The Garden City News (1/2/26)

Friday, January 2, 2026

Vol. 103, No. 1

$1

FOUNDED 1923 n LOCALLY OWNED AND EDITED

Happy New Year!

Michelle McA

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le Licensed Real Estate Salespe rson O 516.307.940 6 | M 516.306.4 134 michelle.mca rdle@elliman .com Garden City Office 130 7th Street

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Who is Reworld? PAGE 17 n Book party PAGE 6

GCRE donates $50K to charities

Year in review: New board, old debates, big infrastructure moves

BY RIKKI MASSAND

Top row (from left): Joe Farkas, Brad Wolk, Salvatore Ciaravino, Frank Liantonio.

Seated: Gary Rufrano and Tiffany Rufrano Joe Farkas, President and Founding Trustee of the Garden City Real Estate Professionals Foundation (“GCRE”), announced that ten local charities each received a $5,000 year-end donation as 2025 comes to a close.

This year’s recipients include The Schmitt Family Foundation, Charlie’s Champions, Bobby Menges I’m Not Done Yet Foundation, The Biggane Family Foundation, Mollie’s Fund, Tomorrow’s Hope, The International Association for Spelling to Communicate, The Griffith Family Foundation, Enriching Adult Lives, The Rix Family, For All

Who Fight, The INN, NYU Langone Cancer Center for Kids, and the Garden City Historical Society.

Earlier in the year, GCRE made a $190,000 gift to Breakthrough T1-D (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) in honor of Christine and Michael Tiedemann. The contribution was presented during GCRE’s annual gala, Cocktails for a Cause, held on November 7 at the Garden City Country Club.

Farkas expressed his gratitude, stating, “This incredible work would not be possible without the commitment of GCRE’s Board of Trustees and Executive Committee,”

and further emphasized that, “It is the support of our loyal and dedicated members that truly forms the backbone of the Foundation’s success.”

To date, GCRE has donated more than $1 million to charitable organizations and foundations that are meaningful to the residents of Garden City.

The Board of Trustees is comprised of Frank Liantonio, Trustee, Vice President and Co-Chairperson, Charitable Events Committee, Lauren Scarantino, Trustee, Vice President and Co-Chairperson Charitable See page 8

elliman.co

m 110 WALT WHITMA © 2026 DOUGLAS N ROAD, HUNTINGTON STATION, NY 11746. 631.549 ELLIMAN REAL ESTA .7401.

TE. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

The top comeback of 2025 was not completed by a professional sports team in the New York City area. Instead, it played out at the local level, as Garden City government saw the return of Property Owners’ Association (POA) and Community Agreement Party candidates. Victorious in the March 2025 election, those candidates altered the makeup of the Village Board and reclaimed positions from former officials. Mayor Mary Carter Flanagan

and Deputy Mayor Bruce Chester bid adieu to village public office when April arrived.

Garden City Mayor Edward Finneran rose through the ranks of the Central Property Owners’ Association several years ago and, after an initial two-year term in 2025, ran and won the village’s mayoral seat. His current term will last through March 2027. He and the current makeup of the Board of Trustees have been working on upgrading and maintaining critical vilSee page 8

Traffic commission advances plans for Lot 7S, North Ave.

BY RIKKI MASSAND The Garden City Traffic Commission met on Thursday evening, December 11th, to review issues related to village parking Lot 7S, located on the south side of 7th Street. Scarcity of parking and refuse disposal areas have long been cited as challenges in Lot 7S, and the December discussion highlighted possible improvements.

As noted on the Commission’s most recent agenda, completed plans for proposed changes in Lot 7S — including a new striping layout — were expected by the end of October. In

late summer, Superintendent of Public Works John Borroni presented the plans to business and property owners in the area. In addition, the MTA-LIRR confirmed it would allow replacement of the fence separating the lot from the tracks. The village had planned a follow-up with businesses in November to review garbage-related concerns.

Village Trustee Vinny Muldoon, chairman of the Traffic Commission, reported that the village has completed its new plan for Lot 7S, with a meeting expected in mid-January to finalize additional details “in regards to how See page 30

Holiday window decorating contest PAGE 29 Winterfest planned for January 10th PAGE 6

Friday, January 2, 2026 The Garden City News

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A WORD FROM THE PUBLISHER

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Sunlight is the best disinfectant

Now that the holidays are behind us, it’s time to return the Village’s attention to the one question that has been on everyone’s mind for thirty years - what to do with St. Paul’s. A year ago we had hoped that 2025 might finally be the year when something, anything, was decided, but... here we are.

Although evidently some may not agree, we think the results of the survey showed that there is a strong sentiment against spending large amounts of money to restore the building. If that’s the case, then it’s time to start looking at solutions that won’t drive the village’s debt load into the stratosphere.

Arguably, right now there might be two proposals out there which may meet that requirement.

One is the proposal to create a park

at the site, while saving some elements of the building. The other idea that has been floated is a “public private partnership (PPP)” which the Board of Trustees is looking into.

The problem with the PPP idea is that no one, except possibly the board, knows what that entails. Does it involve high density housing in exchange for being allowed to alienate the parkland?

If not, what does it involve?

If a park is the solution, what facilities and services would be included?

(Proponents of the park have been discussing this on social media.)

Both ideas deserve to be looked at, but they should be discussed in public right from the beginning.

There’s no reason for secrecy in making decisions on St. Paul’s.

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The Garden City News

Published every Friday by Litmor Publishing Corp.

Entered as Periodical Matter in the Post Office at Garden City, N.Y. 11530 - USPS 213-580

Robert L. Morgan, Publisher 1974-1994 • Mary J. Morgan, Publisher 1994

• Meg Morgan Norris, Publisher and Editor • Edward O. Norris, General Manager GARDEN CITY NEWS PHONE 294-8900 821 FRANKLIN AVE., GARDEN CITY, N.Y. 11530 Postmaster: Send Address Change to Garden City News 821 Franklin Ave., Garden City, Suite 208, N.Y. 11530

Email: Editor@GCNews.com

Just a thought

To the Editor: Good Planning or Good Luck?

Or maybe is it a measure of both. As 2025 ends and 2026 is but days away, a question that comes to mind is, “How good are each of us at predicting the future?” Often, we plan for events, and some of us even have backup plans to our backup plans. Fortunately, when COVID-19 struck the prior implementation of the Village’s infrastructure and computer systems enabled some of the staff to work remotely. This capability was put into place years ago without any consideration that COVID-19 would require some of us to work from home for months, then years with permanent changes to what we did. Our Village was fortunate, while many others were not.

What role does luck play in the outcome when confronted by unexpected circumstances? While skill in reacting to the unexpected and utilizing resources never intended for that purpose may be a key factor in obtaining a “good outcome” - often so is good fortune.

Certainly, on January 15, 2009, no pilot nor passenger aboard US Airways Flight 1549 would have anticipated the need to use the Hudson River as a runway. Or that it could be successful. No one could predict all 155 souls aboard would be rescued from the freezing water because a nearby ferry had just left the dock and was heading their way.

Fortune smiled on them.

Contingency planning assists in the reaction to events that occur but were not predicted to occur. In predicting the future, can any of us say our fortunes, those of the village, ourselves, or the nation will be “better” by the end of the year then they are now? December 2026 is a longtime away and predicting what each of our or the Village’s economic fortunes will be requires a trip to consult the Oracles at Delphi.

SO - individually and as a member of the Board of Trustees, we each must answer the question, do we wait for the passage of time to look back and remiss

on what could have been, or look forward and make “lemonade out of lemons?” Life shouldn’t be about hunkering down and waiting for the storm to pass but instead preparing for the opportunities it will bring. Similarly, while saving for a rainy day is admirable, it’s also about remembering to dance in the rain and being thankful for what we have.

Or maybe spending money to buy an umbrella.

While I cannot predict what will be the economics of the Village in December 2026, or succeeding years, however from my perspective the fortunes of the Village it is very promising, and being led by a very capable Boat of Trustee and exemplary Executive Staff. On an individual level I hope that everyone’s future is safe and healthy.

With God’s grace and mercy, and the cooperative efforts of all we will make it through this upcoming year with grace and dignity. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone, their family and loved ones. I look forward to seeing and being with each of you in the coming year.

Bruce A. Torino, Esq. Village Trustee Village of Garden City

Allow residents to be heard

The following letter was addressed to Garden City Mayor Edward Finneran and was shared with our readers: To Mayor Finneran: On November 16, 2025, I requested access to the St Paul’s Building, along with 2-3 construction professionals from NYC that are involved in the demo trade and the corresponding abatement necessary. This would be at no cost to the village and the reports would be turned over to the village as well as the St Paul’s Park Group. I remind you that when then Mayor Flanagan brought in D & B for estimating abatement, they were only allowed to estimate abatement as it pertained to “Adaptive Reuse” by this BOT, over then Mayor Flanagan’s objections.

This seems See page 27

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BY RIKKI MASSAND At the December 11th Garden City Traffic Commission meeting, improvements for the north–south pedestrian crossing on Stewart Avenue at Cherry Valley Avenue were evaluated following a request submitted by resident Mark Yuan. Village Public Works Superintendent John Borroni said staff recently examined the major intersection’s conditions and layout.

“On the northwest corner of the intersection there’s an existing sign that states ‘Turning Vehicles: Yield to Pedestrians’ so we are proposing to install a flashing sign to alert drivers of the crosswalk and to yield to pedestrians. We also want to include a sign for ‘Right Turn on Red After Full Stop.’

When we took a look at other crosswalks, we saw that on the south side the same crosswalk has no sign to alert drivers to ‘Yield to Pedestrians’ – we would like to add another sign to the crosswalk, and similarly do one for the east/west crosswalk on the south side of Stewart Avenue,” Borroni said.

He added that the village’s Public Works and engineering staff also considered adding a “Pedestrian Crossing Ahead” sign along Cathedral Avenue approaching Stewart Avenue. At that location, the pedestrian crossing sign

is on the far side of the crosswalk and is less visible for vehicles turning left.

The village proposed adding the sign to the median island in advance of the crosswalk, Borroni noted.

Village Trustee Vinny Muldoon, chairman of the Traffic Commission, said the intersection was first discussed in 2024 and several ideas were raised.

He noted that Cherry Valley Avenue, where Garden City Police Department officers monitor children crossing to and from school, would be an ideal location for a raised crosswalk.

“I see it all the time – even with a 20 mph limit and all the signage the drivers buzz by there. I think based on conversations we’ve had today and looking over these different things, it is a really busy commercial-style intersection and it is one of the toughest intersections Garden City has. Anything we can do there to include signage – though we won’t be peppering the whole village with more signs, and certainly not the flashing signs – in this particular situation and for safety we need to try to do everything we can within the municipality’s control and powers. We have to make it more clear to people to slow down since there are kids crossing,” he explained.

One concern Muldoon specified involved traffic heading south on

Cherry Valley Avenue, where two lanes turn right onto Stewart Avenue directly across from Garden City Middle School.

“Drivers tend to look towards the left because there’s a lot of people coming and heading west, from across the intersection in other lanes. A lot of the time they are not looking and if somebody is just to their immediate right that is walking, and if they’re back a little bit, the person and especially a kid could be in the crosswalk. That is where we see a need in certain situations for anything that can alert the drivers and catch the eyes – this would be one location with that need. I am personally in favor of new signage to do everything we can to protect the children, especially around the Garden City Middle School area,” he said.

Trustee Yvonne Varano, also a member of the Traffic Commission, said the signage plan should be tried given the difficulty of the intersection. “People are just inconsiderate, and we can try it as that’s all we can do. I do support the ‘Right on Red’ after a full stop because people come down there and they’re going too fast to turn,” she said.

Following her comments, Muldoon led the Commission’s vote to improve safety at the Cherry Valley Avenue– Stewart Avenue intersection. The signage plans were approved unanimous-

ly, 3–0, in accordance with Borroni’s drawings.

Raised crosswalk discussed

Trustee Rich Catalano asked about the possibility of a raised crosswalk at Cherry Valley Avenue and Stewart and whether it would function and appear similar to a speed hump. Borroni said that in theory, the two traffic-calming measures are the same. He noted that raised crosswalks can provide significant benefits, and Muldoon said such a feature would be constructed as “a big, wide speedhump.”

Borroni cautioned, however, that Nassau County would likely oppose the idea due to traffic volume. He said he had checked the county’s position on raised crosswalks at other locations and expected a similar outcome for Stewart and Cherry Valley, as both are county roads. A resident pointed out that the intersection lies within a school zone, potentially increasing the urgency. Borroni confirmed the village would still make the request.

Muldoon referenced similar issues along Merillon Avenue near Garden City High School. “That has been an issue for years and years, and eventually Nassau County did say they would take this on and they designed See page 12

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Friday, January 2, 2026 The Garden City News

Safety upgrades move forward at Cherry Valley, Stewart

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Friday, January 2, 2026 The Garden City News

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Winterfest at GC Bird Sanctuary on Jan. 10

BY JOHN W. CRONIN, PRESIDENT EMERITUS, AND FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS In January of 2009, the Garden City Bird Sanctuary (GCBS) celebrated its first Winterfest. It was a holiday created by the GCBS for us (i.e., Board of Directors, volunteers, donors), and it also includes YOU—those of good will who agree with our mission.

Winterfest is celebrated every second Saturday in January, and it is there for a purpose.

Every successful organization, like the GCBS, needs certain days with ceremonies that remind everyone of our roots: our purpose, our shared values, where we came from, and where we want to grow. It takes place in the cold of January, named after a Roman god (Janus) with two faces, one facing forward and one backward. At Winterfest we look back with gratitude over the past year, and we look forward in hope as we publicly announce our annual goal of what we will improve. The cold reminds us of the heart of one who does give of himself/herself, and of difficult times.

In winter, the days are short, the

nights are long, and nature sleeps with barren trees and no flowers.

Winterfest is a celebration of the three principal purposes that bind us together –volunteerism, environmental stewardship, and hope (these are expressed in the Latin language, belonging to none, so belonging to all).

Winterfest begins at twilight (3:45) and consists of three meaningful ceremonies. As you enter there will be hot cocoa and a warm fire crackling. By 4:15PM the ceremonies begin:

The Cleansing Space

Near the fire we have some twigs nearby. We will ask that everyone take up a stick and let them symbolize all the unwanted thoughts and past experiences we all have. Then we line up and cast them into the fire to be cleansed away by the flames that project light and heat instead of the darkness of those memories.

Winterfest is about new beginnings with old friends, and the new friends we meet here.

The Good Journey

At Winterfest, we never say “goodSee page 7

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Launch party for local writer’s new book Robin Boyle-Laisure, a Garden City resident and published author, will be featured at her book launch at The Next Chapter Book Store in Huntington on Tuesday, January 13th at 7 p.m. as well as a Sunday Forum at the Garden City Community Church, on January 25th at noon.

Prof. Boyle-Laisure’s book “Taken No More” draws on nearly three decades of experience in researching and presenting on the dangers of cults and human trafficking in this debut nonfiction book. The author is a professor at St. John’s University School of Law and has previously published three academic books. “Take No More: Protect Your Children Against Traffickers and Cults,” released on November 13, 2025, by Bloomsbury publishers, is a comprehensive guide for parents, caregivers, teachers, law enforcement, and mental health professionals.

“I draw from my experience from years of research and academic presentations domestically and internationally, as well as before community groups,” said Professor Boyle-Laisure.

“The book explains what makes these enterprises so dangerous. I describe common tactics of cult leaders and human traffickers, such as grooming their targets.”

In the new book, Professor BoyleLaisure empowers parents with knowledge and strategies to keep their children safe from harm. “Taken No More” provides suggestions on how to talk to your children of any age, from pre-school to college. “My book has practical advice about how to raise savvy children.”

‘The book includes a chapter about our digital age and how it is bringing unprecedented challenges to child-rearing,’ said Prof. BoyleLaisure. ‘With 500,000 predators trawling sites daily, it is important to understand the various ways predators ensnare children.’

“Taken No More” includes advice for teachers about warning signs when observing their students. It provides context for mental health professionals when counselling clients with exposure to cults and human traffickers.

The book describes how law enforcement and lawyers can help prevent crime and seek redress in the courts.

“Anyone can be trafficked, and anyone can be recruited into a cult,” said Prof.

Boyle-Laisure.

