R OBBINS L ANE S PRING C ONCERT
On May 18, Robbins Lane Elementary School of Syosset held its Spring Music Concert at HBT Middle School which was a wonderful success! It consisted of fourth and fifth graders and a few 3rd graders performing in the Concert Orchestra, Jazz Band, Concert Band and Chorus. See page 7.
One-Stop Passport Weekend
To help residents looking to obtain new passports, Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca announced that his office will offer a special onestop Passport Weekend on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at both Town Hall North in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South
in Massapequa. Residents are required to book appointments in advance.
“Residents looking to apply for a new passport are invited to visit Town Hall during Passport Weekend to receive assistance,” said Town Clerk LaMarca. “We can help you with organizing your documents, obtaining a
photo and submitting the documents for approval.”
Requirements for applying for a passport include:
• One 2x2 color photograph with a clear view of the applicant’s face against a plain white or light colored background. Photos will also be
See page 6
Three communities unite under Chamber of Commerce
BY RIKKI MASSAND
Starting this week, the nonprofit Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce has officially changed its name and adjusted its mission to become the Syosset Woodbury Jericho Chamber of Commerce.
The move to expand its market and opportunities for more than 230 member businesses, as well as attract new members based in Jericho, was announced by Chamber President Russell P. Green during the chamber’s Thursday, May 21 monthly meeting, held at the Gus Scutari VFW Post in Syosset.
On Monday, May 25, the newly rebranded chamber, led by Green and several board members, marched alongside the VFW, local veterans, Syosset school leaders, students, organizations and many others during the Memorial Day Parade prior to the remembrance ceremony.
Prior to the name change, the Syosset Woodbury Chamber had already been active within the Jericho community. The two charitable organizations sponsored by the chamber as “nonprofit partners” for 2026 are Jericho Cares and Paws of War, and Jericho Cares President Fran O’Connor has been actively involved in cham-
ber events dating back to 2025.
One of the existing 2026 Syosset Woodbury Jericho Chamber board members is Dr. Parul D. Makkar, whose practice, PDM Family Dental, is located in Jericho.
Another recent effort welcoming Jericho as part of the chamber was the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for Waxing the City, located in the Jericho Commons shopping plaza. Nassau County Legislator Arnold Drucker and Oyster Bay Councilwoman Vicki Walsh attended the Jan. 15, 2026 celebration.
Green said he is looking forward to meeting Jericho business owners and working professionals interested in becoming chamber members. He noted that Jericho had been “unrepresented” in the landscape of local organizations serving small businesses.
“We want to do networking events in Jericho when the opportunities arise, as new businesses join, and I know our existing chamber members are quite excited about the opportunity to interact with more Jericho businesses. I have heard the same interest from some Jericho businesses. At our chamber events there will be more interactions, and more
See page 6
New Little Library, pollinator garden
Members of Girl Scout Troop 3049 with the Little Lending Library that was installed in front of Central Boulevard Elementary School.
Girl Scout Troop 3049 recently planted a pollinator garden and installed a Little Lending Library in front of Central Boulevard Elementary School. The library includes books and seeds, so members of the community can plant their own pollinators garden.
This was the culmination of months of work for the girls that included learning about the important role of pollinators, researching ways to help, planting seeds and building the library. And they voted on the name of their little library: “Read a Story, Plant a Seed”
Town seeks nominations for veterans volunteer awards
The Town of Oyster Bay invites residents to help shine a spotlight on local heroes by submitting nominations for the Town of Oyster Bay’s annual Veterans Volunteer Awards. Honorees will be recognized during the Town’s beloved “Salute to America” Celebration on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at John Burns Park.
This annual tribute celebrates the extraordinary individuals who go above and beyond in service to our veteran community - those who continue to make a lasting impact through compassion, advocacy, and selfless dedication.
“‘Salute to America’ is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our veterans and the importance of those who continue to stand beside them,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Each year, we are proud to recognize individuals whose unwavering commitment strengthens and uplifts our veteran community. I encourage residents to nominate someone who truly deserves to be honored for their outstanding ser-
vice.”
Nominations are accepted in two categories:
• Veteran Volunteer of the Year (awarded to a veteran)
• Friend of Veterans Volunteer of the Year (awarded to a non-veteran)
All nominees must be Town of Oyster Bay residents. Submissions must include a brief narrative outlining the nominee’s ongoing contributions to veterans’ causes. The deadline for nominations is Friday, June 5.
Award recipients will be honored during a special ceremony at the Salute to America Celebration—an unforgettable evening featuring live musical performances and a spectacular fireworks display, held in gratitude for the brave men and women who have protected our nation’s freedoms.
To submit a nomination or request an application, visit oysterbaytown.com/ vetnominations or email kfileccia@oysterbay-ny.gov, or call (516) 797-7925.
Counselors for special needs camp
The Town of Oyster Bay is hiring counselors for the summer GAP program, a day camp designed for developmentally disabled children and young adults ages 5–21. The camp runs from June 29 to August 7 at two locationsMarjorie Post Park in Massapequa, and Syosset-Woodbury Park in Woodbury.
“The Town’s GAP Program provides a unique social-recreational experience for developmentally disabled individuals, encouraging socialization in a group setting,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “With the support and encouragement of our excellent staff, participants develop friendships that extend well beyond the program.”
“By becoming a counselor for the Town’s GAP program, you’ll help to create a supportive and empowering environment where every camper
can shine,” said Councilman Andrew Monteleone. “Join us this summer to build lasting connections, provide unforgettable experiences, and make a difference; apply today!”
Available job positions and requirements include:
Activities Specialist:
• Bachelors Degree in Special Education and 1,600 hours working with people with special needs OR:
• Bachelors Degree (any subject) and 2,080 hours working with people with special needs
Recreation Aide:
• At least 16 years of age
For more information and to set up an interview, applicants can call the Handicapped Services Division at (516) 797-7947.
About to hit a milestone?
Share your life accomplishments with your neighbors! Put your engagement, wedding, or baby announcement in the paper. It's free of charge for subscribers! Email editor@gcnews.com
Grand opening
Hempstead Town Councilman Dennis Dunne (3rd right) attended the grand opening of Nothing Bundt Cake, located on Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown, on April 18. Also attending were Donna Macmillan, Sunny Christian, Kay Prime, and Amy Apollo of Nothing Bundt Cakes; Nassau County Legislator Kayla Knight; New York State Assemblyman John Mikulin; and New York State Senator Steve Rhoads.
Are you a professional?
Our Professional Guide is sure to bring results. Call 294-8900 for rates and information.
This Week at the Syosset Public Library
Friday, May 29, 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.
Tuesday, June 2, at 6:30 p.m.
