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Town launches Back the Blue campaign

Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilman Louis Imbroto and Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato, joined by representatives of the Nassau County PBA, Detectives Association, Superior Officers Association and Correction Officers Association officials.

In a powerful display of support for our law enforcement heroes, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board are launching a ‘Back the Blue’ Ribbon Campaign in recognition of National Police Week (May 10–16). This nationwide observance honors the brave men and women in blue who risk their lives to protect our communities, as well as those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Free blue ribbons are available for residents to show their support

to Back the Blue’by displaying blue ribbons on homes, businesses, storefronts, trees, and mailboxes.

“This campaign is a powerful way to say, ‘thank you’ to the courageous men and women in blue who put their lives on the line every day,” said Supervisor Saladino. “At a time when law enforcement officers continue to face unfair criticism and even calls to defund the police, it’s more important than ever to stand up and show our gratitude.”

“We are proud to live in the safest large suburban county in Ameri-

ca, and that’s because of the dedication and sacrifice of our police officers,” added Councilman Imbroto. “When you call 911—whether for a burglary, a health emergency, or to protect your family—our officers are the ones who answer that call. Let’s show them we’ve got their backs.”

Get Your Free Blue Ribbon!

Residents who would like a complimentary blue ribbon from the Town of Oyster Bay can request one by calling (516) 624-6380.

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

OB Harbor Cleanup Day on April 18

The Town of Oyster Bay invites residents to participate in an Oyster Bay Harbor Spring Cleanup and Marine Education Day, scheduled for Saturday, April 18 (rain date: May 2) at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park in Oyster Bay. Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Bay, the day offers volunteers – individuals, families, companies and organizations –an opportunity to give back to the environment by removing litter from the shoreline and below.

“Marine Education Day features environmentalists and marine educators offering information on local wildlife, including encounters with some animal ambassadors, interesting ecosystem restoration projects, solutions to tackle marine pollution, a marine vessel restoration project and boat yard tour, and family fun activities,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino.

“This event is a great opportunity to help our environment while having fun and learning about our incredible marine ecosystem,” added Town Clerk Rich LaMarca. “From exciting wildlife encounters to hands-on restoration projects, this event is a fun and educational experience for residents of all ages.”

Volunteers are invited to participate in the harbor cleanup, which will run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The central meeting place will be Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park launching ramps and waterfront gazebo off of Larrabee Avenue in Oyster Bay. Additional locations for the clean-up include Stehli Beach in Bayville and Centre Island Beach in Bayville. Certificates are available upon request for students seeking to fulfill volunteer requirements. In prior years, harbor and beach cleanup events have resulted in 40,000 lbs of debris being collected by volunteers and town workers.

Individuals and groups who are interested in registering for this environmental cleanup (pre-registration is not required) can visit www.oysterbaytown. com/volunteerform or call the Department of Environmental Resources at (516) 677-5943.

Spring HazMat, Homeowners Cleanup Days

The Town of Oyster B y has announced the Town’s S.T.O.P. (Stop Throwing Out Pollutants) and Homeowners Cleanup Days for this spring, with dates scheduled for weekends in April and May. Residents can drop off materials at the Old Bethpage Solid Waste Disposal Complex, located at 101 Bethpage-Sweet Hollow Road in Old Bethpage.

S.T.O.P. Program - Saturday, April 11, & Saturday, May 9, from 9 a.m. –4 p.m.: Collects various hazardous materials, including: asbestos material (double bagged); automobile batteries; automobile tires (with or without rims); brake and transmission fluids; drain and oven cleaners; fire extinguishers; fares; fluorescent bulbs; gasoline; pesticides and insecticides; oil-based and latex paint; outdoor gas grill propane tanks; photo chemicals; rechargeable and button batteries; small aerosol cans; smoke detectors; solvents; spot removers; thermostats; waste motor oil and antifreeze; and wood preservatives.

“Improperly disposing of products such as waste oil, oven cleaner or paint thinner could contaminate your water supply,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “Anything poured on the ground or put into cesspools, storm drains, or recharge systems can work its way down to the aquifer or our waterways.”

Homeowners Cleanup Day –

Saturday, April 25, & Saturday, May 30, from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Collects non-hazardous waste only, including: air conditioners; all e-waste; campers; boats and boat trailers (proof of ownership required - oil, gas, other fluids and batteries removed); clean, broken concrete; large metal items; propane tanks and propane torches; tires; and yard waste.

“With the start of spring, many residents begin to clean out their yards and may have large amounts of yard waste and other non-hazardous debris to dispose,” said Councilman Labriola. “Residents can bring items such as used tires, fence posts, clean broken concrete or yard waste to our Homeowners Cleanup.”

Free Paper Shredding ServicesSaturday, April 25, & Saturday, May 30, from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Provides residents an opportunity to destroy unwanted documents in a safe and secure manner. Residents only, no businesses, can bring up to four bankers’ boxes of paper to the shredding program.

The Town’s S.T.O.P. and Homeowners programs are open to residents within the Town’s Solid Waste Disposal District. Proof of residency is required. For more information, including a full list of what is accepted at these programs, visit www. oysterbaytown.com/cleanup or call (516) 677-5848.

Shed the Meds

Deputy Minority Leader Arnold Drucker and the NCPD Second Precinct invite all residents to safely dispose of their unwanted or expired pharmaceutical waste on:

Tuesday, April 21, from 5–7:30 p.m. at the Syosset Public Library, 225 S. Oyster Bay Road, Syosset). Only pills will be accepted. Items

such as needles, thermometers, ointments (liquid or lotion), hydrogen peroxide, inhalers, biohazardous waste, and medication from businesses will not be accepted.

For any questions, contact the Second Precinct at 516-573-6200 or Leg. Drucker's office at 516-571-6216.

Syosset Library Artist of the Month

Rob Morris, the photographer behind “The Shape of Winter”, the exhibit on display at Syosset Library through April, brings a lifelong appreciation for craft and detail to his work. His journey began in the 1980s, when he first learned traditional film photography in high school— developing prints by hand in the darkroom and mastering the use of enlargers.

After stepping away from photography for several decades, Rob says he has returned to the medium with renewed passion, embracing digital techniques while drawing on his foundational training. His work focuses primarily on wildlife and the natural world, capturing fleeting moments of light, texture, and movement. Though he often shoots in color, Rob frequently transforms his images into striking black-and-white compositions, emphasizing contrast, form, and mood. This exhibition, a mix of color and black and white works, marks his first solo show—a milestone that reflects both his artistic growth and his dedication to the craft.

Outside of photography, Rob is a skilled carpenter who designs and builds custom fine furniture, bringing the same

precision and artistry to his woodworking as he does to his images. He is also an avid rock climber and hiker, having climbed and hiked in destinations around the world— experiences that continue to inspire his connection to nature and exploration.

In this collection, form takes center stage as Rob turns his focus to line, structure, and negative space within the winter landscape. Drawing largely from scenes across Long Island, he uses blackand-white treatments to strip images down to their essential elements—branch against sky, reed against snow, horizon against water. The result is a series of compositions that feel almost sculptural, inviting viewers to see winter not just as a season, but as a study in shape, balance, and design.

“The Shape of Winter” is on view through April in the Gallery at the Syosset Public Library, 225 South Oyster Bay Road. There will be an artist reception Saturday, April 25, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. All are invited. For more information about programs, services, and hours, call 516-921-7161, or visit the library or the website at www.syossetlibrary.org.

JHS Hall of Fame

The 34th Annual Jericho School District Hall of Fame program will be held on Thursday, April 23, at 7 p.m. at the Jericho Public library.

The honorees are:

Lisa Frisch, Class of 1975 Non Profit Community Leader Domestic Violence Victims Advocate

Michael Lupa, Class of 2001

National Championship Athlete Educator NYS Coach of the Year

Michael Starobin, Class of 1974

Tony Award Winner Orchestrator and Conductor

Steven Sugerman, MD, Class of 1977

Medical Oncologist, Memorial Sloan Kettering American Cancer Fellow

A work in “The Shape of Winter” photography exhibition at Syosset Library through April.

Rob Morris

St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon

Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti and Councilman Dennis Dunne greeted members of the Levittown Senior Center during the St. Patrick’s Day Extravaganza on March 12, 2026 at The Sands in Lido Beach.