Professor Boyle-Laisure is an attorney and a full-time faculty member at St. John’s University School of Law for over thirty years. Additionally, she serves as a member on board of

Robin Boyle Laisure, J.D. directors for several nonprofit organizations, including the International Cultic Studies Association, with which she has associated since the 1990s.

She earned her B.A. degree from Vassar College and J.D. from Fordham University School of Law. She is currently earning an M.F.A. for creative writing from Adelphi University.

She previously published “Teaching Contract Drafting” (Edward Elgar 2023) and co-authored “Becoming a Legal Writer” (Carolina Academic Press, 2d edition 2025) and “Persuasive Advocacy in Action” (Carolina Academic Press 2025).

Prof. Boyle-Laisure lives in Garden City with her husband, Paul Skip Laisure, a criminal defense attorney who represents indigent clients in their appeals. They raised their children in Garden City. Their daughter, Andrea Laisure, is a professional dancer in NYC and is assisting with publicity for “Taken No More.” Her twin brother, Corey, is in Los Angeles working in visual effects within the film industry.

The author will be speaking about and signing copies of ‘Taken No More’ at the book launch held at The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington, Long Island, on Tuesday, January 13, at 7 p.m.. To register for this event, go to www.thenextchapterli.com.

She will also be speaking and signing copies of the book at the Garden City Community Church, 245 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, at the Sunday Forum on January 25, at noon. For further information about Prof. Robin Boyle-Laisure’s publications and speaking engagements, go to www.robinboylelaisure.com.

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From page 6 bye” but “Good Journey,” for every destination is but a doorway that leads to another. We use green candles during a guided walk around part of the Sanctuary. The green candles are symbolic of hope of the spring to come and the light of the talent and warmth which comes forth from the caring love of the Board, our volunteers/donors, and all people of good will (like YOU) that keep us going.

The Great Telling

The Great Telling reminds us of our origin and values as we “pass on the light” symbolized by our green candles. We thank and give awards to our Volunteers of the Year from 2025. We each tell a part of the story and end in darkness with our message of hope: All Winters Must Come to an End! Not just seasonal winters, but the “winters” of all our problems. The great religions tell us that even the winter of death itself shall be overcome by a spring of New Life afterwards.

The GCBS is a community in a real sense as it offers you a place of belonging and calls for us to

acknowledge our interdependence on each other and on nature. To belong has two meanings; to be part of something greater than oneself (I belong to that family, that house of worship, etc.) and ownership (that object belongs to me). The Board and the volunteers/donors belong to the GCBS in both senses of that word.

It calls on the greater communities of Garden City, Nassau County, New York State, and the United States to emulate our lead. We, on the Board, govern collaboratively, and all our members and volunteers are asked to be investors, owners, and creators of all we are and hope to become. There are no strangers who come to help at the GCBS, only friends we haven’t met.

So, come on down January 10, 2026 (snow date 01/17/26) to the GCBS and discover Winterfest: a modern holiday celebrating timeless ideals which make communities work! Won’t you become part of our community? The GCBS is opposite 182 Tanners Pond Road. The gates open at 3:45 pm. The event is free and open to the general public. It ends at approximately 5 pm. We hope to see you there!

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Friday, January 2, 2026 The Garden City News

Winterfest at GC Bird Sanctuary on Jan. 10

Women’s Health Care of Garden City committed to personalized care

By John L. Gomes, MD ohn L. Gomes, MD, founded Women’s Health Care of Garden City in 1995. It has remained J an independent private practice, providing personalized obstetrical and gynecological services.

He employs the technical advances of conventional medicine with an integrative approach to navigate women through difficult pregnancies into the menopausal years. He treats a wide variety of OB/GYN conditions and is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care.

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Friday, January 2, 2026 The Garden City News

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Year in review: New board, old debates, big infrastructure moves From page 1

lage infrastructure, as additional bonded projects and budget considerations for fiscal year 2026–2027 lie ahead.

St. Paul’s: Still the Big Question

However, clarity regarding St. Paul’s—attempted through the October 2023 St. Paul’s Opinion Poll, followed by a Recreational Needs/Interests Survey and a more targeted, village-wide St. Paul’s survey conducted over the past year—has yet to emerge. The Village of Garden City remains divided. At the most recent Board of Trustees meeting on December 11, Mayor Finneran noted the need for a “formal pause” and a potential shift in evaluations by the Board, including the closely scrutinized idea of exploring a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) option.

“Following the Opinion Poll in late 2023 and the Village-wide survey conducted last spring, it became clear that our Village remains divided on

the issue. While approximately 65% of respondents expressed an affinity for the building, only about 45% supported one of the three specific project options.

Conversely, ~47% did not support any proposed option or a related Village tax increase. Thus, as we investigate financing options for a project, we decided to draw on another option.”

“In light of differing perspectives— and given the significant cost considerations, we believe it is both prudent and responsible to explore whether a PPP could provide the Village with a viable option. This exploration is in its earliest stage and we believe it could be additive to the issue. No commitments have been made and we recognize the many complexities involved. Finally, we look forward to presenting you with the St. Paul’s Advisory Committee Report in January, as this will play a role in formulating an approach to the future of St. Paul’s,” the mayor explained in his See page 28

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THE VIEW FROM HERE

2025 in Review

BY BOB MORGAN, JR. More than in most years, the story of the outgoing year, the 2025 story is closely intertwined with the successes and failures of the incumbent President, in this case Donald J. Trump.

Mr. Trump, who was the first modern President to win back the White House after losing a previous bid for reelection, changed his approach to governing. Under the leadership of chief of staff Susie Wiles, there was far less turnover in personnel and far fewer leaks of information The early days of the second Trump administration were marked by a flurry of action, including numerous executive orders and the launch with Elon Musk of the Department of Government Efficiency, a cost cutting initiative.

Mr. Trump certainly had a number of accomplishments during his first year. At the southern border, Mr. Trump’s enforcement policies reduced illegal immigration to a trickle, in stark contrast to the vast waves of migrants under his predecessor, President Joe Biden. Mr. Trump was also successful in getting a comprehensive tax bill through Congress, which both extended the 2017 tax legislation and provided tax relief to people earning tips, Social Security and overtime, as well as to individuals already paying high state and local taxes. Mr. Trump also helped to obtain a durable cease fire in Gaza and appears to have made progress toward ending the war in the Ukraine. He was also successful in persuading European governments to pay more for their own military defense.

Mr. Trump also made progress on the cultural front, as he eliminated diversity, equity and insurance (DEI) programs within the federal governments. A number of corporations followed suit in scaling back their programs. Mr. Trump secured agreements with a number of universities in an effort to increase intellectual diversity.

Not all of Mr. Trump’s initiatives

were generally acclaimed. Mass deportation of illegal immigrants who are not involved in criminal activity in the United States was quite controversial. Similarly, Mr. Trump’s tariff initiatives, aimed at virtually every foreign country, have spurred fear of a global trade war that will make consumer prices more expensive.

Unfortunately, while Mr. Trump’s governance style was improved from his first term, he still too often ran off at the mouth. One example was his appalling remarks about the death of Rob Reiner. Another was his professed support for the annexation of Canada. This likely resulted in the election of a Canadian prime minister less favorably disposed to the United States than his opponent, and also hurt Canadian trade and tourism.

Mr. Trump now enters the midterm election year of 2026 with middling approval numbers and Democrats given a strong chance to retake the House of Representatives.

Mr. Trump’s greatest challenge is handling concerns of ordinary Americans about the affordability of goods and services. The most recent economic numbers showed strong economic growth in the third quarter of 2025, so this could be a springboard for better times.

Of course, there were other important stories in 2025 that had relatively little or no relation to President Trump. Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, who spread his brand of conservatism on colleges all over the United States, willing to take on all comers in debate, was gunned down in a tragic killing, allegedly by a fanatic. New weight loss drugs came on the scene, providing help for millions in losing pounds. The sharp rise of artificial intelligence provided hope in providing cheap information and effective business solutions, while sparking fears that this technology might result in job losses.

Happy New Year to all!

GCRE donates $50K From page 1

Events Committee, Salvatore Ciaravino, Trustee, Secretary and Chairperson Membership Committee, Gary Rufrano, Trustee and Treasurer, Tiffany Rufrano, Executive Committee Member, Brad Wolk, Executive Committee Member

and Joseph Farkas, Founding Trustee and President.

If you would like more information on how to make a donation to GCRE or become a member of the Foundation, please visit the website at www.gcrepf. org

“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.

“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

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.”

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

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.”

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

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.

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.

Friday, January 2, 2026 The Garden City News

From Despair to Hope: Conquering Peripheral Neuropathy with Westbury Acupuncture

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Friday, January 2, 2026 The Garden City News

10

Garden City Real Estate Market Information RECENT REAL ESTATE SALES IN GARDEN CITY

111 Cherry Valley Ave, Penthouse 6

Date: 12/18/2025 Sold price: $1,450,000 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath Architectural Style: Condominium Square feet: 2,400 Annual taxes: $19,680 Monthly common charges: $2,729 MLS number: 857415 The Seller’s Team: Jennifer Sullivan and Susan Gillin, Compass Greater NY The Buyer’s Team: Nancy Giannone, Howard Hanna Coach

The information about the homes and the photos were obtained through the Multiple Listing Services of Long Island. The homes presented were selected based solely on the fact that they were recently sold.

Mortgage Rates this week from www.nerdwallet.com

Loan Term 30-year fixed 15-year fixed 5/1 ARM

Interest Rate 6.01% 5.50% 6.19%

APR 6.02% 5.53% 6.57%

Long Island Sales Data From One Key MLS Nassau County Median Sale Price Month

Nov-2025 Oct-2025 Sep-2025 Aug-2025 Jul-2025 Jun-2025 May-2025 Apr-2025 Mar-2025 Feb-2025 Jan-2025 Dec-2024

Current Year Prior Year

$840,000 $837,000 $849,000 $875,000 $860,000 $850,000 $810,000 $790,000 $820,000 $795,000 $810,000 $800,000

$775,000 $789,000 $813,500 $830,000 $805,000 $800,000 $790,000 $764,500 $800,000 $752,000 $730,000 $716,250

Magnificent 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath Penthouse with enormous rooftop terrace offering spectacular golf club views and breathtaking sunsets. This 2500 SQFT apartment features an elegant entry foyer, spacious and sun-flooded living room and dining room with oversized windows and fireplace, large eat-in kitchen, powder room and sunroom which opens to rooftop terrace perfect for entertaining and relaxing. A beautiful staircase leads you to the impressive primary suite with 2 walk-in closets and en-suite marble bath with soaking tub and shower as well as separate laundry room and another guest bedroom with en-suite bathroom. LIVE THE LIFESTYLE you deserve with luxurious amenities such as Brand New gorgeous Lobby, 24-hour concierge, valet parking, Club house, indoor heated swimming pool, fully equipped gym, outdoor BBQ area, colorful gardens and scenic pond walking path. Prime location next to The Garden City Hotel, library, LIRR, Main Street restaurants & shopping and only 30 minutes to NYC. Award winning Garden City Schools.

Incredible value at $1,750,000.

301 Franklin Ave., Apt. 311

Date: 12/16/2025 Sold price: $1,050,000 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths Architectural Style: Condominium Square feet: 1,479 Annual taxes: $14,126 Monthly common charges: $1,200 MLS number: 923491 The Seller’s Team: Luisa Fazzalari and Donna MelliStryczek, Douglas Elliman Real Estate The Buyer’s Team: Andrea Sorrentino, Douglas Elliman Real Estate

% Change

8.4% 6.1% 4.4% 5.4% 6.8% 6.3% 2.5% 3.3% 12.3% 5.7% 11.0% 11.7%

Luxury Living at Double Day Court. Experience elegant, carefree living in this beautiful and bright top-floor residence at Double Day Court. This private 2-bedroom, 2-bath luxury condo offers an open floor plan designed for modern comfort and effortless entertaining.

The gourmet kitchen features a peninsula with marble countertops and stainless-steel appliances -perfect for those who love to cook and entertain. The spacious living room flows seamlessly to a private terrace, also accessible from the primary suite. The primary en-suite offers a peaceful sanctuary, complete with ample closet space and a beautifully appointed bath. Additional highlights include crown molding, recessed lighting, and the convenience of an in-unit laundry. Residents enjoy amenities including a beautifully welcoming lobby with 24-hour concierge service, a fitness center, rooftop pool, lounge with BBQ area, and secure underground heated parking with a dedicated space and private locked storage bin, plus an additional storage unit and a dog park. Located close to transportation, shopping, dining, parks, and schools.

This informational page is sponsored by Douglas Elliman Real Estate Houses featured on this page were sold by various real estate agencies

Curious what your home is worth? Contact me!

Thinking About Selling?

Erin Fleischmann

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson O 516.307.9406 | M 516.864.1977 erin.fleischmann@elliman.com Garden City Office | 130 Seventh Street elliman.com © 2026 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

110 WALT WHITMAN ROAD, HUNTINGTON STATION, NY 11746. 631.549.7401.

11 Friday, January 2, 2026 The Garden City News

We Know and Love Garden City

84 Nassau Boulevard | Garden City

Under Contract | Garden City

$1,849,999 | 6 BR, 3 BA, 1 Half BA | Web# 907179

$1,199,999 | 3 BR, 2 BA | Web# 929023

Michelle McArdle: M 516.306.4134

Michelle McArdle: M 516.306.4134

Katarzyna “Katrina” Kamer: M 917.548.7106

Under Contract | Stewart Manor $839,000 | 4 BR, 2 BA | Web# 916260

Sold | Garden City

Sold | Garden City

Sold | Westbury

Sold Price: $2,500,000 | 6 BR, 4 BA, 1 Half BA Web# 872557

Sold Price: $2,204,000 | 6 BR, 4 BA, 1 Half BA Web# 863391

Sold Price: $1,270,000 | 2 BR, 2 BA | Condo Web# 894256

Michelle McArdle: M 516.306.4134 Erin Fleischmann: M 516.864.1977

Michelle McArdle: M 516.306.4134

Michelle McArdle: M 516.306.4134 Helen Montane-Achury: M 516.850.7076

Sold | Garden City

Rented | Garden City

Rented Price: $4,150/month | 2 BR, 2 BA | Condo Web# 926129

Rented Price: $5,300/month | 3 BR, 2 BA Web# 900606

Michelle McArdle: M 516.306.4134

Tsui Ying (Judy) Hsu: M 516.695.8024

Linda O’Connor: M 516.849.4049

Garden City Office | 130 7th Street | 516.307.9406 110 WALT WHITMAN ROAD, HUNTINGTON STATION, NY 11746. 631.549.7401. © 2026 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PROPERTY LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

elliman.com

Rented | Garden City

Sold Price: $1,112,300 | 3 BR, 2 BA, 1 Half BA Web# 923140

Friday, January 2, 2026 The Garden City News

12

Happy Holidays Wishing you a joyful holiday season. Thank you to our clients and customers for trusting us with your real estate journey this year.

If you’re considering a move in the new year, we’re always available to help. Here’s to a great 2026.

Claudia Galvin Associate Real Estate Broker claudiagalvin@danielgale.com c. 516.972.8389 Matthew Minardi Real Estate Salesperson Gold Circle of Excellence matthewminardi@danielgale.com c. 516.456.3091

Safety upgrades move forward at Cherry Valley From page 3 a whole system up there to make it a safer place. It took them a number of years and they were supposed to start this year, but hopefully they will finally start it next year with the project.

Nassau County checked out Rockaway and Merillon, and they said ‘we got this’ as it’s their roads and they would take care of it. That is how the county operates, because we see John has made around 100 requests and we can see that even receiving an email back from the county is becoming impossible. I don’t know why, and it’s frustrating to say the least because you should know the Traffic Commission is about getting things done in order to make the village safer and calm traffic. They (Nassau County) are handcuffing us with a lot of this stuff,” he stated.

ing after she submitted a petition with neighbors’ signatures.

“Given the nearby intersections with Newmarket – Somerset Avenue and Stratford Avenue – both have Stop signs. I understood the points about safety and kids in a school area, and that was also my primary concern. I tried to get out and visit homeowners on Newmarket for the petition as well,” she said.

