Syosset Advance (8/8/25)

Legal firm grows roots in Syosset with grand reopening Jericho student shines at Paris History Olympiad

Brent Costello with the medals he won at the International History Olympiad.

Brent Costello, an upcoming Jericho High School student, proudly brought home two medals from the 2025 International History Olympiad, hosted by International Academic Competitions (IAC) in Paris, France. He earned medals in various history events, including a Scramble tournament on Cultural History from the

year 500 to the present and Music History. Costello qualified for the international competition as a Semifinalist at the 2024 National History Bee, competing against over 1,500 students.

The International History Olympiad, which featured over 400 participants from more than 20 countries this year, is a quiz competition

where individual students demonstrate their extensive knowledge of historical events across all eras.

Costello is no stranger to competition; he participated in the 2024 and 2023 National History Bees in Orlando, Florida, and Arlington, Virginia, respectively and the 2023 International History

See page 8

BY RIKKI MASSAND

In June, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors held a ribbon-cutting and grand opening for the personal injury law firm Brian J. Levy & Associates, P.C. The firm relocated to a larger office at 75 Jackson Avenue, just south of the LIRR tracks and Syosset station.

Previously located at 303 Jackson Avenue in a 1,600-square-foot space, the firm sold that office to SRG Residential as it expanded. The new 0.77acre property at 75 Jackson Avenue was purchased for $3.625 million. The renovated 15,000-square-foot building now houses 30 attorneys and the firm’s entire support staff.

“A few years ago we bought this building with the intention of being able to continue to serve the greater community – with the North Shore of Nassau County as well as nearby Suffolk County, plus all five boroughs. We maintain our presence in the Bronx and a big presence here on Long Island, and we were able to renovate this 15,000 sq. foot building. We’ve put our entire staff including 30 experienced attorneys here, and with this location we really are in the position to work for and with everybody in the New York metropolitan area,” Brian Levy said.

accidents, and slip or trip and fall incidents. More information is available at www.brianjlevy.com

“We are here to help people who have been injured as a result of somebody else’s negligence. Whether that is an accident that occurred on a construction site or another type of work-related accident or a car accident, we want to be able to help that person and we want to be able to hold that entity or that other person responsible for their negligence, carelessness and recklessness. We will help anybody that’s injured – every opportunity that we get to work with people is a value-add on our end. The firm loves to work hard to help anybody that was hurt,” he explained.

Building a home base

Levy and his wife, Nicole (Nikki), chose to raise their family in Syosset, where their two younger children attend local schools. Their two older sons are currently in college.

“Syosset-Woodbury is an unbelievable town and it’s composed of amazing people. Being able to not only live here but work here is a blessing. To be able to renovate the downtown’s signature building and make it even more beautiful was an important aspect for me and my family. We really want to continue seeing Syosset-Woodbury prosper and grow, and we feel like we have contributed to that,” Brian Levy

Send Address Change to: The Syosset Advance, 821 Franklin Ave., Suite 208 Garden City, N.Y. 11530 • Meg Norris, Publisher See page 8

The firm handles all types of accident-related cases, including motor vehicle crashes, construction

Fork Lane students enjoy Books Alive program

Fork Lane students enjoyed a presentation of “Books Alive.”

Students at Fork Lane Elementary School in Hicksville recently experienced the magic of reading in a whole new way, thanks to a special presentation of Books Alive. This

Reader’s Theater program, led by Fork Lane librarian Christine Janda, transforms beloved children’s books into lively performances featuring teachers and parents as thecast.

Janda designed Books Alive to ignite

a love of reading by turning stories into engaging theatrical experiences. “Our goal is to show students that reading isn’t just something done quietly at a desk,” said Janda. “With expressive narration, simple costumes, props, and enthusiastic performances, each presentation captures students’ imaginations and brings literature to life right before their eyes.”

Kiwanis holds Road Rally

On May 10, New York State Senator Steve Rhoads joined the Levittown Kiwanis Club for their 12th Annual Road Rally—an “Amazing Race”-style competition that sent teams across town solving clues and completing navigation challenges. The event was once again a tremendous success, raising an impressive $12,500 to support local initiatives. The Levittown Kiwanis Club continues to be a cornerstone of community service, organizing events that uplift children, families, and strengthen neighborhood bonds. Special thanks to Event Chair Esta Lachow for her outstanding leadership and dedication in making this year’s rally such a success. Senator Rhoads was proud to once again show his support for Levittown Kiwanis, the Levittown community, and this fun, impactful event.

Arrests for prostitution in Hicksville

On Thursday, July 31, two Queens women were arrested for alleged prostitution and providing illegal massages at businesses located in Hicksville.

According to Nassau County Police detectives, an investigation was conducted at Modern Life Wellness located at 36 W. Village Green, where according to police prostitution and illegal massages were being conducted. Sandra Toro-Perez, 31, was charged with Prostitution and Unauthorized Practice

of a Profession.

Police also investigated Spring Day Spa located at 77B N. Broadway and charged Bifang Lin, 43, with with Prostitution and Unauthorized Practice of a Profession.

Police say both women are in the United States illegally and are subject to removal proceedings. They was issued an appearance tickets and taken into custody by US Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agents.

If you own a business or have a service to provide, we’ll create professional advertisements to promote it and help you be seen by thousands of local readers! Call 1-516-294-8900 to inquire!

Syosset student selected for youth exchange

AFS-USA is pleased to announce that Matthew Tymchynyuk, a high school student from Syosset, is one of 210 American high school students to be awarded the CongressBundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year. CBYX is a bilateral exchange program co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and German Bundestag (Parliament).

As a CBYX scholar, Matthew will spend the academic year in Germany living with a host family, attending a German high school, and participating in language learning and cultural immersion training to gain a better understanding of German culture, language, and everyday life. Conditions permitting, there may be opportunities to visit the German Bundestag, meet with American and German government officials, participate in intercultural seminars, and explore the country through excursions to nearby cities and historical sites.

Each year, on behalf of the U.S. Department of State, AFS-USA awards 52 CBYX scholarships to high-achieving high school students from 14 states, allowing youth from an array of communities to par-

ticipate in a full cultural immersion experience. The CBYX program, which is jointly funded by the U.S. Congress and the German Bundestag, was created to foster mutual understanding and strengthen ties between Germany and the U.S. through citizen diplomacy. The program is a true public-private partnership, leveraging the contributions of host families, educational institutions, and local communities. Not only do American students go abroad to Germany, but German students also come to live and study in the United States, experiencing American culture firsthand and enabling American communities to get to know Germany without leaving home. Schools and families who volunteer to host these German youth help strengthen the U.S. relationship with Germany and showcase their community to international audiences. Since its inception in 1983, the CBYX program has allowed more than 30,000 participants to expand their leadership, language, communication, and problem-solving skills, and become global citizens. All participants become part of a global network of U.S. Department of State program alumni.

Matthew Tymchynyuk engaging in one of his favorite activities — debate — during the recent Ronald Reagan Great Communicator Debate Series National Tournament.

Photo courtesy Ronald Reagan Foundation Education Team

BRUCE A. BLAKEMAN NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE

Magic, wonder light up Bethpage’s Extended School Year program

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14TH | 7:00PM

Throughout the magic show, students were invited on stage to take part in thrilling tricks, including levitation, disappearing acts and illusions.

Students in Bethpage’s Extended School Year (ESY) program enjoyed an unforgettable afternoon of magic on July 31, as world-renowned magician Eric Wilzig brought his high-energy illusion show to the Bethpage High School Center for the Performing Arts.

The special performance provided a unique opportunity for special education students to experience a live theatrical event in a familiar and supportive environment, surrounded by their teachers, aides and counselors.

Mr. Wilzig, whose impressive career includes appearances on “America’s Got Talent,” “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas and Madison Square Garden, captivated the audience with mind-bending illusions and engaging stage presence.

A magician since the age of five, Mr. Wilzig has studied under legendary performers such as David Copperfield and Criss Angel.

Throughout the show, students were invited on stage to take part in thrilling tricks, including levitation, disappearing acts and illusions that appeared to reveal personal details like names and dates significant to audience members.

