing what may be going on at home, if they chose to keep that confidential). This also allows parents to rely on the community they have created, and the support systems that they have put in place. Why is there a sudden change in the philosophy in how
this problem should be addressed? Why does it make sense to uproot families from their communities? Why does putting families together in close proximity (400 sq. ft) to other families in the same situation help?
If the numbers are truthful and only 19 families have opted into the Jericho School District, then only one conclusion can be drawn; families would rather stay in their home district, with their home community, and with their support systems.
Where is the majority of the money going that the state is giving this facility?
We have been told that CHI has a $6m operating budget. We have also been told that state gives $400 per room per night to the owner of the facility. The numbers do not add up! We should be putting pressure on the owner and the operator of the facility to show where all the funds are going. If the middlemen are removed, the funds could be used to rent housing in home communities, offer childcare and assist with job placement, probably with funds to spare to support these families in other ways.
Many people are calling for impact studies on a variety of topics. The one I would be most interested in is the impact of the location on the families moving in. Many families will be moving from a house with a yard, the reason we all move to the suburbs. They are being moved to an extremely busy 5 way intersection, with no grass in sight. The only food sources in walking distance are Wendy’s, KFC, McDonalds, Dunkin Donuts and 711. This is definitely not the food I would want my own family eating everyday. Additionally, the facility does not allow for refrigerators where healthy options can be stored, so each meal will wither come from the above options, or from the cafeteria in the facility. I certainly have an opinion on what funds the developer
will alot to food for these families. If we are truly concerned with the well being of these families, then we must find solutions that represent raising these people out of their situation and not pigeon-holing them to a life where they cannot easily extricate themselves. It seems to me that the developers are the ones making millions of dollars off of the unfortunate predicament that these families are experiencing and that they are adding to the oppression. If these families are Jericho residents who have fallen on hard times, then it is up to the community to take care of our own. However, if they are being uprooted from other communities, then it should be incumbent on those communities to take care of their friends and neighbors.
Everyone has their own views and this is a topic people feel passionately about. I urge everyone to try to also think about what is best for these families. Has anyone asked them? Have they been given the choice to stay in their current location or community? Or are they being forced to move here by bureaucracy? At least, I hope that we can come together as a community and ask the needed questions, and help determine what is best for all involved.
Katherina Ginnis
To the Editor:
After a State judge categorically ruled against the Jericho Mega Shelter based on the facts and the law, County Executive Laura Curran and local legislator Arnie Drucker inexplicably have continued to pound the table. The logic behind this remains confusing, especially for Mr. Drucker who was elected by the same community members who overwhelmingly oppose this facility.
Last week I received a short video pre-
sentation from the Nassau Department of Social Services in response to my emails to Ms. Curran. Unfortunately, this video provided no new information about the operation of the Mega Shelter or the decision to locate it in the old Hampton Inn. The one thing the video did make clear was that even if the Jericho shelter is ever allowed to open, the group of motels along Jericho Turnpike will continue to house the homeless.
Clearly Ms. Curran and Mr. Drucker do not care about our community and have little interest in being honest with us.
Jennifer Vartanov
Turned into divisive issue
To the Editor:
The Town of Oyster Bay’s successful lawsuit stopping the imminent opening of the illegal Jericho Mega Shelter brought relief to our community. The judge’s ruling vindicated the facility’s opponents who have been consistently insulted and falsely accused of racism and bigotry by the very small group of CHI-funded activists supporting the shelter.
Housing the homeless should not be the divisive issue that County Executive Laura Curran, Legislator Arnie Drucker and even Jericho School Board President William Ferro have turned it into. Everyone in Jericho supports an inclusive and nurturing environment and by all accounts we have welcomed countless homeless families into our community and our schools.
Hopefully, the shelter’s political supporters and financial sponsors will appreciate the severe consequences for ignoring local laws, deceiving the community and recklessly smearing opponents.
Marc S. Albert
Nassau County Police have arrested four men in connection with a robbery and assault which took place at a residence in Jericho in June 2020. The men have also been charged with attempted murder for the incident.
According to police, the four men went to the driveway of a residence located in Jericho and began to search the interior of a parked car, taking multiple items. Residents inside saw
the subjects at which point they fled northbound. A 49-year-old and 22-yearold male chased after them. They located the four subjects on Parkside Drive, where they got into an altercation, resulting in the two victims being physically assaulted. During the assault, one of the subjects fired two shots from a silver pistol that resulted in no one being struck. The subjects then fled westbound on Parkside Drive.
The 49-year-old victim suffered blunt trauma to the back of the head, a broken nose and bruising to the arms and legs. The 22-year-old victim suffered a laceration to the forehead, a broken nose and bruising to the arms and legs.
After an investigation, on October 1st, Nassau County Police arrested four men: Joel Batista, 20, of Uniondale; Will Cruz Benavides, 20, of Elmont; Kenneth
Delacruz, 20, of Freeport; and Justin Osorio, 18, of Freeport.
All four defendants are each charged with two counts of Attempted Murder 2nd Degree. Additionally, defendant Joel Batista is charged with four counts of Robbery 1st Degree, three counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd Degree and Criminal Use of a Firearm 1st Degree.
Fall is here, but the music and entertainment does not stop in America’s largest township. After a successful 2020 summer concert series that was unlike any other in history – a drive-in format at Town Park Point Lookout to safeguard the health and safety of residents and to provide fun entertainment during the COVID-19 pandemic, Supervisor Don Clavin and the Town Board have extended the fun into autumn.
Please note that the events are free, but pre-registration is mandatory for the Town of Hempstead’s fall concert series. Visit http://bit.ly/TOHFallConcert to register for the free tickets.
“After enjoying a terrific summer of our new drive-in concert series, I’m thrilled to announce that the Town of Hempstead is extending the fun into the fall season,” Clavin said. “There is a variety of entertainment available for
people of all ages, and I invite residents to register for these free events at Town Park Point Lookout.”
All shows are hosted at Town Park Point Lookout. October 3 marked the first concert of the fall series, a performance by Rubix Kube, an ’80s-themed band. The excitement continues on October 10 with Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band, a tribute to famous acts such as Jimmy Buffet, Kenny Chesney and the Zac Brown Band.
JIMMY KENNY AND THE PIRATE BEACH BAND
October 10 at 7 p.m.
Jump into a beach party with Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band as they play tribute to Jimmy Buffet, Kenny Chesney and the Zac Brown Band!
70S ROCK PARADE
October 17 at 7 p.m.
Break out your bell bottoms and your platform shoes and enlist in the 70s revolution! Then march along with the 70s Rock Parade for a blast into your glorious past!
SPECIAL
HALLOWEEN-THEMED NIGHT!
October 24 at 6:30 p.m.
Sing and dance with your kids along to Halloween songs such as the Monster Mash and I Love Candy with Darlene Graham and the Shades of Green Band! Then Stay for a special showing of the Halloween movie “Hocus Pocus.”
K’S MOTOWN REVUE
October 30 at 7 p.m.
Join K’s Motown Revue for the Ultimate Motown Revue Show, a scripted musical show with costumes, Motown history and the best musicians who love the Motown era.
“We encourage residents to check out some of the great music this fall at Town Park Point Lookout,” said Senior Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby. Added Councilman Blakeman, “The summer concert series was a success, and we’re proud to continue our drivein entertainment for the month of October.”
“We are happy to continue offering residents free and safe entertainment options during the pandemic,” said Councilman Anthony D’Esposito. Added Councilman Dunne, “We’re proud to bring more drive-in concerts for the fall season to Town Park Point Lookout.”
“By extending our drive-in concert series, we’re continuing our efforts to provide residents with a safe environment to enjoy entertainment,” said Councilman Muscarella. Added Councilman Carini, “The fall weather is here, and this is a great time to enjoy some exciting bands and a family Halloween-themed night!”
Attendees must remain in their vehicles, and follow all town safety guidelines. Instructions will be provided on how to tune your radio station to hear the concert audio inside your vehicle.
“After a great summer, we want to remind residents to be patient and understanding with town staff when arriving, parking and exiting town facilities, as workers are going above and beyond to help keep you and your neighbors safe,” concluded Supervisor Clavin. “Working together, we can enjoy yet another amazing drive-in concert series!”
Joining Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin at the event announcing the flu shot program were Senior Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, Councilman Bruce Blakeman, Councilman Anthony D’Esposito, Councilman Dennis Dunne, Sr., Councilman Thomas Muscarella, Councilman Chris Carini, Town Clerk Kate Murray, Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll and officials from CVS Pharmacy.
The Town of Hempstead is partnering with CVS and the Nassau University Medical Center to offer free flu shots to residents age 60 and over.
As COVID-19 remains a threat to public health, particularly among the elderly population, Supervisor Don Clavin is urging all senior citizens to get their seasonal flu vaccination to help protect themselves against respiratory illnesses and other potential health risks. On Wednesday at the
Levittown Senior Center, Supervisor Clavin announced the partnership to provide flu shots for residents ages 60 and over at no out-of-pocket cost.