Muldoon said village officials and staff would need time to review the petition. “We are certainly in favor of trying to do everything we can to make things safer without putting Stop signs everywhere in the village, but yet putting them in the appropriate places that would allow kids to go to schools, to parks and more. When I look at this location which I know quite well, it’s about having at least an area for the safest route. Two things are involved – teens going to Garden City High School use the route, and they have a straight run to drive to school, and the Stop sign would slow the traffic down. It would certainly slow down the speeding and achieve traffic-calming in the area. It

CAPOGNA CAPOGNA CAPOGNA CAPOGNA ORTHODONTICS Garden City Office 102 7th Street, Garden City, NY o. 516.248.6655

Petition for Stop sign on Newmarket

The Commission then reviewed a proposal for a four-way STOP sign on Newmarket Road at its intersection with either Roxbury Road or Wellington Road.

Muldoon invited Wellington Road resident Jen Horn to speak at the meet-

ORTHODONTICS ORTHODONTICS ORTHODONTICS Call Today Schedule A Complimentary Call Today Schedule A Complimentary danielgale.com

Each office is independently owned and operated.

Call Today Schedule A Complimentary CAPOGNA Call Today Schedule A Complimentary CAPOGNA New Patient Consultation (X-Rays, Photos, Exam) CAPOGNA NewORTHODONTICS Patient Consultation (X-Rays, Photos, Exam) (X-Rays, New Patient Consultation Photos, Exam) CAPOGNA New Patient Consultation (X-Rays, Photos, Exam) ORTHODONTICS

See page 18

ORTHODONTICS ORTHODONTICS

Call Today Schedule A Complimentary Call Today Schedule A Complimentary New Patient Consultation (X-Rays, Photos, Exam) CallConsultation Today Schedule A Complimentary New Patient (X-Rays, Photos, Exam)Schedule A Complimentary Call Today New Patient Consultation (X-Rays, Photos, Exam) New Patient Consultation (X-Rays, Photos, Exam)

Family Owned and and Operated Since 19881988 Family Owned Operated Since John M. Capogna, D.M.D. Michael J. Capogna, D.D.S.

John M. Capogna, D.M.D. J. Capogna, JohnMichael M.John Capogna, D.M.D.D.D.S. J. Capogna, D.D.S.D.D.S. M. Capogna, D.M.D. Michael Michael J. Capogna, Family Owned and Operated Since 1988 Laura M. Bodner, D.M.D. ChristineChristine M. Capogna, D.M.D. Laura M. Bodner, D.M.D. M. Capogna, D.M.D. Laura M. Bodner, D.M.D. Christine M. Capogna, D.M.D. Laura M. Bodner, D.M.D. Christine M. Capogna, D.M.D. John M. Capogna, D.M.D. Michael J. Capogna, D.D.S.

We You a Happy And Safe New Year’s Creating CWish Children Beautiful Healthy SmilesSmiles for Cfor hildren and Adults!

Family Owned and Operated Since 1988 reating Beautiful Healthy and Adults!

John M. Capogna, D.M.D.

Michael J. Capogna, D.D.S.

Laura M. Bodner, D.M.D. Laura M. Bodner, D.M.D.D.D.S. Christine M. Capogna, D.M.D. John M. Capogna, D.M.D. Michael J. Capogna, Creating beautiful healthyHealthy smiles for children andbeautiful adults! beautiful healthy smiles for children and adults!

John M. Capogna, D.M.D. Michael J. Capogna, D.D.S. CCreating Children Creating beautiful healthy smiles for children and adults!

Creating healthy reating Beautiful Smiles for and Adults!

Laura M. Bodner,smiles D.M.D. for children and adults!

Christine M. Capogna, D.M.D. Christine M. Capogna, D.M.D.

CAPOGNA CAPOGNA CAPOGNA CAPOGNA CAPOGNA CAPOGNA CAPOGNA CAPOGNA ORTHODONTICS ORTHODONTICS ORTHODONTICS ORTHODONTICS

Laura M. Bodner, D.M.D. Christine and M. Capogna, D.M.D. Creating beautiful healthy smiles for children and adults!

Creating healthy smiles for children adults!

Creating Family Owned and Operated Since 1988 Creating Beautiful Healthy Smiles forand Children Family Owned andbeautiful Operated Since 1988 Beautiful Healthy Smiles for hildren and Adults!

Family Owned Operated SinceCand 1988 Family Owned and Operated Since Adults!

1988 Creating beautiful healthy smilesSince for children and adults!

Family Owned and Operated Since 1988 Family Owned and Operated 1988 Creating beautiful healthy smiles for children and adults!

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Call Today Schedule A Complimentary Call Today Schedule A Complimentary Patient Consultation (X-Rays, Photos, Exam) Patient Consultation (X-Rays, Photos, Exam) (X-Rays, Photos, Exam) NewNew Patient Consultation (X-Rays, Photos, Exam) (X-Rays, Photos, Exam) NewNew Patient Consultation (X-Rays, Photos, Exam) Family Owned and Operated Since 1988

John Capogna, Michael Capogna, D.D.S. 41 New Hyde Park Rd, Garden City, NY 11530 1023 N. Broadway, N.M. Massapequa, NY 11758 Michael John M. Capogna, D.M.D.D.M.D. J. Capogna, D.D.S. John M.J.Capogna, D.M.D. Michael J. Capogna, JohnLaura M. Capogna, D.M.D. Michael J. Capogna, D.D.S. D.D.S. M. Bodner, D.M.D. Christine M. Capogna, D.M.D. (516) 673-4888 Laura M. Bodner, D.M.D. 752-9060D.M.D. Laura M. Bodner, D.M.D. Christine(516) M. Capogna, Christine M. Capogna, D.M.D. Laura M. Bodner, D.M.D. Christine M. Capogna, D.M.D. 41 New Hyde Park Rd, 1023 N. Broadway, 41 New Hyde Park Rd, 1023 N. Broadway, Creating beautiful healthy smiles for children and adults!

Garden City, NY 11530 Creating beautiful healthy for children and adults!

Creating beautiful healthy smiles for children and adults!

N. Massapequa, NYJohn 11758 M.smiles Garden City, NY 11530 Creating beautiful healthy smiles for children and adults!

N. Massapequa, NY 11758 Capogna, D.M.D. Michael J. Capogna, D.D.S. (516) 673-4888 John M. Capogna, D.M.D. Michael J. Capogna, D.D.S. Family Owned and Operated Since 1988 (516) 673-4888 (516) 752-9060 John M.Owned Capogna, D.M.D. Michael Capogna, D.D.S. Family OwnedJ.and Operated Since 1988 Family and Operated Since 1988 (516) 752-9060

Family Owned and Operated Since 1988 D.M.D. John M. Capogna, Michael J. Capogna, D.D.S. Laura M. Bodner, ChristineD.M.D. M. Capogna, D.M.D.

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Thursday Book Club

Join us for Thursday Book Club, January 8, at 1 p.m. The book is titled, “The Little Paris Bookshop”

by Nina George. All are welcome.

Identity Theft Workshop

Join us for an Identity Theft Workshop, Wednesday, January 28, at 12:15. Learn about potential risks and how to protect yourself and your family. To register, please stop by the Senior Center front desk or call (516) 385-8006.

Lecture: Frauds and Scams

Join us for an educational lecture sponsored by Parker Jewish Institute, with guest speaker Rhonda from Clear Captions, topic: Frauds and Scams. January 6 at 12:00. To register, please stop by the Senior Center front desk or call (516) 3858006.

Bingo

Join us for BINGO with Erin Fleischmann from Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Wednesday, January 14,

at 12:15. Space is limited, to register, please stop by the Senior Center front desk or call (516) 385-8006.

“Dance Journey Through Time”

Friday, Jan 15, at 11:30–1:00 Please join Madalyn Avila at the Senior Center for the first of a free Seminar Series “Dance Journey Through Time”, exploring the dance, music, art and soul from 18th Century English Country Dance, the Civil War Ballroom Era, to the Argentine Tango. No partner necessary. Bring your love of music and dance. Space limited to 20 dancers and 20 observers. Register by calling the Senior Center at (516) 385-8006.

Zumba Gold Session

Trip to Argyle Theatre to See “Newsies” and Lunch at La Famiglia

Garden City Recreation and Parks will present a trip to the Argyle Theatre in Babylon, and lunch at La Famiglia Restaurant on Sunday, February 8, at 11 a.m.

The bus leaves from across the street from the Senior Center at 11 am, lunch at 12 noon antd show at 2 p.m.

Cost $72 for show ticket (check made payable to the Argyle Theatre) and $50 cash for lunch, both to be paid at time of registration.

To register please stop by the Senior Center front desk. DEADLINE: January 9.

Tai Chi

Beginning January 27, Andrea will begin a new 8 week Zumba Gold Session. Tuesdays at 10:30–11:15.

Register on Community Pass or see Felicia at the Senior Center.

Beginning December 12, join us at noon for Tai Chi on the second Friday of each month, sponsored by the Bristal at Garden City.

“Understanding Advanced Directives”

Beginning on Tuesday, 9/23, we will be offering pickup Mah Jongg games, open to all residents on Tuesdays from 12:00–2:00. Bring your lunch and a set.

NYU EMS will be at the Senior Center on Tuesday, January 20, at 11:30 a.m., presenting, “Understanding Advanced Directives.”. To register, please stop by the Senior Center front desk or call (516) 385-8006.

Pickup Mah Jongg Games

Open Ping Pong

Senior Center Ping Pong on Tuesdays from 1:00–3:00. This is no

longer a drop-in program, If you are interested in playing, please stop by the Senior Center front desk or call (516) 385-8006 to have your name put on an interest list.

Chair Yoga

Chair yoga schedule for Tania at the senior center. Thursdays 9:159:45 Meditation, 9:45-10:45 Chair Yoga class.

Open Chess

Join us for Open Chess at Senior Center, every Friday at 2:00–3:30.

Beginning December 5. No registration is required, just stop by and play!

Amanat from Chess4Community will be here on Fridays beginning 12/19 if you need assistance, or have any questions.

Senior Center Lunch Group

Join our Senior Center Lunch Group at 12:30–3:30 on Wednesdays, or, if you miss your pool friends, join the Garden City Pool Chat Group at the center, on Thursdays beginning at 1:00–3:30. For both groups, coffee and tea will be served, just bring your lunch and chat!! Also, call to inquire about our two book clubs, one meets on Thursdays during the day and the other on Wednesday evenings.

YESOD GRANT

Build your Jewish Foundation at Schechter.

Eligible students will receive a 25% discount off base tuition for 4 consecutive years. Offered to the first 50 students enrolled in the 2026–27 academic year.

6 Cross Street, Williston Park, NY 11596 Contact Us: 516-539-3383 admissions@schechterli.org www.schechterli.org

Friday, January 2, 2026 The Garden City News

Garden City’s Senior Center is open. Please visit the Senior Center Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for further information on activities and events!

fyi F O R S E N I O R S

13

Friday, January 2, 2026 The Garden City News

14

Garden City real estate, reimagined.

Laura Baymack Lic. RE Salesperson Principal Agent

Stephen Baymack Lic. Assoc. RE Broker Principal Agent

Laura Carroll Lic. RE Salesperson Founding Agent

Pedro “Pete” Diaz Lic. RE Salesperson Principal Agent

Lisa Fedor Lic RE Salesperson Principal Agent

Karen Guendjoian Lic. RE Salesperson Principal Agent

Lauren Grima Lic. RE Salesperson Principal Agent

Matthew Heaney Lic. RE Salesperson Principal Agent

Maureen Lagarde Lic. RE Salesperson Founding Agent

Kathleen McCarthy Lic. RE Salesperson Principal Agent

Patrick M. McCooey Lic. Assoc. RE Broker Founding Agent

Athena Menoudakos Lic. RE Salesperson Founding Agent

Alexander G. Olivieri Lic. RE Salesperson Founding Agent

Alexandra Parisi Lic. Assoc. RE Broker Founding Agent

Jennifer Sullivan Lic. RE Salesperson Founding Agent

Kathy Thornton Lic. RE Salesperson Principal Agent

Demetrios Arnidis Lic. RE Salesperson McCooey Olivieri Team

Alyson B. Esposito Lic. RE Salesperson Laura Carroll Team

Kerry Flynn Lic. RE Salesperson Laura Carroll Team

Carolyn Fowler Lic. RE Salesperson Laura Carroll Team

Mairead Garry Lic. RE Salesperson McCooey Olivieri Team

Denice Giacometti Lic. RE Salesperson McCooey Olivieri Team

Patrick Gibbons Lic. RE Salesperson McCooey Olivieri Team

Susan Gillin Lic. RE Salesperson Jen Sullivan Team

Christina M. Hirschfield Lic. RE Salesperson Laura Carroll Team

Amanda Keller Lic. RE Salesperson Laura Carroll Team

Adrienne McDougal Lic. RE Salesperson Laura Carroll Team

Frank Morabito Lic. RE Salesperson Pete Diaz Team

Danielle Nero Lic. RE Salesperson Laura Carroll Team

Daniel Niebler Lic. RE Salesperson Baymack Team

182 Seventh Street Garden City, NY 11530 Jane Reilly Lic. RE Salesperson Laura Carroll Team

Laura Rich Lic. RE Salesperson Laura Carroll Team

Julie Whicher Lic. RE Salesperson Baymack Team

All professionals above are real estate licensees affiliated with Compass, a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only.

15

UNDER CONTRACT

108 Tanners Pond Road, Garden City 6 BD | 6 BA | $3,390,000 Laura Carroll | M: 917.370.5354 Adrienne McDougal | M: 516.662.3872 UNDER CONTRACT

136 Locust Street, Garden City 5 BD | 3 BA | 1 HB | $2,265,000 Stephen & Laura Baymack | M: 516.216.0244

UNDER CONTRACT

34 East Drive, Garden City 3 BD | 2 BA | 1 HB | $1,499,000 Lisa Fedor | M: 516.578.2639

UNDER CONTRACT

143 Garden Street, Garden City 3 BD | 2 BA | $1,289,000 Stephen & Laura Baymack | M: 516.216.0244

225 Brixton Road, Garden City 5 BD | 5 BA | $2,850,000 Laura Carroll | M: 917.370.5354

SOLD

111 Cherry Valley Avenue, PH6, Garden City 2 BD | 2 BA | 1 HB | $1,750,000 Jennifer Sullivan | M: 516.361.7190 Susan Gillin | M: 516.655.5662

125 Stratford Avenue, Garden City 6 BD | 3 BA | 1 HB | $2,499,000 Matthew Heaney | M: 516.241.2648 Ann Heaney | M: 516.647.4388 UNDER CONTRACT

173 Brixton Road, Garden City 3 BD | 2 BA | 1 HB | $1,650,000 Amanda Keller | M: 516.263.7955

SOLD

22 Franklin Court, Garden City 3 BD | 2 BA | 1 HB | $1,359,000 Adrienne McDougal | M: 516.662.3872

UNDER CONTRACT

60 Pell Terrace, Garden City 3 BD | 2 BA | $1,199,000 Matthew Heaney | M: 516.241.2648

22 Hathaway Drive, Garden City 3 BD | 1 BA | 1 HB | $1,299,000 Matthew Heaney | M: 516.241.2648

UNDER CONTRACT

127 Second Street, D1, Garden City 2 BD | 2 BA | $675,000 Athena Menoudakos | M: 516.316.4955

Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. *Source: MLS One Key; Jan 1, 2024 to Dec 31, 2024 based on closed residential & condo/co-op sales volume.

Friday, January 2, 2026 The Garden City News

List this winter with the #1 brokerage in Garden City.* Reach out to connect to a Garden City agent.

Friday, January 2, 2026 The Garden City News

16

THE OFFICE CAT Hit-and-run sedan On December 22nd, a gray sedan reportedly left the scene of a two-vehicle accident that occurred on Franklin Avenue.

Bus overpass strike Garden City Police responded on December 22nd to Chestnut Street regarding a bus that struck the overpass, and the driver was charged with disregarding bridge clearance signs.

Alarm responses GCFD and GCPD responded on December 22nd to fire alarms activated by a battery issue and vaping smoke.

Hazmat violations A Clinton Road truck operator motorist was charged on December 22nd with unsafe speed and multiple hazardous material violations.

Fallen tree limb On December 22nd, Garden City Police and the Tree Department responded to Devereux Place for a fallen tree limb.

Suspended registration A New Hyde Park Road motorist was charged on December 22nd with

multiple traffic violations, including driving with a suspended registration.

