Barbara Bucovetsky Sells Homes! There Must Be A Reason...
“Barbara: What can I say! You are the best. You told us not to worry and that you would take care of everything – and you sure did! We had been in our house for 45 years and you helped make this experience stress free.” — Susan & Alan R.
Barbara Bucovetsky
Town celebrates poster contest winners
Supervisor Saladino joins with students at Pasadena Elementary School to plant a tree in celebration of Anaira Mate’s winning of the Town’s Environmental Poster Contest.
The Town of Oyster Bay recently recognized winners of the Town of Oyster Bay Environmental Poster Contest, who were offered tree plantings at their school in honor of placing among the top contest winners. Officials recognized first place winner William Lim of Galen
Head Elementary School, second place winner Anaira Mate of Pasadena Elementary School in Plainview, and third place winner Priyanshhi Siindhu of Jackson Elementary School in Jericho.
The Town’s Environmental Poster Contest, now in its fourth year, helps raise awareness of
environmentally sensitive issues and how they impact Mother Nature and local communities. This year, fourth grade students from across the Town were invited to visually depict the importance of trees in preserving our environment.
Residents invited to submit photos
The Town of Oyster Bay invites residents to submit photos taken in the Town of Oyster Bay to be considered for future use in Town publications.
“We accept photos year-round submitted by our residents which depict people, places, community events and scenery throughout our Town,” said Town Council-
man Andrew Monteleone. “We accept photos for the calendar, as well as other Town publications, including our website, social See page 6
Mini golf and Mandarin: A unique summer for local kids
BY RIKKI MASSAND
Local students ages 3 through 14 from Syosset, Jericho, Plainview, Hicksville, and surrounding communities are spending their summer break in a unique and enriching way—learning Mandarin, exploring STEM subjects, and participating in recreational activities and games through the Plainview Chinese Learning Center/Chinese Cultural Center. Group instruction and activities are based at Harry B. Thompson Middle School in Syosset, while the full-day summer camp is currently underway at Robbins Lane Elementary School through mid-August.
On Friday, July 11, the Center kicked off its first field trip of the season, taking more than 70 children to Spring Rock Golf Center in New Hyde Park for a morning of miniature golf. After arriving on Huntington Coach school buses, the campers split into small groups and practiced putting, learning proper stance and grip with support from their counselors and teachers.
Among the counselors was Brown University student and Syosset High School alumnus Ryan Leung (Class of 2023), now in his fourth summer working with the camp. Leung, who is majoring in business economics and environmental studies, emphasized the importance of community and inclusion.
“Our youngest child here is three and today we’ll be teaching many of the kids to putt. We’re having fun walking through the sights and obstacles as we explore the course. Something very great about our weeks ahead and every summer is how Susan (Ng) created this camp with the goal of fostering a positive Asian American environment, within a growing Asian American community of central Nassau County,” Leung said.
The nonprofit Plainview Chinese Learning Center (PCLC) and Chinese Cultural Center offers bilingual Chinese language and cultural programs for children in grades K–12, along with separate classes for adults 18 and older. Tuition for a 10-week adult language course is $300, with discounted rates available for Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce members.
On Thursday, June 26, PCLC Director Susan Ng, MBA,
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Upcoming Events at the Jericho Public Library
Friday, July 18
1:00 p.m.: Caregiving Lecture with the Arbors Assisted Living - We’ll be exploring the meaningful journey of being a caregiver --the deep love and dedication it involves. We’ll talk about the emotional challenges, including the difficult decisions like transitioning a loved one to assisted living, and the everyday experiences of caring for someone at home. Through this conversation, we’ll find understanding, connection, and support in the shared path of caregiving.
2:00 p.m.: Friday Flix: “Juror #2” (2024) - “Juror #2” follows family man Justin Kemp (Nicholas Hoult) who, while serving as a juror in a high profile murder trial, finds himself struggling with a serious moral dilemma... one he could use to sway the jury verdict and potentially convict--or free--the accused killer. 2024, Rated PG-13, 1 hr 54 min. 4:00 p.m.: Color Your Plate (Grades 2–5) - Color your world by starting with what you eat on your plate. Colorful foods can be found all throughout the year, but especially in the summer. Let’s explore all different kinds of foods available in the warmer months, learn why they are good to eat, and how we can prepare them so that we can enjoy them.
Saturday, July 19
10:00 a.m.: Color Our World with Rainbows (Grades 1 through 3)Color your world as you learn about colors, light, and the symbolism of rainbows through a creative hands-on art project that mimics stained glass.
11:00 a.m.: Introduction to Generative AI with Michael Bartolomeo - Join us for an exciting and eye-opening series that explores the world of Artificial Intelligence and its impact on our lives, work, and future. What is AI? How does it work? Where is it going next? Michael Bartolomeo will break it all down in a way that’s fun, fascinating, and easy to understand. Media Literacy in an AI World - As
artificial intelligence (AI) advances, its potential to generate persuasive disinformation will grow. Learn strategies to avoid getting fooled and deceived.
2:00 p.m.: “Understanding Eleanor” Musical Show - Enjoy an afternoon of music from the Broadway bound musical “ Understanding Eleanor”, an intimate portrait of perhaps the most renown First Lady in American history, Eleanor Roosevelt and one that is told from her unique point of view as both a woman, mother and partner in a complex marriage. Playwright/composer Ken Grossman, will narrate this fascinating story and connect all the songs that capture a unique era, presided over by Eleanor’s husband, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, currently ranked second on the list of our greatest presidents, and only surpassed by the exalted Abraham Lincoln.
Tickets are required. Jericho cardholders may pick up 2 tickets per person beginning June 28. Non-residents may pick up 2 tickets per person beginning two weeks before the performance. Non-ticket holders will be seated as space allows.
Tuesday, July 22
9:30 a.m.: Adult Walking Club (Weather Permitting) - All levels, all abilities are welcome. Join us for a 45-minute walk around the neighborhood. It’s an opportunity to get some exercise, meet new people, spend time with a friend and enjoy some conversation. Meet us in front of the library. Participants must wear sneakers and bring a bottle of water.
6:00 p.m.: Teens: Make Your Mark: DIY Pen-Making - Get creative at the library and make your own custom pen! In this hands-on workshop, teens will learn how to design and assemble their very own writing tool using fun, colorful beads and charms. Whether you love to journal, sketch, or just want a pen no one else has, this is your chance to craft something that’s totally you. Each participant will leave with two
custom made pens that they designed and created!
Wednesday, July 23
2:00 p.m.: VIRTUAL: With A Song In My Heart: A History of Singing in the Movies with Brian Rose - From the moment movies learned to talk, they learned to sing. Audiences back in 1927 were electrified when they heard Al Jolson belting out the top tunes of the day in “The Jazz Singer”, and through movie history some of our greatest vocalists have been star attractions in Hollywood musicals. The film industry did its best to showcase these performers with a variety of creative techniques, from elaborate production numbers to imaginative camerawork, all designed to enhance the emotional power of seeing and hearing singers like Judy Garland, Bing Crosby, Lena Horne, and Frank Sinatra come alive on the big screen. This talk will look at the varying ways Hollywood captured its star vocalists through the decades, and provided audiences then and now with an invaluable record of indelible performances.
4:00 p.m.: All Abuzz with the Long Island Children’s Museum (Grades K–5) - Junior entomologists will meet a hissing cockroach and discover insects that camouflage. They will learn what makes an animal an insect and the different body parts they have. Students will create their own bugs. Children will be provided with a field guide page about their bug that can be done after the program.
Thursday, July 24
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.: Make Your Mark with Storyteller Rachael Harrington (Grades K through 5) - Create a colorful splash this summer as storyteller Rachael Harrington performs vibrant, interactive folk tales all about how art transforms lives and makes our world a better place. Kids and caregivers are invited to participate in the stories through call-and-response, rhythm and musical elements, and draw-along activities that empower them to become the illustrators of the stories they hear.
Friday, July 25
10:00 a.m.: Paint Workshop with Madhumita Sen - Celebrate America with a vibrant painting session! Join us to create a striking bald eagle against the American flag -- a bold symbol of freedom and strength. Perfect for all skill levels. $5.00 per person, non-refundable.