“Flu season has proven to be particularly dangerous among the senior citizen population,” stated Supervisor Clavin. “The Town of Hempstead is grateful to NuHealth and CVS Pharmacy for collaborating with us to provide flu shots for our senior residents, and we encourage all neighbors
ages 60 and over to take advantage of this program to help protect themselves in the midst of flu season and the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The Town of Hempstead’s flu shot program will begin on October 13. Preregistration is required, and seniors must make a reservation at least one week in advance. Vaccinations are limited and will be administered on a first-come, first-served basis. Seniors must provide their Medicare, Medicaid or personal health insurance card. All shots will be given between the hours of 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the following senior centers:
• Tuesday, October 13: Franklin Square Senior Center (1182 Martha Place, Franklin Square) – please call (516) 328-3010 to pre-register
• Wednesday, October 14: Green Acres Senior Center (400 Flower Road, Valley Stream) – please call (516) 8728810 to pre-register
• Tuesday, October 20: Bellmore Senior Center (2000 Bellmore Avenue, Bellmore) – please call (516) 221-9696 to pre-register
• Tuesday, October 27: Levittown Senior Center (555 North Newbridge Road, Levittown) – please call (516) 4335454 to pre-register
• Wednesday, October 28: Uniondale-Hempstead Senior Center (840 Uniondale Avenue, Uniondale) –please call (516) 485-8100 to pre-register
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people 65 years and older are a significantly higher risk of developing health complications from the flu. Indeed, senior citizens comprise between 70 and 85 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths.
“The Town of Hempstead is committed to protecting our senior citizens,
and we urge all of our elderly residents to get their flu shots as soon as possible,” said Senior Councilwoman Goosby. Added Councilman Blakeman, “Seniors are particularly vulnerable to the flu, and we are doing our part to keep them safe.”
“America’s largest township is making it quick and convenient for seniors to get their flu shots,” said Councilman D’Esposito. Added Councilman Dunne, “We thank our friends at NuHealth and CVS Pharmacy for helping our town seniors.”
“The best way for seniors to protect themselves against influenza is to get a flu shot, and we encourage all seniors to take advantage of this great program,” said Councilman Muscarella. Added Councilman Carini, “I am proud to partner with Supervisor Clavin and my colleagues on the Hempstead Town Board to help keep seniors safe as we enter flu season.”
The town is also collaborating with Northwell Health to provide free testing; has assisted food pantries that include Island Harvest, Long Island Cares, The INN and other community organizations; and regularly hosts online informational sessions with Town of Hempstead Medical Director Dr. Dave Neubert.
“Seniors who get their seasonal flu shots on one of these five dates will pay no out-of-pocket costs for their vaccinations, so we strongly recommend that all seniors take advantage of this great program,” concluded Supervisor Clavin. “We urge all seniors to continue wearing masks, wash and sanitize their hands regularly, and practice social distancing to help keep themselves and those around them safe and healthy.”
Town of Oyster Bay Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato reminds residents that due to an Executive Order from New York State, the 2020-2021 school tax deadline has been changed. To help ease the stress imposed by the COVID-19 economic pandemic, taxpayers have an additional 30-day period to make their payments in on time. Receiver Pravato stated, “The 20202021 school tax collection has been
delayed by one month. This year’s collection will start November 1st and the final day to pay the first half school tax without penalty will be December 10th.”
The Receiver continued, “Residents can expect to receive their tax bill in the mail during the first week in November, after my office receives the assessment roll and warrant from Nassau County. We will not have the
tax amounts due and cannot accept payments until November 1.
During this public health crisis, the Receiver’s office has been fully operational but has suspended in-office interactions. New outdoor walk up windows are open at Town Hall North and Town Hall South daily from 9:00 am to 4:45 pm to assist residents.
Residents do not need to visit the Tax Office to make tax payments or
get information. Payments can be sent through the mail or paid online at oysterbaytown.com for a reduced fee of 75 cents for an ACH check through a checking account, or with a credit card for a much higher fee charged by the credit card companies.
Residents with any questions may contact the Tax Receiver’s Office at (516) 624-6400 or by emailing receiveroftaxes@oysterbay-ny.gov. We’re
★ Delivered Millions in COVID-19 Aid to New York
★ Led the Fight to Repeal the GOP Cap on State and Local Taxes (SALT)
★ Fought to expand access, lower the cost of healthcare and protect pre-existing conditions
★ Honored the service of our veterans
The Bristal Assisted Living has been serving seniors and their families in the tri-state area since 2000, offering independent and assisted living, as well as state-of-the-art memory care programs. We are committed to helping residents remain independent, while providing peace of mind that expert care is available, if needed. Designed with seniors in mind, each of our communities feature exquisitely appointed apartments and beautiful common areas that are perfect for entertaining. On-site services and amenities include daily housekeeping, gourmet meals, a cinema, salon, plus so much more. Discover a vibrant community, countless social events with new friends, and a luxurious lifestyle that you will only find at The Bristal.
Library building open
Patrons are now able to sit in the building and use in-house computers during scheduled sessions, with only one person per table being permitted. Our magazines and newspapers are also available. Face coverings are still mandatory while in the building, and our curbside service will continue. We are available 24/7 online for digital materials, streaming and learning services. Sign up for our virtual programs! Go to jericholibrary.org/jpl-sessions to sign up.
Monday, October 12
2:00 p.m.: Profiles: Banned in America w/Dr. William ThierfelderExplore the history of the long saga of censorship and the need some cultures have to silence certain writers, artists & musicians. Dr. Thierfelder will Register for these meditation sessions to bring harmony and balance into your life look specifically at America, where there continues to be a heated debate regarding exactly how “free” creative minds really are when it comes expressing feelings and ideas.
7:00 p.m.: Fit & Fabulous with Linda Ray- Join Linda for this evening exercise class designed to get you Fit & look Fabulous!
Tuesday, October 13
10:30 a.m.: Storytime with Ms. Liz (Ages 2-5)
11:00 a.m.: Guided Meditation for Self Healing with Patricia AndersonJoin Pat for one or all of the meditation sessions to bring harmony and balance into your life.
2:00 p.m.: The Nuremberg Trials A Virtual Lecture with Dr. William Reszelbach-
Who were the men and how were they responsible for the killing of millions of human beings? What were their roles in the Nazi regime? Who facilitated their rise to power? How did their punishments fit the crime? Were they the brightest, the most ambitious or the most evil? Join Dr. Reszelbach when he discusses the defendants at the Nuremberg Trials.
Wednesday, October 14
10:30 a.m.: 1,2,3, Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead (Ages 2–5)- The goal of this program is to provide a structured experience that enhances S.T.E.A.M. learning. Emphasis is given to activities that encourage early reading, math, and school readiness.
1:00 p.m.: Watercolor
Demonstration with Chuck Van HornJoin Chuck Van Horn for these watercolor demonstrations and learn watercolor techniques, tips and tricks. Bring your questions. There will be time for questions and critiques.
7:00 p.m.: Meet Our Ambassadors with Alley Pond Park Environmental Center (Ages 5-10)- Virtually visit Alley Pond Park and learn about the animals who live there.
Thursday, October 15
10:00 a.m.: Chair Yoga with Jolie Bosnjak- This practice is for all levels... including those nursing an injury or coping with a chronic problem. The results will surprise you!
2:00 p.m.:Art Lecture: Jackson Pollock’s Mural with Professor Thomas Germano- In 1943 Jackson Pollock created what would be his largest painting, Mural, recognized as a critical moment in the development of his artistic style. Thomas Germano will present a virtual and remote lecture contextualizing Pollock’s Mural by placing it into the narrative of the artist’s life and work.
5:30 p.m.: Yoga with Joe- Join Joe for this yoga class geared for all levels and reduce the stress in your life while keeping fit! Joe Cilmi is a certified Iyengar Hatha Yoga Instructor.
7:00 p.m.: Story & Crafts with Ms. Kim (Ages 3-Kindergarten)
Friday, October 16
2:00 p.m.: Great Performers: MONTGOMERY CLIFT: Sensual & Vulnerable with Marc CourtadeMontgomery Clift is known for playing moody & sensitive characters. He only made 17 films but many of them are still widely viewed and well respected. This talk will examine Clift’s legacy and showcase the actor in the memorable roles that are still considered “brilliant in every way”.
Saturday, October 17
11:30 a.m.: Table Top Adventures: Autumn Soups & Warm Filled Tacos with Lucy Van Horn- Join Lucy in her kitchen when she shows us how to make 3 soups including Pesto, Lemon Orzo & Seafood Bisque. She will also give us ideas for scrumptious filled tacos. More tips & tricks included!
For all events, go to www.jerichopubliclibrary.org /events/month to register
Members of LILAC with the 6,000 pieces of PPE donated to the Nassau County Museum of Art.
BY SABRINA GUO, FOUNDER OF LILAC
Recently, the Long Islanders Laboring Against COVID-19 (LILAC) assisted the Nassau County Museum of Art with its reopening and its fall “BLUE” exhibition by donating 6,000 pieces of personal protective equipment. LILAC is honored to have been
recognized by the museum director Dr. Charles Riley and Board of Trustee President Ms. Angela Anton. Dr. Riley was so gracious and gave us a private tour of of the exhibition. We saw amazing pieces from artists like Matisse, Picasso, Klee, and Miró, and learned about how blue has been holy to many traditions.
Get rid of your unwanted items by placing an ad for them in our Classifieds! We have reasonable rates, and you’ll have prompt results! Call our Garden City office at 294-8900 for rates and other info.
Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray (second left) presented a Certificate of Recognition to Steve Dalton of Levittown, the outgoing lieutenant governor of the Kiwanis Long Island South Central Division, in recognition of his outstanding commitment and dedication to the Kiwanis organization. The event was held on September 14. Also attending were Kiwanis New York District Governor Joseph Ruggiero, East Meadow Kiwanis Treasurer Liz Fries and Secretary Brian O’Flaherty.
Second-grade students from Central Boulevard Elementary School created paper chain links with encouraging sayings on them for the first Thoughtful Thursday activity of the school year.
For the first Thoughtful Thursday of the new school year, students from Central Boulevard Elementary School in the Bethpage School District created paper chain links with encouraging sayings on them on Sept. 24. The chains signified that even though the students may need to be physically apart, they are still connected socially by their thoughts and actions.
Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca reminds residents looking to obtain or renew their passports that his office is a designated Passport Acceptance Facility.
“Residents can stop in and apply for their United States Passports during regular business hours at both Town Clerk offices,” said Town Clerk LaMarca. “We offer the convenience of helping you prepare your application, and also have photo services available right in the office.”
Town Clerk LaMarca stated that
the requirements for applying for a passport include:
• One 2x2 color photograph with a clear view of the applicant’s face against a plain white or light colored background. The Clerk’s office provides passport photos for a fee of $10 at Town Hall North. Photo services are not available at Town Hall South.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship
– Previously issued undamaged U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or
Certification of Birth, Naturalization Certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship.
• Proof of Identity –Naturalization Certificate, Valid Driver’s License (cannot have been issued or renewed in the last six months), Current Government ID (city, state or federal), Current Military ID (military and dependents)
Town Clerk LaMarca has offices located at 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay and 977 Hicksville Road
Graduated from school? Have an outstanding GPA?
Made the honor roll or Dean’s List? Scored an internship or study abroad opportunity?
in Massapequa. Passport appointments are available Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with evening hours available on select Tuesdays at each location. To make an appointment or inquiry about additional information, please call the Office of Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca at (516) 624-6343 or email townclerk@oysterbay-ny.gov. For more information on passport requirements and processing times, visit www.travel.state.gov.
We invite you to send details of any of these things and more, along with your name and contact info, to editor@gcnews.com for a chance to be seen in our paper!
From page 1
learning capacities. He is seeking an adequate oversight process by LIPA, as well as “meaningful action to prevent this type of mismanagement from occuring again.”
“County emergency management officials were given erroneous information, if any at all, during critical response periods following the storm. I believe it is vital that the experiences of each of these constituents, who took the time to share their harrowing experiences with me, be entered into the official record. It is imperative that LIPA take meaningful action to prevent this type of mismanagement from occurring again. LIPA maintains an oversight role that must be adequately conducted, and the failures thus far leave me gravely concerned about the ability for Long Island to sustain future storms both during the ongoing hurricane season and in years to come,” Sen. Gaughran stated in his September 23 letter to Thomas Falcone, CEO of the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA).
In the days after the storm, on Sunday morning August 9, Sen. Gaughran pleaded for accountability and improved communications from the power supplier. In a statement that week, Sen. Gaughran called for the firing of Falcone and Daniel Eichhorn, president and chief operating officer (COO) of
PSEG-LI, as he said PSEG-LI and LIPA’s failed leadership “is unforgivable.”
“The events of the past week have made clear: PSEG-LI has failed Long Islanders. Half a million Long Islanders were left in the dark without communication from PSEG, including seniors and medically vulnerable persons. Many still remain without power and without answers. LIPA, the oversight authority to PSEG-LI, has been asleep at the wheel and failed in its oversight of PSEG-LI, leaving Long Islanders to suffer for their inaction,” Sen. Gaughran said seven weeks ago.
The senator’s staff at his Underhill Boulevard, Syosset office points out that according to the survey results, 96% of respondents lost power, and 58% of them were never able to contact PSEG about the power outage. In addition, “52% of respondents waited 5 days or more for PSEG to restore their power, amid the summer warmth and a heatwave, with 67% of respondents reporting that PSEG failed to restore the power before the estimated time of restoration,” Sen. Gaughran noted.
“Residents were unable to utilize PSEG’s costly -- and taxpayer subsidized -- call center, outage reporting website, or text system. In turn, desperate customers turned to my office and others for information, though we too, were unable to receive accurate information, if any at all, from PSEG
officials,” Sen. Gaughran said in his September 23 letter to Falcone.
In August and continuing in September, state senators called upon the utilities, under supervision from the New York State Public Service Commission, to expand reimbursement programs to customers for spoiled medications and food lost due to no refrigeration during power outages.
Information collected in the senator’s survey of constituents indicated that 63% of respondents were forced to discard food, and the average values for food and items spoiled during August’s power outage period was $434.66 per household (among those who reported losses). In the September 23 letter to Falcone and LIPA, Sen. Gaughran states “PSEG-LI’s reimbursement program, which pales in comparison to other utilities, namely ConEd’s reimbursement program, is simply insufficient to properly compensate these families for their loss.”
A key element Sen. Gaughran noted as a post-Isaias failure of PSEG-LI was in drawing attention to and informing residents of the Critical Care program it promises to provide; 20% of survey respondents from Sen. Gaughran’s district said they had no information about PSEG’s Critical Care program, “which services individuals who rely on oxygen tanks, intravenous feeding machines, and other devices vital for medically
vulnerable persons,” his Syosset office noted.
“In the days following the storm I encountered several individuals who were on PSEG’s Critical Care List, but who were ignored by PSEG. A 93 yearold woman who survives on oxygen and is on PSEG’s Critical Care List was told by PSEG ‘to stay with a friend or just go to the hospital.’ Why have PSEG and LIPA failed to sufficiently communicate these programs to eligible individuals?” the senator asked LIPA CEO Falcone. In the letter, he also explained his sincere belief that “LIPA failed in its oversight role over PSEG-LI.” Sen. Gaughran raised the same concern on accountability during an August 20 Joint Hearing of the New York State Senate and Assembly with the State Public Service Commission, organized to address “Power and Communication Failures from Tropical Storm Isaias.” As stated on the Public Service Commission website, the Long Island Office of the New York State Department of Public Service oversees the Department’s operations on Long Island. This office is charged with examining the core utility operations of PSEG Long Island and advising the Long Island Power Authority with its role in overseeing activities of PSEG Long Island.
“The LIPA format was intentional to
See page 16
entire teaching staff in Jericho Public Schools and also all 700-plus staff members in the district. He commented on the adaptations made and daily issues that the district has had to work through, at times within class structures and lesson planning, and at other times for bolstering the educational network and connectivity.
“Our teachers have met the unbelievable challenges of managing both live, in-person and remote learning kids in class. They have done such an amazing job in the first few weeks of school providing quality education to our students. Their dedication and commitments, the ability to ‘bob and weave’ when they had to is so commendable. The kudos go on from there -- and our Technology Department has stepped up and supported the technology we are running at a speed and degree we never thought possible. Though we are not batting 1.000% and on a daily basis we can have technology troubles our Tech Department works overtime to deal with every issue, so kudos to our administrators managing our work in progress,” Grishman stated. He also thanked all of Jericho’s support staff
and its Buildings & Grounds staff for their efforts during the first school days of the academic year, adjusting to more responsibilities “working overtime to make sure our kids are getting the best that’s possible, given the times we’re facing,” Grishman said. He added a word of thanks to all district parents for exercising patience with the teachers, staff, and administration.
The board of education and district Audit Committee met with Jericho Public Schools’ internal auditors and external auditors from firm Cullen & Danowski, LLP. on September 17 ahead of the evening school board meeting. School districts’ financial years run July 1 through June 30.
Alan Yu, CPA from Cullen & Danowski presented during the meeting and explained the fiscal practices of the school district are in line with U.S. GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles). The district maintains an Aa1 credit rating, which is among the highest ratings a school district in New York State can maintain, Yu said.
For 2019-2020 Cullen & Danowski is able to issue an unmodified opinion on the district’s financial statements.
“I am happy to report this to you as an unmodified opinion is the highest level of assurance that an external auditor can give to an auditee’s financial statements. It’s very rare, but that points to the strength and great internal controls the school district has in place...In the course of our audit, we found that Jericho Schools’ statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP and that they’re free of material misstatements. The positive fund balance in 2019-2020 allows the district to replenish some reserves it utilized to pay for expenditures during the year as well as continuing to fund the ongoing capital reserves of the district (Capital Reserve IV this year). This has been the district’s philosophy; you’ll rely on your own financial resources rather than resorting to borrowing (financing through floating bonds) for ongoing capital needs and construction projects. The district accomplished this in 20192020 by paying off its final installment of the bonded debt service,” Yu said at the September 17 meeting.
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Going forward the school district has $750,000 of expenditures that would come off the budget. The Aa1 credit rating is a reflection of the district’s present financial condition as well as
the overall community of Jericho.
During Yu’s presentation one question on the impact of dramatically reduced “school lunch and food sales” every day, due to the hybrid-model learning structure in the district, was read aloud by Board President Ferro. Jericho Schools’ Assistant Superintendent for Business Affairs, Victor Manuel, then explained that with less students in the Jericho Middle School/ Jericho High School building -- due to the A/B model of attendance, with students alternating in-person days each instructional day, the accounting for sales has shown a drastic decrease.
