Syosset Advance (10/25/19)

PRIDE AT BERRY HILL College essay workshop 'aligns' HS students, Adelphi University

Patience, Respect, Integrity, Dignity and Empathy. See page 10.

New assisted living community opens

BY GARY SIMEONE

BY RIKKI MASSAND

On Tuesday, October 15 at  Adelphi University’s Garden City campus, Dr. Uzma Syed and board members from Syosset-based mentorship organization Align Us announced that their program has made waves even across the Atlantic Ocean, as BBC World News contacted Align Us and taped a video interview. Syed was featured in a segment aired last week on the dangers of social media contents for people applying for employment, as employers and colleges will check out profiles and posts.

“We offer a mentorship program to guide our students and get them ready for college and the workforce. Social media is a platform for all youth with children as young as 10 to 12 getting exposed to it because it is accessible and all around us. We teach young people to be responsible users of social media and the internet, and to just realize that at a young age and early on they are developing their fingerprint for the world out there to see -- Align Us has a ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ list for social media. If there is ever any hesitation, we tell students to really think twice before sharing,” Dr. Syed told BBC World News in her interview.

Doug Cormack, Executive Director for Benchmark's Orchard Estate of Woodbury , said that twenty-one residents are currently living at the senior living community since it officially opened last month.

"This is our second location on Long Island, after the opening of our Smithtown commu-

The Orchard Estate of Woodbury hosted its grand opening ceremony on Wednesday, October 16th, as local politicians including State Senator, Jim Gaughran, Nassau County Executive, Laura Curran and Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor, Joseph Saladino, attended the event. The brand new 74,000 square foot assisted-living facility is outfitted with luxurious one and two bedroom model apartments and common spaces for those in need of elder care.

nity in July of 2018," said Cormack. "That community is currently at full capacity and by the end of this year we expect this location to be in the same condition."

Cormack added that the Woodbury project took eight years to complete from base to opening and said that, "it is so good to be home and bring this special community here to

See page 7

At the local level, fall season brought a chance for Align Us to start a new school year with educational programs. Gathered at Adelphi University on October 15, Align Us students listened attentively to “Keep Calm and Write On” -- a motivating and easy-to-understand Powerpoint projected on a movie-theater screen. The “everything College Essays” event drew 26 students and 12 parents representing the following Long Island schools: Syosset, Jericho, Herricks, Plainview-Old Bethpage, Wheatley High School, North Shore High School, Half Hollow Hills, Valley Stream, Ward Melville High School and Longwood High.

One week earlier at the Syosset Public Library Auditorium, on October 7 Align Us hosted the panel discussion “Pathways to Your Future” featuring guest speakers New York Assemblyman Charles Fall (District 61), Executive Director and Chief of the Special Victims Bureau of the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office Theresa A. Tebbet, Reema Albahri, a project manager with engineering, architecture, planning and construction management firm STV Group, and Dr. Sophia Fu, director of breast surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital.

The Align Us College Essay Workshop for students was led by

See page 7

Berry Hills Elementary School celebrated its annual PRIDE kickoff to celebrate

Family Fall & Halloween Festival

Town of Oyster Bay’s Family Fall & Halloween Festival will be held on Saturday, October 26th, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Marjorie R. Post Community Park, located at 451 Unqua Road in Massapequa.

“This festival is a great opportunity for residents to celebrate Halloween and the fall season with activities that are fun for residents of all ages,” stated Town of Oyster Bay Joseph Supervisor Saladino. “From picking pumpkins to our popular Halloween hayride and inflatables, families are sure to enjoy all that the festival has to offer.”

The Family Fall & Halloween Festival will feature a ‘U-Pick’ pumpkin patch for children to pick their own pumpkins (while supplies last), bring a decorated pumpkin contest, Halloween games and giveaways, a hay maze, hay ride, inflatables, photo opportunities, and refreshments.  Costumes for those attending are encouraged!

The Family Fall & Halloween Festival will be held rain or shine.  For more information, please call the Town’s Department of Community and Youth Services at (516) 797-7925 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com.

Do you have a ser vice to adver tise?

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

SYOSSET WOODBURY ROTARY CLUB

KARAOKE NIGHT SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2019

Entertainment By ‘Singing Sal’ And Emcee ‘Rotarian Sam’

Featuring A Performance By Music Academy For Special Learners

HOLIDAY INN 215 SUNNYSIDE BLVD, PLAINVIEW 11803

KARAOKE • DANCING • DINNER BUFFET

RAFFLE PRIZES

6:00 Pm To 10:30 Pm Admission $45.00 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TICKETS EMAIL: Syossetwoodburyrotary@Gmail.Com

Visit Us On Facebook - Syosset-Woodbury Rotary Club

Rotary hears about natural retirement communities

Alana Rosenstein, social worker at the Mid Island Y JCC and Director of NNORC, (Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community), was a speaker at a recent SyossetWoodbury Rotary meeting. NNORC offers free programs and services for residents of Syosset (age 60+) to help them live independently in their homes.

Programs and services include: community health nurse for non-emergency medical questions and concerns; emotional support and assistance from a licensed social worker to access benefits and resources; volunteer-based trans-

portation to local medical appointments and food shopping; volunteer-based minor home repairs and chores workers; educational, social and wellness programs; and friendly visiting. This is a non-sectarian program of the MidIsland Y JCC, and membership is not required.

For further information contact Alana Rosenstein, LLMSW, supervising NNORC director, at 516-822-3535 x 385 or at arosenstein@miyjcc.org. The Syosset-Woodbury Rotary meets on Tuesday afternoons at The Lisbon Cafe, Jericho Turnpike, Jericho.

Rotary President Bob Mittleman and Alana Rosenstein

Syosset Library’s author showcase on October 25

The Syosset Public Library will host the 6th Annual Local Author Showcase tonight, Friday, October 25 at 7 p.m. Eleven authors from Syosset, Woodbury and the surrounding area will present their work to the community followed by a meet and greet. The presenting authors include Tracy Auerbach, Madeleine Berg, Teri Blumenthal, Jennifer Gracen, Larry Haynes, Brad Kolodny, Jeannie Moon, James Philipps,

Monica Randall, Linda Springer and CF Winn. The authors’ books will be available for sale and signing. A portion of each book sold will be donated to the Friends of Syosset Library. Free event. Registration is required for authors only. For more information, contact the Readers’ Services Department at 516921-7161 x239. The Library is located at 225 South Oyster Bay Road, Syosset. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Bus trip to Wind Creek Casino

The Mercy Medical Center Council of Leagues will host a trip to Wind Creek Bethlehem (formerly Sands) Casino on Tuesday, November 26.

The bus will leave from 999 South Oyster Bay Road (on the street with the dead end) at 8:30 a.m. and return at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Cost is $43 per person, which includes the driver's tip. Give back: $35 slot play. For reservations, please call Barbara at 516-935-5576 or Karen at 516-937-5527. Please make checks payable to "Mercy Leagues".

The first to pay is the first on the bus.

Are you a professional?

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

Jericho High School students win video contest; trip to China

High

students

and

recently won the 2019 video contest Why Speak Chinese, and are the North American winners. The Center for Global Education at Asia Society's China Learning Initiatives is on a mission to get more young Americans interested in China, Chinese language and culture, and held this contest to demystify that the Chinese language is “too hard” to learn. The students won round-trip tickets to China. Congratulations!

Jericho

School

Harrison Berger (left)

Wesley Wang (right)

JFK High School holds DECA installation

The 2019-2020 John F. Kennedy High School DECA Board poses for their first group picture together. The DECA chapter welcomed 74 new first-year members at their annual installation.

The Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) recently hosted its annual installation ceremony. The 2019-2020 chapter welcomed 74 new first-year members and 86 sophomores, juniors and seniors who met the conditions for membership.

Along with the new members, DECA welcomed alumni Samantha Valenza (’13) and Legislator Arnold Drucker to speak to the chapter. Ms. Valenza, a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, spoke to new and current members about what DECA has done for her, how it has helped her in the business world and how it will

assist future members in their professional careers. Legislator Arnold Drucker also spoke to the chapter about the importance of DECA and the positive impact it could have on their lives.

DECA is an international association of business students who participate in community service events, as well as business competitions at regional, state and international levels. The High School Division includes 200,000 members in 3,500 schools. The DECA installation was a huge success due to the help of all student members, officers, and advisors Mr. Ambury, Ms. DeLucca, and Ms. Tortoso as well as the support of Principal James Murray.

Legislator Arnold Drucker speaking to the new and current student members, officers, advisors, and school administration about the importance of DECA at John F. Kennedy High School. The DECA chapter welcomed 74 new first-year members at their annual installation.

and Ankle Issues: An Orthopedic Approach

Come learn about common conditions of the ankle such as sprains, fractures, and arthritis and the treatment options available. Megan Chapter, DO Orthopedic Surgeon 7 pm

November 9

Admission

NYU Winthrop Hospital

Memory Care Like No Other

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia takes both heart and science – knowing what expert approaches to take, and providing such care with compassion. This is what we do every day at The Bristal at Lake Success. Our community is dedicated 100% to state-of-the-art memory care, built upon a solid foundation of success caring for seniors at our family of assisted living communities across the tri-state area. We’ve also developed an alliance with Northwell Health’s Feinstein Institute, initiating opportunities for advancements in dementia care. Altogether, this means peace of mind for you, proven memory care for your loved one, and the freedom to share and embrace every moment. Come visit a truly extraordinary community where memory care is everything: The Bristal at Lake Success.

Town opens shellfish hatchery to clean up bay

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilwoman Michele Johnson and Councilman Steve Labriola joined with the North Oyster Bay Baymen’s Association (NOBBA) to officially open a new shellfish hatchery in Oyster Bay.  This initiative was launched with the goal of populating Oyster Bay Harbor with two million additional clams and oysters, which will generate both economic benefits for the shellfish industry and environmental benefits that include improved water quality as each shellfish filters gallons of water per day. The Town and NOBBA have partnered on clam and oyster seeding of the harbor for decades in an effort to improve the water quality, resulting in Oyster Bay Harbor boasting some of the cleanest water on Long Island.

Supervisor Saladino stated, “From cleaning up the Grumman-Navy Plume to enhancing recycling initiatives, my administration has advanced environmental priorities that benefit our residents and local communities.  This new shellfish hatchery will improve the water quality in our bay and deliver economic benefits of an improved shellfish industry by boosting the number of certified clamming areas that support more clammers and baymen.”

The Town Department of Environmental Resources acquired a prefabricated 950 square-foot building to house specialized upwelling tanks and algae tanks that allow the growing of clams and oysters from seed.  The project is funded, in part, by Town resources from the Bay Management Fund - an account that is financed by a percentage of the license fees collected by the issuance of commercial shellfish licenses.  The Town is currently amending its existing New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Shellfish Permits.  Establishment of this new shellfish hatchery will qualify the Town of Oyster Bay to pursue grants offered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to conduct a feasibility study that would determine what improvements to an existing shellfish hatchery would be beneficial to a water body, then qualifying the Town

to obtain additional funding for the recommended hatchery improvements.

