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Town proclaims Caring and Sharing Day Car Show at TOBAY Beach

Members of the Oyster Bay Town Board presented Rabbi Chanan Krivisky of MiYaD of Jericho with a proclamation naming March 24 “Education and Sharing Day”

The Oyster Bay Town Board joined Rabbi Chanan Krivisky of MiYaD of Jericho, to proclaim March 24 as “Education and Sharing Day” in the Town of Oyster Bay, in recognition of the 124th birthday of Lubavitcher Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson, one of the most

influential Jewish leaders of the 20th century.

Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino stated, “Rabbi Mendel Schneerson dedicated his life to education and advocated for a greater emphasis of human rights, justice and morality in the education system. I can’t

think of a more fitting way to honor him than to proclaim ‘Education and Sharing Day’ and encourage classroom instruction to include morality and ethics, here in the Town of Oyster Bay.”

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.

American Legion offers f lag disposal, helps veterans

Commander Terri Squires, Adjutant Ed Aulman and Colonel Anthony Hartman

US Army (Ret.) of the Eugene S. Smith Post of the American Legion. remind residents that the Post has a disposal box for the proper disposal of American flags.

The Post also has a clothing donation box to benefit homeless veterans.

April Readers’ Services at the Syosset Public Library

Tuesday, April 14, at 7:30 p.m.

Evening Book Discussion

If you’re looking to sell something, place an ad in our Classifieds section! Call 516-294-8000 for rates and details.

Join Ralph Guiteau, Reference Librarian, for a special in-person Evening Book Discussion of the New York Times bestseller, “ Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud and the Last Trial of Harper Lee” by Casey Cep, an event celebrating the 100th birthday of author Harper Lee (April 28, 1926–February 19, 2016). Copies of the book will be available at the Circulation Desk one month before the discussion. No registration.

Tuesday, April 28, at 2 p.m.

Afternoon Book Discussion

We’re celebrating the 100th birth-

day of author Harper Lee (April 28, 1926–February 19, 2016) throughout the month of April! Join Kaye Spurrell, Readers’ Services Librarian, for an in-person discussion of the 1961 Pulitzer Prize winning novel and reader favorite, “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. Copies of the book will be available at the Circulation Desk one month before the discussion. No registration.

The Syosset Public Library is located on 225 South Oyster Bay Rd., Syosset. For more information please email: Readersservices@syossetlibrary.org

*All events are wheelchair accessible

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We’re looking for writers in our community to compose articles on local topics, opinions, reviews, worthy places to visit on Long Island, and even pieces of fiction. We aim to feature at least one new article and writer each week in our Discovery magazine section.

submissions: editor@gcnews.com

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This Week at the Syosset Public Library

Monday, April 6, at 2:00 p.m.

A New York City Tour of Gilded Age Mansions of Museum Mile (VIRTUAL)

Presenter: Ginny Poleman, owner of New York City Encounters, docent for Municipal Art Society

Explore New York’s gilded age mansions in the Upper East Side Carnegie Hill historical district. Nestled between 5th Avenue and 3rd Avenue in the upper 80s and lower 90s, Carnegie Hill is chock full of elegant historic architecture. Highlights include the former Andrew Carnegie mansion, now the CooperHewitt Museum; the former Otto H. Kahn House, now Convent of the Sacred Heart; and the former Warburg Mansion, now

The Jewish Museum. No registration is needed. For Zoom Link, go to syossetlibrary.org.

Tuesday, April 7, 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.

Wednesday, April 8, at 11:00 a.m.

The Road to the Revolution, Part 1 (IN-PERSON)

Presenter: James Coll,

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.

adjunct professor of American and Constitutional History, Nassau Community College, and retired NYPD detective Governing the Colonies: In this session we will analyze some of the structural issues England experienced related to establishing colonies in North America. The American Revolution was the product of decades of grievances felt by many colonists to be originating from the seat of power of the British Empire. While most discussions about this time period focus on its military history, we will instead analyze the series of actions from both sides of the Atlantic that led to the declaration that “these united Colonies are, and of right ought to be Free and Independent States.” No registration needed.

Thursday, April 9, 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.

Friday, April 10, 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.

ATTENTION STUDENTS!

We invite you to send details of your academic achievements, along with your name and contact info, to editor@gcnews.com for a chance to be featured in our paper! Submissions from students of all ages are welcome!

Fifth graders learn about water systems

Over 150 local fifth-grade students toured the Bethpage Water District’s plant.

The Bethpage Water District welcomed over 150 local fifth-grade students for a behind-the-scenes tour and immersive and educational water program, providing a firsthand look at how drinking water is delivered to the community.

Over the course of three days (March 17, 18, 19), students from the Bethpage School District visited the District’s stateof-the-art Plant 6 facility on Motor Lane. Through this interactive experience, students learned about water conservation, the Long Island aquifer system, and the advanced treatment processes that ensure high-quality, reliable drinking water.

The water educational program is part of the annual partnership between the

Bethpage Water District and the Bethpage Union Free School District. This year’s program has been enhanced to provide a more engaging and comprehensive learning experience. Students explored the full water treatment cycle—from groundwater sourcing to final purification—while interacting with innovative displays, a mobile education unit, and multimedia presentations designed to bring the process to life.

“It is important for students to understand where their water comes from and the work that goes into delivering it every day,” said Bethpage Water District Commissioner Theresa M. Black. “By seeing the process firsthand, they gain a greater appreciation for this essential

resource and the importance of protecting it.”

Bethpage Water District Superintendent Michael J. Boufis emphasized the District’s continued commitment to education and innovation. “We take great pride in not only providing high-quality drinking water, but also in educating the next generation about the infrastructure and technology behind it,” said Boufis. “Programs like this help build awareness and encourage responsible water use for years to come.”

Students observed multiple stages of treatment across the facility, gaining a deeper understanding of the advanced systems in place that meet or exceed all local, state, and federal water quality standards.

A key contributor to the ongoing success of the program is Bethpage Union Free School District’s Science Enrichment Director and 21st Century Program Manager, Lorraine Marcis. She has been instrumental in advancing this partnership, and expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, “This continued partnership with the Bethpage Water District gives our students a unique opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world application. Experiencing the water treatment process firsthand sparks curiosity, encourages critical thinking, and helps students better understand the importance of protecting our water resources.”

Award winning magician to headline fundraiser

The Sarah Grace Foundation for Children With Cancer will present “An Evening of Magic” on Friday, April 10. The highly anticipated annual event will feature award-winning magician Will Fern.

The high-energy, contagiously fun magician is well known for his strolling magic and has been honored by the International Brotherhood of Magicians. He will deliver an unforgettable night of laughs with world-class magic, mind reading and easy-going humor in support of children with cancer.

The benefit fundraiser dinner begins at 7 p.m. and will be held in the Philodendrum Room at the Milleridge Inn, 585 N. Broadway, Jericho, N.Y., 11753. Tickets are $125 per person and include

dinner and a show, along with beer, wine, soda, coffee and dessert. Seating is limited so tickets must be purchased in advance. There will also be numerous raffle baskets and a 50/50 drawing.

The Sarah Grace Foundation has been supporting children with cancer and their families in the Long Island and New York City area since 2003 and is named in honor of Sarah Grace Weippert of Hicksville. Founded by Sarah’s parents, Marissa and Matt Weippert, and Sarah’s brother, James, the organization is dedicated to honoring Sarah’s memory.

Supported by a dedicated, all-volunteer team, the Foundation continues to provide support to families through programs such as the Escape Hatch, the Bead Program, Gabe’s Chemo Duck and Sarah

Grace’s Book Angels. Coordinating with social workers at pediatric cancer centers such as those at Cohen Children’s Medical Center, NYU Langone Cancer Center for Kids, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Montefiore Hospital, New York-Presbyterian Hospital and more, the Foundation is able to identify children and families most in need and provide financial aid, comfort and support for these children who ask only “to be kids, not patients in a hospital,” said Matt Weippert, Foundation president.

“Thanks to the generosity of our donors and their support, our core programs have been able to carry on,” Weippert continued. “Additionally, we continue providing financial aid for meals, transportation, household expens-

es, and funeral expenses when necessary. Until Sarah got sick, we never knew how many children were afflicted with cancer and how many local treatment facilities were necessary to care for them. We understand their pain and anxiety and have done all we can to ease that stress for more than 20 years.”

Tickets for the event can be purchased on the Foundation website at www. thesarahgracefoundation.org. Requests for information may be sent to The Sarah Grace Foundation at 17 E. Old Country Road, Unit B, PMB 202, Hicksville, NY 11801 or by calling (516) 433-9745. Inquiries may also be addressed to Matt Weippert, executive director, at Matt.weippert@ thesarahgracefoundation.org

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Town offers Toddler Sports Program

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that the Toddler Sports Program will return this spring, beginning April 14. This 6-week program offers sports classes at the Hicksville Athletic Center for children ages 3 and 4.