10:30 a.m.: Giggles and Grooves with Rebecca (Ages 1–5) - Join Ms. Rebecca from Giggles and Grooves for a morning of singing, dancing, and playing! In this class, children will listen to the guitar and explore different instruments, movement toys, puppets, parachute and bubbles. Let’s make music together!
4:00 p.m.: Craft Corner (Grades K–3) - Children will make a fun craft with the help of our teen volunteers.
Motorcycle crash on Valley Road
A 54-year-old man, riding a 2019 Aprilia Motorcycle, traveling northbound on Valley Road was involved in a collision on Sunday, July 13, at 4:46 p.m. on Valley Road in Levittown.
According to Nassau County Police, the motorcycle was traveling northbound on Valley Road when it was involved in a collision with a 2022 Buick
SUV being operated by a 20-year-old woman, traveling westbound.
As a result of the collision, the motorcyclist suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local area hospital. He is listed in critical condition. The driver of the Buick remained at scene. The investigation is ongoing.
JFK High School celebrates the Class of 2025
The Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School Class of 2025 recently held its commencement ceremony at Hofstra University. The event served as a milestone for the graduates, symbolizing the culmination of their hard work as high schoolers and the launching point for future pursuits. Amid speeches from peers and administrators, the class reflected on their lives in PlainviewOld Bethpage and what they will take with them as they depart.
Valedictorian Jillian Zhang celebrated her classmates' accomplishments and urged them to take pride in their triumphs over adversity. She imparted three life lessons from her school years, "Drink lots of water, give yourself a pat on the back, and never forget to say 'I love you.' " Acknowledging both the joys and challenges of high school life, she admitted, "I hate to think about goodbye." Yet she encouraged her peers
to face the future with grace, saying, "Choose to be vulnerable in a world that could use a little more love."
Salutatorian Chloe Ng implored her classmates to acknowledge those who had been instrumental in their individual paths. “Do not forget to show your love and gratitude to those who helped you get to where you are today,” she said. Recalling her own struggles with public speaking, she shared a mentor’s advice, who told her to “‘Take a deep breath and pause.’” She urged the class to apply this mindset beyond the stage: “Do not forget to pause at the top and enjoy the moment we have in front of us.”
Dr. Mary O'Meara, Superintendent of Schools, highlighted the Class of 2025's remarkable achievements, including a 99% graduation rate, over $10 million in scholarships, and $97,000 in community awards. She expressed her excitement that the
graduates would now apply the skills fostered by the POB school system to improve the world. “Spend a quiet moment each day reflecting on who you want to be,” Dr. O’Meara said.
“That reflection shapes your values and your values guide your choices.” She implored students to apply their knowledge to make the world a better place. Your values, your compass, will help you to decide when to speak up, when to step back, and how to make a difference in your corner of the world.”
Students rose before collecting their diplomas.
Class Co-President Ziyad Kazi urged his peers to contribute what they can to the world.
Salutatorian Chloe Ng told her peers to live in the moment.
Valedictorian Jillian Zhang (third from left) walked to her seat followed by the Class of 2025.
The student choir sang for the last time.
BRUCE A. BLAKEMAN
NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE
HARRY CHAPIN LAKESIDE THEATRE CONCERTS
This Week at the Syosset Public Library
Friday, July 18, at 10:00 a.m.
SATURDAY, JULY 19TH | 6:30PM
RUSSELL DICKERSON
Simply Stronger with Balance (VIRTUAL) Instructor: Mindy Vasta Handheld weights, resistance bands and balls will help improve strength, flexibility, and coordination. Includes a balance segment to enhance posture, core strength, and proper alignment of muscle groups. Exercises can be performed sitting or standing. Equipment recommended but not required. Registration needed. Register at syossetlibrary. org. The Zoom link will be sent out once you register.
Friday, July 18, at 2:00 p.m.
Friday Movie at the Library (IN-PERSON)
Join us for an afternoon movie at the library. Check our website for the movie that will be shown. Go to syossetlibrary.org.
Friday, July 18, at 6:30 p.m.
SY-CON Presents: Retro Gaming Night (IN-PERSON)
Join us for an evening of retro arcade and board games hosted by LI-Retro Gaming and Game Master Games! There’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy. No registration needed.
Monday, July 21, at 6:30 p.m.
Write Your Own Dungeons & Dragons Adventure (IN-PERSON)
Ever wanted to write your own Dungeons and Dragons story? This workshop will take you through writing a customizable one session D&D story. We will take you through writing the plot, choosing monsters and creating a battle map. This story can be used as a one off adventure, the start of a campaign or a side quest in a campaign. Registration needed. Register at syossetlibrary.org.
Tuesday, July 22, at 2:00 p.m.
Afternoon Book
Discussion (IN-PERSON)
Join Evelyn Hershkowitz, Readers’ Services Librarian, for an in-person discussion of the 2024 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction winning novel, “ The Berry Pickers” by Amanda Peters. No registration needed.
Thursday, July 24, from 1:30 -3:30 p.m.
Seniors of Syosset Drop-In (IN-PERSON)
Funded through New York State Office for the Aging, Seniors of Syosset is a Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community program (NNORC-SOS). The program will offer social work support, com-
munity health nursing, and subsidized transportation to local medical appointments, free bus transportation for shopping, as well as other activities and services. Whether you are a senior in need of support, someone who wants to volunteer helping the community, or just someone who wants to learn more, we hope you will drop-in and get involved.
Thursday, July 24, at 2:00 p.m.
Kirk Douglas: Intense & Vulnerable (IN-PERSON)
Presenter: Marc Courtade, retired arts director
Kirk Douglas was an intense & muscular actor with the dimpled chin who was one of the top stars of the 20th century. He appeared in over 90 films, in roles ranging from “ Champion, ” “The Bad and the Beautiful,” “Lust for Life ” and “ Spartacus ” . He was nominated for 3 Academy Awards and received an Honorary Oscar for his film work in 1996. The talk showcases the life and career of a true legend of films. No registration needed.
Friday, July 25, at 10:00 a.m.
Simply Stronger with Balance (VIRTUAL)
Instructor: Mindy Vasta
Handheld weights, resistance bands and balls will help improve strength, flexibility, and coordination. Includes a balance segment to enhance posture, core strength, and proper alignment of muscle groups. Exercises can be performed sitting or standing. Equipment recommended but not required. Registration needed. Register at syossetlibrary.org. The Zoom link will be sent out once you register.
Friday, July 25, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Nassau County Property Tax Exemptions Workshop (In-Person)
Equipped with specially configured computers linked to the county ’ s database, the Nassau County Department of Assessment staff will process tax exemption applications on-site. For further information, contact the Nassau County Department of Exemptions Division at (516) 571-1500. No appointment needed. First come, first served basis. Applicants should arrive no later than 1:30 p.m. to the workshop.
Friday, July 25, at 2:00 p.m.
Friday Movie at the Library (IN-PERSON)
Join us for an afternoon movie at the library. Check our website for the movie that will be shown. Go to syossetlibrary.org.
From Despair to Hope: Conquering Peripheral Neuropathy with Westbury Acupuncture
“It’s as though I’m stepping from razor blade to razor blade.”
“It feels like my feet are under attack by fire ants.”
“Like I’m walking on wet paint with rolled up socks.”
And you’re in this kind of pain all the time.
“It’s relentless, keeping you up at night and preventing you from doing even the most mundane tasks. Things that I used to take for granted, like wearing shoes and going grocery shopping. Two of my three children were getting married last year and I wasn’t even sure I was going to be able to attend their weddings,” shares Rose W. Rose was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy in 2015, a degenerative condition affecting almost 5% of people over the age of 55.
including diabetes and chemotherapy, over 23% of neuropathy cases are classified as idiopathic. In layman's terms, the cause is unknown. This was the case with Rose. “Basically every question I had was met with an ‘I don’t know.’ It was depressing to say the least.”
article claiming a 90% success rate in treating neuropathy! I just had to call, and I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am that I did.”
tailor treatments based on a number of factors including the severity of your neuropathy, how long you’ve had it, whether or not there are any underlying factors, things of that nature. It’s because of these personalized treatment programs that we’re seeing such incredible results!”