Excitement was felt throughout the auditorium as students eagerly volunteered and cheered on their classmates and even a few staff members who joined in the fun. It was a day filled with laughter, awe, and joy, showing everyone that a little bit of magic can go a long way.

Photos courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

Students eagerly volunteered and cheered on their classmates and even a few staff members who joined in the fun.

Francis Hospital & Heart Center… nationally ranked in 7 adult specialties

Year after year, St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a national leader across multiple specialties. With exceptional physicians and an unrivaled patient experience, St. Francis sets the standard for superb care and expertise.

No other hospital on Long Island has been nationally ranked for Heart & Vascular as often as St. Francis—now 18 times by U.S. News.

chsli.org/st-francis-hospital

Patriotic display stands tall at Northside School

Northside Elementary School’s fourth grade classes worked collaboratively to create a mural depicting a colorful, abstract interpretation of the United States.

Those entering the Northside School’s cafeteria in the Levittown School District will be greeted by a large and vibrant mural depicting an abstract interpretation of the United States created collaboratively by fourth grade classes.

Inspired by “Map” by renowned

American artist Jasper Johns, the mural spans an impressive 8 feet by 10 feet. Under the guidance of art teacher Mrs. Kessler, students began the project by painting individual states using bold primary colors, echoing the signature style of Johns. Each class contributed their own unique pieces, turning art

class into a creative exploration of geography, color theory and American art history.

Once the states were completed, fourth grade teachers Mrs. Atchison, Ms. Ioveno, Ms. Ribero and Mr. Vilbig worked together with students to assemble the final mural. Their teamwork

brought the project to life, transforming the cafeteria space into both an art gallery and an educational resource. The mural now stands as a celebration of student creativity, artistic expression and cross-curricular learning — and offers a daily dose of inspiration for all who pass by.

One-stop Passport Weekend at Town Hall

To help residents looking to obtain new passports, Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca announced that his office will offer a special one-stop Passport Weekend on Saturday, August 9, and Sunday, August 10, 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 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

Attention students!

Graduated from school? Have an outstanding GPA? Made the honor roll or Dean’s List? Scored an internship or study abroad opportunity?

located at Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road in Massapequa.  Passport appointments are available Monday through Friday, from 9:30am to 3:30pm, 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. For information on passport requirements and processing times, as well as instructions for passport renewals, visit www.travel.state.gov.

We invite you to send details of any of these things and more, along with your name and contact info, to editor@gcnews.com for a chance to be seen in our paper!

Photo courtesy Levittown Public Schools

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.

Jericho student shines at Paris History Olympiad

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Olympiad in Rome, earning medals in Black American History, Italian History, and Music History events.

Costello's passion for history is fueled by watching Jeopardy with his family, reading, viewing YouTube vid-

eos, and traveling. His achievements have been enthusiastically supported and encouraged by his History Club Advisor, Theresa Cantwell, the Jericho Middle School Social Studies and French departments, and the Jericho School District administration.

Water district warns about testing kit scams

The Hicksville Water District (HWD) has reported that it was recently contacted by a local resident about a water testing kit that they received in the mail from a private company based in Bay Shore. This issue has come up in the past, and the HWD wants to remind residents that, unlike the District’s samples, the results of these tests are unreliable and are not verified by the Nassau County Health Department. The HWD urges residents to proceed with caution when engaging with these companies that are trying to take advantage of them strictly for their own profit.

“The companies that send out these testing kits to residents are simply trying to pressure them into purchasing their home water filters based on questionable water sample results,” said HWD Chairman Nicholas Brigandi. “The results provided by these tests are likely to be inaccurate and do not reflect the actual quality of the Hicksville Water District’s drinking water. We have invested more than $50 million in the installation of the most state-ofthe-art treatment technology available to ensure that our water meets and exceeds all state and federal guidelines before it is distributed to residents’ homes.”

The resident who notified the HWD of the scam received a text message from the filter company saying that she should be concerned about her water and that they would send a representative to her home with a “special filter system” to fix it. They would only speak about her results verbally over the phone and not in writing, adding to

the suspicious nature of the interaction. Luckily, this resident denied a home visit and contacted the HWD for clarification. Residents who receive a testing kit that they suspect to be fraudulent should notify the HWD and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and the office of the New York State Attorney General.

The HWD routinely tests its water for more than 170 parameters at treatment facilities designed by engineers and approved by the health department. The District budgets more than $250,000 per year for testing and each round of testing costs more than $2,000, all of which are conducted by New York State Health Department-certified water plant operators. The tests conducted by these private filtration companies are not regulated and do not sample nearly enough water.

“Free testing cannot be relied upon for accuracy or for determining the need for any water treatment,” continued Chairman Brigandi. “Those tests collect a couple milliliters of water while we collect gallons of water to be sampled each time we do it. Providing high quality water to our residents is our mission and we have decades of water quality reports that show we are succeeding.”

Every year, the HWD releases its annual drinking water quality report in accordance with the New York State Health Department. Residents can view the report on the District’s website at www.hicksvillewater.org/hwd/ water-quality-report.

Get the scoop on what’s happening in your community every week! Contact us today 516.294.8900 or visit us online www.gcnews.com

Legal firm grows roots in Syosset with grand reopening

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explained.

Levy grew up in northern New Jersey and attended Dwight-Englewood School before graduating from Syracuse University. He discovered a passion for personal injury law while studying torts at Quinnipiac University School of Law.

“Law school was challenging to say the least but there was a particular class –Torts – which I ended up getting an A in, though I didn’t get an A in many classes. The university was excellent, the facilities were excellent, and the law school experience was a wonderful three years. Through the experience I gravitated towards a focus in Tort law. It fits as obviously being able to help people and get them compensation is important to me…In anything you do, it’s always better if you’re pursuing the things you are interested in. And that particular course at Quinnipiac Law proved to be both my interest and my strength,” he explained.

Officials turn out in support

At the June ribbon-cutting, Chamber President Russell P. Green welcomed over 36 employees of the law firm and numerous local businesspeople.

“Welcome to our local business leaders, welcome Brian J. Levy & Associates. Our Chamber of Commerce has hosted many ribbon-cutting and grand openings. Small business is the lifeblood of our community and it’s important to be recognized and supported by all of us. Our board and members are here, and I want to thank our grand opening community chairperson Danielle Delgrosso of Flagstar Bank - a long-time board member and past president of the chamber, for helping to organize these events.” Green said.

Standing with the Levy family in front of the building, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino offered a warm welcome.

“I got the memo on today’s attire!” he joked, noting his all-black outfit matched the firm’s 20-plus women staff members in black dresses.

“Thank you for having me here as we get to honor Brian Levy and all that he and his firm has done here. This building is now the most beautiful piece in the whole community!”

He also acknowledged Brian’s parents, Gail and Dr. Bob Levy, and praised the family’s commitment and work ethic.

“My parents are a very big part of our lives, and they’ve been married for 50 years. My mother worked with my father for a long time, and they have

been such huge supporters of mine forever. I owe a lot of my success to them as they’ve been with me every step of the way. They both stressed the importance of education and graduate school and post-graduate education and going on to professional licensing,” Levy explained, as he’s the son of a doctor and became a lawyer.”

Through the “Sponsor-a-Highway” program, the firm has adopted 31 highway areas across New York, funding litter removal and maintenance on routes such as the Harlem River Drive, Van Wyck Expressway, Grand Central Parkway, and the Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway.

“This is a great way to do a part to clean up highways as it’s not just sticking the name on a sign – we pay for the litter removal and maintenance, as it’s important to us to keep the area beautiful and safe. Our firm is also very into the branding to let more people know we exist and can help them. It is a good thing for our business and the brand, and even more important to be conscious of protecting the environment and our communities,” Levy explained.

Supervisor Saladino praised the firm’s civic spirit: “Brian, you care about the community. You care deeply about your family, your parents, your sister. And you care about your employees so much, treating them like a family. You have brought Syosset trusted legal experts with 15 years of experience and a strong track record of success in helping accident victims get the justice they deserve. We all wish you many, many years of success. As we say in my Sicilian family, Mazel Tov!” Saladino joked.