“The Town’s Toddler Sports Program is a fantastic way to teach your toddler the fundamentals of sports in a fun and social environment,” said Town Councilwoman Laura Maier. “This program is sure to be a hit with children and parents alike, as youngsters are given the opportunity to learn the basics of various different sports such as tee-ball, flag football and more along with children their own age.”

The Toddler Sports Program begins April 14 and is 6 weeks in duration. Residents who sign their toddler up for the program must choose one class per week, per child. Classes will take place on:

• Tuesdays at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. at the Hicksville Athletic Center in Hicksville; and

• Thursdays at 10 a.m.

or 11 a.m. at the Hicksville Athletic Center in Hicksville.

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18, registration will be available online through the Parks Registration Portal at oysterbaytown.com/ sports. Space is limited- first come, first serve. Registration will close when the program reaches full capacity.

Each class is approximately 50 minutes. The cost of the program is $75 per child who is a Town resident, and $90 per child whose care giver is a Town resident but not the child. The child’s birth certificate and a tax or utility bill will be required to validate age and proof of residency. A guardian must be present during the class. The child MUST be 3 years old by the start of the program. The last day to request a refund for this program will be April 23, 2026.

The Toddler Sports Program is run by the Town’s Parks Department, Recreation Division. For further information, please call (516) 797-7945.

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NASSAU COUNTY LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION OF THE SYOSSET CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a Public Hearing of the qualified voters of the Syosset Central School District, Nassau County, Syosset, New York will be held in the Auditorium of the South Woods Middle School, 99 Pell Lane, Syosset, New York, in said District on Monday, May 11, 2026 at 8:00 p.m., prevailing time, for the transaction of business as authorized by the Education Law, including the following items.

1. To present to the voters a detailed statement (proposed budget) of the amount of money that will be required for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

2. To discuss all the items hereinafter set forth to be voted upon by voting machines at the Budget Vote and Election to be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting pursuant to Education Law of the State of New York and acts amendatory thereto.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required to fund the School District's budget and the Syosset Public Library's budget for 20262027, exclusive of public monies, may be obtained by any resident of the District between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. prevailing time beginning Tuesday, May 5, 2026 except Saturday, Sunday or holidays, at the Office of the District Clerk, South Woods Middle School, 99 Pell Lane, Syosset, New York and at the Syosset Public Library, 225 South Oyster Bay Road, Syosset, New York between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, beginning on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. In addition, a copy of said School District budget will be available on the District website and to any resident in the District at each schoolhouse in the District in which school is maintained, during regular school hours and on days when school is in session, other than Saturday, Sunday or holidays.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Real Property Tax Exemption Report, prepared in accordance with Section 495 of the Real Property Tax Law, will be annexed to any tentative/preliminary budget as well as the final adopted budget of which it will form a part; and shall be posted on District bulletin board(s) maintained for public notices, as well as on the District’s website.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Board of Trustees of the Syosset Public Library will hold a public hearing for the purpose of discussion of the expenditure of funds and the budgeting thereof on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Syosset Public Library. A copy of the proposed library budget will be available to the public between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Friday, not later than Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at the library. The proposed budget will also be made available on the library’s website.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that said Budget Vote and Election, will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, in the three (3) Election Districts, described below, at which time the polls will be opened to vote by voting machine upon the following items:

1. To adopt the annual budget of the School District for the fiscal year 2026-2027 and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property of the District.

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

3. To adopt the annual budget of the Syosset Public Library for the fiscal year 2026-2027 and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property of the School District.

4. To elect one (1) member of the Library Board of Trustees for a five (5) year term commencing July 1, 2026 and expiring on June 30, 2031.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education and member of the Library Board of Trustees shall be filed with the Office of the District Clerk of said School District in South Woods Middle School, 99 Pell Lane, Syosset, New York, not later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time on Monday, April 20, 2026. Vacancies on the Board of Education are not considered separate, specific offices; candidates run at large. Nominating petitions shall not describe any specific vacancy upon the Board for which the candidate is nominated; must be directed to the Office of the District Clerk; must be signed by at least 46 qualified voters of the District (representing 2% of the number of voters who voted in the previous annual election of the Board of Education); must state the name and residence of each signer and must state the name and residence of the candidate. Vacancies on the Library Board of Trustees shall be considered separate specific vacancies. A separate nominating petition is required to nominate a candidate to each separate specific office. Such nominating petitions shall describe the specific vacancy upon the Library Board for which the candidate is nominated; must be directed to the Office of the District Clerk; must be signed by at least 46 qualified voters of the District (representing 2% of the number of voters who voted in the previous annual election of the Library's Board of Trustees); must state the name and residence of each signer and must state the name and residence of the candidate.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that personal registration of voters is required, either pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law or pursuant to Article 5 of the Election Law. If a voter has heretofore registered pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law and has voted at an annual or special District meeting within the last four (4) calendar years, he or she is eligible to vote at this election. If a voter is registered and eligible to vote under Article 5 of the Election Law, he or she is also eligible to vote at this election. All other people who wish to vote must register.

The Board of Registration will meet on the following dates: Thursday, April 30, 2026 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Syosset High School Monday, May 11, 2026 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. South Woods Middle School for the purpose of registering all qualified voters of the District pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law; to add any additional names to the register to be used at the aforesaid election, at which times any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such register, provided that at such meeting of the Board of Registration he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of said Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such election for which the register is prepared. The register so prepared pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law will be filed in the Office of the District Clerk at South Woods Middle School, 99 Pell Lane, Syosset, New York, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District beginning on Thursday, May 14, 2026, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. prevailing time, each day prior to the day set for the election, except Saturday, May 16, 2026 will be 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and closed on Sunday, and at the polling place(s) on the day of the vote. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law of the State of New York, the Board of Registration will meet on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, at each of the three (3) separate election districts to prepare the register of the School District to be used at the Budget Vote and Election to be held in the year 2027 and any special District meetings that may be held after the preparation of said register (not including the election on May 19, 2026), at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such Register provided that at such meeting of said Board of Registration he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of such Board of

“Learn to Play” Hockey Clinic

member of the Board of Education and member of the Library Board of Trustees shall be filed with the Office of the District Clerk of said School District in South Woods Middle School, 99 Pell Lane, Syosset, New York, not later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time on Monday, April 20, 2026. Vacancies on the Board of Education are not considered separate, specific offices; candidates run at large. Nominating petitions shall not describe any specific vacancy upon the Board for which the candidate is nominated; must be directed to the Office of the District Clerk; must be signed by at least 46 qualified voters of the District (representing 2% of the number of voters who voted in the previous annual election of the Board of Education); must state the name and residence of each signer and must state the name and residence of the candidate. Vacancies on the Library Board of Trustees shall be considered separate specific vacancies. A separate nominating petition is required to nominate a candidate to each separate specific office. Such nominating petitions shall describe the specific vacancy upon the Library Board for which the candidate is nominated; must be directed to the Office of the District Clerk; must be signed by at least 46 qualified voters of the District (representing 2% of the number of voters who voted in the previous annual election of the Library's Board of Trustees); must state the name and residence of each signer and must state the name and residence of the candidate.

The Board of Registration will meet on the following dates:

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that a special New York Islanders ‘Learn to Play’ Hockey Clinic is returning to the Town of Oyster for children ages 5–9 and includes 8 on-ice training sessions. Part of The Future Islanders Program, this ‘Learn to Play’ clinic introduces the game of hockey to young children and serves as a transition program for first-time players interested in house leagues.

“We are pleased to partner with the New York Islanders to offer this exciting clinic for

children looking to learn the fundamentals of hockey in a fun environment,” said Town Councilman Tom Hand. “This Future Islanders program, taught by former players and coaching staff from the New York Islanders organization, includes hands-on training skills and all necessary equipment in the early stages of learning hockey.”

The ‘Learn to Play’ clinic will be offered on Tuesdays at 4:00 p.m. at Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center, in Bethpage, beginning April 7th.

LEGAL NOTICES

Registration is $295 per child and includes full hockey equipment to first time participants (jersey, stick, gloves, helmet, skates, shoulder pads, pants, shin guards, equipment bag.) There will also be special appearances by Isles alumni Arron Asham and Radek Martinek.

