Syosset High School Principal Dr. Giovanni Durante and Coordinator of Fine and Performing Arts, K-12 Michael Salzman congratulate musicians Grace Mittleman, Eric Schess, and Hannah Son for their selection to the NAfME All-National Honors Ensembles. They are joined by band teacher Larry Ballereau. Missing from the photo is choral teacher Kristin Howell.
Three Syosset High School student-musicians will perform at the 2017 National Association for Music Education All-National Honor Ensembles concerts at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida from Nov. 28-29.
Grace Mittleman and Eric Schess have been invited to perform with the NAfME All-National Honors Choir, while Hannah Son was selected to play the flute in the All-National Honors Symphony Orchestra. During the 2016-17 school year, talented music students across the United States and overseas in military-base schools practiced diligently to gain a chair or part in their local, district, and state music honor ensembles. Of those most elite high school musicians, 608 were considered to be the “best of the best” and were selected for the NAfME festival by audition. All-National Honor Ensembles consist of a concert band, symphony orchestra, mixed choir and jazz ensemble.
Photo courtesy of the Syosset School District
Selected students will be rehearsing a challenging repertoire in preparation for performing under some of the most prominent conductors in the United States. Grace and Eric will perform under the direction of Dr. Z. Randall Stroope, while Hannah will follow the lead of Dr. Margery Deutsch.
“This is the highest recognition that a student-musician can receive for participating in a school music program,” said Syosset Coordinator of Fine and Performing Arts, K-12 Michael Salzman. “Having three students from one high school invited to perform on this national stage is a great honor. Congratulations to Grace, Eric, and Hannah, all of the music teachers they have had through the years, the parents who continue to support their pursuit of music education, and our Board of Education, administration and community for their ongoing commitment to the performing arts.”
Syosset-Woodbury Chamber of Commerce celebrates the season
BY RIKKI N. MASSAND
This Sunday, December 3 at 3 p.m. the Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce will present its annual Downtown Syosset and Jackson Avenue Holiday Tree Lighting Spectacular, located at the Sterling National Bank Plaza, 50 Jackson Avenue (the former Astoria Federal Bank) and just across the Syosset LIRR Station. The annual event and festivities are free and families can enjoy holiday music, children’s games and activities, and warm refreshments to ring in December’s holiday season. Refreshments and music begins at 3:30, while the event lineup is scheduled from 4 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
The tree lighting is the last major 2017 celebration and showcase of the Chamber’s business members. Each sponsoring local business will have its name and information on the Tree Lighting programs, as over 200 programs will be handed out by the Chamber and its volunteers, and those businesses will be announced during the festivities.
The Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce is led by its president, Charo Ezdrin, an accomplished attorney with her firm’s offices (Ezdrin & Woods, P.C.) at 93 Jackson Avenue. She spoke with the Advance and News Journal, looking ahead to Sunday December 3.
“This year’s holiday tree lighting will be bigger and more exciting than ever. What makes this year different is the involvement within the community. This is the first year that we have local business’ sponsoring the event. We will have more raffles and giveaways than ever before. Board member Frank S. Urso, along with community activists Jack and Jennifer Biondo,
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Merc y League holiday
gif t wrapping f undraiser
TheGlenCove-Hicksville-Syosset League of Mercy Medical Center will be providing holiday gift wrapping at the Broadway Mall to raise funds for enrichment activities and equipment at Mercy Medical Center.
From Wednesday, December 13 through Sunday, December 24th from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Christmas Eve until 5 p.m.) have all of your gifts wrapped and have more time to shop. A large selection of gift paper, bags, ribbons and bows will be available.
For questions or additional information, please call Pat at 516-6816690 or Anna at 516-390-0200.
CPA group honors Jericho resident Syosset pastor publishes book
Rev. Dr. John H. Krahn, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Syosset has just published his latest book, Living a Happier Life - At Every Age. It has received wonderful reviews and is on its way to becoming a best seller. “Who does not desire a little more happiness in their lives?” Dr. Krahn asks.
The author has found that there are many ways to have a happier and more fulfilling life. He begins by stating that everyone must start by choosing a happier life. There are always negatives in life. Having a positive mental attitude and an attitude of gratitude helps us to deal more effectively with life’s disap-
pointments and hurts.
Some of the chapters in his book include, “God Make You and God Doesn’t Make Junk,” “Eliminate Worry – The Joy Thief,” “Effectively Dealing With Life’s Hurts,” “The Why of Suffering,” and “The Power of Impossibility.”
The book is available from Amazon. Simply type “John Krahn” into the search engine to find this and many other books by Dr. Krahn. You can also acquire a signed copy of the book and meet the author on Sunday mornings at Faith’s 10 a.m. worship service.
Faith Lutheran Church is located at 231 Jackson Avenue in Syosset.
Are you a professional?
Our Professional Guide is sure to bring results. Call 294-8900 for rates and information.
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino (right) recently attended Nassau/ Suffolk Chapter’s National Conference of CPA Practitioners (NCCPAP) 39th Installation Dinner. The Nassau/Suffolk NCCPAP is an organization that advocates on issues and matters that affect its members. Through its Educational Foundation, it provides high quality continuing professional education. Supervisor Saladino presented a citation to Outgoing President Robert Brown (left) of Jericho for his dedication to the advancement of the organization and its important mission. Under his able direction, the organization has successfully provided a means for its members to develop and maintain skills necessary to be successful in the competitive business environment.
Syosset School Forum held to guide parents on distric t technolog y
The Syosset Council of PTA’s Education Committee hosted a forum in cooperation with the Syosset Central School District called, A Guide to Navigating Our District’s Academic Digital Resources. The focus of this collaborative event, provided parents with an understanding about the dynamic capabilities such as Parent Portal, where one can access information about schedules, calendars, grades,
progress reports, grading rubric, and other helpful information about their child. The discussion included other important resources that students use on a daily basis such as Chromebooks and Google Classroom. This lecture was moderated by two administrative presenters: Christine Payne, District Staff Developer, and Colleen Vereline, Elementary Technology Support Specialist.
Parents took notes at the technology forum.
Council Education Chair Kalpa Ved, remarked, “The Q&A session was very informative for all and holding such interactive events not only helps the parents but it also provides the district with insights on what areas need to be researched further. As the district rolls out new academic technology initiatives, a partnership between the PTA and administration is important”.
The Syosset Council of PTA’s would like to thank the following individuals for their involvement in this forum: Adele Bovard, Deputy Superintendent of Schools; Dolly Kranz, Assistant to the Superintendent for Teaching and Learning; and Joanne Mannion, Assistant to the Superintendent for Curriculum, Research and Administrative support.
Presenters answered questions from the audience.
HealtH Update for SeniorS A Free Community eduCAtion SeminAr
Move it or loSe it Safe exerciSeS for SeniorS
Our bodies were made to move. Want to feel better, have more energy? Exercise is the key, regardless of age or physical disability. It’s never too late to start!
Please join Grace Rowan, MSN, RN Community Health Nurse Educator at NYU Winthrop, for some safe, fun, exercise moves for everyday practice.
1:15PM
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Mineola Community Center 155 Washington Avenue, Mineola
(One block south of Jericho Tpke., between Mineola Blvd. and Willis Ave.) Admission is free, but seating is limited. Please call (516) 663-3916 for reservations.
Author visit at the Jericho Librar y
On Thursday, November 16th, Jericho kindergarteners from the 3 elementary schools and some lucky middle school students were treated to a presentation by children’s book author/illustrator Tim Miller at the Jericho Public Library. He entertained and enlightened them about the writing process and read them his book Moo Moo in a Tutu.
Incidents that have occurred recently in the local area include:
Unknown subjects spray-painted a victim’s vehicle at 10:40 p.m. on October 31 while it was on Bedford Avenue in Uniondale.
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At AHRC in Plainview, a wallet was stolen from an unattended backpack between 8:20 a.m. and 3 p.m. on November 1.
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A 33-year-old woman from Brooklyn was arrested at the DSW store at 1:30 p.m. on November 2. She was charged with Shoplifting.
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A vehicle parked in a driveway on Manor Street in Plainview was damaged between 6:30 p.m. on November 2 and 9:30 a.m. the following morning.
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On Corporate Drive in Westbury, a 19-year-old man from Bellmore was arrested and was charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana at 9:50 p.m. on November 2.
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On Averhill Boulevard in Franklin Square, unknown subjects punctured the rear and front driver’s side tires at 7:50 a.m. on November 3.
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Assorted change was stolen from a vehicle on Ketcham Avenue in Hicksville between 12 noon and 10:15 p.m. on November 3.
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Cash was stolen from a vehicle on Ketcham Avenue in Hicksville between 4:30 p.m. and midnight on November 3.
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A 23-year-old woman from West Hempstead was arrested at the corner of Woodfield Road and Elm Street in West Hempstead at 8:23 p.m. on November 3. She was charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana.
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On Post Avenue at Belmont Avenue in Westbury, a 26-year-old man from Hempstead was arrested and was charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana on November 3 at 9:50 p.m.
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At 4:50 p.m. on November 4, a 23-yearol woman from Rockville Centre and a 24-year-old man from Lakeview
were arrested on Merrick Avenue in Westbury. Both were charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana.
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On Boulevard Drive in Hicksville, a victim has reported that unknown subjects smashed the driver’s side front window of her vehicle sometime between 9 p.m. on November 4 and 11:15 a.m. the next morning.
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At the corner of Merrick Avenue and Old Country Road in Westbury, a 23-year-old man from that town was arrested. He was charged with Driving While Intoxicated at 1:50 a.m. on November 5.
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On Merrick Avenue in Westbury, a 20-year-old woman from Hempstead was arrested at 3:55 p.m. on November 5. She was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana.
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At the corner of 1st Street and Mineola Boulevard in Mineola, another arrest for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana occurred on November 5. A 30-year-old man from South Hempstead was arrested and charged with that crime.