Supporting the Syosset Street Fair

The law firm is once again a Platinum-level sponsor of the Syosset Street Fair, scheduled for Sunday, September 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Jackson Avenue/Cold Spring Road and Split Rock Road.

“Now that we’ve grown into our larger building, we’ve become an even larger Street Fair sponsor too! We love working to support our town. We plan on continuing to support Syosset-Woodbury with other ways to get involved. The Sunday of the Street Fair is always such a nice time for meeting other business owners and thousands of local residents. It will be another wonderful day for everyone in our town!” he said. To become a sponsor, contact the Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce at info@syossetchamber.com

Recent Real Estate Sales in Syosset and Jericho

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Syosset

August 8, 2025

Safari West Brings Immersive Animal Adventure to the Sonoma ‘Serengeti’

BY KAREN RUBIN

It isn’t a surprise to see zebras grazing, giraffes ruminating, a rhinoceros with her 2700-pound baby, or sleeping in a luxurious safari tent and awakening to see a herd of antelope dashing in unison when you go on safari in Africa. What is extraordinary is that this is in the backyard of Sonoma, California, better known for wineries, vineyards and winetasting. This is Safari West, which since its founding in 1993, affords an extraordinary experience that makes you feel you are in Africa – the Sonoma Serengeti! - no passport, vaccinations or jetlag required.

We start our Safari West visit with the three-hour Classic Safari drive, consisting of about 2 1/2 hours driving through three habitats across the vast, 400-acre landscape on which some 1000 animals (almost 100 different species), reside and a half-hour walk to visit primates, mammals and birds. During the course of my 24 hours here, we will follow the Classic Safari with a Behind-the-Scenes tour with our toddler (children need to be at least four years old for the Classic Safari, though families with younger children can arrange a Private Safari) where we get to feed a variety of animals; a 5 pm buffet dinner, followed by a walk-about through a zoo-like setting.

Then, after the rest of the family leaves, I stay over for a Glamping Among the Wildlife: A Safari West Experience in one of their 30 authentic Botswana safari tents tucked into the trees, enjoying evening activities

lay an egg. Ostriches, Killian tells us, lay the largest eggs among the birds, equivalent to 12-24 chicken eggs in size. They lay 1-3 eggs a week.

Ostriches are surprisingly large and amazingly fast – she tells us they can run 12-35 mph and though they have a brain the size of a walnut, “not dumb.” “It’s an ‘in the moment’ animal,” she explains. “But you don’t need to outwit a predator when you can outrun it.”

including s’mores and a movie (“Jungle Book”). Since overnight guests have no curfew, I am able to explore more at dusk, into the dark of night (borrowing a flashlight from reception), and again in the early morning when the animals are most animated. I follow the included breakfast buffet with more exploration before reluctantly leaving Safari West.

Over the course of 24 hours, I visit the various animal enclosures about 10 times, each time seeing different things and gaining new appreciation and understanding.

Safari on the “Sonoma Serengeti”

For our Classic Safari, we ride in safari vehicles (reminding me of my tiger safari in India), that are open on the sides and have four seats on top. The guides - invariably friendly, humorous, knowledgeable and unscripted so they respond to their guests’ interests (and terrific drivers) take us on rough gravel trails through hills and plains, coming incredibly close (without barriers or fences) to

giraffe, antelope, ostrich, wildebeest, Cape Buffalo, zebra, elands and others among the 97 species in residence.

Our guide for the 1 pm. three-hour Classic Safari, Alex Killian, invites our questions and observations which she gleans to stay in an area longer. We are riding in “Bender”, a 1950s Dodge Power wagon (it seems Safari West has bought up the fleet of Dodge Power wagons from 1940s to 1970s). About 2 ½ hours are spent driving, with about 30 minutes on a walking portion to see the primates, porcupines and birds.

We go into the vast plain with the giraffes – their spots are unique, like fingerprints, but the most interesting aspect is their prehensile tongues); Dama Gazelle; Gemsbok; Greater Kudu; Roan antelope and Addax, astonished at how magnificent they are with their horns and coloring.

Leaving this area through the double-fence system, we see an ostrich which seems to be “flirting” with the safari vehicle ahead of us. This is “Lucille Ball,” Killian explains. “She is more flirtatious when she is about to

We see a Southern White Rhinoceros mom with her two-year old baby that already weighs 2375 lbs. She is pregnant again (rhinoceros gestate for 16-18 months) and is due to deliver at any time (you can follow her progress on social media).

We drive through more double-gates and come to an open area with zebra gathered around where they have just been provided grass. Like the giraffes, the zebra’s stripes are unique from zebra to zebra and even left and right sides of the animal, except for its face.

Close by are the Common Eland and we see a baby less than one month old.

“They depend largely on pheromones – it’s how they identify the others in their unit, and how they take a mate. They urinate and others take in the pheromone.”

We drive into the third habitat, the largest of the three at 100 acres.

We see the African Cape Buffalo, one of the Big 5 -that is, the 5 most dangerous animals to encounter in Africa “because they protect each other. If one of their group is threatened, even if they just think it is threatened, they will still protect.”

Continued on next page

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

Safari West Brings Immersive Animal Adventure to the Sonoma ‘Serengeti’

We meet the Blue wildebeest from Southern Africa which Killian calls “a spare parts animal” because it has Cape Buffalo hair and horns resembling the female African buffalo; stripes like a zebra (leading to their alternate name, “brindled gnu”); a long face like a baboon; a heavy build in front but slender legs like an ostrich compared to its bulky front build.

As we watch one nuzzling a baby, Killian tells us that its long face helps the wildebeest detect humidity – and impending disaster, and that the herd in the wild, 1-5 million, migrate or escape danger moving together. Other animals have learned to similarly respond.

In the wild, they somehow synchronize the births to the month, timed for migration. Some 8,000 babies could have been born on the last day before migration, so wildebeest have evolved to move as fast as 55 mph from Day 1.

Here at Safari West, they somehow synchronize births to the season (rather than a month, as they might in the wild) and ‘migrate’ on property (moving down the hillside).

“Animals here mate naturally,” she adds. “We only make sure they are healthy.”

(Insiders tip: if photography is important to you, bring a decent SLR camera with a decent zoom lens that can capture moments and movements – cell phone cameras are good for scenics and landscapes and have their merit in difficult lighting situations. Safari photography is just as interesting a sport as hunting –only you are hunting and shooting with a camera. For avid photographers, Safari West offers a Private Photography Safari Workshop.)

After the drive portion of the Classic Safari tour, we have a walking tour of about 30 minutes, to see the porcupines, primates (Colobus Monkey, Patas Monkey, Ring-tailed Lemurs, Red Ruffed Ringtales), mammals (like the Caracal) and dozens of birds here.

Even our toddler gets to help feed “Mabel,” the giraffe, during Safari West’s popular Behind-the-Scenes tour © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Behind-the-Scenes

Our Classic Safari ends just in time to meet up with Sarah and our 16-month old toddler to enjoy the Behind the Scenes tour with our guide, Zoey, where we get to feed the animals – one of Safari West’s most popular programs for good reason.

Even our toddler gets a chance to feed the Crested porcupines, Spike and Norton – notably, they don’t have the prickly quills, their quills are a softer material.

We go next to feed the birds in the aviary and Zoey warns us that it can be intimidating because there are so many birds and they get pushy when they see the blue latex glove and know there is food to be had.

We next go to the Giraffe Barn to feed “Mabel.” Coming so close to the giraffe is truly an experience, and finish our Behind-the-Scenes tour by feeding the warthogs “Lucy”, Vigeri and Fig Newton

And now it is time for our feeding.

Dining Out, Staying Over

Safari West has a very pleasant deli where you can pick up sandwiches and such (good selection and very reasonable cost), but also offers a fixed menu buffet dinner (two seatings, at 5 and 7 pm) which is marvelous.

Guests who stay for dinner can wander the property until 8:30 pm; overnight guests (like me) can wander without any curfew.

Eating Before Bed

After the movie, I borrow a flashlight from the reception desk, and go into the darkness. I am especially interested to see if I can observe activities of nocturnal animals, but alas, it is too dark and the animals, if they are active, are too far into the darkness to be observed (perhaps on a night with a full moon it would be better and even more magical.)