Four months after treatment, Rose is back at work and thriving. “Being back at work isn’t even the most exciting part,” exclaims Rose. “Not only was I able to attend my son’s wedding, but I could walk down the aisle! It was the most magical moment and I have Jae Won to thank for it. To think, I might’ve missed that.” Rose held back tears.
“My doctor sat me down and said, ‘Rose I’m so sorry to tell you this, but you have peripheral neuropathy. I’m going to prescribe you gabapentin to manage the discomfort but overall, neuropathy is untreatable.’ My first thought was, ‘we can cure cancer but you can’t stop my feet from hurting?’ It felt like a cruel joke.”
While neuropathy can be caused by a number of things
Eventually, Rose was forced to quit her job because the numbness had started to set in and prevented her from driving.
Fortunately for Rose, she came across an article in the local newspaper featuring Jae Won Kim L.Ac and his innovative approach to treating peripheral neuropathy. “At first, I thought it had to be a sham. After so many specialists told me there was no hope, here was this acupuncturist in the
Jae Won Kim, founder of Westbury Acupuncture, says that cases like Rose’s are incredibly common. “Almost all of my neuropathy patients have been told at one point or another that there is no hope. I like to think I specialize in offering hope.”
To quote the New York Times, “Chinese medicine proves itself where Western medicine fails.”
“Acupuncture has been treating complicated, chronic conditions like neuropathy for thousands of years,” shares Jae Won. “I start with a foundation based on this time-tested science and my clinical experience. I then
If you or someone you love is suffering with chronic pain that presents as burning, tingling, or ‘pins and needles,’ or you’ve recently been diagnosed with Peripheral Neuropathy, it’s important to know that there are options.
There is hope. Call (516) 500-8281 to schedule an initial consultation or visit WestburyAcupuncture.com to read more incredible success stories.
Residents invited to submit photos for town publications
From page 1
media pages and brochures.”
Councilman Monteleone noted that photos should be taken within the confines of the Town of Oyster Bay. Digital submissions are preferred, but high-quality photos may also be submitted. Emailed photos should be sent to photos@oysterbay-ny.gov. Printed photos can be submitted to the Town’s Pub-
lic Information Office, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay NY 11771. Residents should make sure their name, address, phone number and brief description of the photo are included with their submission. The photographer is responsible for the correct spelling of the names and subjects in the photos, as well as notifying subjects they may appear in a Town publication.
Get Results!
Place an ad in our Classifieds for reasonable rates and prompt results. Call our Garden City office at 294-8900 for more information.
Town of Oyster Bay Zoning Board of Appeals
Mini golf and Mandarin
From page 1
spoke at a Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce meeting held at the Gus Scutari VFW Post 6394.
“Our language programs are designed for non-Chinese speaking or English-dominant families and they do not require any prior knowledge of Chinese. The goals of these programs are reading comprehension and conversational Chinese by making the language more accessible. We prepare students with introductions to Chinese culture together with language skills. There are multiple levels of instruction for children ages 4 through 18 plus two levels for adult learners,” she explained.
Saturday language classes are held at HBT Middle School and are open to
LEGAL NOTICES
TOWN HALL, AUDREY AVENUE, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK 11771-1592
REBECCA M. ALESIA –LISA CICCOLELLA – FLORESTANO GIRARDI – BRIAN GRIFFIN
PUBLIC HEARING CALENDAR
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING BY THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
all who register.
The PCLC’s curriculum blends instruction in both Chinese and English, aiming to build strong bilingual foundations. From beginner to advanced levels, the program supports progression in reading comprehension and fluency.
According to Ng, 80% of children enrolled in the 2024 summer camp are returning students. “It was amazing to see the smiles on the children’s faces as they learn things over summer. Most importantly we provide a safe and comfortable environment for kids – they’re in a/c classrooms, with indoor activities, and field trips on Fridays,” Ng shared.
Camp instructor Teresa Ge of Jericho joined the July 11 field trip. Mandarin lessons take place each morning
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 JULY 24, 2025, at 7:00 P. M., to consider the following appeals: BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
APPEAL NO. 25-142 SYOSSET
QUANSHUAI LIU: Variance to erect 6 ft. high PVC fence exceeding maximum height across front yard (Kathleen Drive North) and within 30 ft. of intersection than permitted by Ordinance. SW/ cor. of Evelyn Ln. & Kathleen Dr. N., a/k/a 43 Evelyn Lane, Syosset, NY
JULY 14, 2025
BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK
NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Notice of Formation of CNJ DISTRIBUTION LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/17/2025. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to JALENE WANG: 360 WHITEBIRCH LANE, JERICHO, NY 11753. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF SALE
Legal Notice # 21904366 Notice of Self Storage Sale Please take notice Safeguard Self Storage #190105 located at 45 Hempstead Turn- pike West Hempstead NY 11552 intends to hold a sale of the property stored in the below listed Storage Spaces. The public sale shall occur as an online auction via www.st orageauctions.com on 6/26/25 at 10:00 AM. Unless stated otherwise the descrip- tion of the contents are household goods, furnishings and garage essentials. Stephanie Green unit #0201; Obianuju Okoroafor unit #0324; Harel Gray unit #0336; James E Nicholson unit #0714; Brent B Blackman unit #2314; Malik Barley unit #2539. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. See manager for details.
NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF MEETING
Mini golf and Mandarin: A unique summer for local kids
from 9 to 11 a.m., followed by cultural activities, lunch, and afternoon sessions focused on academics such as math, STEM, and English. “It’s a warm-up for the school year,” Ng said.
The day ends with elective activities for upper elementary and middle school students. “We create a dynamic balance between language, academics, and fun,” she said.
“We end camp days with elective activities (2:30 to 4 pm) especially for those in higher elementary and middle school grades. There’s a fun dynamic in balancing the language skills with academic instruction,” she noted.
The camp week activities also include water games and competitive age-appropriate sports. Themes and special sessions include Karaoke Day, Hawaiian Day, Balloon-making and ‘Budgeting 101.’ A Debate/Mock Trial event and Saf-T-Swim instruction are planned for the second-to-last week of camp.
Year-round, the PCLC hosts cultural activities that celebrate Chinese holidays and festivals.
“When I was working on Wall Street, both of my kids did not have the opportunities to enjoy this kind of program. Through the Center we are sharing several ways to interact with and be
involved in Chinese culture, from the holidays to the food – we even have hands-on cooking demonstrations on the main dishes and desserts,” Ng explains.
Chinese arts are also part of the curriculum. “We have paper-cutting and decorating workshops. We do Lunar New Year arts and crafts, and we make take-home lanterns. Students can participate in each project and work in groups,” she added.
Ng told Chamber members that her goal for the rest of 2025 is to expand the Center’s reach to 100 additional families, including members of the local business community.
The Plainview Chinese Learning and Cultural Center is a member of the Association of Chinese Schools (ACS) and the National Council of Associations of Chinese Language Schools (NCACLS). The Center has participated in ACS annual conferences for 25 years. This year’s 52nd Annual ACS Conference was held on Long Island at The Mansion at Glen Cove, May 24–25.
For more information visit the website - Plainviewchinesecc.org - or contact the Chinese Learning and Cultural Center via email at Plainviewchinesecc@gmail.com
Children from the Plainview Chinese Learning Center / Chinese Cultural Group took a field trip to Spring Rock Golf Course to try out minigolf.