AI for Job Searching: What’s Next (IN-PERSON)
Presenter: Mark Fogel, national HR consultant & Adelphi graduate professor
This is a one-hour skills and job search lab specifically designed for workers who are displaced, in transition or graduating. Participants will learn how to utilize AI to optimize resumes and cover letters, streamline Internet job searches and maximize keyword infusion throughout their professional profiles to enhance their career search. Registration needed. Register at syossetlibrary.org.
Wednesday, June 3, from 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The Yarn Circle (IN-PERSON)
Do you like to knit, crochet or do other needlework? Stop by the library to meet other crafters, chat while you work, share ideas and show others your finished projects! This is not an instructor-led class, but open space to work on your projects. No registration needed.
Thursday, June 4, at 2:00 p.m.
What Did the Declaration of Independence Declare (IN-PERSON)
Presenter: James Coll, adjunct professor of American and Constitutional history, Nassau Community College, and retired NYPD detective
In this session, we will dissect the Declaration of Independence to get a better sense of its intent and the historical underpinnings of its central premise. No registration needed.
Thursday, June 4, at 7:00 p.m.
Writing Workshop: How to Write Your Own Thrilling Thriller (Instead of Just Devouring Them (VIRTUAL)
Presenter: Kate White, mystery and thriller author
Do you tear though mysteries and thrillers, secretly longing to write one yourself? Why not stop only turning pages and start creating them. Learn ten strategies for creating a suspense novel. Registration needed. Register at syossetlibrary.org.
Friday, June 5, 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.
Fridays, Starting June 5, from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Beginner Crochet Classes (IN-PERSON)
Instructor: Lois Buonaguria
Learn crochet stitches, how to pattern read, and increasing and decreasing. Materials that have to be brought to class are: 2 balls of light worsted weight yarn and 1 size G crochet hook. Six sessions. Registration needed. Register at syossetlibrary.org. Fee: $30
Friday, June 5, at 2:00 p.m.
Movie at the Library (IN-PERSON)
Join us for a movie at the library. Check our website for the movie that will be shown. Go to syossetlibrary.org.
Fifth graders strike up old-school fun
Fork Lane Elementary School Principal Nick Giarrusso and top student bowler Julius Justiniano at the conclusion of the fifth grade bowling unit.
Fifth grade students at Fork Lane Elementary School in Hicksville recently wrapped up their physical education bowling unit with an engaging finale. After learning the fundamentals of the game, they gained a unique appreciation for the sport by learning how to keep score manually, an “old-school” skill that added an extra layer of challenge and fun.
To celebrate their progress, the top student bowler earned the opportuni-
ty to face off against Principal Nick Giarrusso in a friendly and spirited match. The event brought excitement and laughter to all involved, highlighting both the students’ newly developed skills and friendly competition. The unit reinforced physical activity and encouraged critical thinking and teamwork, making it a well-rounded and enjoyable experience for the students.
Upcoming Events at the Jericho Public Library
Tuesday, June 2
10:30 a.m.: Mandarin Bilingual Story Time (Ages 18 Months–5 Years)Join us for a 30-minute program that consists of nursery rhymes, puppets, songs, stories, and movements in English and Mandarin Chinese. Does not require a Mandarin background.
Wednesday, June 3
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, June 4
10:30 a.m.: Songs for Baby’s Day (Ages Birth to 30 Months) - Come and enjoy this literacy building, fun, and educational musical storytime! 4:00 p.m.: Art Workshop with Art Teacher Amy (Grades 1–6) - Follow along with Art Teacher Amy as she leads you through creating your own masterpiece in the style of great artists. Register for all events at https:// www.jericholibrary.org/events/month Non-residents may register beginning 2 weeks before each program.
Photo courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools
BRUCE A. BLAKEMAN
FREE SUMMER CONCERTS AT HARRY CHAPIN LAKESIDE THEATRE IN EISENHOWER PARK
Sunday, June 7th
FUN LOVIN’ CRIMINALS AND BLESSID UNION OF SOULS
Thursday, June 11th - 6:00pm
Senior Afternoon Concert featuring Amber Ferrari and Debra Toscano
Thursday, June 18th
Juneteenth Celebration – Earth
Wind & Fire Tribute by D’votion, Gospel Choir and DRIFT featuring members of TAUK and MJT
Friday, June 19th - 3:00pm
FIFA World Cup Watch Party USA vs. Australia
Monday, June 22nd - 6:00pm
Senior Afternoon Concert
The Chiclettes and Vinnie Medugno
Friday, June 26th
The Allmost Brothers BandAllman Brothers Tribute, Sons of Skynyrd –Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute
Saturday, June 27th
FREESTYLE MEETS SALSA –featuring BRENDA K. STARR, TITO PUENTE JR., TKA/K7, JOEY CRUZ, LA SONORA 495 AND FOREVER FREESTYLE BAND
Sunday, June 28th
REGGAE NIGHT WITH INNER CIRCLE, WAYNE WONDER AND IRIEspect
Thursday, July 2nd – 5:30pm TD PRESENTS CELEBRATE AMERICA FIREWORKS & DRONE SHOW with Live Music By: Glenn Strange, Chicken Head and Let Freedom Rock
Friday, July 3rd
Fireworks Rain Date
Thursday, July 9th
Oldies Night with E’stefano DiSanto, Johnny Farina, Bobby Wilson, Vito Picone & The Elegants and The Brooklyn Bridge
Saturday, July 11th
Disco Unlimited
Thursday, July 16th
Harry Chapin Day – Corey Rieman and The Dilemma Band with Scarborough Fair - Simon & Garfunkel Tribute
Saturday, July 18th
Simply Stapleton –
Chris Stapleton Tribute
Sunday, July 19th - 6:00pm
Last Exit – Pearl Jam Tribute
Foo For All – Foo Fighters Tribute
Thursday, July 23rd
LANIE GARDNER & BROOKE MORIBER
Friday, July 24th
ZBTB – Zac Brown Band Tribute and Guys with Guitars
Saturday, July 25th - 6:30pm
JEFFERSON STARSHIP, ATLANTA
RHYTHM SECTION, FIREFALL AND PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE
Sunday, July 26th - 4:00pm
Family Day On The Lake, featuring Beauty and The Beat, Princesses and wide-ranging entertainment for children and families
Thursday, July 30th
3 Decades Rewind
Rock Hits of the 60s, 70s and 80s
Friday, July 31st
Half Step – Grateful Dead Tribute
Saturday, August 1st
SALUTE TO VETERANS with Desert Highway
– Eagles Tribute and American Bombshell
Sunday, August 2nd
Lovesong – 80s New Wave Tribute
Thursday, August 6th
THE OUTLAWS
Friday, August 7th
COLE SWINDELL
FREE ADMISSION | Bring Blankets or Chairs | Parking Field #6 Weather permitting, call 516-572-0200 for up-to-date information. All concerts begin at 7:00 pm unless otherwise noted.