By now pitch black (and grateful for the flashlight), I walk up the hill to my tent, delighted to find a luxurious, spacious room, accommodating a king bed and two cots, sufficient for a family of four, with beautiful wood floor, an enormous tile-floor bathroom stocked with the necessary toiletries like a deluxe hotel, two of the walls are giant screened windows so I can see out to a gorgeous view of the lake, and a porch where, when I walk out in the pitch black night, it seems the Big Dipper is right in front of my face close enough to touch. If it gets cold, there is a space heater and an electric blanket.

I am surprised that I do not hear more animal sounds in the night, and do not need to use the ear plugs they supply. But I awake to the sounds of birds and mooing, and look out from my porch to see the herd of antelope running together across their field.

The best part of overnighting at Safari West is being here at early morning when the animals become really active know-

ing they are to be fed. As appropriate, the keepers incorporate enrichment into their feeding methods so the animals have to work for food. (“Most creatures are bribable with food,” our guide Killian had told us on the Classic Safari. “Food is a prime motivator.” (Safari West offers a new Enrichment Tour Experience to see how they use puzzles, toys and activities like hiding treats, to stimulate the animals’ natural behaviors and keep them mentally and physically active.)

Mission to Promote Conservation

I am really impressed in how well Safari West fulfills its declared mission to actively promote conservation and environmental education while imparting knowledge that helps each individual make well-informed choices in regard to the environment and wildlife conservation. These animals become ambassadors for their species, promoting understanding and appreciation.

The Langs’ devotion to their animals was tested and proven during the horrific Tubbs wildfires that struck in October 2017. After driving through fire to evacuate their house (which subsequently burned to the ground), Safari West owner, 76-year old Peter Lang, stayed behind and for 10 hours fought the fires himself before others could come and help, and saved all 1000 animals. (The 90 guests on property were ordered to evacuate at 11 pm, grabbed their keys and were off the mountain within 15 minutes.)

For his heroic efforts, Peter Lang received the 2018 American Red Cross Animal Rescue Hero Award. (Read the thrilling story by Paige Peterson reported in the New York Social Diary, https:// safariwest.com/2017/11/life-after-fires/). Safari West, 3115 Porter Creek Road Santa Rosa, CA 95404, 800-616-2695, 707579-2551, safariwest.com

© 2025 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com

BY CHARLYN FARGO

What about that late-night snack? Is it OK to eat and then go to bed? Will it make you gain weight?

It’s a controversial topic, and the common perception is that we should avoid eating late, as it could cause weight gain. That’s because some feel that the body doesn’t have time to digest the food before sleep, resulting in the body storing the food as fat rather than it being immediately used as energy. Others feel eating before bed confuses our circadian rhythm.

But if you haven’t eaten enough calories throughout the day, a bedtime snack might be needed.

When we sleep, our metabolism may slow down 10% to 15% compared to during waking hours, says Melissa Prest, registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She recommends stopping eating two to three hours before bedtime to help the body digest food. It’s important to eat enough during the day to feel full and satisfied. Our bodies need to rest and repair at night.

Research in the Journal of Obesity

finds that those who eat a large meal close to bedtime tend to skip breakfast because they are still full and are also more likely to be overweight. The Journal article, “The Association of Having a Late Dinner or Bedtime Snack and Skipping Breakfast with Overweight in Japanese Women,” was published in March 2019. Researchers at Tokyo’s National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation looked at 19,687 Japanese women ages 40-74 and found participants’ eating behaviors (eating a late dinner,

Continued on page 5

Cold treats on hot days always hit the spot

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

The hot weather is upon us and every summer I set out to get myself a frozen treat. Inviting some family or friends to go with me, I head to my favorite specialty coffee shop and get the coldest, iciest drink I can think of - a frozen coffee. That always hits the spot and after we place our orders and grab a table, it’s always fun to sit down and relax for a while.

The air conditioning in the store feels good and each time when I take my first sip of a large size frozen coffee I am always reminded why I like the drink I do. My mouth watered when I was handed the large drink and looking at the whipped cream that topped my drink, I was happy to pop a straw out of its paper sleeve and pop it into the frozen coffee treat.

My friends ordered other drinksiced tea, iced coffee and Tina likes to order a cappuccino even though it’s hot and humid outside and the idea of drinking a hot cup of cappuccino makes me feel even hotter. Tina’s solution, however, is to add a large piece of ice to her drink and stir it all around.

Glancing over at Tina, I wonder about all of this ad-libbing because to me, adding a piece of ice to a hot cup of cappuccino sort of dilutes the coffee drink but to each her own. She doesn’t tell me what to do and I don’t give her any unsolicited advice.

I stop the instinctive rolling of my eyes and remind myself that we are there to pass the time and tell stories not watch what the other person is doing. She loves drinking cappuccino as much as I like drinking frozen coffee and yes, I always have to stop myself from drinking it too fast. I don’t want to

get a brain freeze.

We skip the donuts and other pastries even though the racks and racks of them are tempting. We’re happy with the drinks we ordered - and we’re happy to see each other. With people being away on vacation and doing some home projects, it’s been a while.

A few years ago I bought a large blender when I made up my mind to make some tasty iced coffees and also a fruity smoothie. I still brew pots or cups of hot coffee especially on cold winter days but there is something fun about meeting a few friends at a coffee shop and hanging out for a while.

Feeling relaxed whenever I go to this coffee shop, there’s plenty of time for us to talk about whatever is happening in our lives and even reminisce. We are never rushed when we go there. There’s plenty of seats and tables and others prefer going to the drive thru so all is cool.

Karen tells us that her son got married recently and she gives us the details about the church, the reception and the honeymoon. The bride and groom chose Tahiti for their honeymoon and Karen couldn’t help but say they were “over the moon” about Tahiti. We all laughed.

My other friend Vicki joined us that day and she said how her daughter Ava had graduated from college with a degree in elementary education and she had been hired for a full-time job. Ava wanted to teach the younger ones and liked first grade and second grade but whatever she was assigned would be good.

After all of her classroom learning in college and student teaching, Ava was so excited about her new career. And Vicki said a bonus is Ava’s new job is

just 15 minutes from home.

My friends and I had fun comparing notes then I started thinking: a good snack would be a small bowl of berries and I know I’ve got a freezer at home stocked with blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries. I’ve also got some frozen kale and fresh spinach which occasionally I will add when making a healthy smoothie.

Sometimes a home-blended green smoothie is appealing and other days it strikes me as a little too healthy so I will opt for those fruit smoothies that are delicious and hit the spot.

That day at the coffee shop I felt like sitting back and enjoying my frozen coffee. It’s a treat and a chance to socialize. Bars aren’t my thing and by going to a coffee shop we can invite whoever wants to come along.

Tina seems like a laid-back type of person to many who speak with her but we talked about the time she had just got her driver’s license and she wanted to head out to Montauk for the weekend. Asking her mother if it would be okay, she said yes and Tina promptly invited three friends to go - Jane, Karen and Beth.

The four girls were excited to be “beachcombers for the day” and when Tina picked up the car keys, the girls headed east. All the way to The End.

Beth had been to Montauk once before with her family but the three other girls never had. They’d heard so much about it they wanted to try out their newfound freedom, enjoy the nice weather and go away for a short time. They didn’t surf or fish but they had fun swimming in the ocean, enjoying the view and chatting about all the new events in their lives.

Whether it’s a frappe, a milkshake or a frozen coffee, having a cold treat on a hot summer’s day is delightful. And it’s not just the treat, it’s the company I am with that makes it a fun day.

After talking for almost two hours we tossed our cups in the trash, said our goodbyes and headed home - but not before making a plan for another get-together in a few weeks.

As we were leaving the coffee shop I saw some other going in through the doors and I thought I’ll be back soon. I just love my frozen coffees!

Questions I’m Asked Over and Over Again

BY TOM MARGENAU

In the 28 years I’ve been writing this column, I bet I’ve written 128 columns about the most common questions I get. However, I suppose not everyone is clipping those columns and pasting them into their Social Security scrapbook, because I keep getting the same questions repeatedly. Here comes column number 129, with answers to some of the questions I am most frequently asked.

