Town Valentines Day vow renewal ceremony Syosset Woodbury Chamber hears about
Councilman Lou Imbroto, Councilwoman Laura Maier, Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Town Clerk Rich LaMarca and Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato celebrated with over 100 residents at the Valentine’s Day Vow Renewal ceremony held at Town Hall.
Members of the Town of Oyster Bay Board recently celebrated with more than 50 couples at a special Vow Renewal Ceremony held in celebration of Valentine’s Day at Town Hall. Co-sponsored by Raynham Hall Museum, the event featured a reading of America’s First Valentine, which was written on February 14, 1779 in Oyster Bay.
“Valentine’s Day is such a special day for couples, and we are thrilled that so many residents chose to celebrate with us at this heartwarming ceremony at Town Hall,” said Supervisor Saladino. “This is
one of the most special events we run, and we appreciate that so many couples join us to reaffirm their commitment to being together forever.”
The special vow renewal ceremony featured residents from throughout the Town of Oyster Bay, married from just one year to those celebrating more than 70 years of marriage. Supervisor Saladino and Town Clerk LaMarca presided over the vow renewals and ring pledge, and a Raynham Hall representative reenacted the reading of America’s first Valentine. The Syosset Advance Published every Friday by Litmor Publishing Corp. Periodical Postage paid at Hicksville, N.Y. 11801 Telephone 931-0012 - USPS 3467-68 Postmaster: Send Address Change to: The Syosset Advance, 821 Franklin Ave., Suite 208 Garden City, N.Y. 11530 • Meg Norris, Publisher
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SJU workforce programs
BY RIKKI MASSAND
The January meeting of the Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce, held at Fusion Academy in Woodbury, featured a presentation led by a duo representing St. John’s University – attorney and Professor Will Murphy, who ran for NYS Assembly in 2025, and Senior Director of Employer Relations James R. Lally. They discussed unique opportunities for Long Island businesses and entrepreneurs to engage with St. John’s academic programs and discover the large and growing pool of aspiring interns, including high-performing students who can become steady employees and assets in the local workforce.
Lally and Murphy are professors at St. John’s Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies. Murphy is an assistant professor in the Division of Criminal Justice, Legal Studies, and Homeland Security.
“Over the past year I’ve had the opportunity to speak with a lot of our fellow chamber members about my day job as full-time St. John’s faculty. I’ve shared many details about educational opportunities for business owners, professionals and everyone that St. John’s offers. We’ve chatted about advanced degrees and certifications, and also for some members we discuss programs for college-bound children,” he told a room of about 50 Chamber members. Murphy said he
has also connected with colleagues in the legal field and is glad to serve as a mentor and bridge for several pre-law students.
Lally, who grew up in Floral Park, shared a presentation centered on working relationships the university cultivates with New York’s metro-area employers. The collaborations include scheduling recruiting and branding events on the SJU campus, as well as creating digital content tailored to students and young professionals. He walked the chamber audience through the benefits of partnering with St. John’s and spoke about the marketing and branding opportunities available to Syosset and Woodbury’s local companies and professional services.
Signature ‘Employer Events’ planned by St. John’s staff include career treks and employer visits; industry networking events; career and internship expos; on-campus recruiting; and ‘Employer Days,’ when a company can sponsor a breakfast or lunch, visit particular classes, conduct a skills workshop and even interview students they meet for jobs or internships.
The spring 2026 lineup Lally discussed included “Meet the Firms” on February 12th – specifically for companies in Finance, Accounting, Consulting and Tech.
Lally noted, “We also have a team
See page 6
BHS celebrates Natl.
Art Honor Society induction
Thirty-five Bethpage High School students made history on Feb. 10 as the school's first-ever National Art Honor Society inductees during a ceremony at the Bethpage Center for the Performing Arts. Photo courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District
Thirty-five Bethpage High School students made history on Feb. 10 as the school's first-ever National Art Honor Society inductees during a ceremony at the Bethpage Center for the Performing Arts.
Director of Fine and Performing Arts Brent Chiarello hosted the evening, which honored students who have demonstrated outstanding ability and dedication in the visual arts.
Art teacher Elena Cardo, who teaches sculpture, pottery and art history at BHS, shared the history of the National Art Honor Society and reflected on the development of Bethpage's chapter. Fellow art teacher Christopher DeStefano led the bouquet ceremony – a signature NAHS tradition in which students receive flowers representing the seven elements of art: color, line, value,
shape, form, texture and space.
"As the inaugural class of the National Art Honor Society of Bethpage High School, these students stand at the beginning of a new tradition, one that will continue to shape the culture and creative identity of our school for years to come," Ms. Cardo said.
After the bouquet ceremony, students recited the NAHS pledge and were officially welcomed into the organization. Each inductee was called to the stage to receive a certificate.
Founded in 1978, the National Art Honor Society recognizes high school students in grades 9-12 with exceptional talent in visual arts. The organization promotes art education, character and service, and includes more than 54,000 members worldwide.
Grand opening
Known for its delicious, handcrafted
freshest ingredients, Pizza Depot offers a variety of bold, Halal slices and pies such as Butter Chicken, Mango Chili, and much more.Supervisor Saladino stated, “I am proud to welcome businesses like Pizza Depot to our Town where they can flourish and contribute to our suburban quality of life. We wish you continued success!”
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino recently joined Councilwoman Vicki Walsh to cut the ceremonial red ribbon to celebrate the grand opening of Pizza Depot in Hicksville.
pizzas made with the
Spring Youth Ice Hockey Program
The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that registration for the Town’s 2026 Spring Youth Ice Hockey Program will begin soon. The program features a House League, which includes full House League games, a practice schedule, and playoffs for boys and girls in the 8U, 10U, 12U, and 14/16U age groups. Clinics spanning 10 weeks in duration are also available, including all girls clinics, 6U clinics, adult learn to play clinics and advanced skill clinics. Programs will begin on April 1.
“The Town of Oyster Bay’s Youth Ice Hockey Program is one of the best games in town, and features many respected coaches dedicated to teaching this outstanding sport to the many boys and girls enrolled in the program,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “With a variety of leagues and clinics,
there's something for everyone, and we are committed to fostering a love for the game in a supportive and fun environment.”
The registration fee is $400 for residents and $500 for non-residents. Additionally, the program offers various clinics, including an All Girls Clinic, Adult Learn to Play program, and Boys & Girls 6U Clinic for a fee of $200. The Advanced Skill clinic is offered for travel level players for a fee of $250.
Online registration will take place for residents on March 2 and March 3 at 9 a.m. Non-residents can begin registering online on March 4 at 9 a.m. Registration can be completed by visiting oysterbaytown.com/sports.
For more information, please email tobhockey@oysterbay-ny.gov or call (516) 433-7465, x8234.
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Levittown Chamber Winterfest
On February 7, Senator Steven Rhoads attended the Levittown Community Council Winter Fest at Island Trees Public Library, celebrating the organizations and businesses that keep Levittown a vibrant, close-knit, and thriving community.