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At Lowes in Hicksville, two men from Central Islip, one 50 years old and the other, 40 years of age, were arrested and charged with Shoplifting at 2:30 p.m. on November 7.
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An unattended iPhone was stolen from LA Fitness in Levittown at 5:45 p.m. on November 7.
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At Home Depot, located on Corporate Drive in Westbury, unknown subjects keyed the passenger side door of a victim’s vehicle between 6 and 6:30 p.m. on November 7.
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At an office building on Mineola Boulevard in Mineola, unknown subjects broke the padlock securing the building sometime between 7 p.m. on November 8 and 7:40 a.m. the next morning.
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At the corner of Jericho Turnpike and Frank Avenue in Mineola, a 37-year-old man from Bethpage was
arrested at 5 p.m. on November 9. He was charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana.
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At 7 p.m. on November 9, a 25-yearold woman from New Cassel was arrested on Oliver Avenue at Grayston Street in that town, and was charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana.
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At 9:55 p.m. on November 9, a 20-year-old man from Hempstead was arrested and was charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana on Fulton Avenue in Uniondale.
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At the corner of Union Avenue and Grand Boulevard in New Cassel, a 24-year-old man from Westbury was arrested and was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana on November 9 at 10:30 p.m.
n Tools were stolen from a vehicle on Oxford Street in Westbury between 9 p.m. on November 10 and noon the following day.
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On Condor Road in Levittown, a victim has reported that unknown subjects egged his vehicle while it was parked between 12:30 and 9 a.m. on November 11.
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A victim has reported that a piece of concrete was thrown through the front store window of Rudolf & Rudolph, located on Maple Avenue in Westbury, at 3:25 a.m. on November 11.
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A 26-year-old man from Westbury was arrested and was charged with Driving While Intoxicated on Salisbury Park Drive in that town at 4:10 a.m. on November 11.
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On November 12, between 4:40 and 11:15 p.m., assorted personal property was stolen from a vehicle on Davis Place in Bethpage.
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On the Long Island Expressway at Exit 39 in Westbury, a 22-year-old man from Brentwood was arrested at 4:55 a.m. on November 12. He was charged with Driving While Intoxicated.
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A 37-year-old man from Huntington
“Move It or L ose It: Safe Exercises for Seniors”
Attention seniors: Do you want to feel better, have more energy? Exercise is the key, regardless of age or physical disability. It’s never too late to start!
NYU Winthrop Hospital will offer a free community lecture for seniors, “”Move It or Lose It,” on Wednesday, December 13, 2017, at 1:15 PM. The program will be held at the Mineola Community Center, 155 Washington Avenue in Mineola, one block south
of Jericho Turnpike, between Mineola Blvd. and Willis Avenue.
Grace Rowan, MSN, RN, Community Health Nurse Educator at NYU Winthrop, will demonstrate safe and fun exercise moves for everyday practice that may help seniors remain active and independent.
Free parking is available in the lot adjacent to the building; metered lots (quarters needed) are across the street.
was arrested at 11:13 p.m. on November 12 and was charged with Driving While Intoxicated on November 12 at 11:13 p.m.
n Personal property was stolen from a vehicle on Bradford Lane in Bethpage between 3 and 5 a.m. on November 13.
n At the corner of Sherman Street and Prospect Avenue in New Cassel, a 32-year-old man from Westbury was arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana on November 13 at 5:25 p.m.
n A 35-year-old man from Bethpage was arrested and was charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana at 8:45 p.m. on November 13. The arrest occurred on Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow.
n On Urban Avenue in New Cassel, unknown subjects damaged a victim’s vehicle on November 15, sometime between 1 and 6:30 a.m.
n License plates were stolen from a vehicle on Laura Drive in Hicksville at 10:30 a.m. on November 15.
n At Nassau Community College, on Education Drive in Uniondale, a 20-yearold woman from West Hempstead and a 20-year-old man from Huntington Station were arrested on November 15 at 4:45 p.m. and 4:50 p.m., in separate incidents. Both was charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana.
n On Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale, two subjects from Hempstead were arrested and were charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana. Arrested at 9:55 p.m. on November 15 were a 51-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman.
Compiled by Kate and Meg Meyer
Seating is limited and reservations are required. To reserve a space, please call (516) 663-3916.
Health Update for Seniors is a free community health education program presented by the Department of Public Affairs, Geriatric Health Services and the Winthrop Home Health Agency. For information on other programs at the Hospital, please call 1-866-WINTHROP.
Syosset-Woodbury Chamber of Commerce celebrates season
are working tirelessly for this grand spectacular event!” she said.
Frank Urso is a real estate broker with Homes by Mara and he chairs the Chamber’s holiday lighting committee. Frank and his wife Marilyn were previously the owners of Long Island Village Realty, Inc. in downtown Syosset, for over 20 years before joining Mara at the start of 2017. He told the Advance the December 3 event “will be better than ever” as the Chamber has help from a new talent coordinator, Kim Rampanelli.
“She has coordinated six to seven acts involving the local schools, dance groups, and singing programs with more combined acts including talent such as musical instruments,” Urso explains.
This coming Sunday’s traditional holiday gathering follows a number of the sponsored events the Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce has participated in and invited its membership to be a part of. On Thursday, October 19, the Chamber had a prominent table and display at the Boom2 Business Expo held inside the Long Island Hilton hotel off Route 110 in Melville, including materials and giveaways for attendees.
The following morning, Friday October 20, Ezdrin was on stage and recognized among many of Long Island’s chamber of commerce presidents at the 33rd annual Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce Legislative Breakfast. Syosset-Woodbury filled two tables at the gala, which was attended by area officials including Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Legislator Arnie Drucker, Assemblyman Ed Ra, and both of the 2017 candidates for Nassau County Executive (decided on November 7) with Laura Curran (the County Executive-elect) and former State Sen. Jack Martins.
Ezdrin discussed the year-to-date progress of the Chamber, plus its plans to expand and grow the area’s business community.
“This year we have more than doubled the Chamber’s membership and we
just enrolled on MapToons – the cartoon map creators – they will mark every business in the Syosset and Woodbury area. Each local business will receive free Chamber of Commerce membership if they sign up with MapToons. It is a way for a business to get a part of the map, an incredible innovation, and they get free Chamber membership for 2018 with it,” Ezdrin explained in an interview.
Since 2003 MapToons (Maptoons. LI) has helped several of Long Island’s chambers of commerce present the locations of member businesses on its “whimsical interactive maps, and colorful and informative business guides.” Discounts and specials are also advertised on the MapToons maps, and merchants from contemporaries of the Syosset Woodbury Chamber, including the Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce, have utilized MapToons prints as ways of putting businesses in front of casual consumers in the area. Usually such maps are found in a central hub of a local municipality such as a diner or bagel shop.
The Syosset Woodbury Chamber has made a number of changes to draw members and present them in front of the community in 2017. Midway through this year Ezdrin offered a dis counted membership for the remainder of the year, and after that membership for 2018 with the last months of the year complimentary. If the new MapToons endeavor is successful the Chamber plans to set an even higher bar for sign ing up area businesses as members.
The Chamber also co-sponsored an earlier event this holiday season as the Comfort Inn of Syosset at 24 Oak Drive hosted a Holiday Shopping Fair on Sat urday, November 11 with vendors from Queens, Oyster Bay, the south shore and Suffolk County in attendance. One of the newest local small businesses is Rose N’ Joe’s Bakery in Oyster Bay, steps away from the Town of Oyster Bay’s Audrey Avenue municipal office building. The bakery has been a hit in the Astoria, Queens area for several years and its founders, mother and son,
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say they’re learning the Long Island market. Rose N’ Joes is developing more gift products and holiday goodies as they reach the end of the year. The craft show was a chance to meet people and sell holiday cookies and pies, including baked goods in Thanksgiving turkey and cornucopia shapes. At the Comfort Inn another vendor, Lisa Di Paola of the LuLaRoe brand women’s dresses, maxi skirts, pencil skirts, and dresses presented a table full of girls’ tights, leggings and apparel in holiday themes of Santa, his elves, reindeer and Frosty the Snowman. Area families also participated bringing in jewelry, handmade ornaments, pictures and paintings to the Comfort Inn shopping showcase.
Grand openings have been a top highlight of 2017 for the Syosset-Woodbury Chamber of Commerce. In October The Coder School was featured, with business partners and sisters-in-law Noreen Kazi and Nisha Bhalla bringing an innovative education-based national franchise to Syosset’s growing downtown. In the summer Puzzle Break and CrossFit Peak Dynamics, two new busi-
nesses in Syosset’s Michael Drive corridor, were welcomed to the Chamber and community with ribbon cuttings. Town of Oyster Bay Councilman Thomas Hand attended each ceremony with the Chamber and presented official Town citations to the new businesses.
The most recent meeting of the Chamber of Commerce was held on November 16 at Wild Birds Unlimited of Syosset. Plans are underway for September 30, 2018, as the Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce decided to bring back the annual Syosset Street Fair to Jackson Avenue, leaving no doubts after a one-year hiatus in 2017.
A full calendar year of planning presents a bonus to organizers as they’re reaching out to more businesses, and the greater area’s merchants will once again be showcased with tables and booths alongside children’s rides and attractions.
For more information on the Holiday Lighting Spectacular and all Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce activities, please visit SyossetChamber.com
It starts with the doctors. Our doctors have long been in the forefront of diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal diseases. With the state-of-the-art technologies now available to them, there’s no difficult disorder they can’t treat. Which explains why St. Francis is the only Long Island hospital nationally ranked for Gastroenterology & GI Surgery by U.S.News & World Report. We are one of only four New York Metro area hospitals to make the list. Our patients have always known how good our doctors are. Now the rest of the country does, too.