Car Show at TOBAY Beach on April 26

Long Island’s largest and most premier car show experience returns to TOBAY Beach on Sunday, April 26th, from 11am to 4pm. “Car Show Long Island” features hundreds of automobiles, trucks, military vehicles, and emergency service vehicles. A live concert performed by That 70’s Band will take place during the day, followed by trophy presentations. The event is free for spectators.

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino stated, “Whether you’re a proud classic car owner or you want to see the latest and greatest automobiles in the world, Car Show Long Island is the place to be! With a diverse range of vehicles showcased, car enthusiasts will have the opportunity to admire and interact with some of the most impressive cars around. This free family-fun event is a perfect way to spend the day, all with the beautiful backdrop of TOBAY Beach. Spectators can check out cool cars, vendors, exhibits and enjoy live music while surrounded by Long Island’s best classic, muscle, antique and exotic cars.”

Car Show Long Island’s 2026

TOBAY Beach Spring Classic features some of the hottest and most classic cars in the tri-state region. While enjoying live music performed by That 70’s Band and great eats from the Food Truck Corral presented by Eagle Chevy Performance, thousands of spectators are expected throughout the day to get up close and personal with Long Island’s best classic, muscle, antique and exotic cars. Trophies will be awarded in each class, and children will have a say when deeming which rides are their favorites in the Kids’ Choice Award. Car Show Long Island’s 2026 TOBAY Beach Spring Classic is being presented by: Optimum, Signarama of Huntington, Whitey’s Tire Services of Brooklyn and Cascone & Kluepfel Attorneys at Law.

Classic Car enthusiasts and spectators can also grab a bite to eat from the food truck corral, and can also check out numerous vendors and displays. A rain date of Saturday, May 2, has been arranged. For more information, visit www.carshowli.com, call (516) 797-4121 or e-mail carshowli@ oysterbay-ny.gov.

Former Hicksville resident makes big name in radio

BY GARY SIMEONE

Maria Molito, a former Hicksville resident, has been interested in radio since she was a little girl. The current daytime voice of (Q 104.3 iHeart) radio said she used to change the radio station in her parents car during visits to her grandparents in Brooklyn.

“I remember first being interested in radio during our trips to Brooklyn in our parents car,” said Molito. “My older brother and sister could never decide on a station so I ended up switching the dial to WABC radio to appease everyone.”

Molito took her early love of radio to being the current daytime host of Q 104.3 iHeart Radio.

“I truly love my job and what I do here and I never want to retire. I’m going to keep going until they tell me to stop or they end up dragging my body out of the station,” joked Molito.

After graduating Hicksville High School, Molito attended NYIT Old Westbury, where she received her BA in media & communications.

Her first paying job after college was working as a host for the now defunct WTHE AM gospel radio station.

She then took a job all the way out in Riverhead for another AM radio station before landing as a host DJ for WGLI in Babylon, a station specializing in oldies music.

She got her big break in the broader market and FM radio, landing a job with the former WKTU 92.3 in Manhattan. The station, which eventually became K-Tock, was renowned for its disco format and was an integral part of New York City’s disco era history.

“They kept me on for a long time, working there until 1996, before I made the transition to Q104.3 as an on-air DJ. On July 1st it will be exactly thirty years since I’ve been working for this station.”

2024 was also a landmark year for Molito, as it was her fortieth year working in the New York City radio.

Molito works from Monday to Friday in the 9 a.m to 2 p.m slot as an on-air host, discussing the background of the music she’s playing or commenting on current topics and what’s going on in the world.

“I discuss a lot of different things

Maria Molito

including musical history and current ongoing issues. The only thing I steer clear of is political commentary as that can be inflammatory for many people,” said Molito.

“I do a lot of public service announcements and talk about upcoming charity events or fundraisers that pique people’s interest. One of my favorite things is when people email me with a song request because it evokes a particular memory or holds a special meaning for them.”

Aside from her daytime job at Q104.3, Molito is an on-air host for twenty five to thirty different classic rock stations around the country. The stations are in smaller market areas and she gives each station a few hours of her time each week.

She also does a podcast through the iHeart radio app called Maria’s Mutts & Stuff, which focuses on animal welfare, nature topics and the environment.

“I am a strong advocate for animal rights and this gives me a platform to talk about certain issues such as animal cruelty and welfare,” said Molito.

On April 26th, Molito will be the guest host of the Tuff Tails Animal Rescue 15th Annual Rock’N Rollapalooza at the Warehouse in Amityville.

This Week at the Syosset Public Library

Friday, April 17, 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, April 17, at 2:00 p.m.

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 syossetlibrary. org.

Saturday, April 18, from 8:300 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Paper Shredding at the Library (IN-PERSON)

End your clutter! Empty your drawers and files! Shred excess paper safely and securely at this shredding event. All documents will be shredded in a professional mobile truck while you watch. No need to remove staples or paper clips. No plastic, cardboard, X-rays, or hard drives - paper only! Maximum 4 boxes (standard size record storage box) or bags per person. Personal household documents only – no businesses.

Sunday, April 19, at 1:00 p.m.

Concert: Singer-Songwriter Show of Artists from the 70’s with Lee Glantz (IN-PERSON)

Enjoy an afternoon of music from songwriters from the 1970s including Carole King, Paul Simon, Barry Manilow, Neil Diamond, Neil Sedaka, Billy Joel, Harry Chapin and others. Registation needed. Register at syossetlibrary.org.

Monday, April 20, 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.

See what's happening at your library!

Tuesday, April 21, at 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Drop Off: Shed the Meds (IN-PERSON)

Sponsored by Nassau County Legislator, Arnold Drucker and made possible by the Nassau County Police Department 2nd Precinct. Safely dispose of unwanted and expired medication. Only pills are accepted. No liquids, injectables, biohazard waste, aerosols, inhalers, lotions, ointments, needles or medications from businesses.

Wednesday, April 22, at 9:30 a.m.

Adult Walking Club (IN-PERSON)

Take a walk around the neighborhood (weather permitting). Enjoy some exercise, meet new people, and stay healthy. Wear sneakers, and bring a water bottle. Registration needed. Register at syossetlibrary.org.

Thursday, April 23, at 2:00 p.m.

50 Years in Broadway Audiences (IN-PERSON)

Presenter: John Kenrick, entertainment historian John saw his first Broadway show in 1974. He shares some of his favorite showstoppers and personal memories from half a century in the audience and behind the scenes. Some rare videos will be included in the lecture. No registration needed.

Friday, April 24, at 10:00 a.m. Simply Stronger with Balance (VIRTUAL) Instructor: Mindy Vasta

Friday, April 24, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

SY-CON Presents: Retro Gaming Night! (In-Person)

Join us for an evening of retro arcade and board games hosted by LI-Retro Gaming and Game Master Games! There’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.

From classes to lectures and concerts to movie screenings, there's never a dull day at your local library!

Check this paper each week for fun and informative all-ages activities, all for free or cheap!

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Scam prevention for seniors

On Wednesday, April 29, Nassau County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Arnold Drucker will partner with Family and Children's Association (FCA) to host a session for seniors on how to avoid scams.

Learn:

• What is financial abuse and exploitation

• Who is targeted and why

• Ways by which financial abuse and exploitation occur

• Scams to be aware of

• Suspicious activities and possible signs of financial abuse

• Ways to protect yourself

• What to do if you've been a victim

The session will take place on April 29, at 2 p.m. at the Syosset Public Library, 225 S. Oyster Bay Road, Syosset. For more information please contact The office of Leg. Drucker at 516-571-6216

LEGAL NOTICES

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF MEETING

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING FOR BUDGET VOTE, CAPITAL RESERVE PROPOSITION AND ELECTION FOR THE JERICHO UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE JERICHO PUBLIC LIBRARY MAY 19, 2026 OF JERICHO UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT

NASSAU

COUNTY, NEW YORK

NOTICE is hereby given to the qualified voters of Jericho Union Free School District, Nassau County, New York, that the annual budget and election vote meeting of said school district will be held in the Gymnasium of Jericho High School, Cedar Swamp Road, Jericho, New York, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 between 6:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M.

NOTICE is hereby given that the public hearing on the proposed budget of the school district will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 in the Little Theatre of Jericho High School, 99 Cedar Swamp Road, Jericho, New York, at 7:00 P.M.

NOTICE is given that a copy of the statements of the amount of money required for the ensuing year for school purposes and library purposes may be obtained by any qualified voter in the District at each schoolhouse and at the Office of the District Clerk, between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. on each day other than Saturday, Sunday or holiday during the fourteen days immediately preceding such Budget Election Voting.