Thursday, April 30, 2026 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Syosset High School Monday, May 11, 2026 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. South Woods Middle School for the purpose of registering all qualified voters of the District pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law; to add any additional names to the register to be used at the aforesaid election, at which times any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such register, provided that at such meeting of the Board of Registration he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of said Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such election for which the register is prepared. The register so prepared pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law will be filed in the Office of the District Clerk at South Woods Middle School, 99 Pell Lane, Syosset, New York, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District beginning on Thursday, May 14, 2026, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. prevailing time, each day prior to the day set for the election, except Saturday, May 16, 2026 will be 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and closed on Sunday, and at the polling place(s) on the day of the vote. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law of the State of New York, the Board of Registration will meet on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, at each of the three (3) separate election districts to prepare the register of the School District to be used at the Budget Vote and Election to be held in the year 2027 and any special District meetings that may be held after the preparation of said register (not including the election on May 19, 2026), at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such Register provided that at such meeting of said Board of Registration he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of such Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at the school election for which said register is prepared, or any special District meeting held after May 19, 2026. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that applications for early mail and absentee ballots are available on the District website and also are obtainable during school business hours from the Office of the District Clerk at South Woods Middle School, 99 Pell Lane, Syosset, New York. An application must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than thirty (30) days before the election for which an early mail or absentee ballot is sought. To obtain a ballot by mail, completed applications must be received by the Office of the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election. The early mail and absentee ballot will be mailed to the address set forth in the application, no later than six (6) days before the election. To obtain a ballot in person (applicant or his or her agent), the completed application must be delivered to the Office of the District Clerk no later than the day before the election, Monday, May 18, 2026. Early mail and absentee ballots must be received by the Office of the District Clerk not later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

Registration is now open and space is limited. For more information, please visit www. newyorkislanders.com/learntoplay or contact jocelyne.cummings@newyorkislanders.com or call (516) 501-6764.

Summer jobs for youth sports positions

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that there are still openings for summer employment in the Town of Oyster Bay. Positions are available for the 2026 Summer Recreation Program, as well as the Youth Tennis and Basketball Programs. Those interested must be 16 years of age or older to apply.

“These great summer jobs are ideal for community teens ages 16 or older who are looking to build their resume,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Our summer recreation counselors and youth sports assistants and coaches have a lot of fun while receiving hands-on experience and making a difference in the lives of others.”

Tennis Assistants must be 16+, have at least 2 years of experience participating on a Tennis team, and be available for the duration of the program, which also runs from June through August. Tennis Coaches must be a 4.0 USTA rating, currently play tennis, and have prior experience teaching children and adults on all levels. Applicants must be available to work for the duration of the program which runs from May through September.

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF MEETING

Town of Oyster Bay Zoning Board of Appeals TOWN HALL, AUDREY AVENUE, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK 11771-1592 TELEPHONE: (516) 624-6232

A list of persons to whom early mail and absentee ballots are issued will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District in the Office of the District Clerk on and after Tuesday, May 12, 2026, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., prevailing time, each day prior to the day set for the election and on May 19, 2026, the day set for the election, except that hours for inspection on Saturday, May 16, 2026 will be 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and the Office of the District Clerk will be closed on Sunday, May 17, 2026. Any qualified voter may object to the voting of the ballot upon appropriate grounds by making his/her challenge and the reasons therefore known to the Inspector of Election before the close of the polls. A challenge to an absentee ballot may not be made on the basis that the voter should have applied for an early mail ballot.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the school district. Military voters who are qualified voters of the school district may submit an application for a military ballot. Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or ballot. Military voter registration and application forms must be received in the Office of the District Clerk on Thursday, April 23, 2026. Military ballots must be distributed no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is returned by mail or in person and (1) received in the office of the District Clerk before the close of the polls on election day and showing a cancellation mark of the United States postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States government; or (2) received by the office of the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 p.m. on election day and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is associated to be not later than the day before the election. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to a rule adopted by the Board of Education in accordance with Section 2035 of the Education Law, any referenda or propositions to amend the budget, or otherwise to be submitted for voting at said election, must be filed with the Office of the District Clerk of the Board of Education at South Woods Middle School, 99 Pell Lane, Syosset , New York, not later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time, on Monday, April 20, 2026 except as to a question or proposition required by law to be stated in the published or posted notice of the meeting which shall be filed not later than 5:00 p.m. prevailing time on Friday, March 20, 2026, must be typed or printed in the English language; must be directed to Office of the District Clerk; must be signed by at least 116 qualified voters of the District (representing 5% of the number of voters who voted in the previous annual election of the Board of Education); and must legibly state the name of each signer. However, the School Board will not entertain any petition to place before the voters any proposition the purpose of which is not within the powers of the voters to determine, which is unlawful, or any proposition which fails to include a specific appropriation where the expenditure of monies is required by the proposition, or where other valid reason exists for excluding the proposition from the ballot.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that Election Districts have been established in the School District. The boundaries of the Election District are as follows:

Election District 13: Residents who live in the Robbins Lane and South Grove elementary school attendance zones will vote at Robbins Lane Elementary School, 157 Robbins Lane, Syosset, New York.

Election District 22: Residents who live in the A.P. Willits and Baylis elementary school attendance zones will vote at H.B. Thompson Middle School, 98 Ann Drive, Syosset, New York.

Election District 23: Residents who live in the Walt Whitman, Berry Hill and Village elementary school attendance zones will vote at Syosset High School, 70 Southwoods Road, Syosset, New York. Ms. Kellyanne Moore, District Clerk

RITA BYRNE, Chairwoman – LOIS SCHMITT, Vice Chairwoman – KATHLEEN REBECCA M. ALESIA –LISA CICCOLELLA – FLORESTANO GIRARDI – BRIAN

PUBLIC HEARING CALENDAR

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING BY THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 246, Section 246-12 of the Code of the Town of is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals has scheduled a public meeting, which the Town Hall Meeting Room, Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, New York, on APRIL 9, 2026, consider the following appeals:

BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

APPEAL NO. 25-361 SYOSSET

Basketball Coaches must have at least 2 years of experience playing basketball and/or coaching a prior team and be available to coach at least one game a week along with one practice a week. Coaches will be given the opportunity to set up a practice that works best for themselves and their team. Applicants for referees must have a least 2 years of experience in refereeing basketball games.

MILTON J. ROBOTHAM: Variance to allow existing 7.1 ft. by 7.3 ft. shed having less (along Evergreen Drive) than permitted by Ordinance.

The Summer Recreation Program runs for six weeks, from June 29 through August 7. Applicants must be available for the duration of the program. Sessions are Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Program participants take part in trips, tournaments, shows and athletic events, including the TOBAY Games, making being a counselor a great first job for many residents.

MARCH 30, 2026

For more information, prospective applicants should contact Town’s Department of Parks, Recreation Division, at (516) 797-7945.

SE/ cor. of Hillside Ln. & Evergreen Dr., a/k/a 69 Hillside Lane, Syosset, NY

BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK

8 F riday, April 3, 2026 with the Syosset, the Board petitions must be District Board of residence specific separate specific for which the at least 46 previous annual and must either voter annual or this election. eligible to Education times any meeting of Registration register District Clerk inspection by any a.m. to 16, 2026 the vote. Law of the hours of prepare year 2027 including the placed on or proven school 2026. ballots are Office of application must early mail received by the absentee ballot election. delivered 2026. Early 5:00 p.m., inspection to 2026, the Saturday, on Sunday, grounds by the close should have registered may voters of the preference facsimile Military Thursday, 2026. No the office mark of the endorsement of District one election. Education in the budget, District York, not proposition filed not English qualified voters election of the Board will not within the a specific valid reason the School school New York. attendance zones school

Town launches environmental poster contest

Calling all young artists and environmentalists! Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Andrew Monteleone announced the return of the Town’s Environmental Poster Contest, open to all 4th grade students in the Town of Oyster Bay. This year’s theme, ‘Bee’ a Friend to Pollinators, encourages students to showcase the vital role pollinators play in providing a healthy and sustainable future for food and our environment.

“This contest is a fantastic way to inspire young minds

about the importance of protecting our natural resources,” said Supervisor Saladino. “By learning about the benefits of pollinators, students gain a greater appreciation for the environment and the role that pollination plays in safeguarding our future.”

Students are invited to get creative and design a poster highlighting how pollinators help plants grow and keep the environment healthy. Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators play a big role in making flowers bloom, pro-

ducing food and supporting ecosystems. Students are encouraged to create posters that may show:

• Different types of pollinators

• Flowers and native plants that pollinators love

• Ways we can help pollinators –some examples include planting native flowers and gardens, creating and protecting habitats, reducing pesticide use or keeping our communities clean and green.

• Why pollinators are

important to the world around us

How to Enter

• Posters must be created on paper no larger than 12”x18” (no edible materials allowed).

• The top three winning posters will be displayed at a Town facility and featured in an upcoming Town of Oyster Bay Environmental Newsletter.