From left to right: Michael Giuffrida, M.D., Surgeon • George DeNoto, M.D., Director of General Surgery Neeraj Kaushik, M.D., Director of Gastroenterology • Gary Gecelter, M.D., Chairman of Surgery Mitchell Chorost, M.D., Director of Surgical Oncology • Eugene Rubach, M.D., Surgeon • Mark Dobriner, M.D., Surgeon
Jericho Schools host Staf f Recognition Reception
Community members and school district employees were invited to attend the annual staff recognition reception in the Jericho Middle/High School auditorium earlier this month. The district recognized staff members for outstanding service to the children and youth of Jericho. Those honored for 10 years include: Stephanie Alkes, Robert Ayubo, John Cicale, Natalie Drebsky, Jill Dvorznak, Pedro Fernandez, Carolyn Koeper, James Lawlor, Denise Loguercio, Joseph Menard, Georgia Paraskakis, Joseph Sapienza, Carlos Saravia, Danielle Schwirzbin, Pamela Travis, Douglas Volosevich, and Adam Winnick.
Those honored for 20 Years were: Mandy Brotman, Susan Burke, Andrew Calo, Sean Clarkin, Nicolina Coffey, Deborah Coppola, Brian Cummings, Marianne D’Alto, Kenneth Darr, Matthew DeMarinis, Jeanette Ferrara, Kathleen Greene, Mellene Hederian Reilly, Marianne Holden-Pappas, Tali Kupferman, Joanne Leprine, Deborah Marrus, Nancy Martin, Anne McDonough, Jacqueline O’Neill, Jan Porinchak, Joseph Prinzevalli, Pamela Schiesser, Rande Siper, and Luisa Vitellozzi.
Those honored for 25 Years are Kim Rizzi and Cheryl Viviano. Honored for 30 years were Jeffrey Baum, Gina Gallagher, and Michael Zarett. Honored for 35 years was Margaret Broullon. Pictured (L-R) are Michael Zarett, Jeffrey Baum, Gina Gallagher, Margaret Broullon and Kim Rizzi.
Increasingly, the world is skiers’ oyster with more and more people venturing to Europe, Asia and Australia for an entirely different downhill experience.
The consolidation of the mega-resort companies –Vail Resorts and Aspen/KSL – and their acquisitions of resorts spanning the nation and even the world gives new incentives for season-pass holders to go further afield from their “local” or familiar mountain, even See page D2
(bottom) Red Mountain, British Columbia is one of the underthe-radar mountain resorts that Ski.com says skiers and riders should consider (photo by David Heath)
GOING PLACES NEAR AND FAR
GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....
Ski Vacation Specialist SkiCom Assists Skiers, Riders Looking Further Afield for New Mountain Experiences
Continued from page D1
“shopping” for where the best snow may be or novel activities or amenities. This makes the services of a travel agent with particular expertise in mountain resorts to assist with the logistics (air, car rental, lodging, even rentals, etc.) more in demand. Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass, for example, provides unlimited access to Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia and Parisher in Australia (for summer 2018), plus limited access to 30 resorts in Europe; meanwhile, Vail Resorts’ acquisition of Stowe Vermont, its first in the Northeast, gives passholders greater incentive to spread their wings in pursuit of new places for an alpine experience.
SkiCom, a travel agency/broker specializing in skiing and mountain resorts, brings that expertise cultivated over 50 years, especially when venturing to more off-the-beaten track, even exotic or remote destinations, out of your comfort zone, where help with lodgings, transportation, and non-ski or après-ski activities brings extra value.
“We are continuing to see a trend of people buying their Epic Pass early to take advantage of earlybooking discounts and then picking their destinations and making travel plans later,” says Dan Sherman, chief marketing officer for Ski.com. “In some cases, Epic Pass holders will even purchase plane tickets to Denver, which locks in their dates, but they wait until closer in to decide on their destination. As the consolidation of major ski resorts continues, we expect to see new pass products hit the market, which could affect where and how often destination skiers travel to the mountains.” Ski. com sells the Epic Pass as well as the Salt Lake Super Pass, which are often-times cheaper than paying the day rate at the
ticket window. A Mountain Vacation Specialist can help determine this when booking a package for travelers.
The company reports that Japan is becoming a highly sought-after ski destination, particularly for those on the hunt for powder who also enjoy the cultural experiences these resorts offer.
Europe is also in higher demand this year, particularly for those looking to capitalize on airfare deals and also take advantage of the strong dollar against the Euro.
Ski.com just added additional Japanese locations to the inventory, one of nearly a dozen countries the company books for traveling skiers. Also, a recent partnership with Club Med offers skiers all-inclusive travel options in the European Alps.
Club Med now has 20 resorts in the French and Italian Alps (and just announced it will open its first in Canada, in Quebec’s Le Massif de Charlevoix ski region in 2020).
“People know us for warm weather properties, but what is different about Club Med’s ski resorts is that the vacation is truly all-inclusive: flights (aboard commercial airlines, not charter), transfers, accommodations, food and beverage, lift tickets, lessons, activities, snowshoeing kids programs, kids clubs (also inclusive of beginner, intermediate and advanced ski lessons) – the only thing not included are the rentals. Every property has something different” says Katie Riguzzi, of Source by Katie, representing Club Med at a Ski.com media event.
She noted that the world’s flagship ski destinations are seeing a stronger increase in visitors from around the world. For instance, guests from the United States, Canada and Brazil are booking more ski vacations in the Alps. They are also becoming more
interested in Asian ski destinations. These guests are traveling for the different experiences each destination can provide: Champagne powder in Japan, chalet atmosphere in France, cuisine in Italy, etc.
“The international appeal for ski is very evident at Club Med resorts, and the resorts are properly prepared to welcome all guests. Club Med employs staff members from all over the world to break down language barriers and they are equipped to provide top-ofthe-line accommodations, conciergelevel services and authentic culinary experiences that vary by region to highlight local flavors, but also adapt to the clients’ customs and comforts. Club Med continues to grow its ski offering in Europe, Asia and now North America, providing plenty of unique bucket-list destinations.”
The rising demand for allinclusive experiences has resulted in Ski.com expanding its guided trip program as well as partnering with Club Med to offer trips to Club Med ski destinations in Europe. Ski.com offers 5 guided trips this winter to Japan and to the Powder Highway in Canada. Ski.com’s demand for its Top Resorts remains high but the company is also seeing increased demand this year for Europe in general and also powderthemed vacations like Powder Highway and hell ski trips.
Guided Trips for the 2017-18 season include:
Hokkaido, Japan: January 13-29, 2018 & January 27-Febuary 3, 2018. Enjoy 6 days of guided skiing in or around Niseko (wherever the snowfall is most abundant), as well as 7 nights lodging, breakfast and more. More details here.
Canada’s Powder Highway I: Red Mountain +
Ski.com: Bormio, Italy is the perfect ski vacation for those looking to get away from it all (photo provided by Ski.com).
Whitewater, British Columbia February 25-March 4, 2018: Located on the infamous “Powder Highway,” this guided trip includes 3 days of guided skiing at Red Mountain and 3 days of guided skiing at Whitewater with options to add cat skiing as well. Lodging at each location as well as transportation and reception dinners are included. More details here.
Canada’s Powder Highway II: Panorama, Kicking Horse & Revelstoke, March 3-10, 2017: Explore some of Canada’s best powder and check heli-skiing off your bucket list with this guided trip to Panorama, Kicking Horse and Revelstoke. The trip includes 7 nights of lodging, 6 days of guided skiing, option to add hell-skiing as well as daily breakfast, après ski, transportation and more. More details here.
Off the Beaten Path: 7 Under-theRadar Ski Resorts
Ski.com’s best-selling resorts include Vail, Aspen/Snowmass, Breckenridge, Deer Valley Resort, Beaver Creek, Steamboat Springs, Park City, Jackson Hole, Telluride, Whistler/Blackcomb (CAN), Zermatt (Switzerland), Chamonix (France).
But while these are the best-sellers, Ski.com is also showcasing resorts that are off-the-beaten path.
“Skip the lift lines this winter and head off the beaten path. Resorts that take a little longer to get to, often reward skiers and riders with fewer crowds, untracked powder and downto-earth mountain towns that make you feel at home,” says Sherman.
Taos, New Mexico: “Taos is one of those places where you step back into an era when skiing was simple,” says Ski. com Mountain Vacation Expert Bryan Donnelly. Rising out of the Northern New Mexico desert, the town and resort are in the middle of nowhere - part of the ski area’s charm. Taos resides in the famed Sangre de Cristo mountain range at an altitude of 8,000-plus feet. The high elevation, combined with New Mexico’s arid climate yields bone-dry champagne powder. As a cultural center comprised of Native American, Spanish, and Anglo tradition, a ski trip to Taos is like going to a faraway land. On your way to the resort, you’ll notice adobe buildings, art galleries and a Native American Pueblo. The resort matches what the town’s culture has to offer with every kind of terrain imaginable at Taos Ski Valley, “from wide open bowls and long groomers to crazy cliffs, chutes and some of the steepest terrain this side of Wyoming,” says Donnelly.
Grand Targhee, Wyoming: Only 42 miles from Jackson Hole, Wyoming and with stunning views of the Tetons, Grand Targhee is likely a resort you’ve
likely never been to, but one that should be on your radar. Only 12 miles from the closest town, Driggs, Grand Targhee retains the laid-back, grass-roots vibe of Wyoming and Idaho country. The resort receives a whopping 500 inches of snow annually, but this hidden gem rarely sees crowds or extensive lift lines. With a quaint base village, live music at the local bar, and no high-rise condos to block the vistas, Targhee is a must-visit for skiers looking for private powder. Combine Targhee with nearby resorts Jackson, Sun Valley, Big Sky and those near Salt Lake City for an ultimate road trip.