School board recognizes students at Feb. meeting
row (left to
technology aide Dorothy
Board of Education President Annette Beiner, Lee Avenue Elementary School Principal Christopher Uccellini and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton. Front row (left to right): Lee Avenue students Hazel Jimenez, Aaron Philamon, Lucas Song and Lucas Tsao.
At the Feb. 11 Hicksville Board of Education meeting, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton acknowledged eight outstanding students for their recent accomplishments in school and out.
Starting his recognitions, Dr. Fulton shared the launch of the Lee Avenue Elementary School news team, an initiative introduced this school year and made up of dedicated students Hazel Jimenes, Aaron Philamon, Lucas Song and Lucas Tsao. The members have stepped into professional-style roles such as coanchor, meteorologist, sports broadcaster and cameraman.
Together, the crew produces a weekly news broadcast that highlights important updates, student activities and special features from across the school community. The team is eager to grow and is especially looking forward to an upcoming visit to the high school’s AV studio to further develop their production skills.
Next, Hicksville High School junior Aleeza Khan was acknowledged for earning the Outstanding Delegate award at the annual Model United Nations Conference that took
place in early January at Kellenberg Memorial High School. Representing the World Health Organization committee, Khan demonstrated exceptional leadership and diplomacy while debating global health issues. She played a key role in crafting a resolution addressing maternal and child health in developing countries, with a particular focus on combating worldwide malnutrition.
Closing student recognitions, three students were recognized for their contributions to the South Asian American Women’s Alliance Essay Writing Contest. This year’s theme, “How Artificial Intelligence Will Change Our Daily Lives in the Future,” challenged students to thoughtfully explore the evolving role of technology in society.
Carla Fernandez and Kimberly Garay Ochoa each earned honorable mention in the grade 8 contest. Both students were commended for the quality of their writing, the depth of their analysis and the effort they demonstrated in addressing the topic.
In the grades 10–12 category, 12th grade student Nandini Bali was also awarded honorable mention for her essay. Bali thoughtfully engaged with
Hicksville Board of Education Vice President Linda Imbriale, Hicksville Board of Education Secretary Erin Guida, Hicksville Supervisor of Science and Interim Supervisor of Social Studies and FACS Dr. Teresa McGrath, Hicksville social studies teacher Kelly Minot, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton with Hicksville student Aleeza Khan.
Back row (left to right): Hicksville Board of Education trustees Sunita Manjrekar and Danielle Fotopoulos, Hicksville science teacher Jennifer LaBombard, Hicksville Supervisor of Science and Interim Supervisor of Social Studies and FACS Dr. Teresa McGrath, Hicksville Middle School Principal Ben Tangney, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton. Front row: (L-R) Hicksville students Carla Fernandez, Kimberly Garay Ochoa and Nandini Bali, Hicksville social studies teacher Meghan Dowling-Lewis, Hicksville Board of Education trustees Patricia Bulerin and Irene Carlomusto.
the topic, presenting clear ideas and a strong exploration of the broader implications of AI.
Dr. Fulton concluded his remarks by again congratulating the students
Attention students!
for their achievements and applauding the educators who supported their success.
courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools
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Chamber hears about SJU workforce programs
From page 1
of about 12 advisors who work to prepare our students, checking on their resumes, making sure they are ready for job or internship interviews and seeing that their LinkedIn profiles are smooth. For the Employer Relations team our sole focus is on the businesses, getting out there and meeting with business leaders to learn their needs and finding ways of working together.”
He added that during the meeting he spoke with a chamber member about the SJU Risk Management & Insurance program based at the Manhattan campus. “With 100-plus majors and over 15,000 students now between the seven colleges, outside of engineering and a medical school –although Stony Brook U. is a great partner to St. John’s – we pretty much have everything else, regardless of what your business does. And, we have several thousands of students who currently reside in Nassau County,” Lally said.
About 91% of all St. John’s University 2024 graduates are either employed or enrolled in graduate school right after completing their bachelor’s degrees. “We like to brag that St. John’s students are hireable – it’s a very blue-collar school,
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and students like to work hard and learn, and they like getting into government and not-forprofits, and many take on competitive industries,” Lally said.
He added that St. John’s ranks 49th among all universities in the United States for “Social Mobility” – meaning that earning a St. John’s degree helps graduates increase their economic standing. “We are one of largest schools in New York State for accepting Pell Grant recipient-students; we have a lot of students who have financial needs and we like to give them the opportunities to study with us. Another number that we are proud of, based on survey data, is that 97.7% of our graduates would recommend St. John’s to someone else for college,” Lally shared.
After spending 12 years of his post-college career in athletics, specifically baseball as a coach starting at Archbishop Molloy and advancing to the minor leagues with the Waterloo, Iowa Bucks, Lally returned to Long Island as an assistant baseball coach at Hofstra University from 2009 to 2011. He later became Hofstra’s assistant director of athletics, focusing on student-athlete services and life skills development. In that role, he built strong employer relationships to provide student-athletes and alumni with professional
opportunities in a variety of industries. In 2016, he became the director of Athletics & Recreation at St. Joseph’s College in Brooklyn.
Lally told the Syosset Woodbury Chamber that the “branding” St. John’s really sold him on, bringing him to Career Services and Employer Relations in 2023, was “to make the transition from helping student athletes become better at hitting or pitching to do what SJU Career Services department helps students do; to become better versions of themselves, whether academically or professionally.”
Business owners and professionals in attendance learned that they can work with SJU Career Services on ‘Case Studies and Simulations’ to create real-world business activities for students pursuing specific majors or programs. Lally noted that this customizable approach, developed alongside SJU staff, offers Syosset, Woodbury and other Nassau County companies a new way to engage with young adults, spread awareness of their brands and evaluate future talent in the process.
Lally told Chamber members about the variety of companies and organizations St. John’s students work with, from the FBI to the NY Mets, the Yankees and Madison
Square Garden. He said there are seven students from six different majors currently interning with Madison Square Garden. “When the FBI comes to us, they are not just looking for Criminal Justice students – sometimes they want Marketing students or our Creative Writing students because they like that they think outside the box,” he said. Later, a chamber member shared a story about hiring a “Johnny” (St. John’s alumnus) and how it turned out to be a great business decision.
One motivating opportunity St. John’s Employer Relations pursues – always on an “individual basis” with companies – involves designing case studies and simulations that allow students to deliver innovative ideas. “We had a local restaurant in Roslyn call us to say they’re figuring out a rebrand, and they want to market to Generation Z. They worked with our hospitality students to come up with a project for their semester, and it was then implemented into the restaurant’s business plan. We often consult with businesses, 1:1, to consider their business needs and potential for growth, and then we can simulate that into a class,” Lally explained.
He added another example involving strategic communications and stakeholder strate-
gy firm FGS Global, with offices in NYC and Washington, D.C. For that employer relationship, a project was brought to students last September, and the company checked in on progress throughout the fall. The experience culminated with St. John’s students pitching ideas at the firm’s Manhattan office. William Murphy was officially installed as a director on the Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce board on Tuesday, February 3rd, as one of two new directors for 2026. The consistent networking and social opportunities he has experienced with the chamber opened his mind to helping the local business community as well as the young people advised by St. John’s staff.