Voting will be held for the following purposes:

1. To elect two (2) members of the Board of Education for a three (3) year term commencing July 1, 2026 and expiring June 30, 2029.

2. To vote upon the appropriation of funds to meet the estimated expenditures of the District for school purposes for the school year beginning July 1, 2026 and authorize the levy of necessary taxes therefore; said matter to be presented on the voting machines as Proposition No. 1

3. To vote upon the expenditure from the Capital Reserve Fund known as ”Facilities Improvement Program V – Jericho Public Schools.” Said matter to be presented as

Proposition No. 2 as follows:

SHALL the Board of Education be authorized to expend a sum not to exceed $4,721,701 from the capital reserve fund established on May 17, 2022 for the purpose of completing capital improvements as follows: district-wide window replacements; district-wide ceiling and lighting upgrades; district-wide plumbing and bathroom renovations; district-wide boiler insulation; elevator replacement at Cantiague Elementary School and Middle School; district-wide asphalt and paving upgrades including sidewalks, stairs, ramps and drainage systems; district-wide security upgrades; locker room upgrades at HS/MS; district-wide exterior/interior door and masonry upgrades; all of the above to include all labor, materials, equipment, apparatus, and incidental costs associated therewith.

4. To vote upon the establishment of a Capital Reserve Fund; said matter to be presented as

Proposition No. 3 as follows:

SHALL the Board of Education, pursuant to Education Law section 3651, be authorized to establish a Capital Reserve Fund known as the “Facilities Improvement Program VI – Jericho Public Schools” for the purpose of district-wide replacements, renovations, upgrades, reconstruction, additions, and remediation of: roofs, exhaust fans, windows, masonry, doors, stairs, elevators, ceilings, lightings, plumbing, boilers, burners, floors, walls, bathrooms, ADA compliance, classrooms, labs casework, cafeteria/kitchen, electrical service, HVAC units, air handling, unit ventilators, security, emergency generators, energy efficiency projects, zero emission buses and infrastructure, additional new space/new building additions, site-work, pavement, curbs, sidewalks, courtyard, athletic fields, tennis courts, bleacher/concession stands, playgrounds, lockers, locker room, gymnasium, pool, weight room, technology/ communication, hazardous material remediation, bus garage, auditoriums, storage, furnishings and equipment incidental to said projects. The maximum amount of the aforesaid Capital Reserve Fund shall be $20 million, plus investment income. The term is to be 10 years; the funds are to be transferred from surplus monies remaining in the general fund and/or from existing reserves as allowed by General Municipal and Education Law including a sum not to exceed $5 million from the 2025-2026 budget and thereafter not more than $10 million for each remaining year of the probable term until the maximum amount of $20 million is reached. Upon the establishment and funding of said reserve, the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee shall be directed to deposit monies of this reserve fund in a separate bank account to be known as the “Facilities Improvement Program VI – Jericho Public Schools.” Upon the establishment and funding of said reserve, the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee shall be authorized to invest, from time to time, the monies of this fund pursuant to section 1723-a of the Education Law.

Fund shall be $20 million, plus investment income. The term is to be 10 years; the funds are to be transferred from surplus monies remaining in the general fund and/or from existing reserves as allowed by General Municipal and Education Law including a sum not to exceed $5 million from the 2025-2026 budget and thereafter not more than $10 million for each remaining year of the probable term until the maximum amount of $20 million is reached. Upon the establishment and funding of said reserve, the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee shall be directed to deposit monies of this reserve fund in a separate bank account to be known as the “Facilities Improvement Program VI – Jericho Public Schools.” Upon the establishment and funding of said reserve, the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee shall be authorized to invest, from time to time, the monies of this fund pursuant to section 1723-a of the Education Law.

Candidates for the office of Member of the Board of Education may be nominated only by petition directed to the District Clerk signed by Thirty-one (31) qualified voters, stating the name and residence of each candidate, who must have been a resident of the District for at least one continuous year prior to the election. A sample form of petition may be obtained from the District Clerk. Pursuant to a proposition heretofore adopted by the voters of this District, vacancies upon the Board of Education shall not be considered separate, specific offices, and nominating petitions shall not describe any specific vacancy upon the Board of Education for which the candidate is nominated. Each petition shall be filed with the District Clerk on or before April 20, 2026 between 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. NOTICE is given that the Annual Election of the Jericho Public Library will be held in the Gymnasium of the Jericho High School on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 between 6:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M. for the following purposes:

1. To elect one (1) member of the Board of Trustees for a full term of five (5) years commencing July 1, 2026 and expiring June 30, 2031 and to elect one (1) member of the Board of Trustees for a reduced term of three (3) years commencing May 19, 2026 and expiring June 30, 2029.

2. To vote upon the appropriation of funds to meet the estimated expenditures of the Public Library purposes for the school year beginning July 1, 2026 and authorize the levy of necessary taxes therefore, said matter to be presented on the voting machines as Proposition No. 4.

Candidates for the office of Library Trustee may be nominated only by petitions directed to the District Clerk, signed by at least thirty-one (31) qualified voters, stating residence of each signed and the name and residence of each candidate. Each petition shall be filed with the District Clerk on or before April 20, 2026 between 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. The name of the last incumbent shall not be set forth on the petition for the Library Trustee.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that only persons who are qualified voters as of May 19, 2026 shall be permitted to vote at the election to be held on May 19, 2026 on matters affecting the School District and the Jericho Public Library, as herein above set forth. A qualified voter is defined as follows: A citizen of the United States, who is eighteen (18) years of age or over, and has been a resident of the District for thirty (30) days or more next preceding the meeting on which he/she offers to vote. Persons disqualified from voting under provisions of Section 5-106 of the Election Law are not eligible to vote in school district elections.

The School District may require all persons offering to vote at the budget vote and election to provide one form of proof of residency pursuant to Education Law Section 2018-c. Such form may include a driver’s license, a non-driver identification card, a utility bill or a voter registration card. Upon offer of proof of residency, the School District may also require all persons offering to vote to provide their signature, printed name and address.

EARLY MAIL AND ABSENTEE BALLOTS-Application for an early mail or absentee ballot may be made at the Office of the District Clerk. Such application must be received by the District Clerk at least seven days before the day of the vote, if the ballot is mailed to the voter, or by the day before the day of the vote, if the ballot is delivered personally to the voter. A list of all persons to whom early mail and absentee ballots shall have been issued will be available in the Office of the District Clerk during regular business hours.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that early mail and absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 PM on May 19, 2026.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN , that military voters who are qualified voters of the Jericho Union Free School District, may request an application for a military ballot from the District Clerk in person, by mail to District Clerk, Jericho Union Free School District, 99 Cedar Swamp Road, Jericho, New York, 11753, by email to DistrictClerk@ jerichoschools.org , or fax sent to (516) 203-3602. In such request, the military voter may indicate their preference for receiving the application by mail, fax or email. A military voter must return the original military ballot application by mail or in person to the office of the District Clerk at the address above. In order for a military voter to be issued a military ballot, a valid military ballot application must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m., on April 23, 2026. Military ballot applications received in accordance with the foregoing will be processed in the same manner as a nonmilitary ballot application under Section 2018-a of the Education Law. The application for military ballot may include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the military ballot by mail, fax, or email.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN , a military voter’s original military ballot must be returned by mail or in person to the Office of the District Clerk at 99 Cedar Swamp Road, Jericho, New York, 11753. Military ballots shall be canvassed if they are received by the District Clerk before 5:00 PM on May 19, 2026.

five (5) years commencing July 1, 2026 and expiring June 30, 2031 and to elect one (1) member of the Board of Trustees for a reduced term of three (3) years commencing May 19, 2026 and expiring June 30, 2029.

BY RIKKI MASSAND

Brunch Boom in Woodbury

supported by dedicated staff and site managers at each location. Woodbury became a destination market and the Long Island location of The Granola Bar to open. The brand has grown significantly since its first Westport location debuted in 2013, expanding along the Connecticut shoreline and into Rye, New York.

Julie explained that as a teen growing up in the Town of Oyster Bay, Woodbury represented the excitement of shopping and dining along Jericho Turnpike.

Rave reviews are coming in for The Granola Bar, a fresh and friendly restaurant with Connecticut roots and a Woodbury location at 8285 Jericho Turnpike in the Woodbury Common Shopping Center. One half of the dynamic Women in Business duo behind the brand, Julie Mountain, grew up in Massapequa and graduated from Massapequa High School. She was an avid shopper at Woodbury Common in her teen years, and now, decades later, her success in the restaurant industry has brought her back to the community.