Town of Oyster Bay Zoning Board of Appeals
TOWN HALL, AUDREY AVENUE, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK 11771-1592
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 JULY 24, 2025, at 7:00 P. M., to consider the following appeals:
BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
APPEAL NO. 25-88 JERICHO
KEDIS ENTERPRISES LLC: (A) Variance to erect 5.08 ft. by 7.09 ft. illuminated logo wall sign (located on West side of building facing parking lot) exceeding maximum number of signs than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to erect 8.17 ft. by 2.50 ft. illuminated wall sign (located on North side of building facing Jericho Turnpike) exceeding maximum number of sign than permitted by Ordinance. S/s/o Jericho Tpke., W/o Brush Hollow Rd., a/k/a 83 Jericho Turnpike, Jericho, NY
JULY 14, 2025
BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK
NASSAU COUNTY
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LLLC
Notice of Formation of 5A MAGNOLIA LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/05/2025. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to 5A MAGNOLIA LLC: 5A MAGNOLIA DR, GREAT NECK, NY 11021. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
NASSAU COUNTY
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY CORPORATION
Notice of Formation of CNJ DISTRIBUTION LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/17/2025. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to JALENE WANG: 360 WHITEBIRCH LANE, JERICHO, NY 11753. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Boat Bike Tours Netherlands Islandhopping on the Wadden
Day 4 of our eight-day Boat Bike Tours’ Islandhopping tour of the Netherlands is spent sailing to the island of Terschelling. It takes about six hours to sail across the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
“Big boat, small water,” our captain, Age, says about the Wadden Sea (“Wadden” means “mudflats”), guaranteeing that the ship is “unsinkable” because the water is so shallow, we would run aground first.
We have a northwest wind so we can raise the sails instead of just motoring to Terschelling.
Lukacz, who I call the first mate, gives us the safety talk and invites us to help raise the sails (we don’t do it very well). He says it is more important to be safe “You are on vacation, a nice time. You can’t have a nice time with a broken hand. Bad pain is bad time.” But looking around at several of us with boating jackets, says, “I can see this isn’t your first rodeo.”
‘It’s about being happy,” Lukas says, finishing with “What do you think about my speech?”
Lukacz describes himself as a “little monkey jumping around,” and we soon see why as we watch him leaping around to get the sails unfurled, The wind is so strong (“Respect the power,” he says), but once the sails are raised, we feel the quiet tranquility of sailing. But having come from Texel, and seeing the scores of shipwrecks of those tall trading ships, I can only imagine what this would feel like in a storm, or how those sailors
goingplacesfarandnear.com
felt for months, even years crossing vast oceans to Asia, Africa, and North America.
We have lunch on board as we sail (tonight, we will be on our own for dinner in Terschelling, armed with a list of recommended restaurants).
The scene is stunning, with several tall sailing ships along the horizon, the swirling green/blue water, the white cottony clouds.
It is just 4 pm when we sail into Terschelling, flabberghasted by the finesse Captain Age shows to park our enormous ship, Leafde fan Fryslân, now 210 ft. long, 24 ft. wide and the only four-masted ship sailing the Dutch waters.
We walk off the ship from the crowded harbor crammed with sailing ships tied up two and three abreast and
explore the popular village. Huge ferry boats deposit thousands of visitors each day (remarkable considering a mere 9,700 people live on Terschelling).
Terschelling, one of 15 islands in the North Sea and the furthest north we will travel on our Islandhopping tour, is just 30 km long and 4.5 km wide with vast sand beaches, strong winds and wild water - and we will cycle around most of it.
The town is dominated by the 400 year-old Brandaris lighthouse, standing 388 ft high that can be seen from far off in the distance. I learn this is the oldest lighthouse in the Netherlands. The first tower was built in 1323 to guide ships on their way to Amsterdam through the Zuiderzee, the narrow opening between Vlieland and Terschelling. The tower we see
today was built in 1594. It became the first lighthouse in the Netherlands equipped with a rotating Freshnel lens in 1837 and was electrified in 1907.
I meet up with a German couple from our ship and follow them up a path over the dunes to the hilltop for a stunning view of the island and the port as the sun streams through clouds.
Back in the charming village, I come upon a gaggle of girls, who, it turns out, are Ukrainians taking refuge here from the war in their homeland. This brings a jolt of the world and current events to this small, isolated, peaceful place, shocking me back to the present out of my reverie for ages past. But as the historic markers and notes remind, the vast majority of human history has been one invasion, one war, one revolution, one disaster after another, and the nostalgia that sweeps over us looking back has a way of tempering the horror. One reason history is so much more palatable than present events is that we know how that chapter of the story ended.
Cycling Terschelling, Sailing to Harlingen
While the previous day was all about sailing, Day 5 is all about cycling. Terschelling offers 70 km of cycling tracks and four charming villages to discover. We will cycle 26 miles roundtrip, then, in the afternoon, sail across the Wadden Sea to Harlingen, the most important harbor city of the province of Friesland.
This is the first day of cycling where I understand why people get e-bikes in the Netherlands: the paths may be flat but the wind is strong (all
Boat Bike Tours Netherlands Islandhopping on the Wadden Sea:
Continued from previous page
the charming historic windmills and now modern wind turbines should have been a clue). I power through and at one point, one of our group becomes very conscientious about riding right in front of me to break the wind a bit.
We set out along the dyke, then turn off into villages, farms and fields. Our route takes us to the Stryper Wyke (wife) statue, a short distance from a cemetery. The monument heralds back to the 1666 wars with the English over trade with India. The British declared the North Sea as theirs and invaded this area, burning, raping, killing. The British, the story goes, confronted the Stryper Wyke demanding to know how many defenders there were, to which she replied, “100 standing, 1000 laying down” - referring to the cemetery. The legend goes that they took her literally and retreated, and she is credited with saving the town.
We ride passed an intriguing Toesaks Museum (pirates!) which is described as “an exciting and pleasantly eccentric museum for kids and adults” offering a collection recovered from shipwrecks. The museum is housed in a farmhouse and has a real pirate ship, a tree house and a castle. Owner and wreck diver Hille van Dieren, I learn later, has been collecting recovered inventory pieces from the many shipwrecks around Terschelling since 1975. The museum is full of curiosities from 1650 to the present (https:// wrakkenmuseum.nl/). I take a quick peek inside.
We ride through open fields (battling the wind), through forest and come to Koor Hoorn, hiking over enormous dunes which open up to this vast expanse of sand beach almost completely vacant. I walk what seems a quarter mile before I finally reach the actual water, where the sea is swirling with whitecaps and the beach is
strewn with a thick white foam that looks like pieces of clouds have fallen.
A popular thing to do is take a horsedrawn carriage ride on the beach and we see one of these carriages on the road. Leaving the beach, our guide, Edith, leads us through the “Dark Forest” so we can
We have dinner as we sail, and pull into Harlingen’s port in time to have a 7:45 pm walking tour of Harlingen led by our guide, Anya.
The first thing we see is a restoration of the De Witte Swaen (the White Swan). This was the famous vessel sailed
be shielded a bit against the wind.
We get to a charming Cranberry inn (spectacular desserts, all made with cranberry), and walk out to the cranberry field (not a bog).There is a small exhibit and video on a second floor.
The route takes us up and over dunes, and finally, into the village to the port, where we stop at a monument to those who have been lost at sea.
It’s been a lovely ride – we’re back at about 3:15 pm and the ship soon pulls out of the harbor.
We are in awe – along with everyone else on the dock - collectively holding our breath as Captain Age maneuvers out of the tight harbor. We sail across the Wadden Sea to Harlingen, considered the most important harbor city of the province of Friesland.
NUTRITION NEWS
by16th-century Dutch explorer Willem Barentsz when he discovered the Arctic archipelago of Spitsbergen (now known as Svalbard) and Bear Island. He then sailed onward to the Russian archipelago of Nova Zembla, where, in 1596, the ship got stuck in the ice in 1596 and they were forced to stay the winter. Barentsz did not survive, but 12 of the 17 crew were saved. Here, in the port of Harlingen, marine archaeologist Gerald de Weerdt is directing volunteers in building a genuine replica of the ship using 16th century techniques and materials. After years of work, his team is planning to finish the ship by year’s end. It will be sailed to Amsterdam and then returned here. Eventually, de Weerdt and his team want to retrace Barentsz’s voyage by sailing the vessel to Spitsbergen and Nova Zembla
Family Breakfast Benefits
BY CHARLYN FARGO
A new study finds eating a healthy breakfast -- together at home -- goes a long way to help your children’s psychosocial health.