Red Mountain, British Columbia: For amazing skiing and 3-bedroom condos with private hot tubs on the cheap, Red Mountain is the affordable luxury resort you’ve been dreaming of but maybe never heard of. The ski area is considered by some as one of the last great undiscovered resorts. Located in the low-key town of Rossland, B.C., Red Mountain is two hours from Spokane International Airport. Since its beginning back in 1896, Red Mountain has retained the charm on which its reputation was
GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....
built. The resort was recently put up for crowd-funding, with the slogan “fight the man, own the mountain.” This antiestablishment (going against the grain of recent mergers) mentality can be felt at the laid-back resort. With terrain for all abilities, from wide-open groomers to steep tree skiing, Red Mountain offers up something for everyone. Take advantage of the Canadian exchange rate for additional savings and put this resort on your bucket list.
Schweitzer, Idaho : Nestled in Northwest Idaho 12 miles from Sandpoint and less than two hours from the Spokane, Washington airport you’ll find down-to-earth Schweitzer Mountain Resort. This rustic, quaint ski area is considered a hidden gem because you won’t have to fight crowds or waste your ski vacation in lift lines, and also, because there are 3,300 acres of skiable terrain and a consistent 300 inches of snow annually. Schweitzer has a wide variety of terrain options for all level of skiers, and the snowmaking capability to cover all their intermediate and beginner trails if by chance there’s a low snow year. Plus, the views atop the resort of Lake Pend Oreille aren’t
too shabby either. As a bonus, if you fly Alaskan airlines to get there, you can ski for free the day of your flight.
Sun Valley, Idaho: Sun Valley started as a playground for European
nobility and Hollywood stars in 1936, when it opened the world’s first
See page D5
‘Darkest Hour’ Wins Best Picture Award at Gold Coast International Film Festival
BY KAREN RUBIN
The results are in: Darkest Hour, a new film starring Gary Oldham as Winston Churchill, is the winner of Best Narrative Film at the 7th Annual Gold Coast International Film Festival. Best Documentary award was a tie: Underfire: The Untold Story of PFC Tony Vaccaro, the World War II soldier turned war photographer, who attended the sell-out screening, and the Long Island premiere of Dare to Be Different, about WLIR 92.7, the influential Long Island radio station on the cutting edge of music in the 1980s.
In all, the festival, now in its 7th year, screened more than 80 films from 12 countries – 36 of them Long Island premieres - with Q&As with dozens of visiting artists including directors, producers, and grandchildren of famous film subjects: Winston Churchill’s granddaughter, the artist Edwina Sandys; Frank Sinatra’s granddaughter, AJ Lambert who attended the 60th anniversary screening of the movie musical “Pal Joey,” and David Ben-Gurion’s grandson, Alon Ben-Gurion, after the screening of an extraordinary documentary based on six-hours of recently uncovered candid conversations with Israel’s founding father.
A record 15 of the screenings were sell-outs; the film-festival drew 4500 audience goers of all ages and backgrounds, from all over Long Island and the metro area – 175 different zipcodes.
“People think film festivals are elitist – but that’s not what we’re about,” said
Festival Director Caroline Sorokoff. The festival featured “Free Film Friday,” with presentations of the movie classic “Sergeant York,” starring Gary Cooper; family short films at the Great Neck Library, and film shorts at the Port Washington Library (with a Q&A with Israeli filmmaker Yaniv Segalovich, director of An Average Story , Letiferet, who joined Alexandra Gil, curator of the Gold Coast International Film Festival’s short films; the film won an audience award).
“Hundreds of people took advantage.” And this year, veterans could come to any screening for free, thanks to a grand from GEICO.
The Gold Coast International Film Festival is distinguished by the fascinating events that are organized with the screenings – Q&As with producers, directors, actors, experts and people associated with the films.
Indeed, a highlight of the festival was the Long Island premiere (two weeks before general release) of Darkest Hour , featuring Academy Award nominee Gary Oldman’s brilliant performance as Winston Churchill and the terrifying early days of his appointment as Prime Minister as Hitler’s forces were taking over Europe and threatening an invasion of the British Isles. It was Britain’s darkest hour. And like the movie “Lincoln”, and “Thirteen Days” about John F. Kennedy and the Cuban Missile Crisis, which shows the backstory of a key “moment” in pivotal history, we learn of how he had to overcome intense opposition from political rivals, and the diabolical choice he faced: negotiate
with Hitler to save British lives at a terrible cost or rally the nation and fight on against incredible odds.
Gary Oldman brilliantly portrays the first dark days of Churchill as Prime Minister. Directed by Joe Wright, the screening at the Soundview Cinemas in Port Washington, featured a Q&A with Churchill’s granddaughter, the artist Edwina Sandys, a young child during this time, who spoke nostalgically and lovingly of her grandfather and grandmother, Clementine.
Underfire: The Untold Story of Pfc. Tony Vaccaro is the remarkable story of WWII infantryman and legendary photographer Tony Vaccaro, who created one of the most comprehensive, haunting and intimate photographic records of the war using a smuggled $47 camera while developing the negatives in his helmet at night. Tony Vaccaro, himself, along with Director Max Lewkowicz and Producer Valerie Thomas participated in a postscreening Q&A session, followed by the opening reception of Tony Vaccaro’s acclaimed, wartime and celebrity photography at the Gold Coast Arts Center Gallery in Great Neck (on view through February).
The Long Island Premiere of Dare to Be Different had three sold-out screenings, and featured a Q&A with Director Ellen Goldfarb and Executive Producer and former WLIR Program Director Denis McNamara, plus a host of other special guests, including artists and DJs featured in the film. It was an event that could only happen on Long Island, where WLIR brought new wave music to
America. WLIR helped launch the careers of U2, Talking Heads, Depeche Mode, Blondie, Duran Duran, Tears for Fears, The Clash, and The Cure, among others. Special guests attending the premiere include Larry “The Duck” Dunn, Michael “Eppy” Epstein, Max Leinwand, Steve North, Carol Silva, Donna Donna and “Malibu Sue” McCann.
Ben-Gurion: Epilogue, a stunning documentary compiled from six hours of never-before-seen footage, of newly discovered conversations with Israel’s founding father presents a rare and fortuitous piece of cinematic archeology – it’s as if film was found of candid conversation with George Washington. Watching, you realize you are seeing a work of undeniable historical significance with prophetic implications for Israel’s future. Presented in Partnership with American Friends of Soroka Medical Center to a standingroom-only audience at the Bowtie Cinema in Great Neck, the screening featured an extraordinary Q&A with Ben-Gurion’s grandson, Alon, who spoke personally of time spent with his grandfather.
An extraordinary documentary, Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story, was the first of a new “Science on Screen” series funded by a hard-to-win grant to the Gold Coast Arts Center to better communicate science to a general audience. The documentary finally credits the dazzlingly-beautiful actress as a brilliant inventor responsible for the innovation that
See page D6
BY TOM MARGENAU
Q: I turn 66 in January and want benefits to start then. A few weeks ago, I filled out the claim forms online. One of the questions asked when I want my benefits to start. Knowing that Social Security checks are sent out one month in arrears, I answered by indicating “February,” because the January check comes in February. Now I just received an award letter telling me my first month of eligibility is February, with the check to come in March. What went wrong? What can I do about it? And can they rephrase the question on the application form?
A: In my opinion, you were overthinking the question. When the retirement application form asks, “Which month do you want benefits to start?” -- it is asking just that. It isn’t asking you which month do you want your first check to physically be sent to you. In your question to me, you said you want your benefits to start effective with the month you turn age 66. And that is January, and that’s the way you should have answered the question.
In all of my years dealing with these issues, I’ve never heard anyone else complain about this. So I’m not really sure if the online application form needs to be rewritten. But if some of my old colleagues at the Social Security Administration are reading this and have heard similar complaints from other website users, they might want to think about clarifying the question.
You also asked what you can do about it. You could do nothing. If you leave things the way they are, you will miss out on one Social Security check (the January payment). But in return, you will get a tiny bump in your monthly benefit rate. People who delay starting their benefits after age 66 get a two-thirds of 1 percent credit added to their checks. So, for the rest of your life, instead of getting 100 percent of your full retirement rate, you will be getting about 100.6 percent. Assuming you live long enough, somewhere down the road you will actually come out money ahead because of this unintended error you made on the application form.
But if you really want to correct the record and get that January check, you should talk to someone at your local Social Security office. You may be able to simply file an appeal of the award letter you just received telling them you want your “month of entitlement” to be January, not February. However, they may tell you that there is nothing to appeal because SSA didn’t make a mistake. If that is their position, then your only option would be to withdraw that first claim you made and then turn around and file a new claim indicating “January” as the month you want your benefits to start. Frankly, in my opinion, that sounds like an awful lot of hassle and paperwork for a relatively small payoff.
YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY
Benefit Starting Date Confusion
Q: I’ve been reading your column for a while now. I enjoy all the insights you provide into the Social Security program. But I do have one little bone to pick with you. It really bugs me that you keep referring to Social Security “checks.” No one gets a “check” anymore. All Social Security payments are directly deposited into bank accounts.!” So can you please stop referring to Social Security payments as “checks?”
A: Thanks, I guess, for the backhanded compliment about my column. I do understand what you are saying. But, honestly, I think you are making too big a deal about this. I would guess that 99 percent of my readers understand that when I do refer to a Social Security “check,” I am not talking about a physical piece of paper. I am talking about someone’s Social Security benefit payment. Over the years, I’ve heard thousands and thousands of people refer to their Social Security “checks.” In fact, look at the first question. The reader refers to “checks” several times. I knew what he was talking about. And I’m sure my readers did, too. I understand that we’ve all got our little pet peeves. But I’m afraid this is one that you are just going to have to let go.
Q: I am getting widow’s benefits from Social Security. It looks like I might inherit a substantial sum of money from a very elderly aunt who is near death. Will that have any impact on my survivor benefits?