Q: I’m 62. My husband is 67 and getting Social Security. Can I file for spousal benefits on his record now and save my own until I’m 70?

A: No, you can’t do that. Social Security law has a “deemed filing” rule. It essentially say this: If you file for a Social Security benefit, you are deemed to be filing for all other benefits you are due at the same time. So, in your case, if you did file for spousal benefits, you must file for your own benefits at the same time. You will be paid your own benefit first. Then, if you are due any extra benefits from your husband’s account, they will be tacked on to your monthly Social Security check.

Q: I am 60 and not working. My husband recently died. Can I file for widow’s benefits now and save my own until I am 70?

A: Yes, you can do that. That “deemed filing” rule I mentioned above does not apply to widows. So you can file for widow’s benefits now, and then switch to 100% of your own at full retirement age, or wait until 70 and get about 130%. Or, depending on the money amounts involved, you might be ahead to file for retirement benefits at age 62 (the earliest you can do that), and then at full retirement age, switch to 100% widow’s benefits. And FYI: widow’s claims cannot be done online. They must be filed in person by calling the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213.

Q: If I die, what will my wife get?

A: The answer depends on several factors. But assuming you die well after your full retirement age, and assuming your wife is over her full retirement age when you die, as a general rule, she will get what you were getting at the time of death. Quick example. You are 85 and getting $1,800 per month. Your wife is 82 and getting $1,200 per month. When you die, she will keep getting her $1,200, and then she will get an additional $600 in widow’s benefits.

Q: I took my benefits at 70, so I get an extra 32% added to my retirement rate. When I die, will my wife’s widow’s benefit be based on my augmented age 70 rate, or on my full retirement rate?

A: It will be based on your age 70 rate. And just to clarify a little further. A benefit paid to a spouse whose husband is still alive is based on his full retirement age rate. But as I just said, a widow’s benefit is based on the age 70 rate (assuming the husband waited until 70 to claim his benefits).

Q: I am 62 and already retired. I was planning to wait until 67 to file for Social Security. But someone told me that I should file now because if I die before filing for benefits, my wife won’t get any widow’s benefits on my record. Is this true?

A: No, it is not true. Assuming your wife meets all the eligibility requirements, she will get widow’s benefits whether you were getting Social Security before you died.

Q: I’m already getting my Social Security but I’m still working. Will my additional income and the taxes I’m paying increase my Social Security check?

A: It depends. Your original benefit was based on your average monthly wage using your highest 35 years of inflation-adjusted earnings. If the earnings you have now are higher than the lowest inflation-adjusted year used in your original computation, the SSA will drop out that lower year, add in the new higher year, and adjust your benefit accordingly. But don’t expect a windfall. Your benefit might go up by maybe $20 per month for a year of good earnings.

Q: When my father died, why did we have to return his last check?

A: Several rules come into play here. First, Social Security benefits have never been prorated. Second, benefits are always paid one month behind. And third, the law says you must live an entire month to be due a Social Security check for that month.

Here is a quick example. John dies on Aug. 24. The Social Security check that comes in September (the payment for August) must be returned.

That’s the downside to the lack of proration. But there are two upsides. One: Let’s say John started his benefits when he was 66 and that he turned 66 on June 22. He would get a check for the whole month of June, even though he was 66 for only eight days of the month. Two: If John left a widow, she would get widow’s benefits for the whole month of August, even though she was a widow for only seven days of the month.

Q: We would like to talk to you personally about our Social Security situation. We’d be willing to pay you. Can we please call you to discuss this?

A: I’m sorry, but because of the high volume of emails I get from my readers around the country, I simply don’t have the time to provide personal service or work on individual Social Security cases.

But for fifteen bucks, I can give you the kind of help that might even be better than a personal consultation. Buy my little Social Security guidebook called “Social Security - Simple and Smart.” In that book, you’ll find 10 fact sheets that cover just about any Social Security situation you might encounter. Another of my books you’d find interesting is called “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find either book at Amazon.com.

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 oth-

er 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 2025 CREATORS.COM

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

There are those that want to purchase a home to get out of the rental rat race. The question is, are they doing what is absolutely necessary to accomplish this. With today’s historically high cost of housing, taxes and what it takes financially to afford to live, one must take a few steps back to analyze their current situation.

Are you taking the required steps to be able to be in a position to buy? Or are you taking life one day at a time, and whatever occurs, just happens. Sitting down to think and create a future plan to attain what you realistically desire, a home that you own.

It surely isn’t an easy task to get where you want to be. However, the real shortcut is to save as much as possible. In my opinion there are three ways to execute this. First, earn more than you spend (create a side hustle income), learn how to invest, cut your expenses to the bare bone. I am not proposing that this is a simple task to execute and fulfill. Sacrifices have to be made and that is the hardest part.

We are addicted to creature comforts, e.g. eating out, vacations, buying things that we really may not or don’t need, too much technology, cable TV, buying online, etc. Maybe it is also keeping up with the Jones’s, next door neighbor or your group that you are associated with. Whatever path that you choose, you will need to take a step back and analyze what is really important in your life.

As it has been currently and in the past, your home has been the greatest asset that most Americans have been

Scrimping and Saving

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

fortunate to possess. Will this be the same result going forward? Or will there be a drastic change in the future, when baby boomers will be gone, but are currently the greatest purchasers of real estate? Who will take their place?

A multitude of GenZs, GenX and Millennials are strapped with student loans and credit card debt, how will they be in a position to purchase?

As inventory eventually increases due to potentially reduced demand, will prices decrease as we are experiencing in Florida, Texas and areas of California? Will this enable people to be able to afford to purchase?

Sacrifices are absolutely necessary now if you want to buy a home, whether a single family, condo or coop. Cutting out those expensive Starbucks coffee breaks, stop eating out, cutting back on your car expenses by leasing or buying a more basic model instead of having all the bells and whistles that aren’t really necessary. As they say, “no pain, no gain.”

If you are married, with or without children, what will your future look like if you do not begin thinking about the money that you will need to create over the next number of years to hopefully retire somewhat comfortable. What will Social Security look like and will you be able to depend on it as an adjunct to your savings and

Continued from page 2

bedtime snacks, skipping breakfast) were associated with an increased risk of being overweight or obese.

Eating a carbohydrate-rich meal close to bedtime may cause your body to store the calories as fat rather than use them as immediate fuel, says Prest. She explains that spikes in insulin signal the body to

store fat for energy reserves. As metabolism slows at night, having a large, sugary treat triggers insulin.

Rather than choosing a treat high in fat or sugar, she recommends a light snack that includes fiber and protein, such as an apple with a tablespoon of peanut butter or a piece of string cheese with a wholegrain cracker. The fiber helps to slow the

investments?

If possible maybe parents or relatives can assist you when you are ready to purchase. Everyone’s situation is different and you will have to devise a short and long term plan to accomplish homeownership. The other solution is to move to a more reasonably priced area out of the local area, maybe upstate or out of NYS entirely.

Having options will make it easier to determine what direction makes the most sense in the brain and cents in your pocketbook.

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

bit.ly/4bXWVu6 (facebook.com)

bit.ly/4inVqaR (X.com)

bit.ly/4bVSwrs (linkedIn)

bit.ly/4inVK9z (Instagram) bit.ly/4bQH14x (YouTube)

rise of glucose after eating and the protein helps with muscle repair and healing.

It’s also best to eat a larger meal earlier in the day rather than too close to bedtime, or it may be more difficult to fall asleep. However, if you go to bed hungry, you may struggle to fall asleep.

The bottom line is: Eat enough calories -- but not too many -- throughout the day

with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, low-fat dairy and water.

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. .

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

BY MARY HUNT

EVERYDAY CHEAPSKATE

You Can Have the Things You Love

Frugality. It’s a word that for many people screams deprivation; poverty. I get letters from readers who say they’ve had it with trying to live below their means and never having anything they love. “What’s the point if all of this deprivation if it just makes me feel even more miserable?” was the way one woman closed her letter.

Look, I can’t know your particular situation. But I do know this: If you adjust your attitude, get a plan and then let nothing stop you from reaching it, you can have the things you love.