We already know that eating a healthy breakfast is important to help children’s cognitive scores at school. This study found eating a healthy breakfast was just as important for children’s behaviors.
In the study published in Frontiers in Nutrition, researchers found that missing breakfast or eating breakfast away from home was linked to higher odds of psychosocial behavioral problems.
“Our results suggest that it is not only important to eat breakfast, but it’s also important where young people eat breakfast
and what they eat,” said Jose Francisco Lopez-Gil, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Castilla-La Mancha in Cuenca, Spain, in a press release. “Skipping breakfast or eating breakfast away from home is associated with increased likelihood of psychosocial behavioral problems in children and adolescents.”
Using data from the Spanish National Health Survey, Lopez-Gil and colleagues analyzed the eating habits of 3,773 children aged 4 to 14 years. To gather information on psychosocial behavior, parents of the children who participated in the study completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, reporting details about the child’s anxiety, self-esteem, mood and more.
This study of Spanish families may have been unusual as nearly every par-
(hopefully with a better outcome).
Anya points out the architecture – the Celtic tradition of putting a symbol to protect the house from evil – and how 600 buildings in the town are protected for their historic significance.
Magnificent buildings like the elaborate City Hall show the wealth of this town.
As we have seen before, the biggest building, typically a church, was built on the highest point, to provide safety when the town flooded. Holland broke with the Catholic Church of Spain, and declared religious freedom, when it won its independence after an 80-year war. She points to a tradition of people endowing homes for widows, the elderly and orphans (many today occupied by students and artists).
She notes that under Napoleon, who conquered the Netherlands in 1800 and installed his brother, Louis, as its first king (who ruled 1806-1810), every home had to replace the ornaments that showed a coat of arms or profession with a house number and street, and a registry was kept of names, religion and where they lived.
“In World War II, the Nazis could see where Jews lived” (one of the reasons why today, the Dutch are still wary of having their private information on the internet).
Today, we see some of the ”stumbling stones” – square copper plates in the sidewalk -documenting the name of the Jews who lived in the home, “the last place they lived in freedom,” before being taken by Nazis to concentration camps. There are some 70,000 of these “stumbling stones” in Europe, about 7,000 in the Netherlands, Anya says.
More information, Boat Bike Tours, www.boatbiketours.com, 203-814-1249.s
Next: Boat Bike Tours’ Netherlands Islandhopping: Exploring the Solar System through an 18th Century Lens
ticipant ate breakfast at home -- 98.9% ate breakfast overall and 95.8% ate it at home -- and most had what researchers deemed normal psychosocial behavior (87%). That number of breakfasts eaten at home might be much lower in America since many elementary and middle-school students eat breakfast at school.
The most reported breakfast meals in the study were cereals, toast, pastries and bread.
The researchers found that children who skipped breakfast regularly faced much higher odds of having psychosocial behavioral problems -- at least three times more than those of children who ate breakfast regularly. Children who ate breakfast away from their homes were much more likely to have behavioral problems.
When I was a child we never talked about the generation gap. It existed, that’s for sure, because we kids knew that what our parents had experienced was very different from the lives we were leading but it wasn’t talked about that much.
We might tease my parents about going down memory lane or talking about the good, old days but all of us would laugh off those references, gather around the dinner table then turn the TV onto a good show.
It was in the late 1960s and early ‘70s, however, that people really began talking about the phenomenon called the “generation gap.” It was mentioned on TV shows and in various newspaper and magazine articles. College students and professors also started talking about it at this time.
Some people referred to the generation gap as “intergenerational conflicts” but once I understood exactly what it was, I simply called it misunderstandings between my parents and their six kids - and between my high school teachers and my classmates and me. I was indeed a high school student in the early 1970s and no matter what class I was in, something would come up in conversations or academic discussions that were good illustrations of the generation gap.
At home there’d be occasional disagreements about political or religious topics but once again, we good naturedly shrugged off the fact that we younger and older people had very different views on whatever subjects were being discussed.
I remember my older brother, Greg, would say something was “cool” or “nifty” and we’d all smile at his choice of words. I also remember whenever he said something was “groovy,” such as the sleek look of a brand-new car being advertised on TV, my dad would roll his eyes at the term. We’d laugh but let me
say that groovy is not a word my mom, dad, aunts or uncles would ever use.
Now that I’m a Baby Boomer who is dealing with 18 nieces and nephews ranging in age from 50 years old to two years of age, I see and hear about examples of the generation gap almost every day. I’ve come to accept it as inevitable because the language my contemporaries and I speak is very different from the language the Millennials and Gen Zers use when speaking, texting and on the occasional times they email us.
Sometimes we get what they’re saying but other times we feel like we need a translator. We laugh and kid each other about needing someone to translate our language and the slang the younger kids use but it makes me stop and think: how did their words - and the ways we communicate with each otherget so different?
My oldest nephew, Patrick, is a Gen Xer and my other nephew Jake is also a Gen Xer but their brother, Dan, is a Millennial. I wish their parents, my brother, Peter, and sister-in-law Patty, had simply announced it the minute they were born and told us family members their new babies’ names. Then at least those of us who are 50+ would have been prepared.
It would have been much simpler for all of us if they had said, “Get ready for the generation gap! We’ve got two Gen Xers and one Millennial here.” Then we would have been a little bit ready for what was coming down the pike. Our words and their lingo were about to take a sharp turn and I can say that we would never be the same.
The fact is there was plenty of slang to be heard in the 1960 and ‘70s but kids today have a whole new version of slang. My niece, Shannon, was telling me about a new job she’d started a few months back and she said it was “Gucci.”
I couldn’t help but ask Shannon what she meant by that and she laughed and
said Gucci means something is good, cool or going well. I said I was happy for her but a quizzical look was on my face because I was still wondering about the words the young kids use.
When Patrick was telling me about a car he had his eye on he called it “bussin’” and I stopped him right there and asked what that word meant. To people my age bussin’ means we’re at a restaurant and the employee is clearing all the dishes after we’ve finished eating.
Patrick laughed and said, “No, that car is extremely cool and awesome so it’s bussin’.”
Once again I hesitated and looked perplexed but that’s okay because what else can you do when the generation gap rears its head?
What I’ve learned over the years is that as the new generations come along, they want to define themselves as something apart from the old so they use new words or what I call new lingo and slang. It becomes a matter of principle and pride for a particular generation to
have these variations on language. It’s not a matter of being right or wrong, it’s just different. Slang sets them apart, that’s for sure.
My contemporaries and I talk on Facebook but my younger friends and relatives prefer using Instagram as their preferred method of social media - and they made a big point of announcing the fact that Facebook is so “yesterday.”
Some of us jumped back when they said that, amazed because we’d spent years perfecting the art of using Facebook and didn’t see any need for Instagram but what can you do? That was it. Times changed and we wished them well but most people I know - my friends and other family members more or less my age - keep using Facebook.
The fact is these younger kids would rather text than phone or stop by and have a conversation but I’ve gotten used to the way they do things. It may not be how this Baby Boomer prefers doing things but that’s okay. I’m learning - in fact, I’m expanding my horizons.
BY TOM MARGENAU
I am so embarrassed by my former employer, the Social Security Administration. By issuing a press release that not only supports but outright glorifies the recently passed “One Big Beautiful Bill,” they have crossed a line that should never have been crossed. They may even have acted illegally. It was One Big Ugly Press Release.
Before I proceed, I must make an important point. I am NOT going to provide general comments on the newly enacted legislation itself. Whether you think “One Big Beautiful Bill” is the greatest piece of legislation in American history or whether you think it is the biggest boondoggle in American history, I don’t care. I am simply not smart enough to comment on it.
But I am smart enough to comment on the Social Security Administration’s response to the passage of the bill. They issued a press release headed: “Social Security Applauds Passage of Legislation Providing Historic Tax Relief for Seniors.” And then they turned around and sent it by email to all senior citizens in this country.
The bill may indeed provide “historic tax relief for seniors.” Again, that is not the point of this column. The point I must make is that a federal government agency has no right to engage in political commentary. In fact, the Hatch Act specifically forbids partisan political activity by federal government employees.