“I am proud to lead this environmental initiative that will preserve the quality, resiliency, and natural beauty of our local waterways for generations to come,” Councilwoman Johnson said. “I thank the North Oyster Bay Baymen’s Association for partnering with the Town on such an important initiative. Protecting our natural assets is a top priority and by restoring and reseeding our shellfish populations, we not only strengthen the local economy, but also ensure we are working to keep our waters clean.”

“We are so fortunate to have dedicated and industrious partners in our efforts to

maintain the water quality of our beautiful harbor,” Councilman Labriola added. “These programs help raise awareness of the importance of stewardship of our local waters, and they help bolster the local economy. It really exemplifies how communities benefit when government works with local organizations to do what’s best for our quality of life.”

The Town of Oyster Bay completed a Clam Density Study this past fall to obtain additional analysis on the health and population of shellfish in the Oyster Bay Harbor.  Last analyzed in 2013, this study will provide a baseline to help determine the effectiveness of the new shellfish hatchery and other seeding projects.  The

516.287.4871 patricia.pascullo@elliman.com

Town and NOBBA currently maintain a FLUPSY (Floating UPwelling SYtem) in the harbor to grow clams and established “grow-out” areas to allow the clams to mature prior to final seeding.  Additionally, the Town of Oyster Bay purchases two million seed clams annually for placement in the bay.  Once successful, the Town will expand its clam and oyster seeding operation from the hatchery to the south shore where the Town already works in partnership with other municipalities, the DEC, Cornell Cooperative, Stonybrook University and the New York Department of State to improve water quality in the Great South Bay.

Supervisor Saladino and Councilman Labriola join with local baymen to discuss various shellfish being harvested at the new Town Shellfish Hatchery.

My classroom is filled with magic and fun! That's why it's easy to learn and play.

The Portledge School educational philosophy addresses a child’s personal, emotional, social, physical, and intellectual development. This integrative approach empowers students to develop self-awareness through reflection and introspection while recognizing the vital role of guidance and instruction provided by the teacher. A careful balance of support and challenge encourages students to engage with rigorous academics while developing a love of learning and appreciation for knowledge. Students are expected to be self-motivated and collaborative in the learning process, inside and outside the classroom. We aspire for students to develop the ability to think critically about themselves, what they are learning, and the world around them.

Pre-Nursery - 5th Grade 9:30 - 11:00 A.M.

OPEN HOUSE DATES November 8TH December 5TH April 4TH

Chamber holds October networking meeting Syosset resident self-publishes his first book

The Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce held its October networking event on October 17 at the Cold Spring Hills Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation. Above, members of the Chamber with the staff of the center.

BY GARY SIMEONE

Syosset resident Jason Mandel is certainly a busy guy. After coming up with the innovative Let’s asQ card game earlier this year, the father of two decided to self-publish a book about his wife’s struggle with her first pregnancy back in 2004. The book tells the tale of the couple’s daunting experience with fertility treatments and the unexpected birth of their first child.

“I published a book called ‘Having Maddie’ just a few weeks ago,” said Mandel who is a financial analyst in Manhattan. “It’s basically a story about my wife Carrie and I struggling through fertility treatments and an incredibly complex and rare pregnancy. The book is filled with some hard to believe developments and awfully difficult choices we had to make when we were in our twenties and rookies at a lot of life.”

Mandel said he and his wife had difficulty getting pregnant and chose to use a variety of fertility treatments and ultimately IVF. The IVF caused her to be pregnant with quadruplets, but multiple complications during the pregnancy caused three of the fetuses not to survive.

“It was a roller coaster ride of highly unusual complications that left us giving birth only to Madelyn,” said Mandel. “We were shocked by some of the developments during the pregnancy. We also encountered several instances of incorrect or missed diagnoses by doctors.”

He said that as a young couple, the biggest lesson they learned was to always support each other and to advocate for themselves when it came to their health and their baby’s health.

The book is also filled with the trials and tribulations they went through, including the moral decision of having to deal with a very high-risk multiple pregnancy and the advice they sought out from a variety of medical professionals.

“Throughout the pregnancy, we received a wide variety of medical advice and opinions from so-called med-

ical experts,” said Mandel. “We found ourselves in many instances being dismissed by doctors of our concerns and our fears over certain symptoms including contractions, bleeding and even cases of differing ultrasound readings.”

The book is also filled with some entertaining stories and humorous anecdotes about things that happened to his wife during her pregnancy with her first child.

One of the stories in the book revolves around a plane flight from Florida, where his wife had just gone through a utero surgical procedure to save the pregnancy.

“In the category of anything that can go wrong will go wrong, we were on our way home from Florida and Carrie had been counseled to have very limited activity and go straight to bed when we reached home. On the flight, an older lady was sitting one row away from us and was coughing loudly and persistently.  She snuck into the bathroom to smoke a cigarette and later dropped a cane on Carrie’s head from the overhead bin.”

Another anecdote in the book included hiring someone to help Carrie while she was on strict bed rest at home and while he was at work all day, which made things challenging.

“For one interview, a man showed up when we were expecting a woman. We invited him in and he explained that his sister would be caring for Carrie. He pointed outside where we could see a woman slumped over the dashboard crying. It was his sister, who he said could be a little shy and bashful. Needless to say, that didn’t seem to be a great fit for a person to spend hours a day supposedly caring closely for my wife.”

In the end, it all turned out to be a happy story for the family, though, as his daughter Maddie is now 15, and is healthy and is an avid dancer and an excellent student. The couple also has a 14-year-old son named Jason, who was born without any fertility treatments.

The Mercy League of Glen CoveHicksville - Syosset is looking for bowlers for its (non-money) Ladies League. The League bowls on Fridays at 9:45 a.m. at Syosset Bowl, Jericho Tpk.,Syosset. Come out and join the fun. For more information, please call Dolores Sartor at 516-931-4106.

Every day should feel this good at Berry Hill

BY GINA JAMES

In late September, Berry Hill Elementary School had their annual PRIDE Kick Off. The Berry Hill PTA gifted all students and staff with new t-shirts to reflect this year’s PRIDE theme.  PRIDE is an acronym for P atience, Respect, Integrity, Dignity

and Empathy.   The PRIDE program is a joint effort by the school staff and the PTA geared to teach the children these important principles.

To kick off PRIDE, all students enjoyed an assembly hosted by Corey

The Dribbler.  Corey The Dribbler is a 4-time Guinness record holder travel-

ing the country and promoting character education. Corey captivated the students with his amazing tricks and discussed how all the letters of PRIDE

are so important. It was great day, and all the students and staff look forward to a great year full of PRIDE ahead.

Signed autographed photos for volunteers.

Second-graders were all smiles.

Corey engaged the audience.

Students were excited to welcome Corey to Berry Hill.

Mrs. Beckoff's class showing their PRIDE.

Fifth-graders enjoyed the kick off.

Students were chosen to help Corey with his tricks.

Feeling Like a Foreigner in My Hometown: Global Scavenger Hunt Ends

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES

The Global Scavenger Hunt teams arrive in New York City for the last leg of the Global Scavenger Hunt, a mystery tour that has taken us to 10 countries in 23 days.

Bill Chalmers, the ringmaster and Chief Experience Officer of this around-the-world mystery tour, has designed the rules, challenges and scavenges to get us out of our comfort zone and immerse us in a culture, fine-tune our skills as world travelers, and most significantly, “trust in the kindness of strangers.”

Back in New York, he is delighted all 10 teams circumnavigated the world “in one piece” without dramatic incident, in this, the 15th annual Global Scavenger Hunt competition.

There is one more challenge in New York (an easy urban Par 1), and even though, based on points and placement, the winners of the 15thannual, 2019 edition of the Global Scavenger Hunt have been determined, still the teams go out and give it their all. The four teams still in contention must complete at least one of the scavenges in New York, and complete their time sheet and hand in by the 4 pm deadline.

Examples of the scavenges: take

in New York City

for

goingplacesfarandnear.com

in a Yankees game or a Broadway show (actually difficult because of the deadline of 4 pm); have one of each of following: a New York

GOING PLACES NEAR AND

old-fashion Manhattan; locate five pieces from five of the nations you

See page D2

or an

bagel, a New York hot dog, a New York deli sandwich, a slice of New York pizza, New York cheesecake, a New York egg cream,

Hunting

an object from Morocco, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art © Karen Rubin/

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

Feeling Like a Foreigner in My Hometown: Global Scavenger Hunt Ends in New York City

Continued from page D1

just visited in the Met; visit Strawberry Fields, pay John Lennon tribute; do one scavenge in each of the five boroughs of New York City.

A native New Yorker, this is really my turf, though there is the oddest sensation of feeling like I am in a foreign place, reminding myself of what is familiar and not having to think twice about things like language, currency, drinking water from the tap, eating raw vegetable, the street grid).

In fact, that is the genius of the way the Global Scavenger Hunt is designed – we are supposed to feel off-balance, disoriented because that’s when you focus most, the experiences are more intense, you are out of your comfort zone and need to rely on the kindness of strangers, as opposed to the style of travel where you stay long enough to become familiar, comfortable in a place so it (and you) no longer feels foreign.

I elect to take up the challenge of going to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to seek out objects from five of the countries we visited (Canada, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, Abu Dhabi, Jordan, Greece, Morocco, Gibraltar, Portugal, Spain). Greece will be easy, of course, but Morocco and Jordan (Petra), Vietnam and Myanmar (Burma) are trickier. It is Chalmers’ way of making us experience things on a different level, and for me, it brings together so much of what we’ve seen, learned and experienced along the way. I have a context in which to appreciate the artifacts, dare I say a personal connection.

I first join a docent-led Highlights Tour, knowing from past experience that these always lead me to parts of the museum I am unfamiliar with, and enlighten me about aspects of art and culture with the in-depth discussion of the pieces the docents select to discuss.

The docent, Alan, begins in the Greco-Roman exhibit with a stunning marble sculpture of the Three Graces, showing how this theme – essentially copied from the Greek bronzes (which no longer exist because the bronze was valuable and melted down for military use) – was repeated over the eons, into the Renaissance and even beyond. Greece. One down.

Obviously, finding an object from Greece would be easy, and I hope to find objects from Vietnam, Myanmar (Burma), and Thailand in the Asia wing where there is a massive collection of Buddhist art (it proves just a tad more difficult, but I succeed).

Morocco and Jordan (Petra) prove trickier than I expected, but bring me to an astonishing, landmark exhib-

it, “The World Between Empires: Art and Identity in the Ancient Middle East,” with an extraordinary focus on the territories and trading networks of the Middle East that were contested between the Roman and Parthian Empires (ca. 100 BC and AD 250) “yet across the region life was not defined by these two superpowers alone. Local cultural and religious traditions flourished and sculptures, wall paintings, jewelry and other objects reveal how ancient identities were expressed through art.”