“This year obviously lunch sales are extremely low, as we are not getting the sales of a normal school year but at the same time district food service/cafeteria staffing is still needed at the regular level in order to provide the lunches we’re doing to deliver right to the classrooms at the elementary grades and to the Springer Gym. I anticipate losses to the School Lunch Report and our School Lunch budget fund, but the good news is that we do have a fund balance of about $300,000 in the School Lunch Fund, which is close to the limit that’s
The PTA-STA Scholarship is available to any Syosset High School senior planning to pursue any field of endeavor leading to a degree, certificate or license in an accredited post high school program.
Congratulations to the following two Syosset High School seniors who received the PTA-STA Scholarships in June 2020.
Patrick Chen, son of Qiang Chen and Hui Chen is attending Cornell University majoring in chemical engineering.
Chris Cizmeciyan, son of Mr. Sevan Cizmeciyan and Mrs. Karin Cizmeciyan
is attending Stony Brook University, with a major in biology on a pre-medical track.
Residents will be receiving a postcard with information about the scholarship. It includes several ways that donations can be made to the fund in addition to sending a check payable to “Syosset Scholarship Fund, Inc.” and mailing it to P.O. Box 732, Syosset, NY 11791, attn. Syosset Scholarship Fund, Inc.
Donations may be made “In Honor of” or “In Memory of,” Please indicate that on your check.
BY GARY SIMEONE
October 4th through the 11th will be officially known as Foodie Week in the Town of Oyster Bay this year. Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Board members created the name in hopes of helping dozens of restaurants recover from months of closure and to provide a family-fun outing for residents. The Town held a press conference last week at Butera’s of Woodbury to announce the new initiative.
“This unique opportunity offers local dining establishments a chance to showcase their world-class culinary skills highlighting the finest creations of our local chefs bakers and artisans,” said Saladino. “Restaurants are vital to our downtown and crucial to our economy. Let’s do our part by supporting them at a time when they need it the most.”
The special week will be similar to New York City standards, where a Long Island food critic panel will be set up to evaluate all participating restaurants to ensure that they meet a certain set of criteria.
Saladino also announced at the conference that the Town would continue its efforts of helping local restaurants by extending the outdoor dining period through 2021.
Martin Butera, owner of Butera’s of Woodbury and two other establishments in Bay Shore and Sayville, said he was appreciative of the Town’s support and symbolic gesture in putting together the special week.
“With all they’ve done for us in clos-
ing roads to allow for outdoor seating and extending our permit applications, this is just one more thing to add to the list,” said Butera.
He said the way his restaurant will celebrate the week is by picking one of their signature items and offering it at a discount to customers.
“We decided to be creative and focus on one item, which is our signature Chicken Meatball Pot appetizer. Instead of a full entree or typical three course meal, we will be discounting this item in hopes of bringing a little bit of energy and excitement to our customers.”
Butera said that the outdoor dining has helped his restaurant maintain over the last few months, and with the cold weather looming, he has complied with the state’s occupancy rule.
“We have ten propane fire heaters located in the outdoor parking area to keep customers warm, have distanced our tables at the six feet requirement rule and have setup plexiglass screens at each table,” said Butera.
Saladino said the town worked tirelessly since the pandemic began to help local businesses stay afloat.
“We cut the red tape permitted for new outdoor dining options for restaurant patrons and helped restaurant owners reopen safely and successfully,” said Saladino. “This way, restaurant owners will be able to use all of the investments they made this year on outside tents, heaters and covers into and throughout next year.”
The Town of Oyster Bay has formed a partnership with Massapequabased “Big Hy for Heroes” in an effort to collect DVDs for those deployed and serving overseas in the United States Armed Forces. Donations will be accepted October 1 through November 15, and then delivered to Chaplains, Commanding Officers, Sergeant Majors and Sergeants around the globe to distribute to troops and arrange movie nights this holiday season.
Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino stated, “The Town of Oyster Bay is proud to partner with Big Hy for Heroes to send thousands of DVDs to troops serving around the globe. Help support the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces by donating DVDs.”
Big Hy for Heroes was started in 2002 by Massapequa resident and WWII veteran Hyman Strachman, who, along with his son Arthur Strachman, personally began sending DVDs to U.S. troops overseas. Over the years, Big Hy for Heroes has shipped hundreds of thousands of DVDs all around the world, and continues to do so today.
Exciting, suspenseful, comedy and classic DVDs are among the most requested by the troops for movie nights. Residents can donate DVDs at any of the following locations:
• Town Hall North – 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay
• Town Hall South – 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa
• Department of Public Works – 150 Miller Place, Syosset
Additionally, letters and notes to soldiers are also welcome. For more information on the DVD Collection Drive for U.S. Troops, please call (516) 624-6380.
43 Favorite Lane, Jericho Syosset
4 bd, 2 ba, 1,536 sqft Sold on: 6/23/20 Sold Price: $730,000 Type: Single Family Schools: Syosset
4 bd, 3 ba, 2,055 sqft Sold on: 7/9/20 Sold Price: 940,000
3 bd, 2 ba, 1,803 sqft Sold on: 9/24/20
Sold Price: $720,000 Type: Single Family Schools: Syosset
224 Martin Drive, Syosset
4 bd, 2 ba, 1,490 sqft
on: 6/7/20 Sold Price: $668,000 Type: Single Family Schools: Syosset
PROBATE CITATION
No. 2019-3650 Surrogate’s Court County of Nassau CITATION
The people of the State of New York, by the Grace of God Free and Independent to the heirs at law, next of kin, and distributees of Margaret H. Gillespie, deceased, if living, and if any of them be dead to their heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, legatees, executors, administrators, assignees and successors in interest whose names are unknown and cannot be ascertained after due diligence; and a petition having been filed by William A. Bacas, Jr. who is domiciled at 70 Fairview Farm Road, Redding, CT 06896. You are hereby cited to show cause before the Surrogate’s Court, Nassau County, 262 Old Country Road, Mineola, NY on November 18, 2020 at 9:30 am, why a decree should be made in the estate of Margaret H. Gillespie lately domiciled at 24 Dorcas Avenue, Syosset, NY 11791, admitting to probate a Will dated September 5, 2008, relating to real and personal property, and directing that Letters Testamentary issue to William A. Bacas, Jr. Dated, Attested and Sealed, September 15, 2020 [L.S.] ATTORNEY Name of Attorney: Malcolm B. O’Hara, Esq., Bartlett, Pontiff, Stewart & Rhodes, PC Address of Attorney: One Washington Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801 Telephone 518-792-2117 This Citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear in person. You have a right to have an attorney appear for you. If you fail to appear, it will be assumed that you do not object to the relief requested.
SYO 4366
4X 09/25,10/02,09,16
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING BY THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 246, Section 246-12 of
the Code of the Town of Oyster Bay, notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals has scheduled a public meeting, which will take place in the Town Hall Meeting Room, Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, New York, on OCTOBER 15, 2020, at 7:00 P.M., to consider the following appeals:
BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
APPEAL NO. 20-386
SYOSSET
MARC GOLDMAN: Variance to allow existing rear one story addition having less side yard setback, aggregate side yards and exceeding maximum building coverage than permitted by Ordinance; also encroachment of eaves and gutters.
E/s/o Loretta Dr., 500.53 ft. S/o Patricia Ln., a/k/a 21 Loretta Drive, Syosset, NY
APPEAL NO. 20-387
SYOSSET
JOSEPH DIGIOVANNI:
Variance to install natural gas generator exceeding maximum setback from dwelling than permitted by Ordinance.
N/s/o Convent Rd., 230 ft.
E/o Greenway Dr., a/k/a 77 Convent Road, Syosset, NY
OCTOBER 5, 2020
BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK
SYO 4367
1X 10/09
NOTICE OF FORMATION
MSDA CRICKET, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State on 8/21/20. Office: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to Mark Audain, 54 Alden Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11580. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
JNJ 7946
6X 09/04,11,18,25,10/02,09
Weigh the advantages of legal advertising in Litmor Publishing's Community Newspapers For information on rates and coverage call 516-294-8900
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ensure that this publicly-owned asset — the Long Island grid — continued to be eligible for FEMA assistance and low-interest financing and the like. That decision was intentionally made. That is why the Department of Public Service’s powers were expanded to include that oversight of the private service provider. The contract that LIPA operates with PSEG has clear provisions, including termination of the contract for poor performance. That is something that with evidence that we can gather through our investigation, it could be pursued if it was necessary to do so,” explained Thomas Congdon, Executive Deputy of the NYS Public Service Commission.
“You advise LIPA and you strongly recommend, but I don’t believe the Public Service Commission has the authority to fine them as you do with ConEd. Part of my frustration when I listen to my State Senate colleagues from the five boroughs talking about trying to have the Public Service
Commission go after Con Edison, I am jealous because your Commission does not have the authority to do that for Long Island,” Sen Gaughran told the Public Service Commission’s leadership August 20.
While detailing residents’ responses to the survey, in his letter sent last week Sen. Gaughran advised Falcone and LIPA corporate leadership: “I am confident that my colleagues and I are committed to increasing accountability and oversight over PSEG and LIPA. Long Islanders should never experience such failed management, electrical delivery performance, or abhorrent customer service again.”