A federal government employee’s job is to simply carry out the laws passed by Congress. It is not their job to comment on those laws. Of course, each employee has his or her own political beliefs. During my 32-year career with the SSA, I worked with both staunch, conservative Republicans and die-hard liberal Democrats. I worked with Libertarians and I worked with Socialists. But all of us knew our job was to keep our opinions to ourselves and just help people get the Social Security benefits that they were entitled to.
And now the agency has crossed the line and made their opinions public. Well, actually, one person has. More about that in a minute.
But first, let me share this. As part of my three-decade career with the Social Security Administration, I served for a time as the agency’s deputy press officer. During my tenure, we never issued any kind of press release that was even remotely political in nature. In fact, we rarely issued any news releases at all because, well, there rarely was any news to issue a press release about. The agency was doing its job. Benefit claims were being taken and processed quickly, and Social Security checks went out on time every month. So, no news was good news.
But under the Trump administration, the people running the agency have been issuing press releases almost weekly. And some of them have been overtly political. For example, a press release issued on
One Big Ugly Press Release
April 29, 2025, was headlined, “Social Security Administration Highlights Key Accomplishments in the First 100 Days of the Trump Administration.”
I could parse the dickens out of the “One Big Beautiful” press release but let me just look at the first three words: “Social Security applauds” (passage of legislation ... ).
That implies that the Social Security program itself applauded the legislation. And of course, that is not true. I’m sure they meant to say, “The Social Security Administration” applauds the legislation. But even that is not true. The agency as a whole was not applauding, and again, because of the Hatch Act, cannot applaud the legislation.
What was meant to be said is that one person was applauding the passage of the legislation. And that one person is Frank Bisignano, a former Wall Street executive whom President Donald Trump appointed as the Commissioner of Social Security several months ago.
As a political appointee, of course Mr. Bisignano is going to have political opinions and he has every right to express those opinions. He could have issued his own statement saying that “I applaud the passage of One Big Beautiful Bill.” But he should not have issued an agency press release and then emailed it to every senior citizen in the country, saying that “Social Security applauds the passage of the bill.” Shame on him!
In addition to the blatant political messages, the press release and the email sent to all seniors were a bit misleading. For example, it said that “the new law includes a provision that eliminates federal income taxes on Social Security benefits.” By now, I think most seniors have learned from more reliable news sources that it doesn’t do that. What it does do is introduce a temporary deduction that some seniors can claim to lower their federal income tax. And notably, this deduction does not apply to all Social Security beneficiaries. For example, it does not apply to retirees who are under age 65. And it does not apply to people getting Social Security disability benefits, nor does it apply to widows and widowers who are under age 65.
Here is another misleading statement that was in the SSA press release. It said that “ ... this legislation reaffirms President Trump’s promise to protect Social Security.” Well, not really. Many Americans may not know this, but the money derived from the taxation of Social Security benefits is a small but important source of income to the Social Security trust funds. For example, last year, about $55 billion was added to the trust funds because of Social Security benefit taxation. While not all of that is going away, a significant percentage of it is.
So, this provision of the “One Big Beautiful” bill does not “protect Social Security.” Instead, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, it
pushes up its bankruptcy date by one year -- from 2033 as the Social Security Trustees recently reported to 2032.
Finally, because of the long lead time to write, edit, and publish this column, I am writing this just a day or two after the “Big Beautiful Bill” passed. I, and millions of other Americans, are still digesting what was in the bill. Once that happens, I will likely write a follow-up column on this issue.
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.
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CROSSWORD PUZZLE
What happened in the 2nd Quarter 2025?
There are many states and localities where housing inventory has increased drastically, as buyers have been retreating back on the fence waiting for lower rates. Moreover, financially they just can’t afford the current prices. Mortgage rates have been hovering between 6.5-7%. When you add the other costs of insurance and the ongoing costs of ownership, this market has moved many to the sidelines to wait and see when and if rates and especially prices will subside.
Prices will still be stable, increasing slightly, until there is a marked decrease in demand on Long Island. However, Jerome Powell, our Fed Chair, isn’t succumbing to pressure, as Trump is trying his best to do so) to lower rates. He is still waiting for the market to provide him more concrete insight to determine if job increases/ attritions, unemployment are occurring and any other criteria in a negative way, that would warrant decreasing the Fed Funds rate.
In Nassau County, during the second quarter, closed single family home closed median sales were down yearover-year 5.4% to 1, 846 units: but sale prices increase yoy 4.5% to $820,000. Condo median closed sales increase yoy 3.5% to 186 units: but sale prices increased yoy 3.5% to $807,500. However, median closed sales of co-ops were down home closed median sales were down year-over-year 15.8% to 187 units, but sale prices increased 11.3% to $345,000.
Sale prices across the board in Q-2 2024 were 100.4% and in Q-2 2025 were 100.3% of the asking priced, are still being paid by purchasers. Either they have fomo (fear of missing out) or need and want to purchase, because they are in an excellent financial position, need the tax deductions and are willing to pay what the sellers are asking.
Overall sales of all properties are down 5.5%. Year-over-year the number of homes for sale has decreased 6.7%. However, median sale prices have increased 6%.
New listings inventory for single
BY PHILIP A. RAICES
family homes has slightly increased 4.7% from 3,458 units in Q-2 2024 to 3,619 in Q-2 2025. The total number of homes listed 1/1/24-6/30/24 was 6,026 compared with 6,216 during the same period in 2025; an increase of3.2%. The number of days on the market has gone down from 52 in Q2 2024 to 44 in Q2 2025. The number of months’ supply has also receded from 3.4 months in Q2 2024 to 3.2 months in Q2 2025; a decrease of 5.9%.
New condo listings decreased from 296 units in Q2-2024 to 278 in Q2-2025; a decrease of 6.1%. Available condos for sale decreased from 242 units in Q2 2024 to 203 in Q2 2025. However, the days on the market has increased yoy from 50 inQ2 2024 to 61 in Q2 2025. The number of months’ supply has gone from 4 months in Q2 2024 to 3.3 months in Q-2 2025 a decrease of 17.5%. It’s very obvious that demand is still there causing this decrease to occur and also contributing is that not enough new inventory is entering the market.
Co-op inventory has also decrease yoy from 306 units in Q-2 2024 to 296 in Q2 2025 a decrease of 3.3%. Available listings during the same period has changed yoy from 246 units to 218. The number of months to sell the entire coop inventory has decreased from 3.7 months to 3.1 months comparing Q-2 2024- Q-2 2025, a 16.2% decrease.
Overall inventory of single family, condos and coops has increased comparing 2024 and 2025.
However, sales of single family homes have ticked up to 1,846 units comparing to the Q1 \2025 of 1,729 units; but have continued to trend lower compared to Q2 2024 of 1,951 units, a decrease of 2.5%. Same holds true of condos where 186 have sold in Q2 2025 compared to 158 in Q1 2025. However, those sales are higher comparing Q2 2024 of 175 units an increase of 6.3%.
Coop sales were down from 214 in
Q-1 2025 comparing 187 in Q2 2025. But down significantly, from 222 in Q2 2024, decreasing yoy, 15.8%
Nationally, inventory has increased yoy, to over one million units according to Realtor.com. This hasn’t been achieved since the winter of 2019. In a multitude of markets, it is taking a week longer to sell a home on average compared to 2024. Prices as well are being adjusted lower and are becoming more normal due to buyers in the South and Midwest having second thoughts about purchasing due to rates and prices, according to Realtor. com.
Affordability continues to become an issue, even on Long Island. A score of 120 on the affordability index means a buyer has 120% of what is needed to purchase. For single family homes. That number has trended down from 86 in Q-2 2023, 74 in Q-2 2024 and now 72 in Q-2 2025. The index has dropped drastically for condos from 97 in Q2 2023, 74 in Q2 2024, to 73 in Q2 2025.
For coops although the number was high, 199 in Q-2 2023, it has steadily decreased to 187 in Q2 2024, and to 171 in Q2 2025. Taking a 40 year conventional mortgage might be one solution to lower your monthly cost. However, like student debt, and whether or not you’ll eventually pay off your loan and at the same time, hopefully build appreciation and equity at the end.