Deadline & Submission Details

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF MEETING

Town of Oyster Bay Zoning Board of Appeals

TOWN HALL, AUDREY AVENUE, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK 11771-1592

TELEPHONE: (516) 624-6232

RITA BYRNE, Chairwoman – LOIS SCHMITT, Vice Chairwoman – KATHLEEN MULLIGAN

REBECCA M. ALESIA –LISA CICCOLELLA – FLORESTANO GIRARDI – BRIAN GRIFFIN

PUBLIC HEARING CALENDAR

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING BY THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 246, Section 246-12 of the Code of the Town of Oyster Bay, notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals has scheduled a public meeting, which will take place in the Town Hall Meeting Room, Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, New York, on APRIL 9, 2026, at 7:00 P. M., to consider the following appeals:

BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

APPEAL NO. 25-361 SYOSSET

MILTON J. ROBOTHAM: Variance to allow existing 7.1 ft. by 7.3 ft. shed having less front yard setback (along Evergreen Drive) than permitted by Ordinance. SE/ cor. of Hillside Ln. & Evergreen Dr., a/k/a 69 Hillside Lane, Syosset, NY

MARCH 30, 2026

BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK

“We’re proud to partner with Friends of the Bay and The Waterfront Center to promote environmental awareness among students,” said Councilman Monteleone. “I encourage all fourth graders to participate in this fun and educational initiative!”

Exciting Prizes!

• Deadline: Friday, April 17

• Winners Announced: Earth Day, April 22

• Submit by mail or email:

• Mail: Town of Oyster Bay Department of Environmental Resources, Attn: Poster Contest, 29 Spring Street, Oyster Bay, NY 11771

• Email : environmental@oysterbay-ny.gov (Subject: “2026 Poster Contest”)

Students must include an entry form, available at www. oysterbaytown.com/postercontest. For full contest details, visit the website. Get creative, spread the word, and help us celebrate the power of pollinators!

Prizes will be awarded for the top three submissions, with their posters being shown in a future Town Environmental Newsletter and Town website, as well as prizes from The Waterfront Center and Friends of the Bay. The first-place winner will also have a tree planted at their school in recognition of Arbor Day.

Local

artists invited to “Art in the Park”

The Town of Oyster Bay is inviting local artists and artisans to participate in a special day of creativity and community at Art in the Park. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, May 30th, at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park & Beach in Oyster Bay, offering a unique platform for talented individuals to display and sell their handcrafted creations.

The deadline to apply is Friday, May 15.

“Art in the Park provides an incredible opportunity for local artists and artisans to showcase their best work, connect with the community, and gain recognition,” said Councilman Hand. “Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your creativity and be part of a vibrant community event, featuring live music, food trucks, and fun activities for kids.”

Artists and artisans must

be 18 years or older and can only display and sell original, handcrafted pieces. Commercial or mass-produced items will not be permitted. Participants are responsible for supplying their own 10x10 canopy and any additional equipment needed for their space. Full details, including associated costs, are outlined in the application available online.

Organized by the Town’s Department of Community & Youth Services, Cultural and Performing Arts Division, Art in the Park celebrates a diverse range of handcrafted works, including ceramics, watercolors, glass, jewelry, wood, leather, sculptures, and more.

To apply, visit the Town’s website at www.oysterbaytown.com/capa or contact the Cultural and Performing Arts Division at (516) 797-7932 for more information.

Getting Married?

email editor@gcnews.com to put your engagement, wedding, or baby announcement in the paper

Wellness Fair

Do you have a health and wellness business? The Town of Oyster Bay invites local businesses to participate in an upcoming Health & Wellness Fair being held in conjunction with the 2026 Empire State Ride Long Island, taking place on the streets of Oyster Bay on Saturday, June 13.

“The Empire State Ride is Long Island’s largest charitable cycling fundraiser to benefit cancer research, and this year the event will feature a Health & Wellness Fair on the streets of Oyster Bay,” said Town Councilman Andrew Monteleone. “This great event draws thousands of residents to our historic Town, providing visitors with the opportunity to take part in interactive wellness stations, demonstrations and discussions. Interested vendors are encouraged to sign up to participate in this year’s event.”

Event coordinators, including the Town of Oyster Bay, Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce and Empire State Ride Long Island, are inviting potential vendors who believe their company would benefit from participating in the program to reach out today.

For additional information, or to request an application, interested businesses can contact the Town of Oyster Bay Special Events Division at (516) 797-4127 or email kludwig2@oysterbay-ny.gov.

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

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.

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.

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.

term of three (3) years commencing May 19, 2026 and expiring June 30, 2029.

Town yard waste collection resumes April 6

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.

Town plans spring pickleball tournament

start warming up for this exciting, social event.”

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that Yard Waste collection will resume the week of Monday, April 6, for homeowners who receive Town collection services. Yard waste is picked up on the same day as recycled materials, including plastics, metals, glass and cardboard.

clippings and other garden/ yard waste. Materials should be placed in bags at the curb, and should weigh no more than 50 pounds. No household garbage, refuse or animal waste should be disposed with yard waste.

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced today the Town will host the second annual Pickleball Social Play Tournament this spring. The twoday long tournament will take place from May 16 through May 17, and feature brackets of doubles games for players ages 18 and up, and of all skill levels. Categories are divided into men’s, women’s, and mixed, and under 40, over 40, and over 60.

Town resident teams can register starting March 16, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. for a fee of $40 (teams with 2 residents) or $50 (teams with 1 resident.) Non-residents can register on March 23, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. for a fee of $50. All team members must provide a valid photo ID with address and DOB on tournament day. Registration will be available at www.oysterbaytown.com/sports.

“Pickleball has quickly become one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation, and the Town of Oyster Bay is proud to lead the way in creating opportunities for residents to enjoy this fun game,” Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino said. “So grab your paddle and a partner, and

“With signs of the spring season approaching, many residents are beginning to clear their properties from leaves and other debris left behind by winter,” said Councilman Monteleone. “Yard waste collection, which includes lawn clippings, will get underway the first week of April and run throughout the year.”

“Collecting Yard Waste is an important component to our recycling program,” said Councilman Monteleone.

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.

Residents should place yard waste curbside on their same day as their recycling items. Yard waste is collected by Town sanitation crews and taken to compost facilities. Waste includes grass clippings, weeds, leaves, tree trimmings, hedge and shrub

“One of the prime benefits of recycling yard waste is that the cost to take these materials to a compost facility is less than the cost to dispose of them at an out-of-state landfill. This successful program is another example of the Town’s commitment to providing high quality environmental services while protecting our taxpayers’ wallets.”

For more information on the Town’s sanitation services, including recycling and yard waste, visit www. oysterbaytown.com.

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.

Players must bring their own paddles and all teams will play at least 3 matches. No more than 16 teams may register per category. For more information, please call the Recreation Office at (516) 797-7945, or visit www.oysterbaytown.com.

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!” 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.

Robbins Lane PTA hosts Multicultural Night

Food and family from Afghanistan

Robbins Lane PTA hosted its Multicultural Night on Friday, March 27. This event is a celebration of the diverse cultures that make up our community at Robbins Lane Elementary School in Syosset. From the vibrant performances and delicious food to the beautiful displays

and shared traditions, every detail reflected the richness and diversity of our community. We had 15 countries represented this year: Afghanistan, China, England, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korean, Taiwan, and U.S.A. Through

Moms make the best food!

Children performed dance routines to display their cultures.

performances, cultural displays and conversations, everyone gains a deeper understanding and appreciation of one another’s background. Events like these remind us that differences are something to be proud of and that diversity strengthens and enriches the community. It was

inspiring to see so many people come together to celebrate. Multicultural Night is not just about learning but about connecting, celebrating, and building unity.

Nominations sought for Hall of Fame

The Hicksville Public School District is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Hicksville High School Hall of Fame. Established in 1985, the Hall of Fame honors graduates who have achieved distinction in their chosen profession or through service to their community. Inductees serve as role models for

the Class of 2026 and as inspirations for all Hicksville students.

The district seeks nominees who have demonstrated not only professional success but also meaningful contributions to the community. Individuals wishing to submit a nomination should include the nominee’s name, address, telephone number,

year of graduation, profession, community contributions, honors and/or achievements. Nominators must also explain the characteristic or accomplishment that makes the candidate especially deserving and include their own name, address and telephone number. All nominees must

be available to attend Hicksville High School’s graduation ceremony on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 5 p.m. Completed nominations must be received by May 15, 2026, and mailed to: Mr. Michael Marando, Assistant Principal, Hicksville High School, 180 Division Avenue, Hicksville, NY 11801-4800

The Taiwan Contingent

Nashville: Music City and More

BY GERI BAIN FOR TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

You don’t have to be a country music fan to tap your feet and enjoy Nashville’s vibrant music scene. The creativity also spills over into its art, dining and decor. And of course, there’s that famous “hot chicken” and barbecue. No wonder Nashville usually ranks among the nation’s top travel spots.