Multi-site crash On December 23rd, officers responded to 7th Street for a report of an auto accident and determined that a motorist backed into and damaged two businesses, then struck a park bench and a parked vehicle. The Fire Department assisted with safeguarding the area, the Building Department conducted a damage inspection, and the Parks Department helped with sidewalk cleanup. No injuries were reported to pedestrians or occupants of the buildings.

Youths cited Garden City Police stopped two youths on December 23rd for checking car door handles on Kingsbury Road and Russell Road. The youths were cited and released to a parent.

Traffic charges issued A Washington Avenue motorist was charged on December 23rd with driving with a suspended registration and

additional violations.

Tree limb down Garden City Police responded on December 23rd to a report of a fallen tree limb on St. James Street North.

Unlicensed operation A Clinton Road motorist was charged on December 23rd with unlicensed operation and driving with a suspended registration.

Multiple alarms On December 23rd, Garden City Police and Firefighters responded to two calls for damaged power lines, two alarms activated by cooking smoke, and an alarm activated in error.

Identity theft A victim’s identity was stolen and used to open an unauthorized cellphone account, it was reported on December 24th.

Tree limb call Garden City Police responded on December 24th to North Avenue for a report of a fallen tree limb.

Fire alarm issues GCFD and GCPD responded on December 24th to a malfunctioning fire alarm and an alarm activated by burnt food.

Graffiti reported Garden City Police investigated a report on December 25th of graffiti found on a Newmarket Road stop sign.

Chimney fire On December 25th, officers assisted firefighters who responded to a residence and extinguished a small chimney fire.

Items taken from vehicle Items were reported stolen on December 25th from a vehicle parked in Garden City Plaza.

Power line fire Garden City Police assisted firefighters on December 25th who responded to Russell Road and extinguished a power line and shrubbery fire.

False report arrest On December 26th, officers arrested a 41-year-old female for calling the Police Department and allegedly falsely reporting an incident at a Garden City location, resulting in the assignment of police and medical personnel.

She was charged with falsely reporting an incident.

Vehicle entered Items were reported stolen on December 26th from a vehicle parked in Garden City Plaza.

Traffic violations A Franklin Avenue motorist was charged on December 26th with unlicensed operation and driving with a suspended registration.

Cart damage probe Garden City Detectives are investigating a report made on December 27th of youths damaging a work cart on the grounds of the Garden City Country Club.

Arrest for leaving scene A 49-year-old male was arrested on December 27th for allegedly leaving the scene of a Washington Avenue auto accident.

Emergency alert error On December 27th, officers responded to a residence for an emergency alert activation and determined it was set in error.

Fire alarm responses The GCFD and GCPD responded on December 27th to a fire alarm set in error, an alarm activated by vaping smoke, and two alarms activated by burnt food.

Multiple charges issued A Franklin Avenue motorist was charged on December 27th with unlicensed operation, unregistered auto, uninsured auto, and excessive speed.

Petit larceny arrest On December 28th, Garden City Detectives allegedly arrested a 67-yearold woman for the alleged theft of merchandise from a 7th Street store, which occurred on December 23rd.

She was charged with petit larceny.

Order violation Garden City Police responded on December 28th to a residence for a disturbance and say that a 37-yearold woman intentionally damaged a window and light fixture. According to police she was on the property in violation of a court-issued stay-away order, and she was charged with criminal contempt and criminal mischief.

Burnt food alarm GCFD and GCPD responded on December 28th to a residence for a fire alarm activated by burnt food.

Medical alert error Officers responded on December See page 17

17

Who is Reworld?

efinneran@gardencityny.net as follows: Garbage Hope you had a terWestern Half of rific Holiday Season…

Village: Monday and here’s to an action and Friday (West of packed, productive, Rockaway Avenue) successful and fun Eastern Half of 2026.

Village: Tuesday and Saturday (East of Rockaway Avenue) Rubbish Join us at our reguEntire Village was larly scheduled Board Wednesday, December meetings in January 31, 2025 - Thursdays, January Recycling 8 and January 22, at Residents sched7:30 p.m. in the Village uled for recycling on Mayor Edward Finneran Hall Board Rom or via Thursday, January 1, Zoom. I encourage all neighbors and should put their recyclables out on residents to attend our Board meet- Thursday, January 8. ings so as to be thoroughly informed of Village issues from a first-hand perspective and ask us about issues of importance to you.

We plan on scheduling a Town Hall in late January to give Committee Members an opportunity to share their findings and suggestions on the There was no garbage pickup future of the St. Paul’s Building with on Thursday, January 1, 2026. The residents. There will be advance Holiday Week Collection Schedule is notices online and in the GC News.

Happy New Year!

Board of Trustees Meetings - January

St. Paul’s Advisory Committee Report

New Year’s Week Sanitation Schedule

Do you have a service to advertise?

Our Service Directory is sure to bring results. Call 294-8900 for rates and information.

Old World Quality Corp.

Old World Quality Corp. www.oldworldqualitycorp.com

– Old World Quality Corp.Old World VinnyQuality Muldoon - OwnerCorp. and Garden City Resident w.oldworldqualitycorp.com www.oldworldqualitycorp.com Reworld changed its name (formerly Covanta) but not its mission to develop “sustainable waste solutions” and divert waste from landfills. They are a waste management company that seeks positive environmental outcomes.

This is accomplished at their Waste to Energy (WtE) facilities.

Household waste is transported to the WtE facility. There the waste is converted into energy: incinerated, the energy created is turned into heat energy which generates steam.

The steam turns a turbine and that turbine creates electricity.

In addition to using waste to generate electricity, the Reworld WtE program helps to reduce both the size of, and the greenhouse emissions

from, landfills by diverting waste to a WtE treatment plant. Part of their process includes recovering as much metal as possible from the waste. On their website, (reworldwaste,com) Reworld states that they “divert 18M tons of landfill annually.”

Garden City continues with our contract to send household waste to Reworld at their WtE facility on Merchant’s Concourse in Westbury.

Reworld has agreed to give Garden City residents a tour of their facility on Wednesday, January 14 at 10:00 am – 11:30 am. The tour size is limited to 25 people. If you are interested in participating, please send an email to the Liz Bailey at EMB158@aol. com.

Established in 1994 Providing Expert Craftsmen, Highest Product Quality, and Lifetime of Service Vinny Muldoon – Owner and Garden City Resident

Muldoon - Owner and Garden Vinny City Resident Muldoon - Owner and Garden City Resident

Prepared by the GC EAB. See gardencityny.net for details.

THE OFFICE CAT From page 16 28th to a residence for a medical alert activation and determined it was set in error.

Suspended registrations Motorists on New Hyde Park Road, Franklin Avenue, and Washington Avenue were charged on December 28th with driving with suspended registrations.

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Friday, January 2, 2026 The Garden City News

EAB Tip of the Week

THE MAYOR’S UPDATE

Friday, January 2, 2026 The Garden City News

18

Safety upgrades move forward at Cherry Valley

From page 12 would also provide the safer way for kids attending Stratford Avenue School and going to the parks,” he said.

Muldoon announced that the matter would be deferred to the next Traffic Commission meeting, scheduled for Thursday, January 22, at 5:30 p.m. He said review of the petitions was a necessary interim step.

“We just received them and we need to do our due diligence. If we had received them a few weeks before this meeting, we would have said we’re good. We need to check the petitions and see where they are from – we want to hear from the majority of residents who live in the neighborhood, and whether or not they are in favor of it (adding a new STOP sign) or if there is an issue,” he explained.

Muldoon said the Commission wants to avoid a repeat of the situation at Fifth Street and Hilton Avenue, where residents were divided over a Stop sign.

“We ended up going back and forth on it for five months, but the petitions will give us a great idea on whether or not there is support in the area for the Stop sign. We get input from the people living

in this area, then we as a Commission make our own decision with the professionals here if we feel it’s a good location for a four-way Stop sign. It is a process, and we have everything needed to make a decision,” he told Horn.

Photos from the Village Archives EAGLE ROCK ESTATES

Checking on Nassau Boulevard safety

The Commission also discussed conditions along Nassau Boulevard, where resident Robert Vassalotti raised concerns about pedestrian safety near Adelphi University, including street lighting, crosswalks, and traffic signals.

Borroni said the request focused on pedestrian improvements.

“We are still reviewing the signage and the street lighting, and I put in a request with Nassau County to review the intersection for potential pedestrian improvements including push-buttons for the ‘Cross’/’Don’t Cross’ lights.

That’s been sent but there isn’t a response from them yet,” he said.

Muldoon suggested one additional month of follow-up with the county and requested recommendations from Borroni by January 22 based on measures the Commission can review and act on. Borroni said the research would be completed before the meeting.

In 1951 the last large undeveloped tract in the Village was located on the blocks from Boylston St. to the east Village line at Grove St. and from Brook St. to the south Village line at Lindbergh and Commander Aves. This was developed as Eagle Rock Estates, with cape-style houses having four bedrooms, a “modern science” kitchen, two full baths, and full basement.

The ad shown describes a typical four-bedroom house layout offered for $14,990, also available for $12,490 [$156,000 in 2025 dollars] with an unfinished second floor. A $625 down payment on the less expensive version was offered for WWII veterans. The “PRE_REGULATION X” in the ad refers to the increasing of credit requirements to restrict home-building during the Korean

War, which post-dated the start of this development. Six models of house layout were offered. The houses were constructed from the south to north, with the last ones on Brook St. in 1957. A total of 200 houses were constructed. A portion of the tract between Locust and Poplar Sts. had previously been acquired by the Village for a park/ playground, to be called Camp Mills Park. This was sold to the School District in 1957 for one of three new K-1 schools, it being named Locust School although fronting on Boylston St. Property was obtained by the Village east of Grove St. and the Village line modified. This was then developed as Grove Park.

Archives identifier: hogen47

A selection from the extensive Village Archives. Others can be seen at www.

NYHeritage.org - click on Organizations, G, and Garden City Public Library. Comments/ questions: email Historian@gardencityny. net - Wm. Bellmer

T:9.83" 19

At NYU Langone, we’re doing all we can to make sure our patients receive the best care during and after their hospital stay, so they can go home and stay home. Shorter hospital stays reduce your risk of infection, medication side effects, and complications. Plus, you can get back to the things you love most: your own bed, family dinners, and life as usual.

But getting you home is only half the story. Our low readmission rates mean you won’t have to come back days or weeks later for the same issue. Because when it comes to hospital stays, nobody wants a sequel. Just another reason we’re ranked #1 for quality care in the U.S.

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Friday, January 2, 2026 The Garden City News

THERE REALLY IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME.

Friday, January 2, 2026 The Garden City News

20

WHAT’S NEW AT THE GARDEN CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY

News from the Children’s Room

Please join us on Jan. 8 at 3:30 p.m. for Mixed Age Storytime - Birth to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten).

NEW! Encourage Reading Through 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten and 500 Books Before Middle School

Our Children’s Department is thrilled to introduce an exciting new reading initiative designed to help young readers discover the joy of books!

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

Encourage your child to embark on a journey of reading 1,000 books before entering Kindergarten. This program fosters a love for reading, improves literacy skills, and provides fun milestones to celebrate along the way.

500 Books Before Middle School

For older readers, we offer the 500 Books Before Middle School program.

This challenge promotes independent reading and helps children continue developing their imagination and comprehension skills.

Why Join?

These programs are designed to help children experience the pleasure of reading, build lifelong habits, and nurture a natural curiosity of stories.

How It Works:

Register in the Children’s Department the week of January 5.

Start reading and track your books.

Celebrate your progress with fun sticker rewards!

Together, let’s inspire a generation of readers! For more information, contact the Children’s Department staff.

Upcoming January Library Programs for Children

These programs are for children ages Birth through Grade 5. Registration is required. Visit https://www.gardencitypl.libcal.com to register for November programs.

Programs may be canceled due to weather, power outages, lack of registration, or other unforeseen circumstances. If contact information has been provided for registration, a direct attempt will be made to notify participants.

To give as many children as possible the chance to enjoy storytime, beginning January 6 each child may register for one storytime per week. Please choose the session that best fits your child’s schedule and interests.

If a child is registered for more than one storytime, the librarian will select which session the child will attend. As space allows, we will continue to welcome children from the waiting list and walk-ins.

If your child is registered, please arrive at least 5 minutes early, as unclaimed spots may be offered to others.

• Monday, Jan. 5, at 10:30 a.m.: Toddler Storytime - 18 Months to 3 Years • Monday, Jan. 5, at 11:30 a.m.: Mixed Age Storytime Birth to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten) • Tuesday, Jan. 6, at 3:30 p.m.:

Please join us on Jan. 9 at 10:30 a.m. for STEAM Preschool Building - 6 Months to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten).

Mixed Age Storytime - Birth to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten) • Wednesday, Jan. 7, at 3:30 p.m.: Preschool Dance Party • Thursday, Jan. 8, at 3:30 p.m.: Mixed Age Storytime - Birth to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten) • Friday, Jan. 9, at 10:30 a.m.: STEAM Preschool Building - 6 Months to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten) • Saturday, Jan. 10, at 10:30 a.m.: Inclusive Storytime Adventure Grades K–5 • Monday, Jan. 12, at 10:30 a.m.: Toddler Storytime - 18 Months to 3 Years • Monday, Jan. 12, at 11:30 a.m.: Preschool Craft - 3 to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten) • Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 3:30 p.m.: Mixed Age Storytime - Birth to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten) • Wednesday, Jan. 14, at

4:00 p.m.: STEAM Fun Club - Grades K–2 • Thursday, Jan. 15, at 3:30 p.m.: Mixed Age Storytime - Birth to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten) • Thursday, Jan. 15, at 4:00 p.m.: Craft - Grades K–2 • Thursday, Jan. 15, at 6:30 p.m.: Books Before Bed - 3 to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten) • Saturday, Jan. 17, at 10:30 a.m.: Matters Of The Heart - 2–5 Years (Not in Kindergarten) • Monday, Jan. 19, at 10:30 a.m.: Toddler Storytime - 18 Months to 3 Years • Monday, Jan. 19, at 11:30 a.m.: Mixed Age Storytime Birth to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten) • Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 3:30 p.m.: Mixed Age Storytime Continued on page 23

21 Friday, January 2, 2026 The Garden City News

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Friday, January 2, 2026 The Garden City News

22

WHAT’S NEW AT THE GARDEN CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY

It’s What’s Happening for Young Adults Through the Library

Teens created Perler Bead Art to display in the Teen Room on Tuesday, December 16, at the Library. Teens can work on the Teen Perler Bead Art Display and other volunteer projects during Teen VolunTuesday, which will be held Tuesday, January 20, at 4 p.m. at the Library. Register online via LibCal at gardencitypl. libcal.com beginning Tuesday, January 13, at 10 a.m.

New! Volunteers Needed!

Teen Social Media Team!

Teens in Grades 6–12 can earn community service by helping create social media content for the Library! Social media content should be either photos or videos and include a description of the content that can be used as a caption when posting. The content should highlight the Library, such as promoting books, programs, library services, and even just showing the library as a fun space to hang out. Be creative! Feel free to submit funny/unique content!

• Volunteers may submit four social media posts a month.

• Volunteers will receive 1 hour of community service for each social media post they submit, at the discretion of the Tweens and Teens Department.

• Videos should be between 20 seconds and 60 seconds long.

• When submitting photos, please submit between 5-10 photos to be included or to be used as options for your post.

• All photos and videos must be taken inside the Library or outside Library grounds.

• Do not take photos and videos of patrons without asking for their per-

mission.

• Teens should edit their photos and/or videos before submitting them.

• When creating content, you must adhere to all Library policies.

• Teens must receive parental permission when submitting any content for the Library to use for social media.

• The Library reserves the right to edit any content submitted before posting it.

• The Library reserves the right to not share content submitted by the Teen Social Media Team.

• Even if your content isn’t used, you will still receive community service credit.

Teens played Dungeons and Dragons on Thursday, December 18. The next session of Teen Dungeons and Dragons will be held on Thursday, January 15, at 4 p.m.

New! Join the 100 Books Before Graduation Challenge!

Teens and Tweens: Read 100 books before you graduate and earn fun prizes! This program will launch beginning the week of January 5 for tweens and teens currently in Grades 6–12. For every 10 books read, earn tickets to claim fun prizes! Plus, when you reach 100 books you will get your name up on

our Hall of Fame Wall of Readers!