This is a goldmine for my hunt. Featuring 190 works from museums in the Middle East, Europe and the United States, the exhibition follows the great incense and silk routes that connected cities in southwestern Arabia, Nabataea, Judea, Syria and Mesopotamia, that made the region a center of global trade along with spreading ideas, spurring innovations (such as in water control), and spawning art and culture. It is a treasure trove for my scavenger hunt.

It is the most incredible feeling to come upon the objects from Petra, having visited the site (was it only 10 days ago?) and having a context for seeing these isolated objects on display. I recall seeing their counterparts in the newly opened Archaeological Museum at Petra.

The World between Empires

The landmark exhibition The World between Empires: Art and Identity

An object from Burma (Myanmar), at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

in the Ancient Middle East (unfortunately it is only on view through June 23, 2019), focuses on the remarkable cultural, religious and commercial exchange that took place in cities including Petra, Baalbek, Palmyra and Hatra between 100 B.C. and A.D. 250. “During this transformative period, the Middle East was the center of global commerce and the meeting point of two powerful empires—Parthian Iran in the east and Rome in the west—that struggled for regional control.”

Among the highlights is a Nabataean religious shrine, reconstructed from architectural elements in collections in the United States and Jordan; the unique Magdala Stone, discovered in a first-century synagogue at Migdal (ancient Magdala) with imagery that refers to the Temple in Jerusalem; and wall paintings from a church in DuraEuropos that are the earliest securely dated images of Jesus.

The Greek sun god Helios, from Petra, 1st C BC – 1st C AD, found at Qint al-Bint temple in Petra, visited on the Global Scavenger Hunt © Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com

Sculptures from Baalbek illuminate religious traditions at one of the greatest sanctuaries in the ancient Middle East, and funerary portraits from Palmyra bring visitors face to face with ancient people. The exhibition also examines important contemporary issues—above all, the deliberate destruction and looting of sites including Palmyra, DuraEuropos, and Hatra.

“The compelling works of art in this exhibition offer a view into how people in the ancient Middle East sought to define themselves during a time of tremendous religious, creative, and political activity, revealing aspects of their lives and communities that resonate

Hunting for an object from Morocco, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art © Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com

some two millennia later,” stated Max Hollein, Director, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, in a video that accompanies the exhibit.  “Further, in focusing on an area of the world that has been deeply affected by recent conflicts and the destruction of sites, monuments, and objects, this show also engages with complex questions about the preservation of cultural heritage.”

The exhibition evokes a journey along ancient trade routes, beginning in the southwestern Arabian kingdoms that grew rich from the caravan trade in frankincense and myrrh harvested there and used throughout the ancient world. Camel caravans crossed the desert to the Nabataean kingdom, with its spectacular capital city of Petra, which I have just visited, walking through very much as the caravan travelers would have.

From here, goods traveled west to the Mediterranean and north and east through regions including Judaea and the Phoenician coast and across the Syrian desert, where the oasis city of Palmyra controlled trade routes that connected the Mediterranean world to Mesopotamia and Iran and ultimately China. In Mesopotamia, merchants transported cargoes down the Tigris and Euphrates rivers to the Persian Gulf, where they joined maritime trade routes to India. These connections transcended the borders of empires, forming networks that linked cities and individuals over vast distances.

“Across the entire region, diverse local political and religious identi-

ties were expressed in art. Artifacts from Judaea give a powerful sense of ancient Jewish identity during a critical period of struggle with Roman rule. Architectural sculptures from the colossal sanctuary at Baalbek and statuettes of its deities reveal the intertwined nature of Roman and ancient Middle Eastern religious practices. Funerary portraits from Palmyra represent the elite of an important hub of global trade. Wall paintings and sculptures from Dura-Europos on the River Euphrates illustrate the striking religious diversity of a settlement at the imperial frontier. And in Mesopotamia, texts from the last Babylonian cuneiform libraries show how ancient temple institutions waned and finally disappeared during this transformative period.”

From my visits in Athens and Petra, particularly, I appreciate this synergy between trade, migration, environmental sustainability and technology (in Petra’s Archaeology Museum, you learn how the ability to control water supply was key to the city’s development) and the links to economic prosperity and political power, and the rise of art, culture, and community. (I recall the notes from the National Archaeology Museum in Athens that made this very point.)

It is rare (if ever) for the Metropolitan Museum to venture into the political, but a key topic within the exhibition is the impact of recent armed conflicts in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen on archaeological sites, monuments, and museums, including deliberate destruction and looting. Some of the most iconic sites affected—Palmyra, Hatra, and DuraEuropos—are featured in the exhibition, which discusses this damage and raises questions regarding current and future responses to the destruction of heritage. Should the sites be restored or will they now only exist “on paper”? How much money and resources should go to restoring or excavation when villages and homes for people to live in also need to be rebuilt?

There is a fascinating, if frantic, presentation of three archaeologist/ historians speaking about what the destruction by ISIS and Islamic funda-

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

And the World’s Greatest Travelers of 2019: Lawyers Without Borders, Rainey Booth and Zoe Littlepage of Houston, who have competed in the Global Scavenger Hunt 12 times, and win it for their 6th time. “You embody the spirit of the event, to go out of your comfort zone.” © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

mentalists of Palmyra, Eura-Europos and Hatra – what it means to destroy a people’s heritage, their cultural identity. “It may seem frivolous to focus on [archaeological sites] when people are enslaved, killed…but to wipe out, destroy culture is a way of destroying people.”

Happening upon this exhibit made the travel experiences we had to these extraordinary places all the more precious.

It is a humbling experience, to be sure, to go to the origins of the great civilizations, fast forward to today. How did they become great? How did they fall? Greatness is not inevitable or forever.  Empires rise and fall. Rulers use religion, art and monuments to establish their credibility and credentials to rule; successors blot out the culture and re-write history.

I peek out from the American Café windows to Central Park and see sun and the early spring blossoms on the trees, and dash out to walk through my other favorite New York City place. There is nothing more beautiful than

New York City in the spring – brides are out in force taking photos; there are musicians and entertainers. There is a festive atmosphere as I walk through the park toward the Palace Hotel in time for our 4:30 pm meeting.

15th Annual Global Scavenger Hunt Winners Crowned

And now, drumroll please, Chalmers announces the winner of the 2019 Global Scavenger Hunt: “Only one team wins. The competition was fierce.”

In third place is Order & Chaos, Sal  Iaquinta & Vivian Reyes, doctors from San Francisco.

In second place, Lazy Monday, Eric & Kathryn Verwillow, computer networking and think tank professional of Palo Alto, California “I am in awe of how hard working, beginning to end –embracing the spirit,” Chalmers says.

And the World’s Greatest Travelers of 2019: Lawyers Without Borders, Rainey Booth and Zoe Littlepage of Houston, who have competed in the Global Scavenger Hunt 12 times, and win it for their 6th time. “You embody the spirit of the event, to go out of your

comfort zone.” (You can follow Zoe’s blog of her experience to get a sense of how strenuous, outrageous, and determined the team was in accumulating their points:  https://zoeandraineygreatescape.blogspot.com/2019/05/gsh-2019)

We celebrate at a final bon voyage dinner.

The Global Scavenger Hunt is the brainchild of Bill and Pamela Chalmers, who in addition to forging understanding and bonds among travelers and the people in the destinations visited, use the program to raise money for the GreatEscape Foundation and promote voluntourism - one of the scavenges in Yangon, Myanmar is to volunteer at an orphanage or school; past GSH travelers visited and helped out at Tibetan refugee camps in Nepal, orphanages in Laos, hospitals in Cambodia, homeless schools in India, hospices in Manila, disabled facilities in Sri Lanka, Ethiopian schools, the slums of Nairobi.

“The foundation is one of main reasons we do the event,” Chalmers says at our final meeting before going out for a celebration dinner. The foundation has raised money to build 12 schools (1 each in Niger, Haiti, Ecuador, India & Ethiopia; 2 each in Sri Lanka & Sierra Leone, and 3 in Kenya), helped build the Tamensa Medical Clinic in Niger for migrating Tuareg nomads which serves as a midwives & nurse training center too. “We know that we saved lives and bettered the lives of hundreds. We have helped over 2400 families in more than 60 countries (mostly women entrepreneurs) with our interest and fee free micro-loans (96% of which have gone to women with a 99% repayment).”

Through the event this and last year, the foundation will build 2 more co-ed elementary schools , in Ethiopia and Haiti.

2020 Global Scavenger Hunt Set for April 17-May 9

Chalmers has just set the dates for the 23-day 2020 Global Scavenger Hunt: April 17-May 9, 2020. Entry applications are now being accepted.

Eager  Indiana Jones -types of adventurers and curious travelers

See page D3

What’s sinister & oh, so eerily spooky on Halloween?

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

The following is a work of fiction... or is it???

The night before Halloween Robbie Bennett was lying in bed thinking of what the holiday would be like. He looked forward to Halloween all year long and probably was more excited about it even than Christmas. He thought about his costume - the one his mother had gotten him two

weeks ago - and he knew it would be great. It fit him perfectly. How did he spell relief?

He would look good and be comfortable in it, too. No more wearing costumes that he couldn’t see out of, like the dragon costume his mother had made for him when he was five years old, or that he couldn’t move around in easily, like the knight in shining armor costume he had worn two years ago or like the pumpkin costume that was

definitely awkward that he wore trick or treating when he was four years old.

That bright orange pumpkin with its tall green stem certainly stuck out and got him a lot of compliments, but it really wasn’t him. It wasn’t his idea of the perfect Halloween costume, not in his opinion, anyway.

He was eight years old now and he wanted to pick something that he wanted to be. A power ranger was right up his alley. It was fun, it was excit-

ing, it was cool. The blue two-piece costume had a muscle torso and arms, an attached belt and a character headpiece. He could see fine out of it. It was comfortable, too.

As Robbie lay in bed that night thinking of the fun time he would have trick or treating with his friends from the

See page D5

Clearing Up More Myths and Misunderstandings

BY TOM MARGENAU

I pointed out in last week’s column that there are hundreds of myths and rumors being spread -- mostly on the internet -- about Social Security. Half of them deal with the politics and financing of Social Security. I covered some of those in recent columns. But there are also a multitude of myths about Social Security programs and how they work. Last week, I dealt with myths surrounding Social Security retirement benefits. This week, I’ll take on the rumors that people hear about dependent and survivor benefits.

Myth: As a wife, I will get half of my husband’s Social Security.

The 50% spousal rate applies only to those women who wait until their full retirement age to claim benefits. But benefits are reduced roughly one-half of 1% for each month they are taken before full retirement age. At 62, the earliest age you can claim spousal benefits, you’d get about one-third of your husband’s benefit, but only to the extent it exceeds what you are due on your own record.

Myth: I can take reduced benefits on my spouse’s record at 62 and later switch to full benefits on my own Social Security account.

With one exception, which I’ll get to in a minute, you can’t do that. There is a rule that says all Social Security claims are open-ended. In other words, when you file for one kind of Social Security benefit, you must file for any and all other benefits you are due at the same time.