The Granola Bar is a female-founded, female-owned tristate brand, with more expansions on the horizon.

Woodbury Common now features a variety of restaurant options, including neighbors such as Dirty Taco + Tequila, Krinti Mediterranean Grill, and Dozo Dozo Sushi Bar.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that early mail and absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 PM on May 19, 2026.

Two locations of The Granola Bar are thriving within the Town of Oyster Bay, thanks to the vision of Mountain and her business partner, Dana Noorily. After graduating from New York University, Julie moved to Westport, Connecticut, with her young family. It was in Fairfield County that she met Dana, who grew up in Danbury, Connecticut.

Searching for sit-down dining options with young children led them to open The Granola Bar in Westport in 2013. The pair are owner-operators who oversee the business daily,

“I could not even believe I was opening up in Woodbury, and Massapequa came next. This was a great emotional experience as a business owner, and I used to eat in the Chinese restaurant that was previously in our Massapequa location. It was 18 years after I left Massapequa, I had this ‘homecoming’ experience opening our Massapequa location – our 8th restaurant, and receiving a very warm welcome,” Mountain shared.

Mountain noted that while Woodbury was once known primarily for shopping, it is now trending as a destination for dining experiences. The ample

LEGAL NOTICES

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Samuel Perlman, President

Jennifer Vartanov, Vice President

Jill Citron

Divya Balachandar

Kenny Jin

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Notice of formation of Katayoon Arts LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/03/2026. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Katayoon Moghaddam: Katayoonarts19@ gmail.com. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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Call 516-294-8900 to find out how to advertise your services in our paper!

Chamber board member and social media strategist Ari Goldblatt with Melesia DeChiaro, 2025 Syosset Woodbury Chamber Businessperson of the Year

parking and accessibility add to its appeal as a Long Island restaurant hub.

“Woodbury Common is an evolving center. When we opened (2024), Kimco had just bought the plaza, and they’re doing several great things here. We are happy to participate, and I love the co-tenancy having so many food options. All the restaurants and stores help each other and I know we’ll eventually have another anchor grocery, but I love how the Common is at the heart of Woodbury. Also most of the people we serve lives just down the street, and I often wonder how that’s possible. But the area is so densely populated while staying beautiful, so we are having a tremendous time here!” Mountain said.

The Granola Bar’s concept centers on shareable plates, with familiar diner-style foods elevated through creative infusions and seasonal themes.

“When Dana and I first set out to open a restaurant we were young parents, and with our very little children we really only had the diner to turn to. We wanted to open a place that was fun and accessible, with dishes easy to understand – kinda like in our Long Island diners, and from growing up in Massapequa that’s what I know best. For us The Granola Bar was created out of a need for us as young parents and transplants in the suburbs, having a place that was fun and energetic that felt like community,” Julie Mountain explained.

Their guiding philosophy

in building the menu was “No Veto” — ensuring that every guest could find something appealing. The focus is on creating a fun, easy-to-understand, and memorable dining experience. The menu ranges from lighter fare such as parfaits, salads, and snacks to more substantial breakfast and lunch options.

An extensive list of specialty coffees — including a French Toast latte — elevates the traditional grab-and-go experience.

“Our creative drinks have been around from the dawn of our menu,” Mountain said. “We felt like the NYC coffeehouse scene from around 14 years ago did not exist in the suburbs. Now every place is making special lattes, espresso’s and cappuccino’s, but looking around suburban Connecticut and Long Island that gorgeous cup of coffee was missing from our lives.”

From dining to operations, personalization is a key part of the brand. Mountain said she and her team actively engage with customers on social media.

“We’re present, we have an open door and we love to hear from customers – this is how we learn and how we grow.”

The Woodbury location offers both dine-in and takeout service, along with ordering through its app and third-party platforms such as GrubHub, DoorDash, and Uber Eats.

On Monday, March 30, the Syosset-Woodbury Chamber of Commerce hosted a networking breakfast at The Gra-

nola Bar. Chamber President Russell Green, owner of RPG Wealth Management, said the event brought together a strong cross-section of new members.

“The chamber – much like our local restaurant member The Granola Bar – continues to attract the interest of businesses in our area thanks to outreach, social media platforms, and welcoming perspective along with opportunities to interact with fellow business owners.”

Weeks earlier, Ari Goldblatt, the chamber’s social media coordinator, met with Businessperson of the Year Melesia DeChiaro at the restaurant.

“I love The Granola Bar! There is such a variety of different things you can get, but I really love how they approach breakfast and brunch classics. It’s THE ONLY local weekend brunch choice for me!”

Being active in community events, both in Woodbury and Massapequa, remains central to the brand’s mission.

“We want to be a big part of the community, and we’re already a place to gather in the community. I’m always eager for us to be part of charitable donations, raffles and giveaways. Our local general managers live in the communities where our restaurants are, and we’re planning to be a part of the future community events. I love being back home on Long Island, and this is who we are. People can see The Granola Bar as their kitchen away from home – it’s what we’re here for!” she said.

Mindful Travelers Seek Out Responsible, Sustainable Travel Providers

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

Travel “opens our minds, connects us, and makes the world a smaller place,” notes Sustainable Travel International. “Done well, tourism is a force for good that lifts communities out of poverty, improves living standards in developing countries and safeguards the world’s natural and cultural treasures.”

On the other hand, “Tourism also accounts for 8% of global emissions, litters the planet with plastic, threatens species, and overburdens communities.”

A growing cadre of travelers are mindful of the own responsibility and seek out travel companies, hotels, transportation, and destinations that offer responsible, sustainable practices – companies that make sustainability their mission, infusing their operation and their mindset.

Tour operators who practice sustainable, responsible travel in their operations and their policies are careful to limit their carbon footprint, avoid plastics and pollutants, hire locals and buy local, and often give back a portion of the tour price to the community, or assist and support community projects like schools, water, and health clinics. Wildlife, nature and safari companies show great care in how they interface with animals and the landscape, limiting interactions, and often sponsor conservation projects. And some are designed to engage the travelers actively in the projects or research.

Responsible travelers can make more informed choices of tour companies, hotels, cruiseships, transport modes and service providers. They gain first-hand understanding of the pressures on communities and eco-

Galapagos is the poster child for the necessity for responsible, sustainable eco-tourism and a model for how to practice it © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

systems, and become ambassadors to advocate for environmental protection at home. An added benefit is that they also bring these ideas and ways of living to their own home and community.

Here is a list of widely respected sustainable, responsible travel companies:

IntrepidTravel.com specializes in environmentally, culturally and socially responsible tours for small groups in destinations worldwide.

G Adventures, a Canada-based travel company, features trekking, safaris, ecotourism, cultural tours around the world, and is known for small group tours that prioritize local economic benefits and community-based projects.

Natural Habitat Adventures partners with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to offer specialized, eco-conscious wildlife tours, including polar bear and Galápagos trips.

And Beyond specializes in luxury, conservation-focused tourism in Africa, Asia, and South America.

Much Better Adventures focuses on adventure travel that supports local communities and contributes to habitat conservation, with 5% of revenue going to conservation funds.

Exodus Adventure Travels offers trips that often include “citizen

science” opportunities, such as collecting water samples for research.

Global Exchange offers socially responsible Reality Tours to 30 developing countries worldwide.

Journeys International is a US-based family-owned global adventure travel company specializing in guided cross-cultural explorations, nature safaris, treks and eco-tours in remote corners of the globe.

Tribes Travel is a UK-based travel company offering holidays and safaris run on fair trade and responsible travel principles.

World Expeditions, based in the UK (with offices in USA), offers trekking and small group adventure holidays, based on responsible and sustainable travel principles

Much Better Adventures focuses on adventure travel that supports local communities and contributes to habitat conservation, with 5% of revenue going to conservation funds.