A: You could inherit a million dollars and it will have no bearing on your eligibility for widow’s benefits. Social Security isn’t welfare. You get benefits because you worked and earned those benefits. Or in your case, because your husband worked and earned those benefits for you.
Some people confuse the Social Security program with Supplemental Security Income benefits. SSI is indeed a welfare program. It pays a small monthly check to poor people who are over age 65 or who are disabled. Even though Supplemental Security Income sounds like a Social Security program, it is not. It has nothing to do with Social Security except for the fact that the Social Security Administration manages the program for the federal government. SSI benefits are paid out of general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes. And because it is welfare, if someone getting an SSI check inherits some money, it will impact their eligibility for benefit payments.
Q: My wife is about to turn 62 and just filed for her Social Security. I am 72 and have been getting my benefits since age 66. If my wife takes reduced retirement benefits, will that impact the amount of widow’s benefits she will get when I die?
A: No. The only thing that will impact the amount of her widow’s payment is
her age when you die. Assuming she is over age 66 when that happens, she will start getting 100 percent of your benefit rate, minus what she is already getting in her own retirement benefits. If she is under 66 when you die, her widow’s rate would be reduced roughly one-half of 1 percent for each month she is under that age.
If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has the answer. Contact him at thomas.margenau@comcast.net. COPYRIGHT 2017 CREATORS.COM
CROSSWORD
PUZZLE
Answers on page D5
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Ski Vacation Specialist SkiCom Assists
Skiers, Riders Looking Further Afield for New Mountain Experiences
C ontinued from page D3
chairlift. Today it is home to a handful of Olympians, yet remains under the radar. Bright, sunny days with comfortable temperatures combined with long, wide-open groomed runs and awesome scenery are the many reasons to add Sun Valley to your bucket list of ski resorts. The resort offers a laid-back atmosphere with the highest standards of service as well as over 70 runs, a 3,400-foot vertical drop and more uphill capacity, per skier, than any other ski area. “The best part about Sun Valley,” says Dan Sherman, “ is that you can still drive to and park at the base of the mountain for free. You’ll never have worry about standing in lift lines, not even on a powder day.” Characteristics you’d be hard-pressed to find at the majority of North American ski resorts.
Whitefish, Montana : Minimal crowds, stunning views, great nachos, and that laid-back Montana vibe make Whitefish a hidden gem to add to your vacation bucket list. Skiers used to Colorado and Utah crowds will feel as if they have their own private mountain. On a clear day, the resort’s notorious “snow ghosts” or pine trees coated in fog and ice, create great photo opportunities, as does the view of the surrounding mountains (Whitefish is located t the northern most end of Montana near Glacier National Park) and lake. The friendly, low-key town offers a slew of accommodations for all budgets, as well as local bars with character to wet your whistle. “Whitefish has a feeling of exclusivity,” says Dan Sherman, “like it’s your own hidden treasure that you don’t want anyone else to ever discover.”
Bormio, Italy: Bormio is the perfect ski vacation for those looking to get away from it all. The remote hamlet is located in the Italian province of Sondrio, near the Swiss border. Due to its remote location, Bormio has very few crowds, which make the ski resort’s spacious, woodland slopes that much more enjoyable. As site of the 2005 Alpine World Championships, Bormio boasts world-class facilities. The historic village exudes ancient charm and provides visitors with plenty of quaint, reasonably priced accommodation options. Since Roman times, Bormio has also been known for its relaxing thermal baths. On-mountain, intermediates will love the wide-open and moderately pitched slopes. Terrain park enthusiasts will love the superpipe and slopestyle course, while a beginner park ensures novices learn in a safe manner.
Another benefit of using a ski specialist to help coordinate a long-
distance vacation is mitigating the cost. With the rising cost of skiing, “people want to make sure they’re receiving more value for the higher cost,” Sherman says. “This is where Ski. com can help. In addition for being able to hunt for the best price, we really excel by matching people with the vacation components that are right for them. Also, not too long ago, all you needed for a successful ski vacation was a hotel, a chairlift and a bar. Now, resorts offer world-class amenities, spas, dining, improved family and ski school facilities and additional on- and off-mountain activities.”
Ski.com is one of the largest providers of mountain vacation packages in North America, with relationships with more than 120 destinations worldwide and over 4,000 properties. The company has booked travel for more than one million skiers and riders over the course of almost 50 years. The company is a one-stop shop for custom ski vacation packages that can include everything from discounted lift tickets, lodging, flights, equipment rental, ground transfers, lessons and off-mountain activities (such as dogsledding or nordic skiing).
Visit Ski.com (you can do an on-line chat with a specialist) or call 800-9085000 or 970-429-3099.
‘Darkest Hour’ Wins Best Picture Award at Gold Coast International Film Festival
C ontinued from page D3
made possible secure WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS communications (her intent was to make the Navy’s torpedoes more effective in order to win World War II, but the Navy put the patent away in a drawer until it was rediscovered by another inventor devising military weapons). The Long Island premiere, featured a Q&A (sponsored by Edelman financial Services, LLC) with Director Alexandra Dean, Fleming Meeks, the Forbes journalist who scored amazing interviews with the reclusive actor late in life, and Dr. Christine Metz of the Feinstein Institute and was moderated by Diane Masciale of WNET.
Straight/Curve: Redefining Body Image, Long Island Premiere at the Gold Coast International Film Festival of the documentary examining the industries and obstacles responsible for
the body image crisis and showcasing the dynamic leaders fighting for more diversity of size, race and age, featured a Q&A with Director Jenny McQuaile and Producer Yael Melamede and a panel of distinguished experts from Northwell Health: Dr. Gabriella Farkas, Dr. Bonny Patel and Nancy Farber, ND. The Q&A was sponsored by the Katz Institute for women’s Health at Northwell Health.
The 60th anniversary screening of Pal Joey, an Academy Award-winning musical gem, with famous classics by Richard Rogers and Lorenz Hart, celebrating its 60th anniversary this year starring Frank Sinatra, Rita Hayworth, and Kim Novak, featured a Q&A with AJ Lambert, Sinatra’s granddaughter (Nancy’s daughter) and Raj Tawney, a multi-media journalist/ producer. Lambert spoke about her warm and loving grandfather.
Supergirl , the story of Naomi Kutin, an Orthodox Jewish pre-teen girl with an extraordinary talent – holding a world record in powerlifting, featured a Q&A with the film’s director, Jessie Auritt and “Supergirl” herself, Naomi Kutin and her family.
The delightful documentary Hummus! The Movie, was followed by “The Great Gold Coast Hummus TasteOff” at Lola restaurant next door to the BowTie Theater in Great Neck Plaza.
The seventh anniversary of the not-for-profit Gold Coast International Film Festival featured over 80 films and dozens of filmmakers at screenings and events at North Shore venues, including Soundview Cinemas in Port Washington, the Bow Tie Cinemas in Great Neck, Port Washington, Manhasset and Roslyn, and the Gold Coast Arts Center in Great Neck.
Films presented this year showcased major Hollywood actors, include Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas, Patricia Arquette, Burt Reynolds, Isabelle Huppert, Rainn Wilson, Bill Nye, Rosemarie DeWitt, Imogen Poots, and Shahab Hosseini, star of the 2016 Oscar-winning film The Salesman,” which premiered at last year’s festival, featured in the East Coast premiere of the Iranian film Gholam this year.
This year’s festival included more than 40 premieres, including French movie-star Isabelle Huppert’s new film Souvenir; Burt Reynold’s new film Dog Years; Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story; Yellow Birds, starring Jennifer Aniston, Toni Collette, Alden Ehrenreich and Tye Sheridan, and the timely Bill Nye: Science Guy Award-winning feature films from the world’s most prestigious festivals (Cannes, Toronto, Sundance, Tribeca, Hamptons) were screened, along with dozens of excellent short
films.
The festival featured films from 12 different countries – most that you cannot otherwise get to see - including 1945, from Hungary about a remote Hungarian town preparing for the wedding of the village magistrate’s son, when two Orthodox Jews arrive at the village train station with two coffinshaped wooden crates, supposedly filled with soaps and perfumes. Is this a harbinger of the return of more Jews? Led by the boorish village magistrate, the townspeople fear that these strangers may be heirs of the village’s denounced and deported Jewish neighbors and have come to claim their family’s stolen property. Paranoia runs rampant, leading to tragic events and a potent, unexpected ending. “While there have been many films about the Holocaust, there are few about its immediate aftermath, when greed and material gain from the Jewish peoples’ demise was pervasive. Director Ferenc Török cleverly captures this often overlooked moment in history where one town’s actions become a metaphor for the moral decay of the whole country. Shot in elegant black and white with an eye for exquisite composition and a minimal evocative score, 1945 is a subtle and nuanced study in the collective guilt and enduring anti-Semitism of postwar Hungary,” wrote Jay Rosenblatt, San Francisco Jewish Film.
The Long Island premiere of The Insult, provided a rare look at modernday Lebanon. The intelligent, rivetting and politically charged drama focuses on how a minor disagreement between a Christian Phalanges Party supporter and a Palestinian construction foreman sparks an unforgivable insult, which ignites a confrontation of national importance. Celebrity lawyers, TV news, and political leaders get involved
in a trial that rips open raw memories of Lebanon’s violent past Paris Opera, from France, provided a fascinating, candid behind-the-scenes view of a season at the Paris Opera, following the array of personnel –management, performers, costumers, cleaning crew - even choreographer Benjamin Millepied - who work night after night to bring breathtaking spectacle to this legendary setting.
The New York premiere of Back to Burgundy, from France, is a story of wine, family, family business, and more wine is set amid the gorgeous backdrop of Burgundy, and told with an assured mix of drama and humor. Jean, who had left his childhood home more than ten years ago, returns after his father’s death to reconcile the future of the business with his brother and sister.