Frugality isn’t just about cutting costs. There has to be a specific reason involved. And it can’t be something nebulous like “Because I want to be rich.”

Frugality is about scrimping and cutting costs like crazy on the things you really don’t care about so that you can spend on the things you love. It’s a matter

of deciding what’s really important and what’s not -- and I mean on a daily basis and as a way of life. You have to get out of your “spending coma” and into conscious spending, where every expenditure counts and every dollar matters. I could give you all kinds of examples of how this might work, but let’s take something as simple as paper towels. A couple of rolls tucked in with the weekly groceries may not seem like such a big deal. And they are convenient. But do you really love paper towels? Enough to sacrifice things that you really do love in order to have that roll of paper always at the ready? I sure don’t. I find that a collection of “bar mops,” which are small terrycloth towels available in the automotive aisle at Costco or any number of places online, last forever and handle all of the tasks we believe require paper towels.

Experts say the average household uses 1.5 to 2 rolls of paper towels per

week. At a going rate of about two bucks a roll that’s more than $200 a year. Since I don’t love paper towels, that’s $200 I can divert to something that I do love or cannot live without. Now multiply this principle across paper napkins, paper plates, paper cups and plastic utensils and we’re talking a lot of money I choose to not spend on these things that I neither love nor need.

Set a goal. No matter how frivolous, you need a goal that is going to make your trade-offs worthwhile. Giving up paper towels might be a pain for a while, but if your goal is so much more glorious, it won’t be difficult because you will know that you are working toward something specific -- something you love.

Create a savings account. This is mandatory. I suggest setting up an online savings account at your bank, credit union or online (SmartyPig.com is a great option) because that just makes saving money brainlessly easy. Now you can

transfer any amount anytime into your goal account.

Saving with a goal puts all your decisions into perspective. It makes cutting costs mercilessly on things that don’t matter worth the effort because in so doing, you’re affirming and moving toward having the things you love.

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.”

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

Frugal Laundry Tips That Will Save You a Fortune

BY MARY HUNT

If you’ve ever suffered the heartbreak of stains or other kinds of annoying laundry issues, you’re going to love this! These laundry hacks will elevate you to laundry genius in no time.

DRIED-ON LATEX PAINT

Getting any kind of paint on clothes or other items you care about is awful. Even if latex paint is dried on for a long time -- on laundry items, car upholstery or even carpet -- here’s the way to remove it: Not paint thinner or mineral spirits. It must be lacquer thinner. (Find it in the paint aisle of your home improvement or craft store.)

Do this in a well-ventilated area: Using a clean white cloth (so you don’t transfer dye or color to make the problem even worse), saturate that paint stain with the lacquer thinner. Allow it to soften for a few minutes and then rub and scrub until it’s gone. Launder as usual, or in the case of carpet, rub and scrub then rinse well.

ACRYLIC PAINT

Acrylic paints can be tricky to remove from your clothes once dry, but here’s a method that will work most of the time. If your shirt is already ruined, you don’t have much to lose by giving this a try:

Soak a clean white cloth with rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol. Now saturate the paint stain. Super-saturate it; get it really wet. Use that cloth to really scrub that stain until it begins to lift. Continue with more rubbing alcohol

until the stain has disappeared. Launder as usual.

LAUNDRY SCENT BOOSTER

The only thing I miss about the commercial laundry detergent I used to use (I’ve been making my own for years now) is the scent it left behind. Sure, I know I can buy laundry products like Downy Unstoppables or Arm and Hammer Scent Boosters Clean Sensations, but I save a lot of money making my own laundry scent booster -- and I know what’s in it.

Pour 2 cups Epsom salt into a big bowl along with 20 to 30 drops of your favorite essential oil. Hint: 15 drops each of lavender oil and lemon oil makes for a wonderful, clean scent. Stir well to combine. Allow to sit and dry in the open air for an hour or so, then transfer to a clean glass jar and apply the lid. Label clearly.

To Use: Add about 1 tablespoon of laundry scent booster to the washing machine before loading the clothes and or linens. Even with laundry detergent and vinegar rinse, you’ll notice a subtle clean, fresh smell once the laundry dries.

YELLOW UNDERARM STAINS

Armpit stains on white T-shirts are caused by the reaction between antiperspirant ingredients and the salts in human sweat. Most antiperspirants contain aluminum compounds to reduce wetness. It is the aluminum that causes the buildup and yellowing on fabrics. The stains don’t appear overnight, but without proper washing of shirts after each wearing, the stains will start to show, and the show will be yellow on white shirts.

In a small jar or bowl, make a mixture of 1 part Blue Dawn dishwashing liquid and 2 parts hydrogen peroxide. Protect your countertop or work area with a thick white towel. Fully saturate the stains with the liquid. Now, sprinkle baking soda over the stain and with an old toothbrush or bristle brush, scrub the areas well. Allow to sit for at least an hour, then launder as usual.

MAKEUP STAINS

Don’t you hate it when some of that makeup foundation lands on your pristine white top? Not to worry.

If it’s an oil-based foundation, get it with dishwashing liquid. Rub in a few drops, let it

sit for at least an hour then launder as usual. If it’s an oil-free foundation, treat it with shaving cream. Yes! Saturate the stain well, allow to sit for a bit, then launder as usual.

GRASS STAIN

The grass stain on your new white pants or your son’s baseball uniform is more stubborn than a mule. Try this: Mix 1 tablespoon Blue Dawn with 2 tablespoons fresh hydrogen peroxide*. Apply to the stain and follow with a good deal of elbow grease. That should do it! Launder as usual.

INK STAINS

I’m talking ballpoint pen ink and ever-permanent marker ink. Hit it with the cheapest hairspray you can get your hands on. Why? Because the cheap stuff is mostly acetone, which will take out ink stains. Or if you happen to have acetone on hand, of course, that will work just as well.

DO-NOT-DRY ALERT

If something must be line-dried, put it in a zippered bag before it goes in the hamper. That’s a pretty clear alert and reminder that item can’t go in the dryer or in some other way will need special treatment. These bags are fairly inexpensive and a great addition to your laundry room.

Hydrogen peroxide dissipates with age and exposure to light. It’s good for up to six months once opened, provided it has been stored in a dark place completely out of the light. Make sure it’s fresh for this treatment.

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 “Debt-Proof Living.”

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

Meteors and Planets and the Moon, Oh My!

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of August 10-16, 2025

It’s time once again for the Perseid meteor shower!

Meteors from this annual celestial display are remnants from the ancient comet Swift-Tuttle, which orbits the sun and deposits debris every 133 years. And it’s during mid-August that the Earth, also in its orbit around the sun, plows into these dusty remains.

When any of these pieces -- most smaller than a grain of sand -- slam into our upper atmosphere at speeds of some 134,000 mph, they burn up, and we on the ground see them as “falling” or “shooting” stars.

The Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak on the mornings of Aug. 12 and 13 this year, but stargazers can certainly see some for a few days before and after.

To view them most efficiently, one must head outdoors in the hours before dawn. This is when we on Earth are facing the direction that our planet is moving, so our planet scoops up more of these meteoric particles than during the evening hours.

All you need is a dark sky far from city lights, a sleeping bag or reclining lawn chair, and your eyes that have been fully adapted to the dark. That’s it. Simply lie back and visually take in as much of the sky as you can. The hardest part is to remain awake!

We often hear that we should see 60-100 meteors per hour. That sounds like quite a dramatic shower, but it comes out to maybe one per minute.

This year it may be less, since the waning gibbous moon will appear in the predawn sky and will reduce the number of faint meteors. Fortunately, there are enough bright meteors to make the show worthwhile. This 60-100 range is known as the zenithal hourly rate, or ZHR. It’s a theoretical number that represents the most meteors that an experienced skywatcher can

LOST IN SUBURBIA

I’m All Pumped Up

see under a perfectly dark sky with excellent transparency, and with perfect vision, taking in the entire sky. Though the number visible may be considerably lower, it’s still worth setting the alarm to see the show. Many bright meteors will still be visible. Besides, there will be even more to see in the hours before dawn this week.