Among other causes Gaughran has continuously advocated for clean water, infrastructure planning and environmental protection measures on Long Island in several capacities through his career. He kicked off Fall 2020 with yet another local initiative.
On Wednesday, September 23 Sen. Gaughran joined Glen Cove Mayor Tim Tenke, Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton and Glen
Cove Department of Public Works Commissioner Lou Salino to announce $250,000 in New York State funding to repair the damaged Morgan Memorial Park Seawall in Glen Cove.
The wall is made of granite blocks each weighing over a thousand pounds, and according to the mayor and senator’s offices, it is so significantly damaged that it is leaning.
“Long Island is dealing with the serious threats of climate change including increased and severe coastal storms. The Morgan Memorial Park Seawall is the City’s last line of defense to protect Glen Cove from storm flooding and coastal erosion. I am proud to have secured $250,000 for this critical project and thank Mayor Tenke for his leadership in swiftly advancing this infrastructure forward,” Sen. Gaughran said last Wednesday.
With hurricane season lasting through the next several months, officially noted to conclude on November 30, officials stated the wall’s condition is making the City vulnerable for what is projected to be another active hurricane season.
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allowable. That certainly helps us in the 2020-’21 fiscal year,” Manuel said.
Yu points out that federal regulations require a district’s School Lunch Fund to be at least break-even for a fiscal year. “In the future, if financial conditions continue to worsen as far as the School Lunch Fund is concerned, at some point the school district may have to consider transferring from the district General Fund (n the budget) to the School Lunch Fund in order to break even and ensure that the School Lunch Fund isn’t going into a deficit situation,” he said.
According to Yu, recommendations to Jericho Public Schools’ administration Cullen & Danowski made after their 2019 audit were carried out. He mentioned one “follow up best practice recommendation” the firm offered the school district about its usage of physical spaces in-district by clubs or groups for activities.
“There was one recommen-
dation we followed up on and the district will consider whether or not to continue having internal auditors looking at the extra classroom activities area.
Certainly during the COVID-19 pandemic there’ve been very few fundraising activities on the schools’ campuses and perhaps in the future there may not be much of any clubs’ activities taking place. Though this doesn’t represent a significant deficiency or material weakness of the district’s internal controls. The Jericho team takes financial reporting and practices very seriously, and they take the annual audit very seriously -- all information we ask for is provided within hours, or just one to two days,” Alan Yu stated.
The Board of Education unanimously voted to approve the funding of district reserves, the acceptance of the External Audit report and corrective action plan from Cullen & Danowski, as well receipt of the Internal Audit report from firm Nawrocki Smith LLP of Melville.
Superintendent of Schools
Grishman thanked Yu and his auditing team from Cullen & Danowski for supporting the district and their professionalism.
“The firm has been incredibly thorough in supporting us and guiding us in our finances and the relationship has been developed well with us and the district’s Business & Finance Office led by Assistant Superintendent Manuel. I appreciate so much the opportunity you’ve provided the board for meeting with us four times a year and to answer extensive questions on the specificity of the audit report. Thanks Alan for your dedication to the Jericho school district,” Grishman said. School Board Trustee Pam Wasserman-Heath also expressed her thanks to Yu and external auditors, as well as the district’s internal auditors from Nawrocki Smith, for answering the board’s questions prior to the public session September 17.
The due date for New York’s public school districts to submit their audit reports is October 15.
BY KAREN RUBIN AND DAVE E. LEIBERMAN
We literally raced up to catch the peak fall foliage colors in the dramatic, spectacular setting of New York’s Adirondack Mountains.
There are so many different hiking trails, we wanted to make the best choices for a one-day adventure. Researching potential hikes, I found The Adirondack Experience, which lists hikes in categories, one of which is “best summit views” and excellent descriptions (also alltrails.com gives precise maps, elevations). That wasn’t enough for me to pin down, so I called Adirondack Experience, to get the low-down on the trails to high peaks. They also offer a fall foliage report, as does New York State.
We set up an itinerary that would allow us to do two hikes to summits affording 360-degree views, in one sensational day:
Chimney Mountain: The extraordinary appeal here are the geologic formations at the top, a maze of caves and crevices, after an invigorating mile-long climb (entirely uphill), before you get to the true summit, a smoothed, mostly flat boulder, reached via a quarter-mile long herd path. “Chimney Mountain has unique features due to a large proportion of soft, sedimentary “Grenville layers” that have made passageways, cliffs, boulders, and caves. View the large geologic depression that was formed when the Western Rift separated from the Eastern Rift.” The hike, three-
Sheer delight at hiking to the Chimney Mountain summit for a 360-degree view of Adirondacks in full fall foliage color © Dave E. Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com.
miles round trip (in/out), is a 870-foot ascent to 2721-foot elevation. Plan on 3 hours (bring water, and take into account that it gets dark in the woods before the sunset). (Big Brook Road, Indian Lake, NY, 12842, 518-548-3076, info@adirondackexperience.com , www.adirondackexperience.com/hiking/chimney-mountain).
We came down and had ourselves a picnic lunch before setting out for our afternoon hike, about 30 minutes further drive, at Castle Rock, above Blue Mountain Lake. By the time we arrived, the drizzle which started just as we got back into the car turned into an actual rain when we were on the trail. But no matter, we were determined to forge on. This trail is a 3.2 mile long loop with a steady
rise, but more gradual than Chimney Mountain – that is, until the last onetenth mile that involves a scramble up over and between boulders, made more challenging (and therefore satisfying), by the slippery leaves (young kids would have no problem). But so worth it (and really satisfying to have accomplished it)! The rock formations here at the top are absolutely fabulous. Amazingly, just as we got to the summit – another relatively flat boulder – the rain turned to drizzle and then stopped altogether, allowing the sun to poke through, making the wet rock surface glisten. The views of Blue Mountain Lake, with its several tiny islands, and Blue Mountain, with other mountain peaks in the near and far distance, are stunning.
The summit is about at the half-way mark of the loop. At about the 1.5 mile mark, there is a sign that directs you to the summit, only a little disconcerting to realize you have another half-mile to go. It’s 1.8 miles up on the less steep part of the trail, 1.4 miles on the other side, which goes past fabulous rock formations. (So glad we opted to do the full loop, instead of returning on the 1.8 mile side to avoid a steeper descent, but it actually wasn’t bad at all, even with the slippery leaves. I’ve cultivated a technique of hanging on to trees and branches to swing down, or climb down, or sit down and dangle my feet, and I really value my hiking poles.)
This is one of the most popular hikes in the area, so people are advised to get here early to get parking at the trailhead (Maple Lodge Road, Blue Mountain Lake). Also, on all of these hikes, wear a face mask and respect social-distancing when people are passing.
The Adirondack Fall Foliage Meter ( www.adirondacksusa. com/fall) provides up-to-the-minute fall foliage reports on where the leaves are prettiest and most colorful.
More sources: Adirondacks Regional Tourism, visitadirondacks. com; Hamilton County Tourism, adirondackexperience.com, 800-6485239.
Since the Adirondacks are about a five-hour drive from the downstate metro area, people are flocking to Lake George and the surrounding area for accommodations which has maintained very strong occupancy. There are also any number of cabins,
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lodges, Airbnb’s to choose from, many with exquisite views along one of the many, many scenic lakes. At the trailhead to Chimney Mountain, in fact, there are rustic cabins.
High Peaks Resort in the heart of Lake Placid offers three different lodging experiences overlooking Mirror Lake and the Adirondack Mountains: The Resort, a traditional hotel with 105 guest rooms and suites (newly renovated earlier this year); the modern retro-vibe Lake House with 44 guest rooms; and the private and serene Waterfront Collection with 28 guest rooms including 10 suites on the shores of Mirror Lake. Take a break from studying or work with a dip in the indoor or outdoor pool, paddling Mirror Lake, hiking, biking, golfing. Dogs are welcome, with special
canine-friendly treats and amenities. Save up to 30 percent with the Best Dates, Best Rates package, with rates starting at $125 per night excluding taxes and fees (www. highpeaksresort.com).
Foliage in the Catskills: Find vibrant fall colors on a hike along the Hannacroix Creek Preserve ( www.greatnortherncatskills.com/ outdoors/hannacroix-creek-preserve-hcp) in New Baltimore—featuring 113 acres of trails and scenic vistas—or explore the RamsHorn Livingston Sanctuary (www. greatnortherncatskills.com/outdoors/ ramshorn-livingston-sanctuary) in Catskill, which is home to a wide variety of wildlife and plant life along more than three miles of trails. For a bit of exhilaration on your quest for foliage, try mountain biking along the Tannersville-
Hathaway Trail System (www. greatnortherncatskills.com/outdoors/ tannersville-hathaway-trail-system) in Tannersville—it’s great for beginners and experienced riders alike. To get the latest update on colors in the region, check out our fall foliage meter (www.greatnortherncatskills.com/catskills-fall-foliage).
Connect with nature while camping at Purling Waters (www.greatnortherncatskills.com/camping/purling-waters), a fully-equipped campsite accommodating up to 6 campers, located along the banks Shinglekill Creek. For a historic stay, try Tumblin’ Falls House (www.greatnortherncatskills.com/ resorts-lodging/tumblin-falls-house).