To explain further, let’s follow an example. Sue is 62. Her husband, Hank, is 68 and already getting his Social Security. Sue thinks that she can file for half of Hank’s Social Security at 62 and then at 66, switch to 100% of her own benefit. Again, she can’t. She must file for her own Social Security benefit first. At the same time, they will look to Hank’s record to see if she can get any additional spousal benefits from him. But it’s not likely. As a 62-year-old spouse, she is due about 35% (not 50%) of Hank’s Social Security. And if Sue has worked any decent amount of time, her own Social Security benefit will exceed what she is due from Hank’s record.

But it would be a different story if Hank were dead. And that leads to the exception I mentioned earlier. Widows do have the option of taking reduced benefits on one record and later switching to full benefits on the other record. For example, if Hank were no longer with us, Sue could file for widow’s benefits at 62 and get about 82% of Hank’s benefit. Then at 66, she could switch to 100% of her own Social Security or wait until 70 and get 132%.

Myth: Once I make a choice, I can’t switch from one benefit to another.

Yes, you can. It happens all the time. Some readers may be confused because I just said that you can’t take spousal benefits and later switch to your own. But now we are talking about the opposite side of that coin. It is a fairly common practice for people to start out taking their own retirement benefits and later switch to benefits from a spouse.

Let’s go back to Sue and Hank and change their circumstances just a bit. When Sue turns 62, she files for her own retirement benefits. But this time, let’s say Hank is also 62 and wants to wait until he is 66 to file for his Social Security. When he does that, assuming his benefit rate is significantly higher than Sue’s benefit check, she can file for some additional spousal benefits on Hank’s account.

Myth: The government robs the families of deceased Social Security beneficiaries by taking back the last Social Security check.

Three Social Security rules come into play here. The first rule says that Social Security benefits are always paid a month behind. For example, the October Social Security benefit is paid in November. The second rule says that Social Security benefits are never prorated. The third rule says you must be alive the entire month to get a Social Security benefit for that month.

Let’s follow an example. Sam dies on Oct. 27. Sam’s family must return the check that comes in November (the payment for October). They gripe about that rule, claiming that Sam was alive for most of the month of October, so the family should get most, if not all, of the proceeds of that last check.

What they don’t consider is that the lack of proration of Social Security checks can oftentimes work in the favor of the beneficiary or a surviving spouse. For example, let’s say that Sam started his benefits at 66 and his birthday is July 30. Because Social Security benefits are not prorated, Sam would have received a Social Security check for the entire month of July even though he was 66 for only a couple of days of the month. And if Sam left a widow, she would get a widow’s benefit for the whole month of October even though Sam died on Oct. 27, meaning she was widowed for only four days of the month.

Myth: When my husband dies, I will get all of his Social Security.

That’s generally true if you are 66 or older when your husband dies. But the widow’s rate is reduced if taken earlier. For example, at age 60 (the earliest most women can claim widow’s benefits), the rate is about 71%.

And there is another little twist to this story. It is best explained with a simple example. Sam took his Social Security at 62. He is getting a reduced retirement benefit equal to 75% of his

$1,000 per month full retirement rate. So Sam is getting $750. His wife, Sadie, who never worked outside the home, is getting spousal benefits equal to about 35% of Sam’s full benefit, or $350 monthly. Sam dies at age 89. Sadie is 87. Although Sam was getting the 75% rate, there is a law that says a widow over age 66 can-

not get less than 82.5% of her husband’s full rate. So instead of a widow’s benefit of $750, Sadie will start getting $825 off Sam’s account.

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

COPYRIGHT 2019 CREATORS.COM

What’s sinister & oh, so eerily spooky on Halloween?

C ontinued from page D3

neighborhood, he noticed something moving just off to the side of his bed. It was a claw sticking out, a single claw and he couldn’t imagine where it was coming from.

He was afraid to look and see what it was and he was afraid not to. What if it moved out and up onto his bed? What if it got him?

All he could think was that it was some evil thing. It was an evil presence right there in his room and he didn’t like it one bit.

He wondered if this was some terrible Halloween trick that maybe his older brother, Tommy, who was 10, was playing.

If so, he would get even with him. He would think of some good trick to play on Tommy when he was least expecting it.

As he thought of all of the possibilities, Robbie lay in bed and tried waiting it out. The next time he looked down at the side of his bed there was a paw sticking out. One single paw.

After several minutes Robbie hopped out of bed and knelt down to see that it was his black cat, Sinister, looking out at him. Robbie breathed a sigh of relief. At least that made sense.

Robbie knew that Sinister liked to climb on top of a Tupperware storage container that was under his bed and was about five inches from the bottom of his box spring. It was a tight fit.

How that 14-lb. cat fit in that space was beyond him, and Robbie shook his head at Sinister who was now standing on the floor next to his bed. All he saw were the cat’s green eyes staring back at him and he reached down and playfully gave his cat a pet on the head.

Robbie knew that Sinister fit right in with the Bennetts and that occasionally he liked to play tricks on the various family members.

Like the time Sinister jumped on Robbie’s father’s head when he was reaching to get something out of the refrigerator.

Like the other time that Sinister hid around a corner when he heard Robbie coming and jumped out to scare him. Yikes. Sinister was comfortable in their home, very comfortable, indeed.

That was all fine and dandy but what a cat, he thought. Sinister was scaring the living daylights out of him.

He didn’t need that on Halloween. For that holiday he had to be rested up. He had to be relaxed not all wound up like an alarm clock.

Many times Sinister jumped up on Robbie’s bed, cuddled up at his feet and they slept all night. On this particular Halloween it was a bright, sunny day. Robbie woke up early, early for him, at 8 a.m., excited because Halloween Day had finally arrived.

It was a Sunday and he had made plans to meet up with his friends, Danny, Johnny and Mark. Danny was nine, Johnny was 10 and Mark was 11. Robbie’s mom said that the four boys should stick together as a group. He promised her that they would so she felt reassured and said that she didn’t have to go with them.

Robbie knew that his sister, Milly, was going trick or treating but she was nine and she was going with a group of her friends and one girl’s mother. She was on her own.

Eating his breakfast hurriedly, a crunchy bowl of Fruit Loops, Robbie hoped that the time would pass quickly. After lunch he rode his bicycle outside for a while then he went inside and played some music.

Later he told his mom and dad where he was going before running out the door to go trick or treating with his friends.

His mom said to be sure that Sinister was still inside the house. She didn’t want that black cat of theirs outside on a holiday like Halloween. Robbie said okay, checked on Sinister, who was sleeping contentedly on a windowsill and off he went.

The three other boys were standing on the corner ahead of him so Robbie quickly caught up. They decided to go trick or treating house to house, up and down each block, and see how far they would get.

At the first house they rang the doorbell and when old Mr. Jones opened the door he invited the four boys inside for some donuts and cold cider. They said okay, headed for the dining room and there was Mrs. Jones standing there smiling and waiting for the visitors.

She also had a tray full of candy apples on sticks off on a side table. It was a sweet and crunch snack on a stick that looked pretty appealing.

Mrs. Jones was ready to give them some homemade donuts that were still

warm from the oven and had white powdery sugar all over them. Robbie sank his teeth into a donut which melted in his mouth. He washed it down with some cold cider then used a napkin – as he was taught – to wipe his lips.

The six of them talked for a while then the boys headed out. When Robbie rang the doorbell at the second house, they waited for a minute then a tall, thin, bony woman dressed from head to toe in a skeleton costume answered the door. Shocked, the four boys jumped back and almost fell off the stoop.

They knew that Mrs. Wagner lived there but her black and white skeleton costume not only was realistic but it was lit up with a couple of strands of electric Christmas lights.

Wow, were they surprised! Mrs. Wagner really got them good! They weren’t expecting their neighbor to pull a trick on them but she really turned the tables and did just that.

After everyone settled down they laughed at themselves and they took some deep breaths. Then she put lots of candy bars and other treats into their Halloween bags so they were happy.

When they got outside and onto the sidewalk each boy said, “Man, she really scared me!” They continued on and kept going from house to house. Some people weren’t home at certain houses but most of the homes had someone there to greet them with a “Happy Halloween!”

On the next block they rang the doorbell of Mrs. Wright and she greeted them then stood in the doorway because she wanted to tell a few jokes before the boys left.

They moved on to the next house not knowing if any tricks were going to be played on them but the rest of their trick or treating was fairly normal.

Robbie and his three friends had a good time that Halloween so after all of their trick or treating they said goodbye then headed off in different directions. When Robbie got home the front door shut behind him with a loud bang then he headed for the kitchen where he figured that his parents and sister would be.

Sure enough they were sitting around the kitchen table enjoying some mugs full of hot apple cider. Every so often they would dip their cinnamon stick into their drink and stir it around carefully. Robbie, who was cold from

being out trick or treating, wanted a mug of that. He poured some of the hot cider, grabbed a cinnamon stick and sat down, joining their little group.

He told them about his escapades with Danny, Johnny and Mark – and about how Mrs. Wagner had greeted the Halloween trick or treaters that afternoon. “I didn’t expect my neighbor to be pulling any tricks on us,” Robbie said seriously.

They howled with laughter and both of his parents had to admit that they had never thought about doing that. Dressing up in a skeleton costume then lighting it up with Christmas lights was pretty clever.

Then they stopped to think and added that they had never turned the tables on any trick or treaters or tricked them in any way. “It was very clever,” Robbie’s dad said, “but it could also scare the daylights out of someone.”

Speaking of scaring the daylights out of someone, Robbie recounted how Sinister had scared him the night before. “Was that cat psychic?” Robbie asked. “Did he know that it was Halloween Eve? All I could see what a claw slowly coming out. Yikes!”

His mom, dad and Milly got a good laugh out of that story, too. Robbie listened as Milly told them all about where she had gone and what she did with her friends. They all listened closely and enjoyed hearing about the day’s events.

Then the doorbell rang and his dad jumped up to greet the next batch of visitors. As he walked to the front door he shouted over his shoulder to his wife and children, “I’d better watch out. I don’t know what’s going to happen. These trick or treaters might be sinister!”

This is pure fiction – or is it? What’s your favorite Halloween story?

Feeling Like a Foreigner in My Hometown: Global Scavenger Hunt Ends in New York City

C ontinued from page D5

wanting to test their travel IQ against other travelers in an extraordinary around-the-world travel adventure competition that crowns  The World’s Greatest Travelers, can apply at  GlobalScavengerHunt.com.

The 2020 event will pit savvy international travelers against each other by taking them on  A Blind Date with the World, visiting ten secret destinations without any prior preparation, and then have them unravel a constant blitz of highly authentic, participato-

ry and challenging culturally-oriented scavenges along the way, like: meditating with monks, training elephants, taking flamenco lessons, cooking local dishes with local chefs, searching out Lost Cities, cracking sacred temple mysteries, joining in local celebrations, and learning local languages enough to decipher their scavenger hunt clues.  Trusting strangers in strange lands will be their focus as they circle the globe for three weeks. Over the past 15 years, the event has touched foot in 85 countries.