To get in the mood for my trip, I watch “It All Begins with a Song,” a documentary featuring songwriters performing and talking about their creative process and the unique role of Nashville in their lives. The film leads me to expect live music everywhere, 24/7, and sure enough, there’s a band setting up at the airport when I land at noon. There’s also live music at shopping centers, banks and clubs all around the city.

The standout experience is barand band-hopping along Lower Broadway, a.k.a. Honky Tonk Highway. Here, dozens of bars serve up live music—often on multiple floors—from 10 a.m. until the wee hours of the morning. Most charge no cover charge or minimum.

After bar-hopping, I walk back to the boutique 79-room Fairlane Hotel. It’s within an easy walk of most the city’s major attractions and its colorful, mid-century modern decor complements the city’s vibrant vibe. And while it’s smack in the center of town, when I tuck in to sleep, there is zero noise.

The next day, I’m thrilled to find that Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum has a major exhibit devoted to Dolly Parton (running through September 2026). Watching a video interview with her, I learn that her song, “Coat of Many Colors,” refers

to a true story when classmates made fun of her patchwork coat. The permanent collection is equally intimate. It is laid out chronologically with listening stations and displays illustrating the evolution of country music along with costumes, instruments and memorabilia of individual artists from the Carter Family to Elvis and Jelly Roll.

I’m drawn to the Taylor Swift Education Center , a two-story, 7,500-square-foot learning space within the museum which was opened in October 2013 with a $4 million gift from Swift to fund educational programs. I gravitate to a “Songwriting Station” which invites young visitors to create their own lyrics and providing markers and coloring sheets about musical instruments. A songwriting camp, craft classes and musical performances and talks are offered, but not during my visit. Next time I’ll plan ahead!

For lunch, I head to the nearby Assembly Food Hall which features everything from Vietnamese pho to Hawaiian poke. I’m excited to try the renowned Prince’s Hot Chicken but coward that I am, I order the medium spice level because I’ve been warned the three hotter levels will burn through your entire digestive system. My chicken is deliciously tongue-tingling and sinus-clearing but not painful.

I also visit the National Museum of African Music which is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history and impact of African American music genres. At the ticket desk, I receive an RFID wristband which allows me to download playlists I create throughout the museum that are emailed to me. Exhibits trace the history of AfricanAmerican music from spirituals and gospel and their roots in indigenous African music to jazz, R&B and

hiphop. I am entranced by the interactive stations, especially the jazz table, where I play with layering on instruments and styles in the way a jazz musician might.

A short walk from here is the Ryman Auditorium, home of the Grand Ole Opry radio show from 1943 to 1974. Interestingly, the Grand Ole Opry, isn’t a place; it’s the musical variety radio show that was the first to broadcast country music to a national audience. The Grand Ole Opry is recognized as the longest-running radio broadcast in U.S. history. The show drew top talent to Nashville who to this day live in Nashville and produce music in the many studios along Music Row, and effectively kicked off the city’s growth into the musical center it is today.

On my last evening, I attend a live radio variety show at the modern “new” home of the Grand Ole Opry, located outside of downtown. On a pre-show backstage tour, I get a kick out of seeing the dressing rooms and mailboxes of Garth Brooks and other stars and catching glimpse of the celebrities as they prepare for their performances.

As I reflect on my Nashville getaway what most impresses me is that the openness, creativity and collaboration that leads to great music seems to spill over into the entire culture. Perhaps that explains the friendly, welcoming vibe that makes the city such a joy to visit.

For more information, go to www. visitmusiccity.com.

The Grand Ole Opry is a live radio show. © Geri Bain

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of April 5-11, 2026

Finding the Spring Triangle

Geometric patterns are fun to trace among the stars. In past articles, I’ve told you about the Summer Triangle, the Winter Hexagon (or Oval), and autumn’s Great Square of Pegasus. Today, I’d like to suggest you step outside one night during April to seek out what we in the Northern Hemisphere might call the Spring Triangle.

This star grouping is pretty easy to find, once you spot the Big Dipper, now standing midway up in the northeastern sky after dark.

First, use the handle of the Dipper to find the star Arcturus. Simply follow the curve of the handle away from the bowl until you encounter this yellow-orange star low in the east. Then, continue that line onward toward bluish-white Spica, a bit lower in the eastern sky.

The third star of the triangle is much higher in the east. Its name is Regulus, and we can use the Big Dipper’s bowl to find it. Locate the two stars in the bowl farthest from the handle. These, you may recall, are known as the pointer stars, because if we follow them from the bowl’s bottom to its top, and extend that line five times farther, we’ll find Polaris, the north star.

To locate Regulus, however, we will need to follow these stars in the opposite direction, from the top of the bowl to the bottom, and continue that line on until you encounter this bright star.

The Spring Triangle, much like every other geo-

Once you locate the Big Dipper in the sky, the Spring Triangle is easy to find.

metrical pattern we recognize in the sky, is not a constellation. A constellation is one of 88 officially designated areas of the heavens that represent objects, animals or people but do not necessarily resemble

LOST IN SUBURBIA

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

I’m not a great packer. I start out with the best intentions and before I know it, I have packed for every possible occasion, including being stranded on an iceberg and meeting the king of England. Since neither of these two things has ever happened, you would think I would have learned to pack more conservatively. But I have not. So when I was packing my bag for my vacation with my husband and I couldn’t even get the darn thing closed, I suspected I might have overpacked. The problem was, I needed to include clothes for two different temperate zones and four semi-dressy occasions, and my husband’s hiking boots that he forgot to pack when he went ahead of me for business two days before.

However, I am nothing if not optimistic, and I figured, if I can zip it, I can take it. True, both of my kids and I all had to sit on the mammoth suitcase to zipper it closed. And it did actually take all three of us to lift it off the bed and get it onto the floor. And it did, in fact, leave a small dent in the wood

any of them. The three stars of the Spring Triangle, however, are each the brightest of three separate constellations, and together they form an “asterism,” a group of stars that actually looks like something.

Arcturus belongs to Bootes, the herdsman, Spica marks a shaft of wheat in the hand of Virgo, the maiden, and Regulus forms the heart of Leo, the lion (and the bottom of a backward question mark of stars that outlines the lion’s head).

These three stars are also quite different from one another.

Arcturus is a red giant star located nearly 37 lightyears from us. It’s a huge star about 25 times larger, and some 170 times more brilliant, than our sun, and its orange color is pretty obvious.

Spica, on the other hand, is a blue giant star that lies about 250 lightyears from Earth. It’s part of a binary system -- two stars that revolve around each other so closely that their mutual gravitational pull distorts each into an egg shape!

The third star, Regulus, is what astronomers know as a blue straggler -- a star that’s hotter, brighter and bluer than one would expect for a star of its type. At a distance of about 79 lightyears, it, too, is not a single star but is part of a quadruple system composed of two stellar pairs that orbit one another.

Be sure to check out these three stars of the Spring Triangle on your next clear night!

Are You Calling My Bag Fat?

floor when I lost my grip and dropped it down the stairs. But I was still surprised when the check-in guy at the airport told me my bag was 10 pounds over the luggage weight limit.

“You’ll have to take some clothes out of the suitcase,” he said.

“And put them where?” I asked, wondering how many articles of clothing I could wear and still fit into my airplane seat.

He shrugged.

“Any other options?” I said.

“The weight limit in first class is 72 pounds,” he told me. “You could upgrade.”

I raised my eyebrows. “And how much is it to upgrade to first class?”

“Fifteen hundred dollars ... one way.”

I choked on my latte. “OK, that’s not going to happen. Anything else?” I looked behind me and saw the long check-in line getting longer and the other passengers growing more impatient. I thought if I didn’t wrap this up soon, someone was going to throw me on the luggage belt.

“You can pay a fee,” he added.

“Why didn’t you tell me that in the first place?” I asked him indignantly.

He shrugged. “You didn’t ask.”

I glared. He looked bored. Finally, I ponied up the money and dumped the bag back on the scale. At this point, I thought a better thing to do would be to accidentally drop my overweight bag on the guy’s foot, but I was pretty sure if I started up with him, my suitcase would somehow be rerouted to the opposite side of the globe.

Once I got past the luggage check-in, the rest of my traveling went without incident.

“Which is your bag?” my husband asked six hours later when I met him at the baggage claim.

“That one,” I said, pointing to the black and pink behemoth moving toward us.

He reached down and grabbed the handle but was forced to follow the moving suitcase for a good 10 feet while he struggled to hoist it off the belt. Finally, with a grunt, he catapulted it onto the floor.

“Oh my god,” he exhaled. “Why is this so heavy?”

I shrugged. “Must be your hiking boots.”

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.

Smart Homes and AI (Without the Hype)

Walk into almost any electronics store—or scroll through real estate listings—and you’ll see the phrase everywhere: smart home. Add “AI-powered” to the description, and suddenly a thermostat or light switch sounds like something out of a science fiction movie.