Saturday, August 8th
Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway
Monday, August 10th - 6:00pm
Senior Afternoon Concert
Gerry Ferretti and the Mutant Kings and Jenna Esposito
Thursday, August 13th
Neil Diamond Tribute
Friday, August 14th
Swingtime Big Band
Saturday, August 15th
MIDTOWN MEN ORIGINAL CAST OF JERSEY BOYS
Thursday, August 20th
Let’s Sing Taylor – Taylor Swift Tribute
Friday, August 21st
LOUD LUXURY with OPENING BY DJS CAFFEINE ACADEMY, DJ DENNIS
THE MENACE AND JUST JOE
Sunday, August 23rd
WORLD RENOWNED PUERTO RICAN
SALSA ORCHESTRA
Thursday, August 27th
Long Island’s American Idols featuring Constantine Maroulis, Kevin Covais and Robbie Rosen with Special Guests
Friday, August 28th
Dancing Dream – ABBA Tribute
Monday, August 31st
FLO RIDA
Tuesday, September 1st
ZZ TOP
Thursday, September 3rd
THE LORDS OF 52ND STREET
Friday, September 4th
LOS LOBOS
Saturday, September 5th
Streetfighter – Rolling Stones Tribute, Who’s Next – The Who Tribute
One-Stop Passport Weekend
From page 1
available for $10 at both Town Halls North and South during Passport Weekend.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship – Previously issued undamaged U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, Naturalization Certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship.
• Proof of Identity –Naturalization Certificate, Valid Driver’s License (cannot
have been issued or renewed in the last six months), Current Government ID (city, state or federal), Current Military ID (military and dependents).
• This service does NOT apply to Adult Renewals unless your Passport is expired for 5+ years.
Town Clerk LaMarca has offices located at Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road in Massapequa. Passport appoint-
Are you a professional?
ments are available Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and during this special Passport Weekend. For appointments in Oyster Bay, please call (516) 624-6324. For appointments in Massapequa, please call (516) 797-7962. By appointment only!
For information on passport requirements and processing times, as well as instructions for passport renewals, visit www.travel.state.gov.
Our Professional Guide is sure to bring results. Call 294-8900 for rates and information.
Three communities unite under Chamber of Commerce
From page 1
people and business owners to meet — this results in new ways of finding synergies,” Green said.
Ari Goldblatt, a Syosset High School alumnus who serves as the chamber’s chairman of social media and marketing, said, “Bringing these three communities together under one chamber creates a stronger regional voice for small businesses.”
The chamber plans to spread news of the name change and expansion into Jericho through social media, weekly email blasts and upcoming events.
“This expansion is about creating more opportunities for local businesses while strengthening the connections that already exist between Syosset, Woodbury and Jericho. We’ve seen firsthand that Jericho businesses were looking for networking, visibility, and advocacy — our chamber was in a strong position to help provide that support,” Goldblatt said.
On Wednesday, May 20, representatives from the local chamber attended the “Multi-Chamber Networking”
event hosted by the Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce at The Nutty Irishman restaurant in Farmingdale.
On Monday, June 8, the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce will host a Multi-Chamber Networking Mixer and Open House at its new headquarters office, located at 511 Ocean Ave. in Massapequa. Green plans to attend that gathering and said that the chamber’s expanded presence will also be announced during the May 28 monthly meeting of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce, on whose board he serves.
“This symbolizes a great opportunity for us to expand our reach. When we go to events like the Farmingdale mixer, or the upcoming event in Massapequa, we now represent a much larger part of Nassau County and we’re heading toward becoming a regional Nassau County chamber. Increasingly, new people want to interact with us. Last week in Farmingdale there were people active with that chamber and others who now want to join our chamber because of the expanded reach,” Green said.
Robbins Lane holds Spring Concert
On May 18, Robbins Lane Elementary School of Syosset held its Spring Music Concert at HBT Middle School which was a wonderful success! It consisted of fourth and fifth graders and a few 3rd graders performing in the Concert Orchestra, Jazz Band, Concert Band and Chorus. Principal Mr. Myers made a specific appearance playing alongside the jazz band playing the saxophone. The students did an amazing job performing and showed great confidence, teamwork, and talent on stage. Families, teachers, and friends enjoyed an evening filled with music, smiles, and celebration. Parents were so proud of all the students for their hard work and dedication in preparing for the concert. The school would like to give a special thanks to Mr. Biener, Ms. Fort and Dr. DaSilva for all of their hard work, time, and dedication put into making this concert a success. Their patience,
Orchestra performed with Orchestra Director Ms. Fort..
Students rehearsing before the concert.
encouragement, and love for music helped our students grow in confidence and perform their very best. Everything they do for the school and young musicians is greatly appreciated. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported. It was a memorable event for all and marked the fifth graders’ last concert at Robbins Lane.
Jazz band preparing to go on stage for their performance.
These fifth graders arrived excitedly looking forward to their last performance at the elementary school.
Advertise in our papers!
These fifth graders passed out the programs for the concert.
If you own a business or have a service to provide, we’ll create professional ads to promote it and help you be seen by thousands of local readers! Call 1-516-294-8900 to inquire!
Fifth grade chorus performing
Orchestra band performing with their band director, Mr. Biener.
Levittown schools honor top students
A longstanding tradition continued at Division Avenue and General Douglas MacArthur high schools in the Levittown School District as top seniors from the Class of 2026 attended the General’s Breakfast and Blue and Silver Luncheon on May 21.
Nearly 200 seniors who maintained a 95 cumulative GPA or above throughout their four years of high school attended the event and were given congratulatory remarks by principals, teachers, guidance counselors and administrators. In addition to the catered food, seniors announced their chosen colleges and universities, field of study and their favorite memory at their school. Many fond memories of field trips, school club meetings and experiences with friends were recounted. At Division, teams of students and staff members at each table tested their knowledge in a game of trivia for the chance to win Spirit Night tickets. The celebratory events were a vibrant showcase of the many career paths seniors will pursue following graduation.
at General Douglas MacArthur High School who maintained a 95 cumulative GPA or above throughout their four years of high school
Levittown senior athletes sign commitments to schools
Senior athletes at Division Avenue and General Douglas MacArthur High School in the Levittown School District signed commitments to compete at their future colleges and universities on May 18.