Slow Travel

Bike tours are not only friendly to the environment, but are stimulating to mind and body and bring you to places you would otherwise never see and interactions you would never otherwise have. (BikeTours.com; Discovery Bicycle Tours; Wilderness Voyageurs;

BoatBikeTours; Backroads; Trek Travel; Exodus Adventure Travels; Duvine; and Butterfield & Robinson)

Rail travel: Consider a vacation by rail – Europe is easy to get around (RailEurope, Eurail and Vacations by Rail); Canada (VIA Rail), Great Rail Journeys (greatrail.com). Of course Japan is famous for its bullet train and excellent train system. Amtrak Vacations offers packages along its famous routes: California Zephyr; Coast Starlight; Empire Builder (amtrakvacations.com). Also, there are scenic rail routes such as Grand Canyon Railway, (Xanterra.com) Iconic rail journeys include Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Europe); Rocky Mountaineer (Canada): Glacier Express (Switzerland); Rovos Rail (Africa); Maharajas› Express (India); Belmond Royal Scotsman (Scotland); TransSiberian Railway (Russia/Asia); Andean Explorer (Peru); Bernina Express (Switzerland/Italy); Eastern & Oriental Express (Southeast Asia); Seven Stars in Kyushu (Japan).

Voluntourism

Earthwatch enables people to join research projects alongside scientists such as Amazon Riverboat Exploration, Climate Change at the Arctic’s Edge, Conserving Wild Bees and Other Pollinators of Costa Rica and Discovering Ancient Societies in Portugal (earthwatch.org/expeditions/browse).

Biosphere Expeditions is an award-winning, non-profit organization enabling ordinary people to join scientists in the field doing hands-on research in marine, mountain, and tropical ecosystems. Two-thirds of the fee goes to the conservation project (www.biosphere-expeditions.org).

We Can See for Miles and Miles and Miles ...

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of April 19-25, 2026

During my long career working in planetariums, I had a great advantage. Not only could I move the sun, moon and planets around the sky, I could also make the stars appear in the daytime and even make clouds disappear at will. In other words, I had control of the entire universe. Now that was a great gig!

I could do this in a planetarium because everything we saw was projected onto a thin aluminum dome overhead and operated by an electronic control panel. Some in the ancient world believed that the real sky was similar to a planetarium dome, with a series of crystalline spheres that carried everything in the heavens around us. This is certainly understandable; stand under a daytime or nighttime sky and it’s tough to believe otherwise.

Fortunately, modern science has given us many sophisticated techniques to measure distances to celestial objects, and we now know that this crystalline dome idea is merely an illusion caused by our eyes’ inability to perceive depth at great distances.

This week, we’ll have an opportunity to aim binoculars toward the sky and see three celestial targets, each at a much greater distance than the other. The best evening to view them is Thursday, April 23.

The first of these is the planet Venus.

Now appearing as a brilliant “star” in the western sky at dusk, Venus is currently the closest planet to us. It shines so brightly because it’s a world the size of Earth and is covered with sunlight-reflecting clouds. On the 23rd, it will be the nearest natural object in our sky, at a distance of “only” 136.8 million miles from us.

It’s still pretty distant, so if you aim binoculars toward this planet, you won’t see much except a brighter dot of light. But if you do so as the sky begins to darken, you may see two other objects.

To the lower left of Venus will appear the planet Uranus. This world is the first to be discovered by telescope (in 1781 by musical composer and amateur astronomer William Herschel). Unfortunately, it’s really faint because it’s so distant -- some 1.9 billion miles away.

The third object is a star cluster known as the Pleiades, or Seven Sisters. Normally, it shines nicely very high in the winter sky, but now that spring is upon us, it’s descending farther to the west each evening. This grouping of relatively young stars lies at a distance of 2,600 trillion miles.

Since the sky won’t be completely dark at dusk, and these three will lie quite low against the horizon, it’ll be tough to see all of them in the same binocular field of view. It’s certainly worth trying, though.

On the 23rd, the light reflected from the cloudtops of Venus will have taken

only 12.3 minutes to reach us (we say it’s 12.3 light-minutes away), and that from Uranus will have traveled some 2.8 hours.

The starlight from the Pleiades, on the other hand, has spent some 444 years traveling in our direction; in other words, it began its journey around 1582 and is just arriving tonight! So much for crystalline spheres! Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com. . COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM

LOST IN SUBURBIA

A Conversation With the Plumber’s Assistant

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

Me: “Hi. This is Tracy Beckerman. I need to schedule a follow-up appointment with the plumber.”

Plumber’s Assistant: “Hey, my sister’s name is Tracy. That’s so funny! Do you spell it with an ‘e’ or no ‘e’?”

Me: “Um, no ‘e’.”

PA: “My sister doesn’t spell it with an ‘e,’ either. I mean, who needs an extra letter for no reason. LOL!”

Me: “Exactly! So anyway, about that appointment ...”

PA: “Oh sure. How about tomorrow?”

Me: “I’m actually out of town the next two days.”

PA: “Oh, I won’t tell anyone that. LOL! Don’t want your house to get robbed.”

Me: “Um, thank you?”

PA: “Yeah, I knew this guy who wrote all over Facebook that he was going to Jamaica, and then when he got back from his trip, his house was

cleaned out. Like, duh!”

Me: “Yeah, duh.”

PA: “I mean my boyfriend is a police officer, so I know you should never tell people on the internet when you’re going out of town.”

Me: “Absolutely. How about Thursday?”

PA: “What about Thursday?”

Me: “For my plumbing appointment.”

PA: “Oh right. You know, people share too much information on the internet anyway, don’t you think?”

Me: “Sometimes they share too much information on the phone too.”

PA: “I know, right? Haha. Like, I have this friend who got filler in her lips and showed the pictures all over Instagram. It was kinda gross. Who wants to see pictures of someone’s big ol’ fish lips?”

Me: “Or hear about it on the phone ...”

PA: “But I mean, I’ve posted some gross pictures of plumbing emergencies

we’ve had, so what’s worse, right?”

Me: “Maybe talking about it?”

PA: “Do you know what happens when your kid tries to flush a Barbie head down the toilet? It’s not pretty. Not to mention how Barbie looks when you fish her out.”

Me: “Probably a lot like me right now.”

PA: “Bad enough Barbie was decapitated, then she got flushed. What a way to go, LOL.”

Me: “I know the feeling.”

PA: “Poor Barbie. LOL!”

Me: “May she rest in peace. So, back to my appointment ...”

PA: “Oh yeah. When did you say?”

Me: “Thursday.”

PA: “Sorry, after tomorrow we don’t have anything for two weeks. But we might have a last-minute cancellation. Can you call back in a few days?”

Me: “Not on your life.”

Tracy Beckerman is the author 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.

April 23 will be a great evening to view Venus, along with Uranus and the star cluster Pleiades.

REAL ESTATE WATCH

Why Property Taxes Feel So Unpredictable Now

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

For decades, property taxes were one of the more predictable aspects of homeownership. You might not have liked the number, but you could generally count on gradual, incremental changes year over year. Today, that sense of predictability is gone. For many homeowners, property taxes now feel erratic—spiking unexpectedly, shifting unevenly, and becoming harder to plan around.

So what changed?

The answer lies in a convergence of three powerful forces: reassessments catching up to rapid home price growth, steadily rising local government budgets, and the lasting effects of inflation. Together, they have transformed property taxes from a relatively stable expense into one that behaves more like a moving target.

The Reassessment Effect: Sudden Adjustments, Not Gradual Change

At the center of today’s volatility is the reassessment process. Municipalities periodically update property values to reflect current market conditions. In theory, this ensures fairness—homeowners pay taxes based on what their property is actually worth.

But in practice, reassessments rarely happen in real time. In many communities, they occur sporadically or in large intervals. That creates a lag effect. When home values rise quickly—as they did during the post-pandemic housing surge—assessments often fail to keep pace. Then, when reassessments finally occur, they can result in sharp increases rather than gradual adjustments.

For homeowners, this feels like a sudden financial jolt. A home that quietly appreciated over several years may suddenly be taxed at a much higher value all at once, even if the owner hasn’t made any changes to the property.

Local Budgets: The Hidden Driver Behind Tax Bills

While reassessments get most of the attention, they are only part of the equation. Property taxes ultimately fund local government budgets— schools, public safety, infrastructure, and municipal services.

In recent years, those budgets have been under increasing pressure. Rising labor costs, expanded services, and long-term obligations such as pensions have steadily pushed spending higher. Add to that the growing need for infrastructure upgrades, storm resilience projects, and modernized public facilities, and the financial demands on local governments become even more significant.

When budgets increase, the funding has to come from somewhere. In most suburban communities, that “somewhere” is property taxes.

What makes this especially frustrating for homeowners is that budget increases are often incremental and occur through a process that doesn’t receive widespread attention. Many residents only become aware of the impact when their tax bill arrives.

Inflation: The Multiplier That Doesn’t Go Away

Inflation has played a critical—and often underestimated—role in the current property tax environment. During the recent inflation surge, the cost of goods and services rose sharply across the board. Local governments were not immune.