The title of  The World’s Greatest

Travelers and free trip around the world to defend their titles in the 2021 event await the travelers worthy enough to win the 16th edition of the world travel championship.     Event participation is open but limited; the $25,000 per team entry fee includes all international airfare, First Class hotels, 40% of meals, and special event travel gear. All travelers are interviewed for suitability and single travelers are welcome to apply. For additional information visit  GlobalScavengerHunt.com, or contact GreatEscape Adventures Inc. at

Halloween is Happening in Sleepy Hollow:

310-281-7809.

© 2019 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com,  www.huffingtonpost.com/author/karenrubin & travelwritersmagazine.com/ TravelFeaturesSyndicate/ Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar. wordpress.com & moralcompasstravel. info. Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Tweet @ TravelFeatures. ‘Like’ us at facebook. com/NewsPhotoFeatures

New Musical Experience Joins

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL

FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

SLEEPY HOLLOW, NY — Halloween season in Sleepy Hollow Country, a legendary time that draws hundreds of thousands to the area, now features more frightful fun than ever before! Historic Hudson Valley’s fall events, the largest in the tri-state area, kicked off Friday, Sept. 20, and take place on selected evenings through Saturday, Nov. 30. Historic Hudson Valley expects to draw more than 250,000 visitors to Sleepy Hollow Country this fall.

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze®, widely acclaimed as one of the country’s best fall extravaganza, is celebrating its fifteenth year and will run for a record 49 select evenings from late September through Thanksgiving weekend. This all-ages friendly walk-through experience lights up the wooded pathways, orchards, and gardens of historic Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y., where a small team of artists hand-carve more than 7,000 jacks and elaborate pumpkin sculptures. Visitors will love seeing Blaze favorites, such as a giant spider web and mammoth sea serpent, and be awed by more pumpkin power than ever before! New additions include a Museum of Pumpkin Art and the Sleepy Hollow Bridge.

Horseman’s Hollow takes visitors back in time to a cursed Sleepy Hollow, an 18th-century village driven mad by the Headless Horseman. Professional actors, award-winning feature-film makeup artists, and state-of-the-art special effects make the Horseman’s Hollow experience all too real. This 16-night haunted attraction at Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., is recommended for ages 10 and up.

Also at Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow is  The Unsilent Picture.  This theatrical experience features a black

Horseman’s Hollow, Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze

and white film starring Tony Awardwinning actor Bill Irwin and will screen with a special effects Foley artist and original score. This event runs for 17 select dates in October and November and is recommended for ages 10 and up and contains scenes of drinking alcohol, smoking and snuff tobacco use, implied violence, and mature themes.

Brand new for 2019 is The Sleepy Hollow Experience,  an interactive musical theater production at Washington Irving’s Sunnyside. This critically-acclaimed show, created and produced by Brian Clowdus, features live, professional musicians and singers who perform the scenes in various locations around the estate and engage with audience members.  The Sleepy Hollow Experience  is suitable for all ages. The event runs for 19 evenings at Washington Irving’s home, Sunnyside, in Tarrytown.

Home of the ‘Legend’ is a daytime experience at Washington Irving’s Sunnyside. Visitors can tour the author’s home, embark on a literary-themed scavenger hunt, hear storytellers spin spooky tales, and take part in historic games and Halloweenthemed art activities. Home of the ‘Legend’ is an all-ages event.

At Irving’s ‘Legend,’ master storytellers Jonathan Kruk and Jim Keyes, accompanied by live music, bring to life  The Legend of Sleepy Hollow during afternoon and evening performances at Sleepy Hollow’s circa-1685 Old Dutch Church. Irving’s ‘Legend’ runs for 17 select dates and is recommended for ages 10 and up.

All events are held rain or shine. Proceeds support Historic Hudson Valley, the Tarrytown-based private, non-profit educational organization that owns and operates the historic sites that host these events.

Pre-Purchase Timed Tickets

These events have limited capacity

and sell out. All admissions are by advance purchase timed ticket.

Blaze dates are September 20-22; 26-29; October 3-31; November 1-3; 8-10; 15-17; 22-23; 29-30. Online tickets start at $23 for adults and $17 for children 3-17, and free for children 2 and under and Historic Hudson Valley members.

Horseman’s Hollow dates are October 4-6; 11-13; 18-20; 25-27; 31; November 1- 3.

Online tickets are $22 ($28 on Saturdays). Fast Track, a $15 per ticket upgrade, lets visitors skip the line in their time slot. Historic Hudson Valley members receive a $5 per ticket discount.

The Sleepy Hollow Experience dates are October 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 25-27, 31; Nov 1-3. Performances times are at 6:30pm and 8:30pm. On November 3, performance times are at 5:30pm and 7:30pm. Online tickets start at $45 for adults and $25 for children. Historic Hudson Valley members receive a 10% per ticket discount.

Home of the ‘Legend’ dates are September 28-29; October 5-6; 12-14; 19-20; 26-27; November 2- 3. Online tickets are $16 for adults, $12 for seniors, $8 for children 3-17, and free for those 2 and under and Historic Hudson Valley

The Unsilent Picture  dates are October 4-6; 11-14; 18-20; 25-27; 31; November 1- 3. Online tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children. Historic Hudson Valley members receive a $5 per ticket discount.

Back for a spine-tingling tenth year, Horseman’s Hollow, takes inspiration from The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, transforming historic Philipsburg Manor into 18th-century village driven mad by the Headless Horseman. A crew of award-winning makeup and costume designers and a 40-member-strong cast create an immersive, interactive, pleasantly terrifying experience, with state-of-the-spooky-art special effects. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

members.

Irving’s ‘Legend’ dates are October 4-6; 11-14; 18-20; 25-27; 31; November 1-3.

Seating is very limited and there are three performances on weekday evenings and six performances on weekends. Online tickets are $28 for adults, $22 for children under 18. Historic Hudson Valley members receive a $5 per ticket discount.

Buy tickets online at http://www. hudsonvalley.org or by calling 914-3666900 ($2 per ticket surcharge for phone orders and for tickets purchased onsite, if available).

Historic Hudson Valley, Westchester County’s largest cultural organization, educates and entertains more than 325,000 visitors a year through school programs, tours of five National Historic Landmarks, and large-scale events like this roster of Halloween themed experiences, which have earned a national reputation as among the best in the country. For information and tickets, visit www.hudsonvalley.org, 914-3666900.

REAL ESTATE WATCH

Preparing your home and landscape for winter

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

The leaves will start to fall in a few weeks and yes, raking and blowing time will begin once again. The drudgery of doing this every year is just one of the chores one must be resigned to doing when owning a home; unless you have or hire a gardener. However, it’s excellent exercise if you are one to move about on a regular basis.

Just like shoveling snow (or using a snow blower), one must be in good physical condition. So don’t all of a sudden be brave and do strenuous activities, if you haven’t performed them in a long time, because the end result could be an unexpected heart attack or other physical issues. Don’t jeopardize your health, it’s not worth it! Having your property tidy and neat says a lot to buyers and you don’t get a second chance at a first impression. Soon it will also be time to think about cleaning and putting away or covering your outdoor furniture as well as storing hoses etc. Also, change the oil in your snow blower and starting it up, just to make sure it is operational and if not, it’s good time to get it fixed before that first snow day when the rush is on in repair shops.

While the weather is still quite nice, you might consider cleaning all your outside windows, assuming you can do them from the inside, since most modern windows allow you to have them open in as opposed to the old fashion ones that you had to climb up

a ladder, sometimes to a second floor, to clean all of them from the outside, which, was very dangerous. Even cleaning out the gutters and leaders of leaves was and is another dreadful item that needs to be on your to-do list. But again, some gardeners have a unique extension to their blowers that reach up into the gutters to sufficiently clean them out and then taking your hose to thoroughly rinse them out. Not doing these two things could cause clogged gutter drains and then the water (and ice and snow) to back up into your soffits causing internal damage to your interior walls.

some painting while this excellent weather continues. Edging your flower beds one or two more times to provide a nice contour and accent around your lawn areas, will again add that little neatness and sharpness to your landscape. It’s an excellent time to plant some fall vegetation. If you are considering selling or your home is already on the market, it’s not too late to enhance the look and presentation of your property. The following are some of my top choices to light up your landscape and catch the attention of your potential purchasers:

1.)Most popular chrysanthemums

ishes, carrots rutabaga, spinach, and Swiss chard. This can set a very nice mood in and around your property. It won’t necessarily be an Arboretum but will provide points of interest to your landscape. Making your outside different and beautiful will provide that enhanced look that many buyers will be attracted to and just may help you attain a better price and sell quicker.

By the way, you still may be able to seal coat your driveway as long as temperatures are at least in the sixties and even today as I write this column it was eighty-three on my car thermometer! Most important, don’t forget to hire a chimney sweep company to thoroughly inspect and clean your chimney of any creosote and debris, (or if any brick pointing or sealing needs to be done, do it now) before using your fireplace this winter. One never knows what animals might be nesting inside your chimney!

Also, how does your siding or paint look? While you are able, maybe you need to clean your siding and/or do

2.)Balloon flower (Chinese bellflower)

3.)Sweet alyssum

4.)Celosia

5.)Heliopsis

6.)Sedum

7.)Zig-zag goldenrod

8.)Beautyberry

9.)Heather

10.)Ice pansy

11.)Also, planting those spring bulbs now will provide a gorgeous flush of color next year.

Assuming you have the room, there are also fall vegetables that can be planted, (but should be done six weeks before any hard frost), like Brussel sprouts, cabbage, kohlrabi, lettuce, rad-

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

ONE CALL TO 516-294-8900 AND YOUR AD WILL APPEAR IN 11 LOCAL NEWSPAPERS. CALL TODAY FOR OUR VERY LOW RATES. www.gcnews.com

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EMPLOYMENT

HELP WANTED

FRONT DESK HEALTH

CARE ASSISTANT P/T

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Practice seeking individual to work P/T in a team environment providing optimal patient experience in busy medical office. Experience preferred includes good communication/ phone skills, multitasking, processing of patients, utilization of office software & other office computer programs, electronic billing, insurance. Will provide training. Please email cover letter & resume to: office_mgr@drjindra.com

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EMPLOYMENT

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SUBSCRIPTION SALES REPRESENTATIVE P.T.

The Blank Slate Media is seeking energetic individual with good telephone skills to sell newspaper and online subscriptions from 9am to 1pm. Some computer knowledge preferred.

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

BABYSITTER

After 17 years of outstanding service from our babysitter in Garden City for our three children, she is looking for a new family to care for. If you have a young family and are looking for someone trustworthy, reliable and kind to take care of your children, we have the right person for you. Please call 516318-3497.

C.N.A. AVAILABLE

Are you looking for a CNA that is very loving and reliable to take care of your loved one? I have experience in nursing homes, can work full time & part time weekends 6 hr/12hr shifts. Call 516-688-9251 or 516-451-3824

CARETAKER/COMPANION

Kind, caring woman available to care for sick or elderly. Hard working with 18 yrs experience and excellent references. Expert in Parkinson’s, Dementia, Alzheimer’s. Driver w/ own vehicle. Contact Verona: 347-455-7564

CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT AVAILABLE

Available full time / part time.