(Nassau County stats courtesy of OneKeyMLS),
Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 43+ years experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned 3 significant designations:
National Association of Realtors Graduate Realtors Institute (what I consider a Master’s degree in real estate).
Certified International Property Specialist - expert in consulting and completing international transactions.
National Association of Realtors Green designation: eco-friendly low carbon footprint construction with 3-D printed foundations, Solar panels, Geothermal HVAC/Heat Pumps).
He will also provide a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality, and his Seller’s and Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider when Selling, investing or Purchasing your Home.
He will provide you with “free” regular updates of what has gone under contract (pending), been sold (closed) and those homes that have been withdrawn/ released or expired (W/R) and all new listings of homes, HOA, Townhomes, Condos, and Coops in your town or go to:
https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com and you can “do it yourself (DYI) and search at your leisure on your own. However, for a “FREE” no obligation/ no strings attached 15-minute consultation, as well as a “FREE printout or digital value analysis of what your home might sell for in today’s market without any obligation or “strings” attached call him at (516) 647-4289 or email: Phil@ TurnKeyRealEstate.com
You can now search at your leisure for properties at: WWW.Li-RealEstate.com
If your refrigerator is at all like mine, it harbors an odd assortment of leftovers and “almost gones.” After all, it’s hard to throw out what appears to be perfectly good food, but what can you do with a little of this and not very much of that? Here are some suggestions that may get your creative juices flowing to come up with your own ideas for what’s lurking in your refrigerator.
BOTTLED SALAD DRESSING
It’s a rare refrigerator that doesn’t have an assortment of almost empty salad dressing bottles. Here’s what you can do with any oil and vinegar-based dressings like Caesar, Italian or other vinaigrettes, even the low-fat varieties: Mix all those small amounts together in one bottle, then label for marinade for beef, pork or chicken. The oil adds flavor, and the vinegar (or another acid such as lemon juice) tenderizes. You need enough to coat the meat or poultry, then cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before roasting, grilling or baking.
APPLESAUCE
That last bit of applesauce in the jar will make a wonderful coleslaw dressing. Make sure you have about 1/2 cup applesauce left in the jar and then add about 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/3 teaspoon celery salt, 1 teaspoon prepared mustard, 1 teaspoon sugar and 2 tablespoons water. Apply the lid and shake well. To use: Toss with about 4 cups shredded cabbage or packaged cole-
slaw mix. Refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld. Yield: 8 servings.
MASHED POTATOES
Leftover mashed potatoes make a great topper for almost any casserole, such as Shepherd’s Pie, for example. Preheat the oven to 400 F. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and saute 1 pound ground or shredded turkey (you can also use chicken, beef or other meat), 1/4 cup minced celery and 1/2 cup chopped onion until brown. Add 3/4 cup beef or chicken broth, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 5 minutes. Mix in frozen or drained canned green peas. Pour mixture into an 8-by-8-inch square baking pan. Spread the leftover mashed potatoes over the top. Sprinkle with a little paprika for color (optional). Bake for 30 minutes. Yield: 6 servings.
COOKED RICE
Turn that leftover rice into a wonderful quiche crust. Mix together 2 cups
white or brown leftover cooked rice, 1 beaten egg and 1 teaspoon soy sauce. Spread evenly to cover a well-buttered quiche or pie pan. Bake crust at 350 F for 10 minutes. Remove from oven. Place any kind of fresh or frozen vegetables (broccoli is a good choice) or meat on the crust. Mix together 4 beaten eggs, 1 1/2 cups milk or half-and-half, salt and pepper to taste, and a dash of nutmeg. Pour over vegetables and meat. Top with 1 cup grated cheese (Swiss, cheddar, Monterey Jack or any combination). Bake at 350 F for 45 to 50 minutes or until a knife inserted near center of pie comes out clean. Remove from oven and let sit 10 minutes before serving. You can practically clean out the refrigerator right into your quiche pan. Just remember to add the cheese last to make a beautiful, golden-brown crust on the top.
BUTTERMILK
Lots of recipes call for a fairly small amount of buttermilk. That’s great, but
Family Breakfast Benefits
Because those who ate at home were more likely to do so with family members, the researchers wrote that social and family needs may factor into the results.
“Family meals are a family time that provides an opportunity for families to connect despite the ongoing intense demands of modern life,” they noted. The bottom line is family meals matter and are beneficial for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Q and A
Q: Is there a nutritional difference between oatmeal and oat bran?
A: Oatmeal is the entire oat grain, including the bran. Oat bran has been separated out and is often cooked into a hot
porridge or added to baked goods. The biggest difference nutritionally is the fiber; oat bran has more fiber. Oatmeal is about 12% bran while oat bran is 100% bran.
Both oatmeal and oat bran are healthy choices. Top the cooked cereals with fresh fruit or sprinkle oat bran on Greek yogurt or cereal.
RECIPE
Pizza for breakfast? That’s a sure way to get the entire family to eat breakfast together. The recipe is from Eating Well magazine. Alter it with your favorite veggies -- like spinach, red or yellow pepper strips and chopped onions. You can make it in 10 minutes or less.
BREAKFAST NAAN PIZZA
Servings: 1
or pesto
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1 large egg
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped fresh basil and ground pepper for garnish
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Coat a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Place naan on the prepared pan. Mix ricotta, marinara (or pesto) and lemon zest in a small bowl. Spread the mixture onto the naan, creating a well in the center. Carefully crack egg into the well. Sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake until naan is golden, the egg white is set, and the cheese is melt-
what to do with the rest of a quart or pint? That 1/2 cup of buttermilk languishing in the back of the fridge won’t last forever. Here’s an awesome suggestion: Before it goes bad, use it to make fabulous overfried fish. Preheat the oven to 400 F. Line a baking pan or cookie sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with cooking spray. In a flat dish or pan, mix together 1/2 cup cornmeal, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne, salt and pepper to taste, stirring with a fork until blended. Pour the buttermilk into a shallow bowl. Cut fish fillets to equal 4 servings into portion-sized pieces (Catfish is perfect for this recipe, but any white fish works really well.) Dip each piece in the buttermilk and then in the cornmeal mixture, making sure to dip both sides of each piece. Place on the sprayed foil. Drizzle olive oil over the fillets or spray with olive oil-flavored cooking spray. Bake for 25 minutes.
Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “DebtProof Living.”
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ed, 8 to 10 minutes. Garnish with basil and pepper, if desired. Serves 1. Per serving: 458 calories; 24 grams protein; 52 grams carbohydrates; 17 grams fat (7 grams saturated); 202 milligrams cholesterol; 5 grams fiber; 5 grams sugar; 758 milligrams sodium.
Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois, and the current president of the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. For comments or questions, contact her at charfarg@aol.com or follow her on Twitter @NutritionRD.
COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM
BY DENNIS MAMMANA
Week of July 20-26, 2025
Folks think I’ve lost my mind when I suggest the best time of year to visit me for stargazing here in the Southern California desert is during late July and early August.
Yes, the days are scorchingly hot. It’s the desert. It’s summertime. I get it. But to be honest, I rarely go outside when the sun is in the sky. Neither does anyone else without a nearby swimming pool and a functioning brain.
No, most of us desert rats know to wait until sundown before venturing outdoors. By then, the temperatures have dropped to a more tolerable -- some might even say pleasant -- level. And once darkness falls, we are rewarded with some of the most amazing sights overhead.
The nighttime sky of summer has always been my favorite. Perhaps this comes from my childhood on the East Coast, when summer was a time of school vacation, hanging out with friends, cooling off with ice cream and watermelon, and, yes, for me, stargazing late into the night.
It’s a shame that people don’t spend much time enjoying the night sky anymore. Cities have become so immense and light-polluted that, without a long drive to the mountains or wilderness, it’s impossible to see the starry heavens
Our Magnificent Milky Way
at their finest. And doing that always seems to take too much effort.
But stand outdoors under a dark night sky of summer just once, and you’ll be stunned by its beauty. What makes this sky my favorite is seeing the Milky Way arching gently across the heavens.