Construction materials, fuel, labor, insurance, and maintenance costs all increased. Even as inflation rates have moderated, those higher costs have largely remained in place. Municipalities must now operate within this more expensive environment, and their budgets reflect that reality.

Unlike a temporary price spike, these cost increases tend to be sticky. Once a municipality adjusts its spending upward to account for higher expenses, it rarely reverses course. As a result, property taxes often continue to climb even after inflation headlines fade.

The Disconnect Between Market Trends and Tax Bills

One of the most confusing aspects for homeowners is the disconnect between what they hear about the housing market and what they see on their tax bill.

A homeowner might read that home prices are stabilizing—or even declining slightly—yet still face a higher property tax bill. This happens because assessments are often based on prior data, and the formulas used to determine taxable value can lag behind current market conditions.

Additionally, equalization rates and assessment methodologies vary widely from one municipality to another. The result is a system that can feel opaque and inconsistent, even when it is technically functioning as designed. This disconnect fuels a common and understandable frustration: if a home’s market value is no longer rising, why do property taxes continue to increase?

Tax Caps and Misconceptions

Many homeowners assume that

tax caps provide a safeguard against significant increases. While caps can limit how much a municipality raises its total tax levy, they do not necessarily protect individual homeowners from higher bills.

That’s because tax caps apply to the overall amount collected, not how that burden is distributed. If property values shift unevenly within a community, some homeowners may see larger increases while others see smaller ones—or even decreases.

In other words, even when a municipality stays within its legal limits, individual tax bills can still change substantially.

A System of Redistribution

Property taxes are inherently relative. They are not just about what your home is worth, but how it compares to others in your area.

If your property’s value rises faster than your neighbors’, you may end up shouldering a larger share of the overall tax burden. Conversely, if your home’s value lags behind, your share may decrease.

In stable markets, these shifts are usually minor. But in today’s environment—where some neighborhoods or property types are appreciating faster than others—the redistribution effect has become more pronounced.

This creates a sense of unpredictability and, at times, inequity, as homeowners struggle to understand why their tax burden has changed so significantly.

Why the Volatility May Continue

Looking ahead, there are several reasons to believe that property tax volatility is not a temporary phenomenon.

Local governments are facing longterm financial challenges, including aging infrastructure, climate-related investments, and ongoing operational costs. At the same time, housing markets remain dynamic, with values continuing to shift based on interest rates, migration patterns, and economic conditions.

These factors suggest that reassessments, budget adjustments, and cost pressures will remain ongoing features of the system—not one-time events. What Homeowners Can Do

While homeowners cannot control tax policy, they are not entirely without options.

First, it is essential to review your

property’s assessment regularly. Errors or outdated information can and do occur, and correcting them can lead to meaningful savings.

Second, pay attention to local budget discussions. School district and municipal budgets are public processes, and they directly influence property taxes. Being informed can help homeowners anticipate changes rather than react to them.

Third, consider filing a grievance if your assessment appears out of line with market value. While the process can seem daunting, it is one of the few direct ways to challenge your tax burden.

Finally, incorporate property taxes into long-term financial planning. In today’s environment, they should be viewed as a variable expense rather than a fixed one.

The Bottom Line

Property taxes feel more unpredictable today because they are being shaped by multiple forces at once. Reassessments are catching up to years of rapid home price growth. Local budgets are expanding to meet rising costs and demands. Inflation has permanently raised the baseline for municipal spending.

Individually, each of these factors would be manageable. Together, they create a system that feels volatile and, at times, difficult to understand.

For homeowners, the key is not just to recognize these forces, but to adapt to them. In a landscape where property taxes are no longer steady or predictable, awareness and proactive management are more important than ever.

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.

Continued on page 5

BY TOM MARGENAU

When My Word Isn’t Good Enough

Readers are always asking me to explain various Social Security rules and regulations. But sometimes they want more. They want to see something official -- something in “black and white.” In other words, they want me to give them a legal reference for whatever rules I am explaining to them.

I sort of know where they are coming from. Often, they have heard one thing from a friend or a supposed trusted source, such as a financial advisor or even a Social Security representative. And then they read something different in my column or one of my books. I understand their confusion.

So why should they trust me? Well, I’ve been doing this Social Security stuff for more than 50 years now. And most of the program’s rules and regulations are just burned into my brain. I will occasionally need to check something out in the Social Security Administration’s “Program Operations Manual System,” which is the primary resource guide for all SSA employees. POMS takes all of the Social Security laws and turns them into practical instructions for carrying out those laws. Frankly, I haven’t looked at the actual laws for many years now.

Still, I understand that more than a few people would like to see something in writing. Because of the high volume of emails I get, I simply don’t have the time to look everything up for every person who demands to see it in “black and white.” But if you want to do your own research, I have some bits of advice.

First, I strongly recommend starting with the “Social Security Handbook.” The Handbook is a much shorter version of the POMS. If you printed out the entire POMS, it would fill about 20 big three-ring binders. (I know this for a fact because when I worked for the SSA before an electronic version of POMS came along, I had those 20 binders in a bookshelf behind my desk.)

Anyway, the Social Security Handbook is only about 700 pages and fills just one book on my desk. You can find a PDF version at www.socialsecurity.gov. Or simply do a Google search for “Social Security Handbook.” But if you’re an old-fashioned guy like me, you can get a hard copy of the book at any bookseller like Amazon. (It is expensive, though. About a hundred bucks the last time I checked!)

And since I mentioned Amazon, allow me to shamelessly plug my book. It’s an Amazon best seller and is called “Social Security - Simple and Smart.” It’s a collection of fact sheets I have written for my readers over the years. These fact sheets explain almost every facet of the Social Security program. It’s much shorter and simpler than the Social Security Handbook. And it is WAY easier

to understand than the POMS. And it is so much more convenient to find what you are looking for in my book rather than trying to wade through all the Social Security rules. If you search for it on Amazon and the 2026 version doesn’t pop up, look for a box that says, “See all formats and editions,” and then click on the 2026 edition.

Having plugged my book, I totally understand that it’s not good enough for some people. They want to see the actual rules and regulations. If you are not satisfied with the Social Security Handbook, you are going to have to delve into the thousands and thousands of pages of POMS.

You can find POMS online at www. socialsecurity.gov. Scroll down to the bottom of the homepage and click on “Research and policy.” On the page that pops up, scroll down until you see a link labeled “Program Rules,” and click on it. Once there, you will see four links. You will want to open the link labeled “Employee Operating Instructions.” Then click on “Program Operations Manual System - POMS.” When you open it up, you will see the Table of Contents, which is divided into topics like “Retirement and Survivors Insurance” and “Disability Insurance” and “Health Insurance” and so on.

And then all I can say is “good luck!” I’ve been using POMS for more than half a century now and to be honest, I still have trouble finding exactly what I am looking for.

And for those of you who aren’t satisfied with my book, with the Social Security Handbook, or with POMS and you insist on seeing the actual law, well then I wish you even more luck. In my 50 years of working on Social Security issues, I think I’ve tried to find an actual law reference only once or twice. But if you really want to, you can find the laws by following the same links I mentioned above for POMS. Once you click on “Program Rules,” you will find tabs for “The Law,” “The Regulations,” and “The Rulings.”

I am not a lawyer and I certainly am no expert on these matters, but I think in a nutshell, the “Law” is the law. The “Regulations” are subsets of the law. The “Rulings” are subsets of the regulations. And POMS turns all that legal mumbo jumbo into something at least sort of readable. But to repeat, my book turns all of that into something very readable and easy-to-understand.

Having given you all these instructions for wading through the SSA website to find various laws and rules and regulations, I’ve found that a simple Google search can work just as well. And here is a big hint for doing that. Always start out your search with the words “Social Security.” For example, say you wanted information on the 10-year duration of marriage rule that applies

to a divorced husband or wife trying to get benefits on an ex-spouse’s Social Security record. When you do the Google search, don’t just type in “10-year marriage rule.” Make sure you type in “Social Security 10-year marriage rule.” Lots of helpful links will pop up. But if you want a specific POMS reference, then add POMS to your search. So you would type in “Social Security 10-year marriage rule POMS.”

Or, as I said, keep things really easy and just spend fifteen bucks and get my book, “Social Security - Simple and Smart.”