In addition to the moon and Perseids, the early morning sky of Aug. 12 will feature four planets: Venus, Jupiter, Mercury and Saturn.

About half an hour to 45 minutes before sunrise, the bright planets Venus and Jupiter will appear less than 1 degree apart, meaning they will both be visible in the field of view of a low-powered telescope. Keep an eye on them for a few mornings before and after the 12th, and you’ll see how they drift past each other in the sky.

Also on that morning, look low in the eastern sky for the elusive planet Mercury. Much fainter than the two other planets, it’s a tough one to spot, since it never strays far from the sun’s glare.

And be sure to look for Saturn not far to the east of the moon.

Quite a performance to look forward to on the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 12! Now all we need to do is hope for clear skies!

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com. COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

This time last year, I struggled with my New Year’s resolution to go to the gym.

This year I have made significant progress. I am going to the gym on a semiregular basis. And by “semiregular,” I mean that I go often enough that I actually remember where it’s located between visits.

The bad news, however, is that my workouts are just -- how would you say it? Lame. Yes, they’re lame. I am a lazy gym rat. I wouldn’t even call myself a rat. I’m more like a lazy gym sloth. I get bored on the elliptical and then switch to a bike, then I get bored on the bike and switch to a treadmill, then I get bored on the treadmill and switch to something that moves my arms and legs at the same time in different directions and looks like a medieval torture device. I even tried a few classes, but apparently those were made for Amazonian wonder women who can shoot an arrow from their inner thighs

while boxing and doing burpees. I can do burpees too, but with me it involves gas and means something completely different.

Had I gotten exercise credit for all the times I changed machines, it might have actually been a pretty good workout. Kind of like when I walk downstairs from the bedroom to the kitchen to get a cupcake and then go back upstairs again. Come to think of it, maybe that’s not such a great analogy.

But anyway, one day I faced the fact that I’m not really motivated and not getting anywhere with my workouts, so I asked another gymgoer how she got her gym mojo.

“I got a personal trainer,” she said. “He kicks my butt.”

I nodded but wasn’t sure that actually sounded like a good thing. Now, if she said, “I got a personal trainer, and he gives me chocolate lava cake when we finish working out,” I could definitely get on board with that. But I would imagine that kind of defeats the purpose of getting your butt kicked,

much like counting walking downstairs on my way to get a cupcake from the kitchen as exercise.

Maybe it’s becoming a little clearer now why this whole diet and exercise thing has been a challenge for me.

Still, the gym was running a special on training, so I decided to give it a month and see if having someone yell at me while I’m on the medieval torture device would help me overcome my lack of gym-thusiasm.

(As a side note, all the trainers at my gym are in their 20s and built like Chris Hemsworth, which may or may not be one of the reasons I decided to sign up. Naturally, they assigned me a female trainer.)

I told Val I wanted to get fit and lose fat. But before I could start training, she gave me a fitness test to see which areas I needed to strengthen. I gave it everything I had, but ultimately it was determined that I had the flexibility of a cement block and the stamina of a tired bulldog. So she decided to start me at the cement block/tired bulldog level --

basically the same level at which they start people in nursing homes.

“OK, girlfriend, I set up a circuit for you,” she finally said enthusiastically. “We’re going to start with a set of side planks first. These will help you with your muffin top. Then we’re going to do a set of squats for your banana folds. And finally, tricep pulldowns for your chicken wings.”

I looked at her, turned around and picked up my bag to leave.

“Where are you going?” she asked.

“I’m going to get breakfast,” I said. “I have no idea what you just said, but all this talk about muffins, bananas and chicken wings makes me hungry.”

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 2025 CREATORS.COM

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The Perseid meteor shower will reach its peak on the mornings of Aug. 12 and 13.

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EMPLOYMENT

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CUSTODIAL POSITION

Garden City Community Church Is seeking a dependable, self-motivated custodian to join our staff full-time. Some evening hours required. Previous custodial experience preferred but not required. Please email Liz controller@thegccc.org if interested.

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WE BUY HOUSES FOR CASH AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670

NOVENAS/PRAYERS

OH BLESSED MOTHER OF THE SON OF GOD; Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity.

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

Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity.

Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee (say three times).

Holy Mary I place this cause in your hands (say three times). Thank you for your mercy to me and mine. Amen. (MAK)

MARKETPLACE

Antique & Vintage Items

Jewelry-Crystal-Silver Furniture-Mirrors-Tabletop Artwork-Lamps Consign, Shop or Visit the Yellow House 109 Eleventh Street Garden City 516-746-8900

Mon-Fri 10-4 (Wed to 6pm) Saturday 12-4 (entrance & parking in back) Consignments by appointment atstewartexchange@tgchs.org All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical Society

Transform your space, maximize your value: Are you looking to add value to your property and enhance its appeal? Look no further!

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Banana-filled breakfast for school days

Banana and Pecan Granola Bowl with Caramelized Bananas

When a new school year is on the horizon, that means families once again must adjust to getting out of the house to the school bus or carpool on time. It is important to begin busy days with a breakfast that will facilitate learning, but parents know convenience is important as well. Parents may want to incorporate some new breakfast options into the mix, particularly ones kids will enjoy.

This tasty recipe for “Banana and Pecan Granola Bowl with Caramelized Bananas” from “Rainbow Bowls” (Sourcebooks) by Niki Webster relies on bananas in two different ways to impart a sweet taste that is hard to beat. The granola makes about four to six portions, so there will be leftovers to enjoy as a snack later in the day or stored away for another time.

Serves 2

2 tablespoons coconut oil

4 tablespoons maple syrup

2 very ripe medium bananas

1 teaspoon almond extract

100 grams (3.5 ounces) oats of your choice

3 tablespoons unsweetened

For the caramelized bananas

2 unpeeled bananas

1 tablespoon coconut oil

1) Preheat the oven to 180° C (350° F).

2 ) Blend the coconut oil, maple syrup, bananas, and almond extract in a blender until smooth.

3) Add all the dry ingredients to a large bowl and mix well. Add the wet mixture to the bowl and stir well to combine.

4) Line a large baking tray with baking paper and then tip the granola mix on to the tray and flatten out. Bake for

shredded coconut

2 tablespoons ground almonds 3tablespoons sunflower seeds 3 tablespoons chopped nuts,

To serve Coconut yogurt

such as hazelnuts or almonds 40 grams (1.4 ounces) pecans Pinch of sea salt

1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional) Pinch of thyme (optional)

25 minutes, until starting to brown. Carefully flip over on the tray, then return to the oven and bake for a further 15 minutes (until you get a nice brown color).

5) Leave to cool before breaking into smaller chunks, then store in an airtight container for up to 1 week (if not eating straight away).

6) To make the caramelized bananas, chop off the top end of each of the bananas, then

Attention students!

carefully slice through the middle lengthways. Now, peel the bananas.

7) Melt the coconut oil in a pan on medium heat. Add the banana slices and fry in the oil on one side for 1 to 2 minutes until browned, then flip over to caramelize the other side for another 1 to 2 minutes.

8

) Serve the granola with yogurt, caramelized bananas, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a pinch of thyme if you fancy.

Graduated from school? Have an outstanding GPA? Made the honor roll or the Dean’s List? Scored an internship or a study abroad opportunity? We invite you to send details of any of these things and more, along with your name and contact info, to editor@gcnews.com for a chance to be seen in our paper!

Division Ave. HS seniors honored

On June 3, New York State Senator Steve Rhoads presented the New York State Senate Citizenship Award to three outstanding seniors during Division Avenue High School’s Senior Night. Javohir “Aziz” Ahrorov serves as Low Brass Captain in the Marching Band, Vice President of the Robotics Team, and is a varsity athlete in both soccer and tennis. Eleni Georgatos has excelled in a rigorous academic program, is a standout on the track team, and plays an active role in Student Government. Winnie Liu has completed 10 AP courses along with dual enrollment and honors classes, serves as captain of the swim team, and earned a bronze medal at the Long Island Math Fair Competition. Senator Rhoads praised the students for their leadership, character, and commitment to service and achievement.

Mercy League bowlers needed

The Mercy Women’s Bowling League is looking for individual women bowlers or teams of 4 to join its friendly noncash league.