Families pridefully gathered wearing school colors and logos to celebrate the exciting achievement. At Division Avenue High School, athletes included:
• Mallory Gulotta – Softball, Ave Maria University
• Isaiah Faton – Basketball, Brooklyn College
• Daniel Smith – Cross country and track and field, Bowdoin College
• Alexander Alicea – Baseball, City College of New York
• Francesco Maiorano – Baseball, City College of New York
• Jason Perez – Baseball, Farmingdale State College
• Aiden Susi – Baseball, Maritime College
• Shane Villaume – Baseball, City College of New York
• Jefferson Biener – Baseball, City College of New York
• Jessica Clark – Cheerleading, Hofstra University
• Victoria Sepulveda –Cheerleading, Hofstra University
• Mia Stimac – Cheerleading, Towson University
• Torrie England – Dance, Stony Brook University
• Mackenzie Restivo – Dance, Stony Brook University
• Melanie Sangurima – Dance, Long Island University
• Joseph Angelletta – Football, Hartwick College
• James Armellino – Football, Nassau Community College
• John Gluszczyszyn – Football, Maritime College
• Anthony Hernandez – Football, Molloy University
• Fatehveer Hira – Football, Wesleyan University
• Timothy Stanley – Lacrosse, Stony Brook University
• Julien Tomala – Lacrosse, Nassau Community College
At MacArthur High School, athletes included:
• Kayleigh Huggard – Lacrosse, Farmingdale State College
• Caileigh O’Shea – Lacrosse, Molloy University
• Michelle O’Malley –Cheerleading, Farmingdale State College
• Abby Buenaventura – Bowling, Long Island University
• Liam Donnelly – Lacrosse, Alfred University
• Timothy Patrey – Lacrosse, Farmingdale State College
• Ethan Baloyo – Cross country and track and field, Haverford College
• Caitlin Kilian – Cross country and track and field, Holy Family University
• Nicholas Nemeth – Track, SUNY Oneonta
• Jackson Smith – Track, New College of Florida
• Gianna Sidoti – Dance, Iona University
• Taylor Garro – Flag football, Iona University
• Isabella Argento – Soccer, St. Joseph’s University
• Olivia Picarella – Volleyball, St. Joseph’s University
Seniors at Division Avenue High School who maintained a 95 cumulative GPA or above throughout their four years of high school.
Seniors
Photos courtesy Levittown Public Schools
Reviving Hope: A Breakthrough Approach to Treating Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
"Several years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer and underwent chemotherapy treatments. I'm now in remission and blessed to still be here, but I was in so much pain. My feet and hands were constantly burning - a tingling sensation, almost like when your leg or arm falls asleep," shared Mary of Westbury.
Mary was suffering from Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy or CIPN. While chemotherapy drugs kill cancer cells, they are not exactly discriminating in what they destroy. The smaller nerves, specifically those in your hands and feet, are some of the first to be harmed. Those suffering from peripheral neuropathy have described this pain as “burning,” “tingling,” “like walking on sharp rocks,” or like Mary explained, that fuzzy, tingling pain you experience during paresthesia (the technical term for when a limb “falls asleep”).
"Standing all day was not just a challenge, it caused me physical agony. Keeping up with my busy schedule - forget about it. I couldn't even go for walks on the beach." Mary, like so many others, was prescribed Gabapentin to help with the pain and told there was nothing anyone could do. In their words: “There is no treatment for neuropathy.”
Fortunately for Mary, where Western medicine fails, Westbury Acupuncture tends to
prove itself. Jae Won, National Board-Certified Acupuncturist, has been blending the time-tested science of acupuncture with modern, medical technology to design a real solution for peripheral neuropathy that doesn’t involve invasive surgeries or prescription medications with uncomfortable side effects.
These Renew Nerve Ⓡ protocols, specific to Westbury Acupuncture and its network of certified providers, actually treat neuropathy versus attempting to mask its symptoms.
"Acupuncture is incredible at restoring blood flow and stimulating damaged nerves. It’s been used for centuries to treat peripheral neuropathy and similar conditions” tells Jae Won. “We take our treatments a step further by integrating ATP Resonance BioTherapy Ⓡ , which targets specific nerves in the body using microcurrent. ATP Resonance BioTherapyⓇ is
akin to watering a plant. This treatment stimulates the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerves and provide them with the proper nutrients and energy they need to repair and recover.”
ATP Resonance BioTherapy Ⓡ was originally designed by NASA to speed up healing and recovery. “To have access to this kind of technology has been life changing for our patients” shares Gen, one of the incredibly compassionate Patient Care Technicians at Westbury Acupuncture. “We even have people asking if they can take the equipment home, so we’re working on developing some at-home options for our less mobile patients.”
After only four weeks of treatment, Mary is already seeing incredible improvement. "I've taken the handicap placard off my rearview mirror and I'm finally back to walking on the beach. I can't wait to see how I feel at the end of my program! I used to think that
the neuropathy pain was just the price I have to pay for still being alive. Jae Won has really given me hope for a better life!"
Jae Won L.Ac and the staff at Westbury Acupuncture have a 90% success rate in reversing peripheral neuropathy, and not just that caused by chemotherapy. They also have tremendous success in treating diabetic neuropathy and neuropathy of undetermined origin, otherwise known as idiopathic neuropathy. “I watched my grandmother suffer with neuropathy during her final years and it broke my heart when she was told there was nothing they could do. This condition is one of the main reasons I went into medicine. Since then, I’ve been on a quest to help people truly thrive in their golden years.”
The number of treatments needed to allow the nerves to fully recover will vary from person to person and can only be determined after a comprehensive consultation and detailed neurological evaluation.
If you or someone you love is suffering from peripheral neuropathy, call (516) 500-8281 to schedule.
For new patients, an initial consultation is complimentary. Simply visit www.WestburyAcupuncture.com for more information and to take advantage of this offer.
Up for a Staycation? No Reason to Venture Far When NYC’s Cultural Riches Abound
BY KAREN RUBIN
No need to travel to see Raphael at the Vatican Museums in Rome, the Dutch Masters at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Paul Klee at the Musée National d’Art Moderne in Paris because you can see these artists’ works right here in New York City this summer. Good news for the many who are opting for a staycation this year - because we have an abundance of cultural riches, world-class attractions and institutions on our doorstep. Here’s what’s on view this season in New York City:
National Urban League’s Urban Civil Rights Museum, Harlem, is opening in June: The museum, which will be housed in National Urban League’s new Harlem headquarters, the Urban League Empowerment Center, will be the first in the northern U.S. dedicated to the American Civil Rights Movement.
Ellis Island Museum is reopening mid-2026 after undergoing a $100 million revitalization that includes reimagined exhibitions, new theaters and major technological upgrades.
The People’s Theatre: Centro Cultural Inmigrante, Inwood, opening this year, will spotlight NYC’s immigrant communities through theater, music, dance and community events.
The Hip Hop Museum, South Bronx, opening this year just south of Yankee Stadium, will pay homage to the South Bronx’s rich culture and history as the birthplace of hip-hop.