This year, GCIFF again presented the work of talented young filmmakers in grades K-12 in its Young Filmmakers Program , presented in partnership with Hofstra University, a festival sponsor.
The festival finished on Wednesday November 15 with a Closing Awards Lunch at the cafe at Neiman Marcus Garden City (in Roosevelt Field). Neiman Marcus was a major sponsor of the film festival. The lunch also launched the Neiman Marcus ”Love to Give” Collection, where10% of the proceeds from the sale of the ”Love to Give” items goes back to the Gold Coast Arts Center, based in Great Neck, Long Island, which organizes the annual Gold Coast International Film Festival.
For the past 110 years since NeimanMarcus’ founding, said Doris Wilshere, Vice President, General Manager, supporting the arts has been a priority. “It has been of particular interest to the founders. That’s why our partnership with the film festival is important to us. It’s the one budget we are encouraged to
GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....
spend every $1 of, every year.”
In addition to Neiman Marcus Garden City, sponsors and partners of this year’s Gold Coast International Film Festival included: founding partners, the Town of North Hempstead and Douglas Elliman Real Estate; major partners, Hofstra University and the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency; GEICO; Deluxe Entertainment Services Group; AARP Long Island; A.L. Sarroff Fund; Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP; The Katz Institute for Women’s Health at Northwell Health; St. Mary’s Kids; Jet Blue; Biener Audi; LVR Rental; The Inn at Great Neck; The Andrew Hotel; WLIW21; Altice; New York Women in Film & Television; Anton Publications; Blank Slate Media; LI Pulse; Edelman Financial Services, LLC; and LOLA of Great Neck.
More information at www. goldcoastfilmfestival.org ; facebook. com/gciff.
The Gold Coast International Film Festival is produced by the Gold Coast Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts through education, exhibition, performance and outreach. Gold Coast Arts Center, 113 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck, NY 11021, 516-829-2570, www. goldcoastarts.org.
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CARE GIVER: NEED A COMPANION or nursing assistant for your loved ones at home or in a health care facility? Call 516-410-9943 for a NY State certified nursing assistant with excellent references !
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LOST & FOUND
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BEAUTIFUL BLACK ROSARY on Sunday, November 11 Vicinity of St. Joseph’s Church and Key Food, 7th Street. REWARD!
Please call 516-747-0258
PEACOCK FOUND
PEACOCK found on Caroline Avenue Garden City South on November 21 Information call: 516-481-1612
NOVENAS/PRAYERS
PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN (Never known to fail). Oh Most Beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine of Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin assist me in this necessity. Oh Star of the Sea help me and show herein you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth I humbly beseech thee from the bottom of my heart to succor me this necessity (mention your request here). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee (three times). Oh Holy Mary I place this prayer in your hands (three times). Thank you for your mercy to me and mine. Amen. This prayer is never known to fail and is to be said for 3 consecutive days. Publication on granting of the favor must be promised and done. (MAK)
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Books, records, furniture traditional pieces, garage and barn items, outdoor tools and recreation items....Visit www. invitedsales.com for pictures and details !
MARKETPLACE
WILLISTON TIMES: Bargains + Blessings Thrift Shop at the Church of the Resurrection, 147 Campbell Ave at Center St., Williston Park. OPEN Thursdays and Saturdays 10-4. 516746-5527. Holiday Decorations, Ornaments, Wrapping Paper, Tree Skirts, Gifts for family and friends. Everything you need for the holidays. Jewelry, clothing, household items, etc. Donations accepted. Mon-Fri 9am-12pm. CHRISTMAS SHOP OPEN NOW.
PETS
PET SERVICES
A GARDEN CITY ANIMAL LOVER doesn’t want to leave your precious pooch or fantastic feline alone all day. I’m reliable, dependable and will walk and feed your pet while you work or travel. Please call Cheryl at 516-971-3242
DO YOU HATE KENNELS? OR STRANGERS IN YOUR HOUSE?
HOME AWAY FROM HOME will care for your dog in my Garden City home while you are away.
Dog walking also available. Pet CPR & first Aid Certified. Numerous referrals and references. Limited availability. Book early! Annmarie 516-775-4256
MYA’S K9 CAMP Full Service Pet Care Professional Dog Grooming Training Boarding Walking EFT Pet Therapy Therapeutic Healing GC Resident 516-382-5553
AUTOS WANTED
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!
Every Tuesday: 10% Senior Citizen Discount. All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical Society 109 Eleventh Street Garden City 11530
Garden City Properties (516)746-1563 / (516)313-8504
ROOM FOR RENT
MINEOLA: Large furnished room, private entrance, share bath, own TV, microwave and fridge, A/C. No pets/smoking. $735 month all utilities included plus 1 month security. References required. 516-747-5799
GARAGE/PARKING SPACE FOR RENT
PORT WASHINGTON: Outside commercial or non commercial parking space available. Each space is $175 per month. Please call 516-993-5050
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
HOMES FOR SALE
FRANKLIN SQUARE
HOMES FOR SALE:
Cherry Lane; 4 Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths, rear dormer, full basement, garage. Carukin Street; 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, full dormer, finished basement, 2 car garage.
LISA DP REAL ESTATE
Text or call: 516-319-3647
Grandparents:
OUT OF TOWN REAL ESTATE
JAMESPORT
Privacy with a view! Adirondack Contemporary on 1.5 acres set amongst the treetops. Borders preserved land in the back and pond in front. 3 BRs, 2.5 Baths. Stone fireplace, CAC, HW floors, 10’ ceilings. 30x24 detached garage / workshop with 8’ overhead door. Close to Jitney stop & town. Must See! Reduced! $749,900. Colony Realty, Carll Austin 516-658-2623
JAMESPORT: STUNNING 3500 sf VICTORIAN
Private landscaped setting on 1 acre. 4 BRs & 3.5 Baths. 2 Master Bedroom Suites. Large EIK, Formal LR, Formal DR, Family Room/fireplace. Geothermal Heat, Central Air and Solar panels. Finished Basement. 3 Car Garage. Must See! Just Listed! $949,000. Colony Realty, Carll Austin 516-658-2623
LAUREL
Custom 3000 sf Brick Ranch with Deeded Beach Rights!
This home features LR, FDR, Family Room, EIK, MBR w/ Bath and additional 3 BRs and Bath. Large Laundry Room. Walk up Attic. $799,000 MLS #2939085 Colony Realty, Carll Austin 516-658-2623
SOUTH JAMESPORT:
Waterview quaint and charming.
Close to lots of sugar sandy bay beaches! Bring your flip flops and unwind here! Upper deck with magical views of boats, harbor and peekaboo bay views! Located in historic Sea Faring South Jamesport! Visit the wineries and stay forever! Reduced! $459,000 Colony Realty, Dolores Peterson 631-413-7572
SERVICES
CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY DECORATIONS
professionally installed on your home or office. Let us help you design your display. Will purchase and deliver decorations if needed. Gutters and windows cleaned. Full handyman services. Free estimate. Senior discount. Call 516-534-9518
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
GRACE ROOFING:
Est. 1977. Slate, tile roof specialist, flat roofs, asphalt and wood shingle roofs, gutters and leaders cleaned and replaced, professional new roof installation. Free estimates, expert leak repairs, lic/Ins, local references, residential/ commercial. 516753-0268
GUTTERS, WINDOWS, CARPET CLEANING! GENERAL
HOME REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE: “Handyman Services”.
Outdoor Christmas & holiday decorating available. Plumbing, electrical is my specialty. Most gutters $30-40. Sprinkler blow outs, painting available. Clean ups in/out. All odd jobs...you name it. I will do it. All work guaranteed!! Fully insured. Free estimate. Senior discount. Call 516-534-9518
LAMPS FIXED $65
In home service. Handy Howard. 646-996-7628
ROOF LEAKS REPAIRED
Slate Roof Specialist. Copper Flashings. Snow Guards. Aluminum Trim & Siding. No Sub-Contractors. Nassau Lic# H1859520000.
B.C. Roofing 631-496-9711. Text or call owner direct: 516-983-0860
SERVICES
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
SKY CLEAR WINDOW and Restorations Inc. Window Restorations, Outdated Hardware, skylights, Andersen Sashes, new storm windows, wood windows, chain/rope repairs, falling windows, fogged panes, mechanical repairs, wood repairs, restorations, all brands. Call Mr. Fagan, 32 years experience. 631-385-7975 www.skyclearwindow.com
Ted Emmerich Construction - 516-466-1111. Renovations, bathrooms, kitchens, roofing. All types of repairs large or small. www.tedemmerich.com
PAINTING & PAPERHANGING
PAINTING PAINTING
PAINTING: Interior/Exterior. Fall Specials! Call Steve cell 972998-8573
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
AP BIOLOGY tutor using the Campbell or Sadava books. I use the test banks to show you what you are weak in and will review each topic and chapter with you. This is a pathway to a 5! Ephraim Himelstein 516384-9865. ephraimhimelstein@ gmail.com
MATH, PHYSICS, SAT/ACT TUTOR, adjunct professor Calculus I,II, Algebra, trig, AP & Pre-Calc, IB, NYS Certified, highly experienced. Raj 516-7871026
GARDEN CITY CONDO / APARTMENT / HOUSE WANTED FOR SUMMER OF 2018 RENTAL Central air needed. Call 516-510-6781
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
INSTRUCTION
PIANO LESSONS
By Ira Baslow. Experience the joy of playing the piano. Private lessons in your home, free no-obligation piano lesson, all levels, all styles, all ages. Beginners a specialty. 516-312-1054 www.iwantmypianolessons. com
CLEANING
STRONG ARM CLEANING: Residential and commercial cleaning specialist, post construction clean ups, shipping and waxing floors, move ins and move outs. Free estimates. Bonded and insured. 516-5381125 www.strongarmcleaningny.com
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
COLLEGE ARTS ADMISSIONS: College Counseling in the Visual and Performing Arts. Dance, Musical Theatre & Drama. Film, Instrumental & Vocal Music. Audio Recording & Production. Theatre Technology & Production. Visual & Graphic Arts. Resume, Essays, Repertoire Lists. Michele Zimmerman. 516-353-6255 CollegeArtsAdmissions@gmail.com www.CollegeArtsAdmissions. com
CLASSIFIEDS Call 294.8900
SERVICES
COMPLETE JUNK REMOVAL/DEMOLITION SERVICE:
Strong Arm Contracting Inc. We haul anything and everything. Entire contents of home or office. We clean it up and take it away. Residential/Commercial. Bonded/Insured. Free estimates. 516-538-1125
DEFEND YOURSELF!