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.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Book clubs: mixing mysteries & beach reads

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

When I joined a book club two years ago I was a newcomer but over time I’ve gotten to know who’s who. My group has a couple of quiet people, those individuals who relax, sit back and take everything in as people comment on the book being discussed that month. At some point they speak up and say which character was their favorite.

Everyone pays close attention when they speak because they have thought about the book from several angles and made their conclusions as to whether or not it works. They make their points about the plot, the characters, the crescendo and naturally, whether or not it has a great ending. Is there a major cliffhanger or is there a smooth and rather obvious ending?

Sometimes I like the predictability of a book’s ending but other times I like being surprised by having it end on a cliffhanger meaning we don’t really know the answer and we start thinking about a sequel. Suspense has a way of getting the adrenaline going and I like wondering what will come next.

My high school English teacher, Mrs. Smith, told us about “Moby Dick,” which was required reading for so many of us. What was it about Capt. Ahab, that leader of a crew who was headstrong and made some bad choices? In the end, his crew paid the price for it.

Mrs. Smith also explained about “denouement” which sounded like a big, complicated word to this high school sophomore but she said that after the climax of the story, it explains any lingering questions the reader may have. Denouement was a foreign word to me in high school and sure enough it’s a French word that means “untie the knot.”

In a book, the denouement is the

resolution of a plot that occurs after the climax. Denouement is not a literary technique, it’s the point in a story in which the conflict is resolved.

One of the books we read recently was “Ordinary Grace” by William Kent Krueger. It was published in 2013 but I hadn’t heard of that author or that particular book. Told from Frank Drum’s perspective 40 years after the fact, it’s set in 1961 in New Bremen, MN, when the Twins were playing their debut season and ice-cold root beers were selling out at the soda counter at Holderson’s Drugstore. There’s a murder mystery in town and 13-year-old Frank and his younger brother, Jake, age 11, feel compelled to tell what they have seen.

A real page turner, it held my attention and we had a lively discussion at the public library. In his own life Krueger spoke with a librarian who understood how interesting a good adventure story might be to, at that time, a 12-year-old boy. He said she suggested reading “The Count of Monte Cristo.”

Krueger explained, “With that first captivating Dumas novel, she launched me on a journey of reading that has led to where I am today.” He then read everything by Alexandre Dumas plus other adventure authors like Jules

Verne and H.G. Wells.

William Kent Krueger grew up in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon and always dreamed of becoming a writer. Krueger worked at various jobs before becoming a full-time author - he logged lumber, worked in construction and tried freelance journalism but his wife, Diane, now a lawyer, backed his dream.

Another book we read called “The Harbor House,” was much lighter than “Ordinary Grace.” It was breezy to read and more of a “beach read” in fact.

Written by Mia Kent and published in 2022, “The Harbor House” centers around Robyn Wright, a middle-aged woman who wants a change in her life.

She takes a part-time job assisting an elderly woman who lives in a beautiful harbor house on a small island called Thistle Island off the coast of North Carolina. Her goal is to find a few months of peace and quiet and the chance to recharge her batteries.

While taking a walk on the beach Robyn uncovers a message in a bottle and a mystery that needs solving and she, with her innate curiosity and sense of adventure, is just the person to solve it.

As Robyn begins investigating the matter she discovers that the locals on

Thistle Island have made it a habit to collect the numerous other bottles with messages that have also washed up on the shoreline. They are all displayed in town and Robyn finds that fascinating. It’s summertime and life has taken an unexpected turn for Robyn Wright. No, this book isn’t Nicholas Sparks’ “Message In a Bottle” - this one is different. “The Harbor House” is a perfect beach read meaning it’s not heavy, it’s entertaining and holds my interest, too.

Now that I’ve been a regular member I’ve gotten to know the “old reliables,” the individuals who always arrive early and stay a few minutes late to help set up or just to chat with others. These people are around to talk about future books or to talk about whatever is on anyone’s mind. Having good discussions with peers is fun and I look forward to them because once the book club meeting starts there really aren’t many side conversations - too distracting for everyone else.

Since retiring seven years ago and joining a book club in my neighborhood I’ve read numerous books and discovered many new authors. People I’d never thought about reading before. I thought only bookworms attended book club meetings but the people in my group are pretty outgoing. Not everyone is an extrovert but many of them are so that makes for some pretty lively discussions about the book of the month and future books, too. Our list covers a wide range of topics as well as different genres.

Many people judge a book by its cover. Or its blurb. Everyone makes book suggestions and after all is said and done, some I liked reading and others were just okay. But when I am happily surprised by a book, that’s a good thing. And when it’s a really memorable book, that’s simply awesome.

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National Association of Realtors Green designation: eco-friendly low 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

CUSTOM FRAMING

Two Nassau Blvd Garden City, N.Y. 516-538-4503

www.barnesgalleryframing.com barnesgallery@yahoo.com Hours: Tues - Sat 10 am - 5 pm

Litmor Publications publishes the ads of service providers in our Classifieds, Professional Guide and Service Directory. A 6-week agreement brings your specialty or service to the attention of the community. Let us begin listing you in our next Issue. For More Info and Rates, Call Nancy 516.294.8900 Advertising in the Professional Guide is only open to N.Y.S. Licensed Professionals.

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Upcoming Events at the Jericho Public Library

Friday, April 17

2:00 p.m.: Friday Flix: “Springsteen, Deliver Me From Nowhere” (2025) - From 20th Century Studios, “Deliver Me from Nowhere” chronicles the making of Bruce Springsteen’s 1982 “Nebraska”album. Recorded on a 4-track recorder in Springsteen’s New Jersey bedroom, the album marked a pivotal time in his life and is considered one of his most enduring works--a raw, haunted acoustic record populated by lost souls searching for a reason to believe. Rated PG-13. 2 hrs.

4:00 p.m.: Craft Corner (Grades K–3) - Children will make a fun craft with the help of our teen volunteers.

Saturday, April 18

10:30 a.m.: Itty Bitty Bookworms (Ages Birth to 30 Months) - Join us for this interactive program of rhymes, songs, stories, and more!

1:00 p.m.: Cooking Demonstration: Bake Your Own Ichigo Daifuku (Strawberry Mochi) with LuluD-iscover the beauty of Japanese spring sweets! Join us for a delightful introduction to seasonal wagashi as we explore the beloved strawberry daifuku. Watch a live demonstration of how soft, pillowy daifuku mochi dough is made, then get hands-on practice filling and shaping your own strawberry daifuku. Learn the techniques behind this elegant Japanese treat and create sweets that taste as beautiful as they look. $5 per person.

Sunday, April 19

1:00 p.m.: Bond with Your Teen: Tie Dye Party! We’re kicking off National Library Week with a TieDye Party! - Parents and teens can have fun together creating their own tie-dyed shirts -- then wear them on National Tie-Dye Day, April 30. Each

registrant must bring own pre-washed 100% cotton T-shirt or any other 100% cotton item to dye.

2:00 p.m.: Foreign Film Sunday: “Escape From the 21st Century” - In this sci-fi action comedy, three friends discover they can time travel 20 years into the future with a single sneeze. The adult world they find is far from the paradise they imagined, and they must race between 1999 and 2019 to prevent its unraveling. Directed by Li Yang, “Escape from the 21st Century” mixes absurd time-travel thrills with a story about friendship and growing up. 1 hour, 35 minutes. This movie will be shown in Chinese with English subtitles.

Monday, April 20

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.

6:00 p.m.: Teens: Rainbow LED Magic: Code in Living Color! - Make code jump off the screen and into the real world! Join a certified computer science educator to “hack” physical hardware. Program custom LED strips to flow through a brilliant rainbow of color in this hands-on, high-tech workshop. Come see how easy it is to bring your code to life in a burst of color!

Tuesday, April 21

10:30 a.m.: Songs for Baby’s Day (Ages Birth to 30 Months) - Come and enjoy this literacy building, fun, and educational musical storytime!

Wednesday, April 22

2:00 p.m.: Flowers and Vegetables for the Spring Garden with Paul Levine - Join horticulturist Paul Levine

Free Family Spring Festival

The Town of Oyster Bay invites you to celebrate the season at the Free Family Fun Spring Festival on Saturday, April 25, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at SyossetWoodbury Community Park on Jericho Turnpike in Woodbury.

Get ready for an exciting afternoon packed with entertainment for all ages! Families can enjoy free attractions, including inflatable rides, games, a petting zoo, and multiple photo opportunities! Plus, an array of food trucks will be on-site with delicious specialties available for purchase.

to learn about flowers and vegetables ideal for an early spring garden. Learn about plants such as tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, broccoli, spinach lettuce and more! Paul will discuss the best soil, fertilizer, watering techniques, how to care for the plants and will discuss planting them in the ground vs. containers.