At meetings, attendees continue asking Murphy about hiring SJU students who were or are studying fields related to their businesses – from accounting, finance and banking to insurance and IT.
“The same way that the chamber has a wide variety among its members, the same way we have a wide variety of students with workforce skills. If you have a business we have a student who could be a talent for that business,” Murphy explained.
Valentines Day vow renewal ceremony
From page 1
The story of America’s first Valentine is a proud piece of Oyster Bay history which dates back to the time of the Revolu-
tionary War, as British troops occupied Long Island homes. During the height of the American Revolutionary War, love improbably blossomed between Lt. Col
Simcoe and a young patriot named Sally Townsend as the Townsend property served as a headquarters for a regiment of 300 British troops. Lt. Col.
Simcoe presented Sally with a
poem he wrote asking her to be his Valentine, and his famous poem, entitled ‘Will You Be My Valentine,’ became the first documented written Valentine in America.
Parking sticker renewal weekends
To help residents looking to renew their LIRR parking stickers, Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca announced that his office will offer two special Commuter Parking Sticker Weekends on Saturday, February 28, and Sunday, March 1,, and Saturday, March 21, and Sunday, March 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at both Town Hall North in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South in Massapequa. Residents are required to
bring:
• A copy of the current vehicle registration (New York State plates only)
• Proof of residency such as a copy of a current home telephone, utility bill (PSEG, water, cable, etc.), W-2 or paystub.
“Residents looking to renew their LIRR parking stickers are invited to visit either Town Hall locations during these two spe-
cial Commuter Parking Sticker Weekends,” said Town Clerk LaMarca. “Please take advantage of these convenient weekend hours before your parking sticker expires on March 31st.”
Town Clerk LaMarca has offices located at Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road in Massapequa. Commuter parking stickers are also processed daily, Monday through Friday, 9am to 4:45pm at both Town Hall locations. For more information, please call the Town Clerk’s Office at (516) 624-6332.
Our Service Directory is sure to bring results. Call 294-8900 for rates and information.
Third graders “journey” to China
On Jan. 28, third graders at Central Boulevard School embarked on an extraordinary cultural journey – traveling thousands of miles to China without having to leave their school building!
The "Let's Go to China" program brought the world's oldest continuous living civilization to life through an immersive, all-day experience led by award-winning singer-songwriter Patricia Shih and her partner, a professional traditional dancer and instructor from Fuzhou, China.
Dressed in authentic Chinese clothing, the duo transported students through music, dance, language, artifacts and hands-on activities.
The morning began with a schoolwide assembly where students explored China's vast geography, learned about the Great Wall and
discovered the many inventions that originated in China – from paper to the compass.
After the assembly, students split into smaller groups to rotate through engaging workshops where they:
• Practiced speaking, reading and writing simple words and phrases using Chinese characters
• Learned the traditional ribbon dance, twirling colorful silk ribbons through the air
• Discovered the ancient art of sericulture (the process of cultivating silk)
• Listened to traditional Chinese instruments and explored the country's rich musical heritage
• Examined authentic artifacts while discussing China's lasting impact on the world
• Created their own colorful
During another small group session students learned the traditional ribbon dance.
Chinese paper lanterns to take home
Students also enjoyed a traditional Chinese lunch, adding to their cultural experience.
The day concluded with a lively celebration of Lunar New Year. Four students became musicians while four others experienced the thrill of performing as two Lion Dancers, with the entire group joining in the festivities.
The "Let's Go to China" program offered Central Boulevard third graders more than just facts about another country – it gave them the chance to step inside another culture, try new experiences and see the world through a different lens, all while building appreciation for the traditions and innovations that connect us across continents
Photos courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District
Students created their own Chinese paper lanterns in a small group session.
Ms. Shih and her partner show Central Boulevard School students authentic artifacts while discussing China's lasting impact on the world
February 20, 2026
Celebrating Jack London’s 150th is Special Delight in Visiting Sonoma County, California, This Year
BY
KAREN RUBIN
TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM
A major highlight in visiting Sonoma County this year takes place at one of my favorite places: Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen: the celebration of 150th anniversary of novelist Jack London’s birth, with a full year of public programming and special events.
Planned events through 2026 include a quarterly speaker series featuring scholars and London’s great-granddaughter, a “Call of the Wild Day” family celebration with art, music, and guided walks, and gala events. The program also introduces new offerings such as an online “Around the World on the Jack London Trail” guide and themed trail challenges to highlight London’s global travels and local legacy. This yearlong initiative aims to blend heritage interpretation with immersive tourism experiences in a beautiful, hike-friendly setting at a California state park.
I am lucky to visit the state park on Jack London’s actual birthday (admission free that day!), and visit the cottage he lived in while he and his wife, Charmian, were building that grand Wolf House, the stunning and dramatic stone mansion that tragically burned down just before they would have moved in, but you can visit the spectacular ruins. The cottage – amazingly modest for such a successful writer - is filled with original furnishings and artifacts and photos - you even see the fireproof safe where he stored his manuscripts. The cottage gives you such an intimate window
Visiting Jack London’s cottage at Jack London State Historic Park gives intimate insight into the iconic novelist during the 150th anniversary of his birth © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
into the man – you see his office, but it is the tiny porch room with a simple cot where he slept and worked – and get a peek at his personality and idiosyncrasies (like how he liked to play practical jokes on his guests, who slept in a separate building).
After touring the cottage, I took one of the many hiking trails – this one to the small “lake” Jack London used for fishing – that goes through a redwood forest.
You realize what a visionary London was – he pioneered sustainable farming and ranching techniques, experimenting and learning by trial and error (his bet on eucalypses trees did not turn out well).
Not to be missed is the House of Happy Walls, the grand stone home built by Charmian London and Eliza Shepard, Jack London’s stepsister,
after London died in 1916 at the age of 40 (all the more remarkable to consider his body of work in such a short life). The stunning Arts & Crafts structure was Charmian’s home from 1935 until 1952. She put it into her will that it become a museum to London. Today, the newly re-designed exhibits showcase the adventurous and inspiring lives of the Londons. You appreciate not only what a brilliant writer London was, but what a decent human being.
From here, I hike another trail to the dramatic Wolf House ruins and then to the modest grave sites of Jack London and Charmian.
Jack London State Historic Park, 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, CA 95442, jacklondonpark.com, 707938-5216
Glen Ellen, a charming classical-
ly historic Californian town, is right in the middle of a score of wineries (Benziger is next door to the park, 1883 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, CA 95442, benziger.com, https://benziger.com/tours-and-tastings/; also, Imagery, its sister winery, is one of our favorites;), the Sonoma Regional Park (hiking), and Sonoma Botanical Garden.
Spend another day trip traveling less than an hour further to some of the most magnificent coastline in California: the Sonoma Coast State Park, where there are stunning trails that hug the cliffs and go down to beaches and get drinks and food on Bodega Bay as the sun go down.
Get carried away to another continent at Safari West – spend a day, or even better, overnight in their glamping tents (luxurious) (Safari West, 3115 Porter Creek Road Santa Rosa, CA 95404, 800-616-2695, 707-579-2551, safariwest.com).