Tactics for self defense: In home, empowerment, flexible hours, any age or gender, discourage bullies. Free consultation. Please call 631-707-0029
GENERATORS Sales and service. Maintenance contracts. Generac, Kohler. Mohrmann Electric Co., Inc. 516-826-3311
OLD VILLAGE TREE SER-
VICE: Owner operated since 1989. 24 hour emergency service. Licensed / insured. Free estimates, member LI Arborist Assoc. Please call 516-466-9220
Blank Slate Media, a fast-growing chain of 6 award-winning weekly newspapers and website, is looking for an energetic, service-oriented professional with good communications skills to sell display, web and email advertising.
Earn up to $60,000 in the first-year representing the 6 Blank Slate Media publications and website as well the 5 publications and 1 website owned by Blank Slate’s sales partner, Litmor Publications.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and service-oriented sales professional with good communication skills.
Requirements: Minimum of 2 years outside sales experience. Newspaper sales experience a plus. Must have your own car.
• Opportunity to sell both print and online programs
• A collegial, supportive sales team
• Award-winning editorial coverage
• Aseparate newspaper for each community allowing advertisers to target their markets, and you to provide the most cost-effective way to advertise
• Represent media that produce superior response for clients Compensation
• Salary plus commission • Health insurance
• Paid vacation, sick days & holiday
www.theislandnow.com
Last Hope Flea Market & Jewelry Sale Saturday, December 2nd MARK YOUR CALENDAR GET READY FOR THE BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR!
The Next Last Hope Flea Market and Jewelry Sale will be on Saturday, December 2nd from 10am-2pm at The Church of the Advent (Winthrop Hall) in Westbury, 555 Advent Street. just off Jericho Turnpike.
Lots of new items, including Ross Simon jewelry, that are sure to include that great find. New items and lots of holiday merchandise available.
Please start putting items aside for donation. They will be accepted on Friday, December 1st from 2:30pm to 7pm at the church.
Things we don’t accept since they don’t sell: books, VCR/cassette tapes, toys, gym equipment, furniture, picture frames and clothing. Our customers are interested in knick-knacks and household items. Jewelry is a big seller for us–all kinds. All proceeds go to the Special Needs Animal Fund at Last Hope. Finish up that last minute holiday shopping and benefit this great cause at the same time.
For more information contact Maureen at toestetra@hotmail.com. To read more about us and to see photos and bios of our adoptable cats and dogs, please visit http://lasthopeanimalrescue.org.
Ladies Night Out with the Berry Hill PTA
BY GINA JAMES
The Berry Hill PTA hosted their annual Ladies Night Out, its largest fundraiser, at Carlyle at the Palace. This years theme was a flashback to the 80’s and 90’s . Over 125 parents and staff members came out to dance the night away. The DJ played a list of everyone’s favorite 80’s and 90’s hits and pictures of parents from that time period were collected and put together in a slide show.
Members of the Berry Hill PTA worked hard to solicit donations for
Berry Hill PTA Co Presidents, Sabrina Antonacci and Tiffany Girolamo, greeted guests and sold raffle tickets at the door.
raffles and were able to put together 97 baskets, the greatest amount in Berry Hill PTA history. These baskets were filled with many prizes such as gifts cards to local stores and restaurants, tickets to a Demi Lovato concert, admission passes and fast passes to Hershey Park, as well as tickets to the Bronx Tale on Broadway, Jimmy Fallon, Kelly and Ryan, Wendy Williams, and Stephen Colbert. A 49-inch smart TV and a 2-night stay at Innside New York NoMad by Melia were two of the top prizes.
Berry Hill PTA also invited 12 top vendors to sell everything from skin care, jewelry, clothing, holiday gifts, and other gems. There were also 3 psychics available to perform readings for all interested.
For the first time, an award-winning artist, TAFA, showcased his talents at Ladies Night. He painted live at the event and his original work of art was available for purchase through a silent auction.
Thanks to the Ladies Night Planning Committee lead by Co-Chairs Pankaj Mangal and Melissa Casabianca, the event was a huge success with records set for both attendance and raised funds for the Berry Hill PTA.
Pankaj Mangal was a first time co-chair of the Ladies Night Committee
Melissa Casabianca, co-chair of the Ladies Night Committee, and her friends enjoying music from the 80’s and 90’s.
PTA Vice Presidents Michelle Goldsmith and Lisa Davis with friends, socializing and shopping together.
Having a great time at the photo booth.
The photo booth is always a big hit at every PTA event.
A great night out!
Republican like me
BY BOB MORGAN, JR.
I spent a portion of this Thanksgiving weekend reading Ken Stern’s entertaining and insightful book, Republican Like Me: How I Left the Liberal Bubble and Learned to Love the Right (Harper Collins 2017). I really enjoyed this volume.
Mr. Stern’s book is relatively short (250 pages of text) and easy to read, and proceeds from an interesting premise. The author, a Democratic partisan and formerly the chief executive officer of National Public Radio, and a graduate of Haverford and Yale Law School, lives on Hobart Street in Washington D.C., a perfectly nice urban enclave that seems to celebrate all sorts of diversity except political diversity. Indeed, Hobart Street is 94 percent Democratic by registration and Mr. Stern was unable to locate an actual Republican on the block.
In an effort to broaden his perspective, and believing that too many people live in ideological bubbles, Mr. Stern decided to reach out. For one year, mostly coinciding with the highly polarized 2016 election, Mr. Stern sought out enclaves of Republicans and the right.
Mr. Stern can’t be accused of confining himself to comfortable right wing events like National Review cocktail parties. Instead, he went to such event as a pig hunt in Texas (despite never having shot a gun before and with rather predictable results), a gun show, evangelical churches, a coal mining community, a Trump rally, a huge replica of Noah’s Ark in Kentucky erected by creationists, and a convention of right-wing social media promoters. He also spoke with significant voices of the right, from clergymen and editors to academics, to many people of lesser station.
One key part of Mr. Stern’s journey is that he liked many (although certainly not all) of the people he encountered. Occasionally, he finds example of haters, bigots or just difficult individuals in his travels, but this is the exception. More typically, he finds good people where he went. He speaks highly of an evangelical minister in Portland whose religious group worked closely with the progressive mayor in improv-
ing some of the public high schools. He greatly appreciates the work of George McDonald in New York, who, although not a card-carrying rightist, founded the Doe Fund, a group working with ex-convicts that emphasized hard work rather than handouts. He feels the pain of coal miners whose livelihood is being jeopardized.
In addition to setting forth a number of colorful tales about his journey, Mr. Stern engages and takes seriously numerous arguments and theories of conservatives. For example, he notes that it is an article of faith among gun owners that more guns actually mean less crime. He goes back and forth through the hotly disputed arguments set forth by pro-gun researchers such as John Lott that in well-armed societies lawbreakers make self-preservation decisions to avoid violent crimes and instead resort to property offenses. In the end, Mr. Stern finds the debate inconclusive and dependent on assumptions, but he actually gives both sides a fair hearing. He does similar things with other strongly held belief among conservatives like the relationship between intact two-parent households and avoiding poverty, and to some degree skepticism with climate change theory. On that topic, he believes that conservatives would do better to concede that man-made global warming is real and concentrate on the alarmism that often accompanies the debate and the feasibility (or lack thereof) of proposed remedies.
Another theme is that, when people are actually polled there are more areas of common ground between left and right than might be imagined, even on such hot button topics as gun control and even abortion. Support for better background checks is quite high, for example, as is opposition to abortion for financial reasons.
It isn’t totally clear from the book whether Mr. Stern became an actual convert after his journey. But that’s not really what Republican Like Me is about. It’s much more an interesting tale of how we can learn from people holding different ideologies –but only if we try.
This Week at the Jericho Public Librar y
Saturday, December 2nd at 11:30 AM
Cooking Demonstration: Table Top Adventures Holiday Cocktail Party with Lucy Van Horn
Lucy will share some of her best ideas for you to make for your holiday party. Bring your appetite. There will be lots of tasting, recipes and Lucy’s tips and tricks. Cost: $3.00 per person (Nonrefundable). Space is limited. Register online or at the Circulation Desk.
Tuesday, December 5th at 2:00 PM
Movie: Step (Documentary) - This film documents the senior year of a girls’ high school step dance team against the background of inner-city Baltimore. Rated PG. 1 hour 24 minutes.
Wednesday, December 6th at 7:00 PM
Smarter Social Security with Daniel G. Mazzola, CFA, CPA - This presentation will provide a broad overview of the Social Security program as it pertains to retirees and their beneficiaries while emphasizing spousal and survivor benefits. These auxiliary benefits will be examined and attendees will learn how to optimize payouts using a simple strategy. Register online or at the Circulation Desk.
Thursday, December 7th at 1:30 PM
Book Discussion: The Passionate
Reader - An Afternoon Book Group with Mary Hirdt. Join Mary for a discussion of I Am No One: A Novel by Patrick Flanery. This tense, mesmerizing novel is about memory, privacy, fear, and what happens when our past catches up with us. Listeners are welcome. Refreshments will be available.