But behind the marketing language and glossy demos lies a more grounded reality. Smart home technology is not magic. Artificial intelligence in the home is not truly “thinking.” And for most homeowners, the real question isn’t what’s possible—it’s what’s practical, reliable, and worth the investment.

Let’s strip away the hype and look at what smart homes and AI actually mean today.

What “Smart” Really Means

At its core, a smart home is simply a house where devices are connected to the internet and can be controlled remotely or automatically.

That includes things like:

• Thermostats that adjust temperature based on your habits

• Lights you can control from your phone

• Cameras that send alerts when motion is detected

• Door locks you can open without a key

None of that is inherently “intelligent.” It’s automation.

The “AI” layer comes in when systems begin to learn patterns—when your thermostat notices you lower the heat every night, or when your security system distinguishes between a person and a passing car.

But even then, we’re talking about narrow, task-specific learning. Not general intelligence. Not decision-making like a human. More like pattern recognition with memory.

Where AI Actually Works Well in Homes

Despite the over promising, there are areas where AI-driven smart tech genuinely delivers value.

1. Energy Efficiency

Smart thermostats are one of the clearest success stories. They learn your schedule, adjust temperatures automatically, and can reduce energy usage without constant manual input.

The key benefit isn’t intelligence— it’s consistency. Most homeowners don’t adjust their thermostat as often as they should. Smart systems do it for them.

2. Security and Monitoring

Modern cameras and doorbells can identify motion types, recognize familiar faces, and send targeted alerts.

This reduces “false alarms”—like

notifications every time a tree branch moves— and makes monitoring more usable. Instead of constant noise, you get filtered information.

3. Leak Detection and Risk Prevention

AI-powered sensors can detect unusual water flow, humidity changes, or temperature drops that signal a problem.

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

This is where smart homes quietly shine. A small leak caught early can prevent tens of thousands of dollars in damage.

4. Voice and Convenience Layers

Voice assistants make it easier to control multiple systems at once. Turning off lights, adjusting temperature, or locking doors becomes seamless.

Again, this isn’t groundbreaking intelligence—it’s interface simplification. But it matters in daily life.

Where the Hype Gets Ahead of Reality

For every real benefit, there are areas where expectations far exceed performance.

1. “Fully Automated Living”

The idea that your home will anticipate every need and run itself flawlessly is still far off.

In reality, most systems require:

• Initial setup

• Ongoing adjustments

• Occasional troubleshooting

Homes don’t become effortless— they become different to manage.

2. Inter-connectivity Problems

Not all smart devices play well together.

Different brands use different ecosystems, and while compatibility is improving, many homeowners end up juggling multiple apps and systems.

Ironically, a “smart” home can feel fragmented.

3. Over dependence on Internet and Power

Smart homes are only as reliable as their connectivity.

• Internet outage? Many features stop working.

• Power outage? Most systems go offline unless backed up.

This is a critical flaw that’s often overlooked in the sales pitch.

4. Privacy Concerns

Devices that listen, watch, and learn inevitably raise questions:

• Where is the data going?

• Who owns it?

• How secure is it?

While major companies invest heavily in security, no system is immune

to risk.

The Hidden Cost of “Smart”

One of the biggest misconceptions is that smart homes save money across the board.

Sometimes they do. Often, they don’t.

Costs include:

• Device purchases

• Subscription services (cloud storage, monitoring, AI features)

• Upgrades and replacements

• Professional installation in some cases

And technology ages quickly. What feels cutting-edge today may feel outdated in three to five years.

Smart homes should be viewed less like permanent upgrades and more like evolving systems.

What Actually Adds Value to a Home

From a real estate perspective, not all smart features are equal.

Buyers consistently respond to:

• Smart thermostats

• Security systems (especially cameras and doorbells)

• Leak detection and water shutoff systems

• Basic lighting automation

These are practical, easy to understand, and tied to safety or savings. What doesn’t always add value:

• Highly customized or complex systems

• Niche integrations that require specific apps or knowledge

• Overly personalized automation setups

In some cases, too much complexity can actually turn buyers off.

Simplicity sells. Reliability sells. Clear benefits sell.

The Shift from “Smart” to “Resilient”

Here’s where the conversation is starting to change—and where savvy homeowners are paying attention.

The future isn’t just about smarter homes. It’s about more resilient homes. That includes:

• Backup power systems (generators, batteries)

• Systems that function offline when needed

• Redundant safety features

• Devices that prioritize alerts and prevention over convenience

In other words, technology that helps your home perform under stress—not just when everything is working perfectly.

After major storms and extended outages, homeowners rarely talk about

how convenient their voice assistant was. They talk about what kept working—and what didn’t.

A Practical Approach to Smart Home Investment

If you’re considering upgrading your home with smart technology, a grounded strategy beats an all-in approach.

Start with three questions:

1. Does this solve a real problem?

Energy waste, security concerns, water damage risk—these are real problems. Focus there first.

2. Will this still work when something goes wrong?

Power outages, internet issues, system failures—resilience matters more than features.

3. Is this simple enough for anyone to use?

If a future buyer—or even a guest— can’t easily understand it, it may not be worth the complexity.

The Bottom Line

Smart homes and AI are not gimmicks—but they’re not miracles either.

At their best, they:

• Improve efficiency

• Enhance safety

• Simplify daily routines

At their worst, they:

• Add complexity

• Create dependency

• Introduce new risks

The difference comes down to how they’re used.

The homeowners who benefit most aren’t the ones chasing the latest technology. They’re the ones applying it selectively, focusing on durability, practicality, and long-term value.

Because in the end, the smartest home isn’t the one with the most technology.

It’s the one that works—consistently, quietly, and when it matters most.

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:

Continued on page 5

Explaining Social Security ‘Claim’ Numbers

BY TOM MARGENAU

Q: I am a 78-year-old recent widow. I got my own Social Security number when I was about 20. But since my husband and I started getting Social Security benefits about 15 years ago, the correspondence I got from the Social Security Administration showed my husband’s Social Security number with a letter “B” behind it. Somebody at a Social Security office once told me this meant I was getting my wife’s benefits on his record. How does the letter “B” stand for a wife? And now that my husband has died, I notice that any mail I get from the SSA shows my husband’s number with a letter “D.” Does this mean “deceased?”

A: No, it doesn’t mean deceased. Believe it or not, it stands for “widow!” You may legitimately wonder why in the world a “D” means widow. Wouldn’t you think it should be a “W?” I will use this column to explain the mysterious world of Social Security claim numbers. Social Security Administration jargon for these numbers is “BIC codes.” BIC stands for “beneficiary identification code.”

First of all, what is a “claim number?” And how does it differ from a Social Security number? Almost everyone in this country has a Social Security number. It’s the number you give to your employer if you get a job, and it’s the number you would use to file an income tax return. It’s also the number that many government agencies and private companies use as a personal identification number for you. (The use of the SSN for personal identification is a topic for another column.)

But a claim number is the Social Security number on which you are claiming Social Security benefits. And it’s always followed by a little letter symbol to indicate the kind of benefit you have claimed. For many people, their claim number is simply their own Social Security number with a letter symbol following it -- usually an “A.” But some people claim Social Security benefits on another person’s Social Security record -- almost always a spouse and sometimes a parent. So their claim number is the spouse’s or parent’s Social Security number, followed by the appropriate claims symbol.

The little claims symbols were not assigned in any sort of meaningful pattern. In other words, the letter “R” was not used to indicate “retirement” benefits and the letter “W” wasn’t used to indicate “wife’s” or “widow’s” benefits.

Instead, the letters were essentially assigned alphabetically, as benefits were added to Social Security law. Here is a list of the claims symbols used. It’s not a complete list.

-- This claims symbol indicates you are getting your own retirement benefits.

B -- You are getting benefits as an aged (over 62) wife on your husband’s record.

B1 -- You are getting benefits as an aged (over 62) husband on your wife’s record.

B2 -- You are getting benefits on your husband’s record as a young wife (under age 62) caring for his minor child.

B6 -- You are getting benefits as a divorced wife on your ex-husband’s record.

C -- You are getting benefits as a child on your parents’ record.

D -- You are getting aged (over age 60) widow’s benefits from your deceased husband’s record.

D1 -- You are getting aged (over age 60) widower’s benefits from your deceased wife.

D6 -- You are getting divorced, widow’s benefits.

E -- You are getting mother’s benefits -- paid to a widow under age 60 who is caring for the minor children of a father who has died.

E1 -- Same as above, except you are divorced from the father.

E4 -- You are getting father’s benefits -- paid to a widower under age 60 who is caring for the minor children of a mother who has died.

F -- You are getting benefits as a dependent parent on a grown son or daughter’s Social Security account (very rare).