Cultural Exhibitions, Festivals and Performances
Impact: The End of the Age of Dinosaurs at the American Museum
of Natural History takes visitors back 66 million years to the Cretaceous Period, exploring life before and after the asteroid strike that caused mass extinction. Featuring life-size models, fossils, touchable exhibits and immersive media, the exhibition reveals how dinosaurs, marine reptiles and other species vanished, as well as how the event set the stage for the rise of mammals and, eventually, humans.
Unrolling Eternity: The Brooklyn Books of the Dead at The Brooklyn Museum: For the first time, visitors can see one of the only complete and gilded Books of the Dead, carefully restored over three years by the Brooklyn Museum’s conservation team. The 21-foot papyrus, displayed with early Books of the Dead and related artifacts, reveals ancient Egyptian burial practices, artistic mastery, and the story of its original owner, Ankhmerwer.
The Occupied City: New York and the American Revolution at the Museum of the City of New York, Manhattan (thru 2026): Marking the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, this major exhibition
You don’t have to travel to Amsterdam to see Dutch Masters. At New York Historical’s “Old Masters, New Amsterdam,” Jan Steen’s “Peasants Merrymaking Outside an Inn” is a view to what life in New Amsterdam was like 400 years ago © Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com
transforms the entire third floor into a 7,000-square-foot immersive journey through Revolutionary-era New York. Framing the Revolution as a story of civic choice and consequence, the exhibition underscores how decisions made by New Yorkers 250 years ago continue to reverberate across the city and the nation today (https://www. mcny.org/exhibition/occupied-city).
Frida and Diego: The Last Dream at The Museum of Modern Art (until Sept. 12), through their paintings, drawings and iconic portraits, explores their artistic partnership and lasting influence as a dialogue between visual art and performance.
Raphael: Sublime Poetry at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (thru June 28) is the first comprehensive U.S. exhibition of the Italian Renaissance master, showcasing 200 paintings, drawings and tapestries that highlight his creativity and poetic sensibility. Spanning his career from Urbino to Florence and Rome, the show reveals his innovations in portraiture, religious imagery and the portrayal of women, offering a singular look at works rarely seen together.
The Jewish Museum is presenting two major exhibitions this summer:
Circa 1776: Jews in Colonial America, presented in conjunction with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, explores themes of Jewish life throughout colonial and post-colonial America. The installation highlights works in the Museum’s collection, displayed as a complement to Identity, Culture, and Community: Stories from the Collection of the Jewish Museum (thru Aug. 9).
Paul Klee: Other Possible Worlds marks the first American museum show to focus on the artist’s powerful late work, produced during his last, unsettling decade of life until his death in 1940. The exhibition features 100 paintings and drawings, including his rarely exhibited and iconic Angelus Novus (1920), called the “Angel of History” by German philosopher Walter Benjamin.
Old Masters, New Amsterdam at the New York Historical: Featuring works by Rembrandt, Frans Hals and Jan Steen, many never before seen in New York, the show uses Old Master paintings to immerse viewers in the world of the city’s earliest settlers 400 years ago, when the Dutch founded New Amsterdam (thru Aug. 30).
Its 71,000 square foot Tang Wing for American Democracy at The New York Historical opening June 18 is dedicated to the nation’s founding principles and will serve as the future home of the American LGBTQ+ Museum.
© 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear. com
BY DENNIS MAMMANA
Week of May 31 - June 6, 2026
A Stunning Planetary Pair
Stargazers of ancient times, watching as the starry heavens turned about the world in which they lived, were convinced that the Earth was stationary and central to all. They also marveled as five wandering stars drifted among these lights of heaven from night to night, from month to month.
The Greeks called these “asters planetai” -- wandering stars -- and believed they might be the gods themselves, and that observing their movements through the heavens could help foretell events on Earth.
Two of these wanderers now appear in our western sky at dusk. Highest in the west after sunset is Jupiter, the king of the gods, accompanied much lower in the sky by brilliant Venus, the goddess of love and beauty.
Today, of course, we know these two bright lights as worlds of our solar system. Dazzling Venus is a planet about the same size as our own Earth and shrouded by highly reflective clouds. The fainter of the two -- but still quite bright in its own right -- is the giant planet Jupiter.
If you’ve been checking up on these two over the past few weeks, you most certainly have noticed that they appear to be approaching one another. They seem to be converging because they, along with our
Earth, orbit the sun, and our constantly changing viewpoint makes them appear to drift against the more distant and “fixed” stars.
Keep watch over the next week or so, and you’ll see quite a show developing in the western sky. On the evening of Tuesday, June 9, you will see that Venus and Jupiter appear at their closest -- less than a degree and a half apart -- and will form a bright “double star” in our western sky at dusk. This will be
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Feeling the Pressure
a great time to aim binoculars in their direction since both will appear in the same field of view.
Now, if you’ve got a small telescope, aim it toward each of these worlds for a stunning view. You will notice Venus in a “gibbous” phase -- not quite a full disk -- with a purely white, featureless disk. Jupiter, on the other hand, will display its pastel clouds stretched by its rapid rotation into parallel bands across its face, as well as three or four of its largest moons.
Though these two planets appear near each other in the sky, keep in mind that what you’re seeing is an illusion. Venus and Jupiter appear to us along nearly the same line of sight but are actually quite distant from one another. This week, Venus lies about 111 million miles from Earth, while Jupiter lies about 450 million miles farther.
After June 9, the two worlds will appear to separate once again, with Venus higher in the western sky at the same time each evening. Jupiter, on the other hand, will appear lower in the sky each evening until July, when we’ll lose sight of it in the glow of dusk. What story might the ancient sky watchers have woven to explain the slow dance and rendezvous between the king of the gods and the goddess of love in the waning light of dusk?
I’ll leave that to your imagination!
Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com.
COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM
BY TRACY BECKERMAN
For a long time, I was a dedicated slow cooker fan, which worked well when my kids were little and I could dump everything in the pot in the morning and then pull it out ready to go at dinnertime. But once the kids left the nest and I was just cooking for two, it seemed like a good time to give a pressure cooker a whirl.
My friends had been bugging me about it for ages, and they all swore that this was the fastest, easiest thing on the planet to use. While they were right about “fast,” I soon found out that in terms of ease, I was somewhat pressure-cooker challenged.
I should mention about now that I am the person who routinely sets off the smoke alarms in the house when I’m cooking. I have been known to ruin rice and will often present a dish as Chicken Surprise or Beef Surprise because it’s a surprise even to me what it is. I have about a 50% success rate, which means 50% of the time we have a pretty good dinner, and 50% of the time the dog does.
Naturally, the pressure cooker
came with directions, but I thought the machine looked pretty straightforward to use, so I decided to forego reading how to use it because that had worked so well in the past -- when I didn’t read the directions and blew up the new microwave, toaster oven and coffee maker.