Another new activity in Sonoma: Park Rx- Forest Bathing Walks, a guided walking practice that originated in Japan that focuses on slowing down, reducing stress, and engaging the senses to support mental and physical restoration. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park offers a recurring Forest Therapy Series as part of its Park Rx Program.
Travel planning help is available from Sonoma County Tourism, https://www.sonomacounty.com
© 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com
Night After Night, the Moon Drifts On
BY DENNIS MAMMANA
Week of February 22-28, 2026
The moon returns to our evening sky this week. If you step outside as darkness falls, you can watch as it changes its phase -- from a crescent in the west, to a quarter phase in the south at sunset, and to a gibbous phase in the southeastern sky.
You’ll also notice, as I described last week, that its journey takes it through the constellations of the zodiac. Well, not really “through” them, of course. The moon lies considerably closer to us than the stars, and it only appears along the same line of sight as certain constellations.
There’s nothing unusual about this progression. It happens every month or so because the moon orbits the Earth. To complete its 360-degree loop around our planet, the moon must drift about 12 or 13 degrees eastward every night, and you can predict roughly where it will appear on successive nights.
Make a fist and hold it at arm’s length; it will appear about 10 degrees across from thumb to little finger. Now hold out just your thumb at arm’s length; this is approximately 2 degrees wide. And your little finger, also at arm’s length, appears about 1 degree across. So, by using these parts of your hand, you can predict approximately
where the moon will appear on the following night. The illustration I’ve included shows the moon’s path until March 1.
What about March 2? You can also guess where the moon will lie then, and that will be one night you won’t want to miss seeing it. That’s because the moon will pass through the Earth’s shadow and will experience an eclipse.
It should surprise no one that the Earth casts a shadow; every solid body illuminated by a light source does. What may surprise many is that it appears every evening. I know you’ve seen it low against the eastern horizon around sunset -- an immense purple haze, bordered on top by a fringe of pink. Many folks think this is smog, but it’s the shadow of our planet being projected through the atmosphere.
This shadow also extends millions of miles into space, and on the night of March 2 and morning of March 3, the full moon will pass through it, and many skywatchers in North America will experience a total lunar eclipse.
Now you might wonder, if this progression of the moon’s position along the zodiac happens monthly, why doesn’t the moon enter the Earth’s shadow every month? Well, that’s because its orbit around the Earth is tilted some 5 degrees to our orbit around the sun, so the full moon doesn’t always line up with the shadow.
On the night of March 2 and morning of March 3, many skywatchers in North America will experience a total lunar eclipse.
Sometimes it passes above it and sometimes below. But every six months, the moon’s path takes it at least partially through our planet’s shadow, and there’s a lunar eclipse.
To see an eclipse, however, the moon must appear in our sky at the right time. That’s not always the case, but on the night of March 2 and the morning of March 3, it will be for much
A Little Tickle in Your Throat
of North America. I’ll tell you more about this upcoming lunar eclipse next week, so stay tuned!
Dennis Mammana at
2026
BY TRACY BECKERMAN
I recently read that the average person will ingest eight spiders in his or her lifetime.
Apparently, this happens when we are sleeping, which would make sense, because I don’t know anyone in their right mind who would choose to eat a spider when they’re conscious, except maybe my dog.
While this might explain that full feeling I sometimes have when I wake up, I was reluctant to believe that even one spider would willingly climb into bed with me and take a kamikaze dive into my mouth. I’ve smelled my morning breath. It would kill anything smaller than an elephant upon impact.
Moreover, being a light sleeper, I’m pretty sure I would wake up if I felt someone or something tickling my tongue. It’s just not the kind of thing you can continue to sleep through. I have to imagine that somewhere in the deep recesses of my sleeping mind,
it would register that a spider was crawling into my mouth, and before you could say “Charlotte’s Web,” I’d be wide awake and spitting that sucker across the bedroom floor.
This is not to say that I haven’t accidentally eaten a few bugs over the years. I distinctly remember the joy of flying down a big hill on my bike when I was kid, and then the feeling of pure horror as a bug flew into my mouth and down my throat. I had no idea what kind of bug it was, other than the knowledge that it buzzed and crunched before it went down. Distraught, I told my mother, who responded that it was just a little extra protein in my diet that day.
Still, it’s one thing to inadvertently inhale a beetle, and quite another to find out that an army of spiders are playing tonsil hockey with you on their way down to your stomach.
Since I do not believe everything I read on the internet, I decided to do a little research into the matter to help allay my fears.
The first site I checked said we swallow four spiders in our lifetime.
That was better but still not great news.
The second site I checked said the number was closer to 20. After reading that, I felt compelled to wash my mouth out with Listerine and lie down with a cool washcloth across my head. But then I was worried I might fall asleep and swallow a spider, so I got up and went back on the internet.
Another site said we swallow a pound of spiders over our lifetime.
According to the site, that would be about 20,000 average-sized house spiders. I decided this information must be flawed. If we had 20,000 spiders in our house, I wouldn’t BE in the house long enough to swallow them.
I finally decided to check out Snopes. com, the go-to site for verification of urban myths.
According to them, the whole thing is a made-up crock of arachnids.
Flies, however, are another thing.
Tracy Beckerman is the auth or of the Amazon Bestseller, “Barking at the Moon: A Story of Life, Love, and Kibble,” available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble online! You can visit her at www.tracybeckerman.com.
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REAL ESTATE WATCH
Upgrades That Protect Your Home, Not Just Its Price Tag
BY PHILIP A. RAICES
When most homeowners think about upgrades, they think about granite countertops, spa bathrooms, and open-concept kitchens. Those renovations can certainly enhance lifestyle and resale appeal. But there’s a critical distinction that often gets overlooked:
Some upgrades increase value. Others protect the value you already have. In today’s climate of rising insurance premiums, volatile weather patterns, aging infrastructure, and higher replacement costs, protective upgrades aren’t just smart — they are strategic. They preserve equity, reduce risk, lower operating costs, and, in many cases, make your home more insurable and marketable.
Here are the upgrades that safeguard your home—physically and financially—long before you consider selling.
1. Roof Integrity: Your First Line of Defense
The roof is not a cosmetic feature. It is a structural shield.
Modern architectural shingles with higher wind ratings, reinforced underlayment, and proper flashing around chimneys and vents significantly reduce the risk of leaks and storm damage. In coastal or high-wind areas like Long Island, upgrading to impact-resistant shingles can also qualify for insurance discounts.
A 30-year shingle is not just about longevity — it’s about durability against ice dams, driving rain, and heavy snow loads.
Skipping roof maintenance is one of the most expensive mistakes homeowners make. A $12,000 roof replacement can prevent $60,000 in interior structural damage.
2. Impact Windows and Reinforced Doors
Hurricanes, nor’easters, and severe storms are becoming more common in the Northeast. Standard builder-grade windows are vulnerable to windborne debris.
Impact-rated windows and reinforced exterior doors:
• Reduce storm damage
• Lower energy costs
• Improve home security
• Cut outside noise
• Potentially reduce insurance premiums
These upgrades don’t just protect glass — they protect the building envelope. Once a window fails in a major storm, internal pressurization can literally lift a roof off a structure.