HA -- You are getting disability benefits on your own account. (Although sometimes the SSA shortens this to just “A.”)

M -- You don’t have enough work credits for regular Social Security and you only qualify for Part B Medicare benefits.

T -- You are not insured for Social Security benefits, but you are eligible for Part A hospital coverage from Medicare. (See below for more information.)

W -- You are getting disabled widow’s benefits on your deceased husband’s account.

W1 -- You are getting disabled widow’s benefits on your deceased wife’s account.

More about the “T” code. In the past, the “T” code was reserved only for those very few people who were not eligible for any kind of Social Security benefit but had paid taxes into the Medicare program. But when the full retirement age climbed beyond age 65, and people affected by that change started reaching that age, the SSA had to change its claims filing rules. Those rules say that you can file for Medicare at age 65 without having to file for Social Security benefits. And these folks had to be given a claim number.

It couldn’t be an “A” BIC code, which again means you are getting retirement benefits. So, they used the “T” code, and the definition was changed to “entitled to Medicare but not yet entitled to Social Security.” That means the once little-used “T” BIC is now very common. There are currently millions of “T” beneficiaries. If you are one, meaning you took Medicare at 65 but are waiting until full retirement

age, or maybe age 70, to file for Social Security, whenever you do that, your claim number will change from your SSN with a “T” to your SSN with an “A.” Again, this list is not complete. In fact, if you do a Google search for “Social Security BIC codes,” you will find a list of about a hundred codes, most of them for extremely rare benefits. My list in this column shows only the more common beneficiary codes. But “common” is a relative term. Many of the benefits listed above are infrequently paid. For example, you could almost count on your hands the number of people getting “F”

(parents’ benefits) or “W1” (disabled widower’s benefits).

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

The velvety grass in our old back yard

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

The back yard of my childhood home didn’t seem that important when my family first moved in. Maybe the time of year had something to do with itwe’d unpacked and settled in on a cool October day and in a couple of months the snow would come and blanket our house and yards. It wasn’t until the spring and summer months arrived that we checked it out and really started playing in the yard.

My mom planted geraniums and daffodils by the front door to make it look pretty and the back yard? We kids declared that our domain and we enjoyed playing in it. That meant it wasn’t just for us six Lynch kids, it was for our cousins and whatever neighborhood kids we felt like inviting over.

What made me think of all the fun my siblings, friends and I had playing in my back yard was an episode of “House Hunters” I saw on TV recently. A young couple looked at three possible homes and they told their realtor ahead of time what their most important criteria was. Stairs were out, ranches were in.

One husband wanted a good back yard for their children to play in but his wife didn’t consider that a priority. She focused more on the total number of bedrooms and bathrooms and she wanted a good-sized living room or great room so the whole family could hang out together and entertain friends.

As a kid growing up in Rockville Centre we made good use of our back yard especially in the summer when school was closed. I remember having friends over and my best friend lived next door so Nicole was a frequent visitor. There was no fence between

her property and our property just her narrow driveway so we went back and forth easily.

My younger sister, Susan, had a friend named Anne come over and her sister, Nancy, would tag along with her. She was just a year younger than Susan and Anne so Nancy was all ears. She took in whatever the two girls talked about. I was three years older than Susan and Anne so every so often I’d join them and tell them what to expect the next school year at St. Agnes Elementary School since I was ahead of them and knew all the teachers.

They liked hearing all the details about what was expected of them and Nancy knew she may as well listen, too. The four of us would drink iced tea or cool glasses of water and shoot the breeze until it was time for Anne and Nancy to go home for lunch, dinner or whatever their mom needed them for.

They lived on the next block so they’d very conveniently cut through a neighbor’s back yard and hop a low wooden fence to get to our back yard. Easy peasy.

My parents set up chairs and a table on the patio but we kids liked exploring the land - seeing the trees, bushes and flowers up close. We enjoyed spending

REAL ESTATE WATCH

Smart Homes and AI

(Without the Hype)

Continued from page 3

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time in nature, not that it was the country but compared to Brooklyn, where we’d come from not that long ago, it felt like being in the country.

Dad mowed the lawn every two weeks whether it needed it or not so many times we’d place large striped beach towels and lie on what felt like the velvety grass. It was healthy, it was seeded and it got just the right amount of light so that lawn looked pretty majestic both close up and far away if I say so myself. If there had been a prize for lawn care on our block in the 1960s and ‘70s I bet my dad would have won it.

In one of those memorable days that I am still kidded about, one summer day when Nicole and I had too much time on our hands we got the idea to try one of our parent’s cigarettes. Knowing we had to hide what we were doing because we were probably 13 years old, we leaned on that low fence behind Nicole’s garage and lit up. We each took a puff on the cigarette and coughing, we scrunched up our faces.

Seeing the occasional adult smoking looked so glamorous to us kids but we soon realized it wasn’t for us. Before we came to that conclusion, however, Michelle caught us smoking because she had seen smoke rising and smelled

it. Asking us what we were doing, we both shrugged and stomped out the cigarette.

Michelle rolled her eyes and promised to tell Mom but the funny thing is neither of us ever smoked again. We tease Michelle and say she must not have been a kid and tried pushing the boundaries but still, that afternoon is something she’ll never let me forget.

When my cousin, Elaina, came to spend a few days with us we’d hold court in the back yard since it was our territory. Elaina lived near White Plains so it took about 45 minutes by car to get to Rockville Centre. At night my parents would take all of us kids to Jahn’s on Sunrise Hwy. for ice cream or to play miniature golf and ride the carousel at Nunley’s in Baldwin and we all had a great time.

We still tease Elaina about her time sleeping at our house especially the time my older sister, Michelle, short-sheeted Elaina’s bed and when she tried hopping into bed the first night to get some sleep she couldn’t imagine why her feet wouldn’t go in the sheet and light blanket.

The next day we’d go swimming or spend some time hanging out in the back yard. Elaina liked our yard as much as we did and sometimes I’d spend time hanging out in her back yard not just with Elaina but with their dog, Willy. That Willy was a large black Labrador Retriever who kept me on my toes. He was quick and wily and when we kids were 11, 12 and 13 years old Willy had no trouble good naturedly chasing us around their yard. With family and friends, we had fun every summer.

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Oh Star of the Sea, help me herein and show me here you are my Mother.

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Home Updates: From carpet removal to one-day floor refinishing and contractor services, we handle it all to refresh your home effortlessly.

Staging Services: Elevate your space with our curated selection of furniture, accessories, lighting, and decorative items for a stunning transformation. Explore our captivating before and after photos showcasing homes where we’ve added significant value, making them stand out in the market:

Visit: InvitedSales.com today to discover how we can help you achieve your property goals! Please Call: 516-279-6378 Or Text Tracy Jordan: 516-567-2960

used 1 season only. Perfect condition Dresser and night table Dark Brown wood. Secretary desk antique, few scratches, needs some tlc China cabinet Dark Brown wood, glass front cabinets, inside light Antique black Hutch with beautiful marble top, lined drawers.

Lladro Nativity set, misc Lladros Brand New: Milwaukee right angle hole saw drill and other used misc power tools. For more info: Text: 516-779-8788 or email : nlzcas@yahoo.com

WANTED TO BUY

LOOKING TO BUY!

Estates, Oriental items, Gold, Silver, Costume Jewelry, Dishes, Flatware, Watches, Clothing, Old Photos, Coins, Stamps, Records, Sports Cards, Pokemon Cards, Comics and Art. Immediate Cash Paid Call George 917-775-3048

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DONATE YOUR CAR TODAY

Donate your car running or not. Support Patriotic Hearts for our Veterans and their Families! Free, fast pickup. May be tax deductible. Se habla Español. Call now: 844-415-1229

GET A BREAK ON YOUR TAXES ! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind today at 1-855-484-3467

WE BUY 8,000 CARS A WEEK

Sell your old, busted or junk car with no hoops, haggles or headaches. Sell your car to Peddle. Easy three step process. Instant offer. Free pickup. Fast payment. Call 1-855-403-3374

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BARNES GALLERY

Custom Picture Framing Two Nassau Blvd Garden City, NY 516-538-4503

Tuesday-Saturday 10-5

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JACK’S CUSTOM FRAMING We can frame anything! Quality Care & Workmanship Thousands of frames to choose from!!

Over 30 years in business! 92 Covert Ave, Stewart Manor 516-775-9495

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ATTORNEY

STEPHANIE A.

D’ANGELO, ESQ.

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Comprehensive Lifetime warranty. Top of the line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step: 1-855-916-5473

STRONG-ARM CONTRACTING

DEMOLITION Kitchens, Bathrooms, Basements, Decks, Sheds, etc.