I looked up what I thought I didn’t know online, but I soon realized I didn’t know what I didn’t know. There were many posts about “venting,” which I assumed was about not holding your anger in. I decided I was pretty good at that already, so I skipped those parts.
There were some other posts about making sure your pressure cooker was locked, but I didn’t see a lock function on my model, so I figured it was self-locking. All of this was probably covered in the manual, but I’d already used that to help mop up the latest Chicken Surprise I’d ruined, so I decided to just wing it.
I picked a pretty easy recipe, followed the directions and went through all the steps. I was terrified that I would overcook the food, but when the timer dinged, I discovered the food wasn’t overcooked at all.
It was raw.
I tried going through the whole thing again, and 30 minutes later, it was still raw. Thinking I had it on the wrong setting, I decided to switch from steam to saute, and within minutes the pressure cooker started screaming at me that the food was burning.
“What?? Is it raw or is it burning?” I yelled at it as I unplugged it from the wall and gave it a dirty look so it knew I was angry. “See, this is me venting!!” I looked at the dog, who nodded sympathetically as he waited at my feet for something raw or burnt to drop to the floor.
“This is too stressful for me,” I said. “I’m having pressure cooker PTSD.”
I took a deep, cleansing breath and looked online to see if I could figure out what I was doing wrong.
As I read some troubleshooting info, it soon became clear that I was neither venting the steam nor locking correctly.
I gave it another go, and on the third try ...
The food was still raw.
A few hours later, my husband came home and found me on the sofa in a heap, and the pressure cooker in the trash.
Why is your new pressure cooker in the trash?” he asked.
I narrowed my eyes.
“It’s venting!”
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.
COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM
Jupiter and Venus now appear in the western sky at dusk
REAL ESTATE WATCH
Do smart homes actually make life easier, or more complicated?
We hope your Memorial Day was fun and relaxing that you remember all those who gave and sacrificed for our freedoms and Democracy.
The promise of the smart home is seductively simple: your lights adjust themselves, your thermostat learns your habits, your doorbell watches your porch, and your coffee starts brewing before your feet hit the floor. Technology companies have spent the better part of two decades selling a vision of domestic life without friction — a world where convenience hums quietly in the background while algorithms anticipate our needs.
Yet for many people, the reality of the smart home feels less like “The Jetsons” and more like unpaid IT work.
The modern household is now filled with gadgets that require firmware updates, companion apps, passwords, Wi-Fi troubleshooting, subscription plans, and occasional pleading with a voice assistant that still cannot distinguish between “turn on the hall light” and “play Hall & Oates.” Smart homes may indeed make life easier, but only after they first make it more complicated.
That contradiction sits at the center of today’s consumer technology culture. We are buying convenience while accepting a new layer of maintenance.
In theory, the smart home solves countless tiny irritations. Smart thermostats reduce energy bills and remove the daily dance of adjusting temperatures. Robot vacuums quietly patrol floors while their owners work or sleep. Smart locks eliminate frantic searches for house keys. Motion sensors turn lights on automatically. Video doorbells provide reassurance when packages arrive. For elderly homeowners or people with disabilities, these technologies can offer meaningful independence and safety.
There is no question that some smart devices genuinely improve daily life. A parent carrying groceries appreciates unlocking the front door with a phone. A traveler gains peace of mind checking security cameras remotely. A forgetful homeowner no longer worries about whether the garage door was left open.
The problem begins when convenience stops being invisible.
Traditional household tools were largely self-contained. A lamp needed electricity and a bulb. A lock needed a key. A thermostat needed batteries every few years. Smart devices, by contrast, rely on sprawling ecosystems that often behave unpredictably. One company’s light bulbs may not work seamlessly with another company’s smart speaker. An internet out-
age can suddenly turn a “smart” appliance into a very dumb one. A software update can rearrange controls or disable features overnight.
Instead of reducing friction entirely, smart homes often relocate it.
The burden shifts from physical effort to digital management.
Consider the average smart home setup today.
BY PHILIP A. RAICES
A homeowner may juggle separate apps for lighting, security cameras, appliances, speakers, streaming systems, robot vacuums, and climate control. Each device arrives with its own login credentials, privacy settings, notification preferences, and compatibility limitations. Even relatively tech-savvy users can become overwhelmed by the sheer administrative load.
And unlike older appliances, smart devices age strangely. A refrigerator from 1998 might still work perfectly today. A smart speaker from 2018 may already feel obsolete because software support has ended or newer standards have emerged. Consumers are no longer merely buying products; they are entering ongoing service relationships with technology companies.
That introduces another complication: dependence.
A smart home only feels magical when everything works. When it fails, however, the failure can ripple across an entire household. Voice assistants stop responding. Smart locks disconnect. Cameras lose cloud access. Automations break after software updates. The user suddenly discovers that tasks once handled instinctively now require troubleshooting forums and reboot sequences.
This is not accidental. Smart homes evolved from the logic of the tech industry, not the appliance industry. Silicon Valley prizes rapid iteration, constant updates, and ecosystem lock-in. But homes are not smartphones. People expect domestic infrastructure to be stable, predictable, and durable. Nobody wants to debug their kitchen.
Privacy concerns deepen the tension. Smart homes operate by collecting data — often enormous amounts of it. Voice assistants listen for wake words. Cameras monitor front doors. Thermostats track occupancy patterns. Smart TVs record viewing habits. The convenience economy depends heavily on surveillance, even if consumers rarely think about it in those terms. For some users, that tradeoff feels worthwhile. Others increasingly won-
der whether turning every object into an internet-connected data collector was ever necessary in the first place.
There is also a psychological dimension to smart homes that receives less attention: automation can subtly increase expectations rather than reduce stress.
Once a household becomes automated, people begin noticing every inefficiency that remains. Why should lights require manual switches at all? Why is the coffee not synchronized with the alarm? Why did the blinds fail to close at sunset? The more convenience technology advances, the more irritating ordinary inconveniences become.
Ironically, the pursuit of a frictionless home can make residents hyperaware of friction.
Still, it would be unfair to dismiss smart homes as gimmicks. Many technologies initially appear cumbersome before eventually becoming seamless. Early automobiles required hand cranks and constant mechanical maintenance. Early personal computers demanded technical fluency. Today, both are ordinary tools.
Smart home technology may simply be in its awkward adolescence.
Standards are improving. Interoperability is becoming more reliable. New protocols are reducing compatibility chaos. Devices increasingly function locally instead of relying entirely on distant cloud servers. The industry appears to be learning that consumers do not want houses behaving like unstable software experiments.
The future smart home may ultimately succeed not by becoming more visible, but by disappearing into the background entirely.