Security and weather resistance are not luxuries. They are safeguards.
3. Water Management Systems
Water is the silent destroyer of homes.
Upgrades that protect against water intrusion include:
• Properly pitched grading away from the foundation
• Extended downspouts
• French drains
• Interior drain tile systems
• Sump pumps with battery backup
• Backflow preventers
On Long Island, where heavy rainfall and high-water tables are common, basement water mitigation is not optional — it’s preventative medicine.
A finished basement without a water management system is a gamble. Mold remediation alone can cost tens of thousands of dollars and create longterm health risks.
The most valuable upgrade is often the one you never see.
4. Electrical Panel and Wiring Modernization
Many older homes still operate with outdated panels or aluminum wiring.
Upgrading to a modern 200-amp electrical panel:
• Reduces fire risk
• Supports EV chargers and modern appliances
• Prevents overloads
• Improves insurability
Insurance carriers are increasingly scrutinizing outdated systems. Homes with Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels, for example, may face coverage challenges.
An electrical fire doesn’t care about your granite counters.
Protection starts behind the walls.
5. Smart Leak Detection and Automatic Shutoff Valves
Technology has quietly revolutionized home protection.
Smart leak detection systems monitor water flow in real time and automatically shut off the main supply if abnormal usage is detected. That means if a pipe bursts while you’re on vacation, your home doesn’t flood for 72 hours unnoticed.
Insurance companies increasingly reward homeowners who install these systems.
Given that water damage is one of the most common homeowner claims nationwide, this upgrade may offer one of the highest returns on investment in protection.
6. Whole-Home Surge Protection
With today’s electronics — HVAC systems, smart appliances, home offices, security systems — a power surge can destroy thousands of dollars in equipment instantly.
Whole-home surge protectors installed at the electrical panel:
• Shield appliances
• Protect HVAC systems
• Reduce fire risk
• Safeguard data and smart devices
As grids become more strained and extreme weather increases outages, surge protection becomes essential — not optional.
7. Fire-Resistant Materials & Detection Systems
While wildfire risk may not mirror the Western U.S., structure fires remain a significant threat nationwide. Upgrades that reduce risk include:
• Interconnected smoke and CO detectors
• Hardwired alarm systems
• Fire-rated doors between garage and home
• Upgraded insulation with fire-resistant properties
• Class A roofing materials
A garage-to-home fire spread is more common than many realize. Installing a self-closing, fire-rated door is a low-cost but high-impact protective measure. Protection isn’t dramatic. It’s deliberate.
8. Foundation & Structural Reinforcement
Hairline cracks may be cosmetic. Structural shifts are not.
Proactive foundation inspections and repairs prevent:
• Water intrusion
• Structural sagging
• Uneven floors
• Expensive long-term damage
In areas with expansive soils, freezethaw cycles, or older masonry foundations, periodic structural review is essential.
Protecting your home means protecting what holds it up.
9. HVAC Modernization and Maintenance
Your heating and cooling systems impact more than comfort.
Modern high-efficiency systems:
• Reduce operating costs
• Lower fire risk
• Improve air quality
• Reduce carbon monoxide danger
Adding smart thermostats and annual maintenance contracts reduces breakdown risk during extreme weather — when repairs are most expensive and inconvenient.
A furnace failure in January or AC failure during a heat wave can quickly escalate into a larger emergency.
Reliability is protection.
10. Security Systems and Exterior Lighting
Protection also means deterrence. Visible security systems, smart cameras, motion-sensor lighting, and reinforced locks reduce burglary risk and increase homeowner peace of mind. Many modern systems allow remote monitoring from anywhere in the world.
Crime prevention is not about fear — it’s about foresight.
11. Drainage-Friendly Landscaping
Landscaping is often viewed as cosmetic. It shouldn’t be.
Strategic planting and grading:
• Direct water away from foundations
• Reduce erosion
• Prevent basement leaks
• Protect patios and hardscapes Improperly placed trees can damage foundations and sewer lines over time. Root intrusion into pipes is an expensive and preventable issue.
Design with protection in mind, not just aesthetics.
12. Backup Power Solutions
Power outages are no longer rare inconveniences — they are seasonal expectations.
A whole-house generator or battery backup system protects:
• Refrigeration
• Medical devices
• Sump pumps
• Heating systems
• Security systems
When power goes out during a storm, homes with backup systems maintain safety and livability. Resale value increases — but more importantly, risk decreases.
The Bigger Picture: I nsurability & Marketability
There is a growing reality homeowners must understand:
Insurance carriers are tightening underwriting standards. Homes with aging roofs, outdated electrical systems, prior water damage, or poor storm resilience are becoming more difficult — and more expensive — to insure.
Continued on page 5
Questions About Spousal Benefits Never Stop
BY TOM MARGENAU
I’ve been saving up questions I’ve gotten from readers about benefits for spouses. It’s an issue I’ve covered a hundred times in this column. But the questions still keep coming. So, here is column No. 100 -- one about benefits paid to wives and widows -- and occasionally, husbands and widowers.
Q: I am about to turn 63 and am thinking of starting my Social Security then. My wife is 67 and has been getting her own Social Security since she was 62. My benefit is significantly higher than hers. I’ve heard that if I do take my benefits at 62, my wife’s spousal share will be based on that reduced amount. But her widow’s benefit, assuming I pre-decease her, will be based on my full retirement benefit rate. Is this true?
A: No, it’s not true. In fact, it’s just the opposite. The benefit paid to a wife while her husband is still alive is based on his full retirement age (FRA) rate. But the benefit paid to a widow includes any reduction he incurred in his own benefit if he started them before his FRA:
If you do take benefits at 63, here is roughly how they will figure your wife’s spousal benefit. They will take her full retirement age benefit rate and subtract that from one-half of your FRA rate. Any difference will be added to her reduced retirement benefit.
But if you die first, her widow’s benefit will be based on your reduced retirement benefit. In a nutshell, her own benefit would be bumped up to whatever you were getting at the time of death.
Q: My husband is 67 and starting his Social Security. I am 62. Other than a few years after high school when I had some part-time jobs, I have spent my entire adult life as a wife or homemaker. So, I have no Social Security of my own. A neighbor told me that after my husband dies, I will never be able to get widow’s benefits because I don’t have my own Social Security account. Is this true?
A: It’s absolutely false. As I always tell my readers, and as I just pointed out in a recent column, never listen to friends or neighbors offering Social Security advice. It’s almost always wrong. In fact, not only will you be due widow’s benefits when your husband dies, but you are due dependent wife’s benefits on his record right now. Call Social Security at 800 -- 772-1213 and file a spousal claim right away.
Q: I am a kind of rare bird. I have been a stay-at-home husband and father most of my adult life. My wife is a doctor and has been the primary wage earner in our family. We are both about to turn 62 and are starting to think about Social Security. Will I be due any Social Security on
my wife’s record?
A: Yes, you will. For the most part, Social Security laws are gender neutral. So you will be able to get your dependent husband’s benefits once your wife retires. And if she dies before you do, you will get widower’s benefits.