JUNK REMOVAL Furniture, Appliances, Carpeting

WE CAN RIP OUT, REMOVE OR TAKE APART ANYTHING OR EVERYTHING IN YOUR HOME OR ON YOUR PROPERTY.

Residential & Commercial Call: 516-538-1125

WELLINGTON MASONRY & CONTRACTING EXPERTS

Driveways, Blacktop, Patios, Stoops, Concrete, Pavers, Brick Work, Retaining Walls, Stone Work, Sidewalks & Curbs. Financing Available wellingtonmasnory.com Call:

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HEALTH SERVICES

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FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC

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Doctor of Nursing Practice

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901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530

PAINTING & PAPERHANGING

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Cupcakes

Easter is widely characterized as the holiest day of the year on the Christian calendar. Faith features prominently in modern Easter celebrations, which also include some secular traditions, particularly in families with young children. The Easter bunny and Easter egg hunts are not necessarily the focal point of Easter for adult Christians, but children greatly enjoy these traditions.

It’s customary to give young children a basket of treats on Easter Sunday. Though store-

For the cupcakes:

4 ounces butter

1⁄2 cup sugar

2 eggs, beaten

1 1⁄4 cup flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1⁄2 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the grass:

4 1⁄2 ounces unsalted butter

1 1⁄3 cup icing sugar

1) For the cupcakes: Heat the oven to 375° F. Place paper cupcake liners in a 12-serving muffin tin.

2) Beat the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy.

3) Gradually beat in the eggs, beating until fully incorporated into the mixture.

4) Sift in the dry ingredients and gently stir into the mixture. Stir in the milk and vanilla until blended.

5) Spoon the mixture into the paper liners. Bake for about 20 minutes, until golden. Cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then place on a wire rack to cool completely.

6) For the grass: Beat the butter until soft. Sift in the icing sugar and beat until smooth. Beat in the vanilla and milk until blended. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of buttercream and set aside.

7) Beat the food coloring into the larger amount of buttercream.

8) Spoon into a piping bag with a grass nozzle. Pipe on top of the

bought treats are easy to come by, homemade items can be even more special. This recipe for Easter-themed “Vanilla Cupcakes” from Lines+Angles, is sure to get a laugh out of youngsters, who also won’t mind taking a bite or two of these tasty treats. Makes 12 cupcakes

1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon milk

Green food coloring

To decorate:

11 ounces white sugarpaste/fondant

4 ounces pink sugarpaste/fondant

Icing sugar

Mini sugar eggs

cupcakes, starting at the outside edge and working in circles. pulling up and away when a buttercream strand is long enough.

9) Roll pieces of white sugarpaste into 12 medium balls for the bodies and 24 small thick rectangles for the paws. Reserve some white sugarpaste.

10) Brush the paws lightly with a little water and attach to the bodies (see photo).

11) Roll 12 small balls and 72 tiny balls of pink sugarpaste. Cut the larger balls in half and press into oval shapes. Brush lightly with water and attach to the paws. Attach 3 tiny balls to each paw with a little water.

12) Put the reserved buttercream into a piping bag with a grass nozzle and pipe a ‘tail’ on each bunny.

13) Arrange the sugar eggs on the cupcakes.

14) Roll out the sugarpaste trimmings separately on a surface dusted with icing sugar and cut out flowers (as in the photo) and place on the cupcakes.

Email editor@gcnews.com to put your engagement or wedding announcement in this paper.

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.

Boosting Immunity Allergies, Fatigue, Discomfort After Chemo Cardiac Issues Treated Lower Cholesterol,

Upcoming Events at the Jericho Public Library

Thursday, April 2

10:30 a.m.: Baby & Toddler Play Time (Ages 3 Months to 3 Years)Enjoy playtime at the library with your baby or toddler! Little ones can explore, play, and interact with other children during this relaxed, unstructured time, while caregivers enjoy special moments together. We’ll provide a variety of fun toys and board books in a warm, welcoming space for everyone to enjoy.No registration necessary!

Friday, April 3

3:00 p.m.: Quirky Craft: Charming Bunny Portrait (Grades 3–6) - Make a quirky craft with us! We will be upcycling egg cartons to make very charming bunny portraits. Choose your own wallpaper background and shirt material from a variety of options to make your bunny portrait unique. Then use your imagination to name your bunny and give it a quirky, fun life story.

Saturday, April 4

2:00 p.m.: Art Reception: Madhumita Sen - Working primarily with acrylics and mixed media, Madhumita enjoys experimenting with diverse techniques, including fluid art and textured surfaces. Her paintings often balance structure and spontaneity, much like the organized complexity found in biological systems. Bold colors, layered compositions, and dynamic movement help her translate scientific ideas into visual experiences.The public is invited to attend.

Monday, April 6

10:00 a.m.: Teens: Take & Make: Brooklyn Style Soft Pretzels - Chef Rob Scott has put together a kit with dry ingredients and a recipe for his Brooklyn Style Soft Pretzels. Register for a kit and it will be ready for pickup on Monday, April 6.

2:00 p.m.: DIY Rain Stick and Sound Bath (Grades 3–5) - Participants will learn about the rain stick, a therapeutic percussion instrument that creates the sound of rain, then build one using craft materials. After, they will experience a short “sound bath,” a fun way to unwind and relax using their rain stick!

Tuesday, April 7

11:00 a.m.: National Circus Project (Ages 4 & Up) - Experience the unique traditions and genuine fun of the circus with the National Circus Project. A dynamic duo of circus artists will entertain you with their amazing skills and hilarious comedy routines.

6:30 p.m.: Teens: English Questions You Will See on the SAT - Come explore the most common types of English questions you are likely to encounter on the SAT, as well as test-taking strategies to tackle them!

Wednesday, April 8

11:00 a.m.: Living with the Wildlife of Long Island (Grades K–5) - Long

Island is our home, but it is also the home of hundreds of different species of wildlife too! In this program you will meet some of the reptiles, mammals & birds that call Long Island home. Learn about their unique adaptations and explore their role in our local ecosystem. Get the inside scoop on why these animals came to our Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and learn how you can help other animals like them on Long Island!

3:00 p.m.: Rainbow LED Magic: Code in Living Color! (Grades 4-6)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!

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.

Thursday, April 9

1:00 p.m.: HYBRID: The Passionate Reader: “A Well Trained Wife” - Told

in a beautiful, honest, and sometimes harrowing voice, “A Well-Trained Wife” is an unforgettable and timely memoir about a woman’s race to save herself and her family and details the ways that extreme views can manifest in a marriage.

2:00 p.m.: Clay Bear Workshop (Grades 2–4) - Create your own clay bear! Our instructor will guide you as you shape, design, and paint your bear. After the program, the bears will be fired in a kiln and will be ready to pick up at the library the following week. How creative will your bear be?

Friday, April 10

2:00 p.m.: VIRTUAL: Great Performers: Robert Duvall, a Chameleon of an Actor with Marc Courtade - Robert Duvall was an American actor known for his exceptional craftsmanship and his ability to disappear into his roles. Whether portraying a Mafia lawyer, a faded country singer, a Marine pilot, a Texas rancher, or a surfing-obsessed Vietnam commander, he delivered definitive performances. Winner of an Academy Award and an Emmy, he was one of the most respected actors of his era -- often called “the American Olivier.”

4:00 p.m.: Lego Buddies (Grades K-4) - Build a Lego creation with the help of teen volunteers. Teens will assist kids in creating Lego structures that display their creativity and ingenuity.

Town offers free boating seminars

The Town of Oyster Bay is encouraging residents to take advantage of free Boating Safety Seminars being offered at local community centers this spring. These essential courses, taught by the Town's Department of Public Safety Bay Constable Unit, will cover critical topics, including safe vessel operation, state regulations, and the responsibilities of boat ownership and operation. As of January 2025, all motorized vessel operators in New York State, regardless of age, are required to possess a valid

boating safety certificate.

Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino stated, “Boating is a cherished activity in our Town, and safety must always come first. These seminars are an excellent way for residents to stay informed, comply with state law, and ensure that everyone can enjoy our waterways safely. I encourage all residents, young and old, to take advantage of this free program and join us in making our waters safer for all.”

Classes are available on the follow-

ing dates:

• Sunday, April 12, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oyster Bay Community Center (59 Church Street, Oyster Bay).

• Tuesday, April 14, & Thursday, April 16, 2026 from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. at Marjorie Post Park Community Center (451 Unqua Road, Massapequa Park).

Participants must attend both nights

Participants must be at least 10 years old to register. While the seminars are

free, advance registration is required.

In New York State, individuals aged 18 and older must pay a $10 fee for a permanent boating safety certificate issued by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. There is no fee for participants under 18. Completing an approved boating safety course is mandatory to obtain the certificate. For more information, please call (516) 677-5350. To register, visit https:// oysterbaytown.com/safeboating