High in the east, we can see it streaming through the three bright stars of the Summer Triangle. On its southern end, it passes between the star groupings of Scorpius, the scorpion, and the teapot of Sagittarius.
Though it appears as a softly glowing cloud against the darker sky, what we see is so much more remarkable. This is the rim of our galaxy’s disk arching across the sky. Its hazy appearance, of course, is an illusion caused by the countless stars that seem to blend to create the cloudiness.
One of the most obvious features of the Milky Way is that it’s not uniform in brightness. It is, instead, mottled with dark rifts and rivulets along its entire length. Though they may appear as voids in the Milky Way, these are known to astronomers as giant molecular clouds -- or GMCs -- massive globs of interstellar dust that stand in silhouette against the Milky Way’s brighter stellar band. It is within these GMCs that massive starand planet-forming regions exist, hidden from eyes not privileged enough to have infrared vision.
Many Native American tribes believed the Milky Way to be a road that led the souls of recently departed to their final resting places in the heavens. The seafaring Polynesians saw it, instead, as a great blue shark. But it was the ancient Greeks who described its appearance as that of milk spilled across the heavens, and this led to the name we use today.
Make some time this summer to get
away from the light-polluted cities and enjoy the magnificent Milky Way. Take my word for it: It’s worth the effort!
Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com.
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Journey to the Center of the Shed
BY TRACY BECKERMAN
One of the things I was really excited about when we moved to the suburbs was having a shed. I imagined something pretty with flower-filled window boxes, organized shelves of potting tools, and rakes and brooms hung neatly in size order. However, since I failed to bring Martha Stewart along with us to help create this garden tool utopia, the shed looked less like an image from “Shed Beautiful” magazine and more like a tornado had gone through Home Depot. Eventually, of course, there comes a day where you either have to clean out the shed or have it condemned. And since we needed the space to store our stuff, as well as have a place where I could banish my husband when he snored, I had to bite the bullet and clean the shed.
With clear weather in the forecast, I decided to roll up my sleeves and
get the shed cleaning done for the season. Having done this dirty deed several times before, I had developed a step-bystep series of instructions to help me get the job done as quickly and painlessly as possible. Feel free to use my helpful list for yourself or pass it on to someone you love:
1. Open shed doors quickly.
2. Scream as raccoon comes flying out of shed.
3. Slam shed doors close.
4. Open shed doors slowly. Glance around to make sure there are no more live wild animals in shed.
5. Enter shed.
6. Forget to check for dead wild animals.
7. Find dead animal.
8. Scream and run out of shed.
9. Get garbage bag, rubber gloves, face mask, hazmat suit and NASAcertified decontamination chamber.
10. Dispose of dead animal.
11. Begin emptying shed.
12. Go to pull rake out of corner. Discover it is woven into large spider web.
13. See spider the size of Godzilla in the corner of the web.
14. Decide rake looks really good in corner and leave it.
15. Remove pile of hoses. Find another pile beneath first pile. Find third pile under second pile. Keep finding more hoses. Wonder if Jimmy Hoffa is buried under final pile.
16. Remove shovels, spades and brooms. Keep one broom and use it to swat down dirt clump in corner of shed ceiling.
17. Dirt clump turns into bat, which flies around inside of shed looking for exit.
18. Scream and run out of shed.
19. Return to shed with bat spray, which is really aerosol deodorant because there is no such thing as bat spray.
20. Spray deodorant in corners of shed. Shed now smells powder fresh.
21. Remove half-used bags of potting soil, fertilizer and mulch.
22. Find hammock in corner.
23. Discover mice made hammock into mouse mulch.
24. Find mice.
25. Scream and run out of shed.
26. Return in hazmat suit. Sweep mice out of shed. Dispose of hammock mulch. Spray more deodorant.
7. Assess remaining work to be done.
28. Go back in house.
29. Call husband.
30. Tell him it’s his turn to clean out the shed.
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.
LOST IN SUBURBIA
Summer is perhaps the best time of year to view the Milky Way in the night sky.
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Chicken-fried finger foods
Best-Ever Steak Fingers
Country-fried or chicken-fried are terms given to breaded and deep-fried poultry and meat. In fact, chicken-fried steak is an institution in the American south, where thinly sliced cuts of cubed steak are prepared in this way and served with country gravy and biscuits. There’s not much room for improvement in this classic… or is there?
In “Best-Ever Steak Fingers,” chicken-fried steak gets a makeover into easily picked up finger foods tailor made for dipping in a savory sauce. They are perfect for picnics and meals on the go. Dig in, courtesy of “Lord Honey Traditional Southern Recipes with a Country Bling Twist” (Pelican Publishing) by Chef Jason Smith. Serves 6
2) Pour 1 inch oil into a large cast-iron or other thick-bottomed skillet. Turn heat to medium low. Place the flour in a shallow pan. Sprinkle half the steak seasoning over flour, and mix together.
4) Sprinkle a few drops flour over oil. If it sizzles, it’s ready to fry. Using tongs or a fork, place strips side by side in hot oil. Don’t crowd the pan, or it will cool the oil.
3) Cut steak into 1-inch strips. Add the rest of the steak seasoning, rubbing into each piece. Turn heat to medium on skillet. Place each strip in the flour mix, then into the milk and egg mix, then back into the flour. Shake off excess and place each strip on a plate. Repeat until all strips are coated.
5) After about 2 to 3 minutes, when strips start to brown on bottom, turn over. When second side is brown, remove and place on a cooling rack that has been set on a cookie sheet. Set the sheet in the preheated oven. Repeat until all fingers are cooked.
6) In a bowl, whisk together all dipping sauce ingredients.
Last Hope Part of the Chewy.com Rescue Program
If you haven’t tried Chewy.com yet for your pet food and supply purchases, this is a great time to check them out. Last Hope is part of their rescue program. For each new customer that makes a purchase, Last Hope will receive a $20 donation. Go to Last Hope’s Chewy page at https:// www.chewy.com/g/last-hope-animal-rescue_b100553681 for info on Last Hope and to shop for items and necessities on the shelter’s wish list.
Wisdom Lane eighth graders ready to be Division Dragons
from peers as they proceeded through
The Wisdom Lane Middle School Class of 2025 reached a milestone on June 16 as they crossed the stage to officially become students of Division Avenue High School.
Eighth graders processed toward the auditorium dressed in their gowns to the applause of their peers and school staff. On stage, students Gabrielle Dermody and Olivia Martin led the Pledge of Allegiance before members of the chorus sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Principal John Avena led opening remarks, followed by Superintendent Todd Winch and Division Avenue Principal John Coscia, who welcomed the class with excitement.
Adrianna Faith, Japleen Rathor and Vanessa Villatoro led the eighth grade class address, reflecting on their peers’ achievements in middle school and urg-
ing them to make the most of high school.
“As we sit here today, one last time as middle schoolers, I hope each and every one of you in this auditorium today reflects on the past three years,” Faith said, “realizing how much you have grown, accomplished and achieved.”
The class gift – a plaque honoring the building’s original annex to be placed near the entrance to the school’s newly renovated athletic fields – was presented by Radhika Patel, Nesha Tjia and Malu Vivar-Avila. Each graduate then received their diploma and shook hands with trustees and administrators. The ceremony was concluded with a performance of “Corner of the Sky” by the eighth grade chorus.
Photos courtesy Levittown Public Schools
Nesha Tjia, Radhika Patel and Malu Vivar-Avila presented the class gift.
The Class of 2025 received applause
the halls.
Friends were excited to cross the stage.
Wisdom Lane eighth graders were ready to officially become high schoolers during their moving up ceremony on June 16.
Japleen Rathor, Vanessa Villatoro and Adrianna Faith gave the eighth grade class address.
WE DON’T RELY ON MIRACLES.
We continually monitor over 800 quality and care metrics in real time, so we can constantly innovate and improve on every factor that impacts patient recovery and survival.
Our relentless focus on every detail has helped us to achieve the lowest mortality rates, the lowest hospital-acquired infection rates, and the lowest lengths of stay in the nation. That’s why we were named #1 for quality care in the U.S.