$17 per week for three games, includes shoes and ball. End of season

Girls Flag Football team wins county championship

The Division Avenue High School Girls Flag Football team was honored for being crowned county champions.

Levittown School District trustees and administrators commended the Division Avenue High School Girls Flag Football team for a highly successful season at the Board of Education meeting on July 2.

The team once again impressed,

luncheon included.

The League begins Friday, September 5. The league meets on Fridays at 10:00 a.m. at Syosset Lanes.

If interested, please call Dolores Sartor at (516) 931- 4106.

being crowned the winners of the county championship with a dominant 18-0 victory over Bethpage. Additionally, Abby Gregory was named to the AllLong Island First Team for the Long Island Flag Football Team.

Abby Gregory was named to the All-Long Island First Team for the Long Island Flag Football team.

Photos courtesy Levittown Public Schools

Hicksville school board holds reorganization meeting

Fr. Sommer honored for 12 years service

June 22, Senator

of

On July 2, the Hicksville Public School District Board of Education held its annual reorganization meeting. During the meeting, the board voted to reappoint Annette Beiner to serve as president for

the 2025–2026 school year. The board also elected Linda Imbriale to serve as vice president and Erin Guida to serve as secretary for the 2025–2026 school year.

Levittown’s Terrific Kids

and

the

Bernard’s Church to honor Father Ralph Sommer as he concludes 12 years of faithful ministry in Levittown. Father Ralph’s unwavering compassion, spiritual leadership, and dedication to service have left a profound and lasting mark on the community. His guidance has touched countless lives and will be remembered with heartfelt appreciation. Senator Rhoads offered his sincere gratitude and wished Father Ralph continued blessings as he embarks on his next chapter of service at St. John’s Parish in Wading River.

BHS students win state science scholarships

Bethpage High School is proud to congratulate five exceptional seniors who were recognized by the New York State Science National Honor Society for their outstanding contributions to the scientific community. These students earned competitive scholarships that honor their dedication to science education, research and community involvement. Jadyn Hsu earned the First Prize Award, the top honor in the state. Juliana Villaluz received the Second Prize Award, followed by Kaitlyn Ocuto with the Third Prize Award. Honorable Mentions were awarded to both Jennifer Lee and Allie O’Shea for their impressive achievements.

The members of the 2025–2026 Hicksville Board of Education are (back row, left to right) trustees Irene Carlomusto, Sunita Manjrekar, Danielle Fotopoulos, Patricia Bulerin, (front row, leftto right) Secretary Erin Guida, President Annette Beiner and Vice President Linda Imbriale. Photo courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools

Hempstead Town Councilman Dennis Dunne (left) congratulated Wisdom Lane Middle School students Brian Bolko and Finley Erb as they were named “Terrific Kids” by the Levittown Kiwanis Club. Also attending were Steve Dalton of the Levittown Kiwanis and Michael Pappas of the Levittown Board of Education.

On

Steve Rhoads

Assemblyman John Mikulin joined

congregation

St.

Director of Science Mr. Chris Pollatos with (from left to right) Jennifer Lee, Kaitlyn Ocuto, Jadyn Hsu, Allie O’Shea, and Juliana Villaluz.

Photo courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

Upcoming Events at the Jericho Public Library

Friday, August 8

10:00 a.m.: “The Dot” (Grades Pre-K to 2) - After reading “The Dot” by Peter Reynolds, children will create a gumball machine artwork using watercolor paint and paper.

2:00 p.m.: VIRTUAL: The Commanding Presence of George C. Scott with Marc Courtade - George C. Scott was an actor of extraordinary range and daring, most celebrated for his performances as General George S. Patton Jr. in the movie “Patton. Scott had a range and intensity that helped him create a variety of unforgettable characters on stage and in films. He was a natural, intuitive actor who came alive on stage or before the camera. From sinister killers and con men to flawed doctors, social workers and lawyers, he could play them all, aware of the power a performance could have. Scott’s talent remains unique and highly regarded. This look at the man and his career will showcase his talents and magnetism that made his performance unforgettable.

3:00 p.m.: Bond with Your Teen: Bingo! - Calling all parents and teens! It’s BINGO time! The first team to show BINGO, wins a prize.

Saturday, August 9

12:15 p.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!

2:00 p.m.: Art Reception - At 75, Tina discovered a new passion, sitting at a fresh easel in an adult education class. Since then, she’s been on a joyful artistic journey, specializing in pastel, oil, watercolor, and acrylic. Her beautiful work has been exhibited in libraries, art schools, galleries, and stores across Long Island. The public is invited to attend.

Monday, August 11

2:00 p.m.: VIRTUAL: Profiles: Grimm Tales with Dr. William Thierfelder - For over two hundred years, the remarkable stories of the Brothers Grimm have fascinated and sometimes terrified us. Between 1812 and 1857, seven editions of their often darkhued folk tales--200 stories and 11 legends-found their way into the Western consciousness. This presentation first defines what a folk tale is and then explores the meticulous research that Jacob and Wilhelm undertook to accomplish their goal of collecting significant stories from around Europe; their accomplishments

This Week at the Syosset Public Library

Friday, August 8, 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, August 8, 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.

Thursday, August 14, at 2:00 p.m.

The History of Freedomland (IN-PERSON)

Presenter: Mike Virgintino, author of “Freedomland USA: The Definitive History”

have created the great archetypes for much modern literature, sociology, and psychology.

4:30 p.m.: Be Colorful! (Grades 1–5) - Paint a zebra canvas in any colors you like, then add a soft yarn mane for extra fun!

Tuesday, August 12

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.

10:30 a.m.: Mini Masters: Color It! Warm and Cool Colors with Vincent Van Gogh (Ages 3 to 5) - Explore modern masterpieces through interactive activities and projects inspired by the colorful creations of famous artist Vincent Van Gogh. Caregiver must attend with child.

6:00 p.m.: Movie Night: “A Minecraft Movie” (2025) - Four misfits are suddenly pulled through a mysterious portal into a bizarre, cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination. To get back home, they'll have to master this world while embarking on a quest with an unexpected, expert crafter. Rated PG. 1 hour, 41 min.

Wednesday, August 13

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.

2:00 p.m.: Celebrating 50 YEARS Of Michael Bennett's “A Chorus Line” with Stephen Nachamie - We‘ll go behind the scenes of its creation -- from a midnight session with Broadway dancers sharing their stories to a groundbreaking collaboration between actors, director Michael Bennett, book writers James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, lyricist Edward Kleban, and composer Marvin Hamlisch. We’ll also take a look at: Donna McKechnie, Bob Avian, Baayork Lee, Wayne Cilento, Robert LuPone, and the company that changed Broadway forever.The musical earned 12 Tony nominations, winning nine, and received the 1976 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Thursday, August 14

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!

2:00 p.m.: “Sweet End” Summer Reading Finale - Join us as we celebrate the end of summer reading. Enjoy sweet snacks as we discuss our favorite reads of the summer. We will have our raffle drawings at this time too. You wont want to miss it!

Friday, August 15

2:00 p.m.: Friday Flix: “Flight Risk” (2025) - A U.S. marshal boards a small plane to transfer a government witness to New York. As they cross the Alaskan wilderness, tensions start to rise as not everyone on the flight is who they appear to be. Rated R. 1 hr, 31 mins.

Lacrosse champion visits Levittown

Learn about the history of what is known as the “Disneyland of the East,” Freedomland enjoyed significant connections to Disney, Hollywood, Broadway, local television and the leading entertainers of the day. The landowner, local politicians, city planners and construction unions considered the park a “placeholder” until property variances permitted significant development of the marshland. The variances provided the green light for the construction of Co-op City. No registration needed.

Friday, August 15, 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.

Hempstead Town Councilman Dennis Dunne and Town Clerk Kate Murray, along with members of the Levittown Tomahawks, welcomed Hugh Kelleher to McLaren Field in Levittown on June 18. Hugh, a native of Wantagh who used to play at McLaren Field in his youth, recently won the Ivy League’s 11th NCAA Men’s Lacrosse National Championship with the Number One-Ranked Cornell University.