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.

7:00 p.m.: Earth Day Seed Bombs (Grades 1–6) - Create an earth-friendly seed bomb that you can take home and plant. Then you can watch it grow all summer!

Thursday, April 23

9:00 a.m.: Jericho Hall of FameThe Jericho High School Hall of Fame was established in 1990. Its purpose is to confer recognition on those graduates of Jericho High School who have achieved distinction and to promote an appreciation of their accomplishments as examples for Jericho students to emulate. The Jericho Library will be streaming the ceremony. It will also simultaneously be held in the Library’s theater.

10:00 a.m.: Stepping Stones to Milestones (Ages 18–28 Months)Come join Miss Renee and Miss Amy for an adventure in Language, Learning

and FUN! Creative activities will focus on helping your child as they venture down the path toward age appropriate milestones.

11:00 a.m.: Stepping Stones to Milestones (Ages 29–47 Months)Come join Miss Renee, a literary specialist, and Miss Amy, a former speech and language pathologist, for an adventure in Language, Learning and FUN! Creative activities will focus on helping your child as they venture down the path toward age appropriate milestones.

6:30 p.m.: Books Before Bedtime (Ages 4–8) - Wind down at the end of the day with Miss Liz. First, you'll hear a great story, then do a craft - all before bedtime!

Friday, April 24

10:30 a.m.: Stained Glass Coasters with Kelly Schulte-Smith - Discover the magic that happens when you fire glass at a very high temperature in a kiln! Join Kelly as she guides you through the basics of this beautiful and creative technique. This is a beginner level class; all supplies are included. Each participant will create their own pair (set of 2) Fused Glass Coasters. $5.00 per person.

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 Register for all events at https:// www.jericholibrary.org/events/ month. Non-residents may register beginning 2 weeks before each program.

Spring Sale at Gregory Museum

The Hicksville Gregory Museum will be holding its Spring Gift Shop Sale on Saturday and Sunday, April 25–26 between 1–5 p.m.

All visitors to the Museum will get 10% off on all gift shop merchandise. All

Hicksville Gregory Museum members will receive an extra 10% off their purchase. Visitors who become members during their visit will receive the combined 20% off their purchase.

“This amazing Spring Festival is the perfect way for families to come together and celebrate the season with bounce houses, games, and adorable animals at the petting zoo,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “We’re excited to welcome residents for a fun-filled afternoon in the park as we embrace the beauty of spring with fantastic attractions and activities for all!”

For more details, contact the Department of Community and Youth Services at (516) 797-7925 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com/capa.

Getting the news shouldn’t mean breaking the bank.

Dog adoption event held to remember Syosset teen

People and dog rescues will find love and comfort in each other at the Inaugural Sabina Navaretta Memorial Foundation’s Dog Adoption on Saturday, April 25. Held in partnership this year with the Syosset High School Dog Rescue Club, the Foundation’s heartfelt Dog Adoption will run from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the back parking lot of Homes By Mara Realty, located at 30 Berry Hill Road in Syosset, NY 11791. Syosset High School Dog Rescue Club students will assist with the dogs available for adoption. Live entertainment will be provided and refreshments will be served. All members of the community are welcome and admission is free.

The Sabrina Navaretta Memorial Foundation Dog Adoption, formerly known as Homes by Mara Realty Dog Adoption, was renamed this year by Sabrina’s parents as a tribute to their daughter and dog rescues being among her many passions. John Navaretta, Sabrina’s father, explained, “We established our Sabrina Navaretta Memorial Foundation in June 2023 after losing our beautiful Sabrina in a tragic car accident while she was a passenger returning from an event as a University of Delaware freshman in April 2023. This Foundation was created to honor Sabrina, preserving her spirit in various interests while fulfilling her mission of doing good."

Sabrina’s mother, Mara Navaretta, continued, “Realizing among Sabrina’s many affections in life were dog rescues and our Homes By Mara Realty Dog Adoption event, we decided this year to change the hands of our Dog Adoption, switching it from Homes By Mara Realty to our Sabrina Navaretta Memorial Foundation. In doing this, we gain a way to carry out our daughter’s passion for dog rescues and our adoption event. We are excited to have the Syosset High School Dog Rescue Club as our Foundation’s first Dog Adoption partner. As a longtime supporter of Sabrina and our Foundation, we are grateful to the Syosset High School Dog

Rescue Club for its assistance and organization of the rescue dogs that will be available at our Foundation’s first Dog Adoption event."

Funds for the Sabrina Navaretta Memorial Foundation will be raised during this Dog Adoption through dog vendor sponsors, who will be provided on-site presence with signage. For anyone interested in learning about sponsorships, registering as a sponsor, and/ or receiving more details about this Dog Adoption, please email sabnavevents@ gmail.com.

Generating additional dog rescue participation in the Foundation’s first Dog Adoption has been Syosset High School Dog Rescue Club’s Co-Advisors, Jodie Cohen and Dana Kaplan, who have contacted other dog rescues they have worked with over the past 10 years. As a result, the following 501c dog rescue organizations are taking part: Ollie’s Angels, Yorkie 911, Paws of War, Last Hope, and SPCA. Additionally, Syosset High School Dog Rescue Club is donating to each not-for-profit dog rescue group involved in the Foundation’s first Dog Adoption this year.

Cohen and Kaplan commented, “We vividly remember Sabrina participating in the Homes By Mara Realty Dog Adoptions while she was a member of our Club. Since her untimely death, we have had the privilege of honoring Sabrina during our Syosset High School Dog Rescue Club’s annual Walkathons. Now that the Foundation is hosting this Dog Adoption, Syosset High School Dog Rescue Club is given an even greater opportunity to honor Sabrina’s love for rescue animals while continuing her legacy of matching people and their loving homes with them.”

Founded by her parents, John and Mara Navaretta of Woodbury, the Sabrina Navaretta Memorial Foundation was established in June 2023 following Sabrina's tragic passing in a car accident This not-for-profit supports a wide range of charitable causes including high school senior scholarship awards, assistance to families grieving

the loss of a child or sibling, donations to the Syosset Dog Rescue Club, and contributions to environmental organizations that protect local waterways Additionally, the Foundation gives annually a scholarship to a graduating Syosset High School senior member of the Syosset Dog Rescue Club. To support its mission and learn more

about the Sabrina Navaretta Memorial Foundation, visit https://sabnavfoundation.org/.

The untold truth behind this type of exercise will blow you away

Imagine yourself carrying your grandkid on a walk and their whimpers finally turn into calmness…

You’re not exhausted…

So you keep walking to extend this sweet moment.

You feel strong, thankful, and in awe of the love you hold in your arms.

This is entirely possible by boosting the health of your largest organ!

Your muscles.

Ahmed Ahmed, CMSS, CPT, personal trainer

What makes them important?

A 10-year study of 4,500 subjects aged 50 and older found that those with low muscle mass were at a 40-50% greater risk of mortality than those with higher muscle mass.

But it’s not just about how much muscle you have, it seems like strength is even more important.

Subjects with low muscle strength, compared to their stronger counterparts, were at double the risk of mortality!

Now, perhaps you’re thinking “how about cardio, sports, or aerobics?”...

While each of those have their place in a fulfilling, long, and vibrant life ...

It turns out that strength may even

trump cardiorespiratory fitness when it comes to its effects on your mortality.

Researchers following a group of approximately 1,500 men over 40 with hypertension found that those in the top third of strength, had a 48% lower risk of all-cause mortality than those in the bottom third, even if their cardiorespiratory fitness was lower.

Finally, strength can release you from the limitations of pain!

How do I know this?

When I was seventeen I suffered a horrible back injury…

It kept me from enjoying life and doing the activities I love, with the people I love.

After learning about the potent effects of having strong muscles… I strengthened my body…

And shortly after I could dance at family weddings, bend down to grab my shoes, and sit for hours pain-free.

Next week I’ll share my secrets to strengthening your muscles!

Ahmed Ahmed is the owner of Lotus Fitness. Contact him at (646) 415-2349 or ahmed@lotusfitnessny.com https://lotusfitnessny.com/

The inaugural Sabrina Navaretta Memorial Foundation's Dog Adoption event will be held on Saturday, April 25, at Homes By Mara Realty.

Sabrina Navaretta with a rescued dog