That, perhaps, is the real measure of technological success. The best household technologies are rarely the most impressive; they are the ones we stop noticing altogether. Electricity transformed domestic life because people no longer had to think about it constantly. Indoor plumbing succeeded because it became invisible infrastructure.
The smart home still has not achieved that level of maturity.
Right now, many households exist in an uneasy middle phase where automation offers genuine benefits while simultaneously demanding new forms of labor. People save time vacuuming but spend time reconnecting Wi-Fi devices. They gain convenience through voice commands but lose patience during software glitches. The
net result depends heavily on individual tolerance for technological maintenance.
For enthusiasts, smart homes are empowering playgrounds of customization and efficiency. For everyone else, they can feel like houses with too many opinions.
So do smart homes make life easier or more complicated?
The honest answer is both.
They simplify specific tasks while complicating the broader experience of managing a home. They reduce physical friction but introduce digital friction. They offer comfort, efficiency, and security, but often at the cost of privacy, simplicity, and reliability.
The smartest homes today are not necessarily the most automated ones. They are the homes where technology serves quietly, predictably, and sparingly — where devices solve real problems instead of inventing new ones.
A home should not feel like a customer support ticket.
The companies that ultimately win the smart home race may not be the ones adding the most features. They may be the ones that finally understand a simple truth consumers have been trying to communicate all along: people do not actually want smart homes. They want easy homes.
Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate. He has 43+ years experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned 3 significant designations:
National Association of Realtors Graduate Realtors Institute (what I consider a Master’s degree in real estate). Certified International Property Specialist - expert in consulting and completing international transactions.
National Association of Realtors Green designation: eco-friendly low carbon footprint construction with 3-D printed foundations, Solar panels, Geothermal HVAC/Heat Pumps).
He will also provide a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality, and his Seller’s and Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider
Continued on page 5
BY TOM MARGENAU
Why Are There So Many Rules?
People frequently ask me one of two rhetorical questions. Sometimes they will say, usually out of frustration, “Why is Social Security so complicated?” Even though they were probably not looking for an answer, I give them one anyway. I point out that Social Security is complicated because life is complicated. If we all lived simple lives, got married only once, held the same job all our lives, retired at the same age, never went back to work afterwards, never moved and died in the middle of a month -- then Social Security would be so easy. But that’s not the way our lives work and that’s why Social Security rules can get complicated.
Other times, people will ask a similar question: “Why does Social Security have so many rules?” The answer to that question is that those rules have to cover every possible variable that can come into play when dealing with the complications that life offers. And I recently came across a good example of this.
A reader asked me when the benefits to his daughter would end. He is getting retirement benefits and has one minor daughter left at home collecting dependent benefits on his record. I responded by saying this: “Student benefits end when the child reaches age 18, but can continue until 19 if the child is still in high school.”
Out of curiosity, I checked the Social Security Administration rule book about this issue, which went on for about 10 pages, answering the same question I answered in that one sentence!
It started out by going over the general policy (essentially my one-sentence answer). But then it went on and on and on to cover all the possible exceptions that could occur. Here is just a brief summary. (In the sections below, “FTA” means full-time attendance. And when the rules mention “secondary school,” they essentially mean high school.)
No. 1: Student graduates and benefits terminate before age 19.
James attained the age of 18 in March and graduated from a secondary level program in May. He has no plans to continue attendance in a secondary-level program, so his benefits terminate in June.
No. 2: Student graduates before age 19 and continues in FTA in a secondary level course. Her student benefits terminate before age 19.
Emily attains the age of 18 in April and graduates from a secondary school in June. She is on vacation in July and August and plans to continue FTA at a secondary school in September through December. Her benefits terminate in January because she is no longer in FTA.
No. 3: Student graduates before age 19
and continues in FTA in a secondary level course. Her student benefits terminate at age 19.
Emily attains the age of 18 in April and graduates from a secondary school in June. She continues in FTA in a secondary level course in September, planning to attend through June. She receives benefits based on her FTA in a secondary-level program through March. Her benefits terminate in April, the month she attains the age of 19, because she has already graduated from secondary school.
No. 4: Student attains the age of 19 in a month of nonattendance.
Tony completes his junior year of high school in May, is on vacation in June and July, attains the age of 19 in July and plans to return to secondary school in August. His benefits continue through June but terminate in July because he attains the age of 19 in a month of nonattendance.
No. 5: Student attains the age of 19 in a month of FTA and the school operates on a yearly basis; student benefits terminate the first day of the third month after the age 19 attainment month (payment to age 19 and 2 months).
Janice attains the age of 19 in February. Her school year runs from September through June and her school operates on a yearly basis. Janice receives payments through April and her benefits terminate in May, the third month after the month in which she attains the age of 19.
No. 6: Student attains the age of 19 in a month of FTA; the school operates on a yearly basis; student’s benefits terminate the first day of the month after the month the student completes the school year in which he or she is enrolled
Janice attains the age of 19 in April and attends high school through May. She is on vacation in June and July and plans to return for her senior year in August. She receives benefits through May, the month she completes the school year in which she is enrolled in the age 19 attainment month and her benefits terminate in June.
No. 7: Student attains the age of 19 in a month of FTA; the school operates on a semester or quarterly basis and requires re-enrollment; and the first day of the third month after age 19 attainment and the end of the course coincide
Jacob attains the age of 19 on September 3. Per the SSA-1372, his school operates on a semester basis and requires re-enrollment every semester. The semester begins Sept. 18 and ends Nov. 30. Jacob receives benefits through November (age 19 and 2 months) and his benefits terminate in December.
No. 8: Student attains the age of 19 in a month of FTA; the school operates on a semester or quarterly basis and requires re-enrollment; the student’s benefits ter-
minate the first day of the month after the month in which he or she completes the course in which he or she is enrolled in the age 19 attainment month (payment past age 19 and 2 months).
Jacob attains the age of 19 in September. The school official certified on the SSA-1372-BK that the school operates
on a semester basis and requires re-enrollment each semester. The semester begins in September and ends in December. Jacob receives benefits through December, the end of the semester and his benefits terminate in January be-
Continued on next page
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
BY CLAIRE LYNCH
Macaroons, book clubs & java
If you’ve got the time and are looking for something new to do, joining a book club can be ideal. It’s fun and it’s low pressure. Just show up at the appointed time, whether it’s at your public library, senior center or someone’s home and say hi, I’m new to the group and listen to a good book discussion.
People talk about what they liked and disliked about a specific book and occasionally someone goes off topic and tells stories about recent events in their lives. These stories give everyone a little comic relief from the subject at hand whether it’s a mystery, historical fiction, etc., and we all know that everyone likes hearing a good story.
At my book club we discuss some bestsellers but we also like reading some not so famous books. Occasionally we go back in time and discuss books we read in high school or college. The Great Gatsby, The Grapes of Wrath, To Kill a Mockingbird and more have been popular.