Looking for someone to take care of your elderly parents in the comfort of your own home for peace and tranquility? 18 yrs. experience, references, driver w/ reliable vehicle. Please call 516-522-6739 or 917-244-3714

ELDER CARE: AIDE/COMPANION with 15 years experience available to care for elderly. Days, nights, weekends. Own car. Excellent references. Call 516-775-6171

CAREER TRAINING

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

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NOVENAS/PRAYERS

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 and show herein you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth I humbly beseech thee from the bottom of my heart to succor me in this necessity (mention your request here). 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).

Sweet Mother I place this cause in your hands (three times). Thank you for your mercy to me and mine, Amen. Please publish after your wish is granted. (MAK)

MARKETPLACE

A.T. STEWART EXCHANGE CONSIGNMENT SHOP

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

TURN YOUR TREASURES INTO CASH!

Come to Consign/Stay to Shop!

109 Eleventh Street, Garden City 516-746-8900

Antiques-FurnitureJewelry-SilverMirrors-Lamps-ArtworkChinaCrystal-Collectibles

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

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INVITED ESTATE SALES

BY TRACY JORDAN

Looking to sell items from your home?

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

Invited Estate Sales by Tracy Jordan can do both! You can sell your items online reaching potential buyers locally or globally as well as hosting a private sale from your home! Let us guide you on what items to put in auction including furniture, housewares, decorative items, jewelry, collectibles, coins, artwork and anything else you may no longer want or need. Our services can help you to maximize your selling experience whether you are selling 1 item or 500 items. We are a one stop service for all your needs when you are moving or selling a property! Selling, donating, discarding and cleaning out services can be done to meet your time frame with minimal stress.

Estate and Tag Sales

Online Auctions

Cleanout and Moving Services

Home Staging Services Appraisals

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

CLASSIFIEDS Call 294.8900

JOIN A WINNING TEAM!

MARKETPLACE

PIANO FOR SALE YOUNG CHANG BABY GRAND Excellent Condition Original Owner Call for details: 917-886-8426

WANTED TO BUY

LOOKING TO BUY!

Oriental items, clothing, art, old & modern furniture, estates, jewelry, silver, glassware, dishes, old photos, coins & stamps, flatware, comic books, action figures. Call George 718-386-1104 or 917-775-3048

ESTATE FOR RENT

APARTMENT FOR RENT

GARDEN CITY BORDER

APARTMENT: Huge, Bright 2BR, 2 Bath Apt $2,200.00 + Electric. Gated Parking / Garage Available, Laundry Room, Air Conditioning, Hardwood Floors, LIRR, NO BROKER FEE.

www.gcbapts.com Voice or text: 516-524-6965

STUDIO APARTMENT

NORTH NEW HYDE PARK

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

PETS

PET SERVICES

A GARDEN CITY ANIMAL

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

AUTOMOTIVE

AUTOS WANTED

AUTO BUYERS! We visit you. Highest cash paid. Or donate, tax deduct + cash. DMV#1303199. Please call Luke 516-VAN-CARS OR 516-297-2277

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

Newly Decorated, New Kitchen Area, Private Entrance, Own Thermostat, Air Conditioner, Includes All, Near LIJ & Northern State Parkway. Smoke Free. No Pets. $1,200/month Call: 516-270-3904

WESTERN NASSAU COUNTY

Beautiful ground floor, one bedroom apartment available in Central Western Nassau County. Private entrance, full kitchen, full bath, central air, private parking, very close to LIRR. $1,600 plus utilities. Non-smokers, no pets. Background checks required. NO BROKERS Call: 516-844-0130

OFFICE SPACE

GARDEN CITY

1565 FRANKLIN AVE

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

VACATION RENTAL

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Two Bedroom Villa at the Westin St. John Resort. Available for the weeks of March 29 & April5, 2020. If interested, call 516-747-2559 or email: rfr7342@gmail.com

CLASSIFIEDS Call 294.8900

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

CONDO/CO-OP FOR SALE

MEADOWBROOK POINTE:

Lovely one bedroom condo (975 sq ft) 1.5 Baths. Designer upgrades throughout, quiet location, light & bright, pretty view.

Fabulous amenities: 2500sf clubhouse, gym, indoor / outdoor pools, tennis, salon and more!

$539,000

Call Nancy 516-650-2808

HOMES FOR SALE

POINT LOOKOUT

BRICK COLONIAL

Situated on 6000 sq ft lot, 1 block from ocean. Outdoor deck & patio, 3 BR, 2 1/2 Bath, Den, FP, gas heat, wood floors throughout, garage, full basement. Plenty of room for expansion or parking.

Serious inquiries only. Deal directly with owner. Call 516-361-3017

LOTS FOR SALE

MINI FARM 16 acres only

$49,900. Perfect homestead property. Raise crops/animals on this fantastic land bargain. Views/southern exposure. Excellent for orchard, 45min Albany. Financing 802-447-0779

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

OPEN HOUSE

AQUEBOGUE

NEW CONSTRUCTION!

Saturday October 26

12:00pm 2:00pm 34 Colonial Drive

Modern Ranch on acre of property with room for a pool.

3 BRs, 2.5 Baths. Open Floor Plan. HW Floors, CAC, Full Basement. Unfinished bonus room.

Visit this North Fork home this weekend!

Colony Realty

Valerie Goode 516-319-0106

MATTITUCK

Sunday October 27

1:00pm 3:00pm 1645 Bungalow Lane

Waterfront Ranch with panoramic views and boat dock!

New Kitchen, LR / Fireplace & Cathedral Ceilings, 3 BRs, 2 Baths. Full Basement, 2 Car Garage & Large Rear Deck. Landscaped 1/2 acre. $1,295,000

Colony Realty

Carll Austin 516-658-2623

OUT OF TOWN REAL ESTATE

JIM THORPE, PA

Lake House

Pleasant Valley West Club

3 Br/2 Bath, LR/fireplace. Private Lake/Beach White water rafting Near skiing & raceway

$499K Call Anthony: 516-9984697

SERVICES

MEDIA MAVEN COMMUNICATORS

Helping people utilize today’s communication technology Services Provided...... Snail mail letter writing to government, businesses, news organizations and individuals. Electronic calendar formulation and synchronization on all platforms/devices for important dates birthdays, anniversaries, payments, appointments, renewals, etc. Tutorials for downloading podcasts, audio books, music, Freegal library assets and file retention and back-up. Update Windows, WIFI and Bluetooth pairings and settings for home & auto.

Electronic equipment purchase consulting and procurement.

Over the air “free” television antenna consultation. Senior Care Life Management scheduler.

Limited local airport transportation services CDL. Contact: Philip Kirk Saleawayns@gmail.com 917-658-9012

SPECTRUM TRIPLE PLAY!

TV, Internet & Voice for $99.97 /mo. 100 MB per second speed. Free Primetime on Demand. Unlimited Voice. NO CONTRACTS.

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ATTORNEY

STEPHANIE A. D’ANGELO, ESQ.

Elder Law, Wills & Trusts

Asset Preservation, Estate Planning, Probate & Estate Administration/Litigation 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530 516-222-1122 www.dangelolawassociates.com

COMPUTERS

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

SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

AMBIANCE

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

*Handyman & Remodeling

*Kitchen Installations

*Furniture Assembly

*Finish Carpentry

*Minor Electrical & Plumbing

25year GC Resident Lic & Ins H18E2170000

Call BOB 516-741-2154

AQUATEC

LAWN SPRINKLERS

Fall Drain Outs

Backflow Device Tests Free Estimates Installation Service/Repairs

Joe Barbato 516-775-1199

BATHROOM RENOVATIONS

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

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

ROOF LEAKS REPAIRED

Slate Roof Repairs

Snow Guards

Copper Flashing Replacements

Asphalt Roof Repairs

Gutter Clean Outs

Nassau Lic#H1859520000

B.C. Roofing

Call:516-983-0860

SERVICES

HEALTH SERVICES

FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC

Dr. Ann Marie D’Angelo PMHCNS-BC

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Advanced Practice Nurse Care

Manager

Assistance with Aging at Home /Care Coordintion

Nursing Home & Assisted Living Placement

PRI / Screens / Mini Mental Status Exams

Medicaid Eligibility and Apllications 516-248-9323

www.drannmariedangelo.com 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530

PAINTING & PAPERHANGING

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR

PAINTING

Plastering, Taping, Sheetrock

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

JOHN MIGLIACCIO

Licensed & Insured #80422100000

Call John anytime: 516-901-9398 (Cell) 516-483-3669 (Office)

MICHELANGELO PAINTING & WALLPAPER

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

PARTY HELP

LADIES & GENTLEMEN RELAX & ENJOY

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

TUTORING

MATH, PHYSICS, SAT/ACT

TUTOR adjunct professor Calculus I,II. Algebra, trig, AP & Pre-Calc, IB NYS Certified, highly experienced. Call Mr. G 516-787-1026

CLASSIFIEDS Call 294.8900

SERVICES

TUTORING

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

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

CLEANING

CLEANING SERVICE: Houses, Apartments, Offices. Excellent references. Own transportation, Experienced. Call Dinora 516-435-7167

GARDEN CITY

WINDOW CLEANING HOME WINDOW CLEANING INTERIOR/EXTERIOR SERVICE BY OWNER

Fully Insured/25 yrs experience

516-764-5686 631-220-1851

HOME AND OFFICE CLEANING:

I am available to clean. I am very hardworking, honest and reliable. Please email me at: hannahgoals23@yahoo.com

HOUSE CLEANING:

Excellent service, with great references, reliable, own transportation, English speaking. Call Selma 516-690-3550

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 1-800-943-0838

If you haven’t tried Chewy.com

EVERYDAY CHEAPSKATE

How to Organize a Closet in 5 Easy Steps

What’s behind your closet door? Orderly rows of shoes, stacks of folded T-shirts and hanging clothes arranged by color and season? Or do you have a situation that could be declared a national disaster?

If the latter, you might ask the president for federal disaster relief funds -- or you could just get organized.

Here are simple steps to find calm in all that chaos. By the way, the same principles for organizing a clothes closet apply to linen or utility closets, too.

No. 1: Everything Out

That’s right. Remove everything from the closet -- all of it. Every last hanger, belt and shoe. This lets you see exactly the space you have to work with.

No. 2: Deep Clean

Now that you can see the light of day, give that closet a good cleaning from top to bottom. If, after thorough cleaning, the space still looks a little grungy, follow with a fresh coat of white paint.

No. 3: Separate

Most people hate this step because it means getting rid of everything you do not use or wear. But what choice do you have now that you’ve hauled it out? There’s no way you could get all of this back into the closet, so buck up, and let’s get this job done.

LABEL THREE CONTAIN-

ERS

Get three big boxes, plastic bins, garbage bags or other containers that will allow you to separate everything you took out of the closet.

KEEP

The only items you put into this bin should be ones you have worn or used at least twice in the past year. Be brutally harsh. If it doesn’t fit today, it’s not likely to fit any time soon. Get rid of it.