• Sign up beginning January 5, 2026. Not in 6th grade yet? You can signup beginning June 15 of the summer before you enter 6th grade!

• You must finish the challenge

by June 15 of the year you graduate high school.

• Track what you’re reading on your reading log. You can only track books you have read after you have

Please submit your content via email to laurag@gardencitypl.org and include the following information: • Teen name • Parent name • Phone number • Email address (this is the where your volunteer letter will be sent to) Additionally a parent must sign a volunteer form, located at the Library, and submit it to the Library in order for a teen to participate in this program.

On Friday, December 19, teens played video games with friends while eating snacks during Teen Gamers. Teen Gamers is held monthly in which teens can use the Library’s Nintendo Switch consoles as well as the Library’s Board Game Collection.

The next Teen Gamers will be held Friday, January 9, at 3:30 p.m. Register online via LibCal at gardencitypl.libcal.com.

23

It’s What’s Happening for Young Adults Through the Library Community Service - No registration required. Up to 20 bookmarks can be submitted per volunteer monthly.

• Ongoing: Kindness Cards for Community Service - No registration required. Up to 10 cards can be submitted per volunteer monthly.

• Ongoing: Friendship Bracelets for Community Service No registration required. Up to 10 bracelets can be submitted per volunteer monthly.

signed up for this program.

• Any book (physical, eBook, and audio) you read that’s on your reading level after registering counts towards the goal, including books read for school!

For more information, contact the Tweens & Tweens Department.

Upcoming and Ongoing Library Programs for Tweens and Teens

These programs are for tweens and teens in Grades 6-12 unless otherwise noted. Registration is required for these programs on LibCal at https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com unless otherwise noted.

Teens who complete an online survey after specific programs can receive community service for participating.

Registration is live online at https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com for the following programs: • Tuesday, January 6, at 4 p.m.: Teen Advisory Board (Grades 6–12) • Friday, January 9, at 3:30 p.m.: Teen Gamers (Grades 6–12) Registration begins Tuesday, January 6, at 10 a.m. online at https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com for the following program: • Thursday, January 15, at 4 p.m.: Teen Dungeons and Dragons (Grades 6–12) Registration begins Tuesday, January 13 at 10AM online at https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com for the following programs: • Tuesday, January 13– Thursday, January 22: Ornaments for Community Service (Grades 6–12) • Tuesday, January 20, at 4 p.m.: Teen VolunTuesday (Grades 6–12)

Teens Go On An Adventure with Dungeons and Dragons

Teens made bread on Saturday, December 20, during the edible science program Teen STEAM Workshop: Bread in a Bag with Chris Buchman.

• Thursday, January 22, at 4 p.m.: Pizza and Pages: Teen Book Club (Grades 6–12) • Saturday, January 24, at 3 p.m.: Teen STEAM Workshop: Rock Cycle Fudge with Chris Buchman (Grades 6–12) Registration begins Tuesday, January 20, at 10 a.m. online at https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com for the following programs: • Monday, January 26, at 4 p.m.: Teen Manga Mondays (Grades 6–12) Friday, January 30, at 3:30 p.m.: Teen Clubhouse (Grades 6–12)

Ongoing Take-Home Community Service Opportunities

Looking to volunteer? Check out some of our ongoing take-home community service opportunities for tweens and teens in Grades 6–12. Please check at the Library for more information on each of these opportunities; all volunteer projects should be submitted at the Library with a Volunteer Form, which can be found outside the Tweens and Teens Room.

• Ongoing: Teen Social Media Team - No registration required. Up to four social media content can be submitted per volunteer monthly.

• Ongoing: Bookmarks for

Teens enjoyed a session of Dungeons and Dragons on Thursday, December 18, at the Library. Dungeons and Dragons is a teen-led program in which teens lead game campaigns for their peers while enjoying snacks and drinks. The next Teen Dungeons and Dragons will be held Thursday, January 15, at 4 p.m.

Register online via LibCal at gardencitypl.libcal.com beginning Tuesday, January 6, at 10 a.m.

Teens Make Bread During Teen STEAM Workshop: Bread in a Bag!

Teens made bread during the edible science program Teen STEAM Workshop: Bread in a Bag with Chris Buchman! The program was held Saturday, December 20, at the Library.

Teen STEAM Workshops are for teens in Grades 6–12. The next Teen STEAM Workshop will be Rock Cycle Fudge and will be held Saturday, January 24, at 3 p.m. Registration is required online via LibCal at https://gardencitypl.libcal.com beginning Tuesday, January 13 at 10 a.m. Teens who complete an online survey after the program can receive community service for participating in this program.

News from the Children’s Room Continued from page 20 Birth to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten) • Thursday, Jan. 22, at 3:30 p.m.: Mixed Age Storytime Birth to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten) • Friday, Jan. 23, at 10:30 a.m.: STEAM Preschool Building - 6 Months to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten) • Monday, Jan. 26, at 10:30 a.m.: Toddler Storytime - 18

Months to 3 Years • Monday, Jan. 26, at 11:30 a.m.: Preschool Craft - 3 to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten) • Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 3:30 p.m.: Mixed Age Storytime Birth to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten) • Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 4:00 p.m.: STEAM Fun Club - Grades K–2 • Thursday, Jan. 29, at

10:30 a.m.: Mixed Age Storytime Birth to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten) • Thursday, Jan. 29, at 11:30 a.m.: Mother Goose Storytime Birth to 17 Months • Friday, Jan. 30, at 11:00 a.m.: Dance Party - 2–5 Years (Not in Kindergarten) • Saturday, Jan. 31 at 10:30 a.m.: Play Hooray - Birth to 5 Years (Not in Kindergarten)

See what's happening at your library!

Unattended Child Policy

It is Library policy that all children under age 11 must be accompanied by a parent or designated responsible person while in the Library. Also, if the young child is attending a Library program, we require the parent or designated responsible person to remain in the Library throughout the program and meet the child upon completion of the program.

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

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

Friday, January 2, 2026 The Garden City News

WHAT’S NEW AT THE GARDEN CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Friday, January 2, 2026 The Garden City News

24

WHAT’S NEW AT THE GARDEN CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Adult Services at the Garden City Public Library Tanisha Mitchell of Opera Talks Presents Lecture & Aria from “Porgy and Bess”

Monday Movies

Monday Movies presented by the Friends of the Garden City Library at 1:30 p.m.:

January 2026 - Alfred Hitchcock Month

1/5/26 - “North by Northwest” (TVPG), 1959, 136 mins 1/12/26 - “Dial M For Murder” (TVPG), 1954, 105 mins 1/19/26 - “Suspicion” (TV PG), 1941, 99 mins 1/26/26 - “To Catch A Thief” (PG), 1955, 103 mins

January 2026 Programs

Yoga for Beginners or Yoga for “Not So Beginners”

Tuesday Nights January 6, 13, 20, 27 February 3, 10, 17, 24 March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Yoga for Beginners, 6–7 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room Yoga for Not So Beginners, 7:30–8:30 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room Yoga for Beginners - If you are a beginner interested in learning yoga, join Kimberley Mercandante for Beginning Yoga Sessions! All are welcome! This is a series of 13 classes from January through March at 6 p.m..

Register once to cover the entire series.

Yoga-for-No-So-Beginners - This new program is designed for those people who have taken beginning yoga classes, but need a bit more challenge to their program. This is a series of 13 classes from January through March at 7:30 p.m. Register once to cover the entire series.

Please register online at LibCal at https://gardencitypl.libcal.com/. For additional information contact Adult Services at (516)742-8405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@gardencitypl. org. Programs may be canceled due to weather, power outages, lack of registration, or other unforeseen circumstances. If contact information has been provided for registration, a direct attempt will be made to notify partici-

pants.

Adult Crocheting and Knitting with Lupe

Wednesdays, January 7, January 21, February 4, February 11 , March 4, March 18 from 7–8 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room Crafter, knitter and crocheter Lupe Velasquez will be on hand to teach, help and suggest projects to do. Please register online at LibCal at https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com/. Register once to cover the entire series. For additional information contact Adult Services at (516) 742-8405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@gardencitypl.org.

Programs may be canceled due to weather, power outages, lack of registration, or other unforeseen circumstances. If contact information has been provided for registration, a direct attempt will be made to notify participants.

Empire Safety Council Defensive Driving

Saturday, January 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room Join us on Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. for a Defensive Driving Course with the Empire Safety Council. Receive 10% reduction on automobile/liability insurance and qualify for a license point reduction. Register in person at the Garden City Public Library. Space is limited, so check with the Reference Department for availability. Register separately for each person.

Proper ID is required when registering an absentee party. You must bring a $33 check made payable to Empire Safety Council and current Library card with you to register. Bring your valid New York State driver's license and a pen to class.

Programs may be canceled due to weather, power outages, lack of registration, or other unforeseen circumstances. If contact information has been provided for registration, a direct attempt will be made to notify participants.

Tuesday, January 13, from 2–3 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room America is turning 250 years old in 2026. We are celebrating with Tanish Mitchell as she presents Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess”. This is a powerful American opera that explores themes of community, resilience, and identity within the Gullah culture of South Carolina. The opera’s deep dive into the lives of marginalized people offers a vital, complex perspective on the American experience, making it a perfect fit for a comprehensive look at the nation's history. It provides a nuanced reflection on the struggles and triumphs that have shaped the country’s story over the past 250 years.

Register online on LibCal (https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com) or call Adult Services Reference Desk at (516)742-8405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@ gardencitypl.org. Programs may be canceled due to weather, power outages, lack of registration, or other unforeseen circumstances. If contact information has been provided for registration, a direct attempt will be made to notify participants.

Beginning Mah-Jongg Instruction

Wednesdays, January 14, 21, 28 from 10–11:30 a.m. in the Small Meeting Room Join us for a beginner-friendly Mahjongg lesson focused on learning the game in a relaxed, social setting. It’s a chance to build skills, meet new people, and enjoy thoughtful play and connection—no experience required. This is a three-part program held on three consecutive Wednesdays - January 14-21-28.

Register once for the entire series.

Cards and sets will be provided.

Register online on LibCal (https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com) or call Adult Services Reference Desk at (516)742-8405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@ gardencitypl.org. Programs may be canceled due to weather, power outages, lack of registration, or other unforeseen circumstances. If contact information has been provided for registration, a direct attempt will be made to notify participants.

Libby, Flipster & Hoopla

Thursday, January 15, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon in the Small Meeting Room What is Libby? What is Flipster?

What is Hoopla? How do I get it? This one-hour class is an introduction to these three programs. Libby is a free app where you can borrow eBooks, digital audiobooks, and magazines from your public library. You can stream titles

with Wi-Fi or mobile data, or download them for offline use and read anytime, anywhere. All you need to get started is a library card. Flipster is a next-generation digital magazine distribution service which lets users access their favorite magazines from a variety of publishers through the library. Hoopla lets you borrow and enjoy audiobooks, eBooks, comics, movies, TV, magazines, or music everywhere you have a screen-your computer, your phone, your car, even your TV. All you need is a library card. Hoopla syncs across all your devices, so you can stream titles immediately or whenever you're in the mood. Most titles can also be downloaded to your phone or tablet. Hoopla offers more content, in more places, than any other digital library platform and it's all FREE thanks to your public library!

Titles may vary based on the library catalog.

Register online on LibCal (https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com) or call Adult Services Reference Desk at (516)742-8405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@ gardencitypl.org. Programs may be canceled due to weather, power outages, lack of registration, or other unforeseen circumstances. If contact information has been provided for registration, a direct attempt will be made to notify participants.

Bingo for Adults

Friday, January 16, from 11 a.m.–12 noon in the Small Meeting Room Join us for a fun morning of Bingo and win some fun prizes. Register for each Bingo online on LibCal (https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com) or call Adult Services Reference Desk at (516)742-8405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@ gardencitypl.org. Programs may be canceled due to weather, power outages, lack of registration, or other unforeseen circumstances. If contact information has been provided for registration, a direct attempt will be made to notify participants.

Organize Me - What Stays and What Goes?

Monday, January 19, from 7–8 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room Professional organizers and co-authors of the self-help book Beyond Tidy, Marie Limpert and Annmarie Brogan will teach you techniques on how to make well thought-out decisions on what to keep in your spaces and what to let go. They will answer questions and provide solutions to common challenges that get people stuck.

Register online on LibCal (https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com) or call Adult Services Reference Desk at (516) 742-8405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@

25

Adult Services at the Garden City Public Library gardencitypl.org. Programs may be canceled due to weather, power outages, lack of registration, or other unforeseen circumstances. If contact information has been provided for registration, a direct attempt will be made to notify participants.

Adult Book Discussion “The Ghost Writer” by Julie Clark

Tuesday, January 20 from 7 - 8 p,m, in the Small Meeting Room From the instant New York Times best-selling author of “The Last Flight” and “The Lies I Tell comes a dazzling new thriller.

June, 1975.

The Taylor family shatters in a single night when two teenage siblings are found dead in their own home. The only surviving sibling, Vincent, never shakes the whispers and accusations that he was the one who killed them.

Decades later, the legend only grows as his career as a horror writer skyrockets.

Ghostwriter Olivia Dumont has spent her entire professional life hiding the fact that she is the only child of Vincent Taylor. Now on the brink of financial ruin, she’s offered a job to ghostwrite her father’s last book.

What she doesn’t know, though, is that this project is another one of his lies.

Because it’s not another horror novel he wants her to write. After 50 years of silence, Vincent Taylor is finally ready to talk about what really happened that night in 1975.

Books are available in the Adult Reference Department, as well through Libby through the Nassau Digital Doorway’s Libby.

Register online on LibCal (https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com) or call Adult Services Reference Desk at (516) 742-8405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@ gardencitypl.org. Programs may be canceled due to weather, power outages, lack of registration, or other unforeseen circumstances. If contact information has been provided for registration, a direct attempt will be made to notify participants.

Chairobics and Strength Training with Debbie Krzyminski

Wednesday, January 21, 28 Wednesday, February 4, 11, 18, 25 Wednesday, March 4, 11, 18, 25 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. in he Large Meeting Room We are happy to have Debbie Krzyminski from Fitness Figures, NY, Inc. back teaching “Chairobics and Strength Training.” This program covers strength training, balance, coordination, aerobics and flexibility. Most of the exercises are performed seated in a chair. Equipment will be provided. Feel free to bring your own free weights, if you are comfortable using them. Have water available, wear clothing that you can comfortably move in and be ready to have fun! This is a ten-week session.

Register once for the entire series.

Register online on Libcal (https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com) or call Adult Services Reference Desk at (516)742-8405 ext 5236 or email speakingofbooks@gardencitypl.org. Programs may be canceled due to weather, power outages, lack of registration, or other unforeseen circumstances. If contact information has been provided for registration, a direct attempt will be made to notify participants.

Italian for Beginners and More with Lia Brunetti

January 22, 29 February 5, 12, 19, 26 March 5, 12, 19, 26 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon in the Large Meeting Room Former Garden City High School teacher Lia Brunetti returns with her program “Italian for Beginners and More.” This program is for those with limited knowledge of Italian but all are welcome to join.

Register online on LibCal (https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com) or call Adult Services Reference Desk at (516)742-8405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@ gardencitypl.org. Register once for the entire series. Programs may be canceled due to weather, power outages, lack of registration, or other unforeseen

GC Library Board to meet There will be a Regular Meeting of the Library Board of Trustees on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. in the large meeting room on the lower

level.

Further details will be posted when available on the Library’s website, www.gardencitypl.org.

circumstances. If contact information has been provided for registration, a direct attempt will be made to notify participants.

Jim Coll Presents Affirmative Action and The Supreme Court

Wednesday, January 28, from 2–3 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, Jim Coll of “We The People Lectures” will present a new program each month relaying important moments in American History. This lecture series starts off with him discussing Affirmative Action and the Supreme Court.

Few issues have engendered discussion and debate than those around affirmative action policies in our state and federal governments. In this lecture we will discuss some of the decisions handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court that have shaped this debate since the 1970s to get a better legal sense of where it has been, where it is and where it may be going.

Register online on LibCal (https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com) or call Adult Services Reference Desk at (516)742-8405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@ gardencitypl.org.. Programs may be canceled due to weather, power outages, lack of registration, or other unforeseen circumstances. If contact information has been provided for registration, a direct attempt will be made to notify participants.