It’s whatever piques our interest at the time and once we set the reading list for the calendar year we stick to it unless people are having a hard time finding copies of the book. Then we choose a different book.
A couple of months ago my friend, Sara, brought a plate of macaroons freshly made (at the bakery) and Kevin brought a box of coffee. It was a nice treat especially because we don’t usually eat at my book club. We took a few minutes to chat and I said how these
past few months have been a time of appliances breaking down and needing replacement. My latest foray into the world of “let’s watch it break and see how fast I can replace it” was when vacuuming the living room just the other day.
I was zipping along with my upright vacuum and almost finished with the whole area when the machine caught the edge of an area rug, snarled one of the strings on it and my vacuum decided to start huffing and puffing dust while it smoked and basically konked out. Quickly pulling the plug from the outlet, I knew things didn’t look good but I cleaned it out, waited for it to cool off and hoped that it might actually work again.
Plugging it into the outlet for the second time and watching closely, it resumed smoking and huffing and puffing so I knew the old reliable vacuum I’d known and used for eight years had definitely, indeed, totally gone kaput.
That meant the search began online and in stores for the next perfect upright vacuum. “So much to consider,” I said laughing. “There are so many features, specifications and details.”
My friend, Joyce, agreed and said her toaster had bit the dust recently so she too was googling on her computer and looking for the machine that would be even better than her last one and make some perfect toast. Joyce sure has a way of putting things.
Fred spoke up and said let’s get back to business so he mentioned a book he
wants to discuss at a future meeting: Starter Villain by John Scalzi. That title rang a bell with me so Fred explained that this is a funny science fiction novel published in 2023 where a lazy man named Charlie Fitzer in the Chicago suburbs inherits his uncle’s supervillain business.
Charlie had been dreaming about buying a neighborhood bar but his plans change when he finds out that his estranged Uncle Jake has died and has left him a significant fortune. In exchange for completing a seemingly simple task, he finds himself thrown into a secret world of supervillains.
It happens to be accompanied by a bunch of trained, intelligent cats and I said that for our book club, this particular book seems a bit unusual.
After giving that quick summary, Fred said Starter Villain might appeal to some people. Plus it’s got a cute picture of a cat in a business suit on the cover of the book so add a star if you like cats. Fred smiled at that little note then the moderator asked for a show of hands.
“Who wants to read this book in a couple of months,” she asked and looking around, only two people raised their hands. “Science fiction doesn’t appeal to everyone so we will choose something else.”
Teri said the next book on the list is Summer in the City by Alex Aster. It came out last year and was on the NY Times bestseller list. It’s a romance novel about Elle, a 27-year-old screen-
writer dealing with writer’s block but she has the chance of a lifetime to write a movie that’s set in NYC.
She moves back to NYC, into a ritzy building with beautiful skyline views, and gets to work because she’s got a deadline looming. In the meantime she meets a bachelor neighbor named Parker Warren.
Elle doesn’t want to be distracted by Parker but they end up dating and the relationship has its ups and downs. The book has some sharp dialog and good characters and Teri tells us just enough about Elle, Parker and the fact that Elle finishes her screenplay and the movie becomes a big blockbuster so we can’t wait to read Summer in the City.
My group likes reading popular fiction novels on different subjects. Kate Quinn, Sarah Jio and David Baldacci are three of them and someone also mentioned reading a new fiction writer named Bonnie Blaylock.
She has her M.A. in creative writing from the University of Tennessee and grew up in a large military family. After 20 years of co-owning a small-animal veterinarian practice with her husband while raising her children, Blaylock decided to start writing fiction fulltime. The Water Women and Light to the Hills are two of her books.
Some book club members are hoping to read Anna Quindlen’s novels and I’ve mentioned Susan Mallery. We’re going to try Mallery’s The Happiness Plan out in 2023. It looks like a good beach read and I am all for that!
cause the semester in which he attains the age of 19 ends in December and his school operates on a semester basis and requires re-enrollment.
I’m already out of space. And this section of the rule book went on for many more pages, giving even more examples of when student benefits should terminate. People often complain that Social Security laws are so complex. I put all of this in today’s column just to show you why they have to be so. There has to be some rule to cover every possible scenario that can occur for every potential Social Security situation. As I
said earlier, Social Security is complicated because life is complicated.
If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Security -- Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Security.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon.com or other book outlets. Or you can send him an email at thomas.margenau@comcast.net.
COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM
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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
ATTORNEY
STEPHANIE A. D’ANGELO, ESQ. Elder Law, Wills & Trusts Asset Preservation, Estate Planning, Probate & Estate Administration/Litigation 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530 516-222-1122 www.dangelolawassociates. com
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AQUATEC LAWN SPRINKLERS SYSTEM TURN ONS Backflow Device Tests Free Estimates Installation Service/Repairs Joe Barbato 516-775-1199
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BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-833-807-0159
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FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC
Dr. Ann Marie D’Angelo PMHCNS-BC
Doctor of Nursing Practice
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www.familycareconnections.com 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530
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Barbecue Spare Ribs
hard to resist and the flavor is even better.
Barbecue is an art form, as that enticing aroma and undeniable flavor is truly a labor of love. But even novices can try their hands at barbecue and end up with delicious results.
2 tablespoons paprika
1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black peppercorns
1) Stir together the paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
2) Thoroughly rub the spice mix into the rib racks. Place in a shallow dish, cover and chill for at least 8 hours.
3) After chilling, remove the ribs from the fridge. Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to about 300° F.
For those who want to craft their own barbecue concoctions, this recipe for “Barbecue Spare Ribs” from Lines+Angles is easily followed, and the finished product is undeniably flavorful.
Makes 6 servings
6 lbs. spare ribs, racks cleaned and trimmed
13 ounces barbecue sauce, low sugar, if possible
1 ounce flat-leaf parsley, torn
4) Cook the ribs on the grill, covered with a lid, until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone, about 2 hours.
5) As the ribs cook, periodically brush them with some barbecue sauce, reserving any unused sauce.
6) When ready, remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest under aluminum foil for at least 10 minutes.
7) After resting, brush the ribs with any reserved barbecue sauce before cutting and serving with a garnish of parsley.
The aroma of barbecue is
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.
WHAT DOES ‘HEALTH SYSTEM’ EVEN MEAN? IT MEANS A BIG DIFFERENCE FOR YOUR HEALTH.
A health system is more than a doctor. In our case, it’s 320+ locations with the exact same high standard of care. It’s integrated medical teams that achieve the best patient outcomes.
It’s leading the charge in medical discoveries. It’s the lowest mortality rates in the nation.
It’s being named #1 for quality care in the U.S. Our health system has the best doctors, and the best doctors are just the beginning.
Better health starts with a better health system.