Q: I am 68 and thinking of signing up for my Social Security. I have a 45-year-old wife and we have two children. The 16-year-old daughter is her child from a previous marriage. The 10-year-old son is our child. I just learned our son might be due benefits on my record. Is this true?
A: Yes, it’s true. And not only your son, but also your stepdaughter. And for that matter, if she is not working, your wife could also be due benefits. But the amount of money you all would get will be restricted by “family maximum” rules that limit the amount of benefits payable to a retiree with minor children. I don’t have the space to get into all of that today. But you should call Social Security at 800-772-1213 to talk about filing for benefits for you and your family.
Q: I am waiting until age 70 to claim my Social Security. I am doing that to get the bonus added to my retirement rate for delaying starting my benefits until 70. But I was also doing that so that my wife would get my augmented benefits after I die. (Her own benefit is about a thousand dollars less than mine.) So imagine my shock when a Social Security rep recently told me that after I die, my wife’s widow’s benefit will be based on my full retirement age rate, not by age 70 rate. Is this right?
A: No, it’s not right. And for some reason (lack of training?), Social Security Administration reps frequently get this wrong. While you are alive, any spousal benefits she might be due are based on your full retirement age benefit. But after you die, her widow’s benefits are based on your augmented age 70 rate, including the bonus you got for waiting that long to claim your benefits.
Q: I am 63 and have been a wife and homemaker all my life, so I get a small percentage of my husband’s Social Security. But I’ve always wondered this. Why don’t women in my position get Social Security credits for the work we did as homemakers and childcare providers?
A: As I’ve explained in prior columns, this is a topic that has been debated for years. But the issue always comes down to this: Where would the money or earnings come from to put on your Social Security record? And the only viable solution policy planners have ever come up with is a concept known as “earnings sharing.” In a nutshell, that means a working husband and a stay-athome mom would split the earnings the husband makes
For example, if Husband Henry
makes $100,000 per year, $50,000 would go on his Social Security record and $50,000 would go on Wife Wilma’s Social Security record. Now that might make Wife Wilma happy that she’s being “paid” for Social Security purposes with earnings and credits going on her account. But just ask Husband Henry how thrilled he is that he only gets Social Security credit for half the money he makes -- and eventually ends up with a much smaller Social Security benefit!
If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Security -- Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Security.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon.com or other book outlets. Or you can send him an email at thomas.margenau@comcast.net.
COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Upgrades That Protect Your Home, Not Just Its Price Tag
Continued from page 3
Protective upgrades are becoming underwriting advantages.
In competitive markets like Nassau and Suffolk Counties, buyers are increasingly educated. A home with documented improvements that reduce risk is not just attractive — it’s reassuring.
In uncertain times, buyers gravitate toward certainty.
Protection vs. Perception
A luxury kitchen photographs beautifully.
A new drain tile system does not.
Yet one protects your family and your equity; the other enhances lifestyle and potential resale pricing.
The smartest homeowners prioritize upgrades in this order:
1. Safety
2. Structural integrity
3. Water management
4. Mechanical reliability
5. Energy efficiency
6. Cosmetic enhancement
Equity grows best when risk is minimized.
Final Thoughts
Your home is more than an asset. It is shelter, security, and long-term financial stability.
Protective upgrades may not always increase your asking price dollar-for-dollar, but they dramatically reduce downside risk — and that is often more important.
In a world of unpredictable weather, rising repair costs, and evolving insurance standards, the question is no longer:
“What will increase my home’s value?”
It is:
“What will protect the value I’ve already built?”
The answer lies not in quartz countertops or designer lighting — but in roofs, drainage systems, electrical panels, and intelligent prevention.
Because the best upgrade is the one that keeps everything else standing.
And that, ultimately, is the greatest
return on investment of all.
Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 43+ years experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned 3 significant designations:
National Association of Realtors Graduate Realtors Institute (what I consider a Master’s degree in real estate). Certified International Property Specialist - expert in consulting and completing international transactions.
National Association of Realtors Green designation: eco-friendly low
WRITER’S CORNER
carbon footprint construction with 3-D printed foundations, Solar panels, Geothermal HVAC/Heat Pumps).
He will also provide a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality, and his Seller’s and Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider when Selling, investing or Purchasing your Home.
He will provide you with “free” regular updates of what has gone under contract (pending), been sold (closed) and those homes that have been withdrawn/ released or expired (W/R) and all new listings of homes, HOA, Townhomes, Condos, and Coops in your town or go to: https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com and you can “do it yourself (DYI) and search at your leisure on your own. However, for a “FREE” no obligation/ no strings attached 15-minute consultation, as well as a “FREE printout or digital value analysis of what your home might sell for in today’s market without any obligation or “strings” attached call him at (516) 647-4289 or email: Phil@ TurnKeyRealEstate.com
The random topics of book clubs
BY CLAIRE LYNCH
Book clubs have been around for a long time, I’ve discovered, and people meet both indoors and outdoors. Sometimes, weather permitting, they even gather at the beach to discuss the book of the day. It’s a good way to meet people I wouldn’t meet otherwise. Here’s a case in point: My public library and senior center have a long list of events held every month and men and women from the community join these groups or stop in to see what they are all about. Sometimes they like the groups’ topics and other times they decide it’s not their cup of tea. Trying something new is always a good thing.
Last year I went to the chess club meetings at the library and got friendly with Paula, Mark and Jack. All four of us had played chess in high school and we were either brushing up on our chess skills or starting to engage in some pretty good games.
After a while I got more interested in going to the book club at the library and lo and behold, I ran into Paula, Mark and Jack. We were like old lost friends reuniting because we’d gotten to know each other at the chess club. Whether the moderator had arranged for some guest speakers or we played chess, we had a chance to linger and chat before and after the meetings.
As retired Baby Boomers we were looking for things to do so these different
local activities were handy. Having something in common to talk about, whether it’s chess, the books being discussed at the book club, the author of the day, arts and crafts or genealogy means there is any easy ice breaker. Most people I know are eager to discuss the book they’ve just read or the chess game they just won.
Mention genealogy and everyone’s got a story to share. If there’s a moderator for the club discussions usually start quickly. The time flies by and soon the allotted hour is up. Time to return home and start dinner.
Every time I glance at my library’s calendar of events there seems to be another book club added. Talk about Edgar Allen Poe books or Kristin Hannah. You name it and someone somewhere has started a book club. They go in and out of style and that’s fine. People’s interests tend to ebb and flow and specific clubs can be started, continued or dissolved.
You can attend a certain book club or pick another one you like better. Groups change and people do, too. The book club I attend is a garden variety book club. We don’t specialize in reading and talking about certain authors such as Stephen King or Agatha Christie, we choose books pretty much at random, set the calendar for the year for 12 books to discuss and off we go.
I like the randomness of my book club. One thing is that I am almost always surprised by which book has been chosen. I may end up liking it or disliking it but
either way I’ll get to hear lots of opinions. Next month and next year it will be something different.
There are roughly 30-35 people in my book club and we spend a few minutes chatting before the meeting starts. Once the moderator takes her seat and begins everyone grows silent and sits still as she comments on what she feels are the strengths and weaknesses of the book. She doesn’t give a formal presentation, she just talks about what she liked and disliked.