Friday, December 8th at 2:00 PM
Lost in Paris (Comedy) - Fiona visits Paris for the first time to assist her myopic Aunt Martha. Catastrophes ensue, mainly involving a homeless man who has yet to have an emotion or thought he was afraid of expressing. Starring Fiona Gordon, Dominique Abel, Emmanuelle Riva.
(France) Subtitles. Not Rated. 1 hour, 23 minutes.
Sunday, December 10th at 2:00 PM
A Holiday Mix with Naomi Zeitlin - The holiday season is filled not only with good cheer, but a vast array of seasonal music. There are numerous songs about wintertime, Christmas and Chanukah. Listen to Naomi’s renditions of many of the classics as well as some lesser known gems for an enjoyable afternoon. Tickets are required. Non-ticket holders will be seated as space allows.
College Notes
More than 500 new Living-Learning Community students spent one of their first weekends at UAlbany volunteering on-campus and in the City of Albany through opportunities provided by the Living-Learning Community Connections weekend.
Among the volunteers was Antonio Park of Jericho. On Saturday, September 16, about 250 students volunteered to support Albany Medical Center, The Capital City Rescue Mission, CHIME (an after school music program), and the Red Bookshelf Project. Students also wrote letters to active military members.
n
Robert Nigro was one of more than 500 Miami University students who earned a degree during Miami University’s summer term.
Nigro, from Jericho, earned a Bachelor of Arts .
n
The State University of New York at Potsdam has awarded scholarships, grants, and awards to 1,071 students for
the 2017-18 academic year. These accomplished SUNY Potsdam undergraduate and graduate students were recognized for their achievements with support for their educational experience.
The scholarship recipients included Rosario Fuschetto of Jericho, NY, whose major is Music Education. Fuschetto received the SUNY Potsdam Freshman Scholarship.
n John J. Oliveri of Syosset, who is majoring in technology education, was awarded a Deans’ Scholarship from SUNY Oswego. The award recognizes past academic achievement and potential for success.
n
SUNY Oswego has provided accounting major Jessica N. Pellnitz of Bethpage with a co-op scholarship in recognition of past academic achievement and potential for success.
n Matthew Tesoriero, Syosset High School Class of 2018, has committed to The Catholic University of America, Washington D.C., for baseball.
December 1
“Let’s Chat”, a senior peer group discussion, will be led by Joyce Tobkes, M.A. and will be held at the Syosset Public Library from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
“Here’s Johnny – Part 2” will continue with Jack Schnur and his media presentation covering Johnny Carson’s career from 1972 through 1992. The program will be held at 2 p.m. at the Syosset Public Library.
A two-session program, “Ceramic Gingerbread House Workshop” will be held at the Jericho Public Library for children in grades 3 to 6 at 3:45 p.m. The second session will be held on December 8.
December 2
A cooking demonstration with Luc Van Horn, “Table Top Adventures –Holiday Cocktail Party” will be held at the Jericho Public Library at 11:30 a.m.
At 7:30 p.m. at the Syosset Public Library, a concert of “Vito Lombardo: An Italia-American Vocalist” will be held. Tickets will be available in advance of the performance.
December 5
“A Reality Check on Key Current Events” will be led by Dr. Joseph Kenner at the Syosset Public Library at 1 p.m.
At 2 p.m. at the Jericho Public Library, the film Step will be shown. Rated PG, the film runs 84 minutes long.
The Jericho Public Library will hold a special “Winter Science” program for children in grades 2 to 5 at 7 p.m. The program will include making a winter craft to take home.
The Evening Book Discussion Group of the Syosset Public Library will meet at 7:30 p.m. to talk about News of the World by Paulette Jiles.
December 6
From 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Syosset Public Library, Professor Franki Kessler teaches an English conversation group. Please register in advance to attend.
“Smarter Social Security”, an AARP presentation with Daniel G. Mazzola, CFA, CPA, will be held at the Jericho Public Library at 7 p.m. Please register in advance to attend.
December 7
“The Passionate Reader” afternoon book group, with Mary Hirdt, will meet to discuss the novel I Am No One
What’s Happening
by Patrick Flanery at 1:30 p.m. at the Jericho Public Library.
Professor Tom Egan will discuss “Truman and The Bomb” at the Syosset Public Library at 2 p.m.
December 8
“Medicare and Communicating With Your Healthcare Providers” will be held at the Syosset Public Library from 10:3 to 11:30 a.m. with a representative from Seniors Out Speaking.
“Behind Closed Doors: Secret Lives of Our Presidents and First Ladies”, presented by Professors Howard Ehrlich and Harvey Sackowitz from St. John’s University will be held at the Syosset Public Library at 2 p.m.
Lost In Paris, a French film, will be shown with subtitles at the Jericho Public Library at 2 p.m. Not rated, the film 83 minutes long.
December 9
The Jericho Public Library will present “Library Learning Lab” at 11 a.m. for grades 3 to 5 to learn more about science.
December 10
“Simply Diamond”, a tribute to Neil Diamond, will be performed at the Syosset Public Library at 1 p.m. The program will feature Brian LaBlanc. Please register in advance to attend.
At 2 p.m. at the Jericho Public Library, Naomi Zeitlin will perform “A Holiday Mix” of seasonal music. Tickets will be available in advance of the concert.
December 11
The Board of Trustees of the Jericho Public Library will meet at 7:30 p.m. this evening. The public is invited to attend.
December 12
The Syosset Public Library will host a “Title Swap with Librarians” at 1:30 p.m. Share your favorite titles.
Elinor Haber will be at the Jericho Public Library at 2 p.m. to lead a discussion on “News Currents”.
“Holiday Glass Painting” for teens is part of the Young Adult Corner of the Jericho Public Library. The session will be held from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Please register in advance.
At 7 p.m. at the Jericho Public Library, Fran Cohen and the members of the Jericho Book Club will discuss Let Me Be Frank With You, a book about the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy by Richard Ford.
The second session of “Understanding the Stock Market” with Ron Goldberg will be held at the Jericho Public Library at 7 p.m.
December 13
Patron of the Jericho Public Library who have signed up for the bus trip to Radio City Music Hall will be leaving the Library at 8:45 a.m.
Ages 7 to 12 can join “Creative Circuitry” at the Jericho Public Library at 7 p.m. and will build a circuitry project that lights up.
December 14
“Adult Game & Coloring Time” is being hosted by the Jericho Public Library from 1 to 4 p.m. All are invited.
Professor James Coll will lead a discussion on “Current Topics” at the Syosset Public Library at 2 p.m.
At 2 p.m. and again at 7 p.m., The Women’s Balcony, a film from Israel, will be shown with subtitles at the Jericho Public Library. It runs 96 minutes and is not rated.
Dr. Robert Dell’Amore returns to the Jericho Public Library with a program and food demonstration, “Power of Food: Spanish Tapas” at 7 p.m.
December 15
The Great Performers series continues at the Jericho Public Library with Marc Courtade talking about “Fred Astaire and His Partners” at 2 p.m.
“Route 25 – Long Island’s Route 66” is the topic of a program with Eco-Photo Explorers at the Syosset Public Library at 2 p.m.
December 18
The film The Glass Castle, starring Brie Larson, will be shown at the Jericho Public Library at 2 p.m. Running 127 minutes, the film is rated PG-13.
The Jericho Public Library’s children’s book discussion series continues with “Donuts & Discussion” for children in 3rd and 4th grades. The book discussed will be Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig.
December 19
Professor Thomas Germano will give an art lecture on his own works at 2 p.m. at the Jericho Public Library. A reception will follow the lecture, from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
From 7 to 8 p.m. at the Jericho Public Library, teens are invited to join a “Gingerbread House Decorating” and create your own.
December 20
“Fun With Movement” is a children pre-K program for steady walking babies to 5 years of age. It will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Jericho Public Library. At 2 p.m. at the Syosset Public Library, a year-end celebration will be held featuring Fiona Davis, author of the bestselling novels The Dollhouse and The Address
Children in grades 1 through 6 can join a program on Chess from 6:15 pm. at the Jericho Public Library.
Starring Gillian Anderson, a film from England, Viceroy’s House, will be shown at the Jericho Public Library at 7 p.m. Not rated, the film is 106 minutes long.
December 21
“Adult Game & Coloring Time” is being hosted by the Jericho Public Library from 1 to 4 p.m. All are invited.
“Dame Helen Mirren: A Queen in Her Own Right” is the subject of a lecture by Marilyn Carminio at the Syosset Public Library at 2 p.m.
December 22
“Stay & Play” is a program for children from birth to preschool with their caregiver, to be held at the Jericho Public Library from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon.
The film Beatriz at Dinner will be shown at the Syosset Public Library at 2 p.m. Rated R, the film is 83 minutes long.
December 27
The Jericho Public Library will hold a holiday show featuring Petra Puppets in “Laughing Lab” at 11 a.m. Children ages 4 and over are invited. Tickets will be available in advance of the show.
December 28
At 11 a.m. at the Jericho Public Library, Mario the Magician will be performing a program that involves STEAM topics and features cutting edge technology. Please request tickets in advance.
“Adult Game & Coloring Time” is being hosted by the Jericho Public Library from 1 to 4 p.m. All are invited.
December 29
The Syosset Public Library will be shown the film “Gifted” at 2 p.m. Running 101 minutes, the movie is rated PG-13.
Compiled by Meg Meyer
Faith Nurser y School celebrates Thanksgiving
On November 20, the children of Faith Nursery School celebrated Thanksgiving by joining together in church to sing songs and thank God for
our blessings. Then just like the pilgrims and Native Americans we gathered together to enjoy a delicious feast.
our blessings
We are thankful for
Yummmm!
Alessandra is enjoying her turkey
The bunny class is ready to sing in church
AJay is waiting for the next course to be served Milana likes the roll best