SELL OR DONATE

Clothes and other items that are not right for you but still have a useful life for someone else should go into this bin. What you consider ugly may

BY MARY HUNT

be perfect for someone else. What no longer fits you will fit someone else. Take those items to a consignment store, or schedule a yard sale.

Consider donating your good used items to the Salvation Army or another thrift store. Put all of these items in the garage or the back of the car, or get them out of the house in some other way.

THROW AWAY

Clothes and shoes that are worn-out, hopelessly stained, broken or in some other state of calamity go into this bin. Work quickly to ease the pain. Empty this bin often to keep the process moving.

No. 4: Organize

Divide the Keep bin by season, type and use. If possible, store out of season items in another place in your home. Next, separate your work or professional clothes from your casual attire. Now divide each pile into common wear and infrequent wear, arranging them so the items you wear most often are

the handiest.

No. 5: Equipment

At the minimum, you need a sturdy shoe rack, good hangers and shelves, in addition to your standard hanging rod.

SHOE RACK

You have lots of choices, but it all depends on the space you have to store shoes. If your closet just can’t handle shoes and clothes, you might want to consider storing your shoes in another area.

HANGERS

I can tell you from experience that when you have matching hangers throughout your closet, you’ll be more prone to hanging up your clothes and keeping things organized. Again, you have lots of choices.

SHELVES

A good shelving system that optimizes the space in your closet will make all the difference when it comes to keeping your closet organized. Investing in a few good organizational pieces will make organizing your closet -- and keeping it organized

-- a snap!

In closing, let me assure you that it’s easy for me to tell you what to do. Just do it, right? Truth be told, these steps are not as easy for me as I might have led you to believe in the title of this post. But I have done them, so I know just how cleansing the results can be, and I know the sense of peace that comes with a well-organized space. And it’s a routine I need to repeat at least twice a year to keep it that way.

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

COPYRIGHT 2019 CREATORS.COM

This Week at the Syosset P ublic Library

Thursday, October 24 at 2 p.m.

The Odd Couple

Presenter: Sal St. George, playwright and pop culture historian

Tony Randall and Jack Klugman delighted TV viewers with their spot-on portrayals of Neil Simon’s iconic odd couple, Felix Unger and Oscar Madison. Learn the backstory of how Garry Marshall developed this beloved series and cast the duo in what would become their most memorable roles. Clips will be shown.

Free. No registration required.

Friday, October 25 at 2 p.m.

DNA & Famous Murder Cases

Presenter: Linda Maria Frank, author of the Annie Tillery Mystery Series and teacher of forensic science (ret.)

This lecture outlines how DNA analysis was used and misused in the O.J. Simpson trial, the Laci and Conner

Petersen murders, the Sam Sheppard trial and the Boston Strangler.

Free. No registration required.

Thursday, October 31 at 2 p.m.

Halloween at the Opera

Presenter: Tanisha Mitchell, opera singer & librarian at the Metropolitan Opera and Freeport libraries

There's nothing like a scare and suspense at the opera! Explore the art of revenge through a ghost from Mozart's “Don Giovanni,” a witch from Verdi's “Il Trovatore” and a deadly diva from Puccini's “Tosca.” As a deadly diva, Tanisha will also perform Puccini's Vissi D'arte from “Tosca.” Free. No registration required.

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

This Week at the Jericho Public Library

Friday, Saturday & Sunday Oc tober 25, Oc tober 26 & Oc tober 27 BOOK SALE

Jericho Library Book Sale in the Meeting Room during regular library hours. Items must be paid for in cash.

Tuesday, Oc tober 29 at 1:00 p.m.

Understanding Dementia: Presented by the L.I. Alzheimer’s Association

Come learn about the different types of dementia and the stages of Alzheimer’s Disease. We will also discuss appropriate activities for those in each stage of the disease, caregiving tips and adjustments that may be needed for activities of daily living. Reserve your space today. Register online or at the Circulation Desk.

Tuesday, Oc tober 29 at 7:00 p.m. Exploring Medicare

with Victor Choa

Explore what Medicare Part A and Part B covers and what options are available for you to manage your health care costs. Register online or at the Circulation Desk.

Wednesday, Oc tober 30 at 7:00 p.m.

Movie: “Red Joan” (Biography/Drama/Romance)

The story of Joan Stanley, who was exposed as the KGB’s longest-serving British spy. Starring Judi Dench, Sophie Cookson, Stephen Campbell Moore.

Subtitles/United Kingdom. Rated R. 1 hour 41 minutes.

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

For more information, go to www.jericholibrary.org

New assisted living community opens in Woodbury

From page 1

The Orchard Estate is named after former President, Theodore Roosevelt Jr.’s beloved family home, 'Old Orchard.' It offers 89 assisted living and memory care apartments for up to 100 residents and features modern and contemporary design and amenities such as a bistro, wellness center, family room with a full kitchen and dining room and landscaped walking paths.

One of the unique features about the assisted living community is its Mind & Memory program. The program is designed to address the special needs of individuals with memory concerns who suffer from different types of mental health issues, such as dementia and depression, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,) bipolar disorder and memory loss.

"Many of our residents were people

that were living alone in isolation after the passing of a spouse or had family members who moved away," said Allison Melahouris, Senior VP of Operations & Strategic Initiatives for Benchmark. "Some of our residents are from the local area, some are from out of state and some are transitioning over from another assisted living facility."

She said that Orchard Estate's main goal is to keep residents accustomed to their daily life activities and help them flourish in their new setting.

"Our activities are based on the six dimensions of wellness plan but resident's can kind of draft this plan to make it suitable for their taste," said Melahouris. "We want them to continue to lead active lives whether it be through physical, social or spiritual means."

The wellness area, which is open to residents and members of the public, features a variety of activities including a ballet balance class, tai chai, yoga,

martial arts in a smaller scale setting. There is also a Rock Steady boxing class which is a non-contact form of boxing ideal for people suffering from Parkinson's disease.

family doctor for house calls.

2019 Long Island."

The building has two floors with the second floor made up of traditional assisted living apartments and a large common space area. There is a salon and shower space for residents for residents to bathe and personal care services are provided.

The price range for the units range from $4,800 a month for one bedroom apartments up to $9,800 for two bedroom studio's with a kitchenette included.

Included in this price are the various amenities such as personal care services, transportation, housekeeping services, dining options and additional care service like help with dressing, bathing and medication management. There is also 24 hour nursing available on-site and residents can bring in their

Harvey Bernhardt, a resident of the Orchard Estate, said that so far his experience in the new community has been great.

"I just moved in a few weeks ago from Eagle Rock apartment complex in Bethpage, and it is a beautiful facility with really nice people," said Bernhardt. "I think the best part is the attention the staff gives you, the activities and movies they offer and the food is pretty good too."

He said that even though his apartment is smaller than what he had at Eagle Rock, the entertainment value is what makes it all worthwhile.

"There was no clubhouse and no entertainment in my old place. Here I get to play word games with some of the other residents, which I love to do and there is just a whole lot more going on."

College essay workshop 'aligns' HS students, Adelphi

From page 1

Stephanie Espina, Director of Undergraduate Admissions, University Admissions. She advised the group of teens, “don’t dread writing the essay -think of it as this is my process.” Espinoza hoped the audience of local students, many of whom were just 10th graders, will heed her advice to start writing early enough and approach their drafts creatively.

“You are applying to colleges and universities because you are capable; you deserve this, and it’s your process to mold. You can decide along with your families, this will be the right choices and right path for me. As much as your parents would love to fill out applications for you and also help with this essay it is your process -- it is the only portion of the applications where you are going to infuse all of yourself to come up with your application’s materials. This is really the only part of an application that you have control over,” Espina said.

She told students to show, don’t tell, as too often a student presents a list of their activities and interests which lacks substance and defined goals.

“Sometimes you have shown several items on a resume and supplemental things on an application, but sometimes less is more -- be clear. Do not think of the essay’s length, think of the quality of the information you are putting in there. Just make sure that this application does represent you in a very cohesive way…. And start strong and finish stronger -- think of this as your favorite song. If it’s a four-minute listening experience it will start a certain way and end

with a way in which the listener knows it feels done,” she explained.

Espinoza said the extraordinary can be found in the ordinary, and students should try to write about something not entirely evident with the rest of the application, such as the number of AP’s and which programs they belong to. She advised that one of the best admission essays she ever read was on a funny topic: how much a student enjoys Mountain Dew soda. The teens laughed but the counselor readily shared that the experiences of having Mountain Dew with high school friends, the various places and times that happened in, and why the writer craved the drink were all interesting things to find out about the student. Presentation and relationships to life, not the actual item described, were the key with that essay.

“Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Think about authentic feelings and how your essay topic may fit into the college environment. It’s about presenting yourself because you want to be invested in this process. To me great essays are clear with a defined start, then providing information and I learn something new about the student, and then there’s a conclusion. It feels complete because it had rhythm,” she said.

One big point was for students to avoid mentioning the college’s name within an essay. Another college counselor said this common practice is akin to telling the college they are so great and attractive, but without providing reasons for the college to consider the student a good match and prospect.

Another strong piece of advice was for students to be very cautious to avoid plagiarism on their essays, because col-

lege admissions departments will find that out easily.

For the dozen parents, Adelphi University hosted Align Us in a Financial Aid Workshop led by Crystal Krudis, Director of Counseling and Customer Service. Also from Adelphi, Student Financial Services’ division student tour guides Emma Ward, a junior, and Adam Robinson, a senior, presented on October 15.

Since its beginning in Syosset in late 2018, the Align Us program has grown from dozen graduating high school mentees to 37 actively enrolled mentees with ongoing application requests.

Syosset High School student Erum Ahmed decided to partake in the Align Us mentorship program because her mother and Dr. Uzma Syed have been friends in the community for several years. The family says Dr. Syed is an inspiration for her work with the schools community, the business community and all around with Nassau County, including with her contributions to the InterFaith Clergy Council in Syosset/Woodbury.

This school year Ahmed has met with Align Us mentor and Adelphi University Levermore Global Scholars Faculty Professor Sarah Eltabib, a senior lecturer in the General Studies program who has led the following Adelphi courses: Human Rights And Social Movements (seminar), Western Civilization I & II and World Of Ideas I & II. Professor Eltabib is pursuing her Ph.D from St. John’s University, where she earned a master’s in 2006. She earned her BA from Stony Brook University in 2002.

“Sarah Eltabib serves as chair of Adelphi University’s Student Life and

First-year Experience committees. She and I have been friends, and after hearing about Align Us Program Sarah was eager to mentor students in her industry. With her work in the field of freshman transitional programming through learning communities, Sarah is an ideal mentor for Align Us high school,” Dr. Syed explained.

Nina Rashid, a sophomore from Syosset High School, said she too is interested in studying History when she reaches college. According to Rashid, the best thing she learned October 15 at Adelphi was that her writing abilities can be expressed and highlighted with her college essay as topics are not bound to what subjects and careers a student is geared toward.