Check Out A Museum Pass!

Through the generosity of the Friends of the Garden City Public Library, the Library offers free passes to select museums and cultural institutions. Reservations can be made via LibCal, which requires a Library card and a PIN. Please visit the Circulation Desk to verify or create your PIN. Once

you have a PIN, you can make your reservations from home or at the Library.

You can make a reservation to borrow a Museum pass from one of the member institutions in our Museum Pass Program. Some museum passes are now available to print from home, including the Vanderbilt Museum located at 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport.

If you do not have access to a printer, the Library will be happy to print the pass for you. These passes will be good for one day only. Please note that not all museums participate. For a list of printfrom-home passes, visit the Library website, www.gardencitypl.org.

Passes for the following museums still need to be picked up at the Library: 9/11 Memorial & Museum, NYC (2 adults & 2 children); MoMA (the Museum of Modern Art), NYC (5 visitors); the Long Island Children’s Museum, Garden City (2 adults & 2 children) and the Empire Pass, which allows entry of the vehicle when the card is presented at most New York State Parks, Department of Environmental Conservation forest preserve areas, boat launch sites, arboretums and park preserves.

The following Library Museum Pass rules remain in effect.

• Museum passes are available only to Garden City Public Library cardholders in good standing who have signed the Museum Pass User Agreement. Museum passes may be reserved in advance and must be checked out by an adult (18 years and older) family member.

• Reservations will be taken up to one month in advance of the desired date, subject to availability on a firstcome, first-served basis. Reservations can be made in person at the Adult Services Desk or over the phone at 516-742-8405 x5236.

Additional rules and information are available at the library.

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Friday, January 2, 2026 The Garden City News

WHAT’S NEW AT THE GARDEN CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY

1 Friday,January 2, 2026 Discovery

January 2, 2026

Where to Go in 2026 for Transformation, Renewal, Fulfillment

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM Travelers are increasingly choosing destinations with purpose – for their beauty or legacy, for landmark anniversaries, special event, and most importantly, for the opportunity for transformation, emotional resonance, spiritual and self-renewal, and experience, sometimes life-changing but always life-enhancing. Here are a few suggestions:

Rishikesh’s Spiritual Depth in the Himalayan Foothills Long revered for its spiritual heritage, Rishikesh is where ancient rituals, wellness innovation, and inner awakening converge in the Himalayan foothills. Anchored by the International Yoga Festival (March 9–15, 2026) and a vibrant calendar of annual rituals, from the spring festival of colors, Holi (March 4), to purification ceremonies like Ganga Dussehra (May 25), and the summertime Kanwar Mela pilgrimage (July–August), the region pulses with devotion, classical music, riverside ceremonies, and communal celebration.

At the heart is Ananda in the Himalayas, a globally acclaimed wellness retreat housed in the restored palace of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025, the retreat offers transformative programs across Ayurveda, yoga, emotional healing and Traditional Chinese Medicine. New initiatives include Integrated Diabetes Management, women’s health, fertility, and sleep enhancement. Ananda’s 360-degree wellness system extends care beyond the stay through personalized diagnostics, daily therapies, and post-visit consultations. Signature programs such as Hormonal Balance, Yogic Detox, Panchakarma, and Ayurvedic

Rejuvenation harmonize body and mind through traditional systems of healing, classical Hatha yoga, pranayama, and meditation.

converge. The region marks over 50 years of conservation since the founding of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, celebrated through legacy hikes, biodiversity exhibiKyoto’s Cultural Crescendo tions and community-led programs.

Rooted in Ritual and Renewal New interpretive trails connect to In 2026, Kyoto offers a rare cultural the Children’s Eternal Rainforest, crescendo, where centuries-old tradiwhile artisan showcases and solstice tions, seasonal rituals and landmark rituals reflect Monteverde’s evolving openings converge in one of Japan’s cultural rhythm. most spiritually At the resonant cities. heart of The Miyako this revivOdori returns to al is Hotel its original stage Belmar, in Gion (April a fami1–30), with daily ly-owned performances by eco-lodge geiko and maiko, perched now housed in a b o v e the restored Gion the forest Kobu Kaburenjo canopy, Theater, reborn known for as part of alpine-inthe Imperial Book now for tours, cruises, accommodations s p i r e d Hotel, Kyoto, to witness the Solar Eclipse August 12, 2026 a r c h i opening spring © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com tecture, 2026. panoramAs Kyoto ic views, and sustainability leaderembraces a more sustainable approach ship. In 2026, Hotel Belmar debuts to tourism, travelers benefit from nature-immersive wellness spaces enhanced access, quieter moments and enhanced culinary offerings rootand deeper cultural immersion. ed in circular gastronomy.

Kyoto’s cultural calendar continues Mongolia’s Living Traditions with the Gion Matsuri (July 1–31), featuring lantern-lit Yoiyama celebraand a Journey into the Wild tions, Yamaboko float processions and In 2026, Mongolia emerges as one of the Nagoshisai purification ritual. In the world’s most compelling destinaSeptember, the city marks the 400th tions not only for its vast, otherworldly anniversary of the Kan’ei Imperial landscapes but for its global moment Visit to Nijo Castle with reenact- in the spotlight. The country will ments, rare chamber access and curat- host COP17, the 17th United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, ed exhibitions. from August 17–28 in Ulaanbaatar.

Monteverde’s Cloud Forest This landmark event coincides with Regenerative Escape the UN’s International Year of In 2026, Monteverde welcomes Rangelands and Pastoralists, an initravelers to a high-altitude sanctutiative spearheaded by Mongolia to celary where misty forests, ecological ebrate and protect nomadic cultures milestones and creative immersion and ecosystems.

G O I N G P L A C E S N E A R A N D F A R

Cultural celebrations add further dimension: in early March, the Thousand Camel Festival in the Gobi Desert celebrates the magnificent Bactrian camel with races, polo, and traditional music; the Naadam Festival (July 11–12) showcases Mongolia’s national pride through wrestling, archery, and horse racing. Naya Traveler debuts its new Mongolia journeys in 2026 - tailor-made itineraries incorporating private access to cultural events, guided exploration of the Gobi Desert and Orkhon Valley, and meaningful encounters with herders and historians.

Solar Eclipse August 12, 2026 The event that promises to be the most transformational to those who experience it is the Solar Eclipse August 12, 2026 that will pass over the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, Atlantic Ocean, northern Spain and the tip of northeastern Portugal.Holland America is offering special voyages: 35-Day Voyage of the Vikings Cruise with Solar Eclipse (Jul 18 - Aug 22 to Greenland, Iceland, Norway and Ireland); 13-Day Mediterranean Solar Eclipse with Barcelona Overnights (Aug 9-22); 28-Day Scandinavian Solar Eclipse with Greenland & Scotland (Jul 24-Aug 21) (https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/plan-a-cruise/specialty-cruises/solar-eclipse-cruises) Explore Worldwide’s solar eclipse tours include: Catalonia and the Basque Country (8 days); Walking in the Picos de Europa (8 days); IcelandLand of the Midnight Sun (9 days); and 15-day Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland Arctic expedition aboard the M/VGreg Mortimer (https://www. exploreworldwide.com/experiences/ eclipse-trips, Exploreworldwide.com, 877-956-9859). __________________________________ © 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com

Discovery Friday, January 2, 2026

2

N U T R I T I O N N E W S

BY CHARLYN FARGO

If you’re looking for a heart-healthy diet, the American Heart Association has some recommendations.

An evidence-based analysis of 10 popular dietary patterns shows that some promote heart health better than do others. A new American Heart Association scientific statement concludes that the Mediterranean, Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH), pescatarian and vegetarian eating patterns most strongly align with heart-healthy eating guidelines issued by the AHA in 2021, whereas the popular paleolithic (paleo) and ketogenic (keto) diets fall short. The statement was published online April 27 in the journal Circulation.

“The good news for the public and their clinicians is that there are several dietary patterns that allow for substantial flexibility for following a heart healthy diet -- DASH, Mediterranean, vegetarian,” writes group chair Christopher Gardner, Ph.D., with Stanford University in California, in a news release. “However, some of the popular diets -- particularly paleo and keto -- are so strictly restrictive of specific food groups that when these diets are followed as intended by their proponents, they are not aligned with the scientific evidence for a heart-healthy diet.”

If you’re confused about what to eat for heart health, you’re not alone. That’s what prompted the AHA to evaluate the various diets. The writing group rated on a scale of 1-100 how well 10 popular diets or eating patterns align with AHA dietary

Eating for Your Heart

advice for heart-healthy eating.

Just what does heart-healthy eating mean? Consuming a wide variety of fruits and vegetables; choosing mostly whole grains instead of refined grains; using liquid plant oils rather than tropical oils; eating healthy sources of protein, such as from plants, seafood or lean meats; minimizing added sugars and salt; limiting alcohol; choosing minimally processed foods instead of ultra-processed foods; and following this guidance wherever food is prepared or consumed.

The 10 diets/dietary patterns the AHA group evaluated were DASH, Mediterranean-style, pescatarian, ovo-lacto vegetarian, vegan, low-fat, very low-fat, low-carbohydrate, paleo and very low-carbohydrate/keto patterns.

Q and A

Q: Does the nutrition of bell peppers vary by color?

A: No matter the color of your pepper, the protein, fat, carbohydrate and fiber content are nearly the same. Red, yellow and orange bell peppers are simply the ripe forms of different green peppers.

However, there are some differences in vitamin, mineral and phytonutrient content, though small. For example, green peppers have 80 milligrams of vitamin C per 3 ounces, while yellow peppers contain 184 milligrams per 3 ounces. To put that in perspective, the RDA for vitamin C is 75-90 milligrams of vitamin C per day.

Either color of pepper would be a good source of vitamin C. Peppers also differ in

content of carotenoids, with red peppers being loaded with beta-carotene, a form of vitamin A, and yellow peppers having no beta-carotene. Orange peppers have about 10 times the amount of lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids important for eye health. Your best bet is to eat all the colors.

The more colorful your diet, the healthier it is.

RECIPE

We’re all trying to eat more vegetables.

Adding them to breakfast is a smart strategy to increase your intake and reach your daily goals. This recipe for Mexican-inspired egg and veggie skillet is from “Cooking ala Heart” by Linda Hachfeld and Amy Myrdal Miller, both registered dietitians.

MEXICAN-INSPIRED EGG AND VEGGIE SKILLET Servings: 4 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 large white onion, diced 1 zucchini, diced 1 poblano chile, diced 1 jalapeno chile, diced 1 bunch cilantro, stems minced, leaves chopped for serving 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt One (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed One (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with jalapenos 2 cups frozen white corn kernels 1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chile powder

4 large eggs Heat a large saute pan or skillet over medium-high heat for 30 seconds, then add the cumin seeds. Dry-toast the cumin until it begins to perfume the air, 30 seconds. Reduce the heat to medium and add the oil, followed by the onion, zucchini, poblano, jalapeno, cilantro stems and salt.

Saute until the vegetables have softened, the zucchini has released its moisture and the poblano has turned a dark glossy green, 10 to 12 minutes. Add the beans, tomatoes, corn and ground chipotle. Stir well, cover and cook until the vegetables are simmering gently, 8 to 10 minutes. Use a large spoon to create four “cups” (indentations) in the vegetables. Crack one egg into each cup, cover and cook until the egg whites are opaque, 5 to 6 minutes. The yolks may still be soft; cook longer if you like your egg yolks cooked to a firmer consistency. Divide the eggs and vegetables among four bowls, top with cilantro leaves and serve. Serves 4.

Per serving: 377 calories; 20 grams protein; 56 grams carbohydrates; 9 grams total fat (2 grams saturated); 14 grams fiber; 0 grams added sugars; 628 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. .

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L O S T I N S U B U R B I A

Happy Merry Birthday to Me

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

Having a birthday on a holiday can either be very cool, or a real drag ... depending on the holiday. My brother’s birthday usually falls on Columbus Day, which doesn’t really affect his celebration at all, except for the fact that the banks and post offices are closed, so he can neither cash a check nor mail a letter on his birthday. This is not such a big deal.

The bigger issue is that there are people who, upon learning that he is born on Columbus Day, will repeatedly ask him if he came over on the Nina, Pinta or Santa Maria. This is funny the first, oh, 100 times it happens, but it can be pretty annoying after hearing the same stupid joke for 50 years. Still, it is not as annoying as the hordes of people who always ask the member of our family born on Groundhog Day if she saw her shadow that morning.

My daughter’s birthday is on the Fourth of July, which is definitely one of the better holidays to have your birthday on. For years she used to think all the fireworks and celebrations were just for her birthday. The same is true for a friend of mine who was born on New Year’s Day. Everyone is always in a great mood at midnight when she turns a year older.

Unfortunately, they are usually surly, sullen and hungover on her actual birthday the next day.

Then there’s me. I am born on Christmas Eve. Being a Christmas baby sounds like it would be a great thing, but it actually has a number of downsides.

First there is the inevitable combo gift.

This is the lame gift someone will give me that isn’t even a good single-occasion gift, yet they call it a combination X-mas/ birthday gift as though that gives it some added importance and value. The truth is, a curling iron isn’t such a great gift, no

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matter what the giver calls it ... especially when you have a pixie cut.

Then there is the fact that there are very few restaurants that are open on Christmas Eve. When I was growing up, every year we would either have my birthday dinner at a Chinese restaurant or a deli. Is it any wonder that now, as an adult, I crave egg rolls on my birthday?

I don’t really mind that my birthday presents are usually wrapped in X-mas paper, or my birthday cards are often Christmas cards that have “... and Happy Birthday” written in on the bottom. I have gotten used to people at the DMV looking at my driver’s license and, upon seeing my birthdate, saying “Oh, you’re a Christmas baby. That must stink.” To which I say, “Not as much as standing here at the DMV having you make stinky comments about my birthday.”

All of this doesn’t really bother me so much. What bothers me about having a

birthday on Christmas Eve is, sometimes I get forgotten. With all the parties and hoopla, there have been times when my birthday has gotten lost in the holiday shuffle. I used to get pretty upset about this, but now I use it to my advantage.

Sometime after the holidays, someone will ask me, “How was your holiday?” and I will say, “Good ... it was my birthday.” Their face will drop, and they will apologize profusely for forgetting me, and then they will beg for forgiveness and ask, “What would you like for your birthday?’

“Hmmm,” I will say thoughtfully.

“How about an egg roll?”

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.

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3

Reasons why Winter is such a beautiful season

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

With the arrival of winter, the world seems to take on a whole different landscape. Snowflakes fall and dot the land.

Lawns are transformed from green to white and the trees and plants around us grow dormant. I’m happy to pull out my favorite, most comfortable sweaters from my dresser and bundling up is the name of the game. Here’s what else I like about winter.

“Layering up” in winter

I remember years ago being coached as a youngster on how to layer up once the mild days of fall turned into cold winter days in Brooklyn. My parents and grandparents showed me how to stay warm by wearing a blouse, a sweater, a blazer and a parka with a hood. If the temperature went up, I could remove a layer and still feel comfortable. That’s something that has served me well all these years. By the time we moved to Rockville Centre I was six and had pretty much gotten the hang of it but even today, when I see the temperature outside is 32 degrees or less, I remember that trick my relatives taught me - and my five siblings as well - to layer up and stay nice and warm during the coldest season of the year.

Mock turtlenecks come in handy and I like reaching into my closet and pulling out my warmest sweatshirts and slacks.

And our pet dogs also appreciate wearing a warm coat when it’s time to go outside for a walk on those chilly days.

Today we’ve got hand warmers and other single use packets designed to keep our feet warm on those days when it’s so cold outside. When I tell my young nieces and nephews that we didn’t have hand warmers or feet warmers when I was a kid they laugh and think that I am pulling their leg but no. it’s true. We’ve gotten better at knowing what it takes to stay safe and warm in winter. Many people say that knowing that is a science.

Birds: The Northern Flicker

For those of you who like watching the birds of winter, I don’t have to tell you that the Northern flicker is beautiful to look at. It is a medium-sized bird of the woodpecker family. Native to most of North America,

parts of Central America, Cuba and the Cayman Islands, the Northern flicker is one of the few woodpecker species that migrates. Weighing 4.2 oz. on average, the Northern flicker feeds on the ground and has a slightly curved beak that is good for pulling insects from the soil. Northern flickers usually nest in holes in trees like other woodpeckers. They only excavate new holes in dead trees or dead branches on a tree.