Some of the bestselling books have their moments where the characters seem to come to life on the page and the plot is so good we don’t want to put down that page turner of a novel.
Once she finishes her remarks and opens it up to the floor people are eager to share their thoughts. The members of my book club are enthusiastic about whatever book is being talked about or I have a feeling they wouldn’t come to the meeting.
They could stay at home and relax with a cup of coffee while reading another scintillating novel. The enthusiasm of the people in my book club is contagious and we - who used to be complete strangers - have the general feeling that talking about books is a whole lot of fun.
We’ll have to do it again. Same time next month, same place but this time we’ll have a different book to discuss called The Midnight Library by Matt Haig which was published in 2020.
We have to read it but we’re given a short summary ahead of time: There is a make-believe library that contains an endless number of books, each one the story of another reality.
One tells the story of your life as it is, along with another book for the other life you could have lived if you had made a different choice along the way. While we all wonder how our lives might have been, what if you had the chance to go to the library and see for yourself? Would any of these other lives be better?
In The Midnight Library, Nora Seed has to decide if she would choose the life she has or if she would pick a different career. She’d always wanted to become a glaciologist - a scientist who studies glaciers, ice and their effects on the Earth. Does she choose that job?
She thinks about her prior relationships and also about travels and vacations she has taken with friends. Nora travels through the Midnight Library to decide what is truly fulfilling in life.
After reading the summary I know that the next book will make for an interesting discussion. Sure it means doing some homework which entails reading the book and taking some notes but that’s okay. It’s a fun type of homework.
I start to wonder what comments people will have but then I stop myself because part of the fun of book clubs is never really knowing what people will come out with. Anticipation is a good way to describe it.
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A hot breakfast for relaxed weekend mornings
Peasant Omelet
A hot breakfast can be just what the doctor ordered on weekends. Weekday mornings might be too hectic to whip up a hot breakfast, but that’s often not the case come Saturday and Sunday. For those with time to cook breakfast
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small potato, peeled and chopped into small pieces
1 clove minced garlic, peeled and minced
2 slices cooked ham, cut into bite-size pieces
2 teaspoons fresh parsley, finely chopped, plus extra for garnish
1) Heat the oil in a skillet set over medium-high heat. Add the chopped potatoes and saute until almost fork tender. Add the garlic and continue cooking until the potatoes are tender. Add ham and fresh parsley, stirring until heated through. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
2) Melt butter in an omelet pan or saute pan. Beat milk and eggs together. Pour egg mixture into the
over the weekend, this recipe for a “Peasant Omelet” from Lines+Angles is delicious and simple to prepare..
Makes 1 serving
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons milk
3 fresh eggs
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 pickle, sliced lengthwise (optional)
omelet pan. Cook over medium heat, gently move the eggs by sliding a spatula under the eggs, to promote even cooking. Cook until eggs are set.
3) Slide cooked omelet onto plate. Season with freshly ground black pepper and top with potato and ham mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley and sliced pickle. Serve immediately.o juices have time to thicken, from 1 to 2 hours.
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JFK team wins county Moot Court competition
POBJFKHS’ Moot Court Team won the County Championship at the Long Island Mentor Moot Court Tournament.
Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School’s (POBJFKHS) Moot Court Team earned top honors at the Long Island Mentor Moot Court Tournament, winning the Nassau County Championship against 42 teams from across the County.
The competition, sponsored by the U.S. District Court in Central Islip, was held over two days in December. Students argued both sides of a com-
plex hypothetical appellate case centered on Fourth Amendment and Miranda Warning rights in a public school setting. They presented their arguments and answered questions from panels of judges that included federal magistrates and Nassau County judges.
The championship team members were Brady Bornstein, Lauren Katz, Ariel Klingher, Jake Melniker, Shane
Menikoff, Asha Reddy, Rishi Sanghvi, and Whitney Zizzo. Ariel Klingher and Rishi Sanghvi represented the team in the championship round, while Lauren Katz and Shane Menikoff presented arguments in the subsequent Long Island finals. Student Lauren Katz received the Best Orator award for her performance.
Club members received guidance from attorneys Giuseppe Franzilla and
associates from the Melville-based law firm Bond, Schoeneck & King, as well as from club advisors Nancy Rogers and Gina Farrell. The tournament provided students with an authentic courtroom experience, helping them develop critical legal skills, advocate for their positions, and think critically under pressure.
This Week at the Syosset Public Library
Fridays, February 20 and February 27, at 10:00 a.m.
Simply Stronger with Balance (VIRTUAL)
Instructor: Mindy Vasta
Handheld weights, resistance bands and balls will help improve strength, flexibility, and coordination. Includes a balance segment to enhance posture, core strength, and proper alignment of muscle groups. Exercises can be performed sitting or standing. Equipment recommended but not required. Registration needed. Register at syossetlibrary.org. The Zoom link will be sent out once you register.
Friday, February 20, at 2:00 p.m.
Friday Movie at the Library (IN-PERSON)
Join us for an afternoon movie at the library. Check our website for the movie that will be shown. Go to syos-
setlibrary.org.
Sunday, February 22, at 1:00 p.m.
Concert: The Wood Vibrations (IN-PERSON)
The inspiration behind The Wood Vibrations was to form an ensemble that redefined the “cover band” experience. Combining acoustic instruments with their voices and creative choices, the group has forged a dynamic blend of intimacy and drama. The performance will span songs from the last 70 years. Registration needed. Register at syossetlibrary.org.
Monday, February 23, from 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Card & Board Games (IN-PERSON)
Bring a game to play with your friends for the afternoon. Play canasta, Mah Jongg (must have table covering), or a board game. Rooms will be
set up with tables and chairs. You will need to bring your own game and playing partners. No registration needed.
Tuesday, February 24, at 11:15 a.m.
Mind in Movement (VIRTUAL)
Instructor: Mindy Vasta
This class consists of aerobic movement to improve cardiovascular fitness. All movements can be performed standing or sitting. Proper footwear is needed. Registration needed. Register at syossetlibrary.org. The Zoom link will be sent out once you register.
Tuesday, February 24, at 2:00 p.m.
Afternoon Book
Discussion (IN-PERSON)
Join Lisa, Readers’ Services Librarian, for an in-person discussion of the #1 New York Times bestseller, “ The Women ” by Kristin Hannah. Copies of the book will be available at the Circulation Desk one
month before the discussion. No registration needed.
Thursday, February 26, at 2:00 p.m.
What Entertained the Founding Fathers (IN-PERSON)
Presenter: Robert Viagas, author, journalist, and founding editor of Playbill.com
The hit Broadway musical “Hamilton” showed the Founding Fathers rapping and dancing. But what did they actually do for entertainment? Yes, they danced, but what kinds of dances? Yes, they sang, but what kinds of songs? Yes, they attended the theatre and listened to concerts, but which shows? And where? What stimulated their imaginations as they were forming a new nation? Enjoy this lecture as the United States turns 250 years old this year. No registration needed.
Lauren Katz received the Best Orator award for her performance in the tournament.
Upcoming Events at the Jericho Public Library
Friday, February 20
11:00 a.m.: Game On! (Grades K-6)Have fun with your friends playing board games in the children's room! We will have a variety of games available. Stop in between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to play - no registration necessary!