“I learned more about the approach and considerations for the college essay process, and what reviewers will examine. I never knew we can write a college essay about anything. Being here today helped me understand that this process is doable, it should not be really stressful for students like me,” Rashid told the Advance and News-Journal.

Two sisters from Wheatley High School attended the October 15 College Essay workshop with Align Us and Adelphi faculty. Wheatley junior student Huda Ayaz was pleased that Espinoza said students would be able to pick any topic for their essays.

“I like writing but I think the college essay and reflective pieces are among the hardest because they are about yourself. That is when you become a bit questionable about what you are writing about,” she said.

Faith Nursery School gets visit from Syosset Fire Department

Everyone loved learning about fire

The children and staff at Faith Nursery School would like to thank Fireman Ken Johnson from the Syosset Fire Department for teaching about fire safety. Fireman Johnson explained what to do if you are in

a fire. He showed the children all the equipment a fireman must wear to stay safe. Everyone saw all the things needed to fight fires that are kept on the truck. Each child enjoyed sitting on the fire truck!

There are many things kept on the fire truck to help put out fires.

The children were allowed to touch the equipment.

Kylie got to sit on the fire truck.

Fireman Ken showing all the equipment he needs to wear.

safety.

We are ready to help if Fireman Ken needs us.

Fireman Ken explaining how to stop, drop and roll.

Picture Day at Robbins Lane

We just can't wait!

Our

Picture Day at Robbins Lane had no shortage of smiling faces!  After having been in school for just a few weeks, teachers and students alike were all set to commemorate the milestone of a new school year with the tradition of a class picture.

All smiles- it's fifth grade!

Happy crew!

teacher is going to love this class photo! Practicing the huge smiles!

Waiting patiently!

First picture day at Robbins Lane!

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF DISCOURSE LLC.

A domestic LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on August 16, 2019. Office location: Nassau. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 1884 Muttontown Road, Muttontown, New York 11791. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

SYO 4309

6X 09/20,27,10/04,11,18,25

NOTICE OF NAME CHANGE

Notice is hereby given that an Order granted by the Supreme Court, Nassau County, on the 8th day of October, 2019, bearing the index number 613752/19, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Nassau County Clerk located at 240 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York, grants me the right to assume the name of Steve Eric Rosenfeld. My present address is 3 Kristi Lane, Woodbury, NY 11797. The date of my birth is July 14, 1958; the place of birth is Beth Israel Hospital, New York, NY; the present name is Stephen Eric Rosenfeld aka Steve E. Rosenfeld.

SYO 4319

1X 10/25

NOTICE OF NAME CHANGE

Notice is hereby given that an order granted by the Supreme Court, Nassau County, on the 2nd day of October, 2019, bearing Index Number 611663-19, a copy which may be examined at the office of the clerk, located at 240 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York grants me the right to assume the name of Emmie Madison Levy. The city and state of my present address are Woodbury, NY; the month and year of my birth are October, 2000; the place of my birth is Manhasset, New York; my present name is Emily Madison Levy

SYO 4320

1X 10/25

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF JRN FUTURE LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 04/02/2019. Office located in Nassau. SSNY is designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC (14 Queens St. Syosset, NY 11791). Purpose: any lawful

purpose.

SYO 4321

6X 10/25,11/01,08,15,22,29

NOTICE OF SALE

Supreme Court

Nassau County

THE BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE HAMLET EAST CONDOMINIUM, Plaintiff, against MALACHITE HOUSING LLC, “JOHN DOE” and “JANE DOE”, Defendants.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated September 9, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in the Calendar Control Part (CCP) of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, New York, on November 26, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. premises being in Jericho, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, known and designated as Unit No. 19 in the “Condominium Declaration” establishing a plan for condominium ownership of said building and one or more other buildings (collectively called the “Buildings”), and the land on which they are erected (said land and other Buildings being collectively called the “Property”), comprising Hamlet East Condominium, (hereinafter called the “Condominium”), made by Hamlet East Development Corp. under the Condominium Act of the State of New York (Article 9-B of the Real Property Law of the State of New York, dated 08/05/87 and recorded in the Office of the County Clerk of Nassau County, Division of Land Records, on 8/25/87 in Liber 9839 Page 237, as amended by Amendment to the Declaration, dated 4/20/1988 and recorded on 4/21/1988 in Liber 9904 Page 71, further amended by Certificate of Amendment of By-Laws and Declaration dated 8/03/1994 and recorded on 8/15/1994 in Liber 10456 Page 990, and by Certificate of Amendment of By-Laws and Declaration dated 6/24/1999 and recorded on 7/20/1999 in Liber 11080 Page 669 and filed simultaneously with the aforesaid Condominium Declaration as Map No. CA-138, as amended by Map No. CA-138A. The land areas of the Property and the location of the buildings are

shown on the aforesaid Floor Plans; TOGETHER WITH a 0.655% undivided interest in the Common Elements of the property described in the Condominium Declaration. Said premises known as 19 Club Drive S., Jericho, County of Nassau, New York (Unit No. 19, Section 17, Block 17, Lot 4). Said premises will be sold subject to zoning restrictions, covenants, easements, conditions, reservations and agreements, if any; subject to any state of facts as may appear from an accurate survey; subject to facts as to possession and occupancy and subject to whatever physical condition of the premises may be; subject to any violations of the zoning and other municipal ordinances and regulations, if any, and if the United States of America should file a tax lien, or other lien, subject to the equity of redemption of the United States of America; subject to the rights of any lienors of record whose liens have not been foreclosed herein, if any; subject to the rights of holders of security in fixtures as defined by the Uniform Commercial Code; subject to taxes, assessments and water rates which are liens on the premises at the time of sale, with accrued interest or penalties thereon.

Index No. 603286/2019

Dated: October 14, 2019

Kevin J. O’Brien, Esq., Referee Cohen, Warren, Meyer & Gitter, P.C., Attorneys for Plaintiff 80 Maple Avenue, Smithtown, NY 11787

JNJ 7925

4X 10/18,25,11/01,08

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF MOM AND ME

CLEANING SERVICES LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on June 21, 2019. Office located in Nassau County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to Lee J. Mondshein, Esq., 445 Broadhollow Road, Suite 419, Melville, NY 1174 7. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

JER 7926

6X 10/25,11/01,08,15,22,29

Mega Job Fair at TOB Ice Skating Center

A Mega Job Fair will take place on Wednesday, October 30 at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center, located at 1001 Stewart Avenue in Bethpage.  There is no charge for admission and parking is free. Veterans’ admission begins an hour earlier, at 9:00 a.m., while doors for general admission open at 10:00 a.m. The event runs until 2:00 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Town of Oyster Bay and the Workforce Partnership.

Employers from across Long Island will be seeking candidates for positions including entry and middle management level, licensed professional, hospitality and food service industries, banking, staffing and individuals with technical and IT experience.

Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino stated, “The Workforce Partnership and Town of Oyster Bay are committed to helping residents find meaningful employment opportunities as well as assisting local businesses in recruiting qualified employees.  This Mega Job Fair will connect private and public sector employers with job seekers, while also providing attendees with employability workshops onsite.”

The Town of Oyster Bay serves as administrator of The Workforce Partnership, a con-

sortium of local governments funded by the Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act that provides free, valuable resources to both employers and job seekers at Career Centers in Hicksville and Massapequa.  These centers help train employees to meet the needs of the private sector, connecting qualified job seekers with employers, and by assisting applicants in accessing job opportunities.  The Centers offer Resource Rooms, which are equipped with stateof-the-art computer workstations, complete with Microsoft software and internet access.  Additionally, these Centers offer residents access to job listings, resource materials, photocopiers, fax machines and telephones.  The Centers provide employability and computer workshops, as well as career counselors who will guide residents through their job search. Computer workshops are taught on-site in modern computer labs. Residents can increase their marketability by updating or acquiring new computer skills at the Centers.

For more information about this program and the many other great services that the Town’s Workforce Partnership program offers, contact (516) 7974560 or email business@oysterbay-ny.gov.

Town offers preschool programs for 3, 4-year-olds

Town of Oyster Bay residents who are interested in enrolling their children in a pre-school program are invited to attend an Open House at one of the Town’s two pre-schools, located in Syosset-Woodbury and Marjorie Post Parks. Town Councilman Steve Labriola invites parents to the facilities to learn about the popular program available to three- and four-year-olds in the Town of Oyster Bay.

“As the father of two children, I know how important the early years of a child’s life can be in their development for the future,” said Councilman Labriola. “The Town’s PreSchool Program offers a positive environment for each student to help and encourage their love of learning. Teachers focus on making learning and the social

experience of the Pre-School Program fun for all children in an effort to make the first years of their education all the more enjoyable.”

Open Houses at Town PreSchool facilities are scheduled as follows:

• Syosset-Woodbury Community Park, 7800 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury: Wednesday, November 6, from 6 p.m to 8 p.m.

• Marjorie Post Community Park, 451 Unqua Road, Massapequa: Thursday, November 14, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information on the Town of Oyster Bay PreSchool Program, contact the Department of Community & Youth Services at (516) 797-7900.

7 Madison Avenue, Jericho

Sold Price: $1,150,000

Date: 06/28/2019

5 beds, 4 Full baths

Style: Raised Ranch # of Families: 1

Lot Size: .23

Schools: Jericho

Total Taxes: $18,059

MLS# 3108190

Sold Price: $1,285,000

Date: 08/29/2019

5 beds, 4 Full/1 Half baths

Style: Colonial # of Families: 1

Lot Size: 80x121

Schools: Jericho

MLS# 3144194

Sold Price: $615,000

Date: 08/30/2019

4 beds, 3 Full baths

Style: Hi Ranch # of Families: 1

Lot Size: 274x104

Schools: Syosset

Total Taxes: $21,221

MLS# 3143305

Sold Price: $567,000

Date: 09/25/2019

3 beds, 1 Full/1 Half baths

Style: Split # of Families: 1

Lot Size: 77x195

Schools: Syosset

Total Taxes: $19,074

MLS# 3105757

69 Miller Blvd, Syosset

Syosset Woodbury Road, Syosset

Hamlet East | Jericho | $839,000 | 4-BR, 3-5-BA | Web# 3129699 Renovated Brookville model offering a cozy den on the main floor and a finished lower level.

Hamlet | Jericho | $860,000 |3-BR, 2.5-BA | Web# 3102951 Extended California ranch‑style home surrounded by Japanese gardens and mature plantings.

Hamlet | Jericho | $765,000 | 3-BR, 2.5-BA | Web# 3147914 Bright Newport model with redone kitchen overlooking atrium in a country club community.

Hamlet | Jericho | $775,000 | 3-BR, 2.5-BA | Web# 3119807 Redone Newport model offering custom built ins, hardwood floors and trek deck.

Northgate | Melville | $479,000 | 2-BR, 2.5-BA | Web# 3167946 Overlooking rear pond sit this Auburn model with year round greenery. Community amenities.

Hunt Club | Jericho | $728,000 | 3-BR, 2.5-BA | Web# 3149715 Ashley model surrounded by beautiful foliage. New kitchen. Conveniently located.