Northern flickers mate for life. The male initially does most of the excavation but it’s not long that the female joins in. The female lays five-eight eggs which works out to be one egg per day. The parents never leave the nest untended after the eggs are laid. Once you’ve seen a Northern flicker you’ll probably recognize it again. As it flies about in the sky, you will see its bright red or gold-colored wing linings and a large white patch on its rear.

Poetry says it best

William Carlos Williams’ poem, “Complaint,” gives a good description of a cold winter’s night. A physician, Williams was called to deliver a woman’s baby. He got in his car and went to her home.

Part of the poem goes: “They call me and I go.

It is a frozen road past midnight, a dust of snow caught in the rigid wheeltracks.

The door opens.

I smile, enter and shake off the cold …”

Although William Carlos Williams’ primary occupation was as a family doctor, Williams had a successful literary career as a poet. He practiced medicine by day and wrote at night. Williams

has said that his medical practice was demanding but his creative work as a poet helped balance his life. In addition to poetry which was what he primarily concentrated on, William Carlos Williams also wrote short stories, plays, novels, essays and translations. He also had a lifelong interest in painting. Born in 1883 in Rutherford, NJ, Williams died in 1963 at age 79 in Rutherford.

He and his wife, Florence nicknamed “Floss,” had two sons named William E. Williams and Paul H. Williams. His father, William George, was British and had lived most of his life in the Virgin Islands, and his mother, Raquel, was Puerto Rican. William’s first language was Spanish because that is what they spoke at home but he soon became fluent in English. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Williams trained in New York City and Leipzig, Germany, settling in Rutherford in 1909. Many of the experts say that William Carlos Williams is recognized as one of the most original poets of the 20th century.

Throughout his career Williams practiced both pediatrics and general medicine. Affiliated with Passaic General Hospital, William Carlos Williams served as the hospital’s chief of pediatrics from 1924 until his

death. The hospital is now known as St. Mary’s General Hospital. Williams won lots of awards for his poetry.

In 1960 Williams was given the first National Book Award for Poetry. In May 1963, he was posthumously awarded the Pulitzer Prize for “Pictures from Brueghel and Other Poems” and the gold medal for Poetry of the National Institute of Arts and Letters. Each year the Poetry Society of America presents the William Carlos Williams Award for the best book of poetry published by a small, non-profit or university press. He was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2009. Williams’ house in Rutherford was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. William Carlos Williams is also known for “The Red Wheelbarrow” and “This Is Just to Say.” Those two plus “Complaint” are my three favorite poems by William Carlos Williams. He sure knew how to describe a scene.

Crossword Answers

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Discovery Friday, Friday, January 2, 2026

4

S O C I A L S E C U R I T Y A N D Y O U

Some Light Reading for the Holidays

BY TOM MARGENAU

Around this time of year, who wants to read about boring old Social Security rules and regulations? So instead, I thought I’d share a few funny stories from the career of an old civil servant. And that would be me. Happy Holidays!

Let’s Give This Man a Round of ... Snoring!

Very early in my career with the Social Security Administration, I was asked to fill in for a fellow employee who was sick. Here is the catch: I was a technician just recently hired and trained to take Social Security claims in an SSA office on the west side of Chicago. But the guy who called in sick was a long-time veteran of the agency who worked in public affairs. His job was to run around and give speeches to various community groups about the Social Security program. I was told I could take the rest of the day away from my claims-taking duties to prepare for this evening’s talk before the “ladies auxiliary” of a local church. The topic would be Social Security widow’s benefits.

I spent the next several hours preparing for this event. It would be my first time ever speaking to a group about Social Security. I wrote out a series of talking points on dozens of index cards. I prepared elaborate flip charts outlining key provisions of Social Security law. (This was long before PowerPoint presentations!) I fixed up some handouts. I put together a collection of Social Security pamphlets to pass out to audience members.

Just before 7 p.m. that evening, I showed up at the church in a quiet neighborhood in northwest Chicago. It took me several trips back and forth between my car and the church basement, where the meeting was being held, to get all of my paraphernalia and speaking materials organized. To my surprise, I noticed that this church’s ladies’ auxiliary was made up of less than a dozen older women -- and I mean “older.” It looked to me like there wasn’t a soul in the room under the age of 80!

They held their own meeting first, which went on for almost an hour. By the time I was invited to get up and speak, two or three of the oldest ladies were already sound asleep!

I dutifully “took the stage” and began my overly organized and way-too-detailed speech about widows’ benefits. It quickly became apparent to me that the audience members were almost all getting such benefits already. So I really didn’t have anything new or relevant to tell them.

(I learned later that the president of the group was the only non-widow in the bunch. She was the one who requested the topic, but she failed to show up for the evening’s presentation!)

Anyway, after about 20 minutes, I realized that all of my preparations had been for naught. By then, several more of the audience members had nodded off! I asked if anyone had questions. Not a single hand

went up, and there was nary a peep from the crowd -- although there was some snoring! The lady in charge came up to the front and said (and these were her exact words): “Thank you, Mr. Margenau. We really don’t know what you said or why you came here tonight, but we appreciate it anyway.”

Despite that terribly embarrassing performance, I would go on to make thousands of Social Security presentations to groups all around the country. In fact, I still do them today. And I haven’t put anyone else to sleep since!

Flashing for a Disability Check

A few years later in my career, I was taking claims at the Social Security office in Billings, Montana. One day, I had a 30-something woman at my desk who wanted to file for disability benefits. When I got to the question that asked her to explain her disabling condition, she said she had “this rash on my chest that itches so bad I just can’t keep a job.” I tactfully explained to her that a rash was probably not a condition severe enough to meet the rather stringent definition of a “disability” for Social Security purposes. She told me (rightfully so) that she had every right to file for disability benefits. So I proceeded with the claim, and tried to get her to explain what the rash was or how she got it -- and how exactly it prevented her from working.

She grew increasingly frustrated trying to put into words the answers to my questions. She finally said, “Here, just let me show you.” And she proceeded to lift up the sweatshirt she was wearing -- with no bra, by the way -- to show me (and everyone else in the crowded office) her rash -- and everything else that was under her shirt!

I was so flustered, I really don’t have too much of a memory of what happened after that. My coworkers told me later that my face turned redder than any rash that woman had. Oh, and by the way, her disability claim was denied.

of stopping, she took off running as fast as she could. Of course, she had no idea who I was. Among other things, I shouted, “I have money for you.” Finally, she slowed down, and just as I caught up with her, she quickly turned towards me, took a big stick she was carrying, and whacked me hard on the side of my head.

The next thing I remember, I was coming to lying on the sand with lots of people around me. She and her family apologized profusely. She said when she saw me chasing her and shouting something about money, she thought I was trying to proposition her! Maybe I should have

shouted: “I’m with the government, and I’m here to help!”

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Security -Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Security.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon. com or other book outlets. Or you can send him an email at thomas.margenau@comcast.net.

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

C R O S S W O R D P U Z Z L E

Just Another Day at the Beach

At one point during my career, I worked in the Social Security office in Everett, Washington. My job took me to the far reaches of that office’s territory, including some islands in the Puget Sound.

One day, I had to hand-deliver an emergency Supplemental Security Income payment to a disabled woman who suffered from severe depression. (As I’ve explained many times in this column, SSI is a federal welfare program managed by the Social Security Administration. It is not a Social Security benefit and is not funded by Social Security taxes.)

Anyway, when I got to her island home, which was really more of a shack, I was told that she was down on the nearby beach taking a walk. They pointed her out to me.

I walked down to the beach, and after jogging for maybe a quarter mile to catch up with her, I called out her name. Instead

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Cold and flu season arrives each year. Though there might be little people can do to avoid catching a cold or coming down with the flu, certain approaches can make it easier to get through a bout with either illness. Flu vaccinations have been found to lessen the severity of infection with the influenza virus, while rest and plenty of fluids can help reduce the length of time a cold puts people out of commission.

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2 sprigs fresh thyme 1 bay leaf 2 tablespoons butter Salt, to taste Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste 12 ounces wide egg noodles

For the chicken stock: 1) Rinse the chicken inside and out under cold running water. Place the chicken in a large pot, set over medium heat and add the chicken broth.

Add 1⁄4 of the carrots, 1⁄3 of the celery and 1⁄3 of the onions. Add the garlic, 2 sprigs parsley, thyme, bay leaf and enough water to just cover the chicken. Bring broth to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 11⁄4 hours, or until chicken is very tender, skimming any foam from the surface of the broth.

2) Remove chicken from broth and place in a colander to drain and cool. Strain the broth through a very fine mesh strainer into a large, clean soup pot. Discard the vegetables used to flavor the stock.

For the soup: 1) Skim any fat off the top of the strained broth.

2) Remove and discard the skin and bones from the chicken and cut the meat into bite-sized pieces; set aside.

3) Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven set over medium heat. Add the remaining carrots, celery and onions and cook for about 7 minutes or until the onions are translucent. Add the chicken pieces and chicken stock, season with salt and pepper.

Bring soup to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

4) Chop the remaining parsley; add the parsley and egg noodles, stirring frequently. Cook for 8 to 10 additional minutes or until the noodles are tender.

5) Ladle into soup bowls and serve hot.

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From page 2 both a waste of money and unnecessarily obstructionist since you already had engaged the D & B, they were visiting the building anyway, doing the research and the additional calculation for abatement during a demo process probably would have cost next to nothing, if not actually nothing.

Your response to our gathering of costs for abatement during a demo process was a “no”. Your stated reason was “To maintain consistency and safety” “access to the building is currently restricted to members of the Board of Trustees, Building Department, and “Authorized individuals performing specific, defined tasks.” All reasonable and good.

However, in light of your statement, you might understand my complete surprise, and the surprise of the St Paul’s Park Group, when we saw several posts

by Trustee Muldoon, giving a lovely eulogy for Deacon Jack from the pulpit of the St Paul’s deconsecrated Chapel.

Obviously, no one could take issue with the kind words Trustee Muldoon had to say about what is universally agreed to be a wonderful person. However, there is an obvious contradiction by you in allowing the eulogy which could and should have been held at a more appropriate venue and refusing to allow a small group of professionals and a resi-

dent or two with a good faith effort to get accurate costs for abatement and demo.

This information that you specifically obstructed would have been gathered at no cost to the village, by professionals that would actually travel from NYC at their own expense to give the village needed information. While obstructing these efforts, you are simultaneously continuing to allow a trustee to turn the St Paul’s Building into his personal “playground” for his activities and marketing. (Who knew Old World shirts and hats came in so many colors as the Old World signage continues to hang in the building?) It would seem there are other more appropriate locations for a eulogy for a wonderful individual than a dilapidated building in light of your concerns about “safety” and refusing our group access to the building.

So after two years of achieving no plan the residents support (per the survey), and now a unilaterally announced “pause” “of several months” to explore removing the Parkland protection (Alienation) and inviting private developers and Governor Hochul into our Village, you still refuse to allow those residents that support a St Paul’s Park to be heard. It is hard to understand yours, and this BOT’s continued hostility in allowing a group to explore a park at St Paul’s, as you, the Deputy Mayor Courtney and Trustees Muldoon, Tai

and Catalano continue to falsely claim “we are exploring ALL options” and “the residents will decide,” while you do exactly the opposite.

You only have to read the comments to letters in the GC News to know your process has lost all credibility with the residents.

Donald MacLeod

Just imagine

To the Editor: Close your eyes and just imagine a picturesque park in the middle of Garden City for all to enjoy the year round. Now open your eyes and let’s make it happen together.

Bob Orosz

Affordable health care

To the Editor: The December 19th View From Here regarding healthcare subsidies was truly an enigma. The so-called “dilemma” and “complexity” is more the result of the author (and others like him) flinging countless words, scenarios, “flaws” and even a “dog-whistle” or two to distract and confuse what is a very simple and direct question.

Should our country assist 20,000,000 plus needy Americans secure healthcare? The answer boils down to the Democrats do and the president and Republicans do not. One cannot fathom the degree of pain and suffering Speaker

Johnson causes every time he prevents the renewal of subsidies to be voted on in the House of Representatives.

Surely if this country can provide hundreds of billions dollars of tax breaks for its largest corporations and its wealthiest constituents as well as enable its current president to enrich his personal corporate entities by close to $4,000,000,000 while in office - it can continue to help ease the number one contributant (the crushing burden of healthcare cost) keeping the poorest Americans poor. This country has been built on such “socialist” programs the Homestead Act, Social Security, the GI Bill, Medicare, Medicaid, Unemployment Benefits, SNAP, industry and agricultural bailouts were all attempts to level the “playing field”and enhance the lives of generations of Americans.

Why can’t Republicans consider affordable health care akin to the tax loopholes they continually prop up like moles that never get whacked. If the dire reality of millions living without health care doesn’t motivate one’s support, maybe we can give pause and listen to the “better angels in our nature”and heed the advice of a fictional lad from two centuries ago who annually reminds “God Bless Us Everyone.”After all - tis the season!

Joseph Cauchi

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Friday, January 2, 2026 The Garden City News

28 L E G A L

N O T I C E S

Year in review: New board, old debates, big infrastructure moves From page 8 recent comments.

Parks and Recreation Projects

Trustee Vinny Muldoon has taken on the task of outlining capital projects and infrastructure needs that Garden City has prioritized heading into 2026 and beyond. Serving as the Board’s liaison to the Recreation and Parks Department, Muldoon oversaw one of the most notable projects advanced in 2025: construction of a new synthetic turf playing field at St. Paul’s.

As the year came to a close, construction was progressing well, despite some inclement weather.

Trustee Muldoon explained the project goals: “Our local sports organizations expressed how the village needs and wants the new field, with the amount of young athletes playing on our St. Paul’s fields now.

Those grass fields are getting beat down to you-know-what so the only way of resting those natural fields is to have a new facility, with the abilities to play later into the winter time and earlier in the spring. You can get over two times the use of a synthetic turf field compared to using a regular grass field, so we are trying to kill two birds with one stone. That is where this originated from, and I’ve worked with the Rec. Commission and staff on the priorities.”

The Board of Trustees advanced the project with two votes in October—one approving the overall project and a second following additional scrutiny of the field’s infill materials.

Environmental and health considerations played a role, following data presented during Environmental Advisory Board (EAB) meetings over the past two years. Ultimately, on October 23, the Board approved the use of Green Rubber infill material, also known as ChillFill, as part of the field proposal from the Landtek Group of Bay Shore.

In a separate vote that same evening, the Board approved a revised proposal from Landtek replacing turf supplier FieldTurf with Tencate

Greenfield Allsport Ultra. The revised proposal also included the purchase of Owners and Contractors Protective (OCP) liability insurance for $3,496. The total project cost is $1,338,044, funded through the village’s capital project account designated for the St. Paul’s turf field.

Municipal Infrastructure

Overall, Garden City is investing in a more sustainable and efficient future through a lineup of capital projects. Just days ago, Mayor Finneran said it has long been clear to the Board that significant municipal projects must move forward, despite rising costs—particularly when addressing aging infrastructure.

“It is our responsibility to do it. For instance, the Cedar Valley Station is over 90 years old, and the Water Works building is almost 100 years old. The Cedar Valley facility is exceedingly important to the eastern part of the village and the Water Works is a part of our history.

And we see Trustee Muldoon is driving forward some very interesting projects at St. Paul’s such as the new turf field which is under construction, then upgrades for Cluett Hall and the Fieldhouse. The village has my word, and I believe our trustees here agree with me – it is time to address some of these infrastructure issues. We will do whatever we have to do to ensure that the village continues to be one of the finest and beloved places in New York State,” Finneran said at the Board’s December 11 meeting.

Edgemere Fire Station

One piece of critical infrastructure that appears to be nearing resolution after years of debate is the renovation and modernization of Garden City Fire Station No. 2, located at the corner of Edgemere Road and Stewart Avenue. At the Board’s most recent meeting, trustees approved an $8.35 million bond resolution to advance a long-discussed renovation and expansion plan known as Option 1.