1:00 p.m.: Open Play: Mahjong and Cards - Whether its bridge, canasta, mahjong, or any other card game, bring your friends and enjoy a game day at the library.Please remember to bring your own supplies.
2:00 p.m.: Friday Flix: “Downtown Abbey, the Grande Finale” - “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” follows the Crawley family and their staff into the 1930s as scandal and financial strain force them to confront change and usher Downton Abbey into a new era. Rated PG. 2 hrs, 3 minutes.
Saturday, February 21
10:30 a.m.: Jump for Joy (Ages 18 Months to 5 Years) - Join us for a lively program of music and group activities for you and your child.
11:00 a.m.: How to Sell Your Home for Top Dollar in Today’s Market with Alida and Drini Dema - Discover how to sell your home quickly and for the best price. Join local realtors Alida and Drini Dema for an engaging workshop on how to sell faster and for top dollar. Learn what today’s buyers want, which updates pay off, and how to make your home stand out.
2:00 p.m.: Foreign Film Saturday: “Creation of the Gods I” - After conspiring with a conniving fox demon to
kill the emperor and seize power, King Zhou reigns as a tyrant so brutal that he incurs the wrath of Heaven. In a final attempt to save the mortal world from desperate peril, the gods decide to intervene and invest in an unlikely champion brave enough to challenge the evil king--even if it may cost him everything. 2 hours 30 minutes. This movie will be shown in Chinese with English subtitles.
Sunday, February 22
2:00 p.m.: Synchronicity Band Live in Concert! - Be entertained by Synchronicity, a local Long Island group that celebrates the music of The Police and Sting. Set includes all the classic Police hits like “Roxanne,” “Message in a Bottle,” “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic,” “Walking on the Moon,” “Every Breath You Take” as well as Sting's solo hits like “Fields of Gold,” “If I Ever Lose My Faith,” and others. Tickets are required. Jericho cardholders may pick up 2 tickets per person beginning February 1. Non-residents may pick up 2 tickets per person beginning two weeks before the performance. Non- ticket holders will be seated as space allows.
Monday, February 23
10:30 a.m.: Sensational Playtime (Ages 18 Months to 3 Years) - This is a play-based program for Early Childhood designed with occupational therapy objectives in mind. It will focus on developmental motor and social skills to foster the emerging skills for this age group.
Town offers Summer Softball League
The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that registration is now open for the Town’s Summer Softball Night League, with games scheduled to begin in May 2026. Games will be held at three parks throughout the Town with a season consisting of 10 weeks of regularly scheduled double headers (20 games total) plus playoffs and championships. Residents and non-residents alike are welcome to sign up for the softball league. Players must be ages 18 and older.
“The Town’s Summer Softball Night League is a fun and competitive league that provides a great opportunity for both residents and non-residents to enjoy their love of the game and appreciate some of our wonderful Town parks and facilities,” said Supervisor Saladino. “So, get your team together and take advantage of one of the Town’s most popular programs!”
2:00 p.m.: HYBRID: The Pages of Art History to the Silver Screen with Mary Maguire - This lecture will be a survey of artists or famous paintings that have become the featured subject of movies. We will explore many classics, such as “The Girl with the Pearl Earring,” “The Agony and the Ecstasy,” “Loving Vincent,” Frieda,” and “Lust For Life,” as well as lesser known movies such as “Artemisia,” “Mr. Turner,” “Big Eyes,” “Modigliani,” “Basquait” and “Tim’s Vermeer.”
6:00 p.m.: Teens: De-stress with Essential Oils - Step into the world of natural wellness and creativity! In this fun, hands-on class, teens will discover the basics of essential oils--what they are, how they’re made, and how different scents can boost mood, focus, health and relaxation. You’ll get to craft two custom projects to take home: a soothing essential oil roller bottle and a natural fragrant sachet.
7:00 p.m.: Book Discussion: “The Snow Thief” by Alice Hemming (Grades 1 & 2) - Join us as we talk about the book “The Snow Thief” by Alice Hemming. After registering, pick up a copy of the book to read so you can join in the discussion.
Tuesday, February 24
10:30 a.m.: Mandarin Bilingual Story Time (Ages 18 Months - 5 Years)Join us for a 30-minute program that consists of nursery rhymes, puppets, songs, stories, and movements in English and Mandarin Chinese. Does not require a Mandarin background.
11:00 a.m.: VIRTUAL: Guided Meditation for Self-Healing with Patricia Anderson - Join Pat for one or all of the meditation sessions to bring harmony and balance into your life. Learn the beautiful practice of Jin Shin Jyutsu to help your body heal and keep you relaxed.
on trends that affect us now and in the future. Bring your thoughts, issues, and a friend to join in the discussion.No registration required!
Wednesday, February 25
2:00 p.m.: VIRTUAL: From Hollywood to Broadway - The Golden Age with Stephen Nachamie - Join award-winning stage and film director Stephen Nachamie for the first of a twopart series exploring Broadway adaptations of classic films such as “She Loves Me”, “The Shop Around the Corner”, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, “Here’s Love”, “Miracle on 34th Street”, “Applause”, “All About Eve” and more.
5:00 p.m.: Itty Bitty Bookworms (Ages Birth to 30 Months) - Join us for this interactive program of rhymes, songs, stories, and more!
6:30 p.m.: VIRTUAL: Silver Scribblers: Creative Writing Workshop - Everyone has a story to tell -what’s yours? Join Silver Scribblers, the library’s creative writing group designed especially for older adults who love words, memories, and imagination. Whether you’re jotting down family stories, crafting poetry, or exploring new forms of writing, this friendly group offers encouragement, inspiration, and a welcoming space to share your voice.
Friday, February 27
10:30 a.m.: Baby and Me Stories and Songs (Ages Birth Through 18 Months) - A cozy lap-sit program for babies and their caregivers that introduces early literacy through short stories, songs, rhymes, and fingerplays, followed by playtime and socialization.
1:00 p.m.: Open Play: Mahjong and Cards - Whether it’s bridge, canasta, mahjong, or any other card game, bring your friends and enjoy a game day at the library. Please remember to bring your own supplies.
Games begin in May and will be held at 3 different locations:
• John J. Burns Park, 4990 Merrick Road in Massapequa
• Ellsworth Allen Park, 45 Motor Avenue in Farmingdale
• Plainview-Old Bethpage Community Park, 175 Washington Avenue in Plainview
Registration is currently available at oysterbaytown.com/sports. The fee is $850 per team, and each team is responsible for liability and accidental insurance as well as umpire fees. Umpire fees are paid in cash to the umpires at the start of each game. Each team will sign up for one of three divisions: A, B, or C, with A being the most advanced.
Teams interested in more information can call the Town of Oyster Bay’s Parks Department, Recreation Division, at (516) 797-7945.
2:30 p.m.: New Currents with Elinor Haber - Join Elinor and participate in an informal exchange about topics of the day--the international, national and local scene. We’ll focus
Register for all events at https:// www.jericholibrary.org/events/month Non-residents may register beginning 2 weeks before each program.