The house, offering 5 guest rooms in an 1890s Dutch Victorian perched on a cliff overlooking Shinglekill Falls, has a tree level spa overlooking falls, natural pools,
garden and trails.
To keep tabs on the progress of fall foliage in the state, www.iloveny.com/ things-to-do/fall/foliage-report. See more information on where to go, what to do in New York, www.iloveny. com, 800-CALL- NYS, info@iloveny.com.
© 2020 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com, www.huffingtonpost.com/author/karenrubin & travelwritersmagazine.com/ TravelFeaturesSyndicate/ Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar. wordpress.com & moralcompasstravel. info. Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Tweet @ TravelFeatures. ‘Like’ us at facebook. com/NewsPhotoFeatures
BY ROB ALVEY
I may have lost count of the days since being introduced to the trials and tribulations of COVID-19 but I am certainly experiencing a lot more frustration than I ever imagined 2020 would bring. Back in January, I never would have conceived of a new virus causing the death of well over 800,000 people in the world by late August, and I sadly note that the death toll in the United States has now surpassed 200,000 people with more expected in the near future. COVID-19 is now officially the third leading cause of death in the US, following only heart disease and cancer. The family trip we carefully planned to visit Ireland and our newly- discovered relatives had to be postponed for a full year. I’d bought round trip tickets back in March from New York City to Dublin for what was supposed to be a spectacular family vacation after Suzie and I were scheduled to attend her 50th high school reunion in late July. I even joined the Aer Lingus special club as I was certain to plan additional trips to that lovely green island.
Sadly, Suzie’s 50th reunion was postponed as well. Then, I read Ireland itself was on lock-down. Hotels were closed as well as all pubs throughout the country. Arriving passengers were supposed to quarantine for 14 days, which did not do much to justify accommodating a tenday trip. I cancelled the reservations in June…and am still waiting for a refund. Aer Lingus is apparently suffering badly, but Aer Lingus is reacting by making all those people who had tickets suffer along with them. I filed for a refund three times, but the only official notice I received from Aer Lingus was August 5 notifying me that the scheduled August 6 flight was cancelled, and I should book a later date.
I was stunned. They did not even notice we were not on the scheduled July 25 trip from New York to Dublin. What bothered me the most was that this was our return flight from Dublin to New York City and we were still stuck in Florida. Even NYC has a quarantine for people entering the state from Florida. I have little confidence that the refund check is actually in the mail. I admit that I actually received an email message August 28 from Aer Lingus that they have reviewed my refund request (CODE NUMBERAEL2749$WEFIBALOT) and are sorry for the delay, but have been overwhelmed with the number of requests due to circumstances beyond their control but will apply the refund to the account we used to purchase the tickets as soon as practical. I can wait. Besides, it gives me another opportunity to appear busy during the COVID-19 pandemic by checking my credit card balance each day after checking the mailbox.
I am still waiting for another refund check. This one relates to a small dividend check that had been sent to my mother back in 1999, but apparently arrived around when she passed away and I had never deposited it. I might have accidentally thrown it away cleaning out her estate. I only discovered this years later as an account listed in “New York State’s Unclaimed Funds” accounts. I had to fill out an extensive form, notarize it, and mail it to NYS for a refund. I remember doing this around 2010, but never got the check. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit,
I spent time trying to clean-up old items, and got a new copy of the form, filled it out, notarized it again and mailed it to NYS in April. Nothing. No response. Then, surprisingly I received a phone message from a NYS employee near the end of June advising that they checked their records and the check was being mailed to me and I should expect it in about 10 days. Nothing. Again nothing, and I finally called the employee back and said I never received the check. In early August, I received another email that they noted the check had not been cashed. If I wanted a refund, I had to fill out and mail them a notarized lost check form and they would eventually review it and try to send a replacement check. They asked me to be patient as they were having a lot of work trying to deal with refunds to so many New Yorkers who had died waiting for their refunds for flights to Ireland. I am debating whether I should add this unclaimed account amount to my estate and onto my will authorizing my daughter to follow-up before she dies of old age. At least I will add a note to my will for her to check my mail.
I still look forward to getting the mail each day. The US Post Office appears to be under attack in 2020 by our own President who, in spite of regularly voting by mail, is very concerned that the general public might use mail- in ballots and have the unforgivable nerve to actually vote against him in the upcoming November 2020 Presidential election. He recently appointed a campaign
donor to be Postmaster General and now the news reports are filled with stories that the Postal Service budget has been cut, hours for postal workers have been cut, thousands of mail boxes have been removed from city streets, and hundreds of automatic high speed mail sorting machines have been removed from post offices. Regardless, I still get at least five letters each and every week delivered to my mailbox from AARP. I know it’s still only August, but I also am receiving dozens of FREE 2021 calendars from every non-profit group I’ve ever contributed to in the past 60 years, as well as fold out letters from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY asking me to update my alumni contact information. I graduated from that school in 1974 and have moved several times. I never, ever wanted to contact them, and am shocked that the RPI Alumni Association can continually track me down. It is worse than getting a written notice that you have been again summoned for jury duty. I always wonder if it would have been easy for RPI to find Osama Bin Laden rather than having our
government waste years. Meanwhile, I have sent the FREE 2021 calendars I’ve received from The Nature Conservancy off to AARP and mailed the FREE AARP calendar to The Audubon Society. With each mailing I added a simple note that the calendar is free, but they might consider making a small donation to the Alvey Institute – a non-profit organization dedicated to Doritos and Muppets.
I fully support the postal workers, even if much of the mail I received in the last year was addressed to the former owners of our condo and not us. They did not go to the Post Office and fill out a simple mail address change card. For a couple of months, I would save their mail and leave a phone message for them to contact me or at least let me know where to forward it. I never got any responses, and it dawned on me I was getting a lot of their mail from collection agencies and the Dept of Motor Vehicles. I finally just took their mail, wrote Address unknown – MOVED, and Return to sender on the envelope and dropped it back into the mailbox.
One additional retirement activity I have conducted is to buy postcards of Florida and Fort Lauderdale attractions and mail them to out- ofstate family, friends, and former co-workers. It is cheap and fun, especially post cards of either Florida “bikini babes” or alligators. I have also been known to mail a bag of “Gummy Frogs” candy to my friends for a birthday treat. My daughter Erin, called me a few weeks ago to let me know she was finally eating a bag of Gummy frogs which I had mailed her in 2018 while sending her items she had left in our basement when she moved to California several years earlier. Suzie and I both love it when our own daughters send us post cards from their trips. I can attest to further support of the Post Office when I came home with 50 sheets of FOREVER stamps, each depicting a cute type of frog. I particularly like Forever stamps as the postage is guaranteed even if the actual cost of a letter changes. I have made it a habit of mostly buying collector stamps and using them on my letters.
I have saved many of the letters and cards I’ve received from relatives over the years. My mother’s notes were almost always written on hotel stationary she had saved from trips with my dad. I loved receiving birthday cards in the mail from my grandmother, Aileen Alvey as she invariably wrote a short note and included a few dollars cash telling me to go buy something special. After she died in 1971, I discovered a small number of post cards and letters that had been sent to her from Ireland by her father, Maurice Casey. She had emigrated to the United States alone when she was about 18 and had never had the chance to return. The letters that came in the mail were a vital link to her family across the sea. Last year, I began searching her “roots” and the cards and letters
were a vital means of tracking down the Irish cousins who had remained in the homeland, and they were wonderfully surprised to get copies.
The trip to the Post Office was a bit of a chore back in the days when I was editor of a newsletter for a non-profit organization. We had a special mail rate, but I had to sort all 1000 or so newsletters by zip code and bring them to the post office for weighing and mailing. It kept me busy extra late some nights so I could get to the Post Office by the mail deadline. Those days are behind me, but I appreciate getting newsletters as well as the local papers from our longtime hometown. We subscribe to Garden City Life as well as The Garden City News in homage to our town and the editors and reporters we got to know over the years. Seeing one of the papers in my mailbox makes me smile and I always tell Suzie another issue has arrived.
The mailbox is also cluttered on occasion by advertisements and coupons and catalogs. I simply throw them into the recycling bin, except for postcard coupons from Blick Art Supplies which go directly to Suzie. She is always sorting through her coupons and handing me ones, particularly the 8- foot- long cash register receipt coupons from CVS whenever I go shopping. I don’t know what it is, but invariably I find out the coupon has expired when I hand it to the cashier.
Christmas has always been a popular time for our family. We used to make our own holiday cards. It became an art project and supported Suzie’s quest to send out 500 or more Christmas cards (as a subtle reminder that our family should then also receive nearly 500 in reply), which she then uses the cards received to string on ribbon and mount across the wall by the ceiling as decorations. I then spend time noting in our address book the 498 families we exchanged cards with, and I mark an “X” through any family that neglected to send us a return card for the third year in a row. Banished! I don’t have to remember to buy specific holiday or special occasion cards as I have Suzie as my alarm clock. She knows each and every birthday, wedding anniversary, and religion of all our friends and constantly reminds me to buy appropriate cards when I go food shopping. What she seems to fail to remember is that our desk drawers already have nearly 500 cards in them from the days I bought every conceivable card as long as it had a frog on it. That has always been my personal trademark (and I’ll note it is NOT her card theme trademark.) One slight change I observe regarding the fact we are both in our late 60s, is an increasing number of sympathy cards I now put in the mail. Sadly, I even found a “bulk” pack – a sign of the times for Florida Senior Citizens. Well, enough about the mail. I’d write more, but if I continue onto another page, I’ll have to put an extra stamp on the envelope.
BY TOM MARGENAU
It never ceases to amaze me how millions of misinformed Americans think that Social Security disability benefits are some form of welfare. They think Congress tacked on the program to the original Social Security Act as a kind of afterthought to provide benefits to the poor and indigent. (And the really nasty naysayers out there think it is a program specifically designed for cheaters and deadbeats.)
Even people who get a monthly Social Security disability check are confused. I constantly hear from them with questions similar to this one, which was in my inbox this morning: “I am getting Social Security disability benefits. I just won $5,000 from our state lottery. Will I lose my disability check?” Quick answer: Of course you won’t lose your benefits. Let me repeat: Social Security disability is not welfare!
I always tell people to think of Social Security disability benefits as something like an early retirement benefit for somebody with a disabling impairment. In fact, the benefit formulas for the two programs are similar. When figuring a disability benefit, you simply use the year you became disabled instead of the year of retirement in the computation.
And just as you must work and pay taxes to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, you also must work and pay taxes to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. And just as both rich and poor people can get retirement benefits, rich and poor people can get disability benefits. For example, if Bill Gates had a heart attack today, he could file for Social Security disability benefits tomorrow.
So, where does this notion of Social Security disability as a welfare program come from? One possible answer has to do with confusion between it and another disability program run by the Social Security Administration, Supplemental Security Income. SSI is indeed a welfare program that pays a small monthly stipend to poor people who have little or no income and few assets.
I know from my 45 years of experience that people are always confusing the two programs. But there is a world of difference. To get SSI, you must be disabled and you must be poor. There is no work requirement to qualify for SSI payments. To get Social Security disability benefits, you must be disabled and you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a specified period of time that depends on your age.
Social Security disability benefits are funded by a portion of the payroll tax. If you work for wages, 6.2% of your salary is withheld for Social Security taxes. Of that, 5.015% is funneled into the retirement trust fund, and 1.185% is funneled into the disability trust fund. (Those percentages are occasionally adjusted very
slightly to shore up one trust fund or the other.)
SSI benefits are funded through general tax revenues -- NOT Social Security taxes. In fact, the Social Security Administration is even reimbursed from the general funds for the cost of administering the SSI program. So, it’s important to note that not one nickel of Social Security money is used to pay for the SSI program.
And why else do folks think of Social Security disability benefits as welfare? It’s partly because so many people mistakenly believe the program is a refuge for cheaters and scam artists. As one guy recently told me in an email: “We should eliminate benefits paid to people getting disability. We all know this money is handed out like candy to anyone who walks in the door claiming to have a bad back or bum knee. If we cut off their government checks, most of these deadbeats would go out and get a job the next day!”
I’m always puzzled why so many people simply assume that most folks getting disability benefits are pulling a fast one over on the rest of us and have figured out slick ways to scam the system to get something they aren’t due.
That is just such misguided thinking. Believe me; as someone who worked with the disability program for many years, I know you have to be severely disabled to qualify for benefits. In fact, the Social Security disability program is universally recognized as one of the most difficult programs to qualify for. You simply don’t get benefits if you have a bad back or a bum knee. You must have a severe physical or mental impairment that is expected to keep you out of work for at least 12 months -- or a condition that is terminal.
Having explained how truly difficult it is to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, I can tell you from experience that lots of people claim to know someone (a brother-in-law, a neighbor, an acquaintance) who they believe is getting such benefits fraudulently. But no one seems to do anything about it but gripe and complain. If you’re one of those who complains about someone getting Social Security disability benefits they are not due, I challenge you to turn that person in. Call the Social Security fraud hotline at 800-269-0271. Or go online at www. socialsecurity.gov and click on “Report Fraud” under the “Contact us” link. Your report can be anonymous.
I can also tell you from experience that 99% of you will not do this. That tells me two things. First: People will believe what they want to believe. They think that government is corrupt and inefficient, so they want to believe there are a bunch of deadbeats who snookered the bureaucrats and are ripping off the Social Security disability system. But the second thing the lack of fraud reporting tells me is that, deep down, these folks know it’s not true. They speak loudly but
carry a small stick!
So, let me repeat: Social Security disability is NOT a welfare program. People getting these benefits have worked and paid taxes and earned those benefits just as surely as a retiree has worked and earned his or her benefits.
And to get those benefits, a person must be severely disabled. If those benefits were “handed out like candy to anyone who walks in the door” (as my naysayer alleged), then why do you think there is an entire cottage industry of lawyers specializing in helping peo-
ple get disability benefits? As I said, it is very difficult to qualify for Social Security disability.
I’m not saying there aren’t a few bad apples that have slipped through the cracks and are getting benefits they don’t deserve. I am saying that if you claim to know one of these guys, don’t just gripe. Turn them in!
If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has the answer. Contact him at thomas.margenau@comcast.net.
COPYRIGHT 2020 CREATORS.COM
BY PHILIP A. RAICES
In my 38 years doing real estate as an investor and broker, I have had the pleasure of working with a few professional mortgage brokers. I have also had a few disastrous situations whereby one particular mortgage person, who I originally thought was an upstanding individual in his field did something unconscionable and totally unacceptable by scamming one of my most important clients by overcharging for his fees. I believe in earning a living, but not gouging people; because when you do that you may make a onetime score, but what are the consequences for future referrals and maximizing one’s earnings?
Many “so-called” professionals in all fields make every attempt at maximizing their earnings today, but truly miss the mark, when understanding what they are doing to their future business and contacts. When you create an environment of building excellent rapport leading to long-term relationships by “doing the right thing” from start to the finish you can become very successful. All those hours that are sacrificed and provided with “expert service, before, during, and after the sale” go a long way in building and increasing your future referrals. Just imagine a funnel that is constantly being filled with referrals and new business when you continually perform and provide professional, expert, and transparent services at an optimum level for your clients. It does require maximum efforts, disciplined actions, and the sacrifice of one’s valuable time in order to succeed and maximize one’s income in this low inventory market that we all are currently experiencing. Unfortunately due to the Corona-19 virus, as hundreds of thousands have fled and exited New York City out to Long Island, Westchester and other states near and far, your real estate or mortgage funnel can surely be filled with quality leads very quickly. However, if you have a substantial social media advertising footprint it will also be a contributing factor in growing your business and brand. One of my slogans that I have
expounded in the past is what I call Phil’s 6 P’s c: proper planning prevents piss poor performance! Many do not practice this and that is why the average income of a Realtor today is around $43,200, but then again the majority of people in our industry are part-timers who do real estate as an adjunct to their current “salaried or wage per hour” job. Those full time seasoned Realtors and professional mortgage brokers are subject to the exact same market condition. They have to perform in pretty much the identical way in order to succeed in scaling their businesses to the level in order to create and maximize their incomes.
our showings and leading to a contract on our home?)
7.) If we were to hire you how often do you follow up and stay in touch with us? (same question asked by homeowners during a listing presentation by the broker?)
Dear Mary: My father has been the victim of elder abuse. His sister, who was his caregiver, has charged $21,000 on his credit cards. We are trying to determine what accounts he has open and take action to close all of the accounts. What should we do? Thank you for all that you teach us. You help us in hundreds of ways. -- Veronica E., email
Dear Veronica: First, you need to call every one of his accounts and report the
One must realize that interviewing a mortgage person is exactly the same as when interviewing and receiving a listing presentation from a real estate broker. Similar questions that are asked are as follows:
1.) What are your fees if I hire you? (the same question asked of a real estate broker)
2.) How long will it take to receive the mortgage written commitment? (how long is the listing agreement?)
3.) How long will it take to go to contract and then close the transaction after there is a “clear to close” from the bank attorneys? (What is the timeline in setting up a contract to the closing?)
4.) Who have you provided a successful mortgage commitment to? (For who have you sold homes, condos or coops in the town or surrounding areas?)
5.) What makes you different as a mortgage broker than everyone else in your industry? (the same question asked of a professional Realtor during their listing presentation?)
6.) How many banks and lenders do you work with and how competitive are they in gaining the lowest interest rates with the least amount of fees?
(How will you attract the greatest number of eyeballs leading to maximizing
As you can see many questions that are asked share similarities whether a mortgage broker or a real estate broker. The complete package of services and the most crucial and required follow-up that is supposed to be provided is somewhat identical and in the same way, one should present their program to a prospect. Developing that initial spark leading to a bonding connection with that client, and the building of rapport and a growing relationship occurs when a successfully written mortgage approval is attained and can lead to the most important relationship. We all strive to gain that final acceptance which in turn will extend that relationship far into the future, providing one stays in touch, as studies show. However, the majority of people in sales and /or consulting, whether a mortgage broker, realtor, car salesperson, or probably anyone in sales do not keep those relationships longterm because there is no follow-up after the sale over the long term. The greatest improvement will only occur when a plan is devised to stay in touch with your clients on a regular basis year in and year out. This will return tremendous financial benefits and personal rewards, potentially gaining new friends and pay you back for the fruits of your labor and time spent. The desire and need to earn an above-average income will always correlate with the quality of time and efforts that you sacrifice and you put into your business. The question is how many actually “step up to the plate” who continue to swing, connect, and hit that home run into the bleachers? The percentage of those earning greater incomes know what I am talking about
cards as lost or stolen. Do not close the accounts! The card companies will cancel the numbers and send him new cards. When they arrive, make sure Ms. Abuser is not picking up the mail, and put the new cards into a vault.
This will allow you to keep the accounts open, but she will no longer have the correct information to use them. If she tries to use the cards, they will be denied. If he wants to use them, you’ll have to call
and what must be done every day. But the majority are actually clueless, just plain lazy, or possibly their sales/consulting position is not comfortable for them if they are not willing to work and build their business brand. The old adage, if you keep doing what you have always done and expect something miraculously to change and improve, then we call this “business insanity.” What I have found over 38 years is that your return on investment from your business is determined and directly related to so many interconnected factors and must be learned, absorbed, practiced, applied, and honed over time to become the most proficient at your trade. There are no real short cuts and what you get of your business is related to what you put into it.
Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 38 years experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned designations as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (G.R.I.) and also as a Certified International Property Specialist (C.I.P.S.). He will provide you with “free” regular updates of sold and new homes in your town via the Multiple Listing Service of Long Island (MLSLI) or go to http://WWW. Li-REalEstate.Com as well as a “free” value analysis of what your home might sell for in today’s tumultuous Covid-19 pandemic market without any “strings” attached. He can also provide a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality, 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 “FREE” 15 minute consultation, he can be reached by Cell @ (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@ TurnKeyRealEstate.Com or to answer any of your questions, concerns or column suggestions.
the 800 number to activate them first. Next, get all three of his credit reports ASAP. You can access them on the Annual Credit Report website and put a fraud alert on each of the reports. Also, if he will cooperate, you need to file a dispute against every single charge she has made. The credit card companies will have to reverse all the charges if he signs an affidavit stating that he did not authorize those charges and she did this without his
permission. Be warned: They will come after her with criminal charges, and they should.
Would you like more information? Go to EverydayCheapskate.com for links and resources for recommended products and services in this column.
Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a lifestyle blog, and the author of the book “Debt-Proof Living.”
COPYRIGHT 2020 CREATORS.COM
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HOLY SAINT JUDE Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful and intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in time of need, to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Please help me in my present and urgent petition. (Here describe the nature of your personal need) In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. St. Jude, pray for us and all who invoke your aid. Amen. This Novena should be said for nine consecutive days. After reciting the Novena, pray 3 Our Fathers, 3 Hail Mary’s and 3 Glory Be. Publication must also be promised. M.H.
NOVENA TO ST. CLAIRE: Ask St. Claire for 3 favors; 1 business and 2 impossible, say 9 Hail Mary’s for 9 days with lighted candles. Pray whether you believe or not. Publish on the 9th day. “May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored and glorified today and everyday”. Request will be granted no matter how impossible it seems. Publication must be promised. M.H.
NOVENA TO ST. JUDE
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved, and preserved throughout the world, now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude worker of miracles, pray for us. Say prayer 9 times a day. By the eighth day, your prayer will be answered as mine was. Publication must be promised. Thank You St. Jude. M.H.
NOVENA TO THE BLESSED MOTHER
Oh Most Beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven. Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity.
Oh Star of the Sea, help me herein and show me here you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand thy power.
Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee (say three times).
Holy Mary I place this cause in your hands (say three times). Thank you for your mercy to me and mine.
Amen. (MAK)
PRAYER TO THE BLESS-
ED VIRGIN (Never known to fail). Oh Most Beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine of Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin assist me in this necessity. Oh Star of the Sea help me and show herein you are my Mother. Oh Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth I beseech thee from the bottom of my heart to succor me this necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh show me herein you are my Mother. Oh Mary conceived without sin pray for us who have recourse to Thee (three times). Oh Holy Mary I place this cause in your hands (three times). Thank you for your mercy to me and mine. Amen. This prayer must be said for three days and after three days your request will be granted. The prayer must be published. Grateful thanks.
M.H.
PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN (Never known to fail). Oh Most Beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine of Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin assist me in this necessity. Oh Star of the Sea help me and show herein you are my Mother. Oh Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth I beseech thee from the bottom of my heart to succor me this necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh show me herein you are my Mother. Oh Mary conceived without sin pray for us who have recourse to Thee (three times). Oh Holy Mary I place this cause in your hands (three times). Thank you for your mercy to me and mine.
Amen. This prayer must be said for three days and after three days your request will be granted. The prayer must be published. Grateful thanks. (D.M.F.)
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FALL DRAIN OUTS
Backflow Device Tests
Free Estimates Installation Service/Repairs Joe Barbato 516-775-1199
JOVEL DELUXE
DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
Interior & Exterior Renovations
Interior & Exterior Painting
Door & Window Installation
Retaining Walls, Patios, Driveways
Deck Staining Pressure Washing
Free Estimates
www.joveldeluxe.com 631-926-3773
LEAK REPAIRS
24 Hour Service
Bathrooms, showers, Kitchens Call 516-668-5624
MADE IN THE SHADE CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS
Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Draperies
Top Brands at Discount Prices! Family owned & operated www.madeintheshadensli.com 516-426-2890
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
FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC
Dr. Ann Marie D’Angelo PMHCNS-BC
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Advanced Practice Nurse Care
Manager
Assistance with Aging at Home /Care Coordintion
Nursing Home & Assisted Living Placement
PRI / Screens / Mini Mental Status Exams
Medicaid Eligibility and Apllications 516-248-9323
www.drannmariedangelo.com
901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530
PAINTING & PAPERHANGING
MICHELANGELO
PAINTING & WALLPAPER
Interior, Exterior, Plaster / Spackle, Light Carpentry, Decorative Moldings & Power Washing. Call: 516-328-7499
SCIENCE & MATH TUTOR
Stanford PhD student available to tutor Middle and High School students in Science and Mathematics. Over a decade of tutoring / teaching experience.
I build confidence and prepare students for success.
Call or text Mike: 516-7804891
CLEANING
PROFESSIONAL HOME & OFFICE CLEANING
You’re just one call away !! from a clean home or office. Thorough and Professional Cleaning at affordable rates! Call today for Free Estimate Anna: 516-360-8340
SERVICES
A & J MOVING & STORAGE:
Established 1971. Long Island and New York State specialists. Residential, Commercial, Piano & Organ experts. Boxes available. Free estimates. www. ajmoving .com 516-741-2657 114 Jericho Tpk, Mineola NYDOT# 10405
DISH TV
$59.99 for 190 Channels + $14.95
High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Call 1-800-609-9405
“We
Friday, Oc tober 9 at 2 p.m.
Shirley Temple: From Child Star to Diplomat Presenter: Marc Courtade, executive director, Huntington Arts Council
Shirley Temple began her film career at the age of three in 1932 and was the nation’s number one movie attraction by 1934. She retired from show business in 1958 and was active in the Republican Party, serving as ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia, and chief of protocol of the United States. Join us for a celebration of Shirley Temple. No registration required. Join us via Zoom from the link on the Virtual Calendar - www.syossetlibrary.org
Saturday, Oc tober 10 at 7:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Jaycee Driesen Celebrates The Music of the Divas
A collaboration of songs from Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, Cher, Shirley Bassey, Judy Garland, Adele, Eydie Gorme, Liza Minelli, Linda Eder and more! Registration is necessary. To register, go to www.syossetlibrary.org/ live-streaming or email splprograms@ syossetlibrary.org. A zoom link and password will be sent to you after registration.
Tuesday, Oc tober 13 at 3 p.m.
An Afternoon with Author Heather Dune Macadam
A discussion on Zoom with the author about the research and inspiration behind her 2019 release, “999: The Extraordinary Young Women of the First Official Jewish Transport to Auschwitz.” No registration required. Join us via Zoom from the link on the Virtual Calendar - www.syossetlibrary. org
Wednesday, Oc tober 14 at 2 p.m.–3 p.m.
Loneliness in Later Life
Presenter: Alana Rosenstein, LMSW of the Seniors of Syosset NNORC, a program of the Mid-Island Y JCC. Loneliness is a common challenge for older adults even under normal circumstances. The COVID-19 crisis has increased loneliness and isolation for many, yet is has also led to increased opportunities to connect with others from one's own home. In this workshop, we will explore factors that contribute to feeling lonely, whether by oneself or while among others. We will also explore strategies for reducing loneliness and building connections. Registration begins September 23.
Thursday, Oc tober 15 at 2 p.m.
Marian Anderson: An American Icon
&
Presenter: Tanisha Mitchell, opera singer & librarian, MET & Freeport Library
Marian Anderson is a cultural icon whose contralto voice broke through racial barriers in the operatic world and ultimately in American society. Her beautiful illustrious voice is most memorable through her controversial recital on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1939 and her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1955. No registration required. Join us via Zoom from the link on the Virtual Calendar - www. syossetlibrary.org
Friday, Oc tober 16 at 12 p.m.
Virtual Author Visit with Abbi Waxman
Grab lunch and zoom in to meet with the author of “The Bookish Life of Nina Hill” and other favorites. No registration required. Join us via Zoom from the link on the Virtual Calendar - www.syossetlibrary. org