The base bid associated with the bond resolution

totals $8,100,754, consisting of $6,867,295 in construction costs plus a 20 percent contingency of more than $1.2 million. Multiple contractors are involved. The largest allocation, $3.45 million, is for general contractor Buildco Corp. Mechanical work totaling $1.115 million will be performed by Traditional Air Conditioning Inc. Electrical work, at $905,154, was awarded to Interphase Electrical Corp., while W.H.M. Plumbing & Heating Contractors, Inc. will handle plumbing for $697,141.

Additional allocations include $600,000 for PSEG to cover electrical utility costs and $100,000 designated for the Garden City Fire Department for miscellaneous accessories and incidentals.

Regulations on Subdivisions

As 2026 begins, the Garden City Building Department will continue working with the Board of Trustees and Village Attorney Gary Fishberg to review and refine long-term changes to residential subdivision regulations. Some residents expressed strong opposition to recent subdivisions in the village’s western section, where two large homes were created at 1 and 3 Princeton Street, formerly 111 New Hyde Park Road.

In August 2025, trustees adopted a local law establishing a six-month moratorium on the filing, approval, or issuance of building permits for residential subdivisions. Mayor Finneran has indicated that the village will consider more restrictive provisions and enhanced neighbor notification requirements.

The current moratorium is effective until February 18, 2026, and may be extended by Village Board resolution for up to two additional three-month periods. Mayor Finneran also appointed a committee to study the issue, including Mike Schroder, chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals; Jim Bauer,

chair of the Architectural Design Review Board; Allyson Murray, an ADRB member; Village Counsel Gary Fishberg; and Building Superintendent Giuseppe Giovanniello.

Water Service Line Survey

Water system infrastructure upgrades and continued residential lead service line replacement efforts are also moving forward into the new year. The village’s work is part of a federal mandate requiring municipalities to maintain an updated annual inventory under Environmental Protection Agency guidelines.

Water Superintendent Stanley Carey shared details with the Environmental Advisory Board at its November meeting, reporting approximately 3,554 “unknown” service line materials among the village’s 6,960 water service lines. The village has identified 2,192 non-lead lines, primarily copper, that do not require replacement.

Trustee Jessica Tai, co-chair of the EAB, said the village remains committed to raising awareness about lead service lines both locally and nationally. She noted that the EAB and Water Department continue outreach efforts encouraging residents to identify and replace any lead lines. Tai reminded residents that the updated 2025 inventory is available on the village website at GardenCityNY. net under “Lead Service Line Inventory.”

The listing breaks down each property’s service line into two segments—house to curb, and curb to water main. Residents who have replaced lead or galvanized lines are encouraged to contact the Water Department to update their status. Carey said some homeowners have already done so, including submitting contractor receipts documenting new copper lines connected to the water main.

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.

Leo’s: Overall Winner of the Holiday Window Decorating Contest The Garden City Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate the creativity and holiday spirit displayed by local businesses during this year’s Christmas Window Decorating Contest.

Businesses along New Hyde Park Road, 7th Street, and Franklin Avenue worked tirelessly to transform their storefronts into festive holiday showcases, bringing cheer and seasonal charm to the village.

Judging took place on Wednesday, December 17, and the displays did not disappoint. The windows featured stunning arrangements of twinkling lights, hand-painted designs, holiday ornaments, festive trees, ribbons, and imaginative décor. Each business brought its own unique style and interpretation of the holidays, creating a magical atmosphere throughout the downtown district.

Overall Winner: Leo’s

After careful consideration across multiple categories, the judges selected

The judges at the winning business, Leo’s

Leo’s, located on the corner of Franklin Avenue and 7th Street, as the Overall Winner of the contest for its exceptional visual impact and standout presentation.

Additional special recognitions include:

Overall Visual Impact:

Sam’s Nails – Franklin Avenue

Holiday Theme Execution:

Uptown Grill – Franklin Avenue

Best Integration of Holiday Décor with Brand Identity:

Chip City – Franklin Avenue (tie) Hair on the Avenue – Franklin Avenue (tie) Each window was unique and imaginative, with many evoking nostalgic holiday feelings and even telling a story through their designs. The creativity and effort put forth by all participating businesses truly captured the spirit of the season.

Best Holiday Theme Execution: BK Sweeney’s Uptown Grille

Best Overall Visual Impact: Sam’s Golden Nails

Best Brand Integration Co-Winner: Hair on the Avenue

Best Brand Integration Co-Winner: Chip City

Friday, January 2, 2026 The Garden City News

GC businesses shine in Christmas Window Decorating Contest

29

Friday, January 2, 2026 The Garden City News

30

Traffic commission advances plans for Lot 7S, North Ave. From page 1

the flow of traffic is going to work in and around the parking lot.” Muldoon noted lingering questions regarding the lot’s internal inlets, which currently function as two-way lanes. He said there is potential for converting them to oneway lanes or making other adjustments to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety.

Mr. Borroni explained, “I’ve received 100% of our plans, reflecting new drainage and grading adjustments, plus proposed (concrete) islands, trees, lighting and enclosures, and we also received an estimate for the work. What’s left to do is discuss plans for striping we’ve mentioned before, and configuring those islands in the lot, plus the cut-throughs.

Those are minor changes for the surface with just pavement being striped, but we currently have the design plans.”

The village expects to begin work as soon as the new year begins. Trustee Muldoon said he and Superintendent Borroni would schedule a one-hour site visit and meeting in Lot 7S in January, preferably on a warmer winter day.

“Aside from that the overall plan for 7S looks great, and we have the goal of taking the garbage enclosures further from the backs of buildings and over by the LIRR tracks (where the fence is now). That would clean up the back of our 7th Street district and make it nicer for our residents going in and out of restaurants and stores,” he explained.

North Avenue Residents’ Surveys The Traffic Commission also evaluated the results of fall surveys sent to North Avenue residents, following September’s four-week trial closure of the street up to Nassau Boulevard. The trial included a right-turn-only configuration for northbound vehicles, along with continued access to the LIRR station. A petition submitted by North Avenue resident Edward Aw requested that the stretch between Kilburn Road and Nassau Boulevard be made permanently one-way.

Commission members reviewed data from September 17, 2025 traffic surveys of Kilburn Road between North Avenue and Stewart Avenue, provided by Garden City Police Department Commissioner Ken Jackson.

Chairman Muldoon noted, “we’ve

talked to a lot of people over the last couple of months on North Avenue in regards to going from a street that was fully-open (both directions of traffic) off Nassau Boulevard to one that’s fullclosed and to then make it a one-way, with access out going west to the station only and heading northbound on Nassau Boulevard only.” Superintendent Borroni said the full closure generated mixed reactions from residents.

He told the Commission, “We moved on to testing a one-way out situation and we installed temporary orange bollards to make it difficult to make a leftturn out of there, and also it’s almost impossible to make a right turn into North Avenue. That received very positive feedback, and I believe about 50% of people liked the one-way option. The other 50% seemed split between the village doing nothing to North Avenue and having a full closure. We went ahead and moved forward to have a curb installed in place of the orange (temporary bollards).”

Following discussion at the October 23rd Commission meeting, Mr. Borroni submitted a drawing with an estimated cost of approximately $60,000 for the North Avenue one-way modifications at Nassau Boulevard. On December 11th, he explained that if the Traffic Commission advances the proposal, it could be presented to the Board of Trustees for consideration at its January 8th, 2026 meeting.

Trustee Rich Catalano, who lives in the Estates section, said there were benefits to reviewing the impacts from multiple perspectives. While he noted slightly less traffic when North Avenue was fully closed, he said traffic levels remain reduced under the one-way plan.

“This could end up being a great model for our approach to the Mott section as well, starting with a change on a temporary basis and then we pursue trials for a couple of things. The survey was very easy for residents to fill out, and it’s also easy to see results online.

This process was a great experiment for the Village of Garden City and I am thankful it’s worked out so well,” Catalano said. Trustee Yvonne Varano agreed.

Trustee Muldoon summarized the

feedback received. “The vast majority of feedback I talked with or they emailed us, and they completed surveys – they pointed us in a direction of leaving this as a one-way and not closing down the entire street, and certainly not to open it back up to two-way traffic. In my view I am certainly in favor of creating it as a permanent one-way and moving forward with the design,” he said. A representative from the Garden City Police Department, filling in for Commissioner Jackson, concurred that the data supported the change.

Trustee Varano asked whether a crosswalk would be installed at the one-way location on North Avenue.

Mr. Borroni said a “very short one” would be added. Trustee Muldoon noted that funding for the estimated $60,000 project and related expenses would require approval from the full Board of Trustees, with specifications to be finalized for the January 8th meeting.

The Finance Department will work with Superintendent Borroni to assess anticipated costs.

Muldoon added that the permanent one-way modifications would likely be implemented in warmer spring weather.

He said the change would help prevent cut-through traffic, “keeping the traffic on main roads where it belongs (including Nassau Boulevard) as opposed to having drivers save just a minute or two by cutting through Garden City neighborhoods and going 40-50 mph.”

Cut through traffic Before the Commission approved forwarding its recommendation to the Board of Trustees, Muldoon said the North Avenue effort reflects a broader approach the village hopes to take in the Mott section.

“We’re trying to stop the issue that has been created by Waze, Google Maps etc. – the navigation brings people blindly through residential areas that have kids, and the drivers never really consider the short time they are saving because they just follow GPS – if it says go left they go left, if it says right then they go right. Meanwhile if they look at the time they actually save it is marginal for zig-zagging through people’s homes in the residential areas,” he noted.

Trustee Catalano asked wheth-

er a traffic model developed by village consultants Creighton Manning Engineering was being used, or if the plan was created internally by the Department of Public Works. He suggested such a model could potentially be applied elsewhere in the village.

Superintendent Borroni responded, “We aren’t following any model but we can look towards uniformity going forward.”

“We will have to look at the plans and note, if you have a one-way out then for most locations you do not necessarily need a ‘no right-turn’ indicated,” Borroni added.

Residents’ Report on Mott Section Another item on the December 11th agenda focused on the Mott section of Garden City, with emphasis on longterm traffic calming, speed reduction, and limiting cut-through traffic on Transverse Road, Huntington Road, Kingsbury Road, Wetherill Road, and intersecting residential streets.

Trustee Muldoon said the village had received a comprehensive report from residents just one day prior to the meeting. “We got a comprehensive report back from village residents and we have their ideas combined (in the report), but we’ll have a lot to digest on this. I’d like for us to figure out what the low-hanging fruit is for the village, in terms of actionable items for this winter into the spring so we can make some of the improvements that will make sense without breaking the bank.”

Muldoon said village staff and trustees serving on the Traffic Commission would need several weeks to review the extensive feedback. Trustee Catalano noted that more than 150 residents submitted surveys and that many also attended a special meeting.

Superintendent Borroni added that early review indicates strong resident support for safety improvements in the Mott section.

Muldoon moved to defer further discussion of the Mott section, with the topic scheduled to return at the next Traffic Commission meeting on Thursday evening, January 22nd. He outlined a tentative approach of beginning traffic adjustments at the perimeter of the Mott section and working inward.

LET OUR NEWSPAPER MAKE YOU MONEY! Call our offices at 516-294-8900, or visit us at gcnews.com, to learn more!

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How to Create a CommunityPass Account!

Three simple steps to create a CommunityPass account: • Create an account through this link: https://register.capturepoint. com/GCRecandParks • Verify your residency with 2 proofs of residency (ID and utility bill) by email (gcrec@gardencityny.net) or stop by the Cottages (108 Rockaway Avenue) • Log in to your new account and hit the “Click Here To Register” button to find the type of Membership or Class you want to sign up for.

Stay Up to Date On All Things Recreation!

Follow our new Instagram and Facebook “GardenCityRecreation” for all Recreation content! Any questions regarding programs or facilities can be directed to our new Recreation email, GCRec@gardencityny.net .

Upcoming Programs

Multi-Sport Camp: Winter Break Camp 12/26, 12/29, 12/30, 12/31, 1/2 from 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

After School Winter Program

Calling all children grades K-6th! Join us for our annual program, featuring all types of sports and games. Our staff will instruct and interact with the children while guiding them through all types of activities. Nine weeks for $125! Starting December 2 through February 12. K–1st Grades on Tuesday from 3:30 p.m.–5 p.m.; 2nd–3rd Grades on Wednesday 3:30 p.m.–5 p.m.; 4th, 5th, 6th Grades on Thursday 3:30 p.m.–5 p.m. in the St. Paul’s Fieldhouse. Limited spots available, registration began November 14 at 9 a.m.. Registration will be through CommunityPass.

Tuesday Class Grades K-1 is full!

Space is limited in the Wednesday and Thursday classes. *No programming 12/23 – 1/1

**Children must wear athletic footwear only!

Fencing Program

This program introduces the Olympic sport of fencing to children in grades K–8 in a safe, structured, and engaging environment. Fencing fosters discipline, focus, agility, and sportsmanship, making it an excellent complement to youth development. Coach will provide all equipment for class. $375 per child.

Chess Wizards Winter Program

Garden City Recreation and Parks has again partnered with the very popular “Chess Wizards” to offer after school programs for Garden City children ages 6 through 12 who want to learn the game of chess!

Chess Wizards is a fun way to have kids experience the excitement of chess.

Kids will play in mini tournaments, have interactive lessons with chess pros and play cool chess variants like bug house. It is proven that chess enhances cognitive development in children, improves both verbal and mathematical skills, and increases all levels of academic performance! Playing chess stimulates the mind and helps children strengthen skills such as focusing, visualizing goals, abstract thinking, and forming concrete opinions.

Instructors (who are called “Wizards”) provide all the materials necessary for your child to participate in the class and no additional purchase is required to attend. All students will receive a trophy, puzzle folder and wizards t-shirt.

Come join the fun!!!

Class will take place on Tuesdays from 4–5 p.m. starting 1/13/26..

Classes will be held in St. Paul’s Center, 108 Rockaway Avenue. To register please visit www.chesswizards.com.

Yoga Class

We will be hosting a brand-new Yoga program for adults at Cluett Hall in the fall. Classes will be held on Saturdays

from 8 a.m.–9 a.m. starting December 6!

More information to come!

Tennis Instructors Needed

Tennis instructors are needed for the instructional tennis program at the Community Park Tennis Center. Tennis assistants are also needed. For more information, please call the Recreation Office at 516 465-4075.

Adelphi Swim Lessons

Swimming Lesson Registration 2025–2026 Began November 17

Children’s swimming lessons for Village residents will be held at the Adelphi Pool in Woodruff Hall on Saturday mornings beginning Saturday, December 6 for 9 weeks.

Please check the website: gardencityrecreation.org for more details

Family Fun Time Hours at St. Paul’s

Family Fun Time (for all residents, elementary aged children must be accompanied by an adult) - Sundays, 3 p.m.–5 p.m.

On Sunday afternoons beginning December 7, St. Paul’s Field House will be open for “Family Fun” for Village of Garden City families. This open time provides the opportunity for families to enjoy various gym activities in an indoor environment. The gym will be available for use from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. each

Sports

Sunday until March 10.

This time is designated for family time only. No organized practices or workouts will be allowed. Although there will be staff to monitor activity, this is not a drop off program. We ask that all elementary and middle school aged children must be accompanied by an adult/guardian. For the safety of our users, sports involving paddle, stick, or bat equipment will not be allowed.

Winter Youth Tennis Lessons

Winter Youth Tennis Lesson registration begins on Monday, December 15.

Our next session of Youth Tennis lessons begins in mid-January and the registration begins on Monday, December 15. For more information, go to gardencityrecreation.org Registration may be done through your Community Pass account or in person at the Recreation Office.

Winter Youth Tennis Lessons

Winter Youth Tennis Lesson registration begins on Monday, December 15.

Our next session of Youth Tennis lessons begins in mid-January and the registration begins on Monday, December 15. For more information go to gardencityrecreation.org Registration may be done through your Community Pass account or in person at the Recreation Office.

Events

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Your Ticket to Local Finds

Call or go online to browse, buy, or sell! www.gcnews.com • 516-294-8900 Litmor Publishing Corp.

Portraits

Friday, January 2, 2026 The Garden City News

GARDEN CITY RECREATION AND PARK NEWS

Friday, January 2, 2026 The Garden City News

32

Garden City and Wyndham Resale 102 Seventh Street, Garden City, NY | 516.248.6655 | danielgale.com

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H a p p y N e w Ye a r !

Christine Cudahy Manager

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Scan here for info Linda Mulrooney

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Lynn Puccio

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Scott